MONITORING OF A SEGREGATION FUNCTION PROVIDED BY VEHICLES

Abstract

A monitoring method is implemented for monitoring vehicles communicating by radio and each comprising an on-board network comprising two sub-parts to which electrical equipment is connected and supplied with electrical energy by first and second sources of electrical energy, and a segregation device ensuring, in the event of detection of a short circuit in a sub-part, a function consisting of preventing the electrical supply of this sub-part while allowing the supply of the other sub-part.This method comprises a step (10-50) in which tests of the ability to perform the function are carried out in similar vehicles and the latter transmit the result of each test with a mileage traveled to a server, then this server analyzes the test results and the associated mileages traveled transmitted in order to determine information representative of a percentage of similar vehicles and having a premature degradation of the function. Figure 4.

Description

Title of the invention: MONITORING OF A SEGREGATION FUNCTION PROVIDED BY VEHICLES Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to vehicles comprising an on-board network subdivided into two sub-parts and supplied with electrical energy by first and second sources of electrical energy via a segregation device, and more precisely the monitoring of the segregation function provided by the segregation devices of such vehicles. State of the art

[0002] Certain vehicles, possibly of the automobile type, comprise an on-board network which is subdivided into two sub-parts to which electrical equipment is connected and which can be supplied with electrical energy, via a segregation device, by first and second sources of electrical energy.

[0003] For example, the first source may be a service battery and the second source may be a converter, for example of the direct current / direct current (or DC / DC) type.

[0004] In the following and the above, the term “service battery” means a battery rechargeable by at least one converter and of very low voltage type (typically 12 V, 24 V or 48 V).

[0005] Furthermore, in what follows and what precedes, the term "converter" means equipment responsible for converting the voltage and / or the type of current (direct or alternating) that it receives in the form of electrical energy from a so-called main battery, of low, medium or high voltage type, and equipping the vehicle, or from an external power source (during a recharging phase of this main battery). For example, when the vehicle comprises a powertrain (or GMP) comprising at least one electric motor, the converter can be coupled to the main battery (to receive electrical energy to be converted), and this main battery can also directly supply electrical energy to the electric motor.

[0006] An on-board network subdivided into two sub-parts is generally used when the vehicle includes several “safe” (and therefore priority) electrical (or electronic) equipment (or components), and when it is not desired that in the event of a short circuit in the on-board network all of this electrical equipment should be left without electrical power.

[0007] Here, the term “safe electrical equipment (or component)” means equipment (or organ) providing at least one so-called "safety" function because it concerns the safety of the passengers of a vehicle, and therefore must be supplied with electrical energy as a priority. This is the case, for example, of electric power steering or a trajectory control device or even an electric braking device (service brake, emergency brake, braking assistance system or anti-skid, for example).

[0008] The segregation device is more precisely arranged, in the event of detection of a short circuit in a sub-part of the on-board network, to ensure a function consisting of preventing the electrical supply of this sub-part while allowing the supply of the other sub-part by one of the first and second sources of electrical energy. Thus, when segregation is carried out to isolate a short-circuited sub-part, the safety electrical equipment which is connected to the other sub-part can still be supplied with electrical energy and therefore operate, which is not the case for the other safety electrical equipment connected to the short-circuited sub-part.

[0009] It is therefore particularly important that the segregation device is able to ensure its segregation function for as long as possible for safety reasons. However, it sometimes happens that a sometimes significant percentage of segregation devices are subject to premature degradation of their segregation function. This may in particular result from a series of components having a lower durability than initially expected or from an assembly problem or even from more frequent use than initially expected (for example due to the too frequent occurrence of a temporary short circuit).

[0010] Before a vehicle manufacturer can even determine the cause of premature degradation of a segregation function in some of its vehicles, and then remedy this cause, it would first have to be informed that a significant percentage of segregation devices fitted to similar vehicles that it produces have suffered premature degradation of their segregation function. However, there is currently no method (or process) for obtaining such information in an automated and very rapid manner.

[0011] The invention therefore aims in particular to improve the situation. Presentation of the invention

[0012] For this purpose, it proposes in particular a monitoring method intended to be implemented to monitor vehicles capable of communicating by radio waves and each comprising:

[0013] - an on-board network comprising two sub-parts to which are connected electrical equipment and which can be supplied with electrical energy by first and second sources of electrical energy, and

[0014] - a clean segregation device, in the event of detection of a short circuit in a sub-part, to provide a function of preventing the power supply to that sub-part while allowing the power supply to the other sub-part.

[0015] This monitoring method is characterized by the fact that it comprises a step in which tests of the capacity to perform the function are carried out in similar vehicles and the latter transmit the result of each test with a mileage traveled to a server, then this server analyzes the test results and the associated mileages traveled transmitted in order to determine information representative of a percentage of similar vehicles and having a premature degradation of the function.

[0016] Thus, it is now possible to automatically detect each segregation device which has suffered premature degradation of its function, and therefore to deduce the percentage of segregation devices which have suffered premature degradation of their segregation function.

[0017] The monitoring method according to the invention may include other characteristics which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

[0018] - in its step, the server can determine whether the determined information is conform to corresponding predefined information, and, in the event of non-conformity, the server can generate an alert message signaling a potential problem of durability of the function to at least one predefined person, for example so that they can determine at least one cause of this non-conformity;

[0019] - in the presence of the first option, in its step, the server can generate a alert message when the percentage of similar vehicles with premature degradation of function is higher than a first chosen threshold;

[0020] - in the presence of the last sub-option, in its step, the first threshold chosen can be between 20% and 40%;

[0021] - in its step, the server can determine a premature degradation of the function when an average mileage of similar vehicles with test results indicating an inability to perform the function is less than a second chosen threshold;

[0022] - in the presence of the last option, in its step, the second threshold chosen can be between 15,000 km and 25,000 km.

[0023] 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, for vehicles capable of communicating by radio waves and each comprising, on the one hand, an on-board network comprising two sub-parts to which are connected electrical equipment and capable of being supplied with electrical energy by first and second sources of electrical energy, and, on the other hand, a segregation device capable, in the event of detection of a short circuit in a sub-part, of ensuring a function consisting of preventing the electrical supply of this sub-part while allowing the supply of the other sub-part, to monitor the function overall.

[0024] The invention also proposes a monitoring device intended to monitor vehicles capable of communicating by radio waves and each comprising:

[0025] - an on-board network comprising two sub-parts to which are connected electrical equipment and capable of being supplied with electrical energy by first and second sources of electrical energy, and

[0026] - a clean segregation device, in the event of detection of a short circuit in a sub-part, to provide a function of preventing the power supply to that sub-part while allowing the power supply to the other sub-part.

[0027] This monitoring device is characterized by the fact that it comprises:

[0028] - first parts suitable for being installed respectively in the vehicles and each comprising at least one processor and at least one memory arranged to carry out the operations consisting of triggering the performance of a test of the capacity to carry out the function by the segregation device of its vehicle and a transmission by the latter to a server of a result of the test with a mileage traveled, and

[0029] - a second part suitable for being installed in this server and each comprising at at least one other processor and at least one other memory arranged to perform the operations of analyzing the test results and the associated mileages traveled transmitted in order to determine information representative of a percentage of similar vehicles having premature degradation of function.

[0030] The invention also provides a vehicle, possibly of the automobile type, and comprising:

[0031] - an on-board network comprising two sub-parts to which are connected electrical equipment and capable of being supplied with electrical energy by first and second sources of electrical energy,

[0032] - a clean segregation device, in the event of detection of a short circuit in a sub-part, to provide a function of preventing the power supply to that sub-part while allowing the power supply to the other sub-part,

[0033] - a test device suitable for carrying out a capacity test of the safety device gregation to perform the function, and

[0034] - a first part of a monitoring device of the type presented above- Before.

[0035] The invention also proposes a server capable of communicating and comprising a second part of a monitoring device of the type presented above. Brief description of the figures

[0036] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description below, and the appended drawings, in which:

[0037] [Fig-1] schematically and functionally illustrates an example of the embodiment of a vehicle comprising a first part of a monitoring device according to the invention, an on-board network, a service battery, a distribution box comprising a second supervision computer, and a purely electric GMP transmission chain, and an exemplary embodiment of a server comprising a monitoring computer and a second part of a monitoring device according to the invention,

[0038] [Fig.2] schematically and functionally illustrates an example of the embodiment of a second supervision calculator comprising an exemplary embodiment of a first part of a monitoring device according to the invention,

[0039] [Fig.3] schematically and functionally illustrates an example of the embodiment of a monitoring calculator comprising an exemplary embodiment of a second part of a monitoring device according to the invention, and

[0040] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates an example of an algorithm implementing a monitoring method according to the invention. Detailed description of the invention

[0041] The invention aims in particular to propose a monitoring method, and an associated monitoring device DS2, intended to enable monitoring of a segregation function provided by segregation devices DSI of vehicles V each comprising an on-board network RB subdivided into two sub-parts B1 and B2 and supplied with electrical energy by first SI and second S2 electrical energy sources.

[0042] 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 in fact concerns any type of vehicle comprising an on-board network subdivided into two sub-parts and supplied with electrical energy by first and second sources of electrical energy via a segregation device. Thus, it concerns land vehicles (utility vehicles, camper vans, minibuses, coaches, trucks, motorcycles, road machinery, construction machinery, agricultural machinery, leisure machinery (snowmobile, kart), tracked vehicles, trains and trams, for example), aircraft and boats.

[0043] Furthermore, it is considered in the following, by way of non-limiting example, that the vehicle V comprises a powertrain transmission chain (or GMP) purely electric (and therefore whose drive is provided exclusively by at least one MME electric motor). But the GMP could be of the hybrid type (and in this case it comprises at least one thermal motor and at least one MME electric motor).

[0044] [Fig.l] schematically shows, on the one hand, a vehicle V comprising an all-electric GMP transmission chain (and therefore an electric motor MME) and associated with a first supervision computer CS1, an on-board network RB, first SI and second S2 electrical energy sources, a radio communication module MC, a first part PI of a monitoring device DS2 according to the invention, and a distribution box BD comprising a second supervision computer CS2, a segregation device DSI and a test device DT, and, on the other hand, a server SC comprising a monitoring computer CS3 and a second part P2 of a monitoring device DS2 according to the invention.

[0045] The on-board network RB is an electrical power supply network to which are coupled (or even connected) electrical (or electronic) equipment (or components) EES and EENS which consume electrical energy and which for some of them (EENS) are “non-priority” and for some others (EES) are “safety” (and therefore priority). For example, safety equipment (or component) may be electric power steering or a trajectory control device or even an electric braking device (service brake, emergency brake, braking assistance system or anti-skid, for example). Also for example, non-priority equipment (or component) may be a heating / air conditioning system or a seat heating device or a seat massage device.

[0046] The on-board network RB is subdivided into at least two sub-parts or branches B1 and B2. In the example illustrated without limitation, the on-board network RB only comprises two sub-parts or branches B1 and B2, but it could comprise more than two (for example three or four).

[0047] For example, the first sub-part or branch B1 can be associated with the first source (of electrical energy) SI in order to be powered by the latter (SI) in the event of detection of a short circuit in the second sub-part B2, and the second sub-part or branch B2 can be associated with the second source (of electrical energy) S2 in order to be powered by the latter (S2) in the event of detection of a short circuit in the first sub-part B1.

[0048] Preferably, at least one safe electrical equipment and at least one non-safe electrical equipment are connected to the first sub-part or branch B1, and at least one other safe electrical equipment and at least one other non-safe electrical equipment are connected to the second sub-part or branch B2. It will be understood that the safe and unsafe electrical equipment which are coupled to the first sub-part or branch B1 differ respectively from the safe and unsafe electrical equipment which are coupled to the second sub-part or branch B2.

[0049] The first source (of electrical energy) SI is responsible for supplying electrical energy to the on-board network RB either alone when the GMP is not in operation, or in addition (here) to that supplied by the second source S2 (powered by a main battery BP described later) when the GMP is in operation (and if necessary).

[0050] For example, the first source SI may be a service battery. In this case, it may be of the very low voltage type (typically 12 V, 24 V or 48 V), and rechargeable at least by the second source S2. It is considered in the following, by way of non-limiting example, that the service battery SI is of the 12 V Lithium-ion type.

[0051] The radio communication module MC is responsible for communications between the vehicle V and remote communication equipment (or possibly temporarily present in the vehicle V). It is notably arranged to communicate via radio, via at least one wireless communication network, with at least one chosen server SC, belonging for example to the manufacturer of the vehicle V.

[0052] The transmission chain has a GMP which is, here, purely electric and therefore which comprises, in particular, an electric prime mover MME, a motor shaft AM, a main battery BP and a transmission shaft AT. Here, the term "electric prime mover" means an electric machine arranged so as to provide torque to move the vehicle V, as well as possibly to recover torque, for example during a regenerative braking phase.

[0053] The operation of the transmission chain (and therefore of the GMP) is supervised by the first CSL supervision computer

[0054] The prime mover MME (here an electric motor) is coupled to the main battery BP, in order to be supplied with electrical energy, as well as possibly to supply this main battery BP with electrical energy, for example during a regenerative braking phase. It is coupled to the motor shaft AM, to provide it with torque by rotational drive. This motor shaft AM is here coupled to a reducer RD which is also coupled to the transmission shaft AT, itself coupled to a first train T1 (here of wheels), preferably via a differential DV.

[0055] This first train T1 is here located in the front part PVV of the vehicle V. But in a variant this first train T1 could be the one which is here referenced T2 and which is located in the rear part PRV of the vehicle V.

[0056] The driving machine MME is also coupled to the second source S2 which is also indirectly coupled to the first source SI (here a service battery), in particular to recharge it with electrical energy from the main battery BP and converted.

[0057] For example, the second source S2 may be a current converter. In this case, it may, for example, be of the direct current / direct current (or DC / DC) type. As indicated above, it is also responsible for supplying the on-board network RB with electrical energy from the main battery BP and converted when the GMP is in operation, in addition to ensuring the recharging of the first source SI.

[0058] The first SI and second S2 sources and the first B1 and second B2 sub-parts (or branches) of the on-board network RB are coupled to the distribution box BD because the latter (BD) is responsible for distributing in the on-board network RB the electrical energy supplied by the first source SI and / or the second source S2, for the supply of the electrical components (or equipment) EES and EENS according to received power supply requests. The supervision of the distribution of the electrical energy can be ensured by a second supervision computer CS2 possibly forming part of the distribution box BD, as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.l].

[0059] The segregation device DSI is capable, in the event of detection of a short circuit in a sub-part (or branch) B1 or B2 of the on-board network RB, of performing a function consisting of preventing the electrical supply of this sub-part B1 or B2 while allowing the supply of the rest (B2 or B1) of the on-board network RB.

[0060] Therefore, in the example illustrated without limitation:

[0061] - in the event of detection of a short circuit in the first sub-part (or branch) B1, the DSI segregation device prevents the power supply to the first sub-part (or branch) Bl and allows the power supply to the second sub-part (or branch) B2 by the second source S2, and

[0062] - in the event of detection of a short circuit in the second sub-part (or branch) B2, the DSI segregation device prevents the power supply of the second sub-part (or branch) B2, and allows the power supply of the first sub-part (or branch) Bl by the first source SL

[0063] This makes it possible to guarantee that in the event of detection of a short circuit in the on-board network RB there will always be at least one piece of safe electrical equipment EES which will be supplied with electrical energy, thus enabling the driver of the vehicle V to park the latter (V) with at least a minimum of safety.

[0064] In the example illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.l], the DSI segregation device is part of the BD distribution box. But this is not obligatory.

[0065] For example, the DSI segregation device may comprise several switches based on MOSFET(s) making it possible to isolate the first sub-part (or branch) Bl from the first SI and second S2 sources in the event of detection of a short- circuit in this first sub-part (or branch) Bl, or to isolate the second sub-part (or branch) B2 from the first SI and second S2 sources in the event of detection of a short circuit in this second sub-part (or branch) B2. It will be understood that each switch comprises at least one open (or non-conducting) state in which it prohibits the passage of current to at least one of the first Bl and second B2 sub-parts (or branches), and a closed (or conducting) state in which it allows the passage of current to at least one of the first Bl and second B2 sub-parts (or branches).

[0066] It will be noted that the detection of short circuits in the first B1 and second B2 sub-parts (or branches) can also be ensured by the DSI segregation device, for example by detecting a current estimated to be too high when it is strictly greater than a chosen threshold. But this detection could be ensured by another on-board device.

[0067] The test device DT is arranged to perform a test of the ability of the segregation device DSI to perform its segregation function. For example, each test may be based on a measurement of leakage current(s) at the switches of the segregation device DSI, intended to detect an inability of these switches to switch.

[0068] The main (or traction) battery BP 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 main battery BP may be of the low voltage type (typically 450 V for illustration purposes). But it could be of the medium voltage or high voltage type.

[0069] As mentioned above, the invention proposes in particular a monitoring method intended to enable monitoring of the segregation function provided by the DSI segregation devices of similar vehicles V.

[0070] This (monitoring) method can be implemented at least partially by the monitoring device DS2 (illustrated at least partially in FIGS. 1 to 3) and comprising first PI and second P2 parts. It will be noted that the first PI parts are suitable for being installed respectively in vehicles V.

[0071] In order to enable the partial implementation of the method, each first part PI of the monitoring device DS2 comprises at least one processor PR1, for example a digital signal processor (or DCP (“Digital Signal Processor”)), and at least one memory MD. Each first part PI 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.

[0072] The MD memory is live in order to store instructions for the implementation by the processor PR1 of a part of the monitoring method. The processor PR1 can include integrated (or printed) circuits, or several integrated (or printed) circuits connected by wired or wireless connections. An integrated (or printed) circuit is any type of device capable of performing at least one electrical or electronic operation.

[0073] In the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 and 2, the first part PI of the monitoring device DS2 is part of the second supervision computer CS2. But this is not obligatory. Indeed, at least the first part PI of the monitoring device DS2 could comprise its own dedicated computer, which is then coupled to the first supervision computer CS1, or could be part of another computer on board the vehicle V and providing at least one other function, for example.

[0074] Also in order to allow the partial implementation of the method, the second part P2 of the monitoring device DS2 comprises at least one processor PR1', for example a digital signal processor (or DCP), and at least one memory MD'. This second part P2 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.

[0075] The memory MD' is RAM in order to store instructions for the implementation by the processor PR1' of a 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.

[0076] In the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 and 3, the second part P2 of the monitoring device DS2 is part of a monitoring computer CS3 equipping the remote chosen server SC. But this is not obligatory. Indeed, the second part P2 of the monitoring device DS2 could comprise its own dedicated computer, which is then coupled to the monitoring computer CS3, for example.

[0077] As illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.4], the (monitoring) method, according to the invention, comprises a step 10-50 which is implemented when a vehicle V, subject to monitoring of its DSI segregation device, is woken up (possibly in a driving phase).

[0078] Step 10-50 of the method comprises a sub-step 10 in which the test devices DT carry out tests of the ability to perform the (segregation) function in similar vehicles V, and the latter (V), and more precisely their communication modules MC, transmit to the server SC the result of each test with a mileage traveled. Here, "mileage traveled" is understood to mean the number of kilometers that a vehicle V has traveled since its very first use.

[0079] It will be noted that in order to be able to determine that the test results come from similar vehicles V, it is preferable that the latter (V), and more precisely their communication modules MC, also transmit an identifier which characterizes them, such as for example their VIN number (or “Vehicle Identification Number”). But this transmission of identifier is not an obligation when only vehicles V of the same series of the same model of a manufacturer transmit their test results.

[0080] It will also be noted that within each vehicle V the test device DT can perform its test periodically, or in the event of receiving a request (or order), for example from the server SC (at the initiative of the second part P2 of the monitoring device DS2). For example, the possible period can be between 24 hours and one month. As an illustrative example, this period can be equal to one week. But other period values can be used. For example, this period can be chosen during the development phase of the vehicle V.

[0081] Step 10-50 of the method also comprises a sub-step 20 in which the server SC (and more precisely the second part P2 of the monitoring device DS2) analyses the test results and the associated mileages travelled which have been transmitted to it by similar vehicles V, in order to determine information which is representative of the percentage of similar vehicles V having a premature degradation of their (segregation) function.

[0082] Here, the term "premature degradation" means degradation which occurs more quickly than was initially predicted by the manufacturer of the vehicles V in terms of kilometers traveled and / or time elapsed, or in other words which occurs for a number of kilometers traveled less than that which was initially predicted and / or after the elapse of a shorter period than that which was initially predicted.

[0083] Thanks to the invention, the DSI segregation devices are now tested, and the results of these tests are sent to at least one SC server, which makes it possible to automatically detect each DSI segregation device that has been subject to premature degradation of its function, and therefore to deduce therefrom the percentage of DS 1 segregation devices that have had premature degradation of their segregation function.

[0084] For example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.4], step 10-50 may comprise a sub-step 30 in which the server SC (and for example the second part P2 of the monitoring device DS2) may determine whether the information determined in sub-step 20 conforms to corresponding predefined information.

[0085] In this case, in the event of conformity, the method ends in a sub-step 40 of step 10-50, as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.4].

[0086] On the other hand, in the event of non-compliance, as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.4], in a sub-step 50 of step 10-50, the server SC can generate (for example the second part P2 of the monitoring device DS2 can trigger the generation of) an alert message signaling a potential problem of durability of the function to at least one predefined person. This (each) person can then determine at least one cause of this non-compliance. Then, this same person and / or at least one other person can consider the means(s) for increasing the duration of correct operation of the (segregation) function so that the next DSI segregation devices (or the modified DSI segregation devices) achieve the initial objectives.

[0087] It will be noted that the alert message may, for example, be transmitted to a communication device of the (each) person concerned. This alert message may be, for example, an email (or “e-mail”) or a short message (or SMS). It preferably contains the information determined in sub-step 20.

[0088] For example, in sub-step 50 of step 10-50, the server SC can generate (for example the second part P2 of the monitoring device DS2 can trigger the generation of) an alert message when the percentage of similar vehicles V having premature degradation of the function is greater than a first threshold if chosen. In this case, a comparison is made in sub-step 30 of the percentage contained in the alert message with the first threshold if.

[0089] Also for example, in sub-step 30 of step 10-50 the first threshold si can be between 20% and 40%. As an illustrative example, the first threshold si can be equal to 30%. But other values of first threshold si can be used. For example, this first threshold si can be chosen during the development phase of the vehicle V.

[0090] Also for example, in sub-step 20 of step 10-50 the server SC can determine a premature degradation of the function when an average mileage traveled of similar vehicles V and having test results signaling an inability to perform the function is less than a second chosen threshold s2.

[0091] Also for example, in sub-step 20 of step 10-50 the second threshold s2 chosen can be between 15000 km and 25000 km. As an illustrative example, the second threshold s2 can be equal to 20000 km. But other values of second threshold s2 can be used. For example, this second threshold s2 can be chosen during the development phase of the vehicle V.

[0092] It will also be noted, as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.2], that each first supervision computer CS1 (or the (one) computer of each first part PI of the monitoring device DS2) can also comprise a mass memory MM1, in particular for storing each test result associated with each ki mileage traveled as well as the possible vehicle identifier, as well as any intermediate data involved in all its calculations and processing. Furthermore, each first supervision computer CS1 (or the (one) computer of each first part PI of the monitoring device DS2) may also comprise an input interface IE for receiving at least each test result, each mileage traveled at the time of a test, as well as the possible vehicle identifier, 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, each first supervision computer CS1 (or the (one) computer of each first part PI of the monitoring device DS2) can also comprise an output interface IS, in particular for delivering a message (or order) for transmitting a test result associated with the mileage traveled and the possible vehicle identifier.

[0093] It will also be noted, as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 3], that the monitoring computer CS3 (or the computer of the second part P2 of the monitoring device DS2) may also comprise a mass memory MM1', in particular for storing each test result transmitted with an associated mileage traveled and a possible associated vehicle identifier, as well as any intermediate data involved in all its calculations and processing operations. Furthermore, the monitoring computer CS3 (or the computer of the second part P2 of the monitoring device DS2) may also comprise an input interface IE' for receiving at least each test result with the associated mileage traveled and the possible associated vehicle identifier, for use in calculations or processing operations, 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, the monitoring computer CS3 (or the computer of the second part P2 of the monitoring device DS2) can also include an output interface IS', in particular to deliver an alert message.

[0094] 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 the processors PR1 and PR1', is capable of implementing the monitoring method described above to monitor in a global manner the segregation function provided by the segregation device DSI of each vehicle V.

Claims

Claims

1. Method for monitoring vehicles (V) capable of communicating by radio waves and each comprising i) an on-board network (RB) comprising two sub-parts (Bl, B2) to which electrical equipment is connected and which can be supplied with electrical energy by first (SI) and second (S2) sources of electrical energy, and ii) a segregation device (DSI) capable, in the event of detection of a short circuit in a sub-part (Bl, B2), of ensuring a function consisting of preventing the electrical supply of this sub-part (Bl, B2) while allowing the supply of the other sub-part (Bl, B2), characterized in that it comprises a step (10-50) in which tests are carried out on the ability to perform said function in similar vehicles (V) and the latter (V) are made to transmit to a server (SC) the result of each test with a mileage traveled,then said server (SC) analyzes the test results and the associated mileages traveled transmitted in order to determine information representative of a percentage of similar vehicles (V) having premature degradation of said function.,

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that in said step (10-50) said server (SC) determines whether said determined information is in conformity with corresponding predefined information, and, in the event of non-conformity, said server (SC) generates an alert message signaling a potential problem of sustainability of said function to at least one predefined person.

3. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that in said step (10-50) said server (SC) generates an alert message when said percentage of similar vehicles (V) having premature degradation of said function is greater than a first chosen threshold.

4. Method according to claim 3, characterized in that in said step (10-50) said first chosen threshold is between 20% and 40%.

5. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that in said step (10-50) said server (SC) determines a premature degradation of said function when an average mileage traveled by similar vehicles (V) having test results signaling an inability to perform said function is less than a second chosen threshold.

6. Method according to claim 5, characterized in that in said step (10-50) said second chosen threshold is between 15000 km and 25000

7.

8.

9. km. Computer program product comprising a set of instructions which, when executed by processing means, is capable of implementing the monitoring method according to one of claims 1 to 6, for vehicles (V) capable of communicating by radio and each comprising i) an on-board network (RB) comprising two sub-parts (Bl, B2) to which electrical equipment is connected and which can be supplied with electrical energy by first (SI) and second (S2) sources of electrical energy, and ii) a segregation device (DSI) capable, in the event of detection of a short circuit in a sub-part (Bl, B2), of ensuring a function consisting of preventing the electrical supply of this sub-part (Bl, B2) while allowing the supply of the other sub-part (Bl, B2), to monitor said function globally. Monitoring device (DS2) for monitoring vehicles (V) capable of communicating by radio waves and each comprising i) an on-board network (RB) comprising two sub-parts (Bl, B2) to which electrical equipment is connected and which can be supplied with electrical energy by first (SI) and second (S2) sources of electrical energy, and ii) a segregation device (DSI) capable, in the event of detection of a short circuit in a sub-part (Bl, B2), of performing a function consisting of preventing the electrical supply of this sub-part (Bl, B2) while allowing the supply of the other sub-part (Bl, B2),characterized in that it comprises a) first parts (PI) suitable for being installed respectively in said vehicles (V) and each comprising at least one processor (PR1) and at least one memory (MD) arranged to carry out the operations consisting of triggering the performance of a test of the capacity to carry out said function by said segregation device (DSI) of its vehicle (V) and a transmission by the latter (V) to a server (SC) of a result of said test with a mileage traveled,and b) a second part (P2) suitable for being installed in said server (SC) and comprising at least one other processor (PR1') and at least one other memory (MD') arranged to carry out the operations consisting of analyzing the test results and the associated mileages traveled transmitted in order to determine information representative of a percentage of similar vehicles (V) having premature degradation of said function. Vehicle (V) suitable for communicating by radio waves and comprising i), an on-board network (RB) comprising two sub-parts (Bl, B2) to which electrical equipment is connected and which can be supplied with electrical energy by first (SI) and second (S2) sources of electrical energy, and ii) a segregation device (DSI) capable, in the event of detection of a short circuit in a sub-part (Bl, B2), of ensuring a function consisting of preventing the electrical supply of this sub-part (Bl, B2) while allowing the supply of the other sub-part (Bl, B2) comprising, characterized in that it further comprises a test device (DT) capable of carrying out a test of the capacity of said segregation device (DSI) to carry out said function, and a first part (PI) of a monitoring device (DS2) according to claim 8.

10. Server (SC) capable of communicating, characterized in that it comprises a second part (P2) of a monitoring device (DS2) according to claim 8.

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