Method and device for controlling a charging control system for a traction battery of a plug-in hybrid vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and device for controlling a charging control system for a traction battery of a plug-in hybrid vehicle, the system being configured to implement a function for reserving a specific charge level of the traction battery, referred to as the reservation function. For this purpose, an indicator (211) representing the reservation function is displayed in a defined area of ​​a human-machine interface displayed in a first zone (21) of a touchscreen (13). Data representing a touch press on the displayed indicator (211) is received. Graphic content comprising a set of information (310, 311) representing a current state of the reservation function is displayed in a second zone (31) of the touchscreen, different from the first zone (21), depending on the data received. Figure 3 (for the abstract)

Description

Title of the invention: Method and device for controlling a charging control system for a traction battery of a plug-in hybrid vehicle technical field

[0001] The invention relates to methods and devices for controlling the charge of a traction battery in a plug-in hybrid vehicle, particularly a car. The invention specifically relates to a method and a device for controlling a function that reserves a specific charge level for the traction battery, such a function being implemented by the traction battery's charge control system. The invention also relates to a method and a device for assisting the driving of a vehicle. Technological background

[0002] Contemporary vehicles include, for some of them, several screens to display information useful to the driver for driving the vehicle as well as comfort information, such as, for example, information to interact with the infotainment system, also called IVI system (from the English "In-Vehicle Infotainment" or in French "Infodivertissement étoilé"), of the vehicle.

[0003] Among these screens, it is known to include one or more LCD type screens (from the English "Liquid Crystal Display" or in French "Affichage à cristals liquide"), for example of type TFT (from the English "Thin-Film Transistor" or in French "Transistor en film mince"), or OLED (from the English "Organic Light-Emitting Diode" or in French "Diode électroluminescente organique").

[0004] The integration of such screens makes it possible, for example, to control, via a graphical Human-Machine Interface (HMI) displayed on such screens, the operating status of the systems on board the vehicle, for example AD AS systems (from the English "Advanced Driver-Assistance System" or in French "Système d'aide à la conduite avancé").

[0005] The proliferation of embedded systems in the vehicle and the multiplication of means of commanding or controlling these systems lead to an increased complexity of the interface through which a user interacts with the embedded systems to control them, notably with a proliferation of icons, displayed messages, or command shortcuts, the control and management of which are consequently complicated for a user. The user experience is thus degraded, and the driver's attention may be reduced when different messages are displayed on the vehicle. or the built-in screens.

[0006] For example, some plug-in hybrid vehicles are equipped with a function that reserves a certain level of charge in the traction battery for later use of the vehicle in electric mode. Such a function is designed to maintain a reserve of electrical energy necessary to travel a specific distance (for example, 10 or 20 km) in pure electric mode, that is, without assistance from the internal combustion engine and solely using the vehicle's electric motor(s). This function is, for example, designed to allow the vehicle to cross a so-called zero or low-emission zone (LEZ) along its route using only the electric motor(s). Activating, deactivating, and configuring this function can sometimes be complex, which limits its use.Furthermore, displaying warning lights or icons unfamiliar to most drivers degrades the user experience and can distract the driver, which can be dangerous for the vehicle and its passengers. Summary of the present invention

[0007] One object of the present invention is to solve at least one of the problems of the technological background described above.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is, for example, to improve the control of a reserve function of a minimum charge level of a traction battery of a battery charge control system of a plug-in hybrid vehicle, in particular but not exclusively a motor vehicle.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is, for example, to improve the user experience with regard to the function of reserving a minimum charge level of a traction battery.

[0010] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a method for controlling a charging control system of a traction battery of a plug-in hybrid vehicle, referred to as the vehicle, the vehicle having a display system comprising a touch screen, the method comprising the following steps: - control of display of an indicator representing a function of reserving a determined charge level of the traction battery, known as the reservation function, in a determined content of a human-machine interface, known as the HMI, displayed in a first area of ​​the touch screen, the traction battery charge control system being configured to implement the reservation function; - reception of initial data representative of an initial touch on the indicator; - display control of initial graphical content including information representative of a current state of the reservation function following receipt of first data, the first graphic content being displayed in a second area of ​​the touch screen different from the first area.

[0011] Direct use of the indicator representing the reservation function to request the display of additional content related to the reservation function, and ultimately to the battery charging control system controlling this reservation function—for example, the current status of the reservation function—allows the driver to obtain additional information on demand by touching the indicator. This reduces the unintended display of content not desired by the driver, who controls the display of this content on demand. Furthermore, all content is displayed on a single screen, which facilitates access to information and minimizes the time spent searching for it. This improves driver alertness, as well as the safety of the vehicle and its passengers.

[0012] Centralizing controls on a single screen also eliminates the need for physical buttons to control the reservation function, thus reducing vehicle design and manufacturing costs.

[0013] According to one variant, the witness is displayed according to a determined graphical representation from a set of graphical representations, the determined graphical representation being a function of the current state of the reservation function.

[0014] According to another variant, the current state belongs to a set of states comprising: - an activated state; and - a deactivated state.

[0015] According to yet another variant, the information further includes initial information representing a quantity of electrical energy stored in the traction battery for use by the vehicle in electric driving mode when the reservation function is in the activated state, and The information also includes a second piece of information representing a description of the booking function when the booking function is in the disabled state.

[0016] According to a further variant, the process further comprises the following steps: - reception of second data representative of a second touch press on the witness, the second touch press being subsequent to the first touch press; - control of the end of display of the first graphic content in the second area following the reception of the second data.

[0017] According to yet another variant, the display control of the first graphic content is triggered when the first touch press corresponds to a touch press of a duration less than a threshold.

[0018] According to an additional variant, the control of the end of display of the first content The graph is triggered when the second touch press corresponds to a touch press duration shorter than the threshold.

[0019] According to another variant, the process further comprises the following steps: - reception of third data representative of a third touch press on the indicator, the third touch press corresponding to a touch press of a duration greater than the threshold; - display control of a second graphic content comprising a set of graphic objects configured to control a set of parameters of the reservation function following the receipt of the third data.

[0020] According to yet another variant, when the reservation function is in the activated or deactivated state, the set of graphical objects includes a first graphical object configured to control an activation and / or deactivation of the reservation function; and When the reservation function is in the activated state, the set of graphical objects further includes a second graphical object configured to control an adjustment of a parameter representative of an amount of electrical energy stored in the traction battery.

[0021] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a control device for a charge control system of a traction battery of a plug-in hybrid vehicle, the device comprising a memory associated with a processor configured for the implementation of the steps of the process according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0022] According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to a vehicle, for example of the automobile type, comprising a device as described above according to the second aspect of the present invention or a system as described above according to the third aspect of the present invention.

[0023] According to a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a computer program which includes instructions adapted for carrying out the steps of the process according to the first aspect of the present invention, in particular when the computer program is executed by at least one processor.

[0024] Such a computer program may use any programming language, and be in the form of source code, object code, or an intermediate code between source code and object code, such as in a partially compiled form, or in any other desirable form.

[0025] According to a fifth aspect, the present invention relates to a computer-readable recording medium on which is recorded a computer program comprising instructions for carrying out the steps of the process according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0026] On the one hand, the recording medium can be any entity or device capable of storing the program. For example, the medium can include a storage means, such as a ROM, a CD-ROM or a microelectronic circuit-type ROM, or a magnetic recording means or a hard disk drive.

[0027] On the other hand, this recording medium can also be a transmissible medium such as an electrical or optical signal, such a signal being able to be transmitted via an electrical or optical cable, by conventional or radio frequency, by self-directing laser beam, or by other means. The computer program according to the present invention can, in particular, be downloaded from an Internet-type network.

[0028] Alternatively, the recording medium may be an integrated circuit in which the computer program is incorporated, the integrated circuit being adapted to execute or to be used in the execution of the process in question. Brief description of the figures

[0029] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the specific and non-limiting embodiments of the present invention below, with reference to the attached Figures 1 to 7, in which:

[0030] [Fig-1] schematically illustrates part of a vehicle's passenger compartment, according to a example of a particular embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates a display device for the vehicle of [Fig.1], according to a first particular and non-limiting example of the present invention;

[0032] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates the display device of the vehicle in [Fig.1], according to a second particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates the display device of the vehicle in [Fig.1], according to a third particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] [Fig.5] schematically illustrates the display device of the vehicle in [Fig.1], according to a fourth particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] [Fig.6] illustrates a device configured to control a control system of charging a traction battery of the vehicle of [Fig.1], according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] [Fig.7] illustrates a flowchart of the different stages of a control process of a vehicle traction battery charge control system of [Fig.1], according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. Description of examples of achievements

[0037] A method and a control device for a charging control system of a traction battery of a plug-in hybrid vehicle will now be described in what follows with joint reference to Figures 1 to 7. The same elements are identified with the same reference signs throughout the following description.

[0038] The terms "first," "second" (or "firsts," "seconds"), etc., are used in this document by arbitrary convention to allow for the identification and distinction of different elements (such as operations, means, etc.) implemented in the embodiments described below. Such elements may be distinct or correspond to a single element, depending on the embodiment.

[0039] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the control of a traction battery charging system for a plug-in hybrid vehicle, hereinafter referred to as the vehicle, is implemented, for example, by one or more vehicle control units. To this end, the method includes controlling the display of an indicator representing a function for reserving a specific charge level of the traction battery, referred to as the reservation function, which reservation function is configured to be implemented by the traction battery charging control system.The indicator, for example, corresponds to a symbol or pictogram representing the reservation function, or a current state of the reservation function, and is displayed in an initial area or part of a vehicle touchscreen within a specific human-machine interface (HMI) content area, such as a specific HMI page corresponding to the home screen or the HMI default screen. Initial data representing a touch on the displayed indicator is received from the touchscreen interface, for example, when a user touches the touchscreen at the indicator's display location.Upon receiving the initial data, the computer controls the display of graphical content including information representing the current state of the reservation function and / or additional information relating to the reservation function or its current state in a second area of ​​the touchscreen different from the first area.

[0040] Such a method makes it possible to control, via a voluntary action, the display of information relating to a current state of the reservation function.

[0041] A traction battery charge control system of a plug-in hybrid vehicle is a system comprising one or more computers configured to implement a set of charge control functions, for example when charging the traction battery and / or discharging the traction battery to power one or more electric motors of the plug-in hybrid vehicle.

[0042] The controlled function set advantageously includes a function for reserving a specific charge level of the traction battery. Such a function is sometimes called "e-safe" or "esafe" depending on the vehicle manufacturer. When activated, this function reserves a quantity of electrical energy from the traction battery (corresponding to the specified charge level) necessary to travel a certain distance (for example, 10 or 20 km, which distance is an adjustable parameter of the charge control system) when the vehicle is in electric driving mode, that is, when the vehicle uses only its electric motor(s) to move.

[0043] The reservation function ensures that when the driver activates electric driving mode (with only the electric motor(s) operating), the range in this driving mode will be sufficient to cover the preset distance. If, when the reservation function is activated, the current charge level of the traction battery is insufficient, then the reservation function triggers the recharging of the traction battery using energy generated by the internal combustion engine (via a charging circuit onboard the vehicle).

[0044] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates part of the passenger compartment of a vehicle 10, according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] The vehicle 10 advantageously corresponds to a plug-in hybrid vehicle, that is to say, a vehicle with a combustion engine and one or more electric motors. Such a plug-in hybrid vehicle carries a traction battery configured to supply electrical energy to the vehicle's electric motor(s), for example from energy generated by the engine and optionally via an external power supply (for example, a charging station or a household electrical outlet).

[0046] The vehicle 10 thus corresponds for example to a land vehicle comprising a passenger compartment or at least equipped with a display screen, for example a car, a truck, a bus, a motorcycle.

[0047] The vehicle 10 is configured to operate in a thermal driving mode (with the internal combustion engine running and powered by fuel) and in an electric driving mode (with only the electric motor(s) operating and powered by the vehicle's traction battery). The electric driving mode activates, for example, automatically when the vehicle's speed falls below a predetermined threshold (for example, when the speed drops below 20, 30, or 50 km / h) and / or following a manual activation command issued by a user, for example, the driver, via a control button on an HMI (Human-Machine Interface). In one embodiment, the vehicle 10 is further configured to operate in a hybrid mode in which the internal combustion engine and the electric motor(s) electric motors operate simultaneously to drive the vehicle 10 in motion.

[0048] The vehicle 10 advantageously incorporates a display system including a touchscreen 13 and a computer configured to control the display of content(s) from a graphical HMI on the touchscreen 13. The computer corresponds, for example, to the computer of the infotainment system, known as the IVI computer (from the English "In-Vehicle Infotainment" or in French "Infodivertissement étoilé") of the vehicle 10.

[0049] According to a particular embodiment, the display system includes one or more other screens, for example a screen of a device or system called a head-up display corresponding for example to a transparent or semi-transparent blade arranged in such a way that a driver sitting in the seat 16 sees the content displayed or projected onto the transparent blade when the driver is driving the vehicle 10.

[0050] Such a display system including the touch screen 13 is for example provided or configured to reduce the number of screens present in the vehicle 10, allowing for example the removal of the display screen(s) called instrument cluster or instrument panel and generally arranged in an area 15 behind the steering wheel 14 in the dashboard 11.

[0051] According to a particular embodiment, the vehicle 10 carries one or more embedded systems, each controlled by one or more computers. These computers, together with the IVI computer, form, for example, a multiplexed architecture for providing various services useful for the proper functioning of the vehicle and for assisting the driver and / or passengers of the vehicle in controlling the vehicle 10 via the control of the embedded system(s) in the vehicle 10.Computers communicate and exchange data with each other via one or more computer buses, for example a CAN (Controller Area Network), CAN FD (Controller Area Network Flexible Data-Rate), FlexRay (according to ISO 17458), LIN (Local Interconnect Network), or Ethernet (according to ISO / IEC 802-3) type communication bus.

[0052] An on-board system in the vehicle 10 corresponds to a traction battery charge control system configured to implement the function of reserving a quantity of electrical energy stored in the traction battery to allow the vehicle 10 to travel a determined or minimum distance in electric driving mode thanks to this reserved quantity of electrical energy (corresponding to a determined charge level of the traction battery).

[0053] A process for controlling the vehicle reservation function 10 is further This process is implemented by the vehicle 10, for example by one or more processors of one or more computers of the vehicle 10's on-board system, for example by the IVI computer. Such a process also corresponds to a control process of the vehicle 10's traction battery charging control system, such a system being configured to implement the reservation function.

[0054] In a first operation, the display of an indicator representing the reservation function of the vehicle 10 is controlled in such a way that the indicator is displayed on the touch screen 13 in a determined content of a human-machine interface, called HMI, which content is displayed on the touch screen 13.

[0055] The displayed content includes, for example, a set of information useful to the driver to ensure control and supervision of the vehicle 10.

[0056] The information set includes, for example, the instantaneous speed of the vehicle 10 when the latter is in a driving or traffic phase, that is to say in motion, driven by the engine or engines of the vehicle 10.

[0057] The information set includes, for example, other supplementary information such as, for example, the remaining range (expressed for example in kms), the distance traveled, a volume or level of fuel remaining in the tank, a charge level or a quantity of electrical energy remaining in the traction battery, etc.

[0058] The displayed indicator is, for example, representative of a current state of the reservation function. The graphical representation of the displayed indicator depends, for example, on the current state of the reservation function and belongs to a specific set of graphical representations.

[0059] The current state of the reservation function corresponds, for example, to one of the following states: - activated state, i.e. when the reservation function is in the active state to maintain the charge level of the traction battery at a determined or minimum level, i.e. to ensure that the reserve of electrical energy stored in the traction battery is sufficient to travel a determined distance (corresponding to the vehicle's range 10 in electric driving mode), for example to travel 10, 20, 30 km in electric driving mode under determined conditions (for example at a determined speed, for example at 20, 30 or 50 km / h, and / or in a determined environment, for example an urban road environment); - deactivated state, i.e. when the reservation function is inactive (for example, deactivated by the driver via the vehicle's HMI interface 10), the available charge level in the traction battery is not guaranteed when the vehicle 10 switches to electric driving mode when the reservation function is disabled.

[0060] The indicator is displayed for example according to a first graphic representation determined when the reservation function is activated and according to a second graphic representation when the reservation function is deactivated (for example following a manual and voluntary action by the driver who wishes to deactivate the reservation function).

[0061] The graphic representations are different from each other.

[0062] Indicator 211, according to the first graphical representation (activated state), is illustrated, for example, in [Fig. 2]. [Fig. 2] illustrates an example of the display of indicator 211, corresponding to a pictogram representing an arrow formed by a ¾ circle surrounding an electric arc, in blue or green, for example. Indicator 211 is displayed in a first part or defined area 21 of the touchscreen 13. The first defined area 21 is, for example, assigned or dedicated for displaying content from the HMI controlled by the IVI control unit to provide or display to the driver the information necessary for controlling the vehicle 10, for example, the instantaneous speed.

[0063] The second graphic representation corresponds, for example, to the same pictogram in a different color than the first graphic representation, for example in grey or orange.

[0064] Witness 211 representing the reservation function corresponds for example to a symbol defined in a standard, for example an ISO standard.

[0065] The first zone 21 covers, for example, only a part of the total display area of ​​the screen 21, one or more other determined zones (not illustrated) being, for example, assigned to other HMI content, for example, a zone to display information associated with the vehicle multimedia system 10 and / or a zone to display information associated with the vehicle navigation system 10.

[0066] In a second operation, first data representing a first touch 212 on the indicator 211 (displayed according to the first graphic representation or according to the second graphic representation) are received, following a touch 212 by a user (for example the driver of the vehicle 10) on the indicator 211.

[0067] A touch 212 on the indicator 211 sends information to the IVI control unit so that the latter implements a function associated with the command corresponding to the touch press.

[0068] The first representative data of the touch press are received for example via one or more data buses linking the touch interface of the screen (or a computer controlling such a touch interface where applicable) and the IVI computer.

[0069] The first data are, for example, representative of a so-called brief tactile press, that is to say, one in which the duration of the press on the witness 211 is less than a threshold duration (by example equal to 500 or 1000 ms).

[0070] According to another example, the first data are representative of a double click, that is to say a sequence of two consecutive and close touch presses (with for example less than 250 or 500 ms between the two consecutive touch presses).

[0071] In a third operation, the IVI control unit controls the display of initial graphic content comprising one or more pieces of information representing the current state of the reservation function. This initial graphic content is displayed in a second zone 31 of the touchscreen 13, as illustrated in [Fig. 3], which second zone 31 is distinct from the first zone 21 in which the indicator 211 is displayed. The display of the initial graphic content in the second zone 31 is triggered by the reception of the initial data.

[0072] The first graphic content is, for example, displayed in a window occupying part of the display area of ​​screen 13 and corresponding to the second zone 31, this window corresponding, for example, to a contextual window, also called an intrusive or pop-up window. This window is, for example, displayed next to the first zone 21, for example centered on the screen (around the center of screen 13).

[0073] According to an example embodiment illustrated in [Fig.3], the first graphic content displayed on the second area of ​​the screen 31 includes, for example, information 310 representing the current state of the reservation function and additional information 311 relating to the current state of the reservation function.

[0074] Thus, when indicator 211 is displayed according to the first graphic representation, information 310 corresponds, for example, to text displayed in area 310 indicating that the reservation function is active or activated. Such information 310 further includes, in one variant, a pictogram specifically illustrating the activated state (for example, pictogram 211 with the word "ON" (or in French "En marche") in green or blue).

[0075] When indicator 211 is displayed according to the second graphic representation, information 310 corresponds, for example, to text displayed in area 310 indicating that the reservation function is inactive or deactivated. Such information 310 further includes, in one variant, a pictogram specifically illustrating the deactivated state (for example, pictogram 211 with the word "OFF" in orange or red).

[0076] When indicator 211 is displayed according to the first graphic representation (activated state of the reservation function), the additional information 311 corresponds, for example, to initial information representing a quantity of electrical energy reserved for later use by the vehicle 10 in electric driving mode. This initial information 311 corresponds, for example, to text describing that The vehicle's range in electric driving mode is XX km (XX representing a distance, for example, 10 or 20 km). In another example, the text reads: "Energy reserve in ZEV: XX km," ZEV meaning "Zero Emission Vehicle," that is, a vehicle operating in electric driving mode that emits no gases from the combustion of carbon-based fuel. In yet another example, the first piece of information, 311, corresponds to a graphic object such as a pictogram or icon illustrating the reserved charge level, the amount of reserved electrical energy, or the guaranteed range of vehicle 10 in kilometers (km).

[0077] When the indicator 211 is displayed according to the second graphic representation (disabled state of the reservation function), the additional information 311 corresponds, for example, to a second piece of information representing a description of the reservation function, for example, a text explaining the usefulness and / or operation of the reservation function when the latter is activated, for example, a text like the following: "the YYY function allows forced loading by the combustion engine", "YYY" corresponding to the name of the faction which varies, for example, from one car manufacturer to another.

[0078] According to one variant, the second piece of information corresponds to a text including a description of an instruction to activate or reactivate the reservation function, for example by double-tapping the indicator 211.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the process further comprises a fourth operation in which second data representing a second touch 312 on the indicator 211 (according to the first graphic representation or the second graphic representation) are received, following a touch 312 by a user (for example the driver of the vehicle 10) on the indicator 211.

[0080] This second touch press 312, which is later than the first touch press 211, sends information to the IVI computer so that the latter can implement a function associated with the command corresponding to this second touch press.

[0081] The second data are for example representative of a so-called brief touch, that is to say, whose duration of pressing on the witness 211 is less than the threshold duration (for example equal to 500 or 1000 ms) defined previously.

[0082] This second touch press corresponds to a touch press made while the first graphic content is displayed in the second area 31 of the screen (and the first touch press corresponds to a brief press).

[0083] In a fifth operation, the end of the display of the first graphic content is controlled so that the first graphic content is no longer displayed in the second area 31 of the screen 13 following the reception of the second data.

[0084] The graphic content displayed before the first data is received represents- Sensations of the first touch press 212, that is to say before the display of the first graphic content, is then for example displayed again in the second zone 31. When the second zone 31 corresponds to a pop-up window, then this pop-up window is closed.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the display ends automatically via the computer after a predetermined time period that begins when the first graphic content is displayed. For example, this predetermined time period is such that the first graphic content remains displayed for, say, 5, 10, or 15 seconds and then disappears automatically, even without the user performing a second touch.

[0086] According to a particular embodiment of the invention illustrated in [Fig. 4], the process further comprises receiving third data points representing a third touch press 412 on the indicator 211 (displayed according to the first graphic representation or according to the second graphic representation), the third touch press corresponding to a touch press lasting longer than the threshold. These third data points are representative of a so-called long touch press (i.e., lasting longer than the threshold duration defined previously (for example, equal to 500 or 1000 ms)).

[0087] A long touch press 412 on the indicator 211 sends information to the IVI control unit so that the latter implements a specific function associated with the command corresponding to this long touch press.

[0088] The reception of the third data triggers an operation to control the display of a second graphic content by the computer.

[0089] The reception of the third data triggers, for example, the display of the second content in a pop-up window 51, for example next to the first area 21, as illustrated in [Fig.5] according to a particular embodiment.

[0090] The second graphic content comprises one or more graphic objects 510, 511, each configured to control a parameter of the reservation function. The graphic object(s) 510, 511 of the second graphic content are, for example, a function of the current state of the reservation function; for example, the second graphic object(s) 510, 511 vary depending on whether the indicator 211 is displayed according to the first graphic representation (representing the activated state of the reservation function) or according to the second graphic representation (representing the deactivated state of the reservation function).

[0091] Thus, when the witness 211 is displayed according to the first graphic representation (corresponding to the current state activated) or according to the second graphic representation (corresponding to the current state deactivated), a first graphic object 510 is displayed, which first graphic object 510 is configured to control an activation and / or a deactivation of the reservation function.

[0092] The activation or deactivation control is obtained for example by a touch press on this first graphic object 510 (for example on a button 5101 taking 2 states, 1 state corresponding to the activation of the reservation function and 1 state corresponding to the deactivation of the reservation function), by a voice command or by activation of a physical button for example provided on the steering wheel 14. The first graphic object allows a visual on the result of the control of activation or deactivation of the reservation function (via for example the 2-state button 5101).

[0093] A second graphic object 511 is further displayed only when the reservation function is in the activated state (i.e., when the indicator 211 is in the first graphical representation). This second graphic object 511 is not displayed when the reservation function is in the deactivated state (i.e., when the indicator 211 is in the second graphical representation). In one embodiment, the second graphic object 511 is displayed in gray when the reservation function is in the deactivated state, the gray display indicating that the parameter(s) associated with this second graphic object 511 cannot be adjusted when the reservation function is in the deactivated state.

[0094] The second graphic object 511 is configured to control an adjustment of a parameter representing a quantity of electrical energy stored in the traction battery, that is to say to control a setpoint of charge level that the traction battery must have when the vehicle 10 switches to electric driving mode.

[0095] This parameter corresponds, for example, to a distance in kilometers representing the vehicle's desired range as desired by the driver when the vehicle switches to electric driving mode. In another example, this parameter corresponds to a quantity of electrical energy stored in the battery (expressed in kWh).

[0096] This second graphic object 511 corresponds, for example, to a scale comprising several levels of range in kilometers (or quantity of electrical energy), labeled 'A', 'B', and 'C' in [Fig. 5], with 'A' corresponding to a minimum range level (or 10 km), 'B' to an intermediate or medium range level (or 20 km), and 'C' to a maximum range level (or 30 km, for example). A slider (represented by a black circle in [Fig. 5]) is positioned opposite the setting (setting 'B' in [Fig. 5]). The driver moves the position of this slider, for example, using a dial on the steering wheel or via the touchscreen interface by pressing and dragging the slider across the touchscreen with their finger. According to one variant, this second graphic object 511 corresponds to a drop-down list including several levels of autonomy selectable by the driver.

[0097] Confirming the activation or deactivation of the reservation function via the first graphic object 510 results in a change in the display of indicator 211 which goes from the first graphic representation to the second graphic representation (when the reservation function was in the deactivated state and the driver activates it), or conversely, from the second graphic representation to the first graphic representation (when the reservation function was in the activated state and the driver deactivates it).

[0098] The second graphic content further includes one or more other graphic objects according to various particular embodiments, this or these other graphic objects being adapted to personalize the booking function or the control of the booking function.

[0099] According to a particular embodiment, the process further includes monitoring the load control system based, for example, on the activation or deactivation of the reservation function and / or based on the desired range setting. Such monitoring includes, for example, monitoring one or more vehicle control units 10 and / or one or more vehicle components 10, for example, the internal combustion engine when the range changes and it is necessary to recharge the traction battery. Such monitoring includes, for example, transmitting control signals to the relevant control units and / or components via one or more data buses of the vehicle's onboard system 10.

[0100] Figure 6 schematically illustrates a device 6 configured for the control of a A charging control system for a traction battery of a plug-in hybrid vehicle, for example vehicle 10, according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. Device 6 corresponds, for example, to a device embedded in vehicle 10, for example a control unit. Device 6 is further configured to control the reservation function.

[0101] Device 6 is, for example, configured to carry out the operations described opposite Figures 1 to 5 and / or the steps of the process described opposite [Fig. 7]. Examples of such a device 6 include, but are not limited to, embedded electronic equipment such as a vehicle's on-board computer, an electronic control unit such as an ECU (Electronic Control Unit), a smartphone, a tablet, or a laptop computer. The elements of device 6, individually or in combination, may be integrated into a single integrated circuit, into several integrated circuits, and / or into discrete components. Device 6 may be implemented in the form of electronic circuits or software (or computer) modules, or a combination of electronic circuits and software modules.

[0102] The device 6 includes one (or more) processor(s) 60 configured to execute instructions for carrying out the steps of the process and / or for executing instructions from the software embedded in the device 6. The processor 60 may include integrated memory, an input / output interface, and various circuits known to those skilled in the art. The device 6 further includes at least one memory 61 corresponding, for example, to volatile and / or non-volatile memory and / or includes a memory storage device which may include volatile and / or non-volatile memory, such as EEPROM, ROM, PROM, RAM, DRAM, SRAM, flash, magnetic or optical disk.

[0103] The computer code of the embedded software(s) including the instructions to be loaded and executed by the processor is for example stored on memory 61.

[0104] According to various particular and non-limiting embodiments, the device 6 is coupled in communication with other similar devices or systems and / or with communication devices, for example a TCU (Telematic Control Unit), for example via a communication bus or through dedicated input / output ports.

[0105] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, the device 6 includes a block 62 of interface elements for communicating with external devices. The interface elements of the block 62 include one or more of the following interfaces: - Radio frequency (RF) interface, for example, Wi-Fi® (according to IEEE 802.11), for example in the 2.4 or 5 GHz frequency bands, or Bluetooth® (according to IEEE 802.15.1), in the 2.4 GHz frequency band, or Sigfox using UBN (Ultra Narrow Band) radio technology, or LoRa in the 868 MHz frequency band, LTE (from the English "Long-Term Evolution" or in French "Evolution à long terme"), LTE-Advanced (or in French LTE-avancé); - USB interface (from the English "Universal Serial Bus" or "Universal Serial Bus" in French); - HDMI interface (from the English "High Definition Multimedia Interface", or "High Definition Multimedia Interface" in French); - LIN interface (from the English "Local Interconnect Network", or in French "Réseau interconnecté local").

[0106] According to another particular and non-limiting embodiment, the device 6 includes a communication interface 63 which enables communication with other devices (such as other computers in the embedded system) via a communication channel 630. The communication interface 63 corresponds, for example, to a transmitter configured to transmit and receive information and / or data via the communication channel 630. The communication interface 63 corresponds, for example, to a CAN (Controller, Access, and Communication) wired network. Area Network » or in French « Controller Network">), CAN FD (from the English « Controller Area Network Flexible Data-Rate» or in French « Controller Area Network Flexible Data Rate">), FlexRay (standardized by ISO 17458) or Ethernet (standardized by ISO / IEC 802-3).

[0107] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, the device 6 can provide output signals to one or more external devices, such as a display screen 640, touch or not, one or more speakers 650 and / or other peripherals 660 (projection system) via output interfaces 64, 65 and 66 respectively. According to a variant, one or more of the external devices is integrated into the device 6.

[0108] Figure 7 illustrates a flowchart of the different stages of a control process of a charging control system for a traction battery of a plug-in hybrid vehicle, for example vehicle 10, according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. The method is implemented, for example, by a device embedded in vehicle 10 or by device 6 of [Fig. 6].

[0109] In a first step 71, the display of an indicator representing a function for reserving a specific charge level of the traction battery, referred to as the reservation function, within a specific area of ​​a human-machine interface, referred to as the HMI, is controlled so that the indicator is displayed in a first zone of a touchscreen mounted in the vehicle. The traction battery charging control system is configured to implement the reservation function.

[0110] In a second step 72, initial data representative of a touch press on the indicator are received.

[0111] In a third step 73, the display of a first graphic content comprising information representative of a current state of the reservation function is controlled so that the first graphic content is displayed in a second area of ​​the touch screen different from the first area, following the receipt of the first data.

[0112] According to one variant, the variants and examples of the operations described in relation to one of Figures 1 to 5 apply to the steps of the process in [Fig.7].

[0113] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above but extends to a method for displaying indicators and graphic content representative of the reservation function, which would include secondary steps without departing from the scope of the present invention. The same would apply to a device configured for implementing such a method.

[0114] The present invention also relates to a vehicle, for example a motor vehicle or more generally an autonomous land-powered vehicle, comprising device 6 of [Fig. 6] or a display system comprising device 6 of [Fig. 6] connected in communication to a 13-inch touchscreen.

Claims

Claims

1. Method for controlling a charge control system of a traction battery of a plug-in hybrid vehicle, said vehicle (10), said vehicle (10) having a display system comprising a touch screen (13), said method comprising the following steps: - control (71) of display of an indicator (211) representative of a function for reserving a determined charge level of said traction battery, said reservation function, in a determined content of a human-machine interface, called HMI, displayed in a first zone (21) of said touch screen (13), said traction battery charge control system being configured to implement said reservation function; - reception (72) of first data representative of a first touch press (212) on said indicator (211);- control (73) of display of a first graphic content comprising information representative of a current state of said reservation function following the reception (72) of said first data, said first graphic content being displayed in a second zone (31) of said touch screen (13) different from said first zone (21).;

2. Method according to claim 1, for which said indicator (211) is displayed according to a determined graphical representation of a set of graphical representations, said determined graphical representation being a function of said current state of said reservation function.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, for which said current state belongs to a set of states comprising: - an activated state; and - a deactivated state.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein said information further comprises first information (310) representative of a quantity of electrical energy stored in the traction battery for use by said vehicle in electric driving mode when said reservation function is in the activated state, and said information further comprises second information (311) representative of a description of said reservation function when said reservation function is in the deactivated state.

5. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising the following steps: - reception of second data representative of a second tactile press (312) on said indicator (211), said second tactile press being subsequent to said first tactile press (212); - control of end of display of said first graphic content in said second zone (31) following the reception of said second data.

6. Method according to claim 5, for which the control of display of said first graphic content is triggered when said first touch press (212) corresponds to a touch press of a duration less than a threshold, and the control of end of display of the first graphic content is triggered when said second touch press (312) corresponds to a touch press of a duration less than said threshold.

7. Method according to claim 6, further comprising the following steps: - receiving third data representative of a third touch press (412) on said indicator (211), said third touch press corresponding to a touch press of a duration greater than said threshold; - controlling the display of a second graphic content (51) comprising a set of graphic objects (510, 511) configured to control a set of parameters of said reservation function following the reception of said third data.

8. Method according to claim 7 in dependence on claim 3, for which: - when said reservation function is in the activated state or in the deactivated state, said set of graphical objects comprises a first graphical object (510) configured to control an activation and / or a deactivation of said reservation function; and - when said reservation function is in the activated state, said set of graphical objects further comprises a second graphical object (511) configured to control an adjustment of a parameter representative of a quantity of electrical energy stored in the traction battery.

9. Device (6) for controlling a charge control system of a traction battery of a rechargeable hybrid vehicle, said device (6) comprising a memory (61) associated with at least one processor (60) configured for implementing the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A plug-in hybrid vehicle (10) comprising the device (6) according to claim 9.

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