Vehicle with battery recharging governed according to the status of the sensors of the recharging socket

Abstract

The invention relates to a means of transport (V) comprising: - a rechargeable battery (BR), - a base (ER) on which is fixedly integrated: a first socket (P1) suitable for recharging the battery (BR) with direct current and comprising two first pins, each of which is provided with a first sensor for measuring the temperature; and a second socket (P2) suitable for recharging the battery (BR) with alternating current and comprising two second pins, each of which is provided with a second sensor for measuring the temperature; and - a processor (PR) and a memory (MD) which, when the first sensor or respectively the second sensor is faulty, and when the temperature measured by the second sensor or respectively the first sensor is greater than a temperature threshold or when the second sensor or respectively the first sensor is also faulty, trigger an interruption of the recharging using the first socket (P1) or respectively the second socket (P2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention claims priority from French application No. 2002439, filed on March 12, 2020, the content (text, drawings and claims) of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a means of transport having at least one rechargeable battery which can be charged with direct current and recharged with alternating current, and more precisely to the management of the recharging of such a battery. Background Art

[0003] Some vehicles include at least one battery that can be recharged (depending on the user's choice) both with direct current and with alternating current, thanks to a first socket and a second socket that are fixedly integrated with a base included in the front or rear part of the vehicle. More precisely, the first socket of the base is suitable for recharging with direct current and generally comprises two first pins, and the second socket of the base is suitable for recharging with alternating current and generally comprises at least two second pins (most commonly, seven pins).

[0004] When it is desired to recharge the battery of a vehicle with direct current (or respectively with alternating current), an external socket (eg of a recharging station) is connected to the first socket (or respectively the second socket) of the vehicle.

[0005] The continuous connection and disconnection of external pins on the pins through which the current flows in the first and second sockets of the base causes wear on these pins, resulting in increasingly fragmented contact between these pins and the external pins. Consequently, when gaps exist between metal contacts / metals, small arcs can sometimes occur, which can lead to an increase in the base's temperature, potentially dangerous for the vehicle, the sockets of the base, and the user who disconnects the external sockets, and / or for the vehicle itself. Therefore, it is very important to monitor the base's temperature during each recharging cycle.

[0006] To this end, it has been proposed to add a first temperature sensor to each of the two first pins through which the direct current of the first socket of the base flows, and a second temperature sensor to each of the two second pins through which the alternating current of the second socket of the base flows, and to interrupt the recharging when at least one of the first and second sensors detects a temperature greater than a threshold value (typically equal to 90° C.) This interruption is usually accompanied by a display on the screen of the vehicle (for example a service light) in order to inform the user of the vehicle.

[0007] As those skilled in the art will recognize, this operating mode has several drawbacks. Indeed, if all four first and second sensors fail simultaneously, no temperature measurement is possible, and therefore recharging will not be interrupted based on the base temperature, which can be dangerous for the user (risk of burns) and / or for the vehicle and / or for the recharging terminals (risk of fire). Furthermore, a sensor that detects a temperature greater than the threshold value may (optionally temporarily) experience a malfunction. Consequently, a decision to interrupt recharging due to this malfunction may be erroneously made, which can be detrimental to the user, as they may retrieve the vehicle with its battery uncharged and, if its powertrain (or GMP) is fully electric, unusable.

[0008] The object of the present invention is therefore in particular to improve the situation. Summary of the Invention

[0009] To this end, the present invention particularly provides a means of transport, which includes at least one rechargeable battery and a base, on which are fixedly connected: on the one hand, a first socket, which is suitable for recharging the battery with direct current and includes two first pins, each of which is provided with a first sensor for measuring temperature; and on the other hand, a second socket, which is suitable for recharging the battery with alternating current and includes two second pins, each of which is provided with a second sensor for measuring temperature.

[0010] The vehicle is characterized in that the vehicle further comprises at least one processor and at least one memory, wherein the at least one processor and the at least one memory are configured to perform the following operations: during recharging using the first socket or respectively the second socket:

[0011] - detecting a simultaneous failure of the first sensor or the second sensor by analyzing the signal of the first sensor or the second sensor,

[0012] - then, interruption of the recharging is triggered when a malfunction is detected in said first sensor or respectively said second sensor and when the temperature measured by at least one second sensor or respectively at least one first sensor is greater than a selected temperature threshold or when said second sensor or respectively said first sensor also malfunctions.

[0013] Thus, recharging with direct or alternating current is only interrupted when absolutely necessary (the sensors of the used socket fail and the base becomes abnormally hot, or all sensors fail simultaneously), so as to prevent as much as possible the user from returning to his own vehicle without its battery being recharged.

[0014] The means of transport according to the invention may comprise further features which may be employed individually or in combination, in particular:

[0015] - the processor and memory of the transport may be configured to perform operations comprising: triggering an indication to a passenger of the transport of the interruption of the recharging;

[0016] - the processor and memory of the transport may be configured to perform operations consisting in: triggering an indication to passengers of the transport if at least one of the first sensor or the second sensor fails for a period of time greater than a time threshold;

[0017] - the processor and memory of the vehicle may be configured to perform operations consisting in: in the event of a failure of at least one of the first sensor or the second sensor, triggering the storage in the memory of a fault code associated with each sensor that fails;

[0018] - the processor and memory of the vehicle may be configured to perform operations including: triggering storage of a fault code associated with each faulty sensor in the memory corresponding to a fault duration of each faulty sensor;

[0019] - each of the first sensor and the second sensor can measure the temperature of the base;

[0020] - the temperature threshold may be between 80°C and 100°C;

[0021] - The transport means may be of motorised type.

[0022] The present invention also provides a method for controlling the recharging of a rechargeable battery of a transportation vehicle, wherein the transportation vehicle also includes a base, on which are fixedly connected: on the one hand, a first socket, which is suitable for recharging the battery with direct current and includes two first pins, each of which is provided with a first sensor for measuring temperature; and on the other hand, a second socket, which is suitable for recharging the battery with alternating current and includes two second pins, each of which is provided with a second sensor for measuring temperature.

[0023] The method is characterized in that the control method includes the following steps:

[0024] - in a first sub-step, detecting whether the two first sensors or the two second sensors fail simultaneously by analyzing signals of the two first sensors or the two second sensors,

[0025] - Then, in a second sub-step, recharging using the first socket or, respectively, the second socket is interrupted when the first sensor or, respectively, the second sensor fails and when the temperature measured by at least one second sensor or, respectively, at least one first sensor is greater than a selected temperature threshold or when the second sensor or, respectively, the first sensor also fails.

[0026] The present invention also provides a computer program product, which includes a set of instructions, which when executed by a processing unit can implement a control method of the type described above, and the control method is used to control the recharging of a rechargeable battery of a transport vehicle, the transport vehicle also including a base, on which are fixedly connected: on the one hand, a first socket, which is suitable for recharging the battery with direct current and includes two first pins, each of which is provided with a first sensor for measuring temperature; and on the other hand, a second socket, which is suitable for recharging the battery with alternating current and includes two second pins, each of which is provided with a second sensor for measuring temperature. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description of the present invention and the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] Figure 1 Schematically and functionally illustrates an embodiment of a transport means according to the invention,

[0029] Figure 2 Schematically and functionally illustrates an embodiment of a recharging base coupled to a power supply module comprising an embodiment of a control computer, and

[0030] Figure 3 An example of an algorithm for implementing the recharging management method according to the present invention is schematically shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The invention aims in particular at providing a vehicle V comprising at least one battery BR that can be recharged in a controlled manner with direct current or with alternating current in order to avoid overheating of the recharging base ER of the vehicle.

[0032] In the following, as a non-limiting example, it is considered that the transport means V is of the motor type. The transport means is, for example, a car, such as Figure 1As shown above. However, the present invention is not limited to this type of vehicle. The present invention relates to any type of vehicle that includes a fully electric or hybrid powertrain (or GMP) and includes at least one rechargeable battery (which can be recharged with direct current or alternating current, depending on the user's preference). Thus, the present invention relates, for example, to land vehicles (utility vehicles, caravans, minibuses, buses, trucks, motorcycles, road construction equipment, construction site equipment, agricultural equipment, leisure equipment (snowmobiles, go-karts), tracked equipment, and manned expedition equipment), watercraft, and aircraft.

[0033] In addition, hereinafter, by way of non-limiting example, it is assumed that the GMP of a vehicle V is fully electric. The GMP of this vehicle V thus comprises at least one electric drive machine that generates torque for moving the vehicle, in particular based on energy stored in rechargeable batteries. However, the GMP of this vehicle V may be hybrid and thus comprise at least one electric drive machine and at least one non-electrical (optionally thermal) drive machine.

[0034] exist Figure 1 Schematically shown above is a vehicle V according to the invention comprising a drive train (here with a fully electric GMP), a (recharging) base ER comprising a first socket P1 and a second socket P2 as well as at least one processor PR and at least one memory MD.

[0035] As shown in the figure, the GMP of the vehicle V comprises here an electric drive machine MM associated with a rechargeable battery BR and a coupling device DC. In addition, the drive train comprises in particular an engine shaft AM and a transmission shaft AT as a supplement to the own GMP.

[0036] The electric drive machine MM is responsible for generating torque based on the energy stored in the battery BR under the control of the GMP's monitoring computer (not shown). The electric drive machine (MM) transmits this torque to the engine shaft AM, which is also coupled to the coupling device DC. This torque is generated for the drive wheel axle (here, the first axle T1), which is coupled to the coupling device DC via the transmission shaft AT. Therefore, when the coupling device DC couples the engine shaft AM to the transmission shaft AT, the generated torque is transmitted to the first axle T1.

[0037] exist Figure 1 In the non-limiting example shown above, the first axle T1 is located at the front of the vehicle V and is preferably and as shown coupled to the propeller shaft AT via a differential (here a front differential) D1. However, in a variant, this first axle T1 could be an axle referenced T2 located at the rear of the vehicle V.

[0038] The coupling device DC can be, for example, a shaft speed reduction gearbox. However, it can also be a claw coupling or a clutch.

[0039] The battery BR can be recharged with direct current or alternating current (depending on the user's preference) via a power supply module MA, which is connected to the (recharging) base ER. For example, the battery BR can be of low voltage (typically 220V, 400V, or 600V). However, it can also be of medium voltage or extra-low voltage (typically 48V).

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown above without limitation, this battery BR also supplies electrical equipment of the vehicle V, which is connected to the onboard electrical system RB, for example. For this purpose, the battery BR is connected to the onboard electrical system RB via a DC / DC converter CV and optionally an energy distribution module MDE.

[0041] The first socket P1 is fixedly connected to the base ER and is suitable for recharging the battery BR with direct current. Figure 2 As shown above, the first socket includes two first pins B1 through which direct current flows, and each of the two first pins is provided with a first sensor C1 for locally measuring temperature.

[0042] The second socket P2 is fixedly connected to the base ER and is suitable for recharging the battery BR with alternating current. Figure 2 As shown above, the second socket particularly includes two second pins B2 through which the alternating current flows, and each of the two second pins is provided with a second sensor C2 for locally measuring the temperature. Figure 2 In the non-limiting example shown above, the second socket P2 includes seven pins, of which two second pins B2 constitute a CCS2 type socket (but the present invention is applicable to any type of socket).

[0043] Preferably, each of the first sensor C1 and the second sensor C2 measures the temperature of the susceptor ER.

[0044] The power supply module MA ensures the interface between the battery BR and the base ER. It is responsible for managing the power supply to the battery BR during each recharging phase during which an external socket (e.g. of a recharging station) is connected either to the first socket P1 or to the second socket P2.

[0045] The processor PR and the memory MD are configured to perform the following operations:

[0046] - during recharging using the first socket P1 , interruption of the recharging is triggered when both first sensors C1 fail and when the temperature measured by at least one second sensor C2 is greater than a selected temperature threshold or when the second sensor C2 also fails, or

[0047] - During recharging using the second socket P2 , interruption of the recharging is triggered when both second sensors C2 fail and when the temperature measured by at least one first sensor C1 is greater than a chosen temperature threshold or when the first sensor C1 also fails.

[0048] Here, the sensor is considered to be faulty (in a faulty state) when the processor PR determines, after analyzing the sensor signal, that:

[0049] - the signal is no longer provided, meaning that the temperature is no longer measured, or

[0050] - the signal is outside a predetermined range of values, or

[0051] - The evolution of the signal is unusual, for example, too sudden.

[0052] For example, the temperature threshold may be between 80° C. and 100° C. Thus, the temperature threshold may be chosen to be equal to 90° C., for example.

[0053] Thanks to the present invention, recharging with direct current or alternating current can be interrupted when absolutely necessary (more specifically, when the sensor (C1 or C2) of the used socket (P1 or P2) fails, when abnormal heating of the base ER is observed, or when all sensors (C1 and C2) fail simultaneously). This minimizes the possibility that a user will return to their vehicle V without having their battery BR recharged.

[0054] In fact, only when at least the sensor (C1 or C2) of the socket (P1 or P2) in use fails and when the temperature of the base ER (when this temperature is measurable) is abnormal, is it considered that there is a functional failure at the location of this socket (P1 or P2) and therefore a risk of burns to the user or a risk of fire to the vehicle V.

[0055] The processor PR may be, for example, a digital signal processor (or DSP). The processor PR may include an integrated (or printed) circuit, or multiple integrated (or printed) circuits connected via a wired or wireless connection. An integrated (or printed) circuit is understood to be any type of device capable of performing at least one electrical or electronic operation. Thus, the processor may be, for example, a microcontroller.

[0056] The memory MD is a random access memory in order to store instructions for the implementation by the processor PR of at least a portion of the management method (and therefore of the functionality of the method) described further below.

[0057] Note that in Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the non-limiting example shown above, the processor PR and the memory MD form part of a computer CA, which itself forms part of a power supply module MA and is implemented in the form of a combination of electrical or electronic circuits or components (or "hardware") and software modules (or "software"). However, in a variant embodiment not shown, the processor PR and the memory MD may form part of a computer, optionally dedicated to managing recharging according to the status of the first sensor C1 and the second sensor C2, and located outside the power supply module MA, which is connected to the power supply module (MA) to notify it of a decided recharging interruption.

[0058] It is also noted that if the processor PR detects a fault in only one of the two first sensors C1 or second sensors C2, it will continue to analyze the temperature measured by the other (non-faulty) first sensor C1 or second sensor C2 and therefore decide to interrupt the recharging (with direct current or with alternating current) if this measured temperature is greater than the above-mentioned selected temperature threshold.

[0059] It is also noted that the processor PR and the memory MD are preferably configured to execute an operation consisting in triggering an indication to the passengers of the vehicle V of the interruption of said recharging (with direct current or with alternating current).

[0060] It is understood that this indication occurs when the user decides to use the means of transport V again after recharging the battery BR.

[0061] For example, the indication can be implemented by displaying a service indicator light or a dedicated warning text message on a screen of the vehicle V (e.g. the screen of the dashboard or the screen of the central instrument cluster) and / or by diffusing a dedicated sound (or audio) message via at least one loudspeaker present in the vehicle V.

[0062] It is also noted that the processor PR and the memory MD are preferably configured to execute an operation consisting in triggering an indication to the passengers of the vehicle V in the event of a malfunction of at least one of the first sensor C1 or the second sensor C2 for a period greater than a time threshold. It is considered here that when the malfunction of the first sensor C1 or the second sensor C2 is persistent (for an excessively long time), the malfunction is indicated to the user of the vehicle V. For example, this indication can be implemented by displaying a service indicator or a dedicated warning text message on a screen of the vehicle V (e.g., a screen of the dashboard or a screen of the central instrument cluster) and / or by disseminating a dedicated sound (or audio) message via at least one loudspeaker present in the vehicle V.

[0063] It is also noted that the processor PR and the memory MD are preferably configured to perform an operation consisting in that, in the event of a failure of at least one of the first sensor C1 or the second sensor C2, a fault code associated with each failed sensor is stored in the memory. Thus, upon a call for after-sales service, it is possible to access the contents of this memory to determine whether the first sensor C1 or the second sensor C2 is considered to be (temporarily or permanently) failed. This allows a decision to be made as to whether the failed first sensor C1 or second sensor C2 or the entire base ER (which has the first socket P1 and the second socket P2) should be replaced.

[0064] The memory used to store the fault codes may, for example, form part of the computer CA (or, more generally, the power supply module MA). However, the memory may also be non-dedicated and thus used to store a wide range of vital information about the vehicle V. In the latter case, the memory may, for example, form part of what those skilled in the art sometimes refer to as an intelligent service box (or BSI - monitoring device). The transmission of the message containing the fault code to the memory is thus carried out via a communication network that is installed in the vehicle V and is optionally multiplexed.

[0065] When the latter option is present, the processor PR and the memory MD may optionally be configured to perform operations consisting in triggering the storage in said memory of a fault code associated with each faulty sensor corresponding to the fault duration of each faulty sensor.

[0066] Also note that Figure 2As shown above, in a non-limiting manner, the computer CA may also include, in addition to its random access memory MD and processor PR, a mass memory MM, in particular for storing temperature measurements (from the first and second sensors C1, C2) and intermediate data involved in all these calculations and processes. Furthermore, the computer CA may also include an input interface IE for receiving at least the temperature measurements, optionally after shaping and / or demodulation and / or amplification in a manner known per se by means of a digital signal processor PR', for use in the calculations or processes. Furthermore, the computer CA may also include an output interface IS for transmitting, in particular, recharging interruption messages and indications of the computer (at least for the power supply module MA), as well as messages containing sensor fault indications or fault codes.

[0067] The invention can also be seen in the form of a management method for implementation in a vehicle V described above in order to be able to manage the recharging of the battery BR of this vehicle.

[0068] The control method comprises steps 10-40, wherein recharging using the first socket P1 (or respectively the second socket P2) is interrupted when the first sensor C1 (or respectively the second sensor C2) fails (simultaneously) and when the temperature measured by at least one second sensor C2 (or respectively the first sensor C1) is greater than a selected temperature threshold or when the second sensor C2 (or respectively the first sensor C1) also fails (simultaneously).

[0069] exist Figure 3 An example of an algorithm for implementing the recharging management and control method according to the present invention is schematically shown above.

[0070] The algorithm comprises a sub-step 10 in which temperature measurements performed by the first sensor C1 and the second sensor C2 are obtained and analyzed in the case of start-up either with direct current (via the first socket P1 ) or with alternating current (via the second socket P2 ).

[0071] Then, if it is detected in the first sub-step 20 that the recharging interruption condition is met (the two first sensors C1 fail at the same time, and the temperature measured by at least one second sensor C2 is greater than the selected temperature threshold or the second sensors C2 also fail at the same time, or the two second sensors C2 fail at the same time, and the temperature measured by at least one first sensor C1 is greater than the selected temperature threshold or the first sensors C1 also fail at the same time), the ongoing recharging is interrupted in the second sub-step 30.

[0072] Then, in a sub-step 40 , the interruption of the recharging can be indicated to the passengers of the vehicle V and / or at least one fault code (optionally associated with the duration of the fault) can be stored in a memory.

[0073] It is also noted that one or more sub-steps of steps 10-40 of the control method can be performed by different components. Thus, the control method can be implemented by multiple digital signal processors, random access memories, large-capacity memories, input interfaces, and output interfaces.

[0074] It is also noted that the present invention also provides a computer program product (or computer program), which includes a set of instructions that, when executed by a processing component of the electronic circuit (or hardware) type (such as a processor PR), can implement the recharging control method described above, which is used to control the recharging of the battery BR of the vehicle V.

Claims

1. A transport vehicle (V), comprising at least one rechargeable battery (BR) and a base (ER), wherein the base comprises: i) a first socket (P1), the first socket being adapted to recharge the rechargeable battery (BR) with direct current and comprising two first pins (B1), each of the two first pins being provided with a first sensor (C1) for measuring temperature; and ii) a second socket (P2), the second socket being adapted to recharge the rechargeable battery (BR) with alternating current and comprising two second pins (B2), each of the two second pins being provided with a second sensor (C2) for measuring temperature, wherein: The transport means further comprises at least one processor (PR) and at least one memory (MD), said at least one processor and said at least one memory being configured to execute operations consisting in, during recharging using said first socket (P1) or respectively said second socket (P2): - detecting a simultaneous failure of the first sensor (C1) or the second sensor (C2) by analyzing the signal of the first sensor or the second sensor, - Then, interruption of the recharging is triggered when a fault is detected in the first sensor (C1) or respectively the second sensor (C2) and when the temperature measured by at least one second sensor (C2) or respectively at least one first sensor (C1) is greater than a selected temperature threshold or when the second sensor (C2) or respectively the first sensor (C1) also fails.

2. The transportation vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that The processor (PR) and the memory (MD) are configured to perform operations consisting of triggering an indication to a passenger of the vehicle (V) of the interruption of the recharging.

3. The transportation vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The processor (PR) and the memory (MD) are configured to perform operations of triggering an indication to passengers of the transport vehicle (V) when at least one first sensor (C1) or second sensor (C2) fails for a period of time greater than a time threshold.

4. The transportation vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The processor (PR) and the memory (MD) are configured to perform operations in which, when at least one of the first sensor (C1) or the second sensor (C2) fails, a fault code associated with each failed sensor is triggered to be stored in the memory.

5. The transportation vehicle according to claim 4, characterized in that: The processor (PR) and the memory (MD) are configured to perform an operation of triggering storage of a fault code associated with each faulty sensor in the memory corresponding to a fault duration of each faulty sensor.

6. The transportation means according to any one of claims 1, 2 and 5, characterized in that Each of the first sensor (C1) and the second sensor (C2) measures a temperature of the susceptor (ER).

7. The transportation means according to any one of claims 1, 2 and 5, characterized in that The selected temperature threshold is between 80°C and 100°C.

8. The transportation means according to any one of claims 1, 2 and 5, characterized in that The transport means is of motorised type.

9. A method for controlling the recharging of a rechargeable battery (BR) of a vehicle (V), the vehicle further comprising a base (ER) on which are fixedly integrated: i) a first socket (P1), the first socket being suitable for recharging the rechargeable battery (BR) with direct current and comprising two first pins (B1), each of the two first pins being provided with a first sensor (C1) for measuring temperature; and ii) a second socket (P2), the second socket being suitable for recharging the rechargeable battery (BR) with alternating current and comprising two second pins (B2), each of the two second pins being provided with a second sensor (C2) for measuring temperature, characterized in that The control method comprises steps (10-40), wherein: - in a first sub-step (20), detecting whether the two first sensors (C1) or the two second sensors (C2) fail simultaneously by analyzing the signals of the two first sensors or the two second sensors, - Then, in a second sub-step (30), recharging using the first socket (P1) or, respectively, the second socket (P2) is interrupted when the first sensor (C1) or, respectively, the second sensor (C2) fails and when the temperature measured by at least one second sensor (C2) or, respectively, at least one first sensor (C1) is greater than a selected temperature threshold or when the second sensor (C2) or, respectively, the first sensor (C1) also fails.

10. A computer program product comprising a set of instructions which, when executed by a processing unit, are capable of implementing a control method according to claim 9, the control method being used to control the recharging of a rechargeable battery (BR) of a vehicle (V), the vehicle further comprising a base (ER) on which are fixedly integrated: i) a first socket (P1), the first socket being suitable for recharging the rechargeable battery (BR) with direct current and comprising two first pins (B1), each of the two first pins being provided with a first sensor (C1) for measuring temperature; and ii) a second socket (P2), the second socket being suitable for recharging the rechargeable battery (BR) with alternating current and comprising two second pins (B2), each of the two second pins being provided with a second sensor (C2) for measuring temperature.

Images