WO2013141808A1 - Device and method for emergency start of a vehicle - Google Patents

Device and method for emergency start of a vehicle Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2013141808A1
WO2013141808A1 PCT/SE2013/050310 SE2013050310W WO2013141808A1 WO 2013141808 A1 WO2013141808 A1 WO 2013141808A1 SE 2013050310 W SE2013050310 W SE 2013050310W WO 2013141808 A1 WO2013141808 A1 WO 2013141808A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
vehicle
energy store
vehicle battery
control unit
control
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/SE2013/050310
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Marcus WALLGREN
Original Assignee
Scania Cv Ab
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 Scania Cv Ab filed Critical Scania Cv Ab
Priority to EP13764422.5A priority Critical patent/EP2828947A4/en
Publication of WO2013141808A1 publication Critical patent/WO2013141808A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
    • H02J7/34—Parallel operation in networks using both storage and other dc sources, e.g. providing buffering
    • H02J7/342—The other DC source being a battery actively interacting with the first one, i.e. battery to battery charging
    • 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
    • B60L1/00—Supplying electric power to auxiliary equipment of 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
    • B60L3/00—Electric devices on electrically-propelled vehicles for safety purposes; Monitoring operating variables, e.g. speed, deceleration or energy consumption
    • B60L3/0092—Electric devices on electrically-propelled vehicles for safety purposes; Monitoring operating variables, e.g. speed, deceleration or energy consumption with use of redundant elements for safety purposes
    • 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
    • B60L53/00—Methods of charging batteries, specially adapted for electric vehicles; Charging stations or on-board charging equipment therefor; Exchange of energy storage elements in electric vehicles
    • B60L53/60—Monitoring or controlling charging stations
    • 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
    • B60L58/10—Methods or circuit arrangements for monitoring or controlling batteries or fuel cells, specially adapted for electric vehicles for monitoring or controlling batteries
    • B60L58/18—Methods or circuit arrangements for monitoring or controlling batteries or fuel cells, specially adapted for electric vehicles for monitoring or controlling batteries of two or more battery modules
    • B60L58/20—Methods or circuit arrangements for monitoring or controlling batteries or fuel cells, specially adapted for electric vehicles for monitoring or controlling batteries of two or more battery modules having different nominal voltages
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
    • H02J7/14—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries for charging batteries from dynamo-electric generators driven at varying speed, e.g. on vehicle
    • H02J7/1423—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries for charging batteries from dynamo-electric generators driven at varying speed, e.g. on vehicle with multiple batteries
    • 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
    • B60L2200/00—Type of vehicles
    • B60L2200/18—Buses
    • 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
    • B60L2200/00—Type of vehicles
    • B60L2200/40—Working 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
    • B60L2200/00—Type of vehicles
    • B60L2200/40—Working vehicles
    • B60L2200/44—Industrial trucks or floor conveyors
    • 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
    • B60L2250/00—Driver interactions
    • B60L2250/16—Driver interactions by display
    • 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
    • Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
    • Y02P90/00—Enabling technologies with a potential contribution to greenhouse gas [GHG] emissions mitigation
    • Y02P90/60—Electric or hybrid propulsion means for production processes
    • 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
    • Y02T10/00—Road transport of goods or passengers
    • Y02T10/60—Other road transportation technologies with climate change mitigation effect
    • Y02T10/7072—Electromobility specific charging systems or methods for batteries, ultracapacitors, supercapacitors or double-layer capacitors
    • 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
    • Y02T90/10—Technologies relating to charging of electric vehicles
    • Y02T90/12—Electric charging stations

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method for emergency starting of a motor vehicle.
  • the invention relates also to a computer programme product comprising programme code for a computer for implementing a method according to the invention. It relates also to a device for emergency starting of a motor vehicle and a motor vehicle equipped with the device.
  • Today's vehicles are equipped with a so-called vehicle battery which in heavy vehicles may be a 24V DC battery arranged to power inter alia a number of control systems on board the vehicle.
  • the control systems may comprise an engine control unit, a control unit for a gearbox of the vehicle and a brake control unit.
  • the vehicle battery may also be arranged to power a starter motor of the vehicle, which motor may be of a conventional kind.
  • the vehicle battery may be charged during operation of the vehicle, e.g. by means of an electrical generator. If the vehicle is switched off for a shorter or longer time, the vehicle battery may become discharged, e.g. when a driver forgets to switch off headlamps or a music system on board, in which case these components are continuously powered while the vehicle is switched off.
  • external power sources may be used to start the vehicle.
  • These external power sources usually take the form of large batteries which can be moved by means of a hand truck, trolley or the like, a likewise time- consuming and troublesome procedure.
  • an available voltage network (220V) and appropriate external voltage converter may be used, but such a network is not always available.
  • US 20110101774 describes a charging procedure for a vehicle whereby an extra battery may be used to charge a hybrid battery or vehicle battery as necessary.
  • US20100000813 describes a starting procedure for a vehicle with a combustion engine and an electric motor.
  • One object of the present invention is to propose a novel and advantageous method for emergency starting of a motor vehicle. Another object of the invention is to propose a novel and advantageous device and a novel and advantageous computer programme for emergency starting of a motor vehicle. A further object of the invention is to propose a method, a device and a computer programme for achieving user-friendly emergency starting of a motor vehicle.
  • Another object of the invention is to propose an alternative method, an alternative device and an alternative computer programme for emergency starting of a motor vehicle. These objects are achieved with a method for emergency starting of a motor vehicle according to claim 1.
  • One aspect of the invention is a proposed method for emergency starting of a motor vehicle comprising a prime mover configuration with an electric motor, an energy store for said motor, a usual vehicle battery, a voltage converter connected between said energy store and said vehicle battery, and control means for control of energy flows involving said energy store and said voltage converter.
  • the method comprises the steps of
  • said control means to initiate charging of said vehicle battery by means of said energy store and voltage converter.
  • the result is a robust and reliable method for emergency starting of a motor vehicle.
  • the method is user-friendly in that only a small battery is required to activate the specific portion of the vehicle's control electronics which is intended to control charging of said vehicle battery by means of said energy store and voltage converter. Other portions of the vehicle's control electronics are thus not activated during an initial charging process but only at a later stage when the vehicle battery is capable of powering other control electronics, e.g. an engine control unit.
  • the invention is also user-friendly in that starting cables need not be used, saving a great deal of time.
  • said energy store comprises a hybrid battery in the case of a hybrid vehicle.
  • a hybrid battery may have a very large amount of stored energy. According to the invention this energy may with advantage be used to charge the vehicle battery.
  • said energy store comprises an electric motor battery in the case of an electric vehicle.
  • the electric motor battery may have a very large amount of stored energy. According to the invention this energy may with advantage be used to charge the vehicle battery.
  • the method may further comprise the step of
  • Said predetermined level of charge may correspond to a level of charge which is required for being able to start the vehicle. It may correspond to a level of charge which is required for being able to activate and operate a number of control units of the vehicle, e.g. an engine control unit and a control unit to control a gearbox of the vehicle. It may correspond to a level of charge which is required for starting a combustion engine of the vehicle by means of a starter motor powered by the vehicle battery. It may correspond to a level of charge which is required for starting a combustion engine of the vehicle by means of a starter motor powered by the vehicle battery and for activating and operating said control units of the vehicle. Said predetermined level of charge may correspond to a level which is required for it to be possible for said control means to be operated by means of energy transferred from the energy store to the vehicle battery, in which case there is therefore no longer any need of the externally connected voltage source.
  • the method may further comprise the step of
  • a driver may thus be provided with feedback about when he/she can start the vehicle.
  • a driver may thus be provided with feedback about when he/she can disconnect the externally connected voltage source.
  • Said feedback may be visual and/or auditory.
  • said feedback may be by means of an LED or lamp which indicates by an illuminated state that said level of charge has been reached.
  • said feedback may be by means of a loudspeaker whereby an acoustic signal can indicate that said level of charge has been reached.
  • said feedback may be by means of a VDU.
  • Said external voltage source may provide a low voltage and a very limited energy content for said activation.
  • the result is a particularly user-friendly method in that only a small voltage source is required to operate the control means which are specific to the purpose.
  • Said external voltage source is thus limited in both size and weight and provides a voltage level in parity with the vehicle battery, e.g. 12 or 24 volts. It is also very inexpensive.
  • Said prime mover configuration may also comprise a combustion engine with a starter motor, making the method versatile in being applicable both on pure electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles and on vehicles with combustion engines with or without starter motors.
  • the method may further comprise the steps of
  • Said control means may comprise a control unit each for said energy store and said voltage converter, and a control unit to control the respective control units.
  • Said energy store may comprise a 200-900 volt hybrid battery.
  • the method is easy to implement in existing motor vehicles.
  • Software for emergency starting of a motor vehicle according to the invention may be installed in a control unit of the vehicle during the manufacture of the vehicle. A purchaser of the vehicle may thus have the possibility of selecting the function of the method as an option.
  • software which comprises programme code for conducting the innovative method for emergency starting of a motor vehicle may be installed in a control unit of the vehicle on the occasion of upgrading at a service station, in which case the software may be loaded into a memory in the control unit.
  • Implementing the innovative method is therefore cost-effective, particularly since no further components need be installed in the vehicle, according to one aspect of the invention.
  • the invention therefore represents a cost-effective solution to the problems indicated above.
  • Software which comprises programme code for emergency starting of a motor vehicle is easy to update or replace.
  • different parts of the software which comprises programme code for emergency starting of a motor vehicle may be replaced independently of one another. This modular configuration is advantageous from a maintenance perspective.
  • One aspect of the invention is a proposed device for emergency starting of a motor vehicle comprising a prime mover configuration with an electric motor, an energy store for said electric motor, a usual vehicle battery, a voltage converter connected between said energy store and said vehicle battery, and control means for control of energy flows involving said energy store and said voltage converter, comprising
  • control means are adapted to initiating charging of said vehicle battery by means of said energy store and voltage converter.
  • the device may further comprise
  • the device may further comprise
  • said external voltage source may be arranged to provide a low voltage and a very limited energy content for said activation.
  • the engine configuration may also comprise combustion engine with a starter motor.
  • the device may further comprise
  • said control means may comprise a control unit each for said energy store and said voltage converter, and a control unit to control the respective control units.
  • said energy store may comprise a 200-900 volt hybrid battery.
  • the above objects are also achieved with a motor vehicle which is provided with the device for emergency starting of a motor vehicle.
  • the vehicle may be a truck, bus or car.
  • One aspect of the invention is a proposed computer programme for emergency starting of a motor vehicle, which programme comprises programme code stored on a computer-readable medium for causing an electronic control unit or another computer connected to the electronic control unit to perform steps according to any one of claims 1-8.
  • One aspect of the invention is a proposed computer programme for emergency starting of a motor vehicle, which programme comprises programme code for causing an electronic control unit or another computer connected to the electronic control unit to perform steps according to any one of claims 1-8.
  • One aspect of the invention is a proposed computer programme product comprising a programme code stored on a computer-readable medium for performing method steps according to any one of claims 1-8 when said computer programme is run on an electronic control unit or another computer connected to the electronic control unit.
  • FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 2 schematically illustrates a device pertaining to the vehicle depicted in Figure 1 , according to an embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 3a is a schematic flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 3b is a more detailed schematic flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 4 schematically illustrates a computer according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 1 depicts a side view of a vehicle 100.
  • the vehicle here exemplified comprises a tractor unit 110 and a trailer 112. It may be a heavy vehicle, e.g. a truck or a bus. It may alternatively be a car.
  • the term "link" refers herein to a communication link which may be a physical connection such as an opto-electronic communication line, or a non-physical connection such as a wireless connection, e.g. a radio link or microwave link.
  • line refers herein to an electric line which is a physical line.
  • a line may be configured to carry high voltage (e.g. within a 200-900V range) or low voltage (1 -100V).
  • FIG. 2 depicts a subsystem 299 of the vehicle 100.
  • the vehicle may be an electric vehicle with no combustion engine. It may be a hybrid vehicle comprising both a combustion engine and an electric motor.
  • the engine may in one example be equipped with an electrically operated starter motor.
  • the vehicle 100 is herein exemplified as a hybrid vehicle.
  • the subsystem 299 comprises in this embodiment example a combustion 230 with starter motor (not depicted) connected to a vehicle battery 280 by a line intended for the purpose (not depicted).
  • the subsystem 299 comprises an electric motor 240 adapted to driving a power train of the vehicle and connected to a voltage converter 250 via a line 241. It may be arranged for three-phase AC voltage.
  • the converter 250 is a DC/AC converter and is connected to an energy store 260 via a line 261.
  • Said energy store is in this example a hybrid battery which may be arranged to provide a high voltage, e.g. within a 200-900V range.
  • the electric motor 240 may effect charging of the energy store 260 by means of the voltage converter 250.
  • the energy store may also power the electrical machine 240 by means of the voltage converter 250.
  • the voltage converter 250 is connected to a voltage converter 270 via a line 251.
  • the converter 270 may be a DC/DC converter whereby a high voltage (200-900V) can be converted to a low voltage, e.g. 12V or 24V.
  • the converter 270 is electrically connected to the vehicle battery 280 via a line 271.
  • the energy store 260 may charge the vehicle battery 280, in which case the voltage converter 270 transforms a high (e.g. 400V or 700V) DC voltage of the energy store to a low (e.g. 12V or 24V) DC voltage for charging of the vehicle battery.
  • the vehicle battery 280 is arranged to power an electronic system of the vehicle 00.
  • Said system may comprise a suitable number of control units, e.g. an engine control unit 220a, a transmission control unit 220b and a brake control unit 220c, which all operate at said low voltage.
  • a first control unit 200 is arranged for communication with the energy store 260 via a link L260. It is adapted to controlling the operation of the energy store in order for example to control an energy flow involving said energy store and said voltage converter to the vehicle battery 280 for its charging.
  • the subsystem 299 comprises a contact device 295 connected electrically to the first control unit 200 via a line 291. Said contact device is arranged to receive an external voltage source, e.g. a portable 12V or 24V battery.
  • the first control unit may be powered by connecting said external voltage source to the contact device.
  • said contact device may take the form of a contact device for a safety device pertaining to the first control unit 200, making it possible for an operator to disconnect the safety device and temporarily connect the external voltage source in order to power the first control unit.
  • the subsystem 299 comprises feedback means 205.
  • the first control unit 200 is arranged for communication with the feedback means via a link L205.
  • the first control unit is adapted to controlling the feedback means, e.g. in order to indicate to a driver when the vehicle battery according to the innovative method has been charged to a desirable level of charge corresponding to a state in which the driver can start the vehicle (including control units required for the purpose) or a state in which he/she can disconnect the external voltage source 290 from the contact device 295.
  • the feedback means may be arranged for visual and/or auditory feedback.
  • the first control unit 200 is adapted to activating only the control means 200 by power supply from the external voltage source 290. It is adapted to initiating charging of the vehicle battery by means of the energy store 260 and the voltage converter 270. It is adapted to charging said vehicle battery 280 to a predetermined level of charge appropriate to intended functions of the vehicle. It is adapted to determining and indicating when said level of charge is reached.
  • a second control unit 210 is arranged for communication with the first control unit 200 via a link L210.
  • This second control unit may be detachably connected to the first control unit. It may be external to the vehicle. It may be adapted to conducting the innovative method steps according to the invention. It may be used to cross-load software to the first control unit, particularly software for conducting the innovative method. It may alternatively be arranged for communication with the first control unit via an internal network on board the vehicle. It may be adapted to performing functions substantially similar to the first control unit, e.g. activating only the control means 200 for control of energy flows involving the energy store 260 and the voltage converter 270 by power supply from the external voltage source 290, and initiating charging of the vehicle battery 280 by means of the energy store and the voltage converter.
  • the contact device 295 may alternatively be connected electrically to the second control unit 210.
  • Said contact device is adapted to receiving an external voltage source, e.g. a portable 12V or 24V battery.
  • the second control unit may be powered by connecting said external voltage source to the contact device.
  • said contact device 295 may be for a safety device pertaining to the second control unit, making it possible for an operator to disconnect the safety device and temporarily connect the external voltage source 290 in order to power the second control unit.
  • Said control means for control of energy flows involving said energy store and said voltage converter may comprise the first control unit 200 and/or the second control unit 210.
  • the vehicle battery is arranged to power all of the vehicle's control units and control electronics, comprising the control units 200, 210, 220a-220c, and control electronics associated with the energy store 260, the voltage converter 270 and the feedback means 205.
  • control electronics for the energy store and the voltage converter may be located centrally in the form of the control unit 200 or be distributed, in which case a monitoring unit is provided to control the respective electronics pertaining to the energy store and the voltage converter.
  • the links L260 and L270 are arranged for communication accordingly in cases where the control electronics are distributed.
  • the vehicle battery 280 is connected to the line 291 via a line 282.
  • the vehicle battery is depicted as being arranged to power the first control unit 200, but it should for example be noted that the second control unit 210 is arranged to be powered by the vehicle battery. In cases where a portion of the control electronics of the first control unit 200 is situated locally to the energy store 260, the vehicle battery is arranged to power this portion. In cases where a portion of the control electronics of the first control unit 200 is situated locally to the voltage converter 270, the vehicle battery is arranged to power this portion.
  • the vehicle battery may also be arranged to power the feedback means 205 in a suitable way.
  • a current rectifier 285 is provided on the line 282. It may be an electrical current rectification limiter, e.g. a diode. It may be a suitable current rectifier comprising suitable components for the purpose. The result is that current supplied by the external voltage source 290 will be fed to control electronics intended for the purpose, e.g. the control electronics of the first control unit 200. Current supplied from the external voltage source will thus not go to the vehicle battery 280, thereby avoiding undesirable discharge of the external voltage source due to charging of the vehicle battery.
  • the external voltage source is arranged to power the first control unit 200 irrespective of whether the latter takes the form of a central unit or a distributed configuration whereby certain portions of the control electronics are associated with the energy store and/or the voltage converter.
  • a circuit-breaker (not depicted) may be provided on the line 282 to break the line when the external voltage source is connected to the contact device 295. This may be achieved in a number of different ways. According to the invention, the external voltage source 290 when connected to the contact device 295 should only power the control electronics on board the vehicle which are adapted to activating charging of the discharged vehicle battery by means of the energy store and the voltage converter.
  • Communication between control units/control electronics of the vehicle 100 may for example be by means of a CAN network.
  • links intended for the purpose may be provided for communication between the vehicle's control units/control electronics.
  • a combination of links intended for the purpose and an internal communication network may be provided for communication between the vehicle's control units/control electronics.
  • Figure 3a is a schematic flowchart of a method for emergency starting of a motor vehicle comprising a prime mover configuration with an electric motor, an energy store for said motor, a usual vehicle battery, a voltage converter connected between said energy store and said vehicle battery, and control means for control of energy flows involving said energy store and said voltage converter, according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • the method comprises a first step s301 comprising the steps of
  • step s301 using said control means to initiate charging of said vehicle battery by means of said energy store and voltage converter.
  • Figure 3b is a schematic flowchart of a method for emergency starting of a motor vehicle comprising a prime mover configuration with an electric motor, an energy store for said motor, a usual vehicle battery, a voltage converter connected between said energy store and said vehicle battery, and control means for control of energy flows involving said energy store and said voltage converter, according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • the method comprises a first step s310 comprising the step of determining a state of the vehicle battery 280.
  • step s310 comprises determining that the vehicle battery is discharged. Discharged here means that the battery is substantially discharged such that it cannot power the control units 220a-220c and, where applicable, a starter motor of the vehicle's engine. It will thus not be possible for a driver to start the vehicle at all. He/she may thus realise that the vehicle's vehicle battery is substantially discharged.
  • Step s310 is followed by a step s320.
  • Method step s320 comprises the step of connecting the external voltage source 290 to the contact device 295, making it possible for the first control unit 200 and/or the second control unit 210 to be powered. Step s320 is followed by a step s330.
  • Method step s330 comprises the step of activating the control means 200. Step s330 is followed by a step s340.
  • Method step s340 comprises the step of carrying out a system check.
  • the first control unit 200 and/or the second control unit 210 may thus determine whether the other parts of the vehicle's control system are activated or not. This may for example be determined by trying to communicate with one or more of the control units 220a, 220b or 220c via an internal network of the vehicle. Step s340 is followed by a step s350.
  • Method step s350 comprises the step of conducting a charging procedure.
  • the first control unit 200 and/or the second control unit 210 find that the other parts of the vehicle's control system are not activated and hence that the vehicle battery is discharged, it may initiate and control charging of the vehicle battery by means of the energy store and the voltage converter. Charging may continue until a certain desirable level of charge of the vehicle battery is reached.
  • Step s350 is followed by a step s360.
  • Method step s360 comprises the step of disconnecting the external voltage source, which may take place in response to an indication from the feedback means 205. The method ends after step s360.
  • FIG 4 is a diagram of a version of a device 400.
  • the control units 200 and 210 described with reference to Figure 2 may in one version comprise the device 400.
  • the device 400 comprises a non-volatile memory 420, a data processing unit 410 and a read/write memory 450.
  • the non-volatile memory has a first memory element 430 in which a computer programme, e.g. an operating system, is stored for controlling the function of the device 400.
  • the device 400 further comprises a bus controller, a serial communication port, I/O means, an A/D converter, a time and date input and transfer unit, an event counter and an interruption controller (not depicted).
  • the non-volatile memory has also a second memory element 440.
  • a proposed computer programme P comprises routines for emergency starting of a motor vehicle 100.
  • the programme P comprises routines for activating only the control means 200 by power supply from the external voltage source 290. It comprises routines for initiating charging of the vehicle battery 280 by means of the energy store 260 and the voltage converter 270. It comprises routines for charging said vehicle battery to a predetermined level of charge appropriate to intended functions of the vehicle. It comprises routines for determining and indicating when said level of charge is reached.
  • the programme P may be stored in an executable form or in compressed form in a memory 460 and/or in a read/write memory 450. Where the data processing unit 410 is described as performing a certain function, it means conducting a certain part of the programme stored in the memory 460, or a certain part of the programme stored in the read/write memory 450.
  • the data processing device 410 can communicate with a data port 499 via a data bus 415.
  • the non-volatile memory 420 is intended for communication with the data processing unit 410 via a data bus 412.
  • the separate memory 460 is intended to communicate with the data processing unit via a data bus 411.
  • the read/write memory 450 is adapted to communicating with the data processing unit via a data bus 414.
  • the data port 499 may for example have the links L260 and L270 connected to it (see Figure 2).
  • signals received on the data port contain information from control units of the energy store 260 or the voltage converter 270.
  • signals received on the data port contain information about how one or more of the vehicle control units 220a, 220b and 220c are powered and are thus active or not.
  • signals received on the data port contain information that all of the vehicle control units 220a, 220b and 220c are unpowered and are therefore not active.
  • the first control unit 200 may for example be arranged to respond by determining that charging of the vehicle battery 280 should be initiated and be conducted by means of the energy store 260 and the voltage converter 270.
  • the first control unit may be adapted to determining that charging of the vehicle battery should be initiated and be conducted by means of the energy store and the voltage converter upon receipt of communication signals from the control units 220a-220c.
  • Parts of the methods herein described may be conducted by the device 400 by means of the data processing unit 410 which runs the programme stored in the memory 460 or the read/write memory 450. When the device 400 runs the programme, methods herein described are executed.

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for emergency starting of a motor vehicle (100; 110) comprising a prime mover configuration (230, 240) with an electric motor (240), an energy store (260) for said electric motor (240), a usual vehicle battery (280), a voltage converter (270) connected between said energy store (260) and said vehicle battery, and control means (200; 210) to control energy flows involving said energy store (260) and said voltage converter (270), comprising the steps of - determining (s310) that said vehicle battery (280) is substantially discharged, - activating (s330) only said control means (200; 210) by power supply from an external voltage source (290), and - using said control means (200; 210) to initiate charging (s350) of said vehicle battery (280) by means of said energy store (260) and voltage converter (270). The invention relates also to a computer programme product comprising programme code (P) for a computer (200; 210) for implementing a method according to the invention. The invention relates also to a device and a motor vehicle equipped with the device.

Description

Device and method for emergency start of a vehicle
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a method for emergency starting of a motor vehicle. The invention relates also to a computer programme product comprising programme code for a computer for implementing a method according to the invention. It relates also to a device for emergency starting of a motor vehicle and a motor vehicle equipped with the device.
BACKGROUND
Today's vehicles are equipped with a so-called vehicle battery which in heavy vehicles may be a 24V DC battery arranged to power inter alia a number of control systems on board the vehicle. The control systems may comprise an engine control unit, a control unit for a gearbox of the vehicle and a brake control unit. The vehicle battery may also be arranged to power a starter motor of the vehicle, which motor may be of a conventional kind.
The vehicle battery may be charged during operation of the vehicle, e.g. by means of an electrical generator. If the vehicle is switched off for a shorter or longer time, the vehicle battery may become discharged, e.g. when a driver forgets to switch off headlamps or a music system on board, in which case these components are continuously powered while the vehicle is switched off.
Today's vehicles also have equipment which has to be in operation when the vehicle is switched off, e.g. a tachograph or an alarm system on board. This equipment is required by law or guidelines to remain powered when the vehicle is switched off, resulting in reduction of the vehicle battery's level of charge. Where for any reason the vehicle battery becomes completely discharged, a driver cannot start the vehicle in a normal way, e.g. by using an ignition key or starting button. He/she will then for example be forced to use starting cables connected to another vehicle, a time-consuming and troublesome procedure.
If a vehicle with a discharged vehicle battery is at a freight vehicle centre or other such location, external power sources may be used to start the vehicle. These external power sources usually take the form of large batteries which can be moved by means of a hand truck, trolley or the like, a likewise time- consuming and troublesome procedure.
In certain circumstances an available voltage network (220V) and appropriate external voltage converter may be used, but such a network is not always available.
US 20110101774 describes a charging procedure for a vehicle whereby an extra battery may be used to charge a hybrid battery or vehicle battery as necessary.
US20100000813 describes a starting procedure for a vehicle with a combustion engine and an electric motor. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One object of the present invention is to propose a novel and advantageous method for emergency starting of a motor vehicle. Another object of the invention is to propose a novel and advantageous device and a novel and advantageous computer programme for emergency starting of a motor vehicle. A further object of the invention is to propose a method, a device and a computer programme for achieving user-friendly emergency starting of a motor vehicle.
Another object of the invention is to propose an alternative method, an alternative device and an alternative computer programme for emergency starting of a motor vehicle. These objects are achieved with a method for emergency starting of a motor vehicle according to claim 1.
One aspect of the invention is a proposed method for emergency starting of a motor vehicle comprising a prime mover configuration with an electric motor, an energy store for said motor, a usual vehicle battery, a voltage converter connected between said energy store and said vehicle battery, and control means for control of energy flows involving said energy store and said voltage converter. The method comprises the steps of
- determining that said vehicle battery is substantially discharged,
- activating only said control means by power supply from an external voltage source, and
- using said control means to initiate charging of said vehicle battery by means of said energy store and voltage converter. The result is a robust and reliable method for emergency starting of a motor vehicle. The method is user-friendly in that only a small battery is required to activate the specific portion of the vehicle's control electronics which is intended to control charging of said vehicle battery by means of said energy store and voltage converter. Other portions of the vehicle's control electronics are thus not activated during an initial charging process but only at a later stage when the vehicle battery is capable of powering other control electronics, e.g. an engine control unit. The invention is also user-friendly in that starting cables need not be used, saving a great deal of time. In one aspect of the invention said energy store comprises a hybrid battery in the case of a hybrid vehicle. A hybrid battery may have a very large amount of stored energy. According to the invention this energy may with advantage be used to charge the vehicle battery. In one aspect of the invention said energy store comprises an electric motor battery in the case of an electric vehicle. The electric motor battery may have a very large amount of stored energy. According to the invention this energy may with advantage be used to charge the vehicle battery. The method may further comprise the step of
- charging said vehicle battery to a predetermined level of charge appropriate to intended functions of the vehicle.
Said predetermined level of charge may correspond to a level of charge which is required for being able to start the vehicle. It may correspond to a level of charge which is required for being able to activate and operate a number of control units of the vehicle, e.g. an engine control unit and a control unit to control a gearbox of the vehicle. It may correspond to a level of charge which is required for starting a combustion engine of the vehicle by means of a starter motor powered by the vehicle battery. It may correspond to a level of charge which is required for starting a combustion engine of the vehicle by means of a starter motor powered by the vehicle battery and for activating and operating said control units of the vehicle. Said predetermined level of charge may correspond to a level which is required for it to be possible for said control means to be operated by means of energy transferred from the energy store to the vehicle battery, in which case there is therefore no longer any need of the externally connected voltage source.
The method may further comprise the step of
- determining and indicating when said level of charge is reached. A driver may thus be provided with feedback about when he/she can start the vehicle. In one alternative a driver may thus be provided with feedback about when he/she can disconnect the externally connected voltage source. Said feedback may be visual and/or auditory. In one version said feedback may be by means of an LED or lamp which indicates by an illuminated state that said level of charge has been reached. In one version said feedback may be by means of a loudspeaker whereby an acoustic signal can indicate that said level of charge has been reached. In one version said feedback may be by means of a VDU.
Said external voltage source may provide a low voltage and a very limited energy content for said activation. The result is a particularly user-friendly method in that only a small voltage source is required to operate the control means which are specific to the purpose. Said external voltage source is thus limited in both size and weight and provides a voltage level in parity with the vehicle battery, e.g. 12 or 24 volts. It is also very inexpensive.
Said prime mover configuration may also comprise a combustion engine with a starter motor, making the method versatile in being applicable both on pure electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles and on vehicles with combustion engines with or without starter motors.
The method may further comprise the steps of
- disconnecting a safety device pertaining to an electrical centre on board the vehicle,
- providing said external voltage source for said electric centre in order to activate said control means. The result is an alternative way of activating only said control means by power supply from an external voltage source. In this version an alternative contact device is provided to connect the external voltage source to said vehicle battery. This makes it possible for an existing electrical centre comprising safety devices for various control units on board the vehicle to be used according to the innovative method. Said control means for control of energy flows involving said energy store and said voltage converter may thus be activated by removing a safety device for said control means and connecting instead the external voltage source. In this example the external voltage source may comprise a safety device with functionality and performance similar to the safety device disconnected.
Said control means may comprise a control unit each for said energy store and said voltage converter, and a control unit to control the respective control units.
Said energy store may comprise a 200-900 volt hybrid battery. The method is easy to implement in existing motor vehicles. Software for emergency starting of a motor vehicle according to the invention may be installed in a control unit of the vehicle during the manufacture of the vehicle. A purchaser of the vehicle may thus have the possibility of selecting the function of the method as an option. Alternatively, software which comprises programme code for conducting the innovative method for emergency starting of a motor vehicle may be installed in a control unit of the vehicle on the occasion of upgrading at a service station, in which case the software may be loaded into a memory in the control unit. Implementing the innovative method is therefore cost-effective, particularly since no further components need be installed in the vehicle, according to one aspect of the invention. The invention therefore represents a cost-effective solution to the problems indicated above. Software which comprises programme code for emergency starting of a motor vehicle is easy to update or replace. Moreover, different parts of the software which comprises programme code for emergency starting of a motor vehicle may be replaced independently of one another. This modular configuration is advantageous from a maintenance perspective.
One aspect of the invention is a proposed device for emergency starting of a motor vehicle comprising a prime mover configuration with an electric motor, an energy store for said electric motor, a usual vehicle battery, a voltage converter connected between said energy store and said vehicle battery, and control means for control of energy flows involving said energy store and said voltage converter, comprising
- means for determining that said vehicle battery is substantially discharged, - means for activating only said control means by power supply from an external voltage source, whereupon
- said control means are adapted to initiating charging of said vehicle battery by means of said energy store and voltage converter. The device may further comprise
- means for charging said vehicle battery to a predetermined level of charge appropriate to intended functions of the vehicle.
The device may further comprise
- means for determining and indicating when said level of charge is reached.
In the case of the device, said external voltage source may be arranged to provide a low voltage and a very limited energy content for said activation.
In the case of the device, the engine configuration may also comprise combustion engine with a starter motor. The device may further comprise
- a detachably fitted safety device pertaining to an electrical centre of the vehicle, and
- means for connecting said external voltage source to said electrical centre in order to activate said control means.
In the case of the device, said control means may comprise a control unit each for said energy store and said voltage converter, and a control unit to control the respective control units.
In the case of the device, said energy store may comprise a 200-900 volt hybrid battery.
The above objects are also achieved with a motor vehicle which is provided with the device for emergency starting of a motor vehicle. The vehicle may be a truck, bus or car.
One aspect of the invention is a proposed computer programme for emergency starting of a motor vehicle, which programme comprises programme code stored on a computer-readable medium for causing an electronic control unit or another computer connected to the electronic control unit to perform steps according to any one of claims 1-8.
One aspect of the invention is a proposed computer programme for emergency starting of a motor vehicle, which programme comprises programme code for causing an electronic control unit or another computer connected to the electronic control unit to perform steps according to any one of claims 1-8. One aspect of the invention is a proposed computer programme product comprising a programme code stored on a computer-readable medium for performing method steps according to any one of claims 1-8 when said computer programme is run on an electronic control unit or another computer connected to the electronic control unit.
Further objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent to one skilled in the art from the following details, and also by putting the invention into practice. Whereas the invention is described below, it should be noted that it is not confined to the specific details described. One skilled in the art having access to the teachings herein will recognise further applications, modifications and incorporations within other fields, which are within the scope of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For fuller understanding of the present invention and its further objects and advantages, the detailed description set out below should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference notations pertain to similar items in the various diagrams and
Figure 1 schematically illustrates a vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention,
Figure 2 schematically illustrates a device pertaining to the vehicle depicted in Figure 1 , according to an embodiment of the invention,
Figure 3a is a schematic flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the invention,
Figure 3b is a more detailed schematic flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the invention, and
Figure 4 schematically illustrates a computer according to an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 depicts a side view of a vehicle 100. The vehicle here exemplified comprises a tractor unit 110 and a trailer 112. It may be a heavy vehicle, e.g. a truck or a bus. It may alternatively be a car. The term "link" refers herein to a communication link which may be a physical connection such as an opto-electronic communication line, or a non-physical connection such as a wireless connection, e.g. a radio link or microwave link.
The term "line" refers herein to an electric line which is a physical line. A line may be configured to carry high voltage (e.g. within a 200-900V range) or low voltage (1 -100V).
Figure 2 depicts a subsystem 299 of the vehicle 100. The vehicle may be an electric vehicle with no combustion engine. It may be a hybrid vehicle comprising both a combustion engine and an electric motor. The engine may in one example be equipped with an electrically operated starter motor. The vehicle 100 is herein exemplified as a hybrid vehicle.
The subsystem 299 comprises in this embodiment example a combustion 230 with starter motor (not depicted) connected to a vehicle battery 280 by a line intended for the purpose (not depicted).
The subsystem 299 comprises an electric motor 240 adapted to driving a power train of the vehicle and connected to a voltage converter 250 via a line 241. It may be arranged for three-phase AC voltage. The converter 250 is a DC/AC converter and is connected to an energy store 260 via a line 261. Said energy store is in this example a hybrid battery which may be arranged to provide a high voltage, e.g. within a 200-900V range. During operation of the vehicle, the electric motor 240 may effect charging of the energy store 260 by means of the voltage converter 250. During operation of the vehicle, the energy store may also power the electrical machine 240 by means of the voltage converter 250.
The voltage converter 250 is connected to a voltage converter 270 via a line 251. The converter 270 may be a DC/DC converter whereby a high voltage (200-900V) can be converted to a low voltage, e.g. 12V or 24V. The converter 270 is electrically connected to the vehicle battery 280 via a line 271. During operation of the vehicle 100, the energy store 260 may charge the vehicle battery 280, in which case the voltage converter 270 transforms a high (e.g. 400V or 700V) DC voltage of the energy store to a low (e.g. 12V or 24V) DC voltage for charging of the vehicle battery. The vehicle battery 280 is arranged to power an electronic system of the vehicle 00. Said system may comprise a suitable number of control units, e.g. an engine control unit 220a, a transmission control unit 220b and a brake control unit 220c, which all operate at said low voltage. A first control unit 200 is arranged for communication with the energy store 260 via a link L260. It is adapted to controlling the operation of the energy store in order for example to control an energy flow involving said energy store and said voltage converter to the vehicle battery 280 for its charging. The subsystem 299 comprises a contact device 295 connected electrically to the first control unit 200 via a line 291. Said contact device is arranged to receive an external voltage source, e.g. a portable 12V or 24V battery. The first control unit may be powered by connecting said external voltage source to the contact device.
In one example said contact device may take the form of a contact device for a safety device pertaining to the first control unit 200, making it possible for an operator to disconnect the safety device and temporarily connect the external voltage source in order to power the first control unit.
The subsystem 299 comprises feedback means 205. The first control unit 200 is arranged for communication with the feedback means via a link L205. The first control unit is adapted to controlling the feedback means, e.g. in order to indicate to a driver when the vehicle battery according to the innovative method has been charged to a desirable level of charge corresponding to a state in which the driver can start the vehicle (including control units required for the purpose) or a state in which he/she can disconnect the external voltage source 290 from the contact device 295. The feedback means may be arranged for visual and/or auditory feedback.
The first control unit 200 is adapted to activating only the control means 200 by power supply from the external voltage source 290. It is adapted to initiating charging of the vehicle battery by means of the energy store 260 and the voltage converter 270. It is adapted to charging said vehicle battery 280 to a predetermined level of charge appropriate to intended functions of the vehicle. It is adapted to determining and indicating when said level of charge is reached.
A second control unit 210 is arranged for communication with the first control unit 200 via a link L210. This second control unit may be detachably connected to the first control unit. It may be external to the vehicle. It may be adapted to conducting the innovative method steps according to the invention. It may be used to cross-load software to the first control unit, particularly software for conducting the innovative method. It may alternatively be arranged for communication with the first control unit via an internal network on board the vehicle. It may be adapted to performing functions substantially similar to the first control unit, e.g. activating only the control means 200 for control of energy flows involving the energy store 260 and the voltage converter 270 by power supply from the external voltage source 290, and initiating charging of the vehicle battery 280 by means of the energy store and the voltage converter.
The contact device 295 may alternatively be connected electrically to the second control unit 210. Said contact device is adapted to receiving an external voltage source, e.g. a portable 12V or 24V battery. The second control unit may be powered by connecting said external voltage source to the contact device. In one example said contact device 295 may be for a safety device pertaining to the second control unit, making it possible for an operator to disconnect the safety device and temporarily connect the external voltage source 290 in order to power the second control unit. Said control means for control of energy flows involving said energy store and said voltage converter may comprise the first control unit 200 and/or the second control unit 210.
In one embodiment, the vehicle battery is arranged to power all of the vehicle's control units and control electronics, comprising the control units 200, 210, 220a-220c, and control electronics associated with the energy store 260, the voltage converter 270 and the feedback means 205. For the sake of clarity, lines appropriate for this purpose do not appear in Figure 2. This applies irrespective of how the control unit 200 is configured. Control electronics for the energy store and the voltage converter may be located centrally in the form of the control unit 200 or be distributed, in which case a monitoring unit is provided to control the respective electronics pertaining to the energy store and the voltage converter. The links L260 and L270 are arranged for communication accordingly in cases where the control electronics are distributed. In one embodiment example, the vehicle battery 280 is connected to the line 291 via a line 282. In this case the vehicle battery is depicted as being arranged to power the first control unit 200, but it should for example be noted that the second control unit 210 is arranged to be powered by the vehicle battery. In cases where a portion of the control electronics of the first control unit 200 is situated locally to the energy store 260, the vehicle battery is arranged to power this portion. In cases where a portion of the control electronics of the first control unit 200 is situated locally to the voltage converter 270, the vehicle battery is arranged to power this portion. The vehicle battery may also be arranged to power the feedback means 205 in a suitable way.
In one embodiment a current rectifier 285 is provided on the line 282. It may be an electrical current rectification limiter, e.g. a diode. It may be a suitable current rectifier comprising suitable components for the purpose. The result is that current supplied by the external voltage source 290 will be fed to control electronics intended for the purpose, e.g. the control electronics of the first control unit 200. Current supplied from the external voltage source will thus not go to the vehicle battery 280, thereby avoiding undesirable discharge of the external voltage source due to charging of the vehicle battery.
In one aspect of the invention, the external voltage source is arranged to power the first control unit 200 irrespective of whether the latter takes the form of a central unit or a distributed configuration whereby certain portions of the control electronics are associated with the energy store and/or the voltage converter.
In one alternative, a circuit-breaker (not depicted) may be provided on the line 282 to break the line when the external voltage source is connected to the contact device 295. This may be achieved in a number of different ways. According to the invention, the external voltage source 290 when connected to the contact device 295 should only power the control electronics on board the vehicle which are adapted to activating charging of the discharged vehicle battery by means of the energy store and the voltage converter.
Communication between control units/control electronics of the vehicle 100 may for example be by means of a CAN network. In one alternative, links intended for the purpose may be provided for communication between the vehicle's control units/control electronics. In one example a combination of links intended for the purpose and an internal communication network may be provided for communication between the vehicle's control units/control electronics.
Figure 3a is a schematic flowchart of a method for emergency starting of a motor vehicle comprising a prime mover configuration with an electric motor, an energy store for said motor, a usual vehicle battery, a voltage converter connected between said energy store and said vehicle battery, and control means for control of energy flows involving said energy store and said voltage converter, according to an embodiment of the invention. The method comprises a first step s301 comprising the steps of
- determining that said vehicle battery is substantially discharged,
- activating only said control means by power supply from an external voltage source, and
- using said control means to initiate charging of said vehicle battery by means of said energy store and voltage converter. The method ends after step s301.
Figure 3b is a schematic flowchart of a method for emergency starting of a motor vehicle comprising a prime mover configuration with an electric motor, an energy store for said motor, a usual vehicle battery, a voltage converter connected between said energy store and said vehicle battery, and control means for control of energy flows involving said energy store and said voltage converter, according to an embodiment of the invention.
The method comprises a first step s310 comprising the step of determining a state of the vehicle battery 280. In particular, step s310 comprises determining that the vehicle battery is discharged. Discharged here means that the battery is substantially discharged such that it cannot power the control units 220a-220c and, where applicable, a starter motor of the vehicle's engine. It will thus not be possible for a driver to start the vehicle at all. He/she may thus realise that the vehicle's vehicle battery is substantially discharged. Step s310 is followed by a step s320.
Method step s320 comprises the step of connecting the external voltage source 290 to the contact device 295, making it possible for the first control unit 200 and/or the second control unit 210 to be powered. Step s320 is followed by a step s330.
Method step s330 comprises the step of activating the control means 200. Step s330 is followed by a step s340.
Method step s340 comprises the step of carrying out a system check. The first control unit 200 and/or the second control unit 210 may thus determine whether the other parts of the vehicle's control system are activated or not. This may for example be determined by trying to communicate with one or more of the control units 220a, 220b or 220c via an internal network of the vehicle. Step s340 is followed by a step s350.
Method step s350 comprises the step of conducting a charging procedure. When the first control unit 200 and/or the second control unit 210 find that the other parts of the vehicle's control system are not activated and hence that the vehicle battery is discharged, it may initiate and control charging of the vehicle battery by means of the energy store and the voltage converter. Charging may continue until a certain desirable level of charge of the vehicle battery is reached. Step s350 is followed by a step s360.
Method step s360 comprises the step of disconnecting the external voltage source, which may take place in response to an indication from the feedback means 205. The method ends after step s360.
Figure 4 is a diagram of a version of a device 400. The control units 200 and 210 described with reference to Figure 2 may in one version comprise the device 400. The device 400 comprises a non-volatile memory 420, a data processing unit 410 and a read/write memory 450. The non-volatile memory has a first memory element 430 in which a computer programme, e.g. an operating system, is stored for controlling the function of the device 400. The device 400 further comprises a bus controller, a serial communication port, I/O means, an A/D converter, a time and date input and transfer unit, an event counter and an interruption controller (not depicted). The non-volatile memory has also a second memory element 440.
A proposed computer programme P comprises routines for emergency starting of a motor vehicle 100.
The programme P comprises routines for activating only the control means 200 by power supply from the external voltage source 290. It comprises routines for initiating charging of the vehicle battery 280 by means of the energy store 260 and the voltage converter 270. It comprises routines for charging said vehicle battery to a predetermined level of charge appropriate to intended functions of the vehicle. It comprises routines for determining and indicating when said level of charge is reached. The programme P may be stored in an executable form or in compressed form in a memory 460 and/or in a read/write memory 450. Where the data processing unit 410 is described as performing a certain function, it means conducting a certain part of the programme stored in the memory 460, or a certain part of the programme stored in the read/write memory 450.
The data processing device 410 can communicate with a data port 499 via a data bus 415. The non-volatile memory 420 is intended for communication with the data processing unit 410 via a data bus 412. The separate memory 460 is intended to communicate with the data processing unit via a data bus 411. The read/write memory 450 is adapted to communicating with the data processing unit via a data bus 414. The data port 499 may for example have the links L260 and L270 connected to it (see Figure 2).
When data are received on the data port 499, they are temporarily stored in the second memory element 440. When input data have been stored temporarily, the data processing unit 410 is prepared to effect code execution as described above. In one version signals received on the data port contain information from control units of the energy store 260 or the voltage converter 270. In one version signals received on the data port contain information about how one or more of the vehicle control units 220a, 220b and 220c are powered and are thus active or not. In one version signals received on the data port contain information that all of the vehicle control units 220a, 220b and 220c are unpowered and are therefore not active. The first control unit 200 may for example be arranged to respond by determining that charging of the vehicle battery 280 should be initiated and be conducted by means of the energy store 260 and the voltage converter 270. The first control unit may be adapted to determining that charging of the vehicle battery should be initiated and be conducted by means of the energy store and the voltage converter upon receipt of communication signals from the control units 220a-220c. Parts of the methods herein described may be conducted by the device 400 by means of the data processing unit 410 which runs the programme stored in the memory 460 or the read/write memory 450. When the device 400 runs the programme, methods herein described are executed.
The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention is provided for illustrative and descriptive purposes. It is not intended to be exhaustive, nor to restrict the invention to the variants described. Many modifications and variations will obviously suggest themselves to one skilled in the art. The embodiments have been chosen and described in order best to explain the principles of the invention and their practical applications and hence make it possible for one skilled in the art to understand the invention for different embodiments and with the various modifications appropriate to the intended use.

Claims

1. A method for emergency starting of a motor vehicle (100; 110) comprising a prime mover configuration (230, 240) with an electric motor (240), an energy store (260) for said motor (240), a usual vehicle battery (280), a voltage converter (270) connected between said energy store (260) and said vehicle battery, and control means (200; 210) to control energy flows involving said energy store (260) and said voltage converter (270), comprising the step of
- determining (s310) that said vehicle battery (280) is substantially discharged,
characterised by the steps of
- activating (s330) only said control means (200; 210) by power supply from an external voltage source (290), and
- using said control means (200; 210) to initiate charging (s350) of said vehicle battery (280) by means of said energy store (260) and voltage converter (270).
2. A method according to claim 1 , further comprising the step of
- charging (s350) said vehicle battery to a predetermined level of charge appropriate to intended functions of the vehicle ( 00).
3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising the step of
- determining and indicating when said level of charge is reached.
4. A method according to any one of the foregoing claims, in which said external voltage source (290) provides low voltage and a very limited energy content for said activation.
5. A method according to any one of the foregoing claims, in which said prime mover configuration comprises also a combustion engine (230) with a starter motor.
6. A method according to any one of the foregoing claims, further comprising the steps of
- disconnecting (s360) a safety device pertaining to an electrical centre of the vehicle,
- providing said external voltage source to said electrical centre in order to activate said control means.
7. A method according to any one of the foregoing claims, in which said control means (200; 210) comprise a control unit each for said energy store
(260) and said voltage converter (270), and a control unit to control the respective control units.
8. A method according to any one of the foregoing claims, in which said energy store (260) comprises a 200-900 volt hybrid battery.
9. A device for emergency starting of a motor vehicle (100; 110) comprising a prime mover configuration with an electric motor (240), an energy store (260) for said electric motor (240), a usual vehicle battery (280), a voltage converter (270) connected between said energy store (260) and said vehicle battery, and control means (200; 210; 400) to control energy flows involving said energy store (260) and said voltage converter (270), comprising
- means for determining that said vehicle battery is substantially discharged, characterised by
- means (295) for activating only said control means by power supply from an external voltage source (290), whereupon
- said control means (200; 210; 400) are adapted to initiating charging of said vehicle battery (280) by means of said energy store (260) and voltage converter (270).
10. A device according to claim 9, further comprising - means (200; 210; 400) for charging said vehicle battery (280) to a predetermined level of charge appropriate to intended functions of the vehicle.
11. A device according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising
- means for determining (200; 210; 400) and indicating (205) when said level of charge is reached.
12. A device according to any one of claims 9-11 , in which said external voltage source (290) is adapted to providing low voltage and a very limited energy content for said activation.
13. A device according to any one of claims 9-12, in which said prime mover configuration comprises also a combustion engine (230) with a starter motor.
14. A device according to any one of claims 9-13, further comprising
- a detachably fitted safety device pertaining to an electrical centre of the vehicle,
- means (295) for connecting said external voltage source (290) to said electrical centre in order to activate said control means (200; 210; 400).
15. A device according to any one of claims 9-14, in which said control means (200; 210; 400) comprise a control unit each for said energy store and said voltage converter, and a control unit to control the respective control units.
16. A device according to any one of claims 9-15, in which said energy store (260) comprises a 200-900 volt hybrid battery.
17. A motor vehicle (100; 110) provided with a device according to any one of claims 9-16.
18. A motor vehicle (100; 110) according to claim 17, which vehicle is any from among truck, bus or car.
19. A computer programme (P) for emergency starting of a motor vehicle, which programme (P) comprises programme code for causing an electronic control unit (200; 400) or another computer (210; 400) connected to the electronic control unit (200; 400) to perform steps according to any one of claims 1-8.
20. A computer programme product comprising a programme code stored on a computer-readable medium for performing method steps according to any one of claims 1-8 when said computer programme is run on an electronic control unit (200; 400) or another computer (210; 400) connected to the electronic control unit (200; 400).
PCT/SE2013/050310 2012-03-23 2013-03-21 Device and method for emergency start of a vehicle WO2013141808A1 (en)

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SE1250290-2 2012-03-23
SE1250290A SE536446C2 (en) 2012-03-23 2012-03-23 Device and procedure for emergency start of a motor vehicle

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EP2828947A4 (en) 2016-03-09
SE536446C2 (en) 2013-11-05
SE1250290A1 (en) 2013-09-24
EP2828947A1 (en) 2015-01-28

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