SMART VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER DEVICE

Abstract

The invention relates to an electric motor vehicle (100) comprising control means (10) controlling a charging connector (40), which cooperates with a type 2 adapter end piece (15) comprising a first resistor Rc between a PE earth terminal and a PP proximity pilot terminal and comprises, in series on a proximity pilot circuit (80) connected to the control means (10), a detection device (70) comprising a switch (30), movable between closed and open positions, in series with a second resistor, of the same value as the first resistor, interposed between the PE earth terminal and this closed position, the control means (10) comprising a detection device (11) capable of controlling a change in position of said switch (30) in the event of recognition of an approved user, and otherwise of prohibiting it. Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: DEVICE SMART VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER

[0001] The invention relates to an electric or hybrid motor vehicle comprising control means, electrical energy storage means, and, for recharging said electrical energy storage means with energy, at least one charging connector connected to said control means and arranged to cooperate mechanically and electrically with an adapter end piece that said vehicle comprises and which is a type 2 socket that comprises a first resistor of value Rc between an earth terminal PE and a proximity pilot terminal PP.

[0002] The energy recharging of electric or hybrid motor vehicles, known as BEVs, can be carried out according to the types of recharging which will be chosen by the user.

[0003] Mode 2 is the lowest power (3.7kW maximum - Alternating Current - AC). To recharge in mode 2, you must use an electronic box integrated into the charging cable, and connect it to a standard domestic socket.

[0004] Mode 3 is an intermediate mode in terms of power (22kW maximum - Alternating current - AC). To recharge in mode 3, you must use a dedicated cable equipped with standard Type 2 connectors and connect it to a charging station; this station integrates the control, safety and regulation / programming functions of the charge.

[0005] Mode 4 is a mode adapted to the highest powers (350kW maximum - Direct current - DC). Mode 4 is achieved by means of fast and very fast charging stations which deliver direct current at a very high power level. These stations have a charging cable with a specific standardized connector (Type 2 CCS Combo in Europe).

[0006] To enable these recharges, BEV vehicles are equipped with an electronic charging socket box (BEPR) compatible with mode 2, 3 and 4 recharges, as well as mode 2 and mode 3 recharge cables (sometimes optional for mode 3).

[0007] To avoid any risk of damage to the vehicle, the cable and / or the charging station, the vehicles are equipped with a device which prevents the vehicle from starting as soon as a plug is connected.

[0008] In France, 88% of vehicle thefts in 2022 took place without breaking in. Thieves copy the signal from the vehicle keys.

[0009] The invention therefore proposes to prevent the vehicle from starting even if the thief has a copy of the key.

[0010] Anti-theft protection devices are known which are linked to specific manipulations of a cap, or the refill flap, by the user. These devices impact customer usage by requiring the user to put the cap in by hand when parking the vehicle and to remove it by hand when leaving.

[0011] The invention aims to delay the theft of the user's vehicle as much as possible, by installing a device which prevents the vehicle from starting until the user at the wheel is recognized by the vehicle.

[0012] To this end, the invention reuses the vehicle's immobilizer function when a charging cable is connected to the vehicle, by diverting the function so as to simulate the connection of a cable as long as the user at the wheel is not identified by the vehicle.

[0013] To do this, the connection of a charging cable is simulated, from the vehicle's point of view, and an approved user identification device, by facial recognition, or by fingerprint recognition, of the user, or other similar system, makes it possible to inhibit this protection to allow the vehicle to start.

[0014] The main interest of the invention is to fill the gaps in the prior art, by proposing a technological concept which relies on a user identification device based on biometric recognition, to activate or not a standardized security for vehicle recharging.

[0015] The objective of the present invention is to remedy these drawbacks by proposing an electric or hybrid motor vehicle comprising control means, electrical energy storage means, and, for recharging said electrical energy storage means with energy, at least one charging connector connected to said control means and arranged to cooperate mechanically and electrically with an adapter end piece that said vehicle comprises and which is a type 2 socket that comprises a first resistor of value Rc between an earth terminal PE and a proximity pilot terminal PP.

[0016] According to the invention, said charging connector comprises, in series on a proximity pilot circuit connected to said pilot means, a detection device which comprises a switch in series with a second resistor of the same value Rc as said first resistor and which is interposed between a normal closing position B of said switch and said earth terminal PE, said switch being movable between said normal closing position B where it is closed, and a non-connection or opening position A where it is open, and said pilot means comprise a detection device arranged for the recognition of an approved user and capable of controlling a change of position of said switch in the event of detection of presence of an approved user, and to prohibit it if the presence of an unapproved user is found.

[0017] Thus, only the presence on board of an approved user allows a change of position of the safety switch.

[0018] More particularly, said switch is always in the default position to inhibit said second resistor Rc integrated into said vehicle, and allow the system to trigger a nominal charge.

[0019] Thus there is no hindrance to the normal recharging process by the user.

[0020] More particularly, said detection device is arranged for the recognition biometric of an approved user.

[0021] It is therefore extremely difficult to force the security.

[0022] More particularly, said control means comprise a recording device arranged to record biometric data of an approved user.

[0023] Thus the legal user can carry out his own approval.

[0024] More particularly, said recording device and said detection device are combined.

[0025] The cost of the equipment is thus reduced.

[0026] More particularly, said control means comprise encryption, decryption and storage means resident on board said vehicle.

[0027] All the safety features are thus on board the vehicle.

[0028] More particularly, said control means comprise encryption, decryption and storage means which are terminals of central means remote from said vehicle and accessible via a wireless link.

[0029] Thus one of the safety devices is moved outside the vehicle, which is useful for fleet management.

[0030] More particularly, said central means remote from said vehicle comprise at least one recording device arranged to record biometric data of an approved user.

[0031] It is thus possible to centralize all management of approved users.

[0032] The invention will be further detailed by the description of non-limiting embodiments, and on the basis of the appended figures illustrating variants of the invention, in which: - [Fig.l] schematically illustrates a motor vehicle according to the invention, and the charging circuit of its batteries, the vehicle being shown near a charging station equipped with a cable and a socket; - [Fig.2] is an extract from the IEC 61851-1 standard, which describes a circuit for the simultaneous proximity detection and current coding, with, in order for the motor vehicle to know that it is connected to a charger or terminal, a proximity pilot circuit PP in the charging socket fulfilling this function by creating a circuit via a resistor of value Rc, which is connected to the pin of the earth contact PE; - [Fig.3] schematically illustrates a detection device, implanted at level of a charging connector capable of receiving an adapter tip of the vehicle charging cable; this detection device comprises a switch S4 movable between an open position and a closed position, to prohibit or authorize the passage of current in a second resistor of value Rc of the proximity pilot circuit PP; - [Fig.4] is a diagram which schematically illustrates the recording of a user to approve it; - [Fig.5] is a diagram which schematically illustrates the safety during a start cycle, which is conditional on the recognition of an approved and registered user; - [Fig.6] schematically illustrates a detection device, in the position open switch S4, which corresponds to the case where the user is identified as approved by an identification device included in the vehicle, and where the vehicle behaves normally and does not detect a cable connected to the vehicle; - [Fig.7] schematically illustrates the same detection device as in [Fig.6], in the closed position of switch S4, which corresponds to the case where the user locks his vehicle, which activates switch S4 and energizes the resistance of value Rc of the proximity pilot circuit PP; the voltage measurement V measured by the vehicle will then drop, and therefore make it appear that a charging cable is connected, and any starting of the vehicle will then be impossible. The only way to operate switch S4 is to use the identification device to recognize an approved and recognized user of the vehicle by biometric fingerprint, which makes it possible to return to the position of [Fig.6], to de-energize the second resistance of value Rc, and allow the vehicle to start.

[0033] [Fig.l] schematically illustrates an electric or hybrid motor vehicle 100 according to the invention, which comprises a body 50, control means 10, electrical energy storage means 20 such as batteries, and, for recharging these electrical energy storage means 20 with energy, at least one charging cable 11. This at least one charging cable 11 is, not limitingly, in this particular example, housed in a cable housing 12 that the bodywork 50 comprises; this charging cable 11 is provided with an adapter tip 15 at a distal end, for its connection to an external connector of a charging terminal external to the motor vehicle 100, not shown in the figures. The adapter tip 15 is extractable from the housing 12, from a closed road position, to an open charging position. This housing 12 comprises a charging connector 40, connected directly or indirectly to the control means 10, and which is arranged to cooperate mechanically and electrically with this adapter end 15. This adapter end is in particular a standard type 2 socket, which comprises a first resistor 60 of value Rc, according to the relevant range of the IEC61851-1 standard cited above, which is interposed between the standard terminal 3 (earth contact PE) and the standard terminal 4 (proximity pilot PP) of the type 2 socket.

[0034] We know the interfaces of a current electronic charging socket or BEPR and a standard type 2 socket (IEC 62196). The male / female assembly plugs in very simply. These two sockets are composed of different interfaces described in the international standard IEC 61851-1 "ELECTRIC VEHICLE CONDUCTIVE CHARGING SYSTEM" which defines four types of charging mode, and of which an extract from edition 3.0, 2017-02, defines in §B.2, pages 227 to 229, a circuit for simultaneous proximity detection and current coding, visible in [Fig.2] which shows the energy supply zones (ENERGY), the cable (CABLE) and the vehicle (VEHICLE).

[0035] The IEC61851-1 standard describes a circuit for simultaneous proximity detection and current coding, with, in order for the motor vehicle to know that it is connected to a charger or terminal, a proximity pilot circuit PP in the charging socket fulfilling this function by creating a circuit via a resistor Rc, which is connected to the pin of the earth contact PE.

[0036] For recharging electric or hybrid motor vehicles, the Type 2 plug is the standard to follow in Europe for all electric vehicles sold (and the Type 1 plug in North America and South Korea). The Type 2 plug has seven male pins and a handle. The Type 2 plug supports alternating current with a maximum intensity of 70 A in single-phase, and 63 A in three-phase. Generally, the Type 2 plug includes connectors for three phases (L1, L2 and L3), an earth connection called PE (from the English "Proximity earth"), a neutral and two controls: proximity pilot PP, from the English "proximity pilot", and control contact CP, from the English "control pilot", for current limitation. This makes it possible to offer several charging levels.The two PP and CP controls allow the exchange of information between the charging station and the vehicle according to a standardized protocol, and thus optimize electric charging.

[0037] The PP proximity driver serves as charging cable detection and current limitation. The main purpose of the PP proximity driver is to indicate that the vehicle is connected to a charging station to prevent it from starting if the charging cable is not disconnected (during electrical charging, the probability that a user will start the vehicle and leave with the cable attached is much greater than in a thermal vehicle because there will be no waiting next to the car for charging to finish).

[0038] The proximity driver is used to detect the charging cable, and to limit the current.

[0039] It is important that the motor vehicle knows that it is connected to a charger or terminal. The proximity driver PP in the charging socket fulfills this function by creating a circuit via a resistor of value Rc, which is connected to the pin of the earth contact PE, this resistor of value Rc is standardized so as to activate the immobilizer of the car. Thus, by applying a voltage to the pin of the proximity driver PP, a current flow (or a voltage drop) will be detected when a socket is connected, because this will create an electrical circuit.

[0040] In the case of a charging cable attached to the vehicle, it is important to be able to reproduce this detection of the cable to produce the same effects on the vehicle side.

[0041] The resistance Rc can have different values ​​in a type 2 plug. The two most common values ​​are 680 Ohm and 220 Ohm, although the standard also defines 1500 Ohm and 100 Ohm.

[0042] The proximity signal is used for simultaneous proximity detection and coding of the current capacity of the cable assembly. The value of the resistance connected between the proximity driver PP and the ground contact PE determines the maximum permissible current of the cable assembly (e.g. 13A, 20A, 32A, 63A or 70A). When the charger detects a certain value of the resistance, it must adjust its maximum current according to the maximum current signaled by the cable resistance. This maximum current value will then be communicated to the electric vehicle via the communication protocol of the control contact CP.

[0043] This first resistance Rc has the effect, when the adapter tip 15 is connected to the charging connector 40 of the vehicle 100, of lowering the voltage, which is detected by the control means 10 of the vehicle.

[0044] The standard relating to the admitted Rc values ​​authorizes the passage of a certain class of intensity in the load circuit.

[0045] In short, the proximity pilot connector PP makes it possible to prevent any restarting of the vehicle.

[0046] The principle of the proximity pilot circuit PP is to detect the insertion of a Type 2 plug into the vehicle's charging interface, whether this cable is connected to a power source or not. The simple act of connecting a plug varies a resistance Internal Ra measured on the vehicle via the PP proximity driver. This feature was initially developed to prevent the user from starting their vehicle if they forget it is plugged in and charging to avoid damaging the car, the cable or even the charging station.

[0047] The principle of the present invention consists in diverting the functionality making it possible to prohibit the starting of the vehicle 100 when it is connected by a charging cable 11 to a charging station, to create an anti-start device.

[0048] This involves using the existing electrical system of the vehicle 100 for this purpose, in order to reduce the functional impacts, and to limit any software development. Advantageously, the components existing on board are used for detecting the presence of the charging cable: hardware elements, electrical or electronic components. The existing functionality is used at the level of the electrical pins of the connector.

[0049] A switch 30, called S4 and visible in [Fig.3], [Fig.6], and [Fig.7], is located at the proximity pilot connector PP (in particular in the housing 12 for storing the adapter tip 15 of the integrated cable), and simulates the signal by one of two resistance values ​​of the socket. This analog detection is simple and reliable.

[0050] In the application of the prior art dedicated to cable monitoring, the signal from the proximity pilot PP is read by the control means 10 of the vehicle 100, including in particular a vehicle controller called VCU (“Vehicle control unit”), to determine, depending on whether the integrated charging cable 11 is stored or not, with its adapter end 15, in its housing 12, and connected or not to the charging connector 40, whether the proximity pilot PP is equivalent to a resistance value indicating the presence or absence of a cable adapter end in the charging connector.

[0051] The detection of the proximity pilot PP is carried out by the switch 30 present at the connection of the charging connector 40, in particular in the housing 12 which can be closed by the hatch.

[0052] According to the invention, this same electrical circuit is used to add security linked to the identification of the user, depending on whether the user is approved or not.

[0053] Thus, according to the invention, and as visible in [Fig.l] and in [Fig.3], the charging connector 40 comprises, in series on a proximity pilot circuit 80 connected to the piloting means 10, a detection device 70. This detection device 70 comprises a switch 30, here marked “S4”, in series with a second resistor 35, visible in [Fig.3], of the same value Rc as the first resistor 60 of the standard type 2 socket, and which is interposed between a normal closing position B of the switch 30 and the earth terminal PE 3, visible in [Fig.3]. This switch 30 is movable between this normal closing position B where it is closed, and a non-connection or opening position A where it is open.

[0054] We therefore wish to divert the functionality to create here an anti-theft device according to the invention.

[0055] According to the invention, it is a question of simulating the connection of a charging cable, from the point of view of the vehicle, and of implementing an identification device 11 of an approved user, by facial recognition, or by fingerprint recognition, of the user, or other similar system, to make it possible to inhibit this protection to authorize the starting of the vehicle.

[0056] To do this, it is therefore necessary, first of all, to register each approved user. Different recording devices 12 allow this registration of an approved user.

[0057] Preferably, the identification device 11 of an approved user is also the recording device 12 which made it possible to approve a user, on the vehicle 100 concerned.

[0058] In a variant, for example for the management of a fleet of vehicles and / or a community of users, for example for short-term rental vehicles, the recording device 12 can be remote from the vehicle 100, and the data relating to the approved users can be loaded onto each vehicle 100 concerned.

[0059] The vehicle control means 10 comprise at least the identification device 11 and resident encryption, decryption and storage means 13 or centralized means terminals outside the vehicle, accessible via a wireless link. In the example illustrated in [Fig.l], the vehicle control means 10 also comprise the recording device 12.

[0060] The recording device 12 of an approved user may use a biometric technology, or, even better, the combination of several biometric technologies.

[0061] Among the biometric technologies that can be used are the use of driver surveillance cameras (to monitor possible drowsiness or sleepiness) to perform facial recognition, or the recognition of the driver's fingerprint when he presses a button or an interface board to start his vehicle. It is important to ensure that the data of each user in the vehicle, or in each vehicle in a fleet accessible to the same approved drivers, is encrypted in a specific software and hardware space to guarantee confidentiality.

[0062] [Fig.4] is a diagram which schematically illustrates the recording of a user to approve it. A recording device on board the vehicle (reference VEHICLE on the drawing) is activated, a user (reference USER on the drawing) requests, on the basis of a security coding not detailed here, its memorization as an approved user, at stage A. The vehicle informs this user in return of the completion and correction of its approval, at stage B.

[0063] In a second step, it is necessary to condition the starting of the vehicle to the recognition of an approved and registered user. [Fig.5] schematically illustrates the security during a start cycle, in the favorable alternative where the identification device makes it possible to establish that the user present is approved, the vehicle can then start (RUN), and send to this user the information relating to his correct identification, at stage C.

[0064] Now, let's make the link to the standard that details the vehicle charging protocol. Mechanically, we want to activate a switch, here the switch 30 marked S4 visible in [Fig.6], on the charging circuit of the vehicle 100 to deceive the control means 10 of the vehicle and make them believe that a charging cable is connected.

[0065] If the user is authenticated, the vehicle 100 behaves normally, and does not detect a cable connected to the car.

[0066] When the user locks his vehicle, the switch S4 is actuated and energizes the resistance Rc of the proximity pilot circuit PP, which is standardized, as visible in [Fig.7]. The voltage measurement V measured by the vehicle will then drop, and therefore make it appear that a charging cable is connected. Starting the vehicle will then be impossible.

[0067] The only way to operate the switch 30, marked S4, is to have at the controls of the vehicle 100 an approved user recognized by biometric fingerprint, by the identification device 11. This action will de-energize the second resistor 35 of value Rc and, alone, will allow the vehicle to start.

[0068] Finally, and in order not to disturb the recharging of the vehicle 100, in this life scenario the switch S4 will always be in the default position to inhibit the resistance of value Rc integrated into the vehicle 100, and allow the system to trigger a nominal charge.

[0069] It is therefore necessary to control this switch on a secure circuit.

[0070] The technical interest is to have a system that is transparent with respect to the electrical and high-voltage architecture of the vehicle. Indeed, this solution does not require any development of new control software (no software or hardware evolution of one of the vehicle's computers that make up the electric powertrain), but only the addition of means of user identification.

[0071] The advantages of the invention are multiple: offering an effective option for the user to prevent the theft of his vehicle, offering a solution invisible from the outside point of view, and offering an option with a controlled cost and high added value.

[0072] The invention effectively completes the range of vehicle anti-theft devices. It complements the vehicle alarm, generally offered today as an option (passive device), and offers an active device which prevents the vehicle from starting.

Claims

Claims

1. Electric or hybrid motor vehicle (100) comprising control means (10), electrical energy storage means (20), and, for recharging said electrical energy storage means (20) with energy, at least one charging connector (40) connected to said control means (10) and arranged to cooperate mechanically and electrically with an adapter end piece (15) which said vehicle (100) comprises and which is a type 2 socket which comprises a first resistor (60) of value Rc between an earth terminal PE (3) and a proximity pilot terminal PP (4), characterized in that said charging connector (40) comprises, in series with a proximity pilot circuit (80) connected to said control means (10),a detection device (70) which comprises a switch (30) in series with a second resistor (35) of the same value Rc as said first resistor (60) and which is interposed between a normal closing position (B) of said switch (30) and said earth terminal PE (3), said switch (30) being movable between said normal closing position (B) where it is closed, and a non-connection or opening position (A) where it is open, and in that said control means (10) comprise a detection device (11) arranged for the recognition of an approved user and capable of controlling a change of position of said switch (30) in the event of the presence of an approved user being detected, and of prohibiting it in the event of the presence of an unapproved user being detected.,

2. Electric or hybrid motor vehicle (100) according to claim 1 characterized in that said detection device (11) is arranged for the biometric recognition of an approved user.

3. Electric or hybrid motor vehicle (100) according to claim 1 or 2 characterized in that said control means (10) comprise a recording device (12) arranged to record biometric data of an approved user.

4. Electric or hybrid motor vehicle (100) according to claim 3 characterized in that said recording device (12) and said detection device (11) are the same.

5. Electric or hybrid motor vehicle (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4 characterized in that said means of piloting (10) comprises encryption, decryption and storage means (13) resident on board said vehicle (100).

6. Electric or hybrid motor vehicle (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4 characterized in that said control means (10) comprise encryption, decryption and storage means (13) which are terminals of central means remote from said vehicle (100) and accessible by a wireless link.

7. 111. Electric or hybrid motor vehicle (100) according to claim 6 characterized in that said central means remote from said vehicle (100) comprise at least one recording device (12) arranged to record biometric data of an approved user.

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