Method and system for measuring the distance traveled by a hybrid autonomous vehicle

Abstract

A method for measuring distance traveled by a hybrid motor vehicle, comprising incrementing a first odometer by a distance traveled value only when an internal combustion engine of the vehicle is operating, and / or incrementing a second odometer by the distance traveled value only when at least one electric motor of the vehicle is delivering non-zero torque.

Description

[Overview of the Initiative]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and system for measuring the distance traveled by a hybrid automatic vehicle, particularly a hybrid electric vehicle or a plug-in charging hybrid electric vehicle. The present invention also relates to a method for monitoring a hybrid automatic vehicle. The present invention further relates to a vehicle equipped with a measurement system.

[0002] Traditionally, autonomous vehicles, whether combustion-based, hybrid, or electric, are equipped with a system, also known as an odometer, to measure the total distance traveled by the vehicle, particularly the distance traveled in the forward direction, from the time the vehicle starts moving.

[0003] Currently, vehicle maintenance costs, manufacturer warranties, and even the market resale value of used vehicles can be determined based on the total value shown by such measurement systems. However, such a principle of measuring total distance traveled is not suitable for hybrid vehicles.

[0004] With the increasing number of hybrid vehicles, measurement methods and systems need to be adapted to better represent the wear and tear on various components of the vehicle.

[0005] This invention is described within the scope of this context and aims to address the aforementioned disadvantages. In other words, the invention aims to optimize various vehicle maintenance tasks, vehicle warranties, or even the estimation of the market value of a vehicle at the time of resale, by proposing measurement systems and measurement methods that implement various odometers that better represent the actual use of the vehicle and, consequently, the wear and tear of the vehicle.

[0006] The present invention is a method for measuring the distance traveled by a hybrid automatic vehicle, - A step of measuring the distance traveled by the vehicle using a measuring means, - The step of transmitting the measured travel distance value to the processing unit, - A step of incrementing a first travel distance meter by a travel distance value, which is only performed when at least one internal combustion engine of the vehicle is operating, and a step of incrementing at least one second travel distance meter by a travel distance value, which is only performed when at least one electric motor of the vehicle is transmitting non-zero torque.

[0007] In particular, the step of incrementing the first travel distance meter can only be performed when the internal combustion engine of the vehicle is coupled to the transmission of the vehicle.

[0008] The measurement method - When the internal combustion engine of the vehicle is disconnected from the transmission of the vehicle, and - At the same time, when the electric motor of the vehicle is transmitting zero torque It can include a step of incrementing a third travel distance meter by a travel distance value that is only performed at this time.

[0009] Optionally, the measurement method - A duplicate step of incrementing the first travel distance meter, which is performed immediately after the above incrementing step, and the first alternative travel distance meter is incremented by a travel distance value weighted by a duty cycle determined according to the maximum torque or maximum power that the internal combustion engine can transmit. - A duplicate step of incrementing the second travel distance meter, which is performed immediately after the above incrementing step, and the second alternative travel distance meter is incremented by a travel distance value weighted by a duty cycle determined according to the maximum torque or maximum power that at least one electric motor can transmit. It can include.

[0010] The present invention also relates to a method for monitoring a hybrid vehicle, the monitoring method comprising the steps of: performing a measurement method as disclosed above; detecting whether the first travel distance meter and / or the second travel distance meter exceeds at least one predetermined threshold distance; and issuing a visual and / or auditory and / or tactile warning message indicating that the above threshold has been exceeded.

[0011] The present invention further relates to a system for measuring the distance traveled by a hybrid vehicle, the system comprising hardware elements and / or software elements for implementing the measurement method and / or the monitoring method as described above.

[0012] In particular, the measurement system comprises at least one processing unit and at least one means for measuring the moving distance of the vehicle capable of transmitting a signal corresponding to the value of the moving distance towards at least one processing unit, - a first travel distance meter configured to increment only the travel distance value when the internal combustion engine of the vehicle is operating; - at least one second travel distance meter configured to increment only the travel distance value when at least one electric motor of the vehicle is transmitting non-zero torque; and may include.

[0013] In particular, the first travel distance meter can be configured to increment only when the internal combustion engine of the vehicle is coupled to the transmission of the vehicle.

[0014] Furthermore, the measurement system may comprise a display unit for displaying the first distance traveled by the vehicle specific to the first travel distance meter and / or the second distance traveled by the vehicle specific to the second travel distance meter.

[0015] Optionally, the measurement system - the internal combustion engine of the vehicle is disengaged from the transmission of the above vehicle, and - the electric motor of the vehicle is transmitting zero torque A third odometer may be further provided, configured to increment only the distance traveled at any given time.

[0016] As an option, the measurement system is - A first alternative odometer configured to increment only when the first odometer is incremented, by a distance traveled value weighted by a duty cycle determined according to the maximum torque or maximum power that the internal combustion engine can transmit, - A second alternative odometer configured to increment only when the second odometer is incremented, by a distance traveled value weighted by a duty cycle determined according to the maximum torque or power that at least one electric motor can transmit, It can provide even more.

[0017] The present invention relates to equipment for monitoring a hybrid automatic vehicle, including means necessary for carrying out a monitoring method, and may in particular extend to equipment comprising a system for measuring distance traveled, a data storage unit, and a warning module configured to emit a visual and / or auditory and / or tactile warning message when a first odometer and / or a second odometer exceeds at least a predetermined threshold distance stored in the storage unit and / or derived from a database.

[0018] In particular, in such equipment, at least one defined threshold distance is specific to at least one component of the vehicle such that the warning message includes instructions for at least one of the relevant components.

[0019] The present invention also relates to a hybrid automatic vehicle comprising an internal combustion engine, at least one electric motor, and a transmission, further comprising a system for measuring the distance traveled by the vehicle according to the present invention.

[0020] In particular, the vehicle is configured such that the measuring system, especially the processing unit, can control and detect the torque of the internal combustion engine and the torque of the electric motor on the transmission in order to increment at least one odometer by the vehicle's travel distance.

[0021] The present invention may also relate to a computer program product, wherein one or more of the above programs include program code instructions recorded on a computer-readable medium for performing steps of a measurement method and / or monitoring method when the above programs are running on a computer program product that is downloadable from a computer or a communication network and / or recordable on a computer-readable data medium and / or executable by a computer, and the program includes instructions to cause the above computer to perform the measurement method and / or monitoring method when the program is executed by the computer.

[0022] The present invention may also relate to a computer-readable data recording medium on which a computer program comprising program code instructions for performing a measurement method and / or monitoring method is recorded, or a computer-readable recording medium comprising instructions that cause the computer to perform the measurement method and / or monitoring method when executed by the computer.

[0023] Finally, the present invention may extend to signals in data media that transmit computer program products as described above.

[0024] Further details, features, and benefits will become clearer by reading the following detailed description, which is provided by non-limiting instructions with respect to the various embodiments shown in the following figures. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0025] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of a hybrid automatic vehicle according to one embodiment. [Figure 2]This is a schematic diagram of a method for measuring the distance traveled by a vehicle and a method for monitoring the vehicle. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram of a hybrid automatic vehicle according to an alternative embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram of a method for measuring the distance traveled by a vehicle, and a method for monitoring a vehicle according to an alternative embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0026] Figure 1 schematically shows one embodiment of a hybrid vehicle 100, in particular a hybrid electric vehicle or a rechargeable hybrid electric vehicle. The vehicle 100 comprises an internal combustion engine 101, at least one electric motor 102, and a transmission 103. Throughout the following description, the vehicle 100 will be equipped with an electric motor 102, but the present invention may extend to vehicles equipped with multiple electric motors 102.

[0027] The vehicle 100 also includes a system 10 for measuring the distance traveled by the vehicle 100, and / or monitoring equipment 20 including such a measuring system 10. The vehicle also includes an electrical energy storage device 104, or, in particular, a battery capable of cooperating with at least one electric motor 102 to supply electrical energy to the electric motor 102.

[0028] Generally, the measurement system 10 according to the present invention comprises at least one means 11 for measuring the distance traveled by a vehicle, for example in kilometers, a processing unit 12, a first odometer 13 and at least one second odometer 14.

[0029] The measuring means 11 is capable of detecting and / or measuring the movement of the vehicle, and the value of the distance traveled d n;n+1It is possible to transmit a signal corresponding to this, in particular to the processing unit 12. The term “movement” should be understood to mean the forward or reverse movement of the vehicle. The measuring means 11 is capable of transmitting a signal representing the distance value of these various movements. For example, the measuring means 11 may include, in particular, an odometer located on the vehicle's chassis. Alternatively or in combination, the measuring means 11 may include at least one sensor capable of detecting and / or measuring the movement of the vehicle in accordance with the movement of the wheels relative to a defined reference system.

[0030] The processing unit 12 comprises at least one computing unit or computer, including hardware and software resources, more specifically, at least one processor or microprocessor that cooperates with memory elements. The at least one computer is capable of executing instructions for implementing a computer program, in particular to perform steps of the method described below. The processing unit 12 is capable of receiving signals from the measuring means 11.

[0031] The processing unit 12 can also detect and / or control the torque of the internal combustion engine 101 and the torque of the electric motor 102 on the transmission 103 in real time. For example, at least one computer of the processing unit 12 may be capable of detecting and controlling the torque of the internal combustion engine 101 and the torque of the electric motor 102, that is, it may be capable of specifying the torque to be applied as required or according to the driving mode implemented by the vehicle. Alternatively, a first computer of the processing unit 12 may control the torque of the internal combustion engine 101 and the torque of the electric motor 102 and send data relating to such control to a second computer. Furthermore, the processing unit 12 may selectively transmit signals to a first odometer 13 and / or a second odometer 14, in particular signals corresponding to the actual distance traveled as measured by the measuring means 11.

[0032] The first odometer 13 measures the distance traveled d only when the internal combustion engine 101 is operating.n;n+1 It is configured to be incremented only. The term "operating" should be understood to mean that the internal combustion engine is powered, i.e., the internal combustion engine 101 is not turned off or shut off. Such a state of the internal combustion engine 101 is particularly detectable by the computer of the processing unit 12. In other words, the first travel distance meter 13 indicates the first distance traveled by the vehicle when the internal combustion engine 101 is operating.

[0033] According to a specific embodiment described hereinafter, the first travel distance meter 13 measures the travel distance value d only when the internal combustion engine 101 is coupled to the vehicle's transmission 103 n;n+1 It is configured to be incremented only. In other words, the internal combustion engine 101 is then operating and coupled to the transmission 103.

[0034] For clarity, D 1;n will hereinafter refer to the value of the first distance at the instant t n . The instant t n can be, for example, before the movement of the vehicle or before the adjustment of the value of the first distance when the value of the first distance is adjusted in real time or at a predetermined regular time interval. D 1;n+1 refers to the value of the first distance obtained at the instant t n+1 after the movement of the vehicle or after the adjustment of the value of the first distance. Such a value D 1;n and D 1;n+1 can be stored, for example, in the storage element of the processing unit 12. Thus, the processing unit 12 detects that the internal combustion engine 101 is coupled to the transmission 103, i.e., that the internal combustion engine 101 is transmitting non-zero torque, and controls the first travel distance meter 13 to be incremented, i.e., the first travel distance meter 13 adds the measured distance value d of the movement completed by the vehicle to the first recorded distance value D n;n+1 to obtain the updated value D 1;n of the first distance. 1;n+1

[0035] Unlike the internal combustion engine 101, the electric motor 102 is always coupled to the transmission. Nevertheless, according to a defined setpoint, the electric motor 102 may have to transmit zero torque, which does not affect the acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle. As a result, when the electric motor 102 transmits zero torque, the resulting motor wear described above is small, or even negligible compared to the wear observed over the life of the vehicle 100, especially when the electric motor 102 transmits non-zero torque. “Non-zero torque” should be understood to mean positive or negative torque. The processing unit 12, in particular, detects the torque and use of the electric motor 102 by the computer, for example, when the electric motor 102 is used to enable acceleration, when the electric motor 102 is acting as a regenerative brake, or when the electric motor 102 is transmitting zero torque, i.e., torque equal to 0 nm as will be disclosed in more detail later.

[0036] According to alternative embodiments not described, a positive torque may be defined as a torque greater than a predetermined threshold corresponding to the maximum torque that the electric motor 102 can transmit, i.e., greater than the sum of 0 Nm and the above threshold, and a negative torque may be defined as a torque less than a predetermined threshold corresponding to the maximum torque that the electric motor can transmit, i.e., less than the value obtained by subtracting the threshold at 0 Nm. In other words, in such alternative embodiments, the electric motor is considered to transmit non-zero torque when this torque is not negligible or when the absolute value of this torque is greater than a predetermined threshold. Conversely, the electric motor is considered to transmit zero torque in all other cases, i.e., when this torque is negligible.

[0037] In this regard, the second odometer 14, therefore, only when the vehicle's electric motor 102 is transmitting non-zero torque, measures the measured distance traveled d. n;n+1 It is configured to increment by only that amount. The second odometer 14 thus indicates a second distance traveled by the vehicle when operating under conditions in which the electric motor 102 is significantly worn.

[0038] In this specification, D 2;n For example, as disclosed above, instantaneous t before the movement of the vehicle or before the adjustment of the second distance value. n This refers to the second distance value in D. 2;n+1 This is the instantaneous t after the movement of the vehicle, or after the adjustment of the second distance value. n+1 This refers to the second distance value obtained in [location]. As before, these values ​​D 2;n and D 2;n+1 This can be stored on the memory element. When the processing unit 12 detects that the electric motor 102 is transmitting non-zero torque, the second odometer 14 is incremented, that is, the measured distance value d of the movement the vehicle has completed. n-n+1 The second recorded distance value D 2;n By adding this, the updated value D of the second distance is added. 2;n+1 Control the process to obtain it.

[0039] When the vehicle 100 includes a plurality of electric motors 102 as disclosed above, the system according to the present invention measures the travel distance value d only when at least one of the electric motors 102 of the vehicle is transmitting a non-zero torque. n;n+1 It should be noted that the measuring system may include a single second odometer 14 configured to increment by only d. Alternatively, the measuring system may include a plurality of second odometers 14, each of which measures the distance traveled d measured only when the electric motor 102 of the measuring system itself, i.e., the electric motor 102 associated with the measuring system, is transmitting a non-zero torque. n-n+1 It is configured to increment by only that amount. Such a principle extends to the measurement method according to the present invention.

[0040] Therefore, the system according to the present invention can favorably control the increment of the first odometer 13 and / or the second odometer 14 depending on the driving mode performed by the vehicle, as will be disclosed in more detail thereafter. As a result, the present invention also makes it possible to take into account types of hybrid automatic vehicles, particularly simple or rechargeable vehicles, and the above modes can be easily changed depending on the type of vehicle.

[0041] The measurement system 10 may further include a display unit 16 for a first odometer 13 and / or a second odometer 14. In a non-limiting manner, such a display unit 16 can indicate the first distance traveled and / or the second distance traveled by being integrated into the vehicle's instrument panel or, even further, into the vehicle's human-machine interface already integrated into the vehicle.

[0042] Optionally, the measurement system 10 according to the present invention measures the total distance D traveled by the vehicle. tot A device 17 for measuring the total distance D may also be provided, in other words, an odometer. tot This can be measured when the vehicle is moving only forward, or alternatively, when the vehicle is moving forward or backward. The measuring device 17 measures the vehicle's travel distance value d n;n+1 It is configured to increment by only a certain amount. Moreover, unlike the first and second odometers, the measuring device 17 does not take into account the torque of the electric motor 102 or the internal combustion engine 101 on the transmission 103, and consequently, the driving mode of the vehicle or the type of vehicle. Such a device corresponds to an odometer that has been conventionally fitted to vehicles, as is known from the prior art, and which will not be described in further detail. In a device that only takes into account the forward movement of the vehicle, the total distance D tot It should be noted that the value is not equal to the sum of the first distance and the second distance, and may even be less than the first distance, i.e., the distance traveled using the internal combustion engine 101 for a non-plug-in electric hybrid vehicle.

[0043] The present invention also relates to a method 1 for measuring the distance traveled by a hybrid automatic vehicle. Such a method may be particularly integrated into a method for operating or using a measurement system 10 as disclosed above, and similarly, the system may be considered a measurement system comprising means necessary to carry out the measurement method 1 according to the present invention.

[0044] The method involves measuring the vehicle's travel distance value d using the measuring means 11, as shown in Figure 2. n;n+1 The process includes step E1 of measuring a value and step E2 of transmitting the measured value to a processing unit 12. Such steps may be performed sequentially, repeatedly, or even at least partially when, for example, the travel distance value is estimated in real time or updated periodically.

[0045] The method further includes a step E3 incrementing the first odometer 13 by the amount of travel, which is performed only when the vehicle's internal combustion engine 101 is coupled to the vehicle's transmission 103, and / or a step E4 incrementing the second odometer 14 by the amount of travel, which is performed only when the vehicle's electric motor 102 is transmitting non-zero torque. In other words, depending on the driving mode being performed, the method may include a step E3 incrementing the first odometer 13 or a step E4 incrementing the second odometer 14, or both of these steps E3 and E4. The method may include an additional, unshown step of displaying the first distance and / or the second distance, respectively, specific to the first odometer and the second odometer 14, by a display unit 16.

[0046] In particular, simple or rechargeable hybrid automatic vehicles have traditionally had all or some of the following operating modes, especially the "electric drive" driving mode with or without the "regenerative braking" mode, and - "Electric acceleration assist" mode, - "Operating Stage Recharge" mode, - Regenerative braking mode It is possible to implement all or some of the various "combustion-driven" modes, such as those mentioned above.

[0047] When a hybrid vehicle operates in the vehicle's "electric drive" mode, acceleration phase, or driving phase, only the electric motor 102 is involved in driving the vehicle. In other words, the internal combustion engine 101 is disconnected from the transmission 103, and the electric motor 102 transmits positive torque, that is, torque greater than 0 Nm. As a result, in the measurement system 10 according to the present invention, the first odometer 13 is not incremented, but the second odometer 14 is incremented by the distance traveled measured by the measuring means 11.

[0048] In particular, with regard to rechargeable hybrid vehicles, when the vehicle is used in "electric drive" mode, a "regenerative braking" mode can be activated, thereby recovering energy and ensuring that the storage device 104 is recharged when the vehicle is braking. When this mode is activated, the internal combustion engine 101 is disconnected from the transmission 103, and may or may not be operating, and the electric motor 102 transmits negative torque, strictly speaking, torque less than 0 Nm. In the specific examples described herein, the first odometer 13 is not incremented at that time, but the second odometer 14 is incremented by the distance traveled.

[0049] Advantageously, when the storage device 104 is fully recharged, the electric motor 102 can be controlled to transmit zero torque, i.e., torque equal to or approximately equal to 0 Nm. As a result, the increment of the second odometer 14 is interrupted as soon as the storage device 104 is charged to its maximum capacity, so there is no need to dissipate any energy due to the Joule effect. Thus, the second odometer 14, based on the zero torque information, takes into account the case when the storage device 104 is already fully charged. In other words, the system according to the present invention also depends on the torque of the electric motor 102, not directly on the storage device 104, and the increment of the second odometer 13 is automatically interrupted. Neither the first odometer 13 nor the second odometer 14 increments at that time. A similar principle applies during the braking phase when the vehicle is performing "electric drive" operation and the "regenerative braking" mode is stopped.

[0050] It should be noted that non-plug-in charging hybrid electric vehicles have less autonomy than plug-in charging hybrid electric vehicles in order to implement such modes. Furthermore, some non-plug-in charging hybrid electric vehicles may not have an "electric drive" mode in the sense that the electric motor 102 cannot operate independently and necessarily requires the simultaneous operation of the internal combustion engine 101, or in other words, the internal combustion engine 101 to be coupled to the transmission 103 to provide driving force.

[0051] When the vehicle is in the acceleration phase and the "electric acceleration assist" mode is activated, driving force is generated by the internal combustion engine 101, which is assisted by the electric motor 102. At that time, the internal combustion engine 101 is coupled to the transmission 103, and when the electric motor 102 transmits positive torque, the processing unit 12 receives information about the torque of the electric motor 102, in particular, from the computer. The first odometer 13 receives the distance traveled value d measured by the measuring means 11 during acceleration. n;n+1 The second odometer 14 is incremented by the same distance value.

[0052] Conversely, if the "electric acceleration assist" mode is stationary during the acceleration phase, the driving force is entirely generated by the internal combustion engine 101. The internal combustion engine 101 is coupled to the transmission 103, and the electric motor 102 transmits zero torque. In such a mode, the first odometer 13 reads the distance traveled d measured by the measuring means 11. n;n+1 It is incremented by only one unit, but not by the second odometer 14.

[0053] During the vehicle's operating phase, the "operating phase recharge" mode can be activated to allow the electrical energy storage device 104 to be recharged via the electric motor 102. While the internal combustion engine 101 is coupled to the transmission 103 to provide driving force for the vehicle, the electric motor 102 transmits negative torque. The first odometer 13 receives the travel distance value d measured by the measuring means 11. n;n+1 The second device is incremented by the same amount. Advantageously, when the storage device 104 is fully recharged, the electric motor 102 can be controlled to transmit zero torque, i.e., torque equal to or approximately equal to 0 Nm. The increment of the second odometer is then automatically stopped.

[0054] Conversely, when this mode is in a stationary state during operation, the vehicle operates in the same manner as described when the "electric acceleration assist" mode is in a stationary state; that is, the internal combustion engine 101 is coupled to the transmission 103 and the electric motor 102 transmits zero torque. Consequently, the first odometer 13 is incremented, but the second is not.

[0055] During the vehicle's braking phase, when the "regenerative braking" mode is activated, the internal combustion engine 101 is coupled to the transmission 103 to provide driving force for the vehicle, while the electric motor 102 transmits negative torque to allow the electrical energy storage device 104 to recharge. The first odometer 13 and the second odometer record the distance traveled d measured during the braking phase. n;n+1 It is incremented by that amount.

[0056] Advantageously, when the storage device 104 is fully recharged, the electric motor 102 is controlled to transmit zero torque. As a result, as described above, the increment of the second odometer 14 is automatically stopped as soon as the storage device 104 is charged to its maximum capacity.

[0057] When the "regenerative braking" mode is stopped, the internal combustion engine 101 is coupled to the transmission 103 and the electric motor 102 transmits zero torque, similar to the stopped state of the "acceleration assist" mode or the "operating stage recharge" mode. The measurement system 10 increments the first odometer 13 but does not increment the second odometer.

[0058] The measurement system 10 according to the present invention thus enables more precise measurement of the distance traveled by a vehicle, taking into account the actual use of the internal combustion engine 101 and the electric motor 102, and indirectly, the operating mode of the vehicle from among those described above.

[0059] In the various modes disclosed above, the system determines the total distance D traveled by the vehicle. tot When a device 17 for measuring is provided, such a device measures, in addition to the first odometer 13 and / or second odometer 14, the distance traveled d when the vehicle moves forward. n;n+1 It can be incremented by that amount.

[0060] In particular, hybrid, simple, or rechargeable autonomous vehicles can also be configured to perform a "freewheel" mode, also called "sailing" or "coasting," in which the internal combustion engine 101 is disconnected from the transmission 103, and at the same time the electric motor 102 transmits zero torque. Such a mode of operation is particularly feasible when the vehicle is going uphill or approaching a traffic light.

[0061] To more accurately evaluate vehicle usage, the measurement system 10 also optionally measures the travel distance value d only when the vehicle's internal combustion engine 101 is disconnected from the transmission 103 and the vehicle's electric motor 102 is simultaneously transmitting zero torque. n;n+1 A third odometer 18 may be provided, configured to increment the third distance D3 traveled by the vehicle. It should be understood that by implementing such a principle while the vehicle is moving forward, the measuring means 11 can determine the non-zero distance traveled by the vehicle. Such a principle can, in particular, allow manufacturers to better understand how their vehicles are used by each driver.

[0062] In this sense, the measurement method 1 disclosed above may further include step E5, incrementing the third odometer 18 only when the vehicle's internal combustion engine 101 is disconnected from the vehicle's transmission 103 and the vehicle's electric motor 102 is consequently transmitting zero torque. Thus, when the vehicle is in "freewheel" mode, only the third odometer 18 and the measuring device 17 are incremented, but neither the first odometer 13 nor the second odometer 14 are incremented.

[0063] Figure 3 shows a vehicle 100 according to an alternative embodiment substantially similar to the embodiments disclosed above, and the preceding description provided with reference to Figure 1 applies mutatis mutandis. Similarly, Figure 4 shows an implementation method specific to the alternative embodiment described above, and the preceding description provided with reference to Figure 2 applies mutatis mutandis to this.

[0064] In such an alternative embodiment, the measuring system 10 further comprises a first alternative odometer 13' and / or a second alternative odometer 14'.

[0065] The first alternative odometer 13' is a distance traveled value d weighted by a duty cycle determined according to the maximum torque or power that the internal combustion engine 101 can transmit only when the first odometer 13 is incremented. n;n+1It is configured to increment by only a certain amount. In other words, the first alternative odometer 13' operates in conjunction with the first odometer 13 and also integrates weights representing the use of the internal combustion engine 101, which is particularly used in the mode of operation.

[0066] Similarly, the second alternative odometer 14' is a distance traveled value d weighted by a duty cycle determined according to the maximum torque or power that at least one electric motor 101 can transmit only when the second odometer 14 is incremented. n;n+1 It is configured to increment by only a certain amount. In other words, the second alternative odometer 14' operates in conjunction with the second odometer 14 and integrates a weighting representing the use of the electric motor 102, which represents the mode in which it is used in particular.

[0067] In particular, according to one embodiment, the duty cycle applied by the first alternative odometer 13' and / or the second alternative odometer 14' can be determined by calculating the average of the torques required and / or detected for the engine under consideration, i.e., the internal combustion engine 101 or the electric motor 102, over a distance of 1 km.

[0068] For example, in an unrestricted manner, for an electric motor with a maximum power of 120 kW, if vehicle 100 travels 1 km with a torque of 60 kW, the second odometer 14 is incremented by 1 in the distance traveled value, and the second alternative odometer 14' is incremented by 0.5, corresponding to the weighted distance traveled value according to the use of the electric motor 102.

[0069] Such a configuration, in particular, allows the average duty cycle to be determined for each engine / motor of the vehicle according to their maximum torque and / or maximum power over their lifespan, thus enabling improvements in maintenance requirements.

[0070] Therefore, when the measurement method according to the present invention is carried out according to this embodiment, the method further includes a duplication step E6 of step E3, which is carried out as soon as the incrementing step E3 is performed, incrementing the first odometer 13. In such a duplication step E6, the first alternative odometer 13' is weighted by a duty cycle determined according to the maximum torque and / or maximum power that the internal combustion engine 101 can transmit, d n;n+1 It is incremented by that amount. Such a step is particularly feasible in conjunction with the incrementing step E3.

[0071] The method further includes a replication step E7 of step E4, which is performed as soon as step E4 is performed, to increment a second odometer 14. In such replication step E7, the second alternative odometer 14' is a distance traveled value d weighted by a duty cycle determined according to the maximum torque or power that at least one electric motor 102 can transmit. n;n+1 It is incremented by that amount.

[0072] The present invention also relates to equipment 20 for monitoring a hybrid automatic vehicle 100. The equipment may include a measurement system 10 as described above, as well as a data storage unit 21 and a warning module 22.

[0073] The storage unit 21 has at least one predetermined threshold distance D s It is possible to store the following. The memory unit 21 and the system's memory elements may be separate or may be included in the same set. Alternatively, at least one threshold distance D s The data can be stored in a database, and the vehicle may be equipped with at least one communication module (not shown) that can extract data from the database via a wireless connection, such as 3G, 4G, "Wi-Fi", or "Bluetooth" (registered trademark).

[0074] The warning module 22 detects when the first odometer 13 and / or the second odometer 14 are recorded in the storage unit 21 and / or from the database, at least a predetermined threshold distance D s When the distance traveled exceeds a certain threshold, the warning module 22 is configured to emit a visual and / or auditory and / or tactile warning message. In other words, the warning module 22 is configured to emit a visual and / or auditory and / or tactile warning message when the distance traveled exceeds a certain threshold. s It is configured to operate when the value is greater than the specified value.

[0075] Warning messages may indicate, for example, the need to check for wear on vehicle components and / or replace vehicle components and / or adjust the vehicle. In this sense, at least one threshold distance D s The warning message can be specific to at least one component of the vehicle so that it includes instructions for at least one of the relevant components. For example, such a message may include the activation of one or more indicator lights associated with the relevant component and already integrated into the vehicle's instrument panel.

[0076] The present invention also relates to a method 2 for monitoring a hybrid automatic vehicle, which may be analogous to a method for operating or using monitoring equipment 20, conversely, the equipment includes means required to carry out the monitoring method 2. Such a method includes the steps of performing a measurement method 1 as disclosed above, and a first odometer 13 and / or a second odometer 14 measuring at least a predetermined threshold distance D s The process includes step E21, which detects whether the threshold is exceeded, and step E22, which issues a visual and / or auditory and / or tactile warning message indicating that the threshold has been exceeded.

[0077] Advantageously, the apparatus and method according to the present invention also have at least one threshold distance D sThis enables step E21 to detect that the distance exceeds the total distance D traveled in the forward direction. tot A threshold distance D predetermined by device 17 for measuring s It is configurable to enable step E21' to detect that the value is different from the above threshold, and to enable step E22' to issue a visual and / or auditory and / or tactile warning message indicating that the threshold has been exceeded.

[0078] Such equipment and methods enable more suitable and accurate monitoring of vehicle components wear depending on the actual use of the vehicle, i.e., depending on the driving mode being implemented. For example, to estimate the wear of any of the components of the vehicle's chassis, such as tires, dampers, or even the chassis of the vehicle, the total distance D of the measuring device 17 is measured. tot These can be taken into consideration. With respect to components related to the electric drive system, a second distance specific to the second odometer 14 can be taken into consideration, and with respect to components related to the internal combustion engine, such as fuel injectors or distribution belts, a first distance specific to the first odometer 13 can be taken into consideration.

[0079] Therefore, the present invention proposes a method and measurement system that enable the evaluation of vehicle wear more accurately and in a more typical manner according to its actual use. In reality, the use of such vehicles varies considerably depending on the type of vehicle, the model of the vehicle, and the user. For example, of two rechargeable hybrid vehicles that have traveled the same total distance, one may be operated mainly using an internal combustion engine, while the other may be operated mainly using an electric motor. The present invention particularly implements an increment of a first odometer by the amount traveled only when the vehicle's internal combustion engine is coupled to the vehicle's transmission, and / or implements an increment of a second odometer by the same amount traveled only when the vehicle's electric motor is transmitting non-zero torque.

[0080] However, the present invention is not limited to the means and configurations described and shown herein, and also extends to any equivalent means or configurations, and any technically operable combination of such means, insofar as they ultimately perform the functionality described and shown herein.

Claims

1. Method for measuring the distance traveled by a hybrid automatic vehicle (1), The distance traveled by the vehicle is measured by the measuring means (11) (d ｎ；ｎ＋１ The steps include (E1) measuring ) and The measured distance traveled (d ｎ；ｎ＋１ Step (E2) of sending ) to the processing unit (12), The travel distance value (d) is performed only when at least one internal combustion engine (101) of the vehicle is operating. ｎ；ｎ＋１ The first odometer (13) is incremented by (E3), The torque of at least one electric motor (102) of the vehicle is detected, and the distance traveled (d) is calculated only when the detected torque of the at least one electric motor (102) is transmitting a non-zero torque. ｎ；ｎ＋１ A measurement method (1) comprising the step (E4) of incrementing at least one second odometer (14) by ) ).

2. The step (E3) of incrementing the first odometer (13) is performed only when the at least one internal combustion engine (101) of the vehicle is coupled to the vehicle's transmission (103), or The measurement method according to claim 1, wherein the step (E3) of incrementing the first odometer (13) includes detecting the torque of the at least one internal combustion engine (101) and incrementing the first odometer (13) only when the detected torque of the at least one internal combustion engine (101) is transmitting a non-zero torque.

3. The at least one internal combustion engine (101) of the vehicle is disconnected from the transmission (103) of the vehicle, and At the same time, the at least one electric motor (102) of the vehicle transmits zero torque. The aforementioned travel distance value (d) is performed only at that time. ｎ；ｎ＋１ The measurement method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising the step (E5) of incrementing the third odometer (18) by )

4. As soon as the step (E3) of incrementing the first odometer (13) is performed, the first alternative odometer (13') is performed, and the distance traveled value (d) is weighted by a duty cycle determined according to the maximum torque or power that the at least one internal combustion engine (101) can transmit. ｎ；ｎ＋１ A duplication step (E6) of step (E3) for incrementing the first odometer (13) by ), As soon as the step (E4) of incrementing the second odometer (14) is performed, the second alternative odometer (14') is performed, and the distance traveled value (d) is weighted by a duty cycle determined according to the maximum torque or power that the at least one electric motor (102) can transmit. ｎ；ｎ＋１ A measurement method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a duplication step (E7) of step (E4) for incrementing the second odometer (14) by )

5. A monitoring method (2) for a hybrid vehicle, comprising the step of executing the measurement method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, and the first travel distance meter (13) and / or the second travel distance meter (14) is at least one predetermined threshold distance (D ｓ , D ｓ’ ) and a step (E21) of detecting whether it exceeds, and a step (E22) of issuing a visual and / or auditory and / or tactile warning message indicating that it exceeds the threshold value.

6. A system (10) for measuring the distance traveled by a hybrid autonomous vehicle, comprising hardware elements (11, 12, 13, 14) and / or software elements for implementing the measurement method described in any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. The vehicle's travel distance (d) is determined by a system capable of transmitting a signal to the at least one processing unit (12) according to the value of the travel distance. ｎ；ｎ＋１ The system comprises at least one means (11) for measuring ) and The travel distance value (d) is only available when at least one internal combustion engine (101) of the vehicle is operating. ｎ；ｎ＋１ A first odometer (13) configured to increment by ) The torque of at least one electric motor (102) of the vehicle is detected, and the travel distance value (d) is determined only when the detected torque of the at least one electric motor (102) is transmitting a non-zero torque. ｎ；ｎ＋１ The measurement system (10) according to claim 6, comprising at least one second odometer (14) configured to increment by ) by ).

8. The measurement system according to claim 7, wherein the first odometer (13) is configured to increment only when the at least one internal combustion engine (101) of the vehicle is coupled to the transmission (103) of the vehicle, or the first odometer (13) is configured to increment only when the torque of the at least one internal combustion engine (101) is detected and the detected torque of the at least one internal combustion engine (101) is transmitting a non-zero torque.

9. The first distance (D) traveled by the vehicle is specific to the first odometer (13). １；ｎ , D １；ｎ＋１ ), and / or the second distance (D) traveled by the vehicle, which is specific to the second odometer (14). ２；ｎ , D ２；ｎ＋１ The measurement system (10) according to claim 7 or 8, further comprising a display unit (16) for displaying ).

10. The at least one internal combustion engine (101) of the vehicle is disconnected from the transmission (103) of the vehicle, and The at least one electric motor (102) of the vehicle transmits zero torque. Only at that time the aforementioned travel distance value (d ｎ；ｎ＋１ The measurement system (10) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, further comprising a third odometer (18) configured to increment by ) by ).

11. The distance traveled (d) is weighted by a duty cycle determined according to the maximum torque or maximum power that the at least one internal combustion engine (101) can transmit only when the first odometer (13) is incremented. ｎ；ｎ＋１ A first alternative odometer (13') configured to increment by ) The distance traveled (d) is weighted by a duty cycle determined according to the maximum torque or maximum power that the at least one electric motor (101) can transmit only when the second odometer (14) is incremented. ｎ；ｎ＋１ The measuring system (10) according to any one of claims 7 to 10 further comprises a second alternative odometer (14') configured to increment by ) by ).

12. A hybrid automatic vehicle (100) comprising an internal combustion engine (101), at least one electric motor (102), and a transmission (103), further comprising a system (10) for measuring the distance traveled by the vehicle according to any one of claims 6 to 11.

13. A computer program characterized in that, when the computer program is executed by the computer, it includes an instruction to cause the computer to perform the measurement method (1) described in any one of claims 1 to 4 or the monitoring method (2) described in claim 5.

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