CONTROL MODULE AND ASSOCIATED ELECTRICAL DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DETECTING THE REMOVAL OF A COVER FROM A CONTROL MODULE

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of electrical devices for heating a fluid such as an electric radiator, particularly in a ventilation, heating, and / or air conditioning installation of a motor vehicle. It relates more particularly to a control module for controlling such an electrical device. The invention also relates to a method for detecting the removal of a metal cover closing a housing of such a control module.

[0002] The use of heating devices such as electric radiators in such installations is particularly known for producing additional radiators arranged across the air flow leaving a main radiator through which a heat transfer fluid flows, particularly in vehicles with a thermal engine, to generate a temporary additional supply of heat energy, particularly when starting the vehicle, to achieve rapid one-off heating of the air flow.

[0003] Document KR20090063572A discloses a control module for an electrical device, the control module being configured to be connected to an electrical power source and to control the electrical power supply of said device using a control signal, the control module comprising a housing closed by a metal cover and an electronic control card received in the housing, the control module comprising at least one electrically conductive element configured to establish an electrical connection between the cover and the electronic control card.

[0004] It is also planned to equip motor vehicles with high-voltage power supply networks, particularly electric or hybrid vehicles. And in this context, electric heaters can no longer be used solely as a supplementary heating source but as the main heating device, the heating power that can be delivered by these high-voltage electric heaters being sufficient to heat the air in the ventilation, heating and / or air conditioning system.

[0005] Such electric heating devices such as electric radiators comprise a heating body provided with heating elements, for example arranged so as to be directly exposed to a flow of air passing through the electric heating device. The heating elements comprise, for example, stones or ceramics with a PTC effect, i.e. a positive temperature coefficient. These are elements whose resistive value varies very greatly depending on the temperature. More precisely, the ohmic value of PTC resistive elements increases very quickly beyond a predetermined temperature threshold.

[0006] The current supply to these resistive elements generates heating of the heating element, the calories being able to be diffused by radiant elements which increase the exchange surface with the air passing through these electric radiators.

[0007] In addition, heating devices generally include a control module capable of controlling the current flowing through the heating elements, notably via a power supply circuit. The power supply circuit is mounted, for example, on an electronic control board, such as a printed circuit board known by the acronym PCB for Printed Circuit Board in English.

[0008] Particularly in the case of a high voltage electric heating device, it may be a main heating device of the vehicle which may be very powerful, which encourages having very high electrical powers to be delivered, in particular of the order of 1kW to 8kW.

[0009] The control module generally includes a housing containing the control electronics and closed by a cover. However, if a person manages to remove the cover, while the control module is electrically powered, particularly at high voltage, this opening of the control module puts this person in danger who is liable to suffer an electric shock.

[0010] The invention therefore aims to provide protection in the event of the control module cover being opened.

[0011] To this end, the subject of the invention is a control module for an electrical device, in particular for thermal conditioning for a motor vehicle, the control module being configured to be connected to an electrical power source and to control the electrical power supply of said device using a control signal, the control module comprising a housing closed by a metal cover and an electronic control card received in the housing.

[0012] According to the invention, the control module comprises at least one electrically conductive element configured to establish an electrical connection between the cover and the electronic control card.

[0013] In addition, the electronic control board includes an electronic protection circuit configured to: measuring at least one electrical parameter of the control signal, at least one value of which is representative of the electrical connection between the cover and the electronic control card via said at least one electrically conductive element, detecting, as a function of said at least one measured electrical parameter, an interruption of the electrical connection between the cover and the electronic control card, and generating a signal interrupting the electrical supply in the event of detection of the interruption of the electrical connection between the cover and the electronic control card.

[0014] Such a control module provides an additional function of protection against possible electric shocks, if a person attempts to remove the cover to open the control module. Indeed, as soon as the electrically conductive element no longer ensures electrical contact between the cover and the electronic control board, this is interpreted as an opening of the housing and the power supply interruption signal is immediately generated to cut off this power supply.

[0015] The control module may further include one or more of the following features described below, taken separately or in combination.

[0016] Said at least one electrical parameter may be an intensity, or a parameter depending on the intensity.

[0017] Said at least one electrical parameter may be a voltage, or a parameter depending on the voltage.

[0018] According to one aspect of the invention, the electronic protection circuit is configured to: comparing said at least one measured electrical parameter with a first predetermined reference value representative of the electrical connection between the cover and the electronic control card via said at least one electrically conductive element, if said at least one measured electrical parameter is different from the first predetermined reference value, comparing said at least one measured electrical parameter with a second predetermined reference value representative of an interruption of the electrical connection between the cover and the electronic control card, and if said at least one measured electrical parameter corresponds to the second predetermined reference value, generating the signal for interrupting the electrical supply.

[0019] In particular, when the measured electrical parameter is a voltage, the electronic protection circuit is configured to: comparing the measured voltage with a first predetermined reference value representative of the electrical connection between the cover and the electronic control card via said at least one electrically conductive element, if the measured voltage is different from the first predetermined reference value, comparing the measured voltage with a second predetermined reference value representative of an interruption of the electrical connection between the cover and the electronic control card, and if the measured voltage corresponds to the second predetermined reference value, generating the signal for interrupting the electrical supply.

[0020] The control module may include at least one electronic control unit.

[0021] The electronic control unit is configured, for example, to generate the control signal.

[0022] The control module may include at least one electrical connector.

[0023] The electrical connector and electronic control unit can be mounted on the electronic protection circuit.

[0024] The electrical connector can be configured to receive the control signal generated by the electronic control unit.

[0025] The electrical connector is for example configured to be connected to the electrical power source. According to one embodiment, the electrical connector, or at least one electrical connector, is a high voltage connector configured to be used for a supply voltage greater than 60V.

[0026] According to a particular embodiment, the electronic protection circuit comprises a voltage divider bridge between the electronic control unit and the high-voltage connector. In this case, said at least one electrical parameter may be the output voltage of the voltage divider bridge.

[0027] The voltage divider bridge may comprise at least a first resistor connected on the one hand to a terminal of the electronic control unit and on the other hand to a terminal of the high voltage connector, and a second resistor arranged in series with the first resistor, and connected on the one hand to a terminal of the high voltage connector and on the other hand to ground and to the electrically conductive element.

[0028] The second predetermined reference value can be a maximum voltage. The second predetermined reference value is, for example, a voltage of 5V.

[0029] The first predetermined reference value can be the maximum voltage divided by at least two. The first predetermined reference value is, for example, a voltage of 2.5V.

[0030] According to another aspect, the electronic protection circuit can be configured to detect, as a function of said at least one electrical parameter, an electrical disconnection between the high voltage connector and the control module, and to generate the signal for interrupting the electrical power supply in the event of detection of an electrical disconnection between the high voltage connector and the control module.

[0031] The high voltage connector may have two first conductors of positive and negative poles configured to be connected to the electrical power source.

[0032] The high voltage connector may have two second conductors connected to the electronic protection circuit.

[0033] The electronic protection circuit is for example configured to detect, as a function of said at least one electrical parameter, an electrical disconnection between the second conductors of the high-voltage connector and the electronic control card, and to generate the signal for interrupting the electrical power supply in the event of detection of an electrical disconnection between the second conductors and the control module.

[0034] The electronic protection circuit is for example configured to compare said at least one measured parameter, such as the measured voltage with a third predetermined reference value, if said at least one measured parameter, such as the measured voltage, differs from the first predetermined reference value. The third predetermined reference value is representative of the electrical disconnection between the high voltage connector and the control module.

[0035] The electronic protection circuit is configured to generate a signal for interrupting the power supply if said at least one electrical parameter, such as voltage, measured corresponds to the third predetermined reference value.

[0036] The third predetermined reference value may be a minimum voltage, for example zero voltage.

[0037] Said at least one electrically conductive element is for example a metallic element. It can be chosen from a fixing element, a screw, a pin, a tab, a strip.

[0038] The cover and / or the electrically conductive element may be made of aluminum or aluminum alloy.

[0039] The cover may include the electrically conductive element which may establish electrical contact with the electronic control card, when assembling the cover on the housing body.

[0040] The electrically conductive element may be integral with the cover.

[0041] Alternatively, the electrically conductive element can be attached to the hood, for example by welding, gluing or screwing.

[0042] According to a first variant embodiment, said at least one electrically conductive element is arranged to bear against the electronic control card.

[0043] According to a second variant embodiment, said at least one electrically conductive element passes through the electronic control card.

[0044] The invention also relates to an electrical device for heating a fluid, in particular for a motor vehicle, said device comprising at least one heating element and a control module as defined above, the control module being electrically connected to said at least one heating element and configured to be connected to an electrical power source and to control the electrical power supply of said at least one heating element using a control signal.

[0045] The electrical device may be provided for heating an air flow.

[0046] The invention also relates to a heating and / or ventilation and / or air conditioning installation for a motor vehicle comprising at least one such electric heating device.

[0047] The invention also relates to a method for detecting the removal of a metal cover closing a housing of a control module as defined above, the housing receiving an electronic control card, and the control module being configured to be connected to an electrical power source and to control the electrical power supply of an electrical device, in particular a thermal conditioning device for a motor vehicle using a control signal, the control module comprising at least one electrically conductive element configured to establish an electrical connection between the cover and the electronic control card. Said method comprises the following steps: measuring at least one electrical parameter of the control signal, detecting, as a function of said at least one measured electrical parameter, an interruption of the electrical connection between the cover and the electronic control card via said at least one electrically conductive element, and generating a signal interrupting the electrical supply in the event of detection of the interruption of the electrical connection between the cover and the electronic control card.

[0048] Said method may comprise a step for transmitting information on the removal of the hood to a central management unit, for example in the motor vehicle.

[0049] Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description given by way of illustrative and non-limiting example, and the appended drawings among which: [ Fig. 1] is a perspective view of an example of an electrical device for heating an air flow comprising a control module closed by a cover. [ Fig. 2 ] is a perspective view of an example of an electrical device for heating a heat transfer fluid comprising a control module closed by a cover. [ Fig. 3 ] is a view of the electric air heating device of the figure 1 on which the control module cover is removed. [ Fig. 4 ] is an enlarged view showing a portion of the control module cover including a screw for electrical conduction between the cover and an electronic control board of the control module. Fig. 5 ] is a sectional view showing the screw arranged to establish electrical conduction between the cover and the electronic control board of the control module. Fig. 6] is a sectional view showing a tab secured to the cover arranged to establish electrical conduction between the cover and the electronic control card of the control module. Fig. 7 ] is a bottom view of a portion of the hood showing the tab of the figure 6 . [ Fig. 8 ] is a schematic diagram of an electronic protection circuit for detecting an electrical disconnection between the cover and the electronic control board.

[0050] In these figures, identical elements have the same reference numbers.

[0051] The following embodiments are examples. Although the description refers to one or more embodiments, this does not necessarily mean that each reference relates to the same embodiment, or that the features apply only to a single embodiment. Single features of different embodiments may also be combined or interchanged to provide other embodiments.

[0052] In the description, certain elements may be indexed, for example first element or second element. In this case, it is a simple indexing to differentiate and name close but not identical elements. This indexing does not imply a priority of one element over another and such names can easily be interchanged without departing from the scope of the present description. This indexing also does not imply an order in time.

[0053] THE figures 1 And 2show an electrical device for thermal conditioning of a fluid, such as an electrical device 1, 1' for heating a fluid, in particular for a heating and / or ventilation and / or air conditioning installation of a motor vehicle.

[0054] In particular, it may be a device 1, 1' for so-called high-voltage electric heating. Here, a high-voltage device is defined as a device intended to be powered by a direct or alternating current having an electrical voltage greater than 60V, in particular between 60V and 1000V, for example of the order of 400V or 800V.

[0055] In particular, it is an electrical device 1 for heating an air flow, as shown in the figure 1 The installation generally comprises at least one air flow circulation duct inside which the electric heating device 1 can be arranged so as to be crossed by the air flow to be heated.

[0056] The invention may be applied to another fluid. It could be, as a variant, as shown in the figure 2 , of an electrical device 1' for heating a heat transfer fluid, such as water circulating in a heating circuit for heating a motor vehicle interior. Electric heating device

[0057] The electrical device 1 for example for heating an air flow as illustrated in figure 1 , is capable of transforming electrical energy taken for example from the vehicle into thermal energy restored to the air flow passing through the heating device 1.

[0058] For this purpose, the electric heating device 1 comprises a heating body 3 comprising one or more heating elements 31.

[0059] The heating body 3 is intended to be supplied with electric current to heat the fluid, for example the air flow, passing through the heating body 3. The heating body 3 may have a general parallelepiped configuration. It is in particular intended to be positioned transversely to the air flow to be heated.

[0060] The heating elements 31 of the heating body 3 may be produced in the form of heating rods receiving, for example, resistive elements, such as thermistors, for example of the PTC effect type (for positive temperature coefficient). Other alternatives may be envisaged. The heating rods 31 are supplied with current, for example at a voltage of the order of 400V in the case of a high-voltage electric heating device 1.

[0061] Similarly, according to the embodiment of a device 1' for heating a heat transfer liquid of the figure 2, it may comprise a housing 3' receiving one or more heating elements such as resistive elements. The device 1' for heating heat transfer liquid further comprises at least two pipes 4 for the inlet and outlet of the heat transfer liquid to be heated. Such pipes are for example arranged projecting on one side or opposite sides of the device 1'.

[0062] The electric heating device 1 or 1', according to one or other of the embodiments of the figures 1 And 2 , further comprises a control module 5 for the heating body 3. This control module 5 is intended to be electrically connected to an electrical power source (not shown). The electrical power source is, for example, a 400V or 800V power battery.

[0063] Generally, the control module 5 is intended to be electrically connected, and generally also mechanically, to the heating body 3 or housing 3' containing the heating elements 31. The control module 5 can be fixed to the heating body 3 or the housing 3'. This control module 5 makes it possible, after electrical connection to the electrical power source and to the heating elements 31, to control the power supply to the heating elements 31, using at least one control signal. The control module 5 is described in more detail below. Control module

[0064] The control module 5 comprises a housing 7, also called a control box.

[0065] The housing 7 comprises a housing body 71 closed by a cover 73. The cover 73 is for example glued to the housing body 71. The cover 73 can also be screwed to the housing body 71. The cover 73 can have a substantially planar general shape.

[0066] This is a metal cover 73, for example made of aluminum or aluminum alloy. More generally, the entire housing 7, therefore also the housing body 71, can be metallic, for example aluminum or aluminum alloy.

[0067] Depending on the particular embodiment of the figure 2 , the control box 7 can cover the box 3' containing the heating elements by being secured to it in a waterproof manner.

[0068] The control module 5 includes an electronic control card 9, visible on the figure 3 . It can be arranged inside the control box 7. Such a card is intended to be electrically connected to the power supply source.

[0069] The electronic control card 9 is in particular configured to control the electrical power supply of the heating body 3, and more precisely to control the heating elements 31. For this purpose, the electronic control card 9 is capable of carrying a plurality of electronic components or modules configured to receive information, process it and generate a control signal for controlling the heating elements 31. The control signal may be periodic, for example pulse width modulation, known by the acronym MLI or PWM for the English “Pulse Width Modulation”.

[0070] The control module 5 may further comprise one or more electrical connectors 11, 13.

[0071] In particular, the control module 5 comprises an electrical connector 11 allowing the electrical connection of the electronic control card 9 to the electrical power source. The electrical connector 11 comprises for this purpose at least two positive pole and negative pole conductors configured to be connected to the electrical power source (not shown).

[0072] In the case of a high voltage electrical device, this is in particular an electrical connector 11 called a high voltage connector, that is to say it is configured to be used for a supply voltage greater than 60V.

[0073] The electrical connector 11 can be carried, fixed on the control module 5. The electrical connection between such a connector 11 and the electronic control card 9 can be made in a known manner by any suitable method.

[0074] The control module 5 may comprise another electrical connector 13, in particular a low voltage connector 13, that is to say it is configured to be used for a supply voltage lower than 60V, generally 12V. This is for example a signal connector.

[0075] The control module 5 further comprises at least one electrically conductive element 15, 17 ( figures 2 to 7 ) configured to establish an electrical connection between the cover 73 and the electronic control card 9.

[0076] Generally, it is a metallic element, for example made of aluminum or aluminum alloy. This electrically conductive element 15, 17 is grounded. The electrically conductive element 15, 17 makes it possible to connect the electronic control card 9 to the cover 73 by a ground connection.

[0077] In particular, the electrically conductive element may be integral with the cover 73 and be intended to establish electrical contact with the electronic control card 9, when the cover 73 is assembled on the housing body 71 receiving the electronic control card 9, after electrical connection to the electrical power source. The electrically conductive element may for example be made in one piece with the cover 73. Alternatively, the electrically conductive element may be fixed to the cover, for example by welding or screwing.

[0078] Furthermore, the electrically conductive element 15, 17 may be intended to pass through the electronic control card 9 or, on the contrary, to come to bear against it when assembling the control box 7.

[0079] For safety reasons, the electrically conductive element 15, 17 can be arranged on the low voltage side of the electronic control card 9, i.e. on the side carrying the so-called low voltage connector 13.

[0080] Finally, it can be chosen from a fixing element, a screw, a pin, a tab, a strip. Examples of realization are detailed below.

[0081] A first example of an embodiment for such an electrically conductive element is shown in the figures 2 to 5 . According to this first example, a fixing element such as a screw 15 ensures this function of electrically conductive element between the cover 73 and the electronic control card 9. It may be a screw 15 dedicated to the function of detecting disconnection of the cover 73 which comes in addition to first screws which may be provided to consolidate the assembly of the control box 7, after gluing for example the cover 73 on the box body 71.

[0082] This screw 15, forming an electrically conductive element, is assembled to the cover 73 and passes through the electronic control card 9 when the cover 73 is assembled to the housing body 71.

[0083] As best seen on the Figure 5 , the electronic control card 9 comprises a first face 91 and a second face 93 opposite each other. The first face 91 is arranged opposite the cover 73 in the assembled state of the control box 7. The screw 15 forming an electrically conductive element passes through the first face 91 and the second face 93 of the electronic control card 9.

[0084] According to a second example of embodiment shown on the figures 6 and 7 , the electrically conductive element is produced in the form of a tab 17 or strip. It may be integral with the cover 73. For example, the tab 17 or strip may be glued or welded to the cover 73. Alternatively, it may be integral with the cover 73.

[0085] In particular, the tab 17 extends from the face of the cover 73 intended to be opposite the electronic control card 9 in the assembled state of the control housing 7. This tab 17 extends towards the inside of the housing 7, of the electronic control card 9, when the cover 73 is assembled to the housing body 71.

[0086] Such a tab 17, forming an electrically conductive element, is intended to come to bear against the electronic control card 9 when the cover 73 is assembled to the housing body 71 receiving the electronic control card 9. Unlike the first exemplary embodiment, the tab 17 does not pass through the electronic control card 9.

[0087] In addition, the tab 17 has a generally wavy shape with, at the free end, a flat portion coming to bear against the electronic control card 9 in the assembled state of the control box 7.

[0088] Yet another alternative, not shown, for producing an electrically conductive element, may be a pin extending from the face of the cover 73 intended to be opposite the electronic control card 9 and intended to come to bear against the electronic control card 9 when the cover 73 is assembled to the housing body 71 receiving the electronic control card 9.

[0089] Furthermore, with reference to the figure 8 , the electronic control card 9 comprises an electronic protection circuit 19.

[0090] Generally, this electronic protection circuit 19 is configured to detect an electrical disconnection between the cover 73 and the electronic control card 9. This disconnection can occur if the cover 73 is removed, for example by removing the screw 15. Alternatively, if the cover 73 is removed, the tab 17 or strip or pin is no longer in contact with the electronic control card 9.

[0091] The protection function is advantageously implemented when the electronic control card 9 receives a supply current from the power source (not shown) such as the power battery for example, to which the control module 5 is electrically connected, and the cover 73 is no longer electrically connected to the electronic control card 9.

[0092] The electronic protection circuit 19 is then configured to generate a signal to interrupt the power supply, for example by cutting off the power battery which supplies the control module 5, when the cover 73 is disconnected from the electronic control card 9.

[0093] More specifically, the electronic protection circuit 19 is configured to measure at least one electrical parameter of the control signal.

[0094] This is an electrical parameter which can reach at least one value representative of an electrical connection between the cover 73 and the electronic control card 9 via the electrically conductive element, such as a screw 15 or other fixing element, or a tab 17, or strip or even pin, as previously described.

[0095] For example, the measured electrical parameter can be an intensity, a voltage, or even a parameter depending on the intensity, or a parameter depending on the voltage.

[0096] According to a particular embodiment, the electronic protection circuit 19 is configured to measure at least one voltage of the control signal.

[0097] The electronic protection circuit 19 is further configured to detect, from this measurement of the electrical parameter, for example from the measured voltage, a possible electrical disconnection between the cover 73 and the electronic control card 9. More precisely, the electronic protection circuit 19 is configured to detect an interruption of the electrical connection between the cover 73 and the electronic control card 9 via the electrically conductive element 15, 17.

[0098] To do this, the electronic protection circuit 19 can in particular be configured to compare the measured voltage with a first predetermined reference value representative of the electrical connection between the metal cover 73 and the electronic control card 9 via the electrically conductive element 15, 17. The electronic protection circuit 19 can also be configured to compare the measured voltage with a second predetermined reference value representative of an interruption of the electrical connection between the cover 73 and the electronic control card 9 via the electrically conductive element 15, 17.

[0099] Finally, the electronic protection circuit 19 can generate a signal for interrupting the electrical power supply when an electrical disconnection, or interruption of the electrical connection between the cover 73 and the electronic control card 9 via the electrically conductive element 15, 17, is actually detected, for example if the measured voltage corresponds to the second predetermined reference value.

[0100] For this purpose, the electronic protection circuit 19 comprises a set of electronic components interconnected for example using a printed circuit on the electronic control card 9.

[0101] In particular, the electronic control card 9 can carry an electronic control unit 21 configured to generate the control signal.

[0102] The electrical connector 11, such as a high voltage connector, is configured to receive the control signal generated by this electronic control unit 21.

[0103] The electrical connector 11 and the electronic control unit 21 can be mounted on the electronic protection circuit 19 by being electrically interconnected, for example using a printed circuit.

[0104] In addition, the electronic control unit 21 may comprise at least one means for acquiring, measuring the electrical parameter, such as a voltage, of the control signal to be monitored. The electronic control unit 21 may comprise at least one means for comparing this electrical parameter with at least one predetermined reference value, to deduce therefrom a disconnection of the cover 73, and to generate the signal for interrupting the electrical power supply.

[0105] According to a particular embodiment, the electronic protection circuit 19 comprises a voltage divider bridge between the electronic control unit 21 and the electrical connector 11. In this case, the electrical parameter monitored is the output voltage of the voltage divider bridge. In particular, the electronic control unit 21 makes it possible to acquire, or measure, the output voltage of the voltage divider bridge.

[0106] The voltage divider bridge comprises at least a first resistor R1 and a second resistor R2 arranged in series. The first resistor R1 is connected on the one hand to a terminal of the electronic control unit 21 and on the other hand to a terminal of the electrical connector 11 called the high voltage connector. The second resistor R2 is connected on the one hand to a terminal of the high voltage connector 11 and on the other hand to the ground and to the electrically conductive element, such as the screw 15, or the tab 17 previously described.

[0107] The resistors R1, R2 of the divider bridge can be of the same value, for example of the order of 10kΩ.

[0108] Furthermore, the electronic protection circuit 19 can also be configured to detect an electrical disconnection between the high voltage connector 11 and the control module 5 based on the measured electrical parameter, such as the voltage. This can also be done via the divider bridge.

[0109] The high voltage connector 11 may for this purpose comprise a pair of conductors making it possible to carry out at least part of this electrical disconnection detection function.

[0110] Thus, the high voltage connector 11 comprises a first pair of conductors, called first conductors, one with a positive pole HV+ and the other with a negative pole HV-, configured to be connected to the electrical power source (not shown). And, it comprises a second pair of conductors 23 with a positive pole and a negative pole, connected to the electronic protection circuit 19, to perform this function of detecting electrical disconnection between the high voltage connector 11 and the control module 5. These are, for example, electrical connection cables.

[0111] The electronic protection circuit 19 is then configured to detect, as a function of the measured electrical parameter, such as the voltage, an electrical disconnection between the second conductors 23 of the high voltage connector 11 and the electronic control card 9.

[0112] The electronic protection circuit 19 can in particular compare the measured voltage with a third predetermined reference value, representative of the electrical disconnection between the high voltage connector 11 and the control module 5. In particular, the electronic control unit 21 can comprise at least one means for comparing the electrical parameter with at least one predetermined reference value and for deducing therefrom a disconnection of the high voltage connector 11.

[0113] Finally, as previously, the electronic protection circuit 19, in particular the electronic control unit 21, can also generate a signal to interrupt the electrical power supply, in the event of detection of electrical disconnection between the high voltage connector 11 and the control module 5, and more precisely between the second conductors 23 and the electronic control card 9. This is the case for example if the measured voltage corresponds to the third predetermined reference value.

[0114] Additionally, the electronic protection circuit 19, in particular the electronic control unit 21, can transmit a warning signal to a central management unit 25, for example of the motor vehicle. This transmission can be done, for example, via a LIN network or bus. Process

[0115] The steps of a method for detecting the removal of a metal cover 73 closing a housing 7 of a control module 5 as described above are described below. These steps can be implemented by the control module 5 and in particular the electronic protection circuit 19 described above.

[0116] During a step, at least one electrical parameter of the control signal is measured, such as the intensity, the voltage, or any other parameter depending on the intensity or the voltage, at least one value of which is representative of the electrical connection between the cover 73 and the electronic control card 9 via the electrically conductive element 15, 17. This measurement step can be implemented by the electronic control unit 21 previously described.

[0117] Depending on the measured electrical parameter, for example the measured voltage, the method may comprise a step of detecting an interruption of the electrical connection between the cover 73 and the electronic control card 9. One or more steps for detecting the interruption of the connection may be implemented by the electronic control unit 21 previously described.

[0118] For example, the method may comprise a step for comparing the measured electrical parameter, for example the measured voltage, with a first predetermined reference value representative of the electrical connection between the cover 73 and the electronic control card 9 via the electrically conductive element 15, 17. By way of non-limiting example, the first predetermined reference value is a first voltage of the order of 2.5V.

[0119] If the electrical parameter such as the measured voltage corresponds to this first predetermined reference value, the cover 73 is well connected to the electronic control card 9, and the process stops and is repeated from the beginning.

[0120] On the contrary, in the event of a difference with this first predetermined reference value, this may reveal an electrical disconnection of the cover 73.

[0121] The electrical parameter, such as the measured voltage, can be compared with a second predetermined reference value representative of an interruption of the electrical connection between the cover 73 and the electronic control card 9.

[0122] In the event of an electrical disconnection between the electrically conductive element 15, 17, and the electronic control card 9, the latter is no longer brought back to ground, so that the measured voltage reaches a high signal, for example 5V. According to the particular example with the voltage divider bridge comprising the two resistors R1, R2, the second predetermined reference value, for example a voltage of 5V, may be a maximum voltage, while the first predetermined reference value may be the maximum voltage divided at least by two, for example 2.5V.

[0123] In the event of detection of the interruption of the electrical connection between the cover 73 and the electronic control card 9, for example if the electrical parameter such as the measured voltage corresponds to the second predetermined reference value, the method comprises a step for generating a signal for interrupting the electrical power supply.

[0124] The method advantageously comprises at least one step for transmitting information on the electrical disconnection of the hood 73, and therefore on the removal of the hood 73, to the central management unit 25, for example in the motor vehicle. This transmission of information can be implemented by the electronic control unit 21 previously described.

[0125] Furthermore, the method may comprise one or more steps for detecting, as a function of the measured electrical parameter, for example the measured voltage, an electrical disconnection between the high voltage connector 11 and the control module 5, more precisely between the second conductors of the high voltage connector 11 and the electronic control card 9. The steps for detecting the disconnection of the high voltage connector 11 may be implemented at least in part by the electronic control unit 21 previously described.

[0126] For example, the method may include a step for comparing the measured voltage with a third predetermined reference value, in particular if the measured voltage is different from the first predetermined reference value. The third predetermined reference value may be a minimum voltage, and more precisely a zero voltage. Indeed, according to the circuit described, in the event of disconnection of the high voltage connector 11 the potential is pulled towards ground by the conductive element 15 or 17.

[0127] Finally, as previously, the method may comprise a step for generating the signal for interrupting the electrical power supply in the event of detection of electrical disconnection between the high voltage connector 11 and the control module 5.

[0128] Thus, as soon as the electronic protection circuit 19 detects that the cover 73 is no longer in electrical contact with the electronic control card 9, for example if the screw 15 is unscrewed or the tab 17 is no longer pressing against the electronic control card 9, the electrical supply is interrupted, for example the power battery used for the power supply is stopped. The interruption of the electrical conduction between the cover 73 and the electronic control card 9 indicates an opening of the control box 7, and therefore that the cover 73 is removed. By interrupting the electrical supply, this ensures the safety of anyone attempting to open the control box 7.

[0129] Additionally, when the electronic protection circuit 19 detects that the high voltage connector 11 is no longer electrically connected to the electronic control card 9, the power supply is also interrupted.

Claims

1. Control module (5) for an electrical device (1; 1'), in particular for thermal conditioning for a motor vehicle, the control module (5) being configured to be connected to an electrical power source and to drive the electrical power supply to said device (1) using a control signal, the control module (5) comprising a housing (7) closed off by a metal cover (73) and a control electronic card (9) received in the housing (7), characterized in that: - the control module (5) comprises at least one electrically conductive element (15; 17) configured to establish an electrical connection between the cover (73) and the control electronic card (9), and in that - the control electronic card (9) comprises an electronic protection circuit (19) configured to: • measure at least one electrical parameter of the control signal, at least one value of which is representative of the electrical connection between the cover (73) and the control electronic card (9) via said at least one electrically conductive element (15; 17), • detect, on the basis of said at least one measured electrical parameter, an interruption of the electrical connection between the cover (73) and the control electronic card (9), and • generate an electrical power supply interruption signal in the event of detecting interruption of the electrical connection between the cover (73) and the control electronic card (9).

2. Control module (5) according to the preceding claim, wherein said at least one electrical parameter is chosen from a current, a voltage, a parameter dependent on current, a parameter dependent on voltage.

3. Control module (5) according to either of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic protection circuit (19) is configured to: - compare said at least one measured electrical parameter with a first predetermined reference value representative of the electrical connection between the cover (73) and the control electronic card (9) via said at least one electrically conductive element (15; 17), - if said at least one measured electrical parameter is different from the first predetermined reference value, compare said at least one measured electrical parameter with a second predetermined reference value representative of an interruption of the electrical connection between the cover (73) and the control electronic card (9), and - if said at least one measured electrical parameter corresponds to the second predetermined reference value, generate the electrical power supply interruption signal.

4. Control module (5) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one electrical connector (11) and an electronic control unit (21), which are mounted on the electronic protection circuit (19) and are such that: - the electronic control unit (21) is configured to generate the control signal, and - the electrical connector (11) is configured to receive the control signal generated by the electronic control unit, said connector being a high-voltage connector configured to be connected to the electrical power source and to be used for a supply voltage greater than 60 V.

5. Control module (5) according to Claims 2 and 4, wherein the electronic protection circuit (19) comprises a voltage-divider bridge between the electronic control unit (21) and the high-voltage connector (11), and wherein said at least one electrical parameter is the output voltage of the voltage-divider bridge, said divider bridge comprising at least: - a first resistor (R1) connected firstly to a terminal of the electronic control unit (21) and secondly to a terminal of the high-voltage connector (11), and - a second resistor (R2) arranged in series with the first resistor (R1), and connected firstly to a terminal of the high-voltage connector (11) and secondly to ground and to the electrically conductive element (15; 17).

6. Control module (5) according to either of Claims 4 and 5, wherein: - the high-voltage connector (11) comprises two first conductors with positive (HV+) and negative (HV-) poles configured to be connected to the electrical power source and two second conductors (23) connected to the electronic protection circuit (19), and - the electronic protection circuit (19) is configured to detect, on the basis of said at least one electrical parameter, an electrical disconnection between the second conductors (23) of the high-voltage connector (11) and the control electronic card (9), and to generate the electrical power supply interruption signal in the event of detecting electrical disconnection between the second conductors (23) and the control module (5).

7. Control module (5) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one electrically conductive element (15; 17) is a metal element chosen from a fastening element, a screw, a pin, a tongue, a strip.

8. Control module (5) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one electrically conductive element (15) passes through the control electronic card (9).

9. Electrical device (1; 1') for heating a fluid, in particular for a motor vehicle, said device (1; 1') comprising at least one heating element (31) and a control module (5) according to one of the preceding claims, the control module (5) being electrically connected to said at least one heating element (31) and configured to be connected to an electrical power source and to drive the electrical power supply to said at least one heating element (31) using a control signal.

10. Method for detecting removal of a metal cover (73) closing off a housing (7) of a control module (5) according to one of Claims 1 to 8, the housing (7) receiving a control electronic card (9), and the control module (5) being configured to be connected to an electrical power source and to drive the electrical power supply to an electrical device (1; 1'), in particular for thermal conditioning for a motor vehicle, using a control signal, the control module (5) comprising at least one electrically conductive element (15; 17) configured to establish an electrical connection between the cover (73) and the control electronic card (9), characterized in that said method comprises the following steps: - measuring at least one electrical parameter of the control signal, - detecting, on the basis of said at least one measured electrical parameter, an interruption of the electrical connection between the cover (73) and the control electronic card (9) via said at least one electrically conductive element (15; 17), and - generating an electrical power supply interruption signal in the event of detecting interruption of the electrical connection between the cover (73) and the control electronic card (9).