MONITORING OF CONTACTORS DEDICATED TO EXTERNAL CHARGING OF A VEHICLE BATTERY TO THE NACS STANDARD

Abstract

A monitoring method is implemented in a vehicle comprising a battery rechargeable by an external power source via a charging circuit comprising positive and negative branches comprising first and second contactors each having open and closed states in which they are placed respectively outside and during charging, and a charger connected to the positive branch upstream and downstream of the first contactor and to the negative branch upstream and downstream of the second contactor. This method comprises a step (10-20) in which, when the first and second contactors have received orders to be placed in the open state, it is determined with the charger whether at least one of them is subject to a voltage drop at its terminals strictly lower than a chosen threshold, and if so, an alert is generated signaling a malfunction. Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: MONITORING OF CONTACTORS DEDICATED TO EXTERNAL RECHARGES TO THE NACS STANDARD OF A VEHICLE BATTERY Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to vehicles comprising at least one battery rechargeable according to the NACS standard by an external power source via a recharging circuit with positive and negative branches comprising respectively first and second contactors, and more precisely the monitoring within such vehicles of the respective operations of the first and second contactors. State of the art

[0002] Certain vehicles, possibly of the automobile type, comprise a rechargeable battery (possibly cellular) suitable for being recharged according to the NACS format (“North American Charging Standard”) by an external power source via a recharging circuit comprising positive and negative branches respectively comprising first and second contactors (or “contact relays”) dedicated to external recharging and each having open and closed states in which they are placed respectively outside and during recharging. In other words, the first and second dedicated contactors only allow external recharging of the rechargeable battery once they have been placed in their closed state, and outside recharging they are placed in their open state in order to isolate the rechargeable battery from the recharging circuit.

[0003] It is recalled that in a vehicle adapted to NACS standard recharging, the on-board charger is connected to the positive branch upstream and downstream of the first contactor and to the negative branch upstream and downstream of the second contactor.

[0004] Usually, the first and second dedicated contactors are mounted in series respectively with first and second main contactors (or "contact relays") each having open and closed states in which they prohibit or allow the supply by the rechargeable battery of at least one main electrical circuit (or "high voltage") of their vehicle, to which electronic equipment (such as for example a converter and an electric motor) are connected. In other words, the first and second main contactors are responsible for electrically isolating the rechargeable battery from the main electrical circuit when they are placed in their open state.

[0005] As the person skilled in the art knows, it can happen that a contactor ends up with its contact stuck (generally by welding) and therefore that it is permanently in its closed state (without the possibility of returning it to its open state). This type of situation can result from:

[0006] - of an excessive current, even brief, passing through a dedicated contactor and inducing lo a temperature exceeding the melting temperature of its contact, and / or

[0007] - of the activation coil of a dedicated contactor which ceases to be supplied, com completely or partially, while a significant current flows through this dedicated contactor, and / or

[0008] - normal wear after a significant number of placements of a contactor dedicated in its open and closed states.

[0009] The first and second dedicated contactors are designed so that sticking of their contact is very rare. However, such sticking remains possible and is potentially dangerous, in particular when external charging is carried out according to the NACS standard and therefore under an alternating voltage. Indeed, in this case, when the first and second dedicated contactors are stuck, the alternating voltage propagates in the rechargeable battery and in the rest of the vehicle, which can cause a fire in the rechargeable battery and / or the vehicle and possibly damage to the electrical installation to which the external power source ensuring external charging is connected.

[0010] Due to this potential danger, currently the first and second dedicated contactors are monitored (or diagnostics are performed on) in order to try to detect whether they are stuck. This monitoring is performed by the battery computer, which is responsible for controlling the rechargeable battery, after each external recharge (generally of the "fast" type) when the first and second dedicated contactors are requested to be replaced in their open state. This monitoring consists of checking with the battery computer whether this replacement induces a voltage drop downstream of each of the first and second dedicated contactors (i.e. just after each of the latter and before the rechargeable battery), and, in the absence of a voltage drop, considering that the corresponding dedicated contactor is stuck.

[0011] A disadvantage of this type of monitoring lies in the fact that the diagnosis carried out by the battery computer may not correspond to reality (sticking not detected), for example due to a cut electrical wire and / or a faulty electronic stage.

[0012] The invention therefore aims in particular to improve the situation. Presentation of the invention

[0013] For this purpose, it proposes in particular a monitoring method intended to be implemented in a vehicle comprising

[0014] - a rechargeable battery suitable for being recharged by a power source externally via a charging circuit comprising positive and negative branches respectively comprising first and second contactors each having open and closed states in which they are placed respectively outside and during charging, and

[0015] - a charger connected to the positive branch upstream and downstream of the first contactor and to the negative branch upstream and downstream of the second contactor.

[0016] This monitoring method is characterized by the fact that it comprises a step in which, when the first and second contactors have received orders to place them in the open state, it is determined with the charger whether at least one of the first and second contactors is subject to a first or second voltage drop at its terminals strictly lower than a first chosen threshold, and if so, an alert is generated signaling a malfunction.

[0017] Thanks to this monitoring of the respective operations of the first and second contactors (dedicated to external recharges) via the charger, there is no need to modify the vehicle's recharge circuit, and, in the event of detection of a failure of the first dedicated contactor and / or the second dedicated contactor, a risk is avoided during each subsequent external recharge.

[0018] The monitoring method according to the invention may include other characteristics which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

[0019] - in its step, the first threshold chosen can be between 0 V and 2 V;

[0020] - in its step, when the rechargeable battery is controlled by a computer of battery having third and fourth voltages measured respectively at the terminals of the first and second contactors, and when the first and second contactors have received the orders to place them in the open state, it is possible to determine with the battery calculator whether at least one of the first and second contactors is subject to a third or fourth voltage drop at its terminals strictly lower than a second chosen threshold, and, if at least one of the first and third voltage drops is lower than the first or second associated threshold and / or if at least one of the second and fourth voltage drops is lower than the first or second associated threshold, it is possible to generate the alert signaling a malfunction;

[0021] - in the presence of the last option, in its step, the second threshold chosen can be between 0 V and 2 V;

[0022] - in its step, in case of generation of an alert, one can also prohibit any future recharging the rechargeable battery via an external power source;

[0023] - in its step, a driver of the vehicle can be alerted by means of a warning light the latter and / or a text message and / or an audio message;

[0024] - in its step, in case of generation of an alert, one can also carry out in the vehicle a recording of at least one fault code representative of the malfunction- operation.

[0025] The invention also provides a computer program product comprising a set of instructions which, when executed by processing means, is capable of implementing a monitoring method of the type presented above, in a vehicle comprising, on the one hand, a rechargeable battery capable of being recharged by an external power source via a recharging circuit comprising positive and negative branches respectively comprising first and second contactors each having open and closed states in which they are placed respectively outside and during recharging, and, on the other hand, a charger connected to the positive branch upstream and downstream of the first contactor and to the negative branch upstream and downstream of the second contactor, to monitor the operations of the first and second contactors.

[0026] The invention also proposes a monitoring device intended to equip a vehicle comprising:

[0027] - a rechargeable battery suitable for being recharged by a power source externally via a charging circuit comprising positive and negative branches respectively comprising first and second contactors each having open and closed states in which they are placed respectively outside and during charging, and

[0028] - a charger connected to the positive branch upstream and downstream of the first contactor and to the negative branch upstream and downstream of the second contactor.

[0029] This monitoring device is characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one processor and at least one memory arranged to carry out the operations consisting, when said first and second contactors have received orders to place them in the open state, in determining in the charger whether at least one of the first and second contactors is subject to a first or second voltage drop at its terminals strictly lower than a chosen threshold, and if so, in triggering generation of an alert signaling a malfunction.

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

[0031] - a rechargeable battery suitable for being recharged by a power source externally via a charging circuit comprising positive and negative branches respectively comprising first and second contactors each having open and closed states in which they are placed respectively outside and during charging,

[0032] - a charger connected to the positive branch upstream and downstream of the first contactor and to the negative branch upstream and downstream of the second contactor, and

[0033] - a monitoring device of the type presented above. Brief description of the figures

[0034] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description below, and the appended drawings, in which:

[0035] [Fig-1] schematically and functionally illustrates an example of the embodiment of a vehicle comprising a monitoring device according to the invention and a GMP transmission chain with an electric motor associated with a rechargeable battery associated with an interface device coupled to a recharging circuit associated with a charger comprising a charger computer,

[0036] [Fig.2] schematically and functionally illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a charger calculator comprising an exemplary embodiment of a monitoring device according to the invention, and

[0037] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates an example of an algorithm implementing a monitoring method according to the invention. Detailed description of the invention

[0038] The invention aims in particular to propose a monitoring method, and an associated monitoring device DS, intended to enable the monitoring of the operations of first CD1 and second CD2 contactors dedicated to external recharging according to the NACS (North American Charging Standard) standard of a rechargeable battery BR within a vehicle V.

[0039] In the following, it is considered, by way of non-limiting example, that the vehicle V is of the automobile type. It is for example a car, as illustrated in [Fig.l]. But the invention is not limited to this type of vehicle. It relates in fact to any type of vehicle comprising a GMP transmission chain with an electric motor associated with a rechargeable battery capable of being recharged according to the NACS standard by an external power source via a recharging circuit associated with a charger and comprising positive and negative branches respectively comprising first and second contactors dedicated to recharging. Thus, it relates to 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.

[0040] Furthermore, it is considered in the following, by way of non-limiting example, that the vehicle V comprises a transmission chain with a powertrain (or GMP) of the all-electric type (and therefore whose drive is provided exclusively by at least one electric motor MME). But the GMP could be of the hybrid type (thermal and electric).

[0041] [Fig.l] schematically shows a vehicle V comprising a electric GMP transmission chain (and therefore electric motor MME), a supervision calculator CS, an on-board network RB, a service battery BS, a rechargeable battery BR associated with an interface device DI and a battery calculator CB, a main electrical circuit CEP (comprising a charging circuit P2 adapted to the NACS standard), a charger CH comprising a charger calculator CC, a converter CV, and a monitoring device DS according to the invention.

[0042] The on-board network RB is an electrical power supply network to which electrical (or electronic) equipment (or components) that consume electrical energy are coupled.

[0043] The service battery BS is responsible for supplying electrical energy to the on-board network RB, in addition to that supplied by the CV converter powered by the rechargeable battery BR via the main electrical circuit CEP, and sometimes instead of this CV converter. For example, this service battery BS can be arranged in the form of a very low voltage type battery (typically 12 V, 24 V or 48 V). It is rechargeable at least by the CV converter. It is considered in the following, by way of non-limiting example, that the service battery BS is of the 12 V Lithium-ion type.

[0044] The main (or "high voltage") electrical circuit CEP is connected, on the one hand, to the rechargeable battery BR (here) via the interface device DI, and, on the other hand, to electronic equipment, such as for example the converter CV and the electric motor MME. It also allows the recharging (at least in direct current) of the rechargeable battery BR by an external power source SA temporarily coupled to the vehicle V, for example via a charging connector CR of the latter (V).This main electrical circuit CEP therefore comprises at least one power supply circuit PI ensuring the coupling between the rechargeable battery BR and at least the electric motor MME and converter CV, and a recharging circuit P2 connected (here) to the recharging connector CR, to the charger CH and (here) to the interface device DI, and making it possible to recharge the rechargeable battery BR via an external power source SA to the NACS standard and temporarily coupled to the recharging connector CR via a recharging cable.

[0045] The charging circuit P2 comprises a positive branch BP and a negative branch BN connected to the charging connector CR and (here) to the interface device DI. The positive branch BP comprises a first dedicated contactor (or contact relay) CD1 having an open state in which it is placed outside external charging on the order of the battery computer CB to prohibit any external charging, and a closed state in which it is placed during external charging on the order of the battery computer CB to allow this external charging to be carried out. The negative branch BN comprises a second dedicated contactor (or contact relay) CD2 having an open state in which it is placed outside external charging on the order of the CB battery calculator to prohibit any external charging, and a closed state in which it is placed during external charging on the order of the CB battery calculator to allow this external charging to take place. It will be understood that each of the first CD1 and second CD2 dedicated contactors comprises a contact whose position (which fixes its state (open or closed)) can be controlled by an activation coil and which can be stuck, as explained in the introductory part.

[0046] For example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 1], the first CD1 and second CD2 dedicated contactors are mounted in series respectively with first CPI and second CP2 main contactors (or “contact relays”) each having open and closed states in which they prohibit or allow the supply by the rechargeable battery BR of the main electrical circuit CEP (and more precisely of its power supply circuit PI), on the order of the battery computer CB. In other words, these first CPI and second CP2 main contactors are responsible for electrically isolating the rechargeable battery BR from the power supply circuit PI when they are placed in their open state on the order of the battery computer CB.

[0047] The charger CH is in particular responsible for controlling the recharges of the rechargeable battery BR according to at least the NACS standard. Therefore, it (CH) comprises a charger calculator CC and is connected to the positive branch BP upstream and downstream of the first dedicated contactor CD1 and to the negative branch BN upstream and downstream of the second dedicated contactor CD2. Due to such an arrangement, the charger CH knows the first voltages u1 and u2 respectively upstream and downstream of the first dedicated contactor CD1 and the second voltages u21 and u22 respectively upstream and downstream of the second dedicated contactor CD2. The charger calculator CC is therefore informed of the values ​​taken successively by the first upstream voltages u11 and downstream u12 and the second upstream voltages u21 and downstream u22.

[0048] The transmission chain has a GMP which is, here, purely electric and therefore which comprises, in particular, an electric motor MME, a motor shaft AM, and a transmission shaft AT. Here, the term "electric motor" means an electric machine arranged so as to provide engine torque to move the vehicle V when it is supplied with electrical energy, as well as possibly to recover torque in the transmission chain.

[0049] The operation of the transmission chain (and therefore of the GMP) is supervised by a CS supervision computer.

[0050] The electric motor MME (here an electric motor) is here coupled to the rechargeable battery BR via the power supply circuit PI of the main electrical circuit CEP, in order to be supplied with electrical energy, as well as possibly to supply this rechargeable battery BR with electrical energy resulting from a recovery of torque (for example during a regenerative braking phase).

[0051] Furthermore, this electric motor MME is coupled to the motor shaft AM, to provide it with motor 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] The CV converter is also responsible, here, during the driving phases of the vehicle V for converting part of the electric current stored in the rechargeable battery BR to supply the on-board network RB and the service battery BS with converted electric current (to recharge it).

[0054] It will be noted, as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.l], that the CV converter can be part of the CH charger. But this is not an obligation.

[0055] The rechargeable battery BR powering the electric motor MME, it constitutes a main battery (or “traction” or even “power”). It can, 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 rechargeable battery BR can be of the low voltage type (typically 450 V for illustration purposes). But it could be of the medium voltage or high voltage type.

[0056] Furthermore, the rechargeable battery BR is (here) associated with a battery case BB which notably comprises the interface device DI, voltage / current measuring means (not illustrated), and the battery calculator CB. For example, the rechargeable battery BR and the battery case BB may be part of a battery assembly (or “pack”).

[0057] The interface device DI is arranged so as to electrically isolate, if necessary, the rechargeable battery BR from the entire main electrical circuit CEP, as well as individually (here) from the charging connector CR, from the electric motor MME, and from the converter CV. For this purpose, it comprises the first CPI and second CP2 main contactors, as well as protective fuses, in particular. It will be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 1] the first CD1 and second CD2 dedicated contactors are part of the interface device DI. But in a variant embodiment not illustrated, they (CD1 and CD2) could be external to the latter (DI).

[0058] It will also be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.l] the vehicle V also comprises a distribution box BD to which the service battery BS, the converter CV and the on-board network RB are coupled. This distribution box BD distribution is responsible for distributing to the on-board network RB the electrical energy stored in the service battery BS or produced by the converter CV, for the supply of the electrical components (or equipment) coupled to the on-board network RB according to power supply requests received (in particular from the CS supervision calculator of the GMP).

[0059] As mentioned above, the invention proposes in particular a monitoring method intended to enable the monitoring of the respective operations of the first CD1 and second CD2 contactors which are dedicated to external recharges according to the NACS standard of the rechargeable battery BR of the vehicle V.

[0060] This (monitoring) method can be implemented at least partially by the monitoring device DS (illustrated at least partially in FIGS. 1 and 2) which comprises for this purpose at least one processor PR1, for example a digital signal processor (or DSP ("Digital Signal Processor")), and at least one memory MD. This monitoring device DS 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.

[0061] The memory MD is RAM in order to store instructions for the implementation by the processor PR1 of at least part of the monitoring method. The processor PR1 may comprise integrated (or printed) circuits, or several integrated (or printed) circuits connected by wired or wireless connections. An integrated (or printed) circuit is understood to mean any type of device capable of carrying out at least one electrical or electronic operation.

[0062] In the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 and 2, the monitoring device DS is part of the charger computer CC. But this is not obligatory. Indeed, the monitoring device DS could comprise its own dedicated computer, which is then coupled to the charger computer CC as well as preferably to the battery computer CB, for example.

[0063] As illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 3], the (monitoring) method, according to the invention, comprises a step 10-20 which is implemented when the vehicle V is woken up, and in particular during an external recharging phase according to the NACS standard (and in particular at the end of the recharging).

[0064] Step 10-20 of the method comprises a sub-step 10 in which, when the first CD1 and second CD2 dedicated contactors have received orders to be placed in the open (or non-conducting) state, it is determined with the charger CH whether at least one of the first CD1 and second CD2 dedicated contactors is subject to a first (ctl = ul 1 -u 12) or second (ct2 = u21 - u22) voltage drop across its terminals strictly lower than a first threshold if chosen.

[0065] It is understood that the objective here is to determine whether a dedicated contactor CD1 or CD2 is placed in its closed state (due to sticking) when it should be placed in its open state. Indeed, when a dedicated contactor CD1 or CD2 is placed in its closed state, the first ctl or second ct2 voltage drop across its terminals is very low, or even zero. This determination is made possible by the fact, as explained above, that the charger CH is connected to the positive branch BP upstream and downstream of the first dedicated contactor CD1 and to the negative branch BN upstream and downstream of the second dedicated contactor CD2, and therefore that within the charger CH we know the first upstream voltages ul 1 and downstream ul2 and the second upstream voltages u21 and downstream u22.

[0066] For example, it is the monitoring device DS which can carry out the aforementioned determination. But in a variant, the monitoring device DS could trigger the carrying out in the charger CH (for example by the charger computer CC) of this determination.

[0067] It will be noted that the orders for placing the first CD1 and second CD2 dedicated contactors in the open state can come from the monitoring device DS (in order to trigger a diagnosis) or from the battery computer CB (for example when it is informed of the end of a recharging phase).

[0068] If the first ctl and second ct2 voltage drops are both strictly greater than the first threshold si, one (for example the monitoring device DS) can return to perform sub-step 10 with the next first upstream ull and downstream ul2 voltages and the second upstream u21 and downstream u22 voltages.

[0069] On the other hand, when at least one of the first ct1 and second ct2 voltage drops is lower than the first threshold si (and therefore in the affirmative), step 10-20 of the method comprises a sub-step 20 in which an alert signaling a malfunction is generated (for example the monitoring device DS triggers the generation of an alert).

[0070] It will be understood in fact that when the first ctl or second ct2 voltage drop is lower than the first threshold si, this means, with certainty, that the contact of the first CD1 or second CD2 dedicated contactor is stuck, because if it were not stuck (open state) the first ctl or second ct2 voltage drop should be strictly higher than the first threshold si, in particular when the charging connector CR of the vehicle V is coupled to an external power source SA (to the NACS standard).

[0071] Thus, it is now possible to monitor the respective operations of the first CD1 and second CD2 dedicated contactors without having to modify the charging circuit P2. This advantageously and in particular makes it possible to avoid running any risks during each next external recharge.

[0072] It will be noted that the alert is preferably at least intended for the battery calculator CB or the supervision calculator CS.

[0073] For example, in sub-step 10 of step 10-20 the first threshold chosen si can be between 0 V and 2 V. As an illustrative example this first threshold chosen si can be equal to 0 V or 0.2 V. But other values ​​of first threshold chosen si can be used. For example, this first threshold si can be chosen during the development or testing phase of a vehicle similar to vehicle V.

[0074] Preferably, in step 10-20, a double diagnosis is carried out when the rechargeable battery BR is controlled by a battery calculator CB which has third (u11' and u12') and fourth (u21' and u22') voltages measured respectively at the terminals of the first CD1 and second CD2 contactors, for example at least partly by voltage sensors. In this case, in sub-step 10 of step 10-20, when the first CD1 and second CD2 contactors have received the orders to place them in the open state, it can be determined with the battery calculator CB whether at least one of the first CD1 and second CD2 contactors is subject to a third (ct1' = u11' - ul2') or fourth (ct2' = u21' - u22') voltage drop at its terminals strictly lower than a second chosen threshold s2.

[0075] The objective here is therefore also to determine whether a dedicated contactor CD1 or CD2 is placed in its closed state (due to sticking) when it should be placed in its open state, so as to obtain two diagnoses instead of just one to increase the level of safety.

[0076] For example, it is the monitoring device DS which triggers the performance of this determination in the battery calculator CB. But in a variant, the monitoring device DS could perform the aforementioned determination by recovering the third (u11' and u12') and fourth (u21' and u22') voltages measured from the battery calculator CB.

[0077] As indicated above for this second determination, the orders for placing the first CD1 and second CD2 dedicated contactors in the open state can come from the monitoring device DS (in order to trigger a diagnosis) or from the battery computer CB (for example when it is informed of the end of a recharging phase).

[0078] If the first ctl and third ctl' voltage drops are both strictly greater than the first si and second s2 thresholds respectively, and at the same time the second ct2 and fourth ct4 voltage drops are both strictly greater than the first si and second s2 thresholds respectively, one (for example the monitoring device DS) can return to perform sub-step 10 with the next first upstream voltages ull and downstream ul2, second upstream voltages u21 and downstream u22, third upstream voltages ull' and downstream ul2' and the fourth upstream voltages u21' and downstream u22'.

[0079] On the other hand, when at least one of the first ctl and third ctl' voltage drops is lower than the first si or second s2 associated threshold and / or at least one of the second ct2 and fourth ct2' voltage drops is lower than the first si or second s2 associated threshold (and therefore in the affirmative), in sub-step 20 of step 10-20 we generate (for example the monitoring device DS triggers the generation of) the alert signaling a malfunction.

[0080] For example, in sub-step 10 of step 10-20 the second chosen threshold s2 can be between 0 V and 2 V. As an illustrative example this second chosen threshold s2 can be equal to 0 V or 0.2 V. But other values ​​of second chosen threshold s2 can be used. For example, this second threshold s2 can be chosen during the development or testing phase of a vehicle similar to vehicle V.

[0081] Note that the first si and second s2 thresholds can be identical. But this is not mandatory.

[0082] For example, in sub-step 20 of step 10-20, in the event of generation of an alert, it is also possible to prohibit (for example the monitoring device DS can trigger the prohibition of) any future recharging of the rechargeable battery BR via an external power source SA. This advantageously makes it possible to avoid authorizing a recharge even if a malfunction has been detected in the recharging circuit P2 (at least one of the first CD1 and second CD2 contactors or at least one of the first CTI and second CT2 sensors).

[0083] Also for example, in sub-step 20 of step 10-20 it is possible to alert the (for example the monitoring device DS can also trigger the alert of the) driver of the vehicle V by means of a warning light of the latter (V) and / or a text message and / or an audible message.

[0084] For example, in the event of a driver alert (intended to draw his attention to a malfunction detected in the charging circuit P2) the indicator light may be part of the dashboard or be displayed on a display screen EA of the vehicle V (possibly that of the central instrument panel installed on or in the dashboard). It may be a indicator light dedicated to the malfunction of the charging circuit P2 or a service indicator light (not dedicated).

[0085] Also for example, in the event of a driver alert, the text alert message may signal a prohibition on carrying out any further external recharging of the rechargeable battery BR, and may be displayed on at least one screen EA of the vehicle V (for example on the dashboard or the central instrument panel) or on the screen of a driver's smartphone.

[0086] Also for example, in the event of a driver alert, the audible (or audio) alert message may signal a prohibition on carrying out any further external recharging of the rechargeable battery BR, and may be broadcast by at least one loudspeaker of the vehicle V or of the aforementioned smartphone.

[0087] Also for example, in sub-step 20 of step 10-20, in case of generation of an alert, it is also possible to carry out a recording in the vehicle V of at least one fault code representative of the detected malfunction (for example the DS monitoring device can also trigger the carrying out of a).

[0088] It will be noted that the storage of the (each) fault code can, for example, be done in a memory (possibly dead) of the monitoring device DS or of the charger computer CC or of the battery computer CB or of the supervision computer CS. This makes it possible to signal to the after-sales service which will service the vehicle V that a malfunction has been detected in the charging circuit P2 at at least one of the first CD1 and second CD2 contactors, and thus to facilitate the repair in this after-sales service. Preferably, a specific fault code is provided for each of the first CD1 and second CD2 contactors to further facilitate the repair in the after-sales service.

[0089] Also for example, in sub-step 20 of step 10-20, in the event of generation of an alert and once the vehicle V has stopped, one (for example the monitoring device DS) can also trigger the placing of the first CPI and second CP2 main contactors in their open state in order to isolate the rechargeable battery BR from the main electrical circuit CEP to protect it.

[0090] It will also be noted, as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.2], that the charger calculator CC (or the calculator of the monitoring device DS) can also comprise a mass memory MM1, in particular for storing the first ul 1 and ul2 and second u21 and u22 voltages and the possible third ul 1' and ul2' and fourth u21' and u22' voltages, as well as possible intermediate data involved in all its calculations and processing. Furthermore, this DC charger calculator (or the calculator of the monitoring device DS) may also comprise an input interface IE for receiving at least the first ul 1 and u 12 and second u21 and u22 voltages and the possible third u11' and ul2' and fourth u21' and u22' voltages, possibly after having shaped and / or demodulated and / or amplified them, in a manner known per se, by means of a digital signal processor PR2.In addition, this CC charger calculator (or the DS monitoring device calculator) can also include an IS output interface, in particular to deliver a message (or order) requesting the triggering of an alert or a possible prohibition of recharging of the rechargeable battery BR, and each possible message triggering storage of a fault code.

[0091] 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 processor PR1, is capable of implementing the monitoring method described above to monitor in the vehicle V the functions respective functions of the first CD1 and second CD2 contactors dedicated to external recharges.

Claims

Claims

1. Monitoring method for a vehicle (V) comprising i) a rechargeable battery (BR) suitable for being recharged by an external power source (SA) via a recharging circuit (P2) comprising positive (BP) and negative (BN) branches comprising respectively first (CD1) and second (CD2) contactors each having open and closed states in which they are placed respectively outside and during recharging, and ii) a charger (CH) connected to said positive branch (BP) upstream and downstream of said first contactor (CD1) and to said negative branch (BN) upstream and downstream of said second contactor (CD2), characterized in that it comprises a step (10-20) in which, when said first (CD1) and second (CD2) contactors have received orders to be placed in said open state,it is determined with said charger (CH) whether at least one of said first (CD1) and second (CD2) contactors is subject to a voltage drop at its terminals strictly lower than a first chosen threshold, and if so, an alert is generated signaling a malfunction.,

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that in said step (10-20) said first chosen threshold is between 0 V and 2 V.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in said step (10-20), when said rechargeable battery (BR) is controlled by a battery computer (CB) having third and fourth voltages measured respectively at said terminals of the first (CD1) and second (CD2) contactors, and when said first (CD1) and second (CD2) contactors have received said orders to place them in said open state, it is determined with said battery computer (CB) whether at least one of said first (CD1) and second (CD2) contactors is subject to a third or fourth voltage drop at its terminals strictly lower than a second chosen threshold, and, if at least one of said first and third voltage drops is lower than said first or second associated threshold and / or if at least one of said second and fourth voltage drops is lower than said first or second associated threshold, said alert signaling a malfunction is generated.

4. Method according to claim 3, characterized in that in said step (10-20) said second chosen threshold is between 0 V and 2 V.

5. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that in said step (10-20), in the event of generation of an alert, it is also prohibited any future recharging of said rechargeable battery (BR) via an external power source (SA).

6. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that in said step (10-20) a driver of said vehicle (V) is alerted by means of a warning light on the latter (V) and / or a text message and / or an audio message.

7. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that in said step (10-20), in the event of generation of an alert, a recording of at least one fault code representative of said malfunction is also carried out in said vehicle (V).

8. 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 7, in a vehicle (V) comprising i) a rechargeable battery (BR) capable of being recharged by an external power source (SA) via a recharging circuit (P2) comprising positive (BP) and negative (BN) branches respectively comprising first (CD1) and second (CD2) contactors each having open and closed states in which they are placed respectively outside and during recharging, and ii) a charger (CH) connected to said positive branch (BP) upstream and downstream of said first contactor (CD1) and to said negative branch (BN) upstream and downstream of said second contactor (CD2), to monitor the operations of said first (CD1) and second (CD2) contactors.

9. Monitoring device (DS) for a vehicle (V) comprising i) a rechargeable battery (BR) suitable for being recharged by an external power source (SA) via a recharging circuit (P2) comprising positive (BP) and negative (BN) branches respectively comprising first (CD1) and second (CD2) contactors each having open and closed states in which they are placed respectively outside and during recharging, and ii) a charger (CH) connected to said positive branch (BP) upstream and downstream of said first contactor (CD1) and to said negative branch (BN) upstream and downstream of said second contactor (CD2), characterized in that it comprises at least one processor (PR1) and at least one memory (MD) arranged to carry out the operations consisting, when said first (CD1) and second (CD2) contactors have received orders to place them in said open state,to determine in said charger (CH) whether at least one of said first (CD1) and second (CD2) contactors is subject to a voltage drop at, its limits strictly lower than a chosen threshold, and if so to trigger the generation of an alert signaling a malfunction.

10. Vehicle (V) comprising i) a rechargeable battery (BR) suitable for being recharged by an external power source (SA) via a recharging circuit (P2) comprising positive (BP) and negative (BN) branches comprising respectively first (CD1) and second (CD2) contactors each having open and closed states in which they are placed respectively outside and during recharging, and ii) a charger (CH) connected to said positive branch (BP) upstream and downstream of said first contactor (CD1) and to said negative branch (BN) upstream and downstream of said second contactor (CD2), characterized in that it further comprises a monitoring device (DS) according to claim 9.

Images