MONITORING OF AN AUTOMATIC TEMPORARY SHUT-OFF FUNCTION OF A TERRESTRIAL ENGINE OF A LAND VEHICLE, AND ANALYSIS OF STOPPING PROHIBITIONS

Abstract

A monitoring method is implemented in a land vehicle, comprising a thermal engine and an automatic temporary shutdown function for this engine. This function is designed to trigger a temporary shutdown of the engine's operation in the presence of authorization messages from a predefined set of onboard computers. This monitoring method includes a step (10-30) in which, in the presence of at least one message prohibiting a temporary shutdown generated by a computer from this predefined set, a first piece of information representing that computer, and a second piece of information representing this prohibition, are recorded in a first memory location of the vehicle. Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: MONITORING OF AN AUTOMATIC TEMPORARY STOP FUNCTION OF A THERMAL ENGINE OF A LAND VEHICLE, AND ANALYSIS OF STOPPING PROHIBITIONS Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to land vehicles comprising a powertrain with a thermal engine and an automatic temporary shutdown function of this thermal engine, and more specifically the monitoring within such vehicles of the operation of this function and the analysis of information stored in such vehicles and representative of stopping prohibitions. State of the art

[0002] Certain land vehicles (and possibly motor vehicles) include a powertrain (or PWM) comprising a thermal engine (and possibly at least one electric engine) and an automatic temporary shutdown function for this thermal engine (for example, of the "stop and start" (or STT) type). It should be noted that this (automatic temporary) shutdown function is responsible for deciding to temporarily stop the thermal engine when the vehicle speed falls below a threshold while the braking system is activated or when the automated transmission is placed in a "Neutral" or "Park" position.

[0003] As those skilled in the art know, when the engine control unit (ECU) wishes to temporarily shut down the internal combustion engine, it must first inform a predefined set of on-board ECUs in the vehicle (generally between four and six). Only if all the ECUs in this predefined set have transmitted authorization messages to the engine control unit will the latter trigger the temporary shutdown of the internal combustion engine. Indeed, if even one of these ECUs transmits a prohibition message to the engine control unit, the latter will not proceed with the temporary shutdown of the internal combustion engine.

[0004] When a stop-stop prohibition occurs in a vehicle, is repeated, and is noticed by the driver, the driver is disturbed and wonders if the automatic temporary stop function is malfunctioning, which compels them to have their vehicle checked at a service center. However, in current vehicles, in the event of a stop-stop prohibition, there is no information that is stored in a vehicle memory to signal it and to indicate which computer imposed it.

[0005] Consequently, a service technician must either perform lengthy and tedious troubleshooting of each of the control units in the predefined set and in the vehicle's "fault log" to try to find a clue that would allow them to trace the problem reported by the driver back to its cause, or perform successive updates of all the control units in the predefined set, or even replace all of these control units one after the other. Such troubleshooting and repairs are generally time-consuming and therefore their cost can be high, either for the vehicle manufacturer when the vehicle is still under warranty, or for the driver when the vehicle is no longer under warranty.

[0006] The invention therefore aims to improve the situation. Presentation of the invention

[0007] In particular, it proposes for this purpose a monitoring method intended to be implemented in a land vehicle and comprising a thermal engine suitable for providing engine torque, and an automatic temporary stop function for this thermal engine suitable for triggering a temporary stop of the operation of the latter in the presence of authorization messages from a predefined set of on-board computers.

[0008] This monitoring method is characterized by the fact that it includes a step in which, in the presence of at least one temporary stop prohibition message generated by a computer of the predefined set, a first information representative of this computer, and a second information representative of this prohibition, is recorded in a first memory of the vehicle.

[0009] Thus, during each temporary stop prohibition, information is stored in the vehicle which represents it and who decided it, and which can later be used by a technician from an after-sales service to quickly understand what happened and quickly remedy the problem.

[0010] The monitoring method according to the invention may include other features which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

[0011] - in its stage, in the presence of at least one stop prohibition message temporary generated by a calculator of the predefined set, we can also record in the first memory a third piece of information representing a date of this prohibition in correspondence with the first and second pieces of information;

[0012] - in the presence of the first option, in its stage, in the presence of at least one A temporary stop prohibition message generated by a computer in the predefined set can be stored in a second memory of this computer at least a fourth piece of information representing a cause of this prohibition, as well as possibly a fifth piece of information representing a date of this prohibition.

[0013] The invention also proposes a first computer program product comprising a set of instructions which, when executed by processing means, is suitable for implementing a monitoring method of the type presented above, in a land vehicle and comprising a thermal engine suitable for providing engine torque, and an automatic temporary stop function of this thermal engine suitable for triggering a temporary stop of the operation of the latter in the presence of authorization messages from a predefined set of on-board computers, to monitor the operation of this function.

[0014] The invention also proposes a monitoring device intended to equip a land vehicle and comprising a thermal engine suitable for providing engine torque, and an automatic temporary stop function of this thermal engine suitable for triggering a temporary stop of the operation of the latter in the presence of authorization messages from a predefined set of on-board computers.

[0015] 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 consisting, in the presence of at least one temporary stop prohibition message generated by a computer of the predefined set, of triggering a recording in a first memory of the vehicle of a first information representative of this computer, and of a second information representative of this prohibition.

[0016] The invention also proposes a land vehicle, possibly of the automobile type, comprising:

[0017] - a thermal engine capable of providing a driving torque,

[0018] - an automatic temporary shutdown function for this thermal engine capable of triggering a temporary shutdown of the latter's operation in the presence of authorization messages from a predefined set of onboard computers, and

[0019] - a monitoring device of the type presented above.

[0020] The invention also proposes a method for analyzing information intended to be implemented in an electronic device adapted to communicate with a land vehicle and comprising a thermal engine adapted to provide engine torque, and an automatic temporary shutdown function for this thermal engine adapted to trigger a temporary shutdown of its operation. in the presence of authorization messages from a predefined set of on-board computers.

[0021] This analysis method is characterized by the fact that it includes a step in which, in the event of implementation in the vehicle of a monitoring method of the type presented above and of receipt by this electronic device of a request for analysis of a temporary stopping prohibition, the electronic device is instructed to transmit to the vehicle a request to access the first memory of the vehicle in order to determine whether it stores at least one second piece of information representing a temporary stopping prohibition corresponding to a first piece of information representing a computer of the predefined set, and if so, this first piece of information is retrieved via the electronic device.

[0022] Thus, after coupling the electronic device to the vehicle and launching an automatic temporary stop prohibition diagnostic, the after-sales service technician can determine very quickly whether at least one temporary stop prohibition has taken place and if so, which computer caused it.

[0023] For example, in the analysis process step, in the presence of a first piece of information representing a computer from the predefined set, the second memory of this computer can be accessed in order to determine at least every fourth piece of information representing a cause of the corresponding temporary stop prohibition.

[0024] The invention also proposes a second computer program product comprising a set of instructions which, when executed by processing means, is suitable for implementing an analysis method of the type presented above, in an electronic device suitable for communicating with a land vehicle and comprising a thermal engine suitable for providing engine torque, and an automatic temporary stop function of this thermal engine suitable for triggering a temporary stop of the operation of the latter in the presence of authorization messages from a predefined set of on-board computers, to analyze information representative of automatic temporary stop prohibitions and stored in the vehicle.

[0025] The invention also proposes an analysis device intended to equip an electronic device suitable for communicating with a land vehicle and comprising a thermal engine suitable for providing engine torque, and an automatic temporary stop function of this thermal engine suitable for triggering a temporary stop of the operation of the latter in the presence of authorization messages from a predefined set of on-board computers.

[0026] This analysis device is characterized in that it comprises at least one processor and at least one memory arranged to perform the operations consisting of, In the presence of a request to analyze a temporary stop restriction, the electronic device triggers the transmission to the vehicle of a request to access the vehicle's first memory in order to determine if it stores at least one second piece of information representing a temporary stop restriction corresponding to a first piece of information representing a computer from the predefined set, and if so, to retrieve this first piece of information via the electronic device. Brief description of the figures

[0027] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from an examination of the detailed description below, and the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] [Fig. 1] schematically and functionally illustrates an example of an embodiment of a land vehicle, comprising a monitoring device according to the invention, an automatic temporary stop function, and a transmission chain with automated gearbox and hybrid powertrain and associated with a supervisory computer, and to which is connected an electronic diagnostic device comprising a computer including an analysis device according to the invention,

[0029] [Fig.2] schematically and functionally illustrates an example of an embodiment of a supervisory computer comprising an example of an embodiment of a monitoring device according to the invention,

[0030] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates an example of an algorithm implementing a monitoring method according to the invention,

[0031] [Fig.4] schematically and functionally illustrates an example of an embodiment of an electronic diagnostic device calculator comprising an example of an analysis device according to the invention, and

[0032] [Fig.5] schematically illustrates another example of an algorithm implementing an analysis method according to the invention. Detailed description of the invention

[0033] The invention aims in particular to provide, on the one hand, a monitoring method, and an associated DS monitoring device, intended to enable, within a land vehicle V with a powertrain (or PWM) with a thermal engine MMT and an automatic temporary stop function FAT of this thermal engine MMT, the monitoring of this (automatic temporary) stop function FAT, and, on the other hand, an analysis method, and an associated DA analysis device, intended to enable an analysis of information representative of automatic temporary stop prohibitions and stored in this vehicle V.

[0034] In what follows, the land vehicle V is considered, by way of non-limiting example, to be of the automobile type. For example, it is a car, as illustrated in [Fig. 1]. But the invention is not limited to this type of land vehicle. It applies to all types of land vehicles with a powertrain comprising at least one internal combustion engine (ICE) and an automatic temporary stop (ATS) function. Thus, it applies to commercial vehicles, motorhomes, minibuses, coaches, trucks, motorcycles, road maintenance vehicles, construction equipment, agricultural vehicles, recreational vehicles (snowmobiles, go-karts), tracked vehicles, trains and trams, for example.

[0035] Furthermore, in what follows, by way of non-limiting example, the (land) vehicle V is considered to comprise a hybrid-type powertrain (or PWM) (and therefore whose propulsion is provided by at least one electric drive unit (EDU) and at least one internal combustion engine (ICEU). However, the PWM could be purely internal combustion (and in this case, propulsion is provided exclusively by at least one internal combustion engine).

[0036] Furthermore, in what follows, by way of non-limiting example, it is assumed that the electric drive unit (MME) of the powertrain (here hybrid) is associated with at least one rechargeable (or non-rechargeable) BP battery, referred to as the main (or traction or power) battery. However, it could also be associated with a fuel cell (for example, a hydrogen fuel cell).

[0037] In addition, the transmission chain could also allow a four-wheel drive (or 4x4) or 4x2 mode.

[0038] A (land) vehicle V comprising an automatic (temporary) stopping function FAT, a transmission chain with GMP (here hybrid (thermal and electric)) and automated gearbox BV, a CS supervision computer, a BS service battery, a BP main (or traction or power) battery (here rechargeable), a CV converter, and a DS monitoring device according to the invention, is schematically represented in [Fig.1].

[0039] The auxiliary battery BS is responsible for supplying electrical power to an on-board electrical system of the vehicle V, supplementing that supplied by the CV converter, which is powered by the main battery BP via a main electrical circuit, and sometimes replacing this CV converter. For example, this auxiliary battery BS may be configured as a very low voltage battery (typically 12 V or 24 V). It is (here) rechargeable at least by the CV converter. In the following, for the sake of non-limiting example, the auxiliary battery BS is considered to be a 12 V lead-acid battery.

[0040] The on-board network is an electrical power supply network to which electrical (or electronic) equipment (or components) that consume electrical energy are coupled.

[0041] The main electrical circuit (or “high voltage” or “power” circuit) is connected, on the one hand, to the main battery BP via an interface device, and, on the other hand, to electronic equipment, such as the CV converter and the electric motive machine MME. It can also optionally allow the main battery BP to be recharged by an external power source temporarily coupled to the vehicle V.

[0042] As illustrated in [Fig.1], the transmission chain also includes, here, a drive shaft AM, a first coupling device DC1, a second coupling device DC2, and a transmission shaft AT.

[0043] The operation of the transmission chain (and therefore of the GMP) is supervised by a CS supervision computer.

[0044] The MMT thermal engine comprises a crankshaft (not shown) which is fixedly attached to the drive shaft AM in order to drive the latter (AM) in rotation or to be driven in rotation by this drive shaft AM. This MMT thermal engine is designed to operate according to a first regime rl to provide, here for the drive wheels of the vehicle V, a first engine torque cml which is defined by a thermal torque setpoint, for example determined by the supervisory computer CS.

[0045] The operation of the MMT thermal engine is controlled by a CMT thermal engine computer and supervised by the CS supervisory computer. It should be noted that the thermal engine computer and the CS supervisory computer could be part of the same "supercomputer".

[0046] Furthermore, the thermal power machine MMT is suitable for being coupled to a primary shaft called the main shaft APP of the gearbox BV, via at least the first coupling device DC1. The latter (DC1) is suitable for delivering a torque from the first engine torque cml, in particular (here) for at least one set Tl of driving wheels, when it is at least partially closed (or passing) and therefore when it couples the thermal power machine MMT to the gearbox BV (and more precisely to a clutch Ej associated with a primary (secondary) shaft APSj of the latter (BV)).

[0047] This first DC1 coupling device can be either totally closed (or totally conducting), or totally open (or totally non-conducting), or partially closed (or partially conducting).

[0048] For example, the first coupling device DC1 could be a hydraulic circuit clutch. But it could be of another type.

[0049] Also, for example, the Tl axle can be located in the front PVV section of the vehicle V. It is preferably, and as illustrated, coupled to the AT driveshaft via a DI differential (here, the front one). But in a variant, this Tl axle could be the one referenced as T2, which is located in the rear PRV section of the vehicle V.

[0050] It should be noted that in the example illustrated, but not limited to, in [Fig. 1], the crankshaft of the MMT thermal engine is also coupled to a belt, itself coupled to a starter-alternator AD, which is powered by the auxiliary battery BS (and can also recharge the latter (BS)). Thus, the starter-alternator AD can supply torque to the belt, which in turn supplies this torque to the crankshaft to start the internal combustion engine MMT. The internal combustion engine MMT can also be started by the electric engine MME when the first coupling device DC1 is at least partially closed.

[0051] In one variant, the AD alternator-starter can be powered by the main battery BP.

[0052] The electric drive machine MME is capable, when supplied with electrical energy by the main battery BP, of operating according to a second regime r2 to provide a second motor torque cm2 defined by an electrical torque setpoint (for example determined by the supervisory computer CS), here for drive wheels of the vehicle V.

[0053] Furthermore, the electric drive machine MME is coupled, downstream of the first coupling device DC1, by the second coupling device DC2, to the main primary shaft APP of the gearbox BV to supply it with the second motor torque cm2 that it produces. The electric drive machine MME thus supplies the second motor torque cm2 that it produces for the train T1 and / or for the internal combustion engine MMT.

[0054] It should be noted that the electric drive unit MME can also optionally be arranged to recover a torque defined by a setpoint from the vehicle V, for example during a regenerative braking phase, and in this case, this recovered torque can be used to recharge the main battery BP associated with the electric drive unit MME. However, recovery can also be performed on a portion of the initial engine torque cml supplied by the internal combustion engine MMT.

[0055] The operation of the electric motor machine MME is controlled by an electric machine computer CME, and supervised by the supervisory computer CS.

[0056] The second coupling device DC2 can, for example, include a cascade of gears connecting the electric drive machine MME to the input of the gearbox BV (downstream of the first coupling device DC1).

[0057] It will be understood that when the first coupling device DC1 is at least partially closed, the internal combustion engine MMT is running (and therefore provides a first motor torque cm1), and the gearbox BV is coupled to the transmission shaft AT, the first coupling device DC1 delivers a torque which is added to any second motor torque cm2 supplied, upstream of the gearbox BV, by the electric motor MME when it is supplied with electrical energy (here) by the main battery BP. When the When the first coupling device DC1 is fully open, only the electric power unit MME can provide a second motor torque cm2 upstream of the gearbox BV during purely electric running. When the first coupling device DC1 is at least partially closed, the internal combustion engine MMT is not running, and the gearbox BV is disengaged from the drive shaft AT, the electric power unit MME, when supplied with electrical energy (here) by the main battery BP, can provide a second motor torque cm2 that can drive the internal combustion engine MMT via the first coupling device DC1.

[0058] For example, the main (or traction or power) battery BP can be of the cellular type. In this case, it comprises electrical energy storage cells, possibly electrochemical (such as lithium-ion (or Li-ion) or Ni-MH or Ni-Cd cells). Also, for example, this main battery BP can be of the 450 V type. However, this is not mandatory. It could alternatively be of the 48 V, 600 V, or 800 V type, for example.

[0059] As indicated above, the gearbox BV includes at least one primary shaft (here called secondary) APSj which is associated with at least one clutch Ej suitable for being placed in a state chosen from among an open (or decoupled) state, a closed (or coupled) state, and a sliding state.

[0060] In what follows, by way of non-limiting example, the automated gearbox BV is considered to be a dual-clutch (or DCT) gearbox. Consequently, and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 1], the gearbox BV comprises first APS1 (j = 1) and second APS2 (j = 2) primary shafts, referred to as secondary shafts, first E1 (j = 1) and second E2 (j = 2) clutches, and first SP1 (j = 1) and second SP2 (j = 2) sub-parts dedicated respectively to first and second subsets of gears (for example, 1, 3, and 5, and 2, 4, 6, and possibly 7). These gears have decreasing ratios respectively (starting from the smallest (1)).

[0061] The first clutches E1 and E2 are connected to the main primary shaft APP and coupled respectively to the first secondary primary shafts APS1 and APS2 in order to transfer to them (when they are in the closed or slipping state) the engine torque they receive from the main primary shaft APP via the powertrain. Thus, when the first clutch E1 is in the closed or slipping state, it causes the first secondary primary shaft APS1 to rotate according to a third operating condition r31, and when the second clutch E2 is in the closed or slipping state, it causes the second secondary primary shaft APS2 to rotate according to a third operating condition r32.

[0062] It should be noted that in an alternative embodiment the gearbox BV could include only one clutch associated with a single primary secondary shaft.

[0063] The operation of the BV gearbox is controlled by a CB gearbox computer, and supervised by the CS supervision computer.

[0064] As illustrated, but not limited to, in [Fig. 1], the vehicle V also includes an automatic temporary stop function (FAT) for the internal combustion engine (ICE), for example, of the stop-start (or STT) type. This automatic temporary stop function (FAT) is responsible for deciding to temporarily stop the ICE when the speed of the vehicle V falls below a threshold while the braking system is activated or while the automated transmission (AT) is in Neutral or Park. Furthermore, this FAT function is responsible for deciding when to end the temporary stop of the ICE (and thus restart the ICE) when the braking system is no longer activated or when the automated transmission (AT) is in a driving position (forward or reverse).It is further recalled that when the FAT stop function wishes to temporarily stop the MMT internal combustion engine, it must first inform a predefined set of computers which are permanently installed in the vehicle V, and that it is only on the condition that all the computers in this predefined set have transmitted authorization messages to the computer controlling the FAT stop function that the latter (FAT) triggers the temporary stop of the MMT internal combustion engine.

[0065] In what follows, it is assumed that the FAT stop function is installed (and therefore "runs") in the CS supervisory control unit. The latter (CS) thus controls the FAT stop function. However, this is not mandatory. Indeed, the FAT stop function could be part of a dedicated control unit, which can then be coupled to the CS supervisory control unit, or it could be part of another control unit installed in the vehicle V and performing at least one other function, for example.

[0066] The predefined assembly includes at least the CS supervisory computer, the CMT thermal machine computer, the CC central computer which supervises the respective operations of all the other computers on board the vehicle V, and the CSF computer which controls the braking system of the vehicle V, as well as possibly the CB gearbox computer (when the BV gearbox is automated) and the CDA computer which controls the optional power steering of the vehicle V. It should be noted that the list of on-board computers in the predefined assembly, mentioned above, is not exhaustive, and therefore it may include other on-board computers in addition to or instead of them.

[0067] As mentioned above, the invention proposes in particular a monitoring method intended to enable monitoring of the (automatic temporary) FAT stop function.

[0068] 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 first MD1 memory. This DS monitoring device can therefore be implemented as a combination of electrical or electronic circuits or components (or "hardware") and software modules (or "software"). For example, it could be a microcontroller.

[0069] The MD1 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.

[0070] In the example illustrated, but not limited to, in Figures 1 and 2, the DS monitoring device is part of the CS supervisory computer. However, this is not mandatory. Indeed, the DS monitoring device could comprise its own dedicated computer, which could then be coupled to the CS supervisory computer, or it could be part of another computer embedded in the vehicle V and performing at least one other function, for example.

[0071] As illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.3], the monitoring method, according to the invention, includes a step 10-30 which is implemented when the FAT stop function has been activated and the latter FAT has just decided to temporarily stop the MMT thermal engine (and therefore has just asked (or requested) permission to carry out this temporary stop from each of the on-board computers of the predefined set).

[0072] Step 10-30 of the monitoring method includes a substep 20 in which, in the presence of at least one temporary stop prohibition message generated by a computer of the predefined set, a first information il which is representative of this computer, and a second information i2 which is representative of this prohibition, are recorded (for example the DS monitoring device triggers the recording) in a first memory of the vehicle V.

[0073] For example, the first piece of information it may be an identifier of the computer that prohibited the requested temporary stop.

[0074] Also, for example, the second piece of information i2 can be an identifier dedicated to temporary stop prohibitions.

[0075] Thanks to this storage of at least the first and second information in a first memory of vehicle V during each temporary stop prohibition, a service technician can now very quickly determine, by connecting vehicle V to an electronic diagnostic device (which will be discussed later), whether vehicle V has been subject to a temporary stop prohibition and, if so, which control unit generated this temporary stop prohibition. This significantly reduces the time required to understand the problem and determine the solution to remedy it, and therefore reduces the cost for the manufacturer of vehicle V when it is still under warranty, or for the driver when vehicle V is no longer under warranty.

[0076] Also, for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 3], step 10-30 of the monitoring process may include a substep 10 in which, after the FAT shutdown function has requested (or required) authorization to perform a temporary shutdown (here via the CS supervisory computer), the system (for example, the DS monitoring device) waits for responses from the computers in the predefined set for a chosen duration. If, during this chosen duration, all the computers in the predefined set transmit an authorization message, then the monitoring process ends in a substep 30. Conversely, if, during the chosen duration, at least one of the computers in the predefined set transmits a prohibition message or has not transmitted an authorization or prohibition message, then substep 20 is performed.

[0077] Also, for example, the first memory can be a dedicated memory of the DS monitoring device, or a MEM1 memory of the control unit comprising the DS monitoring device (here the CS supervisory control unit), or even a memory of the vehicle V storing the fault log. In what follows, the first memory is considered to be the MEM1 memory of the CS supervisory control unit.

[0078] Also, for example, in substep 20 of step 10-30, in the presence of at least one temporary shutdown prohibition message generated by a computer in the predefined set, a third piece of information i3 can also be recorded (for example, the DS monitoring device can also trigger the recording) in the first memory MEM1. This third piece of information i3 represents the date on which the prohibition occurred, corresponding to the first i1 and second i2 pieces of information concerned. The advantage of storing a third piece of information i3 (the date) will be understood from reading the option described later.

[0079] It should be noted that it might be possible, however, not to store a third piece of information i3, and in this case, it is possible, for example, to retain only the first i1 and second i2 pieces of information from the last stopping prohibition, the latter being subsequently replaced (or "crushed") by the first and second information from the following stop prohibition.

[0080] Also for example, in substep 20 of step 10-30, in the presence of at least one temporary stop prohibition message generated by a computer of the predefined set, it is also possible to record (for example the DS monitoring device can also trigger the recording) in a second memory of this computer at least one fourth piece of information i4 which is representative of a cause of this prohibition, as well as possibly one fifth piece of information i5 which is representative of the date of this prohibition.

[0081] Thanks to this storage of the fourth i4 and possible fifth i5 information in a first memory of vehicle V during each temporary shutdown prohibition, the after-sales service technician can now, once they know which control unit prohibited the shutdown (first information il), access the second memory of that unit to search for the fourth information i4 whose possible associated date (fifth information i5) is identical to the possible third information i3 stored corresponding to this first information il. Thus, knowing the (each) cause of a shutdown prohibition, they can understand the problem even more quickly and determine the solution to remedy it even more quickly. This further reduces the cost for the manufacturer of vehicle V when it is still under warranty, or for the driver when vehicle V is no longer under warranty.

[0082] Also, for example, each fourth piece of information i4 can be an identifier dedicated to a cause of a stop prohibition.

[0083] It should also be noted, as illustrated but not limited to [Fig. 2], that the CS supervisory computer (or the DS monitoring device computer) may also include a mass memory MEM1 (here the first memory), in particular for storing the first and second i2 information and any third i3 information, as well as any intermediate data involved in all its calculations and processing. Furthermore, this CS supervisory computer (or the DS monitoring device computer) may also include an IE1 input interface for receiving stop authorization messages, stop prohibition messages, the first and second i2 information and any third i3 information for use in calculations or processing, possibly after having been shaped and / or demodulated and / or amplified, in a manner known per se, by means of a PR2 digital signal processor.In addition, this CS supervisory computer (or the DS monitoring device computer) may also include an IS1 output interface, notably for . deliver each message (or request) intended to ask a computer in the predefined set for permission to perform a temporary shutdown.

[0084] It should also be noted that the invention also proposes a first 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 in the vehicle V the monitoring method described above to monitor the operation of the (automatic temporary) stop function FAT.

[0085] As mentioned above, the invention also proposes in particular an analysis method intended to allow the analysis of the first i1 and second i2 information and the possible third i3, fourth i4 and fifth i5 information which are representative of the automatic temporary stopping prohibitions and stored in the vehicle V.

[0086] This analysis method can be implemented at least partially by the DA analysis device (illustrated at least partially in Figures 1 and 4), which comprises for this purpose at least one PR3 processor, for example a digital signal processor (or DSP), and at least one MD3 memory. This DA analysis device can therefore be implemented as a combination of electrical or electronic circuits or components (or hardware) and software modules. For example, it could be a microcontroller.

[0087] The MD3 memory is random access memory (RAM) to store instructions for the PR3 processor to implement at least part of the monitoring process. The PR3 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.

[0088] In the example illustrated, but not limited to, in Figures 1 and 4, the DA analysis device is part of a CAE computer within the aforementioned AE electronic device, which is designed to communicate with the vehicle V. However, this is not mandatory. Indeed, the DA analysis device could comprise its own dedicated computer, which is then installed within the AE electronic device.

[0089] For example, this electronic device AE can be a diagnostic device responsible for performing multiple diagnostics on the vehicle's on-board computers V, once it has been coupled to the latter (V), for example, and as illustrated without limitation in [Fig. 1], by connection to a dedicated computer connector CN, on-board and itself generally connected to the central computer CC. For example, this dedicated computer connector CN can be what those skilled in the art call the "diagnostic port".

[0090] This electronic device AE includes, in addition to its computer CAE, a screen, possibly touch-sensitive, and a human-machine interface allowing a technician to select diagnostics (including the automatic temporary shutdown prevention diagnostic by analyzing the first i1 and second i2 data points and any third i3, fourth i4 and fifth i5 data points) to be performed in the vehicle V, the results of which are displayed on the screen. For example, it could be an electronic tablet.

[0091] As illustrated, but not limited to, in [Fig. 5], the analysis method according to the invention comprises a step 100-140 which is implemented each time the vehicle V is to be searched for information representative of at least one automatic temporary stop prohibition. It is important to note that the analysis method can only be implemented if the monitoring method described above has been previously implemented in the vehicle V.

[0092] Step 100-140 of the analysis process first includes a substep 100 in which one (for example the analysis device DA) is informed that the electronic device AE has just received a request for analysis of temporary stop prohibition(s).

[0093] Step 100-140 of the analysis process then includes a substep 110 in which the electronic device AE is instructed to transmit (for example, the analysis device DA triggers the transmission by the electronic device AE) to the vehicle V a request to access the first memory (here MEM1) of the vehicle V in order to determine whether it stores at least one second information i2 representing a temporary stopping prohibition corresponding to a first information il representing a computer of the predefined set.

[0094] For example, this access request may be intended for the CS supervisory computer, which here includes the first memory MEM1. But it could also be intended for another computer in the vehicle V specifically designed to access the first memory, such as the CC central computer.

[0095] It will be understood that if (here) the CS supervisory computer allows the requested access, then the DA analysis device can search in the first memory MEM1 if it stores first (il) and second (i2) information.

[0096] In the presence of first il and second i2 information stored in the first memory MEM1 (and therefore in the affirmative), step 100-140 of the analysis process also includes a substep 120 in which one (for example the analysis device DA) retrieves this first information il via the electronic device AE.

[0097] On the other hand, in the absence of first il and second i2 information stored in the first memory MEM1 (and therefore in the negative), step 100-140 of the analysis process ends in a substep 140.

[0098] Thus, and as indicated above, after coupling the electronic device AE to the vehicle V (here to its dedicated computer connector CN) and launching (after selection) the automatic temporary stop prohibition diagnostic, the technician of an after-sales service can determine very quickly whether at least one temporary stop prohibition (possibly only the very last one) has taken place and if so which computer caused it.

[0099] For example, and as illustrated, but not limited to, in [Fig. 5], step 100-140 may also include a substep 130 in which, when a first piece of information il representing a computer in the predefined set has been retrieved, one (for example, the analysis device DA) can access the second memory of that computer in order to determine at least every fourth piece of information i4 that is representative of a cause of the corresponding temporary shutdown prohibition. It will be understood that once one computer that prohibited the shutdown is known (first piece of information il), one can easily access the second memory of that computer in order to search for at least the fourth piece of information i4, possibly stored corresponding to a date (fifth piece of information i5) identical to the possible third piece of information i3 stored corresponding to that first piece of information il.This results in an even greater reduction in the cost of diagnosis and repair for the vehicle manufacturer or the driver.

[0100] It should be noted that this option can only be implemented if the monitoring process described above has been previously implemented in vehicle V and ensures the storage of third i3, fourth i4 and fifth i5 information or only fourth i4 information when only the first i1 and second i2 information of the last stop prohibition are stored.

[0101] It will also be noted that when several (at least two) calculators of the predefined set are represented by first information il, it is possible to access successively the second memories of these calculators in order to successively retrieve their respective fourth information i4.

[0102] It should also be noted that when only a second piece of information i2 is stored in the first memory MEM1, and therefore no corresponding first piece of information il, this means that the problem (of preventing the engine from stopping) is mechanical in origin and not related to a malfunction (possibly software-related) of a control unit or equipment controlled by that control unit. For example, the problem could originate from a metering valve or a motorized throttle.

[0103] It should also be noted that a part (preferably software) of the DA analysis device can be implemented in the CS supervision computer or more generally in the computer allowing access to the first and second memories.

[0104] It will also be noted, as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.4], that the CAE computer of the electronic device AE (or the computer of the analysis device DA) may also include a mass memory MEM2, in particular to store the first i1 and fourth i4 retrieved information and the corresponding possible third i3 and fifth i5 retrieved information, as well as possible intermediate data involved in all its calculations and processing.Furthermore, this CAE computer of the AE electronic device (or the computer of the DA analysis device) may also include an IE2 input interface to receive each request for analysis of temporary shutdown prohibition(s), each possible supplementary request provided by a technician, the first 11th and fourth 14th information retrieved, and any corresponding third 3rd and fifth 5th information retrieved, for use in calculations or processing, possibly after formatting and / or demodulating and / or amplifying them, in a manner known per se, by means of a PR4 digital signal processor. In addition, this CAE computer of the AE electronic device (or the computer of the DA analysis device) may also include an IS2 output interface, notably for delivering each message (or command) for transmitting an access request.

[0105] It will also be noted that the invention also proposes a second product computer program (or computer program) comprising a set of instructions which, when executed by processing means of the type electronic circuits (or hardware), such as for example the PR3 processor, is suitable for implementing in vehicle V the analysis process described above to analyze the information representing automatic temporary stopping prohibitions and stored in vehicle V.

Claims

Demands

1. A monitoring method for a land vehicle (V) comprising a thermal power unit (CMU) suitable for providing engine torque, and an automatic temporary shutdown function of said thermal power unit (CMU) suitable for triggering a temporary shutdown of the operation of the latter (CMU) in the presence of authorization messages from a predefined set of on-board computers (CS, CMU, CB, CC, CDA, CSF), characterized in that it comprises a step (10-30) in which, in the presence of at least one prohibition message of said temporary shutdown generated by a computer of said predefined set, a first information representative of this computer, and a second information representative of this prohibition, are recorded in a first memory of said vehicle (V).

2. A monitoring method according to claim 1, characterized in that in said step (10-30), in the presence of a prohibition message for said temporary stop generated by a computer for said predefined set, a third piece of information representing a date of this prohibition is also recorded in said first memory in correspondence with said first and second pieces of information.

3. A monitoring method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in said step (10-30), in the presence of a prohibition message for said temporary stop generated by a computer of said predefined set, at least a fourth piece of information representing a cause of this prohibition is recorded in a second memory of this computer.

4. Product computer program comprising an instruction set which, when executed by processing means, is suitable for implementing the monitoring method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in a land vehicle (V) and comprising a thermal power unit (TMU) suitable for providing engine torque, and an automatic temporary shutdown function for said thermal power unit (TMU) suitable for triggering a temporary shutdown of the latter's operation (TMU) in the presence of authorization messages from a predefined set of embedded computers (CS, CME, CB, CC, CDA, CSF) to monitor the operation of said function.

5. A monitoring device (DS) for a land vehicle (V) comprising a thermal power unit (CMU) suitable for providing engine torque, and an automatic temporary shutdown function for said thermal power unit (CMU) suitable for triggering a temporary shutdown of the operation of the latter (CMU) in the presence of authorization messages from a predefined set of on-board computers (CS, CMU, CB, CC, CDA, CSF), characterized in that it comprises at least one processor (PR1) and at least one memory (MD1) arranged to perform the operations consisting, in the presence of at least one prohibition message for said temporary shutdown generated by a computer from said predefined set, of triggering a recording in a first memory of said vehicle (V) of a first piece of information representative of this computer, and a second piece of information representative of this prohibition.

6. Land vehicle (V) comprising a thermal power unit (TMU) suitable for providing engine torque, and an automatic temporary shutdown function of said thermal power unit (TMU) suitable for triggering a temporary shutdown of the operation of the latter (TMU) in the presence of authorization messages from a predefined set of on-board computers (CS, CME, CB, CC, CDA, CSF), characterized in that it further comprises a monitoring device (DS) according to claim 5.

7. A method for analyzing information for an electronic device (ED) adapted to communicate with a land vehicle (V) and comprising a thermal power unit (TMU) adapted to provide engine torque, and an automatic temporary shutdown function for said thermal power unit (TMU) adapted to trigger a temporary shutdown of the latter's operation (TMU) in the presence of authorization messages from a predefined set of on-board computers (CS, CMT, CB, CC, CDA, CSF), characterized in that it comprises a step (100-140) in which, if a monitoring method according to any one of claims 1 to 3 is implemented in said vehicle (V), and said electronic device (ED) receives a request to analyze the prohibition of said temporary shutdown, said electronic device (ED) is instructed to transmit to said vehicle (V) a request for access to said first memory of the vehicle (V) in order to determine if it stores at least one second piece of information representing a temporary stopping prohibition corresponding to a first piece of information representing a computer of said predefined set, and if so, this first piece of information is retrieved via said electronic device (AE).

8. Analysis method according to claim 7, characterized in that in said step (100-140), in the presence of a first piece of information representative of a computer of said predefined set, said second memory of this computer is accessed in order to determine at least every fourth piece of information representative of a cause of the corresponding temporary stop prohibition.

9. Product computer program comprising an instruction set which, when executed by processing means, is suitable for implementing the analysis method according to claim 7 or 8, in an electronic device (AE) suitable for communicating with a land vehicle (V) and comprising a thermal engine (MIE) suitable for providing engine torque, and an automatic temporary shutdown function of said thermal engine (MIE) suitable for triggering a temporary shutdown of the operation of the latter (MIE) in the presence of authorization messages from a predefined set of on-board computers (CS, MIE, CB, CC, CDA, CSF), to analyze information representative of automatic temporary shutdown prohibitions and stored in said vehicle (V).

10. An analysis device (AD) for an electronic device (ED) adapted to communicate with a land vehicle (V) and comprising a thermal power unit (TMU) adapted to provide engine torque, and an automatic temporary shutdown function for said thermal power unit (TMU) adapted to trigger a temporary shutdown of the latter's operation (TMU) in the presence of authorization messages from a predefined set of on-board computers (CS, CMT, CB, CC, CDA, CSF), characterized in that it comprises at least one processor (PR3) and at least one memory (MD2) arranged to perform the operations consisting, in the presence of a request to analyze and prohibit said temporary shutdown, of triggering the transmission by said electronic device (ED) to said vehicle (V) of a request to access said first memory of the vehicle (V) in order to determine if it stores at least one second piece of information representing a temporary stopping prohibition corresponding to a first piece of information representing a computer of said predefined set, and if so, to retrieve this first piece of information via said electronic device (AE).

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