Safety method and system on a vehicle with transport refrigeration

Abstract

Aspects of the present invention relate to a system and method for safely decoupling an external power supply from a vehicle. The technology described herein provides an indication or warning to a user at the appropriate time and avoids possible damage to the system. The system includes an electrical port through which a chiller can be connected to an external AC mains power supply via a cable when the vehicle is in a stationary state. The system further includes a chiller master unit (RMU) for controlling the power delivered to the chiller in both the stationary state and the running state of the vehicle. A safety system is installed for limiting the vehicle from being driven when the electrical port of the system is connected to the AC mains power supply via a cable and the chiller is powered by the AC mains power supply.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention generally relates to control systems. More specifically, this invention relates to systems and methods for notifying users of electrical connections to a system. Background Technology

[0002] There are a wide variety of items that require suitable environments for transportation. In industry-specific transportation systems, various measures are employed to control parameters such as temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide levels. Transportation systems with mechanisms for controlling these parameters in this way are often referred to as "refrigerated containers."

[0003] Items requiring critical environmental control are transported in different types of control units. For example, transport refrigeration units are used to carry items that need to be maintained within specific and critical ranges of temperature and other parameters (such as air pressure).

[0004] Transport refrigeration systems can be used in various modes of transport, such as air, sea, or road transport. When a vehicle carrying a transport refrigeration system is in motion, the system is powered by a battery or a diesel generator. When the vehicle is parked or stationary for loading or unloading goods, the transport refrigeration unit is typically powered by an external AC power supply. When the vehicle begins to move again, the external power supply must be disconnected. The connection to the external power supply during vehicle movement can cause physical damage to both the transport refrigeration unit and the external power supply itself. Furthermore, the forces resisting movement during the connection between the external power supply and the transport refrigeration unit may generate sparks, which could potentially lead to fire and other damage.

[0005] In view of the above problems, there is a need for an effective system and method to provide warnings to users such as drivers, so that the vehicle will not begin to move if an external power supply is connected to the vehicle's internal refrigeration system. Damage to the refrigeration unit and prevention of fire are also necessary. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Various embodiments of the present invention describe a system comprising a refrigerator mounted on a vehicle. A battery or diesel generator supplies power to the refrigerator when the vehicle is in motion. An electrical port on the system allows connection via cable to an AC trunk power supply to power the refrigerator when the vehicle is stationary. A refrigerator main controller unit (RMU) controls the power supplied to the refrigerator in both stationary and in-motion states of the vehicle. Furthermore, the system includes a safety system that restricts the vehicle from being driven when the electrical port is connected to the cable and the refrigerator is powered by the AC trunk power supply.

[0007] In an embodiment of the invention, the safety system includes an ignition relay switchable between a "closed" and a "disconnected" state. In the "closed" state, the ignition relay connects the vehicle's ignition switch to the vehicle's electronic control unit (ECU), and in the "disconnected" state, disconnects the ignition switch from the ECU. The vehicle's ignition switch can be switched to an "on" state to allow the ECU to drive the vehicle, and can be switched to an "off" state to restrict the ECU from driving the vehicle.

[0008] In another embodiment of the invention, the RMU detects whether the electrical port is connected to the cable and whether the cooler is powered by the AC trunk power supply, and detects whether the ignition switch of the vehicle is in the "on" state or the "off" state. Based on the detection, the RMU switches the ignition relay between the "off" and "on" states.

[0009] In another embodiment of the invention, when the ignition switch is in the "on" state and the cooler is powered by the AC trunk power supply device, the RMU switches the ignition relay to the "off" state.

[0010] In another embodiment of the invention, when the ignition switch is in the "off" state and the cooler is powered by the AC trunk power supply device, the RMU switches the ignition relay to the "closed" state.

[0011] In another embodiment of the invention, when the ignition switch is in the "on" state and the cooler is powered by the battery or diesel generator, the RMU switches the ignition relay to the "closed" state.

[0012] In another embodiment of the invention, when the ignition switch is in the "off" state and the cooler is powered by the battery or diesel generator, the RMU switches the ignition relay to the "closed" state.

[0013] In different embodiments of the invention, the safety system includes a buzzer, and the RMU activates the buzzer to warn the driver when the cooler is powered directly from the AC trunk power supply and the ignition switch is in the "on" state.

[0014] In another embodiment of the present invention, a method for safe decoupling of an AC trunk power supply device is disclosed. The method includes: when the vehicle is in motion, supplying power to a refrigerator mounted on the vehicle via a battery or diesel generator. The method further includes: when the vehicle is stationary, connecting the refrigerator to the AC trunk power supply device via a cable to directly supply power to the refrigerator. Power supplied to the refrigerator in both the stationary and in-motion states of the vehicle is controlled by a refrigerator main controller unit (RMU). When the electrical port is connected to the cable and the refrigerator is directly powered from the AC trunk power supply device, a safety system restricts the vehicle from being driven.

[0015] In another embodiment of the invention, the safety system includes an ignition relay switchable between a "closed" and a "disconnected" state, wherein the ignition relay connects the ignition switch to the ECU in the "closed" state and disconnects the ignition switch from the ECU in the "disconnected" state.

[0016] In another embodiment of the invention, the RMU detects whether the electrical port is connected to the cable and whether the cooler is directly powered from the AC trunk power supply, and detects whether the ignition switch of the vehicle is in the "on" state or the "off" state. Based on the detection, the RMU switches the ignition relay between the "off" and "on" states.

[0017] In another embodiment of the invention, when the ignition switch is in the "on" state and the cooler is directly powered from the AC trunk power supply device, the RMU switches the ignition relay to the "off" state.

[0018] In another embodiment of the invention, when the ignition switch is in the "off" state and the cooler is directly powered from the AC trunk power supply, the RMU switches the ignition relay to the "closed" state.

[0019] In another embodiment of the invention, when the ignition switch is in the "on" state and the cooler is powered by the battery, the RMU switches the ignition relay to the "closed" state.

[0020] In another embodiment of the invention, the safety system includes a buzzer, wherein the RMU activates the buzzer to warn the driver when the cooler is powered directly from the AC trunk power supply and the ignition switch is in the "on" state.

[0021] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the vehicle is a battery-electric vehicle, and the battery that powers the cooling system when the vehicle is in motion is the same battery that powers the prime mover of the vehicle.

[0022] This summary provides a simplified overview of a series of concepts, which are further described in the detailed description below. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0023] Other aspects, advantages, and distinctive features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments disclosed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is an exemplary block diagram illustrating different components of a system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 This is an exemplary diagram illustrating the different components of a system on a vehicle.

[0026] Figure 3 This is an exemplary flowchart illustrating a method for performing the invention according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0027] Throughout the accompanying drawings, the corresponding reference numbers indicate the relevant parts. Detailed Implementation

[0028] This document describes techniques for systems and methods that safely decouple external power supply devices from vehicles. The techniques described herein provide instructions or warnings to the user at appropriate times and prevent potential damage to the system. The system identifies various conditions and accordingly indicates whether the vehicle should be started.

[0029] Various embodiments of the present invention describe a system including a refrigerator mounted on a vehicle. The system includes a battery or diesel generator for powering the refrigerator when the vehicle is in motion. If the vehicle is battery-operated, the battery can also be used to power the vehicle. The system includes an electrical port through which the refrigerator can be connected via cable to an external AC mains power supply when the vehicle is stationary. The system further includes a refrigerator main controller unit (RMU) for controlling the power supplied to the refrigerator in both stationary and in-motion states of the vehicle. A safety system is installed to restrict the vehicle from being driven when the system's electrical port is connected via cable to the AC mains power supply and the refrigerator is powered by the AC mains power supply.

[0030] In embodiments of the system, the system is mounted on a vehicle. The vehicle can be an electrically powered vehicle. The vehicle can be fuel-powered, electric, or battery-operated. Different types of vehicles can be used with the system and are within the scope of this invention.

[0031] In embodiments of the present invention, the system includes a battery. The battery may be a lithium-ion battery, an aluminum-air battery, a lead-acid battery, etc. Furthermore, the battery can be used to power a refrigerator installed in a vehicle. And the same battery can be used to power the vehicle itself.

[0032] As described herein, a refrigeration unit can be any control system used to control various environmental parameters, such as temperature, humidity, different gases, etc. A refrigeration unit can be a control system that can be installed on a vehicle. The refrigeration unit can be powered by a battery or diesel generator, or it can be operated using an external power source, such as an external AC power supply.

[0033] In an embodiment of the invention, a refrigerator main control unit (RMU) is used to control the power supplied to the refrigerator when the vehicle is in motion and when it is stationary. The RMU detects environmental parameters inside the refrigerator for one or more items and maintains these parameters accordingly by controlling the power supplied to the refrigerator.

[0034] In embodiments of the present invention, an electronic control unit (ECU) is installed on a vehicle to control its operation. The ECU controls the vehicle's ignition, speed, fuel, battery, etc., to appropriately control the vehicle's operation.

[0035] Figure 1A system 1 is depicted for warning a user when an external power supply, such as an AC trunk power supply, is connected to a vehicle. System 1 depicts a transport refrigeration unit 100 coupled to an ignition switch 200 of the vehicle. An automotive electronic control unit 300 is coupled to the transport refrigeration unit 100 to provide control signals for operating the vehicle. The automotive electronic control unit 300 allows the vehicle to be driven based on the state of the ignition relay 106 of the transport refrigeration unit 100. The transport refrigeration unit 100 includes an electrical box or electrical port 102 that couples a refrigeration main controller 104 of the transport refrigeration unit 100 to an AC trunk power supply 400 located externally to the vehicle. The transport refrigeration unit 100 may be coupled to a battery (not shown) or a diesel generator (not shown). The battery or diesel generator is used to power the refrigeration unit mounted on the vehicle.

[0036] The ignition relay 106 may be part of the safety system of the transport refrigeration unit 100. When the vehicle is in motion, a battery or diesel generator is used to power the transport refrigeration unit 100 installed on the vehicle. The transport refrigeration unit 100 or refrigeration unit provides a suitable environment for controlling environmental parameters for items placed inside the refrigeration unit 100. However, when the vehicle stops for one or more reasons. For example, the vehicle may stop to load and / or unload items from the refrigeration unit 100. During long-distance transport, the vehicle may also stop to replenish or charge its battery. When the vehicle stops, generally, the battery supplying power to the refrigeration unit is disconnected, and during the stop time, an AC trunk power supply located outside the vehicle is provided to power the refrigeration unit. In addition, the AC trunk power supply 400 is used to charge the battery for further use.

[0037] In an embodiment of the invention, system 1 includes a safety system for warning the user or driver of the vehicle not to start the vehicle or provide ignition to the vehicle when the AC mains power supply 400 is connected to the vehicle. The safety system includes an ignition relay 106, which is toggle between a "closed" and an "open" state. The ignition relay 106 is connected to an electronic control unit (ECU) 300 to provide a signal indicating whether the vehicle should be started. Therefore, when an external power supply is connected to the vehicle, the ECU 300 prevents the vehicle from being driven.

[0038] The main control unit (RMU) 104 detects whether the refrigeration unit is connected to the AC mains power supply 400 and whether the vehicle's ignition switch 200 is "ON". Upon determining that the AC mains power supply is connected to the vehicle and the ignition switch is "ON", the RMU switches the ignition relay to the "OFF" state. When the "OFF" state of the ignition relay 106 is detected, the vehicle electronic control unit 300 or RMU 104 warns the driver by activating a buzzer on the vehicle, thereby instructing them not to drive the vehicle. In embodiments of the invention, other warning mechanisms, such as LED displays, notifications on user devices, and beep sounds, can be activated via the vehicle ECU 300 or RMU 104. Therefore, the invention provides a warning to the user if an external power supply is connected to the vehicle. The warning also provides against any physical damage to the refrigeration unit and the power supply.

[0039] When a vehicle suddenly begins to move while connected to an external power source, sparks may occur, potentially causing a fire in the vehicle, nearby property, and to the external power source. Warnings provided by the vehicle's ECU 300 or RMU 104 can help prevent such sparks and fires.

[0040] In an embodiment of the present invention, when the ignition switch 200 is "OFF" and the cooler 100 is powered by the AC trunk power supply 400, the RMU 104 can switch the ignition relay 106 to "closed state".

[0041] In an embodiment of the invention, when the ignition switch 200 is "on" and the cooler 100 is powered by a battery or diesel generator, the RMU 104 can switch the ignition relay 106 to "closed".

[0042] In an embodiment of the invention, when the ignition switch 200 is in the "off" state and the cooler 100 is powered by a battery or diesel generator, the RMU 104 switches the ignition relay 106 to the "closed" state.

[0043] Figure 2 An embodiment of the invention, depicting details of system 1 on a vehicle 2, is described. It can be seen that a transport refrigeration unit 100 is mounted on the vehicle and coupled to an ignition switch 200 and a vehicle ECU 300. The transport refrigeration unit 100, or the components of the refrigeration unit, are connected to... Figure 1 The components described herein are the same. The transport refrigeration unit 100 is connected to an AC trunk power supply 400 located outside the vehicle. The operation of the system, along with its components, is similar to that described above.

[0044] Figure 3A flowchart illustrating the features of the invention as outlined in embodiments thereof is provided. Figure 3 A method performed to implement the present invention is described. The method begins at 302, and at step 304, it is determined that an external power supply device 400 is available for use in the vehicle. The external power supply device 400 may be an AC trunk power supply device for operating a refrigerator 100 installed on the vehicle, or the like.

[0045] In step 306, it is determined whether the vehicle's ignition (ignition switch) 200 is "on". As described above, the vehicle's ignition is controlled by the ignition switch. If the ignition is "off", the process moves to step 308 and executes the normal operating mode. In the normal operating mode, the AC power supply continues to operate the refrigerator and charge the vehicle's battery. If the ignition is "on", in step 312, the RMU 104 switches the ignition relay 106 to "off" and sends a command to the ECU 300 to switch the ignition to "off". The method also starts a predetermined timer to activate the buzzer.

[0046] In 314, the buzzer is activated to warn the user or driver of the vehicle, thereby indicating that the vehicle's ignition is "on" and that the vehicle is connected to an external power supply.

[0047] In step 316, the method determines whether a predetermined timer has expired. If the predetermined timer has not expired, the process continues to operate the buzzer to warn the user.

[0048] If the timer has expired, at step 310, the buzzer will be turned off and the ignition relay will be closed. Alternatively, the ignition relay can be closed if the buzzer is manually stopped before the timer expires.

[0049] This invention is applicable to a variety of fields, such as, but not limited to, the transportation industry, the pharmaceutical industry, the cosmetics industry, the food industry, and any such field known in the art in which articles can be transported and / or utilized.

[0050] Although described in conjunction with exemplary computing system environments, examples of the present invention can be implemented using numerous other general-purpose or special-purpose computing system environments, configurations, or devices.

[0051] Examples of the invention may be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions (such as program modules) implemented by one or more computers or other devices in software, firmware, hardware, or a combination thereof. Computer-executable instructions may be organized into one or more computer-executable components or modules. Generally, program modules include, but are not limited to, routines, programs, objects, components, and data structures that perform a particular task or implement a particular abstract data type. Aspects of the invention may be implemented by any number and organization of such components or modules. For example, aspects of the invention are not limited to the specific computer-executable instructions or specific components or modules shown in the drawings and described herein. Other examples of the invention may include different computer-executable instructions or components having more or less functionality than those shown and described herein. When a general-purpose computer is configured to execute the instructions described herein, aspects of the invention transform a general-purpose computer into a special-purpose computing device.

[0052] Unless otherwise specified, the order in which operations are performed or executed in the examples of the invention shown and described herein is not critical. That is, unless otherwise specified, the operations may be performed in any order, and examples of the invention may include additional operations beyond those disclosed herein, or fewer operations than those disclosed herein. For example, it is contemplated that performing or executing a particular operation before, simultaneously with, or after another operation is within the scope of various aspects of the invention.

[0053] In describing elements of aspects or examples of the present invention, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to mean the presence of one or more of the stated elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that additional elements may be present in addition to the listed elements. The term “exemplary” is intended to mean “an example of….” The phrase “one or more of the following: A, B, and C” means “at least one of A and / or at least one of B and / or at least one of C.”

[0054] Having described various aspects of the invention in detail, it will be understood that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Since various changes can be made to the above constructions, products, and methods without departing from the scope of the invention, all matters intended to be included in the above description and shown in the drawings should be interpreted as illustrative and not restrictive.

[0055] Although the subject matter has been described using language specific to structural features and / or actions, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Rather, the specific features and actions described above are disclosed as examples of implementing the claims and are intended to include other equivalent features and actions within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A safety control system for a vehicle equipped with refrigeration, comprising: A refrigeration unit, which is installed on a vehicle; A battery or diesel generator that supplies power to the refrigeration unit when the vehicle is in motion; An electrical port, which, when the vehicle is stationary, is connected via a cable to an AC trunk power supply to directly power the cooler; A refrigerator main controller unit (RMU) controls the power supplied to the refrigerator in both the stationary and moving states of the vehicle. as well as A safety system that restricts the vehicle from being driven when the electrical port is connected to the cable and the cooler is powered by the AC trunk power supply. The safety system includes an ignition relay switchable between a "closed" and a "disconnected" state, wherein the ignition relay connects the vehicle's ignition switch to the vehicle's electronic control unit (ECU) in the "closed" state and disconnects the ignition switch from the ECU in the "disconnected" state. The ignition switch of the vehicle can be switched to an "on" state to allow the electronic control unit to drive the vehicle, and can be switched to an "off" state to restrict the electronic control unit from driving the vehicle.

2. The safety control system as described in claim 1, wherein, The main controller unit of the refrigerator detects whether the electrical port is connected to the cable and whether the refrigerator is powered by the AC trunk power supply, and detects whether the ignition switch of the vehicle is in the "on" state or the "off" state.

3. The safety control system as described in claim 2, wherein, The main controller unit of the refrigerator switches the ignition relay between the "off" and "closed" states based on the detection.

4. The safety control system as described in claim 3, wherein, When the ignition switch is in the "on" state and the refrigerator is powered by the AC trunk power supply, the refrigerator main controller unit switches the ignition relay to the "off" state.

5. The safety control system as described in claim 3, wherein, When the ignition switch is in the "off" state and the refrigerator is powered by the AC trunk power supply, the refrigerator main controller unit switches the ignition relay to the "closed" state.

6. The safety control system as described in claim 3, wherein, When the ignition switch is in the "on" state and the refrigerator is powered by the battery, the refrigerator main controller unit switches the ignition relay to the "closed" state.

7. The safety control system as described in claim 3, wherein, When the ignition switch is in the "off" state and the cooler is powered by the battery, the cooler main controller unit switches the ignition relay to the "closed" state.

8. The safety control system as described in claim 3, wherein, The safety system includes a buzzer, wherein the main controller unit of the refrigerator activates the buzzer to warn the driver when the refrigerator is directly powered from the AC trunk power supply and the ignition switch is in the "on" state.

9. The safety control system as described in claim 1, wherein, The vehicle is a battery-electric vehicle, and the battery that powers the cooling system when the vehicle is in motion is the same battery that powers the vehicle.

10. A safety control method for a vehicle equipped with refrigeration, comprising: When the vehicle is in motion, the refrigeration unit installed on the vehicle is powered by a battery or diesel generator. When the vehicle is stationary, the cooler is connected to the AC trunk power supply via a cable to directly power the cooler. The power supplied to the refrigerator is controlled by the refrigerator main controller unit (RMU) when the vehicle is stationary or in motion. as well as When the electrical port is connected to the cable and the cooler is powered directly from the AC trunk power supply, the vehicle is restricted from operation by a safety system. The safety system includes an ignition relay that can be switched between a "closed" and a "disconnected" state, wherein the ignition relay connects the ignition switch to the electronic control unit of the vehicle in the "closed" state and disconnects the ignition switch from the electronic control unit in the "disconnected" state.

11. The security control method as described in claim 10, wherein, The main controller unit of the refrigerator detects whether the electrical port is connected to the cable and whether the refrigerator is directly powered from the AC trunk power supply, and detects whether the ignition switch of the vehicle is in the "on" state or the "off" state.

12. The security control method as described in claim 11, wherein, The main controller unit of the refrigerator switches the ignition relay between the "off" and "closed" states based on the detection.

13. The security control method as described in claim 12, wherein, When the ignition switch is in the "on" state and the refrigerator is directly powered from the AC trunk power supply, the refrigerator main controller unit switches the ignition relay to the "off" state.

14. The security control method as described in claim 12, wherein, When the ignition switch is in the "off" state and the refrigerator is directly powered from the AC trunk power supply, the refrigerator main controller unit switches the ignition relay to the "closed" state.

15. The security control method as described in claim 12, wherein, When the ignition switch is in the "on" state and the refrigerator is powered by the battery, the refrigerator main controller unit switches the ignition relay to the "closed" state.

16. The security control method as described in claim 12, wherein, When the ignition switch is in the "off" state and the cooler is powered by the battery, the cooler main controller unit switches the ignition relay to the "closed" state.

17. The security control method as described in claim 12, wherein, The safety system includes a buzzer, wherein the main controller unit of the refrigerator activates the buzzer to warn the driver when the refrigerator is directly powered from the AC trunk power supply and the ignition switch is in the "on" state.

18. The security control method as described in claim 10, wherein, The vehicle is a battery-electric vehicle, and the battery that powers the cooling system when the vehicle is in motion is the same battery that powers the vehicle.

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