Measuring device for motor vehicle comprising transformer and piezoelectric element

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for parameters of a motor vehicle, the device comprising a main module (10) and a remote module (20), the main module (10) comprising a control stage (110) and a primary winding (125), the control stage (110) being configured to power the primary winding (125) on the basis of an alternating current such that the primary winding (125) generates a variable magnetic field that varies with the alternating current, and the remote module (20) being configured to control the control stage (110) and the primary winding (125). The remote module (20) comprises: a secondary winding (215) in the magnetic field when the magnetic field is generated; an external piezoelectric transceiver (218) connected to the secondary winding (215) in a wired manner and configured to transmit and receive ultrasonic signals; an internal piezoelectric transceiver (228) configured to transmit and receive an ultrasonic signal; and a sensitive element (230) configured to measure the parameter.

Description

Technical Field This invention relates to the field of motor vehicles, and more specifically to a measuring device for motor vehicles, including a transformer and a piezoelectric element, and a method for implementing the same. Background Technology As is well known, an electric motor consists of a rotor and a stator. The operation of this motor causes both the rotor and stator to heat up. However, elevated rotor temperature can lead to performance loss, and when a certain temperature is exceeded, it can cause the internal magnets to demagnetize, potentially damaging or even causing the motor to fail. Therefore, it is necessary to measure the internal temperature of the rotor so that the rotor speed can be reduced when the temperature approaches the critical operating limit, thereby avoiding damage to the motor or preventing its failure.

[0001] Since the rotor rotates during its operation, it is difficult to directly measure the rotor temperature using wired temperature sensors; therefore, the rotor temperature is estimated by algorithms and models integrated into the motor's management system.

[0002] However, these integrated models and algorithms can lead to measurement errors, which can reach ±20°C, making them less than ideal for controlling motors to avoid damage or failure.

[0003] Therefore, it would be advantageous to have a simple, reliable, and efficient solution that allows for at least partial overcoming of these shortcomings. Summary of the Invention Therefore, the subject of this invention is primarily a device for measuring parameters of a motor vehicle, the device comprising a main module and a remote module. The main module includes a control stage and a primary winding. The control stage is configured to supply power to the primary winding based on an alternating current, such that the primary winding generates a variable magnetic field that varies with the alternating current. The remote module includes: a secondary winding, which is situated within the magnetic field when it is generated; an external piezoelectric transceiver connected wired to the secondary winding and configured to transmit and receive ultrasonic signals; an internal piezoelectric transceiver configured to transmit and receive ultrasonic signals; and a sensing element configured to measure the parameters, generate a measurement signal including at least one value of the measured parameters, and transmit the measurement signal to the internal piezoelectric transceiver. The secondary winding is configured to generate an alternating current based on the change in the magnetic field generated by the primary winding and transmit the current to the... The external piezoelectric transceiver is configured to power the internal piezoelectric transceiver when powered by current received from the secondary winding. The internal piezoelectric transceiver is configured to harvest energy from the ultrasonic signal received from the external piezoelectric transceiver, use the energy to power the sensing element, receive a measurement signal generated by the sensing element, extract at least one value of the measured parameter from the received measurement signal, and command the transmission of an ultrasonic signal containing the at least one extracted parameter value to the external piezoelectric transceiver. The external piezoelectric transceiver is configured to generate an alternating current signal containing the at least one extracted measurement value and transmit it to the secondary winding. The secondary winding is configured to generate a magnetic field when powered by the alternating current signal, the magnetic field being detected by the primary winding. The control stage is configured to determine the at least one measured parameter value based on changes in the magnetic field detected by the primary winding.

[0004] The primary and secondary windings form a transformer. Electrical energy, control commands, and measurements are transmitted between the primary and secondary windings via electromagnetic coupling. The secondary winding is controlled by a magnetic field received from the primary winding. The received level depends on the coupling factor, which in turn depends on the air gap and the transformation ratio (secondary turns / primary turns), which can be adapted to the intended application or the arrangement of the equipment in the vehicle.

[0005] The device according to the invention enables measurements to be performed at a distance via a remote module by powering a sensitive measuring element with energy derived from a signal transmitted by the main module via a wired link. Therefore, measurements can be performed as close as possible to the magnet, which improves the control performance of the electric machine. The invention also eliminates the need for metal barriers, such as housings and protective flanges, which may at least partially block electromagnetic waves of the Wi-Fi or Bluetooth type.

[0006] In one embodiment, the internal piezoelectric transceiver is configured to store energy from ultrasonic signals received from an external piezoelectric transceiver.

[0007] According to one aspect of the invention, the sensitive element and the internal piezoelectric transceiver are connected in a wired or wireless manner.

[0008] In one embodiment, the remote module includes an external communication stage configured to transmit a signal containing at least one measurement value. The external communication stage may use, for example, a communication protocol of the Bluetooth or RFID type for transmission.

[0009] Advantageously, the external piezoelectric transceiver is configured to resonate at at least one predetermined frequency, and the internal piezoelectric transceiver is configured to resonate at said at least one predetermined frequency.

[0010] The present invention also relates to an electric motor for a motor vehicle, the electric motor comprising a stator, a rotor and the measuring device as described above, the electric motor being configured to be installed in the vehicle to drive the wheels of the vehicle to rotate, wherein a main module is mounted on the stator and a remote module is mounted on the rotor.

[0011] Advantageously, the rotor includes a shaft comprising a first shaft portion and a second shaft portion mounted on the stator via a bearing system. The first shaft portion includes an end face extending orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of rotation of the rotor. A secondary winding is mounted on the end face. An external piezoelectric transceiver is mounted on the first shaft portion. An internal piezoelectric transceiver and a sensing element are mounted inside the rotor. A primary winding is mounted on a portion of the stator facing the secondary winding.

[0012] The present invention also relates to a battery for a motor vehicle, the battery including the measuring device as described above, wherein a remote module is mounted such that a sensitive element is placed in the battery.

[0013] The present invention also relates to a battery pack for a motor vehicle, the battery pack including the measuring device as described above, the measuring device including at least one remote module, the at least one remote module being mounted such that a sensitive element is placed in at least one cell of the battery pack.

[0014] The present invention also relates to a fuel cell for a motor vehicle, the fuel cell including the measuring device as described above, wherein a remote module is mounted such that a sensing element is placed in the fuel cell.

[0015] The present invention also relates to a motor vehicle including the measuring device described above.

[0016] In one embodiment, the vehicle is an electric vehicle or a hybrid electric vehicle, and includes the electric motor described above.

[0017] In one embodiment, the vehicle includes a battery or battery pack or fuel cell as described above.

[0018] The present invention also relates to a method for measuring parameters in a motor vehicle using the measuring device described above, the method comprising the following steps: The primary winding is powered by alternating current from the control stage. - A variable magnetic field that varies with the alternating current is generated by the primary winding. - The secondary winding generates an alternating current supply based on the change in the magnetic field generated by the primary winding. The secondary winding transmits the supplied current to the external piezoelectric transceiver. - The ultrasonic power supply signal is transmitted by this external piezoelectric transceiver. - The transmitted ultrasonic power supply signal is received by the internal piezoelectric transceiver. The internal piezoelectric transceiver powers the sensing element with a current generated based on the received ultrasonic supply signal, causing the sensing element to perform at least one measurement of the parameter. - This parameter is measured by the sensitive element. - A measurement signal is generated by the sensing element, the measurement signal containing at least one value of the measured parameter. - The sensing element transmits the measurement signal to the internal transceiver. - The internal transceiver receives the measurement signal generated by the sensitive element. - Convert the received measurement signal into an ultrasonic measurement signal. The ultrasonic measurement signal is transmitted by this internal transceiver. The transmitted ultrasonic measurement signal is received by this external piezoelectric transceiver. - Convert the received ultrasonic measurement signal into an AC excitation current signal containing at least one value of the measured parameter. - Power is supplied to the secondary winding via the excitation current signal. - The secondary winding generates a magnetic field based on the excitation current signal. - The primary winding detects changes in the magnetic field generated by the secondary winding. - The control stage determines the value of at least one measured parameter based on the change in the magnetic field detected by the primary winding.

[0019] In one embodiment, the internal piezoelectric transceiver is configured to collect and store electrical energy from ultrasonic signals received from an external piezoelectric transceiver.

[0020] Advantageously, the energy from the received signal is stored until a predetermined threshold is reached, after which the stored energy is used to power the sensitive element. Attached Figure Description Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent upon reading the following description. This description is purely illustrative and should be read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 A first embodiment of the measuring device according to the present invention is schematically illustrated in block diagram form.

[0021] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 A second embodiment of the measuring device according to the present invention is schematically illustrated in block diagram form.

[0022] [ Figure 3 ] Figure 3 An example of an electric machine according to the present invention is shown schematically.

[0023] [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 An example of a battery according to the present invention is shown schematically.

[0024] [ Figure 5 ] Figure 5 An example of a battery pack according to the present invention is shown schematically.

[0025] [ Figure 6 ] Figure 6 An example of a fuel cell according to the present invention is illustrated schematically.

[0026] [ Figure 7 ] Figure 7 An embodiment of the method according to the present invention is illustrated schematically. Detailed Implementation Figure 1 This is an example of a measuring device 1 according to the present invention. The device 1 is intended to be installed in a motor vehicle.

[0027] Device 1 includes a main module 10 and a remote module 20.

[0028] Main Module 10 The main module 10 includes a control stage 110 and a primary winding 125 that are electrically connected to each other.

[0029] The primary winding 125 is preferably a PCB winding or a wire winding.

[0030] The control stage 110 is configured to supply power to the primary winding 125 based on alternating current supplied by a power source via a cable connected to the power grid (not shown).

[0031] Powering the primary winding 125 allows the primary winding 125 to generate a variable magnetic field that varies with the AC power supply current.

[0032] Remote Module 20 The remote module 20 includes a secondary winding 215, an external piezoelectric transceiver 218, an internal piezoelectric transceiver 228, and a sensing element 230.

[0033] The remote module 20 may include more than one sensing element 230 for measuring multiple parameters. The multiple measurement parameters may be, for example, air temperature, air pressure, humidity, current intensity, mechanical force (stress), torque, etc.

[0034] When the primary winding 125 generates a magnetic field, the secondary winding 215 is in the magnetic field generated by the primary winding 125. The secondary winding 215 is preferably a PCB winding or a wired winding, and is wired to an external piezoelectric transceiver 218.

[0035] The secondary winding 215 is configured to generate an alternating current based on the change in the magnetic field generated by the primary winding 125 and transmit the current to an external piezoelectric transceiver 218 to power the external piezoelectric transceiver.

[0036] When the external piezoelectric transceiver 218 is powered by the secondary winding 215, the external piezoelectric transceiver is configured to transmit ultrasonic signals to the internal piezoelectric transceiver 228 and receive ultrasonic signals transmitted by the internal piezoelectric transceiver 228.

[0037] The internal piezoelectric transceiver 228 is configured to transmit ultrasonic signals to the external piezoelectric transceiver 218 and receive ultrasonic signals transmitted by the external piezoelectric transceiver 218.

[0038] The internal piezoelectric transceiver 228 is configured to harvest energy from the ultrasonic signal received from the external piezoelectric transceiver 218 (which powers itself) and use the energy to power the sensitive element 230.

[0039] The internal piezoelectric transceiver 228 and the sensing element 230 are connected in a wired or wireless manner.

[0040] The internal piezoelectric transceiver 228 is configured to receive a measurement signal S generated by the sensing element 230, extract at least one value of a measured parameter from the received measurement signal S, and command the transmission of an ultrasonic signal containing at least one extracted parameter value to the external piezoelectric transceiver 218.

[0041] Sensing element 230 is configured to measure parameters such as air temperature, air pressure, humidity, current intensity, mechanical force (stress), torque, etc.

[0042] Sensing element 230 is configured to generate a measurement signal S including at least one value of the measured parameter and transmit the measurement signal S to internal piezoelectric transceiver 228.

[0043] An external piezoelectric transceiver 218 is configured to generate an AC current signal containing at least one extracted measurement value and transmit it to the secondary winding 215.

[0044] The secondary winding 215 is configured to generate a magnetic field when the secondary winding 215 is powered by the alternating current signal, the magnetic field being detected by the primary winding 125.

[0045] The control stage 110 is configured to determine at least one measurement parameter value based on changes in the magnetic field detected by the primary winding 125.

[0046] In one embodiment: - Control stage 110 is configured to generate a signal at at least one predetermined frequency and transmit the generated signal to primary winding 125, and - The internal piezoelectric transceiver 228 is configured to resonate at at least one predetermined frequency, preferably at two predetermined frequencies (e.g., 200 kHz and 2 MHz). - An external piezoelectric transceiver 218 is configured to resonate at the at least one predetermined frequency in order to optimize the transmission rate of the ultrasonic signal and the consumption of current.

[0047] In one embodiment, the internal piezoelectric transceiver 228 is configured to store energy from ultrasonic signals received from the external piezoelectric transceiver 218. Preferably, the internal piezoelectric transceiver 228 is configured to use the stored energy to power the sensitive element 230 only when a predetermined energy storage threshold has been reached.

[0048] exist Figure 2 In one embodiment shown, the remote module 20 includes an external communication stage 240 configured to transmit a signal containing at least one measurement value. This transmission can be performed, for example, over a communication interface of the Bluetooth or RFID type, which are known per se. In this case, the external communication stage 240 preferably includes a microcontroller that enables this transmission functionality.

[0049] Example of use of the measuring device according to the present invention Example 1: Electric Machine 300 Figure 3This is an example of an electric motor 300 for use in a motor vehicle. The electric motor 300 is configured to be installed in the vehicle to drive the wheels of the vehicle to rotate.

[0050] The electric machine 300 includes a stator 310, a rotor 320, and the device 1 as described above.

[0051] The main module 10 is mounted on the stator 310, and the remote module 20 is mounted on the rotor 320.

[0052] The rotor 320 is configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis X.

[0053] In this example, the rotor 320 includes an integral shaft 321 that extends along the rotational longitudinal axis X and includes a first shaft portion 321A and a second shaft portion 321B that are connected to the stator 310 via a bearing system 315.

[0054] The first shaft portion 321A includes an end face 321A1 extending orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of rotation X of the rotor 320. A secondary winding 215 is mounted on the end face 321A1, and an external piezoelectric transceiver 218 is mounted on the first shaft portion 321A. An internal piezoelectric transceiver 228 is mounted inside the rotor 320. A primary winding 125 is mounted on the portion of the stator 310 facing the secondary winding 215.

[0055] Example 2: Battery 400 Figure 4 This is an example of a battery 400 used in motor vehicles.

[0056] The main module 10 is placed at a certain distance from the battery 400, while the remote module 20 is installed on the battery 400: the secondary winding 215 and the external piezoelectric transceiver 218 are located on the outside, and the internal piezoelectric transceiver 228 and the sensing element 230 are placed inside the battery 400 in order to measure parameters inside the battery 400, such as temperature or pressure, humidity, current intensity, mechanical force (stress), torque or others.

[0057] Example 3: Battery pack 500 Figure 5 This is an example of a battery pack 500 used in motor vehicles.

[0058] The main module 10 is placed at a certain distance from the battery pack 500, while one or more remote modules 20 are respectively installed on one or more batteries 400 of the battery pack 500, such that the sensing element 230 of each remote module 20 measures parameters inside each battery 400, such as temperature or pressure, similar to the example described above.

[0059] Example 4: Fuel Cell 600 Figure 6 This is an example of a fuel cell 600 used in motor vehicles.

[0060] The main module 10 is placed at a distance from the fuel cell 600, while the remote module 20 is mounted on the fuel cell 600, such that the sensing element 230 measures parameters inside the fuel cell 600, similar to the example described above, for example, in the area of ​​the circuit used to supply air to the membrane of the fuel cell 600. Similarly, the parameters measured may be, for example, temperature, pressure, humidity, current intensity, mechanical force (stress), or torque.

[0061] Examples of implementation methods Now refer to Figure 7 An example of an implementation of device 1 is described. In this non-limiting example, the parameter to be measured may be, for example, temperature, particularly the temperature inside the rotor 320 of the electric machine 300.

[0062] First, in step E1, when parameters need to be measured, the control stage 110 of the main module 10 supplies power to the primary winding 125 using the AC power supply current SCS.

[0063] Then, in step E2, the primary winding 125 generates a magnetic field that varies with the alternating current.

[0064] Therefore, in step E3, the secondary winding 215 generates an AC supply current SCA based on the change in the magnetic field generated by the primary winding 125, and then transmits the supply current SCA to the external piezoelectric transceiver 218 in step E4.

[0065] An external piezoelectric transceiver 218, powered by the supply current SCA received from the secondary winding 125, then transmits the ultrasonic power supply signal SU1 in step E5.

[0066] The ultrasonic power supply signal SU1 is received by the internal piezoelectric transceiver 228 in step E6. The internal piezoelectric transceiver converts the energy from the received ultrasonic signal into current, thereby allowing power to be supplied to the sensing element 230 in step E7, so that the sensing element 230 performs at least one measurement of the parameter in step E8.

[0067] Once the measurement has been performed, the sensing element 230 generates a measurement signal S in step E9 containing at least one value of the measured parameter, and then transmits the measurement signal S to the internal piezoelectric transceiver 228 in step E10, which receives the measurement signal in step E11.

[0068] The internal piezoelectric transceiver 228 then converts the received measurement signal S into an ultrasonic measurement signal SU2 in step E12, and then transmits the ultrasonic measurement signal SU2 to the external piezoelectric transceiver 218 in step E13.

[0069] The external piezoelectric transceiver 218 receives the ultrasonic measurement signal SU2 in step E14, and then converts the received ultrasonic measurement signal SU2 into an AC excitation current signal SCE containing at least one value of the measured parameter in step E15.

[0070] Then, in step E16, the external piezoelectric transceiver 218 uses the AC excitation current signal SCE to power the secondary winding 215, so that the secondary winding 215 generates a magnetic field in step E17.

[0071] The primary winding 125 then detects changes in the magnetic field generated by the secondary winding 215 in step E18, and simultaneously generates an output current representing these changes, which is transmitted by the primary winding to the control stage 110.

[0072] Then, in step E19, control stage 110 determines at least one measured parameter value based on changes detected by primary winding 125, these changes representing at least one measured parameter value contained in the AC excitation current signal SCE that supplies power to secondary winding 125.

[0073] Therefore, the present invention enables the measurement of parameters by means of a remote module 20 powered by electricity at a remote location, thereby avoiding the use of batteries that need to be replaced, which is particularly advantageous in the case of the rotor of an electric machine.

Claims

1. A device (1) for measuring parameters of a motor vehicle, the device (1) comprising a main module (10) and a remote module (20), the main module (10) comprising a control stage (110) and a primary winding (125), the control stage (110) being configured to power the primary winding (125) based on an alternating current, such that the primary winding (125) generates a variable magnetic field that varies with the alternating current, the remote module (20) comprising: The secondary winding (215) is in the magnetic field when the magnetic field is generated; An external piezoelectric transceiver (218) is wired to the secondary winding (215) and configured to transmit and receive ultrasonic signals; an internal piezoelectric transceiver (228) is configured to transmit and receive ultrasonic signals; and a sensing element (230) is configured to measure the parameter, generate a measurement signal (S) including at least one value of the measured parameter, and transmit the measurement signal (S) to the internal piezoelectric transceiver (228); the secondary winding (215) is configured to generate an alternating current based on a change in the magnetic field generated by the primary winding (125) and transmit the current to the external piezoelectric transceiver (218) to power the external piezoelectric transceiver, the external piezoelectric transceiver (218) being configured to transmit ultrasonic signals to the internal piezoelectric transceiver (228) when powered by the current received from the secondary winding (215), the internal piezoelectric transceiver... The transceiver (228) is configured to harvest energy from an ultrasonic signal received from the external piezoelectric transceiver (218), use the energy to power the sensing element (230), receive a measurement signal (S) generated by the sensing element (230), extract at least one value of the measured parameter from the received measurement signal (S), and command the transmission of an ultrasonic signal containing the at least one extracted parameter value to the external piezoelectric transceiver (218). The external piezoelectric transceiver (218) is configured to generate an alternating current signal containing the at least one extracted measurement value and transmit it to the secondary winding (215). The secondary winding (215) is configured to generate a magnetic field when the secondary winding (215) is powered by the alternating current signal. The magnetic field is detected by the primary winding (125). The control stage (110) is configured to determine the at least one measured parameter value based on the change in the magnetic field detected by the primary winding (125).

2. The device (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The internal piezoelectric transceiver (228) is configured to store energy from these ultrasonic signals received from the external piezoelectric transceiver (218).

3. The device (1) as described in any of the preceding claims, wherein, The sensitive element (230) and the internal piezoelectric transceiver (228) are connected in a wired or wireless manner.

4. The device (1) as described in any of the preceding claims, wherein, The remote module (20) includes an external communication stage (240) configured to transmit a signal containing the at least one measurement value.

5. The device (1) as described in any of the preceding claims, wherein, The external piezoelectric transceiver (218) is configured to resonate at at least one predetermined frequency, and the internal piezoelectric transceiver (228) is configured to resonate at the at least one predetermined frequency.

6. An electric motor (300) for a motor vehicle, the electric motor (300) comprising a stator (310), a rotor (320) and a device (1) as described in any of the preceding claims, the electric motor (300) being configured to be mounted in the vehicle to drive the wheels of the vehicle to rotate, wherein the main module (10) is mounted on the stator (310) and the remote module (20) is mounted on the rotor (320).

7. The electric machine (300) as claimed in the preceding claim, wherein, The rotor (320) includes a shaft (321) comprising a first shaft portion (321A) and a second shaft portion (321B) mounted on the stator (310) via a bearing system (315). The first shaft portion (321A) includes an end face (321A1) extending orthogonally to the longitudinal axis (X) of rotation of the rotor (320). The secondary winding (215) is mounted on the end face (321A1). An external piezoelectric transceiver (218) is mounted on the first shaft portion (321A). An internal piezoelectric transceiver (228) and a sensing element (230) are mounted inside the rotor (320). The primary winding (125) is mounted on the portion of the stator (310) facing the secondary winding (215).

8. A battery pack (500) for a motor vehicle, the battery pack including a measuring device (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, the remote module (20) being mounted such that the sensing element (230) is respectively placed in at least one battery of the battery pack (500).

9. A motor vehicle comprising the measuring device (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5.

10. A method for measuring parameters in a motor vehicle using the measuring device (1) as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, the method comprising the following steps: - The primary winding (125) is powered by alternating current (E1) by the control stage (110). - A variable magnetic field (E2) generated by the primary winding (125) varies with the alternating current. - The secondary winding (215) generates an alternating current (SCA) based on the change in the magnetic field generated by the primary winding (125). - The supply current (SCA) is transmitted (E4) to the external piezoelectric transceiver (218) by the secondary winding (215). - The ultrasonic power supply signal (SU1) is transmitted (E5) by the external piezoelectric transceiver (218). - The ultrasonic power supply signal (SU1) transmitted by the internal piezoelectric transceiver (228) (E6) is received. - The internal piezoelectric transceiver (228) supplies power (E7) to the sensing element (230) with a current generated based on the received ultrasonic power supply signal (SU1), causing the sensing element (230) to perform at least one measurement of the parameter. - This parameter is measured (E8) by the sensitive element (230). - A measurement signal (S) is generated by the sensing element (230), the measurement signal (S) containing at least one value of the measured parameter. The sensing element (230) transmits the measurement signal (S) (E10) to the internal piezoelectric transceiver (228). - The internal piezoelectric transceiver (228) receives (E11) the measurement signal (S) generated by the sensing element (230). - Convert the received measurement signal (S) (E12) into an ultrasonic measurement signal (SU2). The ultrasonic measurement signal (SU2) is transmitted (E13) by the internal piezoelectric transceiver (228). - The ultrasonic measurement signal (SU2) transmitted by the external piezoelectric transceiver (218) (E14) is received. - Convert the received ultrasonic measurement signal (SU2) (E15) into an AC excitation current signal (SCE) containing at least one value of the measured parameter. - Power is supplied to the secondary winding (215) via the excitation current signal (SCE) (E16). - The secondary winding (215) generates a magnetic field (E17) based on the excitation current signal (SCE). - The change in the magnetic field generated by the secondary winding (215) is detected (E18) by the primary winding (125). - The control stage (110) determines (E19) the value of at least one measured parameter based on the change in the magnetic field detected by the primary winding (125).

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