DETECTION IN A GMP OF A LAND VEHICLE OF A WASH TUNNEL LIFE SITUATION

Abstract

A method for detecting a life situation known as a wash tunnel is implemented in a land vehicle comprising a powertrain associated with a supervision computer and comprising an automated gearbox and comprising a neutral position and a parking position. This method comprises a step (10-60) in which the supervision computer detects the start of this life situation when the gearbox is in its neutral position at the end of a first duration after stopping operation of the powertrain, and the end of this life situation when a second duration has expired after detecting the start of the life situation, or when the gearbox is no longer in its neutral position or the powertrain is restarted before the end of this second duration. Figure 4

Description

Title of the invention: DETECTION IN A GMP OF A LAND VEHICLE OF A WASH TUNNEL LIFE SITUATION Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to land vehicles comprising a powertrain (or GMP) comprising an automated gearbox, and more precisely the detection of life situations known as "wash tunnel" of such vehicles. State of the art

[0002] Certain land vehicles, possibly of the automobile type, can be washed in what is called a washing tunnel, that is to say an area comprising either a conveyor belt capable of driving only at least one of their right or left wheels to pass under several gantries, which requires that their other wheels turn freely so that they do not get in the way, or a conveyor, which requires that all their wheels turn freely.

[0003] In order for the driver of a (land) vehicle to require that the latter be placed in an operating mode specifically adapted to its passage through a car wash, he must generally quickly carry out an orderly sequence of actions on the gear lever associated with the automated gearbox and on the brake pedal (for example, place the gearbox in the neutral position (or "N"), act twice in succession on a control member ("key on - key off" - ignition - ignition off), and press the brake pedal then release the brake pedal). Ultimately, the operation of the GMP is stopped and the gearbox is placed in its neutral position. However, usually, approximately one minute after the operation of the GMP has stopped, the latter's supervision computer goes to sleep, which automatically triggers the engagement of the parking position (or "parking") of the gearbox.

[0004] Consequently, in a wash tunnel situation, the GMP supervision computer must be able to remain awake in order to maintain the parking position of the disengaged gearbox for several minutes (typically around fifteen minutes) to allow a complete wash cycle to be carried out in the wash tunnel. Usually, it is the main computer of the vehicle which informs the GMP supervision computer, via an internal communication network (possibly multiplexed), of the request to place it in the operating mode specifically adapted to passing through a wash tunnel. However, it may happen that the driver has not carried out the following operation quickly enough. order of actions mentioned above or has not respected the order of actions of this sequence, or that the main computer of the vehicle has not managed to inform the supervision computer of the GMP, which can pose a problem inside the washing tunnel because the wheels of the vehicle will very quickly be blocked by the default placement of the gearbox in its parking position after the GMP has stopped.

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

[0006] For this purpose, it proposes in particular a method for detecting a life situation known as a washing tunnel in a land vehicle comprising a powertrain associated with a supervision computer and comprising a gearbox, automated and comprising a neutral position and a parking position.

[0007] This detection method is characterized by the fact that it comprises a step in which the supervision computer detects:

[0008] - a start of a washing tunnel life situation when the gearbox is in the neutral position at the end of a first period after a powertrain shutdown, and

[0009] - an end of this washing tunnel life situation when a second duration has expired after the start of this life situation has been detected, or the gearbox is no longer in its neutral position or the powertrain is restarted before the second duration has elapsed.

[0010] Thanks to the invention, it is now possible to automatically detect a washing tunnel life situation at the supervision computer independently of the main computer, so that there is no longer any risk of the vehicle wheels being blocked inside a washing tunnel.

[0011] The detection method according to the invention may include other characteristics which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

[0012] - in its step, the first duration can be between five seconds and fifteen seconds;

[0013] - in its stage, the second duration can be between ten minutes and twenty minutes.

[0014] The invention also proposes a computer program product comprising a set of instructions which, when executed by processing means, is capable of implementing a detection method of the type presented above, in a land vehicle comprising a powertrain associated with a supervision computer and comprising a gearbox, automated and comprising a neutral position and a parking position, to detect a life situation known as a washing tunnel of this land vehicle.

[0015] The invention also proposes a detection device capable of detecting a life situation known as a washing tunnel of a land vehicle comprising a powertrain associated with a supervision computer and comprising an automated gearbox and comprising a neutral position and a parking position.

[0016] This detection 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 of detecting for the supervision computer:

[0017] - a start of a washing tunnel life situation when the gearbox is in its neutral position at the end of a first period after a powertrain shutdown, and

[0018] - an end of this washing tunnel life situation when a second duration has expired after the start of this life situation has been detected, or the gearbox is no longer in its neutral position or the powertrain is restarted before the second duration has elapsed.

[0019] The invention also proposes a land vehicle, possibly of the automobile type, and comprising, on the one hand, a powertrain associated with a supervision computer and comprising a gearbox, automated and comprising a neutral position and a parking position, and, on the other hand, a detection device of the type presented above.

[0020] For example, in this land vehicle the detection device can be part of the supervision computer.

[0021] Also for example, in this land vehicle the gearbox can be double clutch. Brief description of the figures

[0022] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description below, and the appended drawings, in which:

[0023] [Fig. 1] schematically and functionally illustrates an example of a washing tunnel having taken charge of two land vehicles to be washed,

[0024] [Fig.2] schematically and functionally illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a land vehicle comprising a detection device according to the invention and a hybrid GMP transmission chain and automated gearbox and associated with a supervision computer,

[0025] [Fig.3] schematically and functionally illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a supervision computer comprising an exemplary embodiment of a detection device according to the invention, and

[0026] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates an example of an algorithm implementing a detection method according to the invention. Detailed description of the invention

[0027] The invention aims in particular to propose a detection method, and an associated detection device DD, intended to allow the detection of a life situation known as a washing tunnel TL of a land vehicle V comprising a powertrain (or GMP) associated with a supervision computer CS and comprising an automated gearbox BV.

[0028] In the following, it is considered, by way of non-limiting example, that the land vehicle V is of the automobile type. This is for example a car, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. But the invention is not limited to this type of land vehicle. It in fact relates to any type of land vehicle comprising a GMP transmission chain comprising an automated gearbox and having a mode of operation known as a washing tunnel.

[0029] Furthermore, it is considered in the following, by way of non-limiting example, that the GMP is hybrid (and therefore comprises at least a first thermal motor MM1 and a second electric motor MM2). But the GMP could be purely thermal.

[0030] Furthermore, it is considered in the following, by way of non-limiting example, that the second electric motor MM2 of the GMP is associated with at least one rechargeable BP battery and called main (or “traction” or even “power”). But it could be associated with a fuel cell (for example hydrogen).

[0031] In addition, the transmission chain could also allow a four-wheel drive (or 4x4) or 4x2 mode.

[0032] [Fig. 1] schematically shows an example of a washing tunnel TL arranged to take charge of vehicles V in order to move them under several gantries to wash them. In the example illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 1], the washing tunnel TL comprises a conveyor belt TR (possibly with tractor shoe(s)) capable of driving only at least one of the left wheels of the vehicles V to be washed, which requires that their other wheels turn freely so that they do not get in the way. But in a variant not shown, the washing tunnel TL could comprise a conveyor (possibly with tractor shoe(s)), which requires that all the wheels (right and left) turn freely.

[0033] [Fig.2] schematically shows a (land) vehicle V comprising a GMP transmission chain comprising first MM1 and second MM2 thermal and electric motors respectively and an automated gearbox BV, a supervision computer CS, a service battery BS, a rechargeable main battery (or traction or power) BP, a CV converter, and a DD detection device according to the invention.

[0034] The service battery BS is responsible for supplying electrical energy to an on-board network of the vehicle V, in addition to that supplied by the CV converter powered by the main battery BP, 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 or 24 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.

[0035] The on-board network is an electrical power supply network to which electrical (or electronic) equipment (or components) that consume electrical energy are coupled.

[0036] As illustrated in [Fig.2], the transmission chain also comprises, here, a motor shaft AM, a first coupling device DC1, a second coupling device DC2, and a transmission shaft AT.

[0037] The operation of the transmission chain (and therefore of the GMP) is supervised by a CS supervision computer.

[0038] The first (thermal) driving machine MM1 comprises a crankshaft (not shown) which is fixedly secured to the engine shaft AM in order to drive the latter (AM) in rotation. This first driving machine MM1 is capable of operating according to a first speed to provide, here for the driving wheels of the vehicle V, a first torque which is defined by a first driving setpoint, for example determined by the supervision computer CS.

[0039] The operation of the first driving machine MM1 is controlled by a first machine computer CM1, and supervised by the supervision computer CS.

[0040] In addition, the first driving machine MM1 is capable of being coupled to a primary shaft of the gearbox BV, via at least the first coupling device DC1. The latter (DC1) is capable of delivering a torque from the first torque, in particular (here) for at least one train T1 of driving wheels, when it is in its closed (or coupled) position and therefore when it couples the first driving machine MM1 to the gearbox BV (and more precisely to one of the two clutches associated with the primary shaft of the latter (BV)).

[0041] For example, the first coupling device DC1 may be a hydraulic circuit clutch. But it could be of another type.

[0042] Also for example, the train T1 can be located in the front part PVV of the vehicle V. It is preferably, and as illustrated, coupled to the transmission shaft AT via a differential (here front) DI. But in a variant this train T1 could be that referenced T2 which is located in the rear part PRV of the vehicle V.

[0043] It will be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.2] the crankshaft of the first prime mover MM1 is also coupled to a belt, itself coupled to an alternator-starter AD which is supplied with electrical energy by the service battery BS (and which can also recharge the latter (BS)). Thus, the alternator-starter AD can provide torque to the belt, which can provide this torque to the crankshaft to start the first prime mover MM1. But as a variant or in addition the first prime mover MM1 could be started by the second prime mover MM2 (by placing the first coupling device DC1 in its closed state).

[0044] The second (electric) driving machine MM2 is capable, when it is supplied with electrical energy (here by the main battery BP), of providing, here for the driving wheels of the vehicle V, a second torque defined by a second driving setpoint, for example determined by the supervision computer CS.

[0045] Furthermore, this second driving machine MM2 is suitable for being coupled, downstream of the first coupling device DC1, by the second coupling device DC2, to the primary shaft of the gearbox BV to provide it with the second driving torque that it produces. The second driving machine MM2 therefore provides here the second torque that it produces for the train TL

[0046] It will be noted that the second driving machine MM2 may also be arranged so as to recover in the vehicle V a third torque defined by a setpoint, for example in a regenerative braking phase, and in this case this third recovered torque may be used to recharge the main battery BP associated with the second driving machine MM2. But the recovery may also be done on a part of the first torque provided by the first driving machine MM1.

[0047] The operation of the second driving machine MM2 is controlled by a second machine computer CM2, and supervised by the supervision computer CS.

[0048] The second coupling device DC2 can be placed in coupled (or closed) and decoupled (or open) states, depending on a state instruction generated by the GMP supervision computer CS.

[0049] Furthermore, this second coupling device DC2 may, for example, comprise a cascade of pinions connecting the second driving machine MM2 to the input of the gearbox BV (downstream of the first coupling device DC1).

[0050] It will be understood that when the first coupling device DC1 has been placed in its (completely) closed (or coupled) state and the first prime mover MM1 is in operation (and therefore has a first non-zero speed to provide the first torque), the first coupling device DC1 delivers a torque which is added to a possible second torque provided, upstream of the gearbox BV, by the second prime mover MM2 when it is supplied (here) with electrical energy (here) by the main battery BP. When the first coupling device DC1 has been placed in its (completely) open (or decoupled) state, only the second driving machine MM2 can provide a second torque upstream of the gearbox BV in a purely electric driving phase.

[0051] For example, the main battery (or traction or even power) BP may be of the cellular type. In this case, it comprises electrical energy storage cells, possibly electrochemical (such as, for example, lithium-ion (or Li-ion) or Ni-Mh or Ni-Cd type cells). Also, for example, this main battery BP may be of the 450 V type. But this is not an obligation. Indeed, it could alternatively be of the 48 V or 600 V type, for example.

[0052] As indicated above, the gearbox BV is automated, and includes in particular a neutral position (or N), which can be selected by the driver of the vehicle V by means of a gear lever LV, and a parking position (or parking), which can also be selected by the driver of the vehicle V by means of a gear lever LV or by the supervision computer CS (in particular following a request to stop the operation of the GMP).

[0053] For example, this gearbox BV may be a dual clutch (or DCT (“Dual Clutch Transmission”)). In this case, it comprises at least one primary shaft which is associated with its two clutches each capable of being placed in a state chosen from an open (or decoupled) state, a closed (or coupled) state, and a sliding state. For example, the gearbox BV offers odd ratios (1, 3, 5, 7, etc.) associated with the first clutch, and even ratios (2, 4, 6, etc.) associated with the second clutch. When this gearbox BV is in its neutral position, its two clutches are in the open state.

[0054] The operation of the gearbox BV is controlled by a gearbox computer CB, and supervised by the supervision computer CS.

[0055] The vehicle V also includes a main computer CP which supervises in particular the waking up and sleeping of the on-board computers and electrical components.

[0056] As mentioned above, the invention proposes in particular a detection method intended to allow the detection of a washing tunnel life situation TL of the vehicle V, at least in the absence of reception of information emanating from the main computer CP and signaling the request for implementation of the operating mode specific to a washing tunnel provided by the driver of the vehicle V.

[0057] This (detection) method can be implemented at least partially by the detection device DD (illustrated at least partially in Figures 2 and 3) which comprises for this purpose at least one processor PR1, for example a digital signal processor (or DDP ("Digital Signal Processor")), and at least one memory MD. This detection device DD 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 could be a microcontroller.

[0058] The memory MD is RAM in order to store instructions for the implementation by the processor PR1 of at least part of the detection 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.

[0059] In the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 and 3, the detection device DD is part of the supervision computer CS. But this is not obligatory. Indeed, the detection device DD could comprise its own dedicated computer, which is then coupled to the supervision computer CS, for example.

[0060] As illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.4], the (detection) method, according to the invention, comprises a step 10-60 which is implemented permanently as soon as the vehicle V is awakened.

[0061] Step 10-60 of the method comprises a sub-step 20 in which the supervision computer CS (or the detection device DD) detects the start of a washing tunnel life situation TL when the gearbox BV is in its neutral position at the end of a first duration dl after a stoppage of operation of the GMP (or key off).

[0062] In other words, each time in the vehicle V the supervision computer CS (or the detection device DD) detects a stoppage of operation of the GMP (or key off) it triggers a first time delay of the first duration d1 in a sub-step 10 of step 10-60, as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 4]. Then, if at the end of this first duration d1 the gearbox BV is in its neutral position, then the supervision computer CS (or the detection device DD) considers in sub-step 20 that there is a start of a washing tunnel life situation TL, and will act accordingly. More precisely, the supervision computer CS (for example at the request of the detection device DD) remains awake in order to maintain the parking position of the gearbox BV disengaged to allow a complete washing cycle to be carried out in the washing tunnel TL.It will be noted that when the gearbox BV is a double clutch, the supervision computer CS (for example at the request of the detection device DD) also requires the maintenance at a level above a chosen pressure threshold of a hydraulic pressure prevailing in a circuit supplying at least one transmission locking device which defines the parking position of the gearbox BV. For example, this locking device may comprise a movable finger (or “park finger”) in selective interaction with a toothed wheel of the transmission. When the movable finger engages this toothed wheel, the gearbox BV is in its sta- position. operation.

[0063] It will also be noted that, when at the end of the first duration d1 the gearbox BV is not in its neutral position, the supervision computer CS (or the detection device DD) considers that there is no washing tunnel life situation TL. Consequently, the supervision computer CS operates normally and the method ends in a sub-step 30 of step 10-60, as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 4]. More precisely, the supervision computer CS will go to sleep after a predefined (third) duration d3, which automatically triggers the engagement of the parking position of the gearbox BV (due to the fact that the hydraulic pressure prevailing in the circuit supplying the transmission locking device will fall below the aforementioned pressure threshold in the absence of control).

[0064] The information representing a shutdown of the GMP (or key off) is for example known to the supervision computer CS. The information representing a placement of the gearbox BV in its neutral position is provided by the gearbox computer CB and is for example accessible via an internal communication network (possibly multiplexed) of the vehicle V.

[0065] Step 10-60 of the method also comprises a sub-step 50 in which the supervision computer CS (or the detection device DD) detects the end of the washing tunnel life situation TL when a second duration d2 has expired after the detection of the start of this life situation, or the gearbox BV is no longer in its neutral position or the GMP is put back into operation (key on) before the elapse of this second duration d2 (after the detection of the start of this life situation).

[0066] In other words, each time that in the vehicle V the supervision computer CS (or the detection device DD) detects the start of a wash tunnel life situation TL in sub-step 20 it triggers a second time delay of the second duration d2 in a sub-step 40 of step 10-60, as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 4]. Then, if before the expiry of this second duration d2 the gearbox BV is no longer in its neutral position or the GMP has been put back into operation (key on), or if this second duration d2 has elapsed, then in sub-step 50 the supervision computer CS (or the detection device DD) considers that the wash tunnel life situation TL is finished, and will act accordingly in a sub-step 60 of step 10-60, as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 4].For example, if the second duration d2 has elapsed, the CS supervision computer (for example at the request of the DD detection device) will go to sleep after the third predefined duration d3, which automatically triggers the engagement of the parking position of the BV gearbox.

[0067] Thus, the supervision computer CS is now capable of automatically detecting a washing tunnel life situation TL independently of the main computer CP, and in particular when the driver has not correctly requested the implementation of the washing tunnel mode. Consequently, there is no longer any risk that the wheels of the vehicle V are blocked inside a washing tunnel LV.

[0068] For example, in sub-step 10 of step 10-60 a first duration dl of between five seconds and fifteen seconds can be used. For example, this first duration dl can be equal to ten seconds. But other values ​​of first duration dl can be used. For example, this first duration dl can be chosen during the development or testing phase of a vehicle similar to vehicle V.

[0069] Also for example, in sub-step 40 of step 10-60 a second duration d2 of between ten minutes and twenty minutes can be used. For example, this second duration d2 can be equal to fifteen minutes. But other values ​​of second duration d2 can be used. For example, this second duration d2 can be chosen during the development or testing phase of a vehicle similar to vehicle V.

[0070] Also for example, in sub-step 10 of step 10-60 a third duration d3 of between forty seconds and eighty seconds can be used. For example, this third duration d3 can be equal to sixty seconds. But other values ​​of third duration d3 can be used. For example, this third duration d3 can be chosen during the development or testing phase of a vehicle similar to vehicle V.

[0071] It will also be noted, as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 3], that the supervision computer CS (or the computer of the detection device DD) can also comprise a mass memory MEM, in particular for storing the information representative of the current state of the GMP (stopped or in operation) and the information representative of the current position of the gearbox BV, as well as any intermediate data involved in all its calculations and processing.Furthermore, this supervision computer CS (or the computer of the detection device DD) can also comprise an input interface IE for receiving at least the information representative of the current state of the GMP (stopped or in operation) and the information representative of the current position of the gearbox BV, to use them in calculations or processing, possibly after having formatted and / or demodulated and / or amplified them, in a manner known per se, by means of a digital signal processor PR2. In addition, this supervision computer CS (or the computer of the detection device DD) can also comprise an output interface IS, in particular for delivering a message (or order) for triggering the washing tunnel mode and a message (or order) for stopping the washing tunnel mode.

[0072] 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 detection method described above to detect a life situation of the washing tunnel TL of the land vehicle V.

Claims

Claims

1. Method for detecting a life situation called a washing tunnel (TL) of a land vehicle (V) comprising a powertrain associated with a supervision computer (CS) and comprising an automated gearbox (BV) and comprising a neutral position and a parking position, characterized in that it comprises a step (10-60) in which said supervision computer (CS) detects i) a start of said life situation when said gearbox (BV) is in said neutral position at the end of a first duration after a stoppage of operation of said powertrain, and ii) an end of said life situation when a second duration has expired after the detection of said start of the life situation, or said gearbox (BV) is no longer in said neutral position or said powertrain is put back into operation before the end of said second duration.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that in said step (10-60) said first duration is between five seconds and fifteen seconds.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in said step (10-60) said second duration is between ten minutes and twenty minutes.

4. Computer program product comprising a set of instructions which, when executed by processing means, is capable of implementing the detection method according to one of claims 1 to 3, in a land vehicle (V) comprising a powertrain associated with a supervision computer (CS) and comprising an automated gearbox (BV) and comprising a neutral position and a parking position, to detect a life situation known as a washing tunnel (TL) of said land vehicle (V).

5. Detection device (DD) for detecting a life situation known as a washing tunnel (TL) of a land vehicle (V) comprising a powertrain associated with a supervision computer (CS) and comprising an automated gearbox (BV) and comprising a neutral position and a parking position, characterized in that it comprises at least one processor (PR1) and at least one memory (MD) arranged to carry out the operations consisting in detecting for said supervision computer (CS) i) a start of said situation of life when said gearbox (BV) is in said neutral position at the expiration of a first duration after a stoppage of operation of said powertrain, and ii) an end of said life situation when a second duration has expired after the detection of said start of the life situation, or said gearbox (BV) is no longer in said neutral position or said powertrain is put back into operation before the expiration of said second duration.

6. Land vehicle (V) comprising a powertrain associated with a supervision computer (CS) and comprising an automated gearbox (BV) and comprising a neutral position and a parking position, characterized in that it further comprises a detection device (DD) according to claim 5.

7. Vehicle according to claim 6, characterized in that said detection device (DD) is part of said supervision computer (CS).

8. Vehicle according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that said gearbox (BV) is a double clutch gearbox.

9. Vehicle according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that it is of the automobile type.

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