Equipment for powering and controlling electric vehicles

Abstract

An apparatus for powering and controlling an electric vehicle includes an electric traction motor and a control system for the vehicle and the electric traction motor. The apparatus includes: a first main battery for powering the electric motor and the control system; a second service battery adapted to power the control system during the ignition phase of the vehicle; a first starting device for the vehicle; and a second emergency starting device for the vehicle. The control system includes a first control unit for the vehicle and the electric traction motor, and a second control unit for the first main battery. The first starting device is operatively connected to the second service battery and the first control unit for the vehicle and the electric traction motor to power the first control unit under normal conditions via the second service battery. The second emergency starting device is operatively connected to the second control unit to power the first control unit via the first main battery in an emergency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for powering and controlling an electric vehicle, in particular an electric motorcycle, which device has improved reliability characteristics. Background Art

[0002] The following description will mainly relate to electric motorcycles or mopeds, but does not wish to limit the field of application. Furthermore, in the following description, the terms motorcycle and moped should be considered equivalent.

[0003] The use of electric motors is known in both hybrid type motorcycles, in which one or more internal combustion engines are assisted by one or more electric motors, and in all-electric motorcycles, in which one or more internal combustion engines are fully driven by the electric motors.

[0004] In some typical embodiments of known types, an electric motorcycle advantageously comprises: a high voltage main battery, which provides energy for driving the electric motor; and a low voltage service battery, which provides energy to many electrical and electronic devices of the motorcycle. In this type of solution, a DC-DC converter is usually also provided to convert the high voltage current generated by the main battery into a low voltage current to power the low voltage service battery.

[0005] One of the functions performed by the service battery is to supply energy to the systems during the start-up phase of the motorcycle. In practice, during the start-up phase, the user connects the service battery to the VCU (Vehicle Control Unit) by means of a switch (usually operated by the vehicle ignition key or button). The latter in turn activates the main battery through the BMS (Battery Management System) so that it can drive the traction motor and keeps the service battery charged through a DC-DC converter.

[0006] Although this solution performs in an optimal way the task of managing the power supply of the electric traction motor and the various electronic and electrical devices of the motorcycle, it still has some drawbacks. Among these drawbacks, the one that occurs when the service battery is flat or faulty is particularly severe for the user. In fact, in this case, without the initial energy from the VCU provided by the service battery, the motorcycle cannot be started, even if the high-voltage main battery is fully charged.

[0007] Different solutions have been proposed to solve this problem. However, these solutions all have various drawbacks, mainly due to the complexity of the circuits used to ensure the start of the vehicle and / or the proposed systems are not completely reliable.

[0008] There is therefore a desire for an electric vehicle, in particular an electric motorcycle, having improved characteristics, able to overcome the problems of vehicles of known type which derive from the impossibility of starting the vehicle if the service battery is not sufficiently charged for this purpose. Summary of the invention

[0009] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device for powering and controlling an electric vehicle, in particular an electric motorcycle, which device makes it possible to start the vehicle even when the service battery is not sufficiently charged.

[0010] Another object is to enable the vehicle to be started even when the service battery is not sufficiently charged and to allow the service battery to be recharged once the vehicle has been started.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for powering and controlling an electric vehicle, the device being provided with a second emergency starting device to allow starting of the vehicle in the event that the service battery is not sufficiently charged.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for powering and controlling an electric vehicle, which device can be manufactured using relatively simple circuit arrangements.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for powering and controlling an electric vehicle which is easy to manufacture at a competitive cost.

[0014] As will be explained in the following part of the specification, the above-mentioned and other objects and advantages of the present invention are achieved by a device for powering and controlling an electric vehicle, which device includes an electric traction motor and a control system for the vehicle and the electric traction motor. The device includes: a first main battery for powering the electric traction motor and the control system, a second service battery suitable for powering the control system during the starting phase of the vehicle, a first starting device of the vehicle and a second emergency starting device of the vehicle. The vehicle according to the present invention is characterized in that the control system includes a first control unit of the vehicle and the electric traction motor and a second control unit of the first main battery; the first starting device is operably connected to the second service battery and the first control unit of the vehicle and the electric traction motor to power the first control unit with the help of the second service battery under normal circumstances; the second emergency starting device is operably connected to the second control unit to power the first control unit with the help of the first main battery in an emergency starting situation.

[0015] In another aspect, the invention also relates to an electric vehicle, in particular an electric moped, comprising a device of the type described and claimed.

[0016] In this way, as better explained below, with the aid of the second emergency starting device, a second control unit (BMS), which actually includes a control unit of the first main battery, can be activated in such a way that, when the second service battery is not sufficiently charged, the first control unit including the vehicle control unit (VCU) can be powered with the aid of the first main battery, thereby making it possible to start the vehicle.

[0017] For the purposes of the present invention, the term "emergency starting situation" refers to a situation in which the second service battery is not provided with sufficient charge to allow starting of the vehicle.

[0018] Furthermore, the term "battery" refers to any electrical energy storage device that can be recharged and is capable of supplying electrical energy to a circuit connected thereto.

[0019] The term "electric vehicle" is intended to mean any vehicle provided with at least one electric traction motor, thus including vehicles with fully electric traction and vehicles with hybrid traction.

[0020] Finally, for the purposes of the present invention, the term “electric traction motor” is intended to mean an “electric motor” that provides drive torque to the driven wheels of a vehicle.

[0021] In a typical embodiment of the apparatus for powering and controlling an electric vehicle according to the present invention, the first starting device comprises a first starting switch, and the second emergency starting device comprises a second emergency starting switch located on the emergency circuit.

[0022] Typically, the first start switch and the second emergency start switch may be operated by a user and may typically include an ignition key or ignition button and an emergency start button, respectively.

[0023] In more detail, in an embodiment of the present invention, a device for powering and controlling an electric vehicle may advantageously include a third switching device, which is controlled by a second control unit of the first main battery and is suitable for connecting the first main battery to a first control unit of a vehicle and an electric traction motor; in addition, a device for powering and controlling may advantageously include a fourth switching device, which is controlled by a first control unit of the vehicle and an electric traction motor and is operably connected to the second control unit of the first main battery, and the fourth switching device is suitable for sending a signal for activating / releasing the third switching device to the second control unit.

[0024] In practice, the third switch means may comprise a switch (main switch) controlled by the control unit (BMS) of the main battery, which allows the power supply of the control system of the vehicle and the electric traction motor to be electrically connected to the voltage of the first main battery. In turn, the fourth switch means may comprise another switch (ignition switch) controlled by the vehicle control unit (VCU), the closing of which is detected by the BMS, which then activates the closing of the main switch.

[0025] Therefore, under normal circumstances, the VCU can be activated by the ignition key and determine the closing of the ignition switch. The BMS detects the closing of the ignition switch and activates the main switch, thereby closing the power circuit of the control system of the vehicle and the electric traction motor by means of the main battery.

[0026] In an embodiment of the apparatus for powering and controlling an electric vehicle according to the present invention, the second emergency start switch is adapted to send a signal for activation / release of the third switch device to a second control unit of the first main battery.

[0027] In practice, in an emergency start situation, the user operates the second emergency start switch by means of a button, for example, to close the second emergency start switch. The BMS then detects the closing of the second emergency start switch and activates the main switch, thereby closing the circuit that powers the vehicle and the motor control system by means of the main battery.

[0028] In an embodiment of the apparatus for powering and controlling an electric vehicle according to the present invention, the third switch device may advantageously include an internal switch of the first main battery, thereby simplifying the circuit arrangement.

[0029] Typically, the first main battery and the second service battery operate at different voltage levels, and typically the first main battery operates at a higher voltage level than the second service battery. For example, a typical operating value of the first main battery may be 48V, and a typical operating value of the second service battery may be 12V.

[0030] In this case, the vehicle and the first control unit of the electric traction motor advantageously comprise voltage converter means interposed between the first main battery and the second service battery.

[0031] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention for powering and controlling an electric vehicle, the first control unit of the vehicle and the electric traction motor preferably comprises a first control device (MCU) of the electric motor comprising control and power electronics of the electric traction motor and a second control device of the vehicle comprising vehicle control electronics.

[0032] Indeed, in this embodiment, the first control device of the electric traction motor is operatively connected to the first main battery and to the electric traction motor for driving said electric traction motor.

[0033] In addition, a second vehicle control unit (VCU) is operably connected to the second service battery for starting the vehicle in normal situations, and a second vehicle control unit (VCU) is operably connected to the first main battery for starting the vehicle in emergency situations. In other words, as better explained in the following detailed description, the VCU can be advantageously powered by the second service battery during the starting phase in normal situations, while in emergency situations during the starting phase, the VCU can be powered by the first main battery.

[0034] In another aspect, the invention also relates to an electric / hybrid traction vehicle comprising a power supply and control device as described and claimed.

[0035] Particularly, vehicle of the present invention can advantageously comprise electric moped.In this case, the user can advantageously operate the emergency switch via a button device, for example, positioned in a compartment under the saddle of the moped. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description of some embodiments thereof illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0037] - Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a general embodiment of an apparatus for powering and controlling an electric vehicle according to the present invention;

[0038] - Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a first specific embodiment of an apparatus for powering and controlling an electric vehicle according to the present invention;

[0039] - Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a second specific embodiment of an apparatus for powering and controlling an electric vehicle according to the present invention;

[0040] - Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a third specific embodiment of an apparatus for powering and controlling an electric vehicle according to the present invention;

[0041] - Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a fourth specific embodiment of an apparatus for powering and controlling an electric vehicle according to the present invention;

[0042] - Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a fifth specific embodiment of the apparatus for powering and controlling an electric vehicle according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] With reference to the drawings, in its more general embodiment, the device 1 of the invention is suitable for powering and controlling an electric vehicle comprising an electric traction motor 2 and a control system 3 for the vehicle and the electric traction motor 2. The electric traction motor 2 provides drive torque to the driven wheels of the vehicle.

[0044] The device 1 comprises, in addition to a second service battery 5 suitable for powering the control system 3 during the ignition phases of the vehicle, a first main battery 4 suitable for powering the electric traction motor 2 and the control system 3 .

[0045] The device 1 also includes: a first starting device 6 of the vehicle, which, for example, includes a first starting switch that can be operated by a user with the aid of an ignition key or an ignition button; and a second emergency starting device 7 of the vehicle, which, for example, includes a second emergency starting switch that can be operated by a user with the aid of an emergency starting button and is located on the emergency circuit 71.

[0046] One of the peculiar characteristics of the device 1 according to the invention is given by the fact that the control system 3 comprises a first control unit 10 of the vehicle and of the electric traction motor 2 and a second control unit 20 of the first main battery 4 .

[0047] In physical terms, the first control unit 10 of the vehicle and the second control unit 20 of the first main battery 4 may be integrated in the same control system 3 ( Figure 1 Alternatively, the second control unit 20 may be advantageously physically integrated into the control system 31 of the first main battery 4 ( Figures 2 to 6 ). Furthermore, the control system 3 of the vehicle and the electric traction motor 2 and the control system 31 of the first main battery 4 may be fully or partially physically integrated ( Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 ) or physically separated ( Figure 3 and Figure 6 ).

[0048] Another unique feature of the device 1 according to the invention is given by the fact that the first start switch is operatively connected to the second service battery 5 and to the first control unit 10 of the vehicle and of the electric traction motor 2, in such a way that when the first start switch is closed (ignition key is set to “on”), the first control unit 10 is powered by means of the second service battery 5 to allow starting of the vehicle.

[0049] As better explained below, the second emergency start switch is operatively connected to the second control unit 20 in such a way as to allow the first control unit 10 to be powered by means of the first main battery 4 in an emergency situation, i.e. when the second service battery 5 does not have sufficient charge to allow the vehicle to be started.

[0050] Reference Figures 4 to 6 In a preferred embodiment, the device 1 for powering and controlling an electric vehicle includes a third switching device 21, which is controlled by a second control unit 20 of a first main battery 4 and is suitable for connecting the first main battery 4 to a first control unit 10 of the vehicle and the electric traction motor 2.

[0051] The device 1 also comprises fourth switching means 11 controlled by the first control unit 10 of the vehicle and the electric traction motor 2 and operatively connected to the second control unit 20 of the first main battery 4. As better explained below, the fourth switching means 11 is suitable for sending a signal for the activation / release of the third switching means 21 to the second control unit 20.

[0052] In one embodiment of the device of the invention, the third switching device 21 comprises a switch 21 (main switch) which is controlled by the BMS 20 of the main battery 4 and allows the power supply of the control system 3 of the vehicle and the electric traction motor 2 to be electrically connected to the voltage of the first main battery 4. In turn, the fourth switching device 11 comprises a further switch 11 (ignition switch) which is controlled by the vehicle control unit (VCU) so that when the closing of the further switch 11 is detected by the BMS 20, the BMS 20 thus activates the closing of the main switch 21, thereby starting the vehicle under normal circumstances.

[0053] On the other hand, in the event of an emergency start, the second emergency start switch is adapted to send a signal for activation / release of the third switch device 21 to the second control unit 20 of the first main battery 4. The user then closes the second emergency start switch by means of a button, for example, acting on the second emergency start switch. The BMS 20 then detects the closing of the emergency circuit 71 and activates the main switch 21, thereby closing the power supply circuit of the vehicle and the control system 3 of the electric traction motor 2 by means of the first main battery 4.

[0054] From a practical point of view, the main switch 21 may advantageously comprise an internal switch of the first main battery 4 .

[0055] As described above, in the apparatus 1 for powering and controlling an electric vehicle according to the present invention, the first main battery 4 and the second service battery 5 operate at different voltage levels, for example, at voltages of 48V and 12V, respectively.

[0056] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 In an embodiment of the device 1 of the invention, the first control unit 10 of the vehicle and of the electric traction motor 2 comprises a voltage converter device 12 (in fact, a DC-DC converter) interposed between the first main battery 4 and the second service battery 5 .

[0057] In this way, an operable interface can be created between the two batteries 4 and 5 , allowing, among other things, recharging of the second service battery 5 by means of the first main battery 4 .

[0058] Refer again Figure 5 and Figure 6 In an embodiment of the device 1 of the invention, the first control unit 10 of the vehicle and the electric traction motor 2 comprises a first control device 13 of the electric motor (typically a motor control unit - MCU) and a second control device 14 of the vehicle (vehicle control unit - VCU).

[0059] Typically, the MCU 13 of the electric traction motor 2 is operatively connected to the first main battery 4 and to said electric traction motor 2 so as to allow driving of said electric traction motor 2 .

[0060] Furthermore, the vehicle's VCU 14 is typically operably connected to the second service battery 5 for starting the vehicle in normal circumstances, and is operably connected to the first main battery 4 to allow starting the vehicle in emergency circumstances.

[0061] In practice, during normal operation, the vehicle startup process is as follows.

[0062] The user operates the first starting device 6, for example by setting the key switch to the "on" position. The VCU 14 is then powered by the second service battery 5 and gives a command for closing the ignition switch 11 of the first main battery 4 intended primarily for traction.

[0063] The BMS 20 detects the closing of the ignition contacts 11 and activates the main switch 21, thereby connecting the power supply of the control system 3 of the vehicle and the electric traction motor 2 to the first main battery 4. Once powered, the control system 3 of the vehicle and the electric traction motor 2 is able to maintain the charge of the second service battery 5 with the help of the DC-DC converter 12 and drive the electric traction motor 2 with the help of the MCU 13.

[0064] If the second service battery 5 is dead, it is not possible to power the VCU 14 and continue with the standard ignition process; an emergency start process must be used with the aid of the second emergency start switch. The emergency start process is as follows.

[0065] The user operates the first starting device 6, for example by setting the key switch to the "on" position. Since the second service battery 5 is dead, the VCU 14 cannot be powered and cannot give a command for closing the ignition switch 11 of the first main battery 4.

[0066] At this time, the user operates the second emergency start switch (e.g., by means of a button) to close the emergency circuit 71. The BMS 20 detects the closing of the emergency circuit 71 and activates the main switch 21, thereby connecting the power supply of the control system 3 of the vehicle and the electric traction motor 2 to the first main battery 4.

[0067] The control system 3 of the vehicle and of the electric traction motor 2, once powered, is able to power the VCU 14 and recharge the second service battery 5 by means of the DC-DC converter 12. The VCU 14 can then command the ignition switch 11 of the first main battery 4 to be closed.

[0068] At this point, the user can release the button activating the second emergency start switch. At this point, the vehicle has been started and is in normal operating mode, wherein the control system 3 of the vehicle and the electric traction motor 2 continues to charge the second service battery 5 by means of the DC-DC converter 12, and can simultaneously start driving the electric traction motor 2 by means of the MCU 13.

[0069] It has been seen in practice that the device for powering and controlling an electric vehicle, in particular an electric motorcycle, according to the present invention achieves the intended purpose.

[0070] Using the power supply and control device of the invention, it is also possible to start the vehicle when the service battery is not sufficiently charged.

[0071] Furthermore, the power supply and control device of the invention allows recharging of the service battery once the vehicle has been started.

[0072] As has been seen from the foregoing description and the accompanying drawings, the power supply and control device of the invention can be produced using relatively simple circuit arrangements.

[0073] Furthermore, if the vehicle comprises an electric traction motorcycle, the power supply and control device of the present invention may conveniently comprise a push-button operating system positioned close to the main battery and housed in a protected compartment in a manner not freely accessible except to the owner / user, for example in a compartment under the saddle of the motorcycle.

[0074] For those skilled in the art, other characteristics, modifications or improvements are possible and obvious based on the description provided. Therefore, the characteristics, modifications and improvements should be considered as part of the present invention. In practice, except for the size and shape that vary according to the situation, any material can be used according to requirements and the prior art.

Claims

1. A device (1) for supplying power to and controlling an electric motorcycle, the device (1) comprising an electric traction motor (2) and a control system (3) for the motorcycle and the electric traction motor (2), the device (1) comprising: a first main battery (4) for supplying the electric traction motor (2) and the control system (3), a second service battery (5) suitable for supplying the control system (3) during the starting phase of the motorcycle, a first starting device (6) and a second emergency starting device (7), Characterized in that the control system (3) comprises a first control unit (10) of the motorcycle and the electric traction motor (2) and a second control unit (20) of the first main battery (4), the first starting device (6) being operably connected to the second service battery (5) and the first control unit (10) of the motorcycle and the electric traction motor (2) so as to supply the first control unit (10) through the second service battery (5) under normal circumstances, the second emergency starting device (7) being operably connected to the second control unit (20) so as to supply the first control unit (10) through the first main battery (4) under emergency starting circumstances, The first starting device (6) comprises a first starting switch, and the second emergency starting device (7) comprises a second emergency starting switch, and the first starting device and the second emergency starting device are operable by a user.

2. The device (1) for powering and controlling an electric motorcycle according to claim 1, characterized in that: The device (1) comprises a third switch device (21) and a fourth switch device (11), wherein the third switch device is controlled by a second control unit (20) of the first main battery (4) and is suitable for connecting the first main battery (4) to a first control unit (10) of the motorcycle and the electric traction motor (2); the fourth switch device (11) is controlled by the first control unit (10) of the motorcycle and the electric traction motor (2) and is operably connected to the second control unit (20) of the first main battery (4), and the fourth switch device (11) is suitable for sending a signal for activating / releasing the third switch device (21) to the second control unit (20).

3. The device (1) for powering and controlling an electric motorcycle according to claim 2, characterized in that: The second emergency starting device (7) is adapted to send a signal for activating / releasing the third switching device (21) to a second control unit (20) of the first main battery (4).

4. The device (1) for powering and controlling an electric motorcycle according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The third switch device (21) comprises an internal switch of the first main battery (4).

5. The device (1) for powering and controlling an electric motorcycle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The first main battery (4) and the second service battery (5) operate at different voltage levels.

6. The device (1) for powering and controlling an electric motorcycle according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first control unit (10) of the motorcycle and of the electric traction motor (2) comprises a voltage converter device (12) interposed between the first main battery (4) and the second service battery (5).

7. The device (1) for powering and controlling an electric motorcycle according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first control unit (10) of the motorcycle and the electric traction motor (2) comprises a first control device (13) of the electric traction motor (2) and a second control device (14) of the motorcycle.

8. The device (1) for powering and controlling an electric motorcycle according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first control device (13) of the electric traction motor (2) is operatively connected to the first main battery (4) and the electric traction motor (2) for driving the electric traction motor (2).

9. The device (1) for powering and controlling an electric motorcycle according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: The second control device (14) of the motorcycle is operably connected to the second service battery (5) for starting the motorcycle in normal conditions, and the second control device (14) of the motorcycle is operably connected to the first main battery (4) for starting the motorcycle in emergency conditions.

10. The device (1) for powering and controlling an electric motorcycle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The first start switch and the second emergency start switch are operated by a user.

11. The device (1) for powering and controlling an electric motorcycle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The second emergency activation device (7) can be activated by a push button device.

12. An electric motorcycle, characterized in that: The electric motorcycle comprises a device (1) for powering and controlling an electric motorcycle according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The motorcycle according to claim 12, characterized in that: The second emergency activation device (7) is positioned in a compartment under the saddle of the motorcycle.

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