MONITORING THE POSITION OF THE LONGITUDINAL SIDE OF A VEHICLE WHERE ITS BATTERY IS CHARGED

Abstract

A monitoring method is implemented in a land vehicle comprising a rechargeable battery coupled to a charging connector installed on one longitudinal side and suitable for connection to a charging station installed on one side of a parking space having a second side parallel to the first and adjacent to a traffic lane. This method includes a step (10-50) in which, when the vehicle is positioned in the parking space and connected to the charging station, it is determined whether the charging connector is located near the second side, and if so, the signal lights fitted to the vehicle on the longitudinal side containing the charging connector are activated. Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: MONITORING THE PLACEMENT OF THE LONGITUDINAL SIDE OF A VEHICLE WHERE THE CHARGING YOUR BATTERY 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 is recharged. State of the art

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

[0003] Generally, this rechargeable battery is in particular responsible for powering an electric motor of the powertrain (or GMP) of the (land) vehicle, and therefore constitutes a main (or traction) battery.

[0004] In many vehicles (with at least partially electric GMP) the charging connector is installed on a longitudinal side, and therefore when the vehicle is parked for recharging the battery in a parking space, having a first side near which a charging station is installed and parallel to a second side adjoining a traffic lane, it may happen that this charging connector is placed close to this traffic lane. In this case, the charging connector of the charging station, which is temporarily connected to the charging connector of the vehicle, may be placed at the edge or above the traffic lane.In these situations, the charging connector of the charging station constitutes an inconspicuous obstacle that could be hit by a person or another vehicle traveling on the road, which could cause an accident and / or a short circuit and / or damage at least one of the two charging connectors.

[0005] The invention therefore aims in particular to improve the situation. Presentation of the invention

[0006] It proposes in particular 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 lane of traffic.

[0007] This monitoring method is characterized by the fact that it comprises a step in which, when the vehicle is installed on 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 comprising the charging connector are operated.

[0008] Thanks to the invention, the attention of a person traveling on the traffic lane and preparing to pass alongside the vehicle being recharged is attracted by the lights generated by the traffic light(s), which makes it easier to see the charging connector and the charging cable which are connected to the charging connector of the vehicle, and therefore to avoid the charging cable.

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

[0010] - in its step, it is possible to operate traffic lights ensuring a photometric function selected from a position light function and a direction indicator function;

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

[0012] - in a first embodiment, in its step, it can be detected whether a long side 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 can be determined whether this detected longitudinal side is the one which includes the charging connector;

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

[0014] The invention also provides a computer program product comprising a set of instructions which, when executed by processing means, is capable of implementing a monitoring method of the type presented above, in a land vehicle and comprising signaling lights and a rechargeable battery coupled to a charging connector installed on a longitudinal side and capable of 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, to signal a recharge of the rechargeable battery on a longitudinal side adjoining the traffic lane and comprising the charging connector.

[0015] The invention also proposes a monitoring device intended to equip a land vehicle and comprising signaling 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 comprises at least one processor and at least one memory arranged to carry out the operations consisting, when the vehicle is installed on the parking space and coupled to the charging station, in determining whether the charging connector is located near the second side, and, if so, in triggering operation of signal lights partially located on the longitudinal side comprising the charging connector.

[0017] The invention also proposes a land vehicle, possibly of the automobile type, and comprising, on the one hand, signaling 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 presented above.

[0018] For example, this vehicle may comprise a powertrain comprising at least one electric motor coupled to the rechargeable battery, as well as possibly at least one thermal motor. Brief description of the figures

[0019] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description below, and the appended drawings, in which:

[0020] [Fig. 1] schematically and functionally illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a land vehicle parked in a parking space associated with a charging station and comprising a GMP transmission chain with an electric motor associated with a rechargeable main 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 exemplary embodiment of a charger calculator comprising an exemplary 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 monitoring device DS, intended to allow the light signaling of a recharge 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 recharging station PR and on which the land vehicle V is temporarily parked.

[0024] In the following, it is considered, by way of non-limiting example, that the land 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 in fact relates to any type of land vehicle comprising a GMP transmission chain comprising at least one electric motor coupled to a battery which is rechargeable via an on-board charging connector. Thus, it also relates in particular to utility vehicles, camper vans, minibuses, coaches, trucks, and road construction equipment, for example.

[0025] Furthermore, it is considered in the following, by way of non-limiting example, that the (land) vehicle V comprises a transmission chain with 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 (and in this case it comprises at least one electric motor and at least one thermal motor).

[0026] [Fig.l] schematically shows a (land) vehicle V comprising a transmission chain with electric GMP (and therefore with electric motor MME), a rechargeable battery BP, a charger CB comprising a charger calculator CC, a first charging connector CRI, and a monitoring device DS according to the invention.

[0027] The transmission chain has a GMP which is, here, purely electric and therefore which comprises, in particular, an electric motor MME arranged so as 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 motor 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 battery BP here powers the electric motor MME, it constitutes a main (or traction) battery. It may, for example, comprise electrical energy storage cells, possibly electrochemical (for example of the lithium-ion (or Li-ion) or Ni-Mh or Ni-Cd type). Also for example, The BP rechargeable battery can be of low voltage type (typically 450 V for illustration). But it could be of 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 CRI which is installed on a longitudinal side CLj of the vehicle V. This longitudinal side CLj is here the right side CL1 (j = 1), but it could be the left side CL2 (j = 2). This makes it possible to recharge the (rechargeable) battery BP externally when the first charging connector CRI 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 charging station PR is installed on a first side Cl of a parking space ES which also has a second side C2 parallel to its first side Cl and adjoining a traffic lane VC. It will be noted that this first side Cl is here part of a sidewalk TR, but this is not an obligation.

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

[0033] The CB charger is responsible for controlling each recharge of the BP battery, and for this purpose includes a CC charger calculator. Although this does not appear in [Fig.l], 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 energy to an on-board network in the vehicle V).

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

[0035] The vehicle V also comprises signaling lights FSj capable of ensuring at least one photometric function at least in part on a longitudinal side CLj. In the example illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.l], the vehicle V comprises two right signaling lights FS1 at the front and at the rear (and therefore for its right longitudinal side CL1 which here comprises the first charging connector CRI), and two left signaling lights FS2 at the front and at the rear (and therefore for its left longitudinal side CL2). But it could comprise only one right signaling light FS1 and only one left signaling light FS2.

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

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

[0038] The memory MD is RAM in order to store instructions for the implementation by the processor PR1 of at least part of the monitoring method. The processor PR1 may comprise integrated (or printed) circuits, or several integrated (or printed) circuits connected by wired or wireless connections. An integrated (or printed) circuit is understood to mean any type of device capable of carrying out at least one electrical or electronic operation.

[0039] In the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 and 2, the monitoring device DS is part of the charger computer CC. But this is not obligatory. Indeed, the monitoring device DS could comprise its own dedicated computer, or could be part of another computer on board the vehicle V and providing at least one other function within the latter (V).

[0040] As illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 3], the (monitoring) method, according to the invention, comprises a step 10-50 which is implemented each time a double condition is satisfied, namely the vehicle V is installed (or parked) on a parking space ES and its first charging connector CRI 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 method comprises a sub-step 30 in which, when the aforementioned double condition is satisfied, it is determined (for example the monitoring device DS) whether the first charging connector CRI is located near the second side C2, and therefore in the vicinity of the traffic lane VC. If so, in a sub-step 50 of step 10-50 one operates (for example the monitoring device DS triggers the operation) of the traffic light(s) FS1 partially located on the longitudinal side (here right) CL1 which comprises the first charging connector CRI.

[0042] Thus, when the first charging connector CRI is placed in the immediate vicinity (or slightly above) a traffic lane VC, and therefore the second charging connector CR2 and its charging cable potentially constitute a barely visible obstacle, the attention of a person traveling on the traffic lane VC and preparing to go alongside the vehicle V being recharged is attracted by the lights generated by the traffic light(s) (here straight) FS1. This is likely to make it easier for the person to see this second charging connector CR2 and its charging cable, and therefore to avoid them (CR2).

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

[0044] It will be noted that in sub-step 50 of step 10-50, it is possible to operate (for example the monitoring device DS can trigger the operation) signaling lights FS1 which provide a photometric function chosen from a position light function and a direction indicator function (or flashing light). But one is not limited to these two photometric signaling functions. Thus, one could also use the daytime running lights (or DRLs ("Daytime Running Light (or Lamp)")) at the front, and the brake lights at the rear, for example.

[0045] It will also be noted that in sub-step 50 of step 10-50, when signal lights FS1 providing a position light function are operated, this operation can be done intermittently so as to reinforce the visual attraction of people preparing to go alongside the vehicle V.

[0046] At least two embodiments can be envisaged for detecting the situation in which the first charging connector CRI adjoins the traffic lane VC.

[0047] In a first embodiment illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 3], step 10-50 may comprise a sub-step 10 in which one (for example the monitoring device DS) can detect whether a longitudinal side CLj of the vehicle V is located close to 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 not, the method ends in a sub-step 20 of step 10-50, because no longitudinal side CLj adjoins the traffic lane VC. On the other hand, if so, one (for example the monitoring device DS) can determine in a sub-step 30 of step 10-50 whether this detected longitudinal side CLj is the one which comprises the first charging connector CRI (namely here CL1).If not, the method ends in a sub-step 40 of step 10-50, because the longitudinal side (here right) CL1 does not adjoin the traffic lane VC. On the other hand, if yes, one (for example the monitoring device DS) carries out sub-step 50.

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

[0049] The (each) digital camera CN can be dedicated to the surveillance device DS, or can participate in at least one other function offered by the vehicle V, such as for example obstacle detection, parking assistance or detection of lines marking traffic lanes.

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

[0051] It will be noted that the cartographic and traffic data can be stored in at least one database on board the vehicle V (and for example forming part of the satellite guidance function) and / or located in at least one server accessible via a wireless communication module equipping the vehicle V.

[0052] It will be understood that knowing the precise geographical position of the vehicle V, it is easy to determine whether it is parked in a listed parking space ES and adjoined by a traffic lane VC located next to one of its longitudinal sides CLj, then, knowing the final path followed by the vehicle V to park, to determine the parking direction of the vehicle V in 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 will also be noted, as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 2], that the charger calculator CC (or the calculator of the monitoring device DS) can also comprise a mass memory MM1, in particular for storing any environmental data acquired by the (each) digital camera CN or the possible geographical position of the vehicle V when it is parked for recharging 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 CC charger calculator (or the calculator of the monitoring device DS) may also comprise an input interface IE for receiving at least each message signaling the satisfaction of the double condition, any acquired environmental data or the possible geographical position of the vehicle V and any successive position data of the final journey, to use them in calculations or processing, possibly after having formatted and / or demodulated and / or amplified them, in a manner known per se, by means of a digital signal processor PR2. In addition, this CC charger calculator (or the calculator of the monitoring device DS) may also comprise an output interface IS, in particular for delivering a message (or order) for starting the traffic lights (here straight) FS1.

[0054] It will also be noted that the invention also provides 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 the processor PR1, is capable of 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 recharge connector CRI.

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 (CRI) installed on a longitudinal side (CLj) and suitable for being coupled to a charging station (PR) installed on a first side (Cl) of a parking space (ES) having a second side (C2) parallel to said first side (Cl) 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 (CRI) is located near said second side (C2), and if so, signal lights (FSj) partially located on said longitudinal side (CLj) comprising said charging connector (CRI) are operated.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that in said step (10-50) signal 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 (CRI).

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 a parking direction of said vehicle (V) in said parking space (ES) is determined.

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 (CRI) installed on a longitudinal side (CLj) and suitable for being coupled to a charging station (PR) installed on a first side (Cl) of a parking space (ES) having a second side (C2) parallel to said first side (Cl) 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 (CRI).

7. Monitoring device (DS) for a land vehicle (V) and comprising signal lights (FSj) and a rechargeable battery (BP) coupled to a charging connector (CRI) installed on a longitudinal side (CLj) and suitable for being coupled to a charging station (PR) installed on a first side (Cl) of a parking space (ES) having a second side (C2) parallel to said first side (Cl) 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 (CRI) is located near said second side (C2),and if so, to trigger operation of traffic lights (FSj) partially located on said longitudinal side (CLj) comprising said charging connector (CRI).,

8. Land vehicle (V) comprising signal lights (FSj) and a rechargeable battery (BP) coupled to a charging connector (CRI) installed on a longitudinal side (CLj) and suitable for being coupled to a charging station (PR) installed on a first side (Cl) 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 mo- topropulseur includes at least one thermal motor.

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