MONITORING THE RECHARGE CURRENT FROM AN EXTERNAL POWER SOURCE AND RECHARGES A SYSTEM BATTERY

Abstract

A monitoring method is implemented in a system comprising a rechargeable battery designed to receive a measurable charging current during a charging phase from an external power source. This method includes a step (10-60) in which it is determined during the charging phase whether the measured charging current is between a chosen maximum charging current and this chosen maximum charging current plus a first chosen value. If so, the charging phase is allowed to continue and at least one action is performed in the system. Conversely, if the measured charging current exceeds the chosen maximum charging current plus the first chosen value, the charging phase is interrupted and at least one second action is performed in the system. Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: MONITORING THE RECHARGE CURRENT FROM AN EXTERNAL POWER SOURCE AND RECHARGES A BATTERY IN A SYSTEM Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to systems comprising a rechargeable battery, and more specifically to the monitoring within such systems of the charging current which is supplied during a charging phase by an external power source. State of the art

[0002] Some systems, such as for example certain vehicles (possibly of the automobile type), include a battery that can be recharged by an external power source during a charging phase.

[0003] Generally, when the system is a vehicle, the rechargeable battery is notably responsible for powering at least one electric drive machine of the powertrain (or PDM), and therefore constitutes a main battery (or "power" or "traction" battery).

[0004] It should be noted that the invention relates to both direct current charging (for example in mode 4) and alternating current charging (for example in mode 2 or 3).

[0005] It is recalled that Mode 4 charging of a rechargeable battery is done by connecting the charging connector of the system to a charging station or terminal via a charging cable having a power supply connector, with a current which is generally between 125 A and 250 A, under a DC voltage of, for example, 450 V or 600 V. Furthermore, in Mode 4 charging the rechargeable battery is supplied with direct current directly from the charging station or terminal and therefore without conversion by a DC / DC converter ("Direct Current / Direct Current") of the system.

[0006] It is also noted that Mode 2 charging of a rechargeable battery is done by connecting the system's charging connector to a standard wall outlet via a charging cable with a power connector, with a current that is generally between 8 A and 13 A, at an alternating voltage of 220 V. Furthermore, Mode 3 charging of a rechargeable battery is done by connecting the system's charging connector to a specific wallbox via a charging cable with a power connector. electric, with a current generally between 16 A and 32 A, under an alternating voltage of 220 V, in single-phase or three-phase. In addition, in a mode 2 or 3 charge, it is the system's converter that supplies the rechargeable battery with direct current, after AC / DC conversion ("Alternating Current / Direct Current" - for example from 220 V to 450 V).

[0007] It has been proposed to monitor charging by monitoring the measured voltage coming either from the charging station during a Mode 4 charging phase (as described in particular in patent document FR-Al 3 126 664), or from the converter during a Mode 2 or 3 charging phase (as described in particular in patent document FR-A1 3 126 665). In both cases, the measured voltage is compared to a voltage threshold in order to determine whether it is normal or abnormal (above the voltage threshold).

[0008] However, this type of monitoring does not provide sufficient protection for the rechargeable battery during its charging phases. For example, a converter failure can result in the delivery of a charging overcurrent at its output that cannot be detected via the voltage. As those skilled in the art know, insufficient protection can reduce the lifespan of certain electrical components (or equipment) of a battery pack, and in particular the electrochemical cells storing electrical energy in the battery (for example, lithium-ion (or Li-ion), Ni-MH, or Ni-Cd type), or, if it persists for a relatively long time, cause degradation of these electrical components (or equipment) that can lead to a fire in the system and / or electrocution of passenger(s).

[0009] The invention therefore aims in particular to improve the situation. Presentation of the invention

[0010] In particular, it proposes for this purpose a monitoring method intended to be implemented in a system comprising a rechargeable battery designed to receive a measurable charging current during a charging phase from an external power source.

[0011] This monitoring method is characterized in that it includes a step in which, during the charging phase, it is determined whether the measured charging current is between a chosen maximum charging current and the chosen maximum charging current plus a first chosen value, and if so, the continuation of this charging phase is authorized and at least one first action is performed in the system, whereas if the measured charging current is greater than the chosen maximum charging current plus the first chosen value, interrupts the charging phase and at least one second action is performed in the system.

[0012] Thanks to the invention, the rechargeable battery is now perfectly protected during its external charging phases, because there is no longer any risk of damage or reduction in the lifespan of certain electrical components (or equipment) of the battery assembly of which it is a part.

[0013] The monitoring method according to the invention may include other features which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

[0014] - in its step, each first action can be performed when the current of The measured charging time is between the chosen maximum charging current and the chosen maximum charging current increased by the first chosen value for a period that is greater than a first chosen period;

[0015] - in its step, each first action can be chosen from a generation from an alert from a system user requiring a check by an after-sales service and a recording of at least one first fault code representative of a first overcurrent problem during the charging phase;

[0016] - in its step, the maximum charging current can be chosen according to a current temperature in the rechargeable battery and / or current state of charge of the rechargeable battery;

[0017] - in its step, the first value chosen may be between 3% and 7% of the maximum charging current selected;

[0018] - in its step, it is also possible to determine during the charging phase whether the current the measured charging current is greater than the chosen maximum charging current plus a second chosen value strictly greater than the first chosen value, and if the measured charging current is between the chosen maximum charging current plus the first chosen value and the chosen maximum charging current plus the second chosen value for a duration greater than a second chosen duration, the charging phase can be interrupted and each second action can be performed, while if the measured charging current is greater than the chosen maximum charging current plus the second chosen value for a duration greater than a third chosen duration, the charging phase can be interrupted and at least one third action can be performed in the system;

[0019] - in the presence of the last option, in its step, each second action can be chosen from a user alert generation requiring after-sales service check and the recording of at least one second fault code representative of a second overcurrent charging problem during the charging phase, and each third action can be chosen from a vehicle user alert generation requiring after-sales service check and a recording of at least one third fault code representative of a third overcurrent charging problem during the charging phase;

[0020] - also in the presence of the last option, in its step, the second value The chosen charging current can be between 8% and 17% of the maximum charging current selected.

[0021] The invention also proposes a computer program product comprising a set of instructions which, when executed by processing means, is suitable for implementing a monitoring method of the type described above, in a system comprising a rechargeable battery suitable for receiving a measurable charging current during a charging phase from an external power source, to monitor each charging phase.

[0022] The invention also proposes a monitoring device intended to equip a system comprising a rechargeable battery suitable for receiving a measurable charging current during a charging phase by an external power source.

[0023] This monitoring device is characterized by the fact that it includes at least one processor and at least one memory arranged to perform the operations of determining during the charging phase whether the measured charging current is between a chosen maximum charging current and the chosen maximum charging current plus a first chosen value, and if so, to allow the continuation of the charging phase and to trigger the execution of at least one first action in the system, and, if the measured charging current is greater than the chosen maximum charging current plus the first chosen value, to trigger an interruption of the charging phase and the execution of at least one second action in the system.

[0024] The invention also proposes a system comprising, on the one hand, a rechargeable battery suitable for receiving a measurable charging current during a charging phase by an external power source, and, on the other hand, a monitoring device of the type presented above.

[0025] For example, this system can be a vehicle, possibly of the automobile type. Brief description of the figures

[0026] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from an examination of the detailed description below, and the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] [Fig. 1] schematically and functionally illustrates an example of an embodiment of a vehicle comprising a powertrain with an electric drive unit associated with a rechargeable main battery and associated with a battery computer, and a monitoring device according to the invention,

[0028] [Fig.2] schematically and functionally illustrates an example of an embodiment of a battery calculator comprising an example of an embodiment of a monitoring device according to the invention, and

[0029] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates an example of an algorithm implementing a monitoring method according to the invention. Detailed description of the invention

[0030] The invention aims in particular to provide a monitoring method, and an associated DS monitoring device, intended to allow monitoring of the crb charging current which is supplied to the rechargeable battery BP of a system S during its charging by an external power source SA.

[0031] In what follows, system S is considered, by way of non-limiting example, to be a motor vehicle, such as a car as illustrated in [Fig. 1]. However, the invention is not limited to this type of system. It relates to any type of system comprising at least one rechargeable battery via a charging connector that can be connected to an external power source. Thus, it relates to all vehicles (land, sea (or river), or air), electronic devices (including household appliances), electrified installations (including industrial installations), cranes or robots, and electrified buildings.

[0032] Furthermore, in what follows, by way of non-limiting example, the vehicle S comprises a powertrain (or PWM) of the all-electric type (and therefore whose drive is provided exclusively by at least one electric motor). However, the PWM could be of the hybrid type (thermal and electric).

[0033] A system S (here a vehicle) comprising an electric GMP transmission chain (and therefore an electric motive machine MME), a CS supervisory computer, an RB on-board network, a BS auxiliary battery, a BP rechargeable battery associated with a CB battery computer, a main electrical circuit connected to a CN charging connector, a CH charger, a CV converter, and a DS monitoring device according to the invention, is schematically represented in [Fig.1].

[0034] The RB on-board network is an electrical power supply network to which electrical (or electronic) equipment (or components) that consume electrical energy are coupled.

[0035] The service battery BS is responsible for supplying electrical power to the onboard network RB, supplementing that supplied by the CV converter powered by the rechargeable battery BP via the main electrical circuit CEP, and sometimes replacing this CV converter. For example, this service battery BS can be arranged as a very low voltage type battery (typically 12 V, 24 V or 48 V). It is rechargeable at least by the CV converter. In what follows, we consider, as a non-limiting example, that the BS service battery is of the 12 V Lithium-ion type.

[0036] The main (or "high-voltage") electrical circuit is connected, on the one hand, to the rechargeable battery BP, for example via an interface device DI, and, on the other hand, to electronic equipment, such as the CV converter and the electric drive unit MME. It also allows the rechargeable battery BP to be recharged by an external power supply SA temporarily connected to the charging connector CN of the vehicle S. This main electrical circuit therefore comprises at least one power supply circuit ensuring the connection between the rechargeable battery BP and at least the electric drive unit MME and CV converter, and a charging circuit LR connected to the charging connector CN and allowing the rechargeable battery BP to be recharged via an external power supply SA temporarily connected to the charging connector CN via a charging cable CR.

[0037] In the example illustrated, but not limited to, in [Fig. 1], the LR charging circuit allows the rechargeable battery BP to be recharged not only with direct current (e.g., in mode 4), but also with alternating current (e.g., in mode 2 or 3), under the control of a DC charger control unit (controlling the (and forming part of) the CH charger) and the CB battery control unit (associated with the rechargeable battery BP). However, in other embodiments not shown, the LR charging circuit could allow only direct current charging or only alternating current charging.

[0038] The transmission chain has a powertrain which, in this case, is purely electric and therefore includes, in particular, an electric drive machine MME, a drive shaft AM, and a transmission shaft AT. The term "electric drive machine" here refers to an electric machine arranged to provide torque to move the vehicle S when supplied with electrical energy, and possibly to recover torque in the transmission chain.

[0039] The operation of the transmission chain (and therefore of the GMP) is supervised by a CS supervision computer.

[0040] The electric drive machine MME (here an electric motor) is here coupled to the rechargeable battery BP via the supply circuit of the main electrical circuit, in order to be supplied with electrical energy, as well as possibly to supply this rechargeable battery BP with electrical energy, for example during a regenerative braking phase.

[0041] Furthermore, this electric drive machine MME is coupled to the motor shaft AM to supply it with torque by rotational drive. This motor shaft AM is here coupled to a RD reducer which is also coupled to the AT transmission shaft, itself coupled to a first Tl train (here of wheels), preferably via a DV differential.

[0042] This first train Tl is here located in the front part PVV of the vehicle S. But in a variant this first train Tl could be the one which is here referenced T2 and which is located in the rear part PRV of the vehicle S.

[0043] The CV converter is also responsible, here, during the driving phases of the vehicle S, for converting part of the electrical current stored in the rechargeable battery BP to supply converted electrical current to the on-board network RB and the auxiliary battery BS (to recharge it).

[0044] The CV converter is also responsible, during charging phases in mode 2 or 3 of the rechargeable battery BP, for converting the alternating current supplied at an alternating voltage by the external power supply SA into direct current. It should be noted that during charging phases in mode 4 of the rechargeable battery BP, the current supplied by the external power supply SA is already direct current and therefore does not need to be converted by the CV converter. Consequently, in mode 4, the current received by the charging connector CN directly powers the rechargeable battery BP via the relevant sub-section of the charging circuit LR of the main electrical circuit and via the interface device DI.

[0045] It will be noted, as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 1], that the CV converter can be part of the CH charger which also includes the DC charger computer responsible, at least, for controlling the charging of the rechargeable battery BP, as will be seen later.

[0046] The rechargeable battery BP, which here powers the electric drive machine MME, constitutes a main (or traction or power) battery. It may, for example, include electrical energy storage cells, possibly electrochemical (for example, lithium-ion (or Li-ion), Ni-MH, or Ni-Cd). Also, for example, the rechargeable battery BP may be of the low-voltage type (typically 450 V, for illustrative purposes). But it could also be of the medium-voltage or high-voltage type.

[0047] Furthermore, the rechargeable battery BP is (here) associated with a battery case BB which includes, in particular, the interface (or isolation) device DI, voltage / current measurement means (not shown), and the battery calculator CB. For example, the rechargeable battery BP and the battery case BB can form part of a battery assembly (or "pack").

[0048] At the beginning of a charging phase, and therefore after the temporary coupling of an external power source SA to the charging connector CN, the battery computer CB (or the monitoring device DS) can determine the maximum charging current crm that the rechargeable battery BP is capable of receiving without risk of damage. Then, the battery computer CB transmits this maximum charging current determined crm to a computer in the vehicle S, for example the charger computer CC which manages the exchange of information with the power source SA during a charging phase.

[0049] In addition, at the beginning of a charging phase, and therefore after the temporary coupling of an external SA power source to the CN charging connector, the CB battery computer also determines the current state of charge (or SOC (“State Of Charge”)) of the rechargeable BP battery.

[0050] Furthermore, during the entire charging phase, the battery calculator CB is informed, for example periodically, of the measured value of the charging current crb that the rechargeable battery BP receives either directly from the power source SA, or from the converter CV (powered by alternating current from the power source SA).

[0051] It should also be noted that in the example illustrated, but not limited to, in [Fig. 1], the vehicle S also includes a distribution box BD to which the auxiliary battery BS, the CV converter, and the on-board network RB are coupled. This distribution box BD is responsible for distributing the electrical energy stored in the auxiliary battery BS or produced by the CV converter into the on-board network RB to power the electrical components (or equipment) connected to the on-board network RB according to power demands received (in particular from the powertrain control unit CS).

[0052] The interface device DI is arranged to isolate, when necessary, the rechargeable battery BP from the entire main electrical circuit, as well as individually from the charging connector CN, the electric drive MME, and the converter CV. It includes contactors (or switches), optionally based on MOSFET(s), which can each be placed in an open (or non-conducting) state or a closed (or conducting) state as commanded by the battery control unit CB, as well as protective fuses.

[0053] As mentioned above, the invention proposes in particular a monitoring method intended to allow monitoring of the crb charging current supplied to the rechargeable battery BP (and measured) during its charging by an external SA power source.

[0054] This (monitoring) method can be implemented at least partially by the DS monitoring device (illustrated at least partially in Figures 1 and 2), which for this purpose comprises at least one PR1 processor, for example a digital signal processor (or DSP), and at least one MD memory. This DS monitoring device can therefore be implemented in the form of a combination of circuits or electrical or electronic components (or "hardware") and software modules (or "software"). For example, this could be a microcontroller.

[0055] The MD memory is random access memory (RAM) to store instructions for the implementation by the PR1 processor of at least part of the monitoring process. The PR1 processor may comprise integrated (or printed) circuits, or several integrated (or printed) circuits connected by wired or wireless connections. An integrated (or printed) circuit is defined as any type of device capable of performing at least one electrical or electronic operation.

[0056] In the example illustrated, but not limited to, Figures 1 and 2, the DS monitoring device is part of the CB battery control unit. However, this is not mandatory. Indeed, the DS monitoring device could comprise its own dedicated control unit, which is then coupled to the CB battery control unit, or it could be part of another control unit of the S system, such as the DC charger control unit.

[0057] As illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.3], the (monitoring) method according to the invention includes a step 10-60 which is implemented each time a charging phase of the rechargeable battery BP begins by temporary coupling to an external power source SA.

[0058] Step 10-60 of the process includes a substep 20 in which it is determined (for example the monitoring device DS) during the charging phase whether the measured charging current crb (and therefore actually received by the rechargeable battery BP) is between the chosen maximum charging current crm and the chosen maximum charging current crm increased by a first chosen value vl, i.e. whether crm < crb < crm + vl.

[0059] If crm < crb < crm + vl (and therefore in the affirmative), step 10-60 of the method includes a substep 30 in which the continuation of the charging phase is authorized (for example, by the DS monitoring device), and at least one action is performed (for example, by the DS monitoring device, which triggers the execution of at least one) in the system S (here, a vehicle). It is considered that exceeding the maximum charging current crm is not significant enough to damage or reduce the lifespan of certain electrical components (or equipment) of the BB and BP battery assembly, and therefore there is no need to interrupt the ongoing charging process.

[0060] If the measured charging current crb is greater than the chosen maximum charging current crm plus the first chosen value vl (i.e., if crb > crm + vl), step 10-60 of the process includes a substep 50 in which the charging phase is interrupted (for example, the DS monitoring device triggers the interruption of) and at least (for example, the DS monitoring device) is carried out. triggers the execution of at least one second action in system S (here a vehicle). It is considered that exceeding the maximum charging current crm risks damaging or reducing the lifespan of certain electrical components (or equipment) of the BB and BP battery assembly, and therefore the charging process must be stopped immediately.

[0061] It should be noted that if the measured charging current crb is less than or equal to the maximum charging current crm (i.e. if crb < crm), we return to perform a possible sub-step 10 or sub-step 20 with the next measured charging current crb, because the charging proceeds normally.

[0062] Thus, the rechargeable battery BP is perfectly protected during its external charging phases, including in the event of failure of the CV converter, because there is no longer any risk of damage or reduction in the lifespan of certain electrical components (or equipment) of the BB and BP battery assembly.

[0063] For example, in substep 30 we can carry out (for example the DS monitoring device can trigger the carrying out of) each first action when the measured charging current crb is between the maximum charging current crm chosen and the maximum charging current crm chosen increased by the first value vl chosen for a duration do which is greater than a first duration dl chosen (i.e. if crm < crb < crm + vl for do > dl).

[0064] This option is intended to avoid taking into account a single measurement or a few successive measurements of the crb charging current which would be temporarily abnormal, because they do not correspond to the actual situation in progress, for example due to a very temporary malfunction of the sensor concerned or the very temporary absence of reception of the measured crb charging current.

[0065] For example, the first selected duration dl can be between 5 s and 15 s. As an illustrative example, this first selected duration dl can be equal to 10 s. But other values ​​for the first selected duration dl can be used. For example, this first duration dl can be chosen during the development phase of a vehicle similar to vehicle S.

[0066] Also, for example, in substep 30, each first action can be chosen from generating an alert from a user of system S (here, a vehicle) requiring inspection by (or within) a service center, and recording at least one initial fault code representative of a first overcurrent charging problem during the charging phase. The first first action is intended to warn the driver of a problem encountered during charging that may result from the CV converter and therefore requires inspection. The second first action is intended to facilitate the investigation of the origin of the first overcurrent problem. recharging by the after-sales service responsible for checking the S system, and possible repair.

[0067] The user (e.g., the driver) may be alerted, for example, by means of an illuminated indicator light (e.g., in the instrument panel of vehicle S) and / or a message displayed on at least one screen of vehicle S (e.g., the instrument panel or a central instrument cluster) or on the screen of the user's smartphone, and / or broadcast through at least one speaker of vehicle S or of that smartphone. The aforementioned indicator light may, for example, be a service indicator light, but it could also be an indicator light dedicated to charging.

[0068] It should also be noted that the storage of the (of each) first fault code can, for example, be done in a (possibly read-only) memory of the DS monitoring device or the CB battery computer or even the CS supervisory computer.

[0069] It should be noted that the first two actions are preferably carried out.

[0070] Also, for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 3], step 10-60 may include a substep 10 in which the maximum charging current crm can be selected (or determined) by (for example, the DS monitoring device). In this case, in substep 10, the maximum charging current crm can, for example, be selected based on the current temperature tb in the rechargeable battery BP and / or the current state of charge ecc of the rechargeable battery BP (calculated by the battery calculator CB).

[0071] For this purpose, one (for example, the DS monitoring device) can use a lookup table establishing a correspondence between maximum charging currents and pairs of battery temperature and state of charge, or between battery temperatures and states of charge. Alternatively, one (for example, the DS monitoring device) can calculate the maximum charging current crm using at least one mathematical equation having as parameter(s) the current temperature tb and / or the current state of charge ecc.

[0072] Also, for example, in substep 20, the first selected value vl can be between 3% and 7% of the selected maximum charging current crm. As an illustrative example, this first selected value vl can be equal to 5% of the selected maximum charging current crm. However, other values ​​for the first selected value vl can be used. For example, this first selected value vl can be chosen during the development phase of a vehicle similar to vehicle S.

[0073] Also, for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 3], when crm < crb in substep 20, step 10-60 may also include a substep 40 in which one (for example, the DS monitoring device) can also determine during the charging phase whether the measured charging current crb (and so actually received by the rechargeable battery BP) is greater than the maximum charging current chosen crm increased by a second value v2 chosen, strictly greater than the first value vl chosen, i.e. if crb > crm + v2 with v2 > vl.

[0074] If the measured charging current crb is between the maximum chosen charging current crm increased by the first chosen value vl and the maximum chosen charging current increased by the second chosen value v2 for a duration do which is greater than a second chosen duration d2, i.e. if crm + vl < crb < crm + v2 for do > d2, substep 50 is performed to interrupt the charging phase and perform each second action.

[0075] If the measured charging current crb exceeds the chosen maximum charging current crm plus a second chosen value v2 for a duration do that exceeds a third chosen duration d3 (i.e., if crb > crm + v2 for do > d3), step 10-60 of the method may include, as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 3], a substep 60 in which the charging phase can be interrupted (for example, the DS monitoring device can trigger the interruption of) and at least one third action can be performed in the system S (here, a vehicle). Preferably, the third chosen duration d3 is strictly less than the second chosen duration d2, because the exceedance of the maximum charging current crm is greater and therefore must cease more quickly.

[0076] For example, in substep 50, each second action can be chosen from generating an alert for a user of system S (here, a vehicle) requiring inspection by (or within) a service center, and recording at least one second fault code representing a second overcurrent charging problem during the charging phase. The first second action is intended to warn the driver of a problem encountered during charging that may result from the CV converter and therefore requires inspection. The second second action is intended to facilitate the investigation of the origin of the second overcurrent charging problem by the service center responsible for inspecting system S, and its possible repair.

[0077] The user (e.g., the driver) may be alerted, for example, by means of an illuminated indicator light (e.g., in the instrument panel of vehicle S) and / or a message displayed on at least one screen of vehicle S (e.g., the instrument panel or a central instrument cluster) or on the screen of the user's smartphone, and / or broadcast through at least one speaker of vehicle S or of that smartphone. The aforementioned indicator light may, for example, be a service indicator light, but it could also be an indicator light dedicated to charging.

[0078] It should also be noted that the storage of the (of each) second fault code can, for example, be done in a (possibly read-only) memory of the DS monitoring device or the CB battery computer or even the CS supervisory computer.

[0079] Also, for example, the second selected duration d2 can be between 5 s and 15 s. As an illustrative example, this second selected duration d2 can be equal to 10 s. But other values ​​for the second selected duration d2 can be used. For example, this second duration d2 can be chosen during the development phase of a vehicle similar to vehicle S.

[0080] Also, for example, in substep 60, each third action can be chosen from generating an alert for a user of system S (here, a vehicle) requiring inspection by (or within) a service center, and recording at least one third fault code representing a third overcurrent charging problem during the charging phase. The first third action is intended to warn the driver of a problem encountered during charging that may result from the CV converter and therefore requires inspection. The second third action is intended to facilitate the investigation of the origin of the third overcurrent charging problem by the service center responsible for inspecting system S, and its possible repair.

[0081] The user (e.g., the driver) may be alerted, for example, by means of an illuminated indicator light (e.g., in the instrument panel of vehicle S) and / or a message displayed on at least one screen of vehicle S (e.g., the instrument panel or a central instrument cluster) or on the screen of the user's smartphone, and / or broadcast through at least one speaker of vehicle S or of that smartphone. The aforementioned indicator light may, for example, be a service indicator light, but it could also be an indicator light dedicated to charging.

[0082] It should also be noted that the storage of the (of each) third fault code can, for example, be done in a (possibly read-only) memory of the DS monitoring device or the CB battery computer or even the CS supervisory computer.

[0083] Also, for example, the third selected duration d3 can be between 1 s and 5 s. As an illustrative example, this third selected duration d3 can be equal to 3 s. But other values ​​for the third selected duration d3 can be used. For example, this third duration d3 can be selected during the development phase of a vehicle similar to vehicle S.

[0084] Also, for example, in substep 40, the second selected value v2 can be between 8% and 17% of the maximum selected charging current crm. As an illustrative example, this second selected value v2 can be equal to 10% of the current of maximum charge chosen crm. But other values ​​of the second chosen value v2 can be used. For example, this second chosen value v2 can be chosen during the development phase of a vehicle similar to the S vehicle.

[0085] It should also be noted that preferably, in the event of an interruption of charging, if the user disconnects and then reconnects the CR charging cable to the CN charging connector, the charging phase can resume and the monitoring process will restart.

[0086] It should also be noted that preferably when an alert is triggered in substep 30, when the system S is restarted after a shutdown, the alert is no longer triggered.

[0087] It will also be noted, as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.2], that the battery calculator CB (or the computer of the monitoring device DS) may also include a mass memory MEM, in particular to store each measured charging current crb, each possible state of charge in progress ecc of the rechargeable battery BP, and each possible temperature tb of the rechargeable battery BP, as well as any intermediate data involved in all its calculations and processing.Furthermore, this CB battery calculator (or the DS monitoring device calculator) may also include an IE input interface for receiving at least each measured crb charging current, each possible current state of charge ecc of the rechargeable battery BP, and each possible temperature tb of the rechargeable battery BP, for use in calculations or processing, possibly after shaping and / or demodulating and / or amplifying them, in a manner known per se, by means of a PR2 digital signal processor. In addition, this CB battery calculator (or the DS monitoring device calculator) may also include an IS output interface, notably for delivering a message (or command) to interrupt the current charging process, and a message (or command) to trigger at least one action.

[0088] 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 type of electronic circuits (or hardware), such as for example the PR1 processor, is suitable for implementing the monitoring method described above to monitor in the system S each phase of charging of the rechargeable battery BP by temporary coupling to an external power source SA.

Claims

Demands

1. A monitoring method for a system (S) comprising a rechargeable battery (BP) suitable for receiving a measurable charging current during a charging phase from an external power source (SA), comprising a step (10-60) in which it is determined during said charging phase whether said measured charging current is between a chosen maximum charging current and said chosen maximum charging current plus a first chosen value, and if so, said charging phase is allowed to continue and at least one first action is performed in said system (S), whereas if said measured charging current is greater than said chosen maximum charging current plus said first chosen value, said charging phase is interrupted and at least one second action is performed in said system (S),characterized in that in said step (10-60) it is also determined during said charging phase whether said measured charging current is greater than said chosen maximum charging current plus a second chosen value strictly greater than said chosen first value, and if said measured charging current is between said chosen maximum charging current plus said chosen first value and said chosen maximum charging current plus said chosen second value for a duration greater than a second chosen duration, said charging phase is interrupted and each second action is performed, while if said measured charging current is greater than said chosen maximum charging current plus said chosen second value for a duration greater than a third chosen duration, said charging phase is interrupted and at least one third action is performed in said system (S).

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that in said step (10-60) each first action is carried out when said measured charging current is between said maximum chosen charging current and said maximum chosen charging current increased by said first chosen value for a duration greater than a first chosen duration.

3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in said step (10-60) each first action is chosen from a generation of an alert from a user of said system (S) requiring a check by an after-sales service and a recording of at least one first fault code representative of a first overcurrent problem during said charging phase.

4. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that in said step (10-60) said maximum charging current is chosen as a function of a current temperature in said rechargeable battery (BP) and / or a current state of charge of said rechargeable battery (BP).

5. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that in said step (10-60) said first selected value is between 3% and 7% of said maximum selected charging current.

6. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in said step (10-60) each second action is chosen from a generation of an alert from a user of said system (S) requiring a check by a service provider and a recording of at least one second fault code representative of a second overcurrent charging problem during said charging phase, and each third action is chosen from a generation of an alert from a user of said system (S) requiring a check by a service provider and a recording of at least one third fault code representative of a third overcurrent charging problem during said charging phase.

7. Product computer program comprising a set of instructions which, when executed by processing means, is suitable for implementing the monitoring method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, in a system (S) comprising a rechargeable battery (BP) suitable for receiving a measurable charging current during a charging phase from an external power source (SA), to monitor each charging phase.

8. A monitoring device (MD) for a system (S) comprising a rechargeable battery (PB) suitable for receiving a measurable charging current during a charging phase from an external power source (PS), comprising at least one processor (PR1) and at least one memory (MD) arranged to perform the operations of determining during said charging phase whether said measured charging current is between a current

9. of the chosen maximum charging current and said chosen maximum charging current increased by a first chosen value, and if so, to allow the continuation of said charging phase and to trigger the execution of at least one first action in said system (S), and, if said measured charging current is greater than said chosen maximum charging current increased by said first chosen value, to trigger an interruption of said charging phase and the execution of at least one second action in said system (S), characterized in that they are further arranged to perform the operations of determining also during said charging phase whether said measured charging current is greater than said chosen maximum charging current increased by a second chosen value strictly greater than said chosen first value,and if said measured charging current is between said maximum chosen charging current plus said first chosen value and said maximum chosen charging current plus said second chosen value for a duration greater than a second chosen duration to interrupt said charging phase and to perform each second action, whereas if said measured charging current is greater than said maximum chosen charging current plus said second chosen value for a duration greater than a third chosen duration to interrupt said charging phase and to perform at least one third action in said system (S)., System (S) comprising a rechargeable battery (BP) suitable for receiving a measurable charging current during a charging phase from an external power source (SA), characterized in that it further comprises a monitoring device (DS) according to claim 8.

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