Monitoring the positioning of the longitudinal side of a vehicle on which the battery of the vehicle is charged

Abstract

The invention relates to a monitoring method implemented in a ground vehicle (V) comprising a rechargeable battery (BP) coupled to a charging connector (CR1) installed on a longitudinal side and suitable for being coupled to a charging point (PR) installed on a first side (C1) of a parking space (ES) that has a second side (C2), parallel to this first side (C1) that is adjacent to a traffic lane (VC). This method comprises a step (10-50) in which, when the vehicle (V) is parked in the parking space (ES) and is coupled to the charging point (PR), it is determined whether the charging connector (CR1) is located close to the second side (C2) and, if it is, at least one signalling light (FSj) with which the vehicle (V) is provided is turned on on the longitudinal side (CLj) comprising the charging connector (CR1).

Description

DESCRIPTION TITLE: MONITORING THE POSITION OF THE LONGITUDINAL SIDE OF A VEHICLE WHERE ITS BATTERY IS CHARGED The present invention claims priority from French application 2304457 filed on 04.05.2023, the content of which (text, drawings and claims) is incorporated herein by reference. Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to land vehicles comprising a rechargeable battery by coupling their charging connector to a charging station, and more specifically to monitoring within such vehicles the longitudinal side where the battery charging takes place. State of the art

[0002] Some land vehicles, possibly of the automobile type, include a rechargeable battery coupled to a charging connector allowing it to be recharged when temporarily connected to a charging station (or an external power source).

[0003] Generally, this rechargeable battery is primarily responsible for powering an electric drive unit in the vehicle's (land) powertrain (or GMP), and therefore constitutes a main (or traction) battery.

[0004] In many vehicles (with at least a partially electric powertrain), the charging connector is installed on a longitudinal side. Therefore, when the vehicle is parked for battery charging in a parking space with a charging station on one side and a parallel side adjacent to a traffic lane on the other, this charging connector may end up close to that traffic lane. In this case, the charging connector of the charging station... The charging station, which is temporarily connected to the vehicle's charging connector, may be positioned at the edge of or above the traffic lane. In these situations, the charging station's connector presents a barely visible obstacle that could be struck by a person or another vehicle traveling in the traffic lane, potentially causing an accident and / or a short circuit and / or damaging at least one of the two charging connectors.

[0005] The invention is therefore intended, in particular, to improve the situation. Presentation of the invention

[0006] In particular, it proposes for this purpose a monitoring method intended to be implemented in a land vehicle and comprising signal lights and a rechargeable battery coupled to a charging connector installed on a longitudinal side and suitable for being coupled to a charging station installed on a first side of a parking space having a second side parallel to said first side and adjoining a traffic lane.

[0007] This monitoring method is characterized by the fact that it includes a step in which, when the vehicle is installed in the parking space and coupled to the charging station, it is determined whether the charging connector is located near the second side, and, if so, signal lights partially located on the longitudinal side including the charging connector are operated.

[0008] Thanks to the invention, the attention of a person travelling on the traffic lane and preparing to pass alongside the vehicle being charged is drawn to the lights generated by the traffic light(s), which facilitates the visualization of the charging connector and the charging cable which are connected to the vehicle's charging connector, and therefore the avoidance of the charging cable.

[0009] The monitoring method according to the invention may include other features which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

[0010] - in its stage, one can operate signal lights providing a photometric function chosen from a position light function and a direction change indicator function;

[0011] - in the presence of the first option, in its stage, when operating signal lights providing a position light function, this operation may be intermittent;

[0012] - in a first embodiment, in its step, it is possible to detect if a longitudinal side is located near the traffic lane by analyzing images acquired by at least one digital camera fitted to the vehicle and responsible for acquiring data in an environment of the latter, then, if so, it is possible to determine if this detected longitudinal side is the one which includes the charging connector;

[0013] - in a second embodiment, in its step, it is possible to determine if a longitudinal side of the vehicle is located near the traffic lane by analyzing cartographic and traffic data accessible in the vehicle, then a direction of parking of the vehicle in the parking space can be determined.

[0014] The invention also proposes a computer program product comprising a set of instructions which, when executed by processing means, is suitable for implementing a monitoring method of the type described above, in a land vehicle and comprising signal lights and a rechargeable battery coupled to a charging connector installed on a longitudinal side and suitable for being coupled to a charging station installed on one side of a parking space having a second side parallel to the first side and adjoining a lane traffic, to indicate a charging of the rechargeable battery on a longitudinal side adjoining the traffic lane and including the charging connector.

[0015] The invention also proposes a monitoring device intended to equip a land vehicle and comprising signal lights and a rechargeable battery coupled to a charging connector installed on a longitudinal side and suitable for being coupled to a charging station installed on a first side of a parking space having a second side parallel to the first side and adjoining a traffic lane.

[0016] This monitoring device is characterized by the fact that it includes at least one processor and at least one memory arranged to perform the operations of determining, when the vehicle is installed in the parking space and coupled to the charging station, whether the charging connector is located near the second side, and, if so, triggering the operation of signal lights partially located on the longitudinal side including the charging connector.

[0017] The invention also proposes a land vehicle, possibly of the automobile type, comprising, on the one hand, signal lights and a rechargeable battery coupled to a charging connector installed on a longitudinal side and suitable for being coupled to a charging station installed on a first side of a parking space having a second side parallel to the first side and adjoining a traffic lane, and, on the other hand, a monitoring device of the type of that presented above.

[0018] For example, this vehicle may include a powertrain comprising at least one electric drive unit coupled to the rechargeable battery, and possibly at least one internal combustion drive unit. Brief description of the figures

[0019] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon examination of the detailed description below, and the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0020] [Fig. 1] schematically and functionally illustrates an example of an embodiment of a land vehicle parked in a parking space associated with a charging station and comprising a powertrain with an electric drive unit associated with a main rechargeable battery and coupled to an internal charger comprising a charger computer and coupled to a charging connector, and a monitoring device according to the invention,

[0021] [Fig. 2] schematically and functionally illustrates an example of an embodiment of a charger computer including an example of an embodiment of a monitoring device according to the invention, and

[0022] [Fig. 3] schematically illustrates an example of an algorithm implementing a monitoring method according to the invention. Detailed description of the invention

[0023] The invention aims in particular to propose a monitoring method, and an associated DS monitoring device, intended to allow the light signaling of a charging of a rechargeable battery BP of a land vehicle V on a longitudinal side CL1 of the latter (V) which adjoins a traffic lane VC along which is defined a parking space ES associated with a charging station PR and on which the land vehicle V is temporarily parked.

[0024] In what follows, we consider, by way of non-limiting example, that the land vehicle V is of the automobile type. This is, for example, a car, as illustrated in Figure 1. However, the invention is not limited to this type of vehicle. It relates in fact to any type of land vehicle comprising a powertrain with a drivetrain including at least one electric drive unit coupled to a battery that is rechargeable via an on-board charging connector. Thus, it also concerns, in particular, commercial vehicles, motorhomes, minibuses, coaches, trucks, and road maintenance vehicles, for example.

[0025] Furthermore, in what follows, we consider, by way of non-limiting example, that the (land) vehicle V comprises a powertrain with an all-electric type (and therefore whose propulsion is provided exclusively by at least one electric motor). However, the powertrain could be of the hybrid type (and in this case it comprises at least one electric motor and at least one internal combustion engine).

[0026] Figure 1 schematically represents a (land) vehicle V comprising an electric GMP transmission chain (and therefore an electric motive machine MME), a rechargeable battery BP, a charger CB comprising a charger computer CC, a first charging connector CR1, and a DS monitoring device according to the invention.

[0027] The transmission chain has a GMP which is, here, purely electric and therefore includes, in particular, an electric drive machine MME arranged to provide torque to move the vehicle V when it is supplied with electrical energy, as well as possibly to recover torque in the transmission chain.

[0028] The electric drive machine MME (here an electric motor) is here coupled to the rechargeable battery BP via a power supply circuit in order to be supplied with electrical energy, as well as possibly to supply this rechargeable battery BP with electrical energy, for example during a regenerative braking phase.

[0029] The rechargeable BP battery here powers the MME electric motive machine, it constitutes a main (or traction) battery. It can, for example, include electrical energy storage cells, possibly electrochemical (e.g., lithium-ion (or Li-ion), Ni-MH, or Ni-Cd). Also, for example, the BP rechargeable battery can be of the low-voltage type (typically 450 V, for example). But it could also be of the medium-voltage or high-voltage type.

[0030] Furthermore, the rechargeable battery BP is here coupled to the charger CB, which is itself coupled to the first charging connector CR1, installed on a longitudinal side CLj of the vehicle V. This longitudinal side CLj is here the right-hand side CL1 (j = 1), but it could be the left-hand side CL2 (j = 2). This allows the (rechargeable) battery BP to be charged externally when the first charging connector CR1 is temporarily connected to a second charging connector CR2 of a charging cable connected to a charging station (or an external power source) PR.

[0031] Here, the PR charging station is installed on one side (C1) of a parking space (ES), which also has a second side (C2) parallel to its first side (C1) and adjacent to a traffic lane (VC). It should be noted that this first side (C1) is part of a sidewalk (TR), but this is not mandatory.

[0032] Vehicle V is here parked in parking space ES with its first charging connector CR1 temporarily connected to the second charging connector CR2, coupled to the charging station PR, in order to recharge its BP battery.

[0033] The CB charger is responsible for controlling each recharge of the BP battery and includes a DC charger control unit for this purpose. Although not shown in Figure 1, the CB charger may also include a converter responsible, in particular, for converting the current from the BP battery to a chosen voltage (for example, to supply converted electrical power to an on-board electrical system in vehicle V).

[0034] Note that the BP battery can be recharged using direct current (or mode 4), and / or alternating current (or mode 2 or 3).

[0035] Vehicle V also includes signal lights FSj designed to perform at least one photometric function, at least partially, on one longitudinal side CLj. In the example illustrated (but not limited to) in Figure 1, vehicle V includes two right-hand signal lights FS1 at the front and rear (and therefore CL1 for its right longitudinal side, which here includes the first charging connector CR1), and two left-hand signal lights FS2 at the front and rear (and therefore CL2 for its left longitudinal side). However, it could include only one right-hand signal light FS1 and one left-hand signal light FS2.

[0036] As mentioned above, the invention proposes in particular a monitoring method intended to allow the light signaling of a charging of the BP battery on the longitudinal side (here right) CL1 which includes the first charging connector CR1.

[0037] This monitoring method can be implemented at least partially by the DS monitoring device (illustrated at least partially in Figures 1 and 2), which comprises at least one PR1 processor, for example, a digital signal processor (DSP), and at least one MD memory. This DS monitoring device can therefore be implemented as a combination of electrical or electronic circuits or components (or "hardware") and software modules. For example, it could be a microcontroller.

[0038] The MD memory is random access memory (RAM) to store instructions for the PR1 processor to implement at least part of the monitoring process. The PR1 processor can comprise integrated circuits (or printed circuit boards), or several integrated circuits (or printed circuit boards) connected by wired or wireless connections. This is understood to mean integrated circuit (or printed circuit board) any type of device capable of performing at least one electrical or electronic operation.

[0039] In the example illustrated (but not limited to) in Figures 1 and 2, the DS monitoring device is part of the DC charger control unit. However, this is not mandatory. The DS monitoring device could have its own dedicated control unit, or it could be part of another control unit embedded in the vehicle (V) and performing at least one other function within it (V).

[0040] As illustrated non-limitingly in Figure 3, the (monitoring) method according to the invention includes a step 10-50 which is implemented whenever a double condition is met, namely the vehicle V is installed (or parked) in a parking space ES and its first charging connector CR1 has been temporarily connected to a second charging connector CR2, coupled to the charging station PR associated with this parking space ES.

[0041] Step 10-50 of the process includes a substep 30 in which, when the aforementioned double condition is met, it is determined (for example, by the DS monitoring device) whether the first charging connector CR1 is located near the second side C2, and therefore in the vicinity of the VC traffic lane. If so, in a substep 50 of step 10-50, the signal(s) FS1, partially located on the longitudinal (here right) side CL1 which includes the first charging connector CR1, are activated (for example, by the DS monitoring device).

[0042] Thus, when the first CR1 charging connector is placed in the immediate vicinity (or slightly above) a VC traffic lane, and therefore the second CR2 charging connector and its charging cable potentially constitute a barely visible obstacle, the attention of a person traveling on the traffic lane VC, preparing to pass alongside vehicle V which is being charged, is attracted by the lights generated by the signal light(s) (here right(s)) FS1. This is likely to facilitate the visibility by the person of this second charging connector CR2 and its charging cable, and therefore an avoidance of these (CR2).

[0043] Preferably, FS1 signal lights located at the front and rear of vehicle V are operated, in order to optimize the light signaling of the entire longitudinal side (here right) CL1.

[0044] Note that in substep 50 of step 10-50, FS1 signal lights can be activated (for example, the DS monitoring device can trigger their operation). These lights perform a photometric function chosen from a position light function and a turn signal (or flashing light) function. However, this is not limited to these two photometric signaling functions. For example, daytime running lights (DRLs) could also be used at the front, and brake lights at the rear.

[0045] It should also be noted that in sub-step 50 of step 10-50, when operating FS1 signal lights providing a position light function, this operation can be done intermittently in order to enhance the visual appeal to people preparing to walk alongside vehicle V.

[0046] At least two embodiments can be envisaged for the detection of the situation in which the first CR1 charging connector is adjacent to the VC traffic lane.

[0047] In a first embodiment illustrated non-limitingly in Figure 3, step 10-50 may include a substep 10 in which one (for example the DS monitoring device) can detect whether a longitudinal side CLj of the vehicle V is located near the traffic lane VC by analyzing images acquired by at least one digital camera CN fitted to the vehicle V and responsible for acquiring data in an environment of the latter (V). If no, the process ends in substep 20 of step 10-50, because no longitudinal side CLj adjoins the VC traffic lane. Conversely, if yes, one (for example, the DS monitoring device) can determine in substep 30 of step 10-50 whether this detected longitudinal side CLj is the one that includes the first charging connector CR1 (namely CL1 here). If no, the process ends in substep 40 of step 10-50, because the longitudinal side (here, right) CL1 does not adjoin the VC traffic lane. Conversely, if yes, one (for example, the DS monitoring device) performs substep 50.

[0048] It will be understood that it is easy to detect in images of the environment of vehicle V whether there is a traffic lane VC located next to one of its longitudinal sides CLj, and then, if so, to determine with respect to a reference of vehicle V (for example its front end) which of the two longitudinal sides CLj is located next to the detected traffic lane VC.

[0049] Each CN digital camera can be dedicated to the DS surveillance device, or it can participate in at least one other function offered by the vehicle V, such as obstacle detection, parking assistance or lane marking detection.

[0050] In a second embodiment, in step 10-50 one (for example the DS monitoring device) can determine whether a longitudinal side CLj is located near a traffic lane VC by analyzing map and traffic data which are accessible in the vehicle V, and then determining the direction of parking of the vehicle V in the parking space ES.

[0051] It should be noted that map and traffic data can be stored in at least one database embedded in the vehicle (V) (and for example, as part of the satellite guidance function) and / or located in at least one server accessible via a wireless communication module fitted to vehicle V.

[0052] It will be understood that, knowing the precise geographical position of vehicle V, it is easy to determine if it is parked in a listed parking space ES and adjacent to a traffic lane VC located next to one of its longitudinal sides CLj. Then, knowing the final path taken by vehicle V to park, it is easy to determine the direction in which vehicle V is parked within the parking space ES. It is then possible to determine which of the two longitudinal sides CLj is located next to the traffic lane VC.

[0053] It should also be noted, as illustrated non-limitingly in Figure 2, that the DC charger computer (or the DS monitoring device computer) may also include a mass memory MM1, in particular to store any environmental data acquired by the (each) digital camera CN or the possible geographical position of the vehicle V when it is parked for charging and any successive position data of the final route followed by the vehicle V to park, as well as any intermediate data involved in all its calculations and processing.Furthermore, this DC charger control unit (or the DS monitoring device control unit) may also include an IE input interface for receiving at least each message indicating that the dual condition has been met, any acquired environmental data or the vehicle's (V) geographical position, and any successive position data of the final route, for use in calculations or processing, possibly after formatting, demodulating, and / or amplifying them in a manner known per se, using a PR2 digital signal processor. In addition, this DC charger control unit (or the DS monitoring device control unit) may also include an IS output interface, notably for delivering a message (or command) to activate the (here, straight) traffic lights FS1.

[0054] It should also be noted that the invention also proposes a computer program product (or computer program) comprising a set of instructions which, when executed by processing means of the type of electronic circuits (or hardware), such as for example the PR1 processor, is suitable for implementing the monitoring method described above to signal a recharge of the rechargeable battery BP of the vehicle V on a longitudinal side CL1 adjoining a traffic lane VC and comprising the first charging connector CR1.

Claims

CLAIMS

1. Monitoring method for a land vehicle (V) and comprising signal lights (FSj) and a rechargeable battery (BP) coupled to a charging connector (CR1) installed on a longitudinal side (CLj) and suitable for being coupled to a charging station (PR) installed on a first side (C1) of a parking space (ES) having a second side (C2) parallel to said first side (C1) and adjoining a traffic lane (VC), characterized in that it comprises a step (10-50) in which, when said vehicle (V) is installed on said parking space (ES) and coupled to said charging station (PR), it is determined whether said charging connector (CR1) is located near said second side (C2), and if so, signal lights (FSj) partially located on said longitudinal side (CLj) comprising said charging connector (CR1) are operated.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that in said step (10-50) signaling lights (FSj) are operated providing a photometric function chosen from a position light function and a direction indicator function.

3. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that in said step (10-50), when signal lights (FSj) providing a position light function are operated, this operation is carried out intermittently.

4. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that in said step (10-50) it is detected whether a longitudinal side (CLj) is located near said traffic lane (VC) by analyzing images acquired by at least one digital camera (CN) equipping said vehicle (V) and responsible for acquiring data in an environment of the latter (V), then, if so, it is determined whether this detected longitudinal side (CLj) is the one which includes said charging connector (CR1).

5. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that in said step (10-50) it is determined whether a longitudinal side (CLj) is located near said traffic lane (VC) by analyzing cartographic and traffic data accessible in said vehicle (V), then determines a parking direction of said vehicle (V) in said parking space (ES).

6. Computer program product comprising a set of instructions which, when executed by processing means, is suitable for implementing the monitoring method according to one of claims 1 to 5, in a land vehicle (V) and comprising signal lights (FSj) and a rechargeable battery (BP) coupled to a charging connector (CR1) installed on a longitudinal side (CLj) and suitable for being coupled to a charging station (PR) installed on a first side (C1) of a parking space (ES) having a second side (C2) parallel to said first side (C1) and adjoining a traffic lane (VC), to signal a recharge of said rechargeable battery (BP) on a longitudinal side (CLj) adjoining said traffic lane (VC) and comprising said charging connector (CR1).

7. Monitoring device (DS) for a land vehicle (V) and comprising signal lights (FSj) and a rechargeable battery (BP) coupled to a charging connector (CR1) installed on a longitudinal side (CLj) and suitable for being coupled to a charging station (PR) installed on a first side (C1) of a parking space (ES) having a second side (C2) parallel to said first side (C1) and adjoining a traffic lane (VC), characterized in that it comprises at least one processor (PR1) and at least one memory (MD) arranged to carry out the operations consisting, when said vehicle (V) is installed on said parking space (ES) and coupled to said charging station (PR), in determining whether said charging connector (CR1) is located near said second side (C2),and if so, to trigger an operation of signal lights (FSj) partially located on said longitudinal side (CLj) comprising said charging connector (CR1).,

8. Land vehicle (V) comprising signal lights (FSj) and a rechargeable battery (BP) coupled to a charging connector (CR1) installed on a longitudinal side (CLj) and suitable for being coupled to a charging station (PR) installed on a first side (C1) of a parking space (ES) having a second side (C2) parallel to said first side and adjoining a traffic lane (VC), characterized in that it further comprises a monitoring device (DS) according to claim 7.

9. Vehicle according to claim 8, characterized in that it comprises a powertrain comprising at least one electric motor coupled to said rechargeable battery (BP).

10. Vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that said powertrain comprises at least one thermal motor.

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