Vehicle power supply system that reduces energy consumption during extended standby time.
The vehicle power supply system minimizes energy consumption in standby modes by controlling the test circuit with a microcontroller, addressing battery discharge and operational reliability issues.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- STELLANTIS AUTO SAS
- Filing Date
- 2024-06-20
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-15
AI Technical Summary
Vehicle onboard computers and peripherals consume energy during extended standby periods, leading to battery discharge and potential operational failures, which affects battery lifespan, environmental impact, and vehicle reliability.
A vehicle power supply system with a test circuit controlled by a microcontroller to measure voltage and open/close the circuit only when necessary, minimizing energy consumption during standby modes.
Reduces energy consumption by up to a factor of ten in deep standby mode, preserving battery life, ensuring operational readiness, and reducing environmental impact and maintenance needs.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: Vehicle power supply system reducing energy consumption during extended standby. technical field
[0001] The present invention relates to vehicle power supply systems, for example for a motor vehicle, enabling a reduction in electrical energy consumption when the vehicle is stationary for extended periods. The present invention also relates to a method for controlling the power supply of peripherals in such a vehicle power supply system. Technological background
[0002] Often, after production or while awaiting delivery, a vehicle is stored for an indefinite period, sometimes several months, in a garage, for example, in a factory or logistics platform's vehicle lot. During this period of storage, some of the vehicle's onboard computers or electrical peripherals consume energy drawn from the vehicle's battery. However, to move the vehicle at any time, for example, when loading it for delivery, it is essential to ensure that the vehicle's battery is sufficiently charged to allow the vehicle to start and to perform its various functions, including powering its peripherals.
[0003] Therefore, it is advisable to reduce the power consumption of the vehicle's computers and peripherals when the vehicle is parked for extended periods to preserve the battery and its charge level. Electronic systems, including computers and peripherals, consume a small amount of energy even in standby mode. If the vehicle is left unused for several weeks or months, this consumption can gradually discharge the battery, rendering it unable to start the vehicle without external recharging or replacement. By optimizing the energy efficiency of the electrical system and minimizing its standby power consumption, the battery's lifespan can be extended and its charge level preserved, thus avoiding the aforementioned problems.
[0004] Reducing the power consumption of computers in standby mode also helps to reduce the vehicle's environmental impact. Lower energy consumption leads to less demand for battery recharging, which, on an overall scale, can result in a reduced carbon footprint. Vehicle batteries, particularly lithium batteries, require energy resources considerable for their production and recycling. Preserving their lifespan and reducing energy recharging needs then allows for a decrease in the vehicle's energy consumption, emissions associated with electricity production, and facilitates the management of used batteries.
[0005] Controlled power consumption of the computers in standby mode also improves vehicle reliability. Electronic systems powered at excessively low voltage can lead to malfunctions during startup, data loss, or errors in the vehicle's control systems. By ensuring minimal standby power consumption, a vehicle manufacturer can guarantee the vehicle's operational readiness and reliability even after extended periods of inactivity. This enhances customer satisfaction and reduces the frequency of maintenance visits for battery or electronic system issues. Summary of the present invention
[0006] One object of the present invention is to solve at least one of the problems of the technological background described above.
[0007] Another object of the present invention is to reduce the energy consumption of an electrical system for a vehicle, particularly in a so-called deep standby mode, especially when the vehicle is immobilized in a park for a long period.
[0008] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a vehicle power supply system, which comprises: - a permanent direct current power supply, - an electrical circuit, called a test circuit, connected to a first terminal of the permanent power supply and configured to be connected to a second terminal of the permanent power supply: • directly by means of a jumper positioned in a first position between the second terminal and the test circuit, or • indirectly via a relay placed between the second terminal and the jumper positioned in a second position, - at least one passive dipole placed on the test circuit, - a vehicle peripheral power supply control module comprising a microcontroller configured to measure voltage in the test circuit and to receive data from a power supply and interface module of the computer, the power supply system being characterized in that it includes a means for opening the test circuit, the opening means being controlled by the microcontroller so as to close the test circuit during a voltage measurement.
[0009] Such a power supply system thus has the advantage of requiring the test circuit, which consumes electrical energy through the dipole, to be closed only when a voltage measurement is necessary. Therefore, by default, the test circuit can remain open, thus avoiding any consumption of electrical energy and consequently any risk of discharging the permanent power supply, such as a vehicle battery.
[0010] When the vehicle is restarted, the permanent power supply is then able to provide the necessary electrical energy. Furthermore, some of the vehicle's control units may have remained powered, as the permanent power supply can power these control units for a longer period in the absence of electrical energy consumption by the test circuit.
[0011] According to one variant of the power supply system, the measured voltage is: • zero when the jumper is in the second position and the relay is not powered, or • not zero when the jumper is placed in the first position or in the second position and the relay is powered.
[0012] According to another variant of the power supply system, the measured voltage is zero in the absence of a jumper.
[0013] According to yet another variant of the power supply system, the opening means is a transistor.
[0014] The invention also relates, according to a second aspect, to a vehicle comprising the electrical power supply system according to the first aspect of the present invention.
[0015] The invention also relates, according to a third aspect, to a method for controlling the power supply of peripherals of a power supply system according to the first aspect of the present invention, the power supply being carried out according to a plurality of modes, the method being implemented by the microcontroller and comprising the following steps: - reception of initial data emitted by the power supply and interface module and representative of a request to change a current mode from the plurality of modes; - transmission of second data to the opening means, the transmission being triggered by the reception of the first data, the second data being representative of a closing order of an electrical circuit, called test circuit; - measuring a voltage on the test circuit; and - selection of another mode from the plurality of modes depending on the measured voltage.
[0016] When a mode change request is made, the opening means closes the test circuit and thus allows the voltage on the test circuit to be measured and consequently the other mode to be chosen according to the measured voltage.
[0017] According to one variant, the method further includes a step of emitting third data to the opening means after the measurement step, the third data being representative of an opening order of the test circuit.
[0018] Opening the test circuit thus eliminates any electrical energy consumption of the components placed on this test circuit, since an electric current cannot flow in an open circuit.
[0019] According to another variant, the method further includes a step of controlling a power supply relay of the test circuit, the selection being a function of a state of the relay.
[0020] According to a further embodiment of the method, the plurality of modes comprises two categories of modes, a first category of modes comprising: • a first mode, called deep sleep mode, • a second mode, called normal sleep mode, and a second category of modes including at least a third mode, called active mode, the change of power supply control mode being carried out from a mode of the first category of modes to a mode of the second category of modes or vice versa.
[0021] According to yet another variant of the process, the second category of modes further includes a fourth mode, called garage mode.
[0022] According to a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a computer program which includes instructions adapted for carrying out the steps of the process according to the third aspect of the present invention, in particular when the computer program is executed by at least one processor.
[0023] Such a computer program may use any programming language and be in the form of source code, object code, or an intermediate form between source code and object code, such as in a partially compiled form, or in any other desirable form.
[0024] According to a fifth aspect, the present invention relates to a computer-readable recording medium on which is recorded a computer program comprising instructions for carrying out the steps of the process according to the third aspect of the present invention.
[0025] On the one hand, the recording medium can be any entity or device capable of storing the program. For example, the medium can include a storage means, such as a ROM, a CD-ROM or a microelectronic circuit-type ROM, or a magnetic recording means or a hard disk drive.
[0026] On the other hand, this recording medium can also be a transmissible medium such as an electrical or optical signal, such a signal being able to be transmitted via an electrical or optical cable, by conventional or radio frequency, by self-directing laser beam, or by other means. The computer program according to the present invention can, in particular, be downloaded from an Internet-type network.
[0027] Alternatively, the recording medium may be an integrated circuit in which the computer program is incorporated, the integrated circuit being adapted to execute or to be used in the execution of the process in question. Brief description of the figures
[0028] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the specific and non-limiting embodiments of the present invention below, with reference to the attached Figures 1 to 5, in which:
[0029] [Fig-1] schematically illustrates an electrical diagram of an electrical system in a first configuration, according to a particular and non-limiting example of the present invention;
[0030] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates an electrical diagram of the electrical system of the [Fig.1] in a second configuration, according to a particular and non-limiting example of an embodiment of the present invention;
[0031] [Fig.3] illustrates a flowchart of the different stages of a control process of a power supply for peripherals of a power supply system, according to a first particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;
[0032] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates a device configured to control a power supply for peripherals of a power supply system, according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; and
[0033] [Fig.5] illustrates a flowchart of the different stages of a control process of a power supply for peripherals of a power supply system, according to a second particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. Description of examples of achievements
[0034] A vehicle power supply system and a method for controlling a vehicle power supply will now be described in what follows with joint reference to Figures 1 to 5. The same elements are identified with the same reference signs throughout the following description.
[0035] The terms "first(s)", "second(s)" (or "first(s)", "second(s)"), etc. are used in this document by arbitrary convention to allow identification and to distinguish different elements (such as operations, means, etc.) implemented in the embodiments described below. Such elements may be distinct or correspond to a single element, depending on the embodiment.
[0036] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a vehicle power supply system, according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.
[0037] Such a vehicle power supply system 1 corresponds, for example, to a vehicle interior control module or an electrical distribution box, which is connected to peripherals powered according to different operating modes of the vehicle.
[0038] In this example, the vehicle refers to a vehicle with an internal combustion engine, an electric motor(s), or a hybrid vehicle with an internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors. The vehicle thus corresponds, for example, to a land vehicle such as a car, a truck, a bus, or a motorcycle. Finally, the vehicle refers to an autonomous or non-autonomous vehicle, that is, a vehicle operating at a predetermined level of autonomy or under the full supervision of the driver.
[0039] An electrical power supply system 1 of such a vehicle includes a permanent direct current supply 100, for example, a starter battery. Its voltage is, for example, 12V (twelve volts), 24V (twenty-four volts), or 48V (forty-eight volts), measured between its terminals. According to a particular embodiment, the vehicle's body and / or chassis is connected to a first terminal 100a of the permanent power supply 100, this first terminal 100a corresponding to the negative polarity terminal of the permanent power supply 100 and also being called the ground terminal, while various electrical circuits of the vehicle are connected to the second terminal 100b of the permanent power supply 100, corresponding to the positive polarity terminal of the permanent power supply 100.
[0040] The power supply system 1 comprises several computers, which provide various services. The computers are connected to sensors and / or actuators to form systems such as: • a driver assistance system, known as ADAS, assisting a driver during a phase of driving or maneuvering, • an infotainment system, known as the IVI system, allowing adjustments to comfort functions, for example, of an air conditioning system or an audio system, • a driver's seat adjustment system, allowing in particular the adjustment of the position of a seat and / or steering wheel and / or mirrors, and • a navigation and geolocation system, also called a GNSS system (Geolocation and Navigation by a Satellite System), for example a system of the GPS type (from the English "Global Positioning System" or in French "Système de géo-positionnement par satellites").
[0041] These computers form, for example, a multiplexed architecture for the implementation of various services useful for the proper functioning of the vehicle and for assisting the driver and / or passengers of the vehicle in controlling the vehicle. The computers communicate and exchange data with each other via one or more computer buses, for example a CAN (Controller Area Network), CAN FD (Controller Area Network Flexible Data-Rate), FlexRay (according to ISO 17458), LIN (Local Interconnect Network), or Ethernet (according to ISO / IEC 802-3) type data bus.
[0042] The systems embedded in the vehicle are notably controlled via an internal vehicle communication protocol, this protocol being for example a protocol associated with the vehicle model or used for a set of vehicles produced by the same manufacturer or industrialist.
[0043] Among the various electrical circuits of the vehicle, an electrical circuit, called the test circuit, is connected to the first terminal 100a of the permanent power supply 100 and is configured to be connected to the second terminal 100b of the permanent power supply 100, either directly by means of a jumper 12 positioned in a first position between the second terminal 100b and the test circuit, or indirectly via a relay 13 disposed between the second terminal 100b and the jumper 12 positioned in a second position.
[0044] Such a jumper 12, also called a "shunt" because it connects two parts of an electrical circuit by short circuit or through a very low impedance element, is a removable component that a technician places in a receiver in a position determined according to the vehicle's state. The receiver is, for example, located in the vehicle's fuse box and accessible to the technician. According to a particular embodiment, the receiver has three terminals configured to receive two conductive tabs of the jumper 12, the two conductive tabs being electrically connected to each other. The jumper 12 then connects a first terminal to a second terminal when it is in the first position, and the first terminal to the third terminal when it is in the second position.
[0045] The role of the jumper 12 is to define, by its position in the receiver, a situation in which the vehicle finds itself. Thus, the first position illustrated in [Fig. 1] corresponds to a situation in which the vehicle is in a state of use normal, for example when it has been delivered to the customer. Different modes are then associated with this situation, for example: • a so-called normal active mode, in which the vehicle has all of its functionalities, meaning that all the vehicle's computers are electrically powered and each function of these computers is ensured; such a normal active mode is notably selected when the vehicle is being used by the customer, for example while driving, and • A normal standby mode, meaning that exiting this mode is triggered by a series of actions such as opening or unlocking a vehicle door, starting the engine, or activating certain functions. Normal standby mode allows, in particular, certain control units to be switched off or put into a low-power mode to limit the consumption of electrical energy drawn from the permanent power supply.
[0046] In the second position illustrated in [Fig. 2], the vehicle is, for example, parked in a long-term parking area, such as the parking lot of the factory where it was assembled, or when the vehicle is loaded onto a means of transport such as a boat, train, or truck, for example, for delivery to a dealer or customer. Various modes are then associated with this situation, for example: • an active mode known as garage mode, in which the vehicle retains some of its functionalities, allowing it, for example, to be moved at reduced speed and / or without all of its onboard driver assistance systems, or without certain systems such as the infotainment system. Only some of the vehicle's computers are electrically powered, and a set of main functions are performed by these computers. Such an active garage mode is notably selected when the vehicle is moved on a logistics platform or loaded onto one of the aforementioned means of transport, and • A deep sleep mode, meaning that exiting this mode is achieved through a limited set of actions such as opening or unlocking a specific vehicle door, for example the driver's door or the trunk, or by starting the vehicle's engine. Deep sleep mode allows, in particular, for the shutdown of a maximum number of control units to drastically limit electrical energy consumption, especially from the permanent power supply (100V), in order to prevent depleting this permanent power supply (100V) even after several months in deep sleep mode.
[0047] If the power supply system 1 and all the computers constituting it consume between 15 and 30 mA (fifteen and thirty milliamperes) when the jumper 12 is in the first position and the power supply system 1 is in In normal standby mode, the power supply system 1 and all powered computers consume between 1 and 2 mA (one and two milliamperes). When jumper 12 is in the second position and the power supply system 1 is in deep standby mode, consumption is reduced by a factor of approximately ten. In other words, the same discharge level of the permanent power supply 100 is achieved after a period approximately ten times longer in deep standby mode compared to normal standby mode.
[0048] Note that in the absence of jumper 12, the standby mode corresponds, for example, to deep standby mode, while the active mode corresponds, according to one particular embodiment, to active garage mode, or, according to another particular embodiment, to a fifth mode called degraded mode, in which the vehicle retains some of its functionalities, allowing, for example, movement at reduced speed. This degraded mode is notably used when jumper 12 is removed or when an electrical problem occurs on the test circuit or on the control circuit of relay 13.
[0049] These different modes are controlled by a microcontroller 111, which belongs to a control module 11 for powering vehicle peripherals, the peripherals corresponding, for example, to the control units 20 or to a portion of the control units described above. The control module 11 also includes a power supply and interface module 15, which is configured to receive input signals from a contactor 200a of a vehicle opening and / or from a module 200b comprising an anti-theft contactor, for example, normally closed, and / or a normally open starter contactor. The power supply and interface module 15 communicates with the microcontroller 111 by means of a communication circuit 151 so as to inform it of a change of state on one of these contactors 200a and module 200b, i.e., for example, it sends a signal to an input of the microcontroller 111.
[0050] The power supply and interface module 15 provides a regulated supply voltage, for example 5V or 3.3V, to the microcontroller 111 from the second terminal 100b of the permanent power supply 100, for example 12V, 24V, or 48V, when the control module 11 is in active mode or in normal standby mode. When the control module 11 enters deep standby (when put into standby with jumper 12 in the second position), the power supply and interface module 15 deactivates the regulated power supply to the microcontroller 111, so that the microcontroller is no longer active and consumes no electrical power. When the control module 11 is in deep standby, only the power supply and interface module 15 can re-energize and wake up the microcontroller 111.
[0051] Another function of the power supply and interface module 15 is to provide communication via a data communication bus with the other control units 20 of the vehicle. Other input signals come from a set of contactors 300, which the microcontroller listens to, for example, when the power supply system 1 is in active mode or in normal standby mode. Conversely, these signals are not listened to when the power supply system 1 is in deep standby mode. Contactors in the set of contactors 300 correspond, for example, to locks for openings other than the specific opening previously mentioned, for example, the driver's door or the trunk.
[0052] In a first operation, the microcontroller then receives the signal emitted by the power supply and interface module 15 or a signal emitted by the set of contactors 300. The reception of such a signal then corresponds to a request to change mode, to go from an active mode to a standby mode or from a standby mode to an active mode according to the current mode in which the power supply circuit 1 is located.
[0053] The selection of a new mode depends on the position of jumper 12. The microcontroller 111, in order to determine this position, is configured to measure a voltage in the test circuit. The test circuit is, in particular, permanently connected to the second terminal 100b of the permanent power supply 100 if jumper 12 is in the first position, or connected to the second terminal 100b of the permanent power supply 100 via relay 13, in which case the power supply to the test circuit depends on the state of relay 13 when jumper 12 is in the second position, the test circuit then being powered when relay 13 is closed.
[0054] The test circuit advantageously includes at least one passive dipole 14, [Fig.1] showing for example a passive dipole 14 of the resistor type, which includes a first terminal connected to the ground of the vehicle via an opening means 16 and a second terminal connected to the second terminal 100b of the permanent supply 100 via the jumper 12. When the opening means 16 is closed, the measured voltage is, for example, that between the terminals of the passive dipole 14.
[0055] According to other embodiments and as illustrated in [Fig.1], the voltage is measured via a measuring circuit comprising, for example, other dipoles, for example, a resistor 17 connected in series between the second terminal of the passive dipole 14 and an input of the microcontroller and a resistor 18 being connected in parallel between the input of the microcontroller and the ground of the vehicle.
[0056] Before measuring the voltage across the terminals of the dipole 14, the opening means 16 must be closed. Thus, in a second operation, the microcontroller 111 sends a closing signal to the opening means 16. opening means 16 is, for example, a field-effect transistor such as a MOFSET transistor or a bipolar transistor.
[0057] In a third operation, the microcontroller 111 measures the voltage across the terminals of the dipole 14. This voltage is then: • non-zero when jumper 12 is in the first position, • non-zero when jumper 12 is in the second position and relay 13 is powered, • null when jumper 12 is in the second position and relay 13 is not powered, or • null in the absence of a rider 12.
[0058] Note that the relay 13 is controlled by the microcontroller 111, thus the microcontroller 111 powers or does not power the relay 13 and measures the voltage successively when the relay 13 is in an open state and in a closed state in order to detect the presence of the jumper 12. Indeed, in the absence of the jumper 12, the measured voltage remains zero regardless of the state of the relay 13. On the other hand, the measured voltage is non-zero when the relay 13 is closed and the jumper 12 is positioned in either of the first and second positions.
[0059] Thus, if the opening means 16 is closed, the relay 13 is not powered and the measured voltage is non-zero, then the jumper 12 is in the first position.
[0060] If the opening means 16 is closed, the relay 13 is not powered and the measured voltage is zero, then non-zero when the relay 13 is powered, then the jumper 12 is in the second position.
[0061] Figure 3 illustrates a flowchart of the various steps in a method for controlling the power supply of peripherals in a power supply system, for example, the power supply system 1 of Figures 1 and 2, according to a first particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. The method is implemented, for example, by the microcontroller 111 of the power supply system 1 or by the device 4 in Figure 4.
[0062] In a first step 31, initial data emitted by the power supply and interface module 15 and representative of a request to change a current mode from the plurality of modes is received.
[0063] The first data corresponds, for example, to the data received from one of the contactors of the contactor set 300 or from the power supply and interface module 15, which has previously received signals from one of the contactors 200a or from the module 200b.
[0064] Note that the data received from one of the contactors in the contactor set 300 only constitutes initial data when these contactors are listened to, for example when the power supply system 1 is in active mode or in normal standby mode.
[0065] In a second step 32, second data is transmitted to the opening means 16, the transmission of the second data being triggered by the reception of the first data. The second data represents a command to close an electrical circuit, called a test circuit, for example by closing the opening means 16. The second data is, for example, a closing voltage of the opening means 16.
[0066] In a step 33, a voltage is measured on the test circuit. This voltage corresponds, for example, to the voltage across the terminals of the dipole 14 or to the voltage at another point in the test circuit, for example via a measurement circuit such as that shown with regard to [Fig.1].
[0067] In a step 34, another mode is selected from the plurality of modes according to the measured voltage.
[0068] According to a particular embodiment, the other mode is an active mode when the current mode is a standby mode, and the other mode is a standby mode when the current mode is an active mode. For example, an active mode is understood to mean a category of modes including normal active and garage active modes, and a standby mode is understood to mean a category of modes including normal standby and deep standby modes.
[0069] According to a particular embodiment, the method further includes a step of controlling a relay 13 supplying the test circuit, the selection 34 being a function of a state of said relay 13. This step then makes it possible to detect the absence of the jumper 12 and allows in particular the selection of the degraded mode or the deep sleep mode.
[0070] According to one embodiment, once the voltage measurement has been performed, in an optional step, third data points are sent to the opening means 16 and represent an opening command for the test circuit. The third data points are, for example, a zero voltage on the microcontroller output connected to the control of the opening means 16.
[0071] The opening means 16 thus allows the test circuit to be closed only when a voltage measurement across the terminals of the dipole 14 is required. Therefore, if the microcontroller 111 does not need to know this voltage, then the opening means 16 remains open, preventing any consumption of electrical energy through the dipole 14.
[0072] The electrical energy consumption of the power supply system is then reduced by eliminating a leakage current through the test circuit. The vehicle being stopped for a long period does not therefore generate a significant energy loss; the permanent power supply, corresponding for example to a starter battery, is not depleted of its energy and is ready at all times. to restart the vehicle when switching to an active mode. Furthermore, since the permanent power supply is conserved, the power supply to certain electronic components is guaranteed, thus preventing any loss of stored data or any unexpected reset of certain vehicle control units equipped with this power supply system.
[0073] Figure 5 illustrates a flowchart of the various steps in a method for controlling the power supply of peripherals in a power supply system, for example, the power supply system 1 of Figures 1 and 2, according to a second particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. The method is implemented, for example, by the microcontroller 111 of the power supply system 1 or by the device 4 in Figure 4.
[0074] The power supply system 1 is, for example, in normal standby mode 61. In this normal standby mode 61, various inputs are monitored to receive a signal representative of a wake-up request. This signal corresponds, for example, to the first data received from one of the contactors in the contactor assembly 300 or from the power supply and interface module 15, which has previously received signals from one of the contactors 200a or the module 200b. Monitoring these inputs is represented by the test operation TL. In the absence of a wake-up request, the power supply system 1 remains in normal standby mode 61.
[0075] Upon receiving a wake-up request, in an operation A1, the microcontroller 111 closes the opening means 16. This operation corresponds, for example, to step 32 described opposite [Fig. 3]. The voltage in the test circuit is then measured, in an operation R corresponding, for example, to step 33 described opposite [Fig. 3]. This measured voltage is then analyzed in a test operation T2. If the measured voltage is non-zero, i.e., if jumper 12 is positioned in the first position between the second terminal 100b and the test circuit, then the power supply system 1 switches to the normal active mode 62, while if the voltage is zero, i.e., jumper 12 is in the second position or absent, then the power supply system 1 switches to the garage active mode 66. These switching operations correspond, for example, to step 34 described opposite [Fig.3].
[0076] From the normal active mode 62, the power supply system 1 performs a driving conditions test operation T3. As long as the driving conditions are not verified, the power supply system 1 remains in the normal active mode 62. When the driving conditions are verified, the power supply system 1 switches to a so-called user driving active mode 63. In this user driving active mode 63, the power supply system 1 allows the vehicle to to benefit from all its functions, all the driving assistance or comfort systems are for example powered and operational as well as the corresponding vehicle peripherals, for example, the computers 20.
[0077] From this active user driving mode 63, the microcontroller 111 closes the relay 13 in an operation A2 and then measures the voltage in the test circuit again in an operation R and analyzes the measured voltage value in the same test operation T2. If the measured voltage is non-zero, then the power supply system 1 confirms the active user driving mode 63, while if the voltage is zero, then the power supply system 1 switches to the degraded active mode 64. Note that, in this situation, the voltage is zero due to an electrical fault or due to the removal of the jumper 12 after the power supply system 1 has switched to user driving mode 63.
[0078] From the active user driving modes 63 and degraded mode 64, test operations T4 of stopping conditions of the current active mode are carried out, i.e. of the active user driving mode 63 or of the active degraded mode 64.
[0079] When these stopping conditions are met, the microcontroller opens the relay 13 in an A2' operation and again measures, in an R operation, the voltage measurement in the test circuit.
[0080] If the measured voltage is non-zero, the microcontroller 111 opens the opening means 16 in an Al' operation and the power supply system 1 returns to the initial normal standby mode 61.
[0081] Conversely, if the measured voltage is zero, the microcontroller 111 opens the opening means 16 in an Al' operation, and the power supply system 1 switches to deep sleep mode 65. In this deep sleep mode 65, only the power supply and interface module 15 can re-energize and wake up the microcontroller 111. Listening to these inputs is represented by the test operation T5. In the absence of a wake-up request, the power supply system 1 remains in deep sleep mode 65.
[0082] Upon receiving a wake-up request, in operation A1, the microcontroller 111 closes the opening means 16 and then measures, in operation R, the voltage in the test circuit and analyzes the measured voltage value in a test operation T2'. If the measured voltage is non-zero, i.e., if the jumper 12 is positioned in the first position between the second terminal 100b and the test circuit, then the power supply system 1 switches to the normal active mode 62 described previously, while if the voltage is zero, i.e., the jumper 12 is in the second position or absent, then the power supply system 1 switches to a garage-awake active mode 66.
[0083] From the active garage awake mode 66, the power supply system 1 performs a T3 driving conditions test operation. As long as the driving conditions are not verified, the power supply system 1 remains in the active garage awake mode 66. When the driving conditions are verified, the power supply system 1 switches to the active garage mode 67.
[0084] From this active garage mode 67, the microcontroller 111 closes the relay 13 in a new operation A2 and then measures the voltage in the test circuit again in an operation R and analyzes the measured voltage value in a test operation T2. If the measured voltage is non-zero, then the power supply system 1 confirms the active garage mode 67, while if the voltage is zero, then the microcontroller 111 opens the opening means 16 and the power supply system 1 switches back into deep sleep mode 65.
[0085] From active mode garage 67, test operations T4 of stopping conditions of the current active mode are carried out, i.e. of active mode garage 67. When these stopping conditions are met, the microcontroller opens the relay 13 in an A2' operation and again measures, in an R operation, the voltage measurement in the test circuit.
[0086] If the measured voltage is non-zero, the microcontroller 111 opens the opening means 16 in an Al' operation and the power supply system 1 switches to the normal standby mode 61.
[0087] Conversely, if the measured voltage is zero, the microcontroller 111 opens the opening means 16 in an Al' operation and the power supply system 1 switches to deep sleep mode 65.
[0088] Figure 4 schematically illustrates a device 4 configured to control the power supply of peripherals in a vehicle power supply system, according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. Device 4 corresponds, for example, to the control module 11 installed in a vehicle.
[0089] Device 4 is, for example, configured to carry out the operations described opposite Figures 1 and 2 and / or the steps described opposite [Fig. 3]. Examples of such a device 4 include, but are not limited to, embedded electronic equipment such as a vehicle's on-board computer or an electronic control unit such as an ECU (Electronic Control Unit). The elements of device 4, individually or in combination, may be integrated into a single integrated circuit, into several integrated circuits, and / or into discrete components. Device 4 may be implemented in the form of electronic circuits or software (or computer) modules, or a combination of electronic circuits and software modules.
[0090] The device 4 comprises one (or more) processor(s) 40 configured to execute instructions for carrying out the steps of the process and / or for executing instructions from the software embedded in the device 4. The processor 40 corresponds, for example, to the microcontroller 111 of Figures 1 and 2. The processor 40 may include integrated memory, an input / output interface, and various circuits known to those skilled in the art. The device 4 further comprises at least one memory 41, corresponding, for example, to volatile and / or non-volatile memory, and / or includes a memory storage device that may include volatile and / or non-volatile memory, such as EEPROM, ROM, PROM, RAM, DRAM, SRAM, flash, magnetic disk, or optical disk.
[0091] The computer code of the embedded software(s), including the instructions to be loaded and executed by the processor, is for example stored on memory 4L
[0092] According to various particular and non-limiting embodiments, the device 4 is coupled in communication with other similar devices or systems (for example other computers) and / or with communication devices, for example a TCU (Telematic Control Unit), for example via a communication bus or through dedicated input / output ports.
[0093] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, the device 4 includes a block 42 of interface elements for communicating with external devices. The interface elements of the block 42 include one or more of the following interfaces: - radio frequency RF interface, for example of the Wi-Fi® type (according to IEEE 802.11), for example in the 2.4 or 5 GHz frequency bands, or of the Bluetooth® type (according to IEEE 802.15.1), in the 2.4 GHz frequency band, or of the Sigfox type using UBN (Ultra Narrow Band) radio technology, or LoRa in the 868 MHz frequency band, LTE (Long-Term Evolution), LTE-Advanced; - USB interface (from the English "Universal Serial Bus" or "Universal Serial Bus" in French); HD MI interface (from the English "High Definition Multimedia Interface", or "High Definition Multimedia Interface" in French).
[0094] According to another particular and non-limiting embodiment, the device 4 includes a communication interface 43, corresponding for example to the power supply and interface module 15, which allows communication to be established with other devices such as other computers of the embedded system, one of the contactors 200a or of the module 200b, via a communication channel 430. Communication interface 43 corresponds, for example, to a transmitter configured to transmit and receive information and / or data via communication channel 430. Communication interface 43 corresponds, for example, to a wired network of type CAN (Controller Area Network), CAN FD (Controller Area Network Flexible Data-Rate), FlexRay (standardized by ISO 17458) or Ethernet (standardized by ISO / IEC 802-3), LIN (Local Interconnect Network).
[0095] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, the device 4 can provide output signals to one or more external devices, such as a display screen 440, touch or not, one or more speakers 450 and / or other peripherals 460, the relay 13 and / or the opening means 16 via the output interfaces 44, 45, 46 respectively. According to a variant, one or more of the external devices is integrated into the device 4.
[0096] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above but extends to a vehicle power supply system which would include additional elements or to a method of controlling a power supply of peripherals of a power supply system which would include secondary steps without going out of the scope of the present invention.
[0097] The present invention also relates to a vehicle, for example an automobile or more generally an autonomous land-powered vehicle, comprising the electrical power supply system of Figures 1 and 2 or the device 4 of [Fig.4].
Claims
Demands
1. Vehicle power supply system (1), which includes: - a permanent DC power supply (100), - an electrical circuit, referred to as the test circuit, connected to a first terminal (100a) of said permanent power supply (100) and configured to be connected to a second terminal (100b) of said permanent power supply (100): • directly by means of a jumper (12) positioned in a first position between said second terminal (100b) and said test circuit, or • indirectly via a relay (13) disposed between said second terminal (100b) and said jumper (12) positioned in a second position, - at least one passive two-terminal device (14) disposed on the test circuit, - a vehicle peripheral power supply control module (11) comprising a microcontroller (111) configured to measure a voltage in said test circuit and to receive data from a power supply and interface module (15) of the control module (11),the power supply system (1) being characterized in that it comprises a means for opening said test circuit, said opening means (16) being controlled by said microcontroller (111) so as to close said test circuit during a measurement of said voltage.
2. Power supply system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the measured voltage is: • zero when said jumper (12) is placed in said second position and the relay (13) is not energized, or • non-zero when said jumper (12) is placed in said first position or in said second position and the relay (13) is energized.
3. Power supply system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the measured voltage is zero in the absence of jumper (12).
4. Power supply system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said opening means (16) is a transistor.
5. Vehicle comprising the electrical power supply system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.
6. A method for controlling the power supply of peripherals of a power supply system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, said power supply being implemented in a plurality of modes, the method being implemented by the microcontroller (111) and comprising the following steps: - receiving (31) first data emitted by the power supply and interface module (15) and representative of a request to change a current mode of said plurality of modes; - emitting (32) second data to the opening means (16), said emitting (32) being triggered by said reception (31), the second data being representative of a command to close an electrical circuit, said test circuit; - measuring (33) a voltage on said test circuit; and - selecting (34) another mode from said plurality of modes as a function of said voltage.
7. A method according to claim 6, further comprising a step of emitting third data to said opening means (16) after the measurement step (33), the third data being representative of an opening command to said test circuit.
8. A method according to claim 6 or 7, further comprising a step of controlling a power supply relay (13) of said test circuit, said selection (34) being a function of a state of said relay (13).
9. A method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the plurality of modes comprises two categories of modes, a first category of modes comprising: • a first mode, called deep sleep mode, • a second mode, called normal sleep mode, and a second category of modes comprising at least a third mode, called active mode, said change of control mode of said power supply being effected from a mode of said first category to a mode of said second category or vice versa.
10. A method according to claim 9, wherein the second category of modes further comprises a fourth mode, called garage mode.