TESTS OF CONNECTION TO VEHICLE BATTERY CHARGING CIRCUITS

Abstract

A device (DT) is responsible for testing a vehicle (V) comprising a battery (BR) rechargeable via a charging circuit (CR1, CR4) coupled to a charging control unit (CR2) and at least one charging connector (CR31) adapted for charging in a predefined mode. This device (DT) includes a coupling connector (CC) designed to be connected to the charging connector (CR31) and an electronic control unit (BE) to which the coupling connector (CC) is coupled and configured to provide the charging circuit (CR1, CR4), via the coupling connector (CC) and charging connector (CR31), with a signal sequence representative of a connection to a power source enabling the predefined mode and designed to trigger, in the charging control unit (CR2), the setting of a dedicated parameter to a predefined state when the charging connector (CR31) is correctly coupled to the charging circuit (CR1, CR4). Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: CONNECTION TESTS TO VEHICLE BATTERY CHARGING CIRCUITS Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to vehicles comprising at least one battery rechargeable by an external power source, and more specifically to conformity tests of connections to circuits for recharging such batteries. State of the art

[0002] Certain vehicles, possibly of the automobile type, comprise at least one battery, possibly cellular, and capable of being recharged via a recharge circuit connected to a recharge connector to which is temporarily connected a recharge cable which is also connected to an external power source. It will be noted that the invention relates to recharge connectors which are suitable for recharges in mode 2 or 3 or in mode 4.

[0003] It is recalled that in a mode 4 recharge, the relevant recharge connector of the vehicle is connected to the battery to be recharged via the recharge circuit, and therefore this battery is supplied directly with high direct current (typically 125 A or 250 A) at a low input voltage (typically 450 V) by an external power source connected to the recharge connector via a recharge cable, i.e. without conversion by a converter of the vehicle.It is also recalled that a mode 2 recharge is done by coupling a vehicle charging connector to a conventional wall socket via a charging cable, with a current which is generally between 8 A and 13 A, under an alternating voltage of 220 V AC, and that a mode 3 recharge is done by coupling a vehicle charging connector to a specific wall box (or "wallbox") via a charging cable, with a current generally between 16 A and 32 A, under an alternating voltage of 220 V AC, single-phase or three-phase. In addition, in a mode 2 or 3 recharge it is the converter, which is temporarily coupled to the external power source via the vehicle's charging circuit, which supplies the battery to be recharged with direct current, after AC / DC conversion (for example from 220 V to 450 V).

[0004] On vehicle assembly lines, it happens that the connection between the (one) charging connector (generally accessible via an external hatch) and the charging circuit is not correctly made, or even that a technician forgets to make it. In such a situation, the existence of a charging problem can only be realized when the charging of the battery by successively connecting the vehicle's (two) charging connector(s) (respectively adapted to modes 2 or 3 and 4) to one (two) charging station(s) dedicated (respectively) to mode 2 or 3 and / or mode 4, after all other vehicle checks and adjustments have been carried out in an adjustment and control phase. These two successive control connections are time-consuming and therefore expensive.

[0005] In the event of a charging problem, the vehicle must be transferred to a rework area where the cause of the charging problem is investigated, even though the vehicle has been fully assembled and checked. If the cause is a forgotten connection, or an incorrect connection, it is necessary to dismantle parts of the vehicle in order to intervene before reassembly, which is time-consuming and therefore expensive, and can sometimes cause damage to a dismantled part which may require replacement and therefore make the intervention even more expensive.

[0006] The invention therefore aims in particular to improve the situation by facilitating the detection of a forgotten connection or an incorrect connection as early as possible in the phase of adjustment and control of the assembled vehicle, so as to avoid having to carry out each control connection to a dedicated charging station. Presentation of the invention

[0007] For this purpose, it proposes in particular a test device intended to test a vehicle comprising a rechargeable battery via a charging circuit coupled to a charging computer and to at least one charging connector adapted to charging in a predefined mode.

[0008] This test device is characterized by the fact that it comprises:

[0009] - a coupling connector suitable for being connected to the (each) connector of recharge, and

[0010] - an electronic housing to which the coupling connector is coupled and configured to provide the charging circuit, via the coupling connector and the relevant charging connector, with a corresponding signal sequence which is representative of a connection to a power source enabling the corresponding predefined mode and capable of triggering in the charging computer a placement of a corresponding dedicated parameter in a predefined state when the relevant charging connector is correctly coupled to the charging circuit.

[0011] Thus, a connection problem between a charging connector and the charging circuit can be quickly and reliably detected without needing to connect each charging connector to the dedicated charging station.

[0012] The test device according to the invention may include other characteristics which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

[0013] - the electronic housing may comprise a configured electronic circuit, when the charging connector connected to the coupling connector is adapted for charging in a mode 2 or 3, so as to generate a first sequence of signals comprising, on the one hand, a first alternating current intended for phase lines and a neutral line of the charging circuit, under a first chosen voltage and according to a first chosen frequency, on the other hand, a square-shaped pilot signal, having a second chosen voltage and a second chosen frequency, for a pilot line of the charging circuit, and, on the other hand, a proximity signal, having a third voltage strictly lower than the first chosen voltage, for a proximity line of the charging circuit, in order to give the impression to the charging circuit that it is coupled to a power source allowing mode 2 or 3;

[0014] - in the presence of the first option, the first voltage chosen can be understood between +18 V and +24 V, the first frequency chosen can be equal to 50 Hz, the second voltage chosen can have an amplitude equal to 24 V, and the second frequency chosen can be between 900 Hz and 1100 Hz;

[0015] - the electronic housing may comprise a configured electronic circuit, when the charging connector connected to the coupling connector is adapted for charging in a mode 4, so as to generate a second sequence of signals comprising a second direct current at a fourth chosen voltage, in order to give the impression to the charging circuit that it is coupled to a power source allowing mode 4;

[0016] - in the presence of the last option, the fourth voltage chosen can be understood between +18 V and +24 V;

[0017] - the electronic box may include a battery capable of supplying energy electric the electronic circuit.

[0018] The invention also proposes a vehicle, possibly of the automobile type, and comprising a battery rechargeable via a recharging circuit coupled to a supervision computer and to at least one recharging connector adapted to recharging in a predefined mode.

[0019] This vehicle is characterized by the fact that in the event of activation of a charging circuit test mode in the charging computer and connection to the charging connector of a test device of the type presented above, its charging circuit is configured, when it receives the corresponding signal sequence from the test device and the charging connector is correctly coupled with it, to induce in the recharge calculator a placement of a dedicated parameter in a predefined state.

[0020] The invention also proposes a test method for testing a vehicle comprising a rechargeable battery via a charging circuit coupled to a charging computer and to at least one charging connector adapted to charging in a predefined mode.

[0021] This test method is characterized by the fact that it comprises a step in which a test mode of the charging circuit is activated in the charging computer and a test device of the type presented above is connected to the charging connector(s) to provide a sequence of signals adapted to the predefined mode and capable of triggering in the charging computer a placement of a dedicated parameter in a predefined state when the charging connector is correctly coupled to the charging circuit, then the charging computer is accessed in order to determine the state of this dedicated parameter.

[0022] For example, in the test method step, the charging circuit test mode in the charging computer can be deactivated (automatically or manually) when the dedicated parameter is in its predefined state.

[0023] The invention also proposes a computer program product comprising a set of instructions which, when executed by processing means, is capable of implementing at least part of a test method of the type presented above for testing, in a vehicle comprising a rechargeable battery via a charging circuit coupled to a charging computer and to at least one charging connector adapted to charging in a predefined mode, a connection between the charging circuit and each charging connector. Brief description of the figures

[0024] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description below, and the appended drawings, in which:

[0025] [Fig. 1] schematically and functionally illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a vehicle comprising a GMP with an electric motor powered by a rechargeable main battery, and temporarily coupled to a test device according to the invention,

[0026] [Fig.2] schematically and functionally illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a test device according to the invention, and

[0027] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates an example of an algorithm implementing a test method according to the invention. Detailed description of the invention

[0028] The invention aims in particular to propose a test device DT, and an associated test method, intended to enable testing of the interconnection between at least one charging connector CR3j and a charging circuit CRI, CR4 of a rechargeable battery BR of a vehicle V.

[0029] In the following, it is considered, by way of non-limiting example, that the vehicle V is of the automobile type. It is for example a car, as illustrated in [Fig.l]. But the invention is not limited to this type of vehicle. It relates in fact to any type of vehicle comprising at least one battery rechargeable by an external power source (whatever the mode). Thus, it relates, for example, to land vehicles (utility vehicles, camper vans, minibuses, coaches, trucks, motorcycles, road machinery, construction machinery, agricultural machinery, leisure machinery (snowmobile, kart), and tracked vehicles, for example), boats and aircraft.

[0030] Furthermore, it is considered in the following, by way of non-limiting example, that the vehicle V comprises a powertrain (or GMP) of the all-electric type (and therefore whose drive is provided exclusively by at least one electric motor MME). But the GMP could be of the hybrid type (thermal and electric).

[0031] Furthermore, it is considered in the following, by way of non-limiting example, that the rechargeable battery BR is a main (or “traction”) battery. But the rechargeable battery could be a service battery (possibly rechargeable via a converter temporarily coupled to an external power source).

[0032] Finally, it is considered in the following, by way of non-limiting example, that the rechargeable battery BR is a main battery rechargeable in modes 3 and 4. But the rechargeable battery BR could be rechargeable in mode 2 or 3 or in mode 4.

[0033] It is recalled that a recharge in mode 2 is done by coupling a first CR31 recharge connector (j = 1) of the vehicle V to a conventional wall electrical outlet via a recharge cable, with a current which is generally between 8 A and 13 A, under an alternating voltage of 220 V AC, and that a recharge in mode 3 is done by coupling the first CR31 recharge connector of the vehicle V to a specific wall box (or "wallbox") via a recharge cable, with a current generally between 16 A and 32 A, under an alternating voltage of 220 V AC, in single-phase or three-phase. Furthermore, in a mode 2 or 3 recharge, it is the CV converter of the vehicle V, which is temporarily coupled to the external power source via a first CRI sub-part of the vehicle V's recharge circuit, which supplies the BR battery to be recharged with direct current, after AC / DC conversion (for example from 220 V to 450 V).

[0034] The first CR31 charging connector usually includes:

[0035] - three terminals connected respectively to three electrical wires to be coupled to three phase lines of the first CRI sub-part of the charging circuit, generally referenced L1 to L3,

[0036] - a terminal connected to an electrical wire to be coupled to a neutral line of the first CRI subsection of the charging circuit, generally referenced N (or “neutral”),

[0037] - a terminal connected to an electrical wire to be coupled to a ground line of the first CRI subsection of the charging circuit, generally referenced M or G (or “ground”),

[0038] - a terminal connected to an electrical wire to be coupled to a control line of the first CRI subsection of the charging circuit, generally referenced CP (or “control pilot”), and

[0039] - a terminal connected to an electrical wire to be coupled to a proximity line of the first CRI subsection of the charging circuit, generally referenced P (or “proximity”).

[0040] It is also recalled that in a mode 4 recharge, a second CR32 recharge connector (j = 2) of the vehicle V is connected to the battery BR to be recharged via a second sub-part CR4 of the recharge circuit, and therefore this battery BR is supplied directly with high direct current (typically 125 A or 250 A) under a low input voltage (typically 450 V) by an external power source connected to the second CR32 recharge connector via a recharge cable, i.e. without conversion by the CV converter of the vehicle V.

[0041] The second CR32 charging connector usually includes:

[0042] - a terminal connected to an electrical wire to be coupled to a line positive direct current supply of the second CR4 sub-part of the charging circuit, generally referenced DC+, and

[0043] - a terminal connected to an electrical wire to be coupled to a line negative direct current supply of the second CR4 sub-part of the charging circuit, generally referenced DC-.

[0044] [Fig.l] schematically shows a vehicle V comprising an electric GMP transmission chain, an on-board network RB, a service battery BS, a rechargeable main battery BR, a converter CV, and a monitoring device DS according to the invention.

[0045] The on-board network RB is an electrical power supply network to which electrical (or electronic) equipment (or components) that consume electrical energy are coupled.

[0046] The service battery BS is responsible for supplying electrical energy to the on-board network RB, in addition to (or possibly instead of) that supplied by the CV converter powered by the main rechargeable battery BR. For example, this service battery BS can be arranged in the form of a very low voltage battery (typically 12 V, 24 V or 48 V). It is rechargeable at least by the CV current converter.

[0047] The transmission chain has a GMP which is, here, purely electric and therefore which comprises, in particular, an electric MME motor machine, arranged so as to provide or recover torque to move the vehicle V. The operation of the GMP is supervised by a supervision computer CS.

[0048] The driving machine MME (here an electric motor) is coupled to the main rechargeable battery BR, in order to be supplied with electrical energy, as well as possibly to supply this main rechargeable battery BR with electrical energy during regenerative braking.

[0049] The main rechargeable battery BR may, for example, comprise electrical energy storage cells, possibly grouped in modules that are identical or different from each other. For example, the electrical energy storage cells may be electrochemical. Thus, they may, for example, be of the lithium-ion (or Li-ion) or Ni-Mh or Ni-Cd type. Also, for example, the main rechargeable battery BR may be of the low voltage type (typically 450 V for illustrative purposes). But it could be of the medium voltage or high voltage type.

[0050] Furthermore, the main rechargeable battery BR is (here) associated with a battery box BB which notably comprises an isolation device, possible voltage / current measuring means (not illustrated), and a battery calculator CB.

[0051] The isolation device is arranged so as to isolate, if necessary, the main rechargeable battery BR from the converter CV and / or from the second charging connector CR32 and / or from the driving machine MME.

[0052] The battery calculator CB centralizes the current measurements and the voltage measurements concerning the main rechargeable battery BR, and determines parameters of the latter (BR) according to these measurements. Furthermore, the battery calculator CB partially manages the recharges in mode 4. It also exchanges information with the supervision calculator CS of the GMP and a recharge calculator CR2 described later.

[0053] The converter CV is responsible during the driving phases of the vehicle V for converting part of the electric current stored in the main rechargeable battery BR to supply converted electric current, on the one hand, to the on-board network RB, and, on the other hand, to the service battery BS (to recharge it). It is also responsible, during the charging phases in mode 2 or 3, for converting the alternating current from the external power source (via the first charging connector CR31 and the first sub-part CRI of the charging circuit) into current continuous intended for the main rechargeable battery BR. The first CR31 charging connector must therefore be connected to the first CRI sub-part of the charging circuit (which concerns charging in mode 2 or 3) so that the main rechargeable battery BR can be recharged in mode 2 or 3.

[0054] For example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 1], the CV converter can be part of a recharging and conversion equipment ERC which also includes the recharging computer CR2 responsible for managing recharging in mode 2 or 3, as well as here in mode 4. This recharging computer CR2 is therefore here coupled to the battery computer CB in order to manage recharging in mode 4, as well as to the first CRI and second CR4 sub-parts of the recharging circuit.

[0055] For its part, the second charging connector CR32 must be connected to the second sub-part CR4 of the charging circuit (which concerns charging in mode 4 (here housed in the battery box BB)) so that the main rechargeable battery BR can be recharged in mode 4.

[0056] As mentioned above, the invention proposes in particular a test device DT intended to enable testing of the interconnection between each charging connector CR3j of the vehicle V and the first CRI or second CR4 corresponding sub-part of the charging circuit in order to determine whether it has been correctly carried out or not.

[0057] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, a test device DT according to the invention comprises a CC coupling connector which is suitable for being connected to the (each) charging connector CR3j and an electronic box BE to which the CC coupling connector is coupled. It will be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 and 2, the CC coupling connector is external to the electronic box BE and connected to the various output lines of the latter (BE) via a connecting cable CL. But in an alternative embodiment the CC coupling connector could be part of the electronic box BE.

[0058] The DC coupling connector comprises, here, first and second sub-parts dedicated respectively to the first CR31 and second CR32 charging connectors. But it could only comprise a part dedicated to the first CR31 charging connector or only a part dedicated to the second CR32 charging connector.

[0059] The first sub-part includes:

[0060] - three terminals intended to be connected respectively to the three terminals of the first CR31 charging connector to be coupled to the three phase lines L1 to L3 of the first CRI sub-part of the charging circuit,

[0061] - a terminal intended to be connected to the terminal of the first charging connector CR31 to be coupled to the neutral line N of the first CRI sub-part of the charging circuit,

[0062] - a terminal intended to be connected to the terminal of the first charging connector CR31 to be coupled to the ground line M (or G) of the first CRI sub-part of the charging circuit,

[0063] - a terminal intended to be connected to the terminal of the first charging connector CR31 to be coupled to the CP control line of the first CRI sub-part of the charging circuit, and

[0064] - a terminal intended to be connected to the terminal of the first charging connector CR31 to be coupled to the proximity line P of the first CRI sub-part of the charging circuit.

[0065] The second sub-part comprises:

[0066] - a terminal intended to be connected to the terminal of the second charging connector CR32 to be coupled to the positive direct current supply line DC+ of the second sub-part CR4 of the charging circuit, and

[0067] - a terminal intended to be connected to the terminal of the second charging connector CR32 to be coupled to the negative direct current supply line DC- of the second sub-part CR4 of the charging circuit.

[0068] The electronic box BE is configured to provide the first CRI and second CR4 sub-parts of the charging circuit, via the coupling connector CC and the first CR31 or second CR32 charging connector (concerned by the current test), with a first si or second s2 sequence of signals which is representative of a connection to a power source allowing the predefined mode (2 or 3 or 4). This first si or second s2 sequence of signals is capable of triggering in the charging computer CR2 a placement of a dedicated parameter pdj in a predefined state epj when the first CR31 or second CR32 charging connector concerned is correctly coupled to the corresponding first CRI or second CR4 sub-part of the charging circuit.

[0069] Thus, the first signal sequence si that the test device DT provides to the first charging connector CR31 is intended to give the impression to the first sub-part CRI of the charging circuit that it is coupled to an external power source allowing mode 2 or 3, when the connection between the first charging connector CR31 and the first sub-part CRI of the charging circuit is correct. Similarly, the second signal sequence s2 that the test device DT provides to the second charging connector CR32 is intended to give the impression to the second sub-part CR4 of the charging circuit that it is coupled to an external power source allowing mode 4, when the connection between the second charging connector CR32 and the second sub-part CR4 of the charging circuit is correct.

[0070] Each connection test of a second CR3j charging connector can therefore be carried out at any time during the adjustment and control phase of the vehicle V which follows the end of assembly on the assembly line, and in particular from the start of this adjustment and control phase. This makes it possible to quickly and reliably detect a connection problem between a CR3j charging connector and the first CRI or second CR4 corresponding sub-part of the charging circuit without needing to connect each CR3j charging connector to the charging station dedicated to its mode (2 or 3 or 4).

[0071] Preferably, when the DC coupling connector can be connected simultaneously to first CR31 and second CR32 charging connectors, dedicated first pdl (j = 1) and second pd2 (j = 2) parameters are used to record the results of the connection tests of the first CR31 and second CR32 charging connectors respectively.

[0072] Also preferably, a test mode of the first CR1 and second CR4 sub-parts of the charging circuit must be activated in the charging computer CR2 before a connection test begins. For example, this activation can be carried out before the CC coupling connector has been connected to the first CR31 and / or second CR32 charging connector(s). This activation can be done by sending a dedicated signal to the charging computer CR2, for example by means of a diagnostic tool coupled to the diagnostic socket of the vehicle V.In this case, the DC coupling connector is connected to the first CR31 and / or second CR32 charging connector(s) after activation of the test mode of the first CRI and second CR4 sub-parts of the charging circuit in the charging computer CR2, then the connection test is triggered by an action on a dedicated control member of the electronic box BE, or a selection of a menu proposed by the electronic box BE, by the user of the test device DT.

[0073] But in an alternative embodiment, the electronic box BE could be configured to activate the test mode of the first CRI and second CR4 sub-parts of the charging circuit in the charging computer CR2 after the coupling connector CC has been connected to the first CR31 and / or second CR32 charging connector(s). This activation can then be done by sending a dedicated signal to the charging computer CR2, for example triggered by an action on a dedicated control member of the electronic box BE, or a selection of a menu proposed by the electronic box BE, by the user of the test device DT. In this case, upon receipt of this dedicated signal, the charging computer CR2 places itself in a test mode of the first CRI and second CR4 sub-parts of the charging circuit which will make it possible to act on the state of the (each) dedicated parameter pdj.It should be noted that the user action which triggers the activation of the test mode of the first CRI and second CR4 sub-parts of the charging circuit can also then trigger the generation and supply of the first sequence of signals if, then the generation and supply. of the second sequence of signals s2 (or vice versa). But in an alternative embodiment, the electronic box BE could include at least one other control unit or at least one other menu allowing the user to trigger the generation and supply of each sequence of signals sj.

[0074] Thus, in the event of activation of the test mode of the first CRI and second CR4 sub-parts of the charging circuit in the charging computer CR2 and connection to the charging connector CR3j of the test device DT, the first CRI and second CR4 sub-parts of the charging circuit are configured, when one of them receives a sequence of signals sj from the test device DT and the charging connector CR3j is correctly coupled to it, to induce in the charging computer CR2 the placement of the dedicated parameter pdj in its predefined state epj.

[0075] It will be noted that the charging calculator CR2 must be the subject of a software arrangement, compared to a charging calculator of the prior art, so as to store each dedicated parameter (or "flag") pdj either in its predefined state epj when the first CR31 or second CR32 charging connector concerned is correctly coupled to the first CRI or second CR4 corresponding sub-part of the charging circuit, or in another state ep'j also predefined when the first CR31 or second CR32 charging connector concerned is not correctly coupled to the first CRI or second CR4 corresponding sub-part of the charging circuit.In the case of the connection test of the first CR31 charging connector, it is the first CRI sub-part of the charging circuit (dedicated to mode 2 or 3 (and here housed in the ERC charging and conversion equipment)) which is configured so as to place the dedicated parameter pdl in its predefined state epl, whereas it is for example initially placed in its other predefined state ep' 1 when activating the test mode of the first CRI and second CR4 sub-parts of the charging circuit in the CR2 charging computer.In the case of the connection test of the second CR32 charging connector, it is the second sub-part CR4 of the charging circuit (dedicated to mode 4 (and here housed in the BB battery box)) which is configured so as to trigger the placement of the dedicated parameter pd2 in its predefined state ep2, whereas it is for example initially placed in its other predefined state ep'2 when activating the test mode of the first CRI and second CR4 sub-parts of the charging circuit in the CR2 charging computer. For example, the second sub-part CR4 of the charging circuit (dedicated to mode 4) can request the CB battery computer to communicate with the CR2 charging computer to cause the placement of the dedicated parameter pd2 in its predefined state ep2.

[0076] It will be understood in fact that when the first CRI or second CR4 sub-part of the recharging circuit does not receive a first si or second s2 sequence of signals it cannot trigger in the recharging computer CR2 the placement of a dedicated parameter pdj in its predefined state epj or in its other predefined state ep'j, and therefore if we want to know the result of a connection test it is preferable that the corresponding dedicated parameter pdj is initially placed in its other predefined state ep'j (representative of a connection problem).

[0077] For example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 and 2, the electronic box BE may comprise an electronic circuit CE configured, when the first charging connector CR31 connected to the coupling connector CC is adapted to charging in a mode 2 or 3, so as to generate the first sequence of signals si which must give the impression to the first sub-part CRI of the charging circuit that it is coupled to an external power source allowing mode 2 or 3. This first sequence of signals si comprises a first alternating current, a pilot signal and a proximity signal.

[0078] The first alternating current is intended for the phase lines L1 to L3 and the neutral line N of the first CRI sub-part of the charging circuit, and is supplied at a first chosen voltage and according to a first chosen frequency.

[0079] The pilot signal is intended for the CP control line of the first CRI sub-part of the charging circuit, has a square shape and is supplied at a second chosen voltage and a second chosen frequency.

[0080] The proximity signal is intended for the proximity line P of the first CRI sub-part of the recharging circuit, and is supplied at a third voltage strictly lower than the first chosen voltage.

[0081] Preferably, the phase lines L1 to L3 are phase shifted two by two by 120°.

[0082] As illustrated, the electronic circuit CE may comprise a first generator G1 responsible for supplying the first alternating current at the first chosen voltage and at the first chosen frequency. A first terminal of this first generator G1 is here connected to a first line which is subdivided into two sub-lines, one connected to a first terminal of a first resistor RI, the other in turn subdividing into three sub-lines SS1 to SS3 corresponding respectively to the phase lines L1 to L3.A second terminal of the first generator G1 is here connected to a second line which is subdivided into two sub-lines, one connected to second R2 and third R3 resistors connected in series, to induce a dedicated voltage drop, with the third resistor R3 connected to a sub-line SS7 corresponding to the proximity line P, the other being subdivided into a sub-line connected to the second terminal of the first resistor RI and another sub-line which is in turn subdivided into two sub-lines SS4 and SS5 corresponding respectively to the neutral line N and ground line M (or G).

[0083] For example, the first resistor RI may have a value between 450 ohms and 500 ohms. Also for example, the second resistor R2 may have a value between 300 ohms and 350 ohms. Also for example, the third resistor R3 can have a value between 130 ohms and 170 ohms. Also for example, the intensity of the first alternating current can be a few milliamps.

[0084] The electronic circuit CE can also comprise a second generator G2 responsible for providing the square-shaped pilot signal under the second chosen voltage and the second chosen frequency on a sub-line SS6.

[0085] For example, the first voltage chosen may be between +18 V and +24 V (+2 V / -1 V), the first frequency chosen may be equal to 50 Hz, the second voltage chosen may have an amplitude equal to 24 V (minimum of -12 V (+ / -1 V) and maximum of +12 V (+ / -1 V)), and the second frequency chosen may be between 900 Hz and 1100 Hz (and preferably equal to 1000 Hz).

[0086] Also for example, the rise time of the pilot signal from 10% to 90% may be of the order of 2 ps, the fall time of the pilot signal from 90% to 10% may be of the order of 2 ps, and the minimum settling time to 95% of the pilot signal in steady state may be of the order of 3 ps.

[0087] Also as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 and 2, the electronic circuit CE of the electronic box BE can, for example, be configured, when the second charging connector CR32 connected to the coupling connector CC is adapted to charging in mode 4, so as to generate the second sequence of signals s2 which must give the impression to the second sub-part CR4 of the charging circuit that it is coupled to an external power source allowing mode 4. This second sequence of signals s2 comprises a second direct current under a fourth chosen voltage.

[0088] As illustrated, the electronic circuit CE may comprise a third generator G3 responsible for supplying the second direct current at the fourth chosen voltage. A first positive terminal of this third generator G1 is here connected to a first line SS8 corresponding to the positive direct current supply line DC+ of the second sub-part CR4 of the charging circuit. A second negative terminal of the third generator G1 is here connected to a second line SS9 corresponding to the negative direct current supply line DC- of the second sub-part CR4 of the charging circuit.

[0089] For example, the fourth voltage chosen may be between +18 V and +24 V (+2 V / -1 V). Also for example, the intensity of the second direct current may be a few milliamps.

[0090] It will also be noted, as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 and 2, that the electronic box BE can advantageously comprise a battery BA capable of supplying electrical energy to the electronic circuit CE. This makes it possible to make the portable and independent DT test device, in operation, from an external power supply source. Preferably, this BA battery is rechargeable by coupling to an external power supply source.

[0091] It will also be noted that the invention can also be considered from the angle of a test method, a non-limiting example of implementation of which is illustrated in [Fig.3],

[0092] This test method comprises a step 10-50 in which the test mode of the first CRI and second CR4 sub-parts of the charging circuit in the charging computer CR2 is first activated and the test device DT is connected to the (each) charging connector CR3j. For example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 3], the test mode of the first CRI and second CR4 sub-parts of the charging circuit in the charging computer CR2 can first be activated in a sub-step 10, and then the test device DT can be connected to the (each) charging connector CR3j in a sub-step 20. But the reverse is also possible, as described above.

[0093] Then, in a sub-step 30 of step 10-50, at least one sequence of signals sj is provided, adapted to the predefined mode to which the charging connector CR3j under test is adapted and capable of triggering in the charging computer CR2 the placement of the dedicated parameter pdj in its predefined state epj when the charging connector CR3j under test is correctly coupled to the first CRI or second CR4 corresponding sub-part of the charging circuit. Then, in a sub-step 40 of step 10-50, the charging computer CR2 is accessed in order to determine the state of the (each) dedicated parameter pdj.

[0094] It will be noted that access to the charging calculator CR2 is preferably made by means of a diagnostic tool coupled to the diagnostic socket of the vehicle V. But in an alternative embodiment, this access could be made via the electronic box BE which must then include a communication interface and a man / machine interface.

[0095] It will also be noted that step 10-50 may also comprise a sub-step 50 in which the test mode of the first CRI and second CR4 sub-parts of the charging circuit is deactivated in the charging computer CR2 when the (each) dedicated parameter pdj is in its predefined state epj. This deactivation (which may be automatic or manual) is intended to return the charging computer CR2 to a conventional operating mode which will allow it, at the end of the adjustment and control phase, to manage the charging of the rechargeable battery BR via a charging connector CR3j (and without needing to test the charging with the possible other charging connector CR3j'). This deactivation is preferably done by means of the diagnostic tool coupled to the diagnostic socket of the vehicle V. But in an alternative embodiment, this deactivation could be done via the electronic box BE which must then include a communication interface and a man / machine interface.

[0096] It will 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 electronic circuit (or hardware) type, such as for example at least one processor, for example a digital signal processor (or DSP ("Digital Signal Processor")) and associated with a random access memory, is capable of implementing at least part of the test method described above to test in the vehicle V one (each) connection between the first CRI or second CR4 corresponding sub-part of its charging circuit and the (each) charging connector CR3j. For example, this processor and this random access memory may be part of the electronic box BE of the test device DT.

Claims

1.

2. Claims Test device (DT) for testing a vehicle (V) comprising a battery (BR) rechargeable via a charging circuit (CRI, CR4) coupled to a charging computer (CR2) and to at least one charging connector (CR3j) suitable for charging in a predefined mode, this test device (DT) comprising a coupling connector (CC) suitable for being connected to said charging connector (CR3j) and an electronic box (BE) to which said coupling connector (CC) is coupled and configured to provide said charging circuit (CRI, CR4), via said coupling connector (CC) and charging connector (CR3j), a sequence of signals representative of a connection to a power source allowing said predefined mode and suitable for triggering in said charging computer (CR2) a placement of a dedicated parameter in a predefined state when said charging connector (CR3j) is correctly coupled to said charging circuit (CRI, CR4),characterized in that said electronic box (BE) comprises an electronic circuit (CE) configured, when said charging connector (CR31) connected to said coupling connector (CC) is adapted to charging in a mode 2 or 3, so as to generate a first sequence of signals comprising i) a first alternating current intended for phase lines and a neutral line of said charging circuit (CRI), under a first chosen voltage and according to a first chosen frequency, ii) a square-shaped pilot signal, having a second chosen voltage and a second chosen frequency, for a pilot line of said charging circuit (CRI), and iii) a proximity signal, having a third voltage strictly lower than said first chosen voltage, for a proximity line of said charging circuit (CRI), in order to give the impression to said charging circuit (CRI) that it is coupled to a power source allowing said mode 2 or 3., Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said first chosen voltage is between +18 V and +24 V, said first chosen frequency is equal to 50 Hz, said second chosen voltage has an amplitude equal to 24 V, and said second chosen frequency is between 900 Hz and 1100 Hz.

3. Device according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that said electronic box (BE) comprises an electronic circuit (CE) configured, when said charging connector (CR32) connected to said coupling connector (CC) is adapted to charging in a mode 4, so as to generate a second sequence of signals comprising a second direct current under a fourth chosen voltage, in order to give the impression to said charging circuit (CR4) that it is coupled to a power source allowing said mode 4.

4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that said fourth chosen voltage is between +18 V and +24 V.

5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said electronic box (BE) comprises a battery (BA) capable of supplying electrical energy to said electronic circuit (CE).

6. Vehicle (V) comprising a battery (BR) rechargeable via a charging circuit (CRI, CR4) coupled to a supervision computer (CR2) and to at least one charging connector (CR3j) adapted to charging in a predefined mode, characterized in that, in the event of activation of a test mode of said charging circuit (CRI, CR4) in said charging computer (CR2) and connection to said charging connector (CR3j) of a test device (DT) according to one of the preceding claims, said charging circuit (CRI, CR4) is configured, when it receives said sequence of signals from said test device (DT) and said charging connector (CR3j) is correctly coupled to it, to induce in said charging computer (CR2) a placement of a dedicated parameter in a predefined state.

7. Method for testing a vehicle (V) comprising a battery (BR) rechargeable via a charging circuit (CRI, CR4) coupled to a charging computer (CR2) and to at least one charging connector (CR3j) adapted to charging in a predefined mode, characterized in that it comprises a step (10-50) in which a test mode of said charging circuit (CRI, CR4) is activated in said charging computer (CR2) and a test device (DT) according to one of claims 1 to 5 is connected to said charging connector (CR3j) in order to provide a sequence of signals adapted to said predefined mode and capable of triggering in said charging computer (CR2) a placement of a dedicated parameter in a predefined state when said charging connector (CR3j) is correctly coupled to said charging circuit (CRI, CR4), then said charging calculator (CR2) is accessed in order to determine the status of said dedicated parameter.

8. Method according to claim 7, characterized in that in said step (10-50) said charging circuit test mode (CRI, CR4) is deactivated in said charging calculator (CR2) when said dedicated parameter is in said predefined state.

9. Computer program product comprising a set of instructions which, when executed by processing means, is capable of implementing at least part of a test method according to claim 7 or 8 for testing, in a vehicle (V) comprising a battery (BR) rechargeable via a charging circuit (CRI, CR4) coupled to a charging computer (CR2) and to at least one charging connector (CR3j) adapted to charging in a predefined mode, a connection between said charging circuit (CRI, CR4) and each charging connector (CR3j).

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