WO2011025411A1

WO2011025411A1 - Battery monitoring system for a vehicle and corresponding vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2011025411A1
Application number: PCT/SE2009/000389
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dan Angerfors
Original assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar Ab
Priority date: 2009-08-26
Filing date: 2009-08-26
Publication date: 2011-03-03

Abstract

The invention relates to a battery monitoring system (10) for a rear mounted battery assembly (18) on a tractor (30) or a dolly, and a vehicle comprising such a battery monitoring system (10). According to the invention a sensor system (20) comprising at least one sensor (24, 26) is provided for monitoring a predefined region in a vicinity of the battery assembly (18) for identifying a collision risk between an object (40, 42) and the battery assembly (18).

Description

D E S C R I P T I O N Battery Monitoring System for a Vehicle and Corresponding Vehicle

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a battery monitoring system for a battery assembly on a vehicle and a corresponding vehicle comprising such a battery monitoring system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known in the art that vehicles like tractors comprise many aggregates and components in the rear part below and between the frame rails such as fuel tanks, pressurized air tanks, a battery and the like. Often, tractors are used to pull trailers with dangerous goods, such as inflammable media. As a result tractors are routinely adapted in a way to have cabling and hoses with explosion-proof design according to international legal regulations such as ADR (ADR = European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road). When components, for instance the battery, are rearranged in the tractor's construction space for clearing additional space for more and/or bigger

components, one is desirous to maintain the safety standard of the tractor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to maintain or improve the safety standard of a vehicle when components such as a battery are rearranged in the installation space of the vehicle. Another object is to provide an according vehicle.

The objects are achieved by the features of the independent claims. The other claims and the description disclose advantageous embodiments of the invention. A battery monitoring system is proposed for a battery assembly on a vehicle, particularly a tractor or a dolly, wherein a sensor system comprising at least one sensor is provided for monitoring a predefined region in a vicinity of the battery assembly for identifying a collision risk between an object and the battery assembly. The battery monitoring system increases the driver awareness when during movement of the vehicle the battery assembly is in danger to be hit by an object, for instance during manoeuvring backwards, and reduces the risk of the object colliding with the battery assembly. Particularly when employed in a tractor it is possible to warn the driver when during or before coupling a trailer to or decoupling the trailer from the tractor it is detected that an object, e.g. the king pin of the trailer, could hit the battery. As a result this reduces the risk of spark formation by a short cut of the battery in case of a collision with an object. The formation of sparks is a particular risk when driving so called ADR-transports. By constituting a safety zone around the battery assembly, a high safety level for the vehicle and the battery assembly can be achieved. The predefined region in the vicinity of the battery can be a fixed parameter. Alternatively, the predefined region in the vicinity of the battery can be adapted to operation parameters of the vehicle, for instance speed of the vehicle, weather conditions, e.g. a slippery or dry road, and the like.

The invention can be favourably applied to a tractor or a dolly. A tractor is to be understood as a vehicle equipped with a connection device for attaching a trailer to the tractor, for instance a fifth wheel. A dolly provides also a coupling device for a trailer such as a fifth wheel. The dolly may also be equipped with a battery box. A dolly provides the advantage of easy coupling two or more trailers behind one tractor. The dolly and the tractor can be understood as towing vehicles for towing a trailer.

The invention is advantageous for a rear mounted battery assembly which is arranged between the rear wheels of a tractor behind a hitch assembly like a so called fifth's wheel for connecting a trailer onto the tractor or to connect a trailer to a dolly. The rear mounted battery assembly is particularly prone to be damaged during coupling and/or decoupling a trailer to the fifth wheel because a trailer coupling means like a king pin necessarily moves over the mounting area of the battery assembly. By way of example, when coupling a trailer to the tractor the trailer coupling means may come in too low and run into the battery assembly. When decoupling the trailer there is a risk that the trailer disconnects

unintentionally or that the tractor rear overhang rises when driving away from the decoupled trailer. The invention favourably supports the driver when manoeuvring the tractor during coupling and decoupling a trailer to or from the tractor. The risk of the coupling means of the trailer or the trailer chassis hitting the battery assembly can be reduced. The battery may be additionally protected by a ramp device as a cover. The installation of heavy and expensive adjustable ramps can be avoided.

According to a favourable embodiment of the invention, a control unit can be provided for deciding whether the collision risk between the battery assembly and the object exists or is at least anticipated. The collision risk can be determined early and, as a result, appropriate counteractions can be taken by the driver.

Expediently, the sensor system can take into account operation parameters of the tractor such as a trailer coupled or not, a gear selection, speed, location of the tractor and the like. According to another favourable embodiment of the invention, the sensor system may be coupled to a warning system for issuing at least a warning if the collision risk between the battery assembly and the object is identified. The driver can decide whether or which a reaction is appropriate or the warning can be ignored, according to actual circumstances.

According to another favourable embodiment of the invention, the sensor system may comprise at least one of an infrared sensor, a RADAR sensor, an ultrasonic sound sensor, an image sensor, a LIDAR sensor to detect a distance between the battery assembly and an approaching object. The type of sensor can be chosen to fit in a control system of the tractor.

Embodiments of battery monitoring systems of the invention may be used in a tractor or a dolly which comprises a battery assembly. The battery monitoring system is able to detect that an object might hit the battery assembly, for instance when a trailer coupling means approaches the battery assembly too low and may hit the battery assembly when coupling the trailer to the tractor. Consequently the collision risk as well as a risk that the trailer disconnects unintentionally can be reduced or that the tractor rear overhang rises when driving away in an operation for decoupling the trailer. As a result, embodiments of the battery monitoring system are able to determine and reduce the risk of the coupling means or the trailer chassis colliding with the battery assembly when the trailer is coupled to and/or decoupled from the tractor. According to another aspect of the invention, a vehicle is proposed, particularly a tractor or a dolly, with a hitch assembly and a rear mounted battery assembly, comprising a battery monitoring system wherein a sensor system comprising at least one sensor is provided for monitoring a predefined region in a vicinity of the battery assembly for identifying a collision risk between an object and the battery assembly. Favourably, the safety during coupling a trailer to and decoupling a trailer from the tractor can be increased and a risk that an object hits the battery assembly can be reduced. A high safety level for the tractor-trailer combination can be achieved. According to a favourable embodiment of the invention, at least one sensor may be mounted at a rear end of the vehicle for detecting a height of the coupling means of a trailer to be coupled to a hitch assembly of the vehicle. The at least one sensor can measure horizontal and downward angels in relation to the placement of the at least one sensor and/or the placement of the battery assembly, for example.

According to another favourable embodiment of the invention, at least one pressure sensor may be provided for determining a height of the coupling means of the trailer to be decoupled from the hitch assembly. In tractors with an air spring system one or more pressure sensors are already available and can be used for the battery monitoring system. The pressure sensor can indicate, by way of example, an actual load applied to the vehicle. The at least one pressure sensor may be connected to an air bellows of a suspension system. When decoupling the trailer from the tractor measurements can be taken from the air bellow pressure which in turn can control a locking mechanism on the hitch assembly. This will prevent disconnection of the coupling means of the trailer from the hitch assembly of e.g. the tractor unless the trailer has full load on its support legs.

According to another favourable embodiment of the invention, the battery assembly can be mounted between the hitch assembly and the rear end of the vehicle. Favourably, the battery assembly can be arranged in a free construction space thus clearing construction space for other components in the vehicle. At the same time, a high safety level can be maintained despite the battery assembly may be exposed to the coupling means of a trailer due to the location of the battery assembly at the rear end of the vehicle.

According to another favourable embodiment of the invention, the sensor system can be coupled to a warning system for issuing at least one warning if a collision risk between the battery assembly and the object is detected. The warning can be given as audible and/or visual and/or haptic warning. The driver receives an early warning and can counteract early. According to another favourable embodiment, the sensor system can be coupleable to a braking system to support an engagement of the brakes of the tractor if a collision risk between the battery assembly and the object is detected. According to another favourable embodiment of the invention, the sensor system can be coupled to a control unit for controlling the hitch assembly. A space economic integration of functions and devices can be achieved.

All in all embodiments of the invention an alarm can be issued if a collision risk of the battery assembly with an object is detected. The battery monitoring system may be activated with the reverse gear and/or may be activated when the hitch assembly is in its locked position. The hitch assembly in its locked position means that the coupling means of the trailer is connected correctly with the hitch assembly. When decoupling the trailer from e.g. the tractor measurements can be taken from the air bellow pressure which in turn can control a locking mechanism on the hitch assembly. This will prevent disconnection of the coupling means of the trailer from the hitch assembly of the tractor unless the trailer has full load on its support legs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention together with the above-mentioned and other objects and advantages may best be understood from the following detailed description of the embodiment(s), but not restricted to the embodiments, wherein is shown schematically:

Fig. 1 a block diagram of an example embodiment of a battery monitoring system according to the invention;

Fig. 2 a perspective rear view of a tractor with an example embodiment of a battery monitoring system according to the invention;

Fig. 3 a top view of the tractor shown in Fig. 2 with a rear mounted battery assembly;

Fig. 4 a perspective bottom view of a trailer which can be coupled with the tractor shown in Fig. 2 or 3; and

Fig. 5 an example where the tractor shown in Fig. 2 or 3 is moving

backwards towards the trailer shown in Fig. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

In the drawings, equal or similar elements are referred to by equal reference numerals. The drawings are merely schematic representations, not intended to portray specific parameters of the invention. Moreover, the drawings are intended to depict only typical embodiments of the invention and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention.

Fig. 1 depicts schematically an example embodiment of a battery monitoring system 10 according to the invention. The battery monitoring system 10 comprises a sensor system 20 coupled with a warning system 12 and a control unit 16 for controlling a hitch assembly 32. The sensor system 20 comprises a control unit 22, at least one distance sensor 24 and at least one pressure sensor 26. By way of example, the at least one distance sensor 24 can comprise at least one of an infrared sensor, a RADAR sensor, an ultrasonic sound sensor, an image sensor, a LIDAR sensor. The battery monitoring system 10 is coupled to a battery assembly 18.

As illustrated in Fig. 2 to Fig. 5 the battery monitoring system 10 can be used in an articulated road vehicle comprising tractor 30 and a trailer 40. Referring to Fig. 2 and 3 the tractor 30 comprises a rear mounted battery assembly 18, the battery monitoring system 10 and a hitch assembly 32 (also called fifth wheel), wherein the battery assembly 18 is mounted between the hitch assembly 32 and a rear end 34 of the tractor 30. The at least one distance sensor 24 is mounted at the tractor rear end 34 for detecting a height of a coupling means 42 also called king pin of the trailer 40 to be coupled to the hitch assembly 32 of the tractor 30. The at least one pressure sensor 26 (Fig. 1) is provided for determining a height of the coupling means 42 of the trailer 40 to be decoupled from the hitch assembly 32. The at least one pressure sensor 26 is connected to an air bellows 36 of a suspension system of the rear axle of the tractor 30. The battery assembly 18 includes a battery and housing e.g. a box for the battery.

The sensor system 20 is used for detecting a height of the coupling means 42 of the trailer 40 to be coupled to the hitch assembly 32 of the tractor 30 and for deciding whether a collision risk between the battery assembly 18 and the object, i.e. the coupling means 42 or chassis of the trailer 40, exists or is anticipated. The at least one sensor 24, 26 is provided for monitoring a position of the object 40, 42 approaching or intended to approach the battery assembly 18. When connecting the trailer 40 the battery monitoring system 10 arranged on the trailer 30 issues a warning to the driver if the coupling means 42 of the trailer 40 is coming in too low and thereby generating a risk colliding with the battery assembly 18. The sensor system 20 may be activated with the reverse gear and deactivated when the hitch assembly 32 is in its locked position. So the sensor system 20 is turned off when the trailer 40 is connected correctly to the tractor 30.

When disconnecting the trailer 40 from the tractor 30 measurements are taken from the pressure of the air bellows 36 which in turn controls a locking mechanism on the hitch assembly 32. This will prevent disconnection of the trailer 40 unless the trailer 40 has full load on corresponding support legs 44.

Embodiments of the battery monitoring system 10 according to the invention thereby prevent the trailer 40 from disconnecting from the tractor 30 or the rear end 34 of the tractor from rising when driving away, which in some cases might cause damage to the battery assembly 18. Thus the tractor 30 would have to be lowered sufficiently before the lock on the hitch assembly 32 can be opened. In order to lift an empty tractor 30, relatively low bellow pressure is required, hence the level could possibly be set to approximately 2 bar. The battery monitoring system 10 can be activated continuously. This also gives an added safety feature in that the locking device on the hitch assembly 32 is prevented from opening by mistake during driving or if there is a sabotage attempt when the tractor-trailer combination is parked. For controlling the hitch assembly 32 the sensor system 20 is coupled to the control unit 16 which controls the hitch assembly 32.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the tractor 30 is equipped with at least on distance sensor 24 mounted on the tractor rear overhang 24 to detect the height of the coupling means 42, to detect if the coupling means 42 comes in too low. The sensor system 20 is connected to the warning system 12 for the driver when backing up towards the trailer 40. In accordance with another embodiment, pressure measurements are taken from the air bellows 36 to ensure that the trailer 40 does not load the tractor 30. With this measurement, it is indicated that trailer support legs 44 are fully supporting the trailer 40 before the trailer 40 is disconnected from the hitch assembly 32. The tractor 30 is then lowered enough before driving away, to ensure that the coupling means 42 or the rising of the rear end 34 does not damage the battery assembly 18. The warning system 12 is issuing at least one warning if a collision risk between the battery assembly 18 and the object 40, 42 is detected. The warning could be given as audible and/or visual and/or haptic warning.

Embodiments of the invention increase the driver awareness when backing-up, or when connecting the trailer, which removes the risk of the coupling means colliding with the battery assembly which in turn reduces the risk of spark formation if the battery is damaged. Additional the battery monitoring system may be used in an anti-theft function of the trailer, an anti-sabotage function for the hitch assembly and may be securing that the trailer supports are correctly arrayed. Increased driver awareness when. Also embodiments of the invention lower cost and weight compared to adjustable ramps.

Claims

C L A I M S

1. A battery monitoring system (10) for a battery assembly (18) on a vehicle, particularly a tractor (30) or a dolly, wherein a sensor system (20) comprising at least one sensor (24, 26) is provided for monitoring a predefined region in a vicinity of the battery assembly (18) for identifying a collision risk between an object (40, 42) and the battery assembly (18).

2. The battery monitoring system according to claim 1 , wherein a control unit (22) is provided for deciding whether the collision risk between the battery assembly (19) and the object (40, 42) exists or is at least anticipated.

3. The battery monitoring system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the

sensor system (20) is coupleable to a warning system (12) for issuing at least a warning if the collision risk between the battery assembly (18) and the object (40, 42) is identified.

4. The battery monitoring system according to any preceding claim, wherein the sensor system (20) comprises at least one of an infrared sensor, a

RADAR sensor, an ultrasonic sound sensor, an image sensor, a LIDAR sensor.

5. A vehicle, particularly a tractor (30) or a dolly, comprising a battery

assembly (18) and a battery monitoring system (10) according to any preceding claim.

6. The vehicle according to claim 5, wherein at least one sensor (24) is

mounted at a rear end (34) of the vehicle for detecting a height of a coupling means (42) of a trailer (40) to be coupled to a hitch assembly (32) of the vehicle.

7. The vehicle according to claim 5 or 6, wherein at least one pressure sensor (26) is provided for determining a height of a coupling means (42) of the trailer (40) to be decoupled from the hitch assembly (32).

8. The vehicle according to anyone of the claims 5 to 7, wherein the at least one pressure sensor (26) is connected to an air bellows (36) of a

suspension system.

9. The vehicle according to anyone of the claims 5 to 8, wherein the battery assembly (18) is mounted between the hitch assembly (32) and a rear end

(34) of the vehicle.

10. The vehicle according to anyone of the claims 5 to 9, wherein the sensor system (20) is coupled to a warning system (12) for issuing at least a warning if a collision risk between the battery assembly (18) and the object

(40, 42) is identified.

11. The vehicle according to anyone of the claims 5 to 10, wherein the sensor system (20) is coupled to a control unit (16) for controlling the hitch assembly (32).

12. The vehicle according to anyone of the claims 5 to 11 , wherein the battery monitoring system (10) is coupled to a transmission of the vehicle.

13. A battery monitoring system for a battery assembly on a vehicle, particularly a tractor or a dolly, wherein a sensor system comprising at least one sensor is provided for monitoring a predefined region in a vicinity of the battery assembly for identifying a collision risk between an object and the battery assembly.

14. The battery monitoring system according to claim 13, wherein a control unit is provided for deciding whether the collision risk between the battery assembly and the object exists or is at least anticipated.

15. The battery monitoring system according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the sensor system is coupleable to a warning system for issuing at least a warning if the collision risk between the battery assembly and the object is identified.

16. The battery monitoring system according to claim 13, wherein the sensor system comprises at least one of an infrared sensor, a RADAR sensor, an ultrasonic sound sensor, an image sensor, a LIDAR sensor.

17. A vehicle, particularly a tractor or a dolly, comprising a battery assembly and a battery monitoring system for the battery assembly on the vehicle, wherein a sensor system comprising at least one sensor is provided for monitoring a predefined region in a vicinity of the battery assembly for identifying a collision risk between an object and the battery assembly.

18. The vehicle according to claim 17, wherein at least one sensor is mounted at a rear end of the vehicle for detecting a height of a coupling means of a trailer to be coupled to a hitch assembly of the vehicle.

19. The vehicle according to claim 17 or 18, wherein at least one pressure

sensor is provided for determining a height of a coupling means of the trailer to be decoupled from the hitch assembly.

20. The vehicle according to claim 17, wherein the at least one pressure sensor is connected to an air bellows of a suspension system.

21. The vehicle according to claim 17, wherein the battery assembly is mounted between the hitch assembly and a rear end of the vehicle.

22. The vehicle according to claim 17, wherein the sensor system is coupled to a warning system for issuing at least a warning if a collision risk between the battery assembly and the object is identified.

23. The vehicle according to claim 17, wherein the sensor system is coupled to a control unit for controlling the hitch assembly.

24. The vehicle according to claim 17, wherein the battery monitoring system is coupled to a transmission of the vehicle.