Remote software updates for work vehicles

Abstract

Remotely updating software on a target module of an electric work vehicle including a rechargeable battery. When a software update is available for the machine's software, a determination is made as to whether the machine's rechargeable battery is connected to a charging module. If the machine's rechargeable battery is connected to a charging module, the software update is provided on the target module. If the machine's rechargeable battery is not connected to a charging module, the software update is delayed until the rechargeable battery is connected to a charging module. The software update to the target module may be performed via remote flashing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of electric work vehicles.

Background Art

[0002] Electric work vehicles or construction machinery are known to rely on batteries charged by an AC power source or a DC charging station. The soundness of such batteries gradually deteriorates over time, and the decision on when to replace the battery should balance performance maintenance and waste reduction.

[0003] An electric work vehicle is characterized by software stored in an on-board module, for example, to control and manage the components of the work vehicle. The software is typically a flash file stored in a memory device. Battery management software may be used to collect data related to the soundness of the battery. Data related to the soundness of the battery may be used on-board to calculate the current capacity of the battery, or may be transmitted to an external location for use in predicting the soundness of the battery over time and its expected capacity. Knowledge of the current capacity of the battery and its expected capacity over time can be useful in determining both how to use the work vehicle and when to replace the battery.

[0004] Conventionally, technicians need to visit the machine to update the software and ensure that the update is carried out in a safe manner without interrupting the operation or maintenance of the machine. The update needs to satisfy both the time of the technician and the period of downtime of the work vehicle. To avoid the need for technicians, conventional work vehicles have begun to incorporate a remote software distribution function, whereby the software is updated via an Internet provider based on commands received from the user of the work vehicle. Other systems wirelessly transmit new updates to the work vehicle based on the availability of the update rather than on input from the user of the work vehicle or the state of the work vehicle.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] Against this backdrop, a method is provided for remotely updating software on a target module of an electric work vehicle equipped with a rechargeable battery. The method includes determining whether a software update exists for the software. The method further includes determining whether the rechargeable battery is connected to the charging module. If the rechargeable battery is connected to the charging module, the method proceeds to the next step. If the rechargeable battery is not connected to the charging module, the next step is delayed until the rechargeable battery is connected to the charging module. The method further includes updating the software via remote flushing. The method may further include notifying the user of the electric work vehicle that the software has been updated.

[0006] In this way, it may be possible to update the software of an electric work vehicle in a manner that avoids interrupting the work of the electric work vehicle and ensures that the electric work vehicle is already in a low-risk state and environment once it is connected to the charging module. While connected to the charging module, both the movement of the electric vehicle and the operation of its equipment are prevented. Furthermore, while connected to the charging module, the electric work vehicle can be assumed to be in a low-risk environment, away from the risks of the work site. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] Herein, specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described, for illustrative purposes only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a flowchart illustrating a method for remotely updating software on an electric work vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a flowchart illustrating a method for remotely updating software on an electric work vehicle, with an additional step for downloading updates, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3]Figure 3 shows a flowchart illustrating a method for remotely updating software on an electric work vehicle, with an additional step of notifying the user, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a flowchart illustrating a method for remotely updating software on an electric work vehicle, with an additional step of notifying the user, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a flowchart illustrating a method for remotely updating software on an electric work vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which includes an additional step of notifying the user that the installation is complete. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of the components within an electric work vehicle and a target module having updateable software connected to a charging module, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, there is a method for remotely updating software on a target module of an electric work vehicle equipped with a rechargeable battery.

[0010] A method for remotely updating software on a target module of an electric work vehicle includes a step of determining whether a software update exists for the software. The method also includes a step of determining whether a rechargeable battery is connected to the charging module. If the rechargeable battery is not connected to the charging module, the next step of the method is delayed until the rechargeable battery is connected to the charging module, and the method proceeds to the next step. Once the rechargeable battery is connected to the charging module, the user of the electric work vehicle is notified that the software will be updated. The software is updated via remote flushing.

[0011] Updating the software while a rechargeable battery is connected allows for updating the electric work vehicle's software in a way that avoids interrupting the electric work vehicle's operations, and the fact that the electric work vehicle is connected to the charging module means that there can be confidence that the electric work vehicle is already in a low-risk state and environment. Both movement of the electric vehicle and operation of the equipment are prevented while connected to the charging module. Furthermore, it can be assumed that the electric work vehicle is in a low-risk environment, away from the risks of the work site, while connected to the charging module.

[0012] Referring to Figure 1, a flowchart illustrates the method according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Battery management system (BMS) software is locally stored on the electric work vehicle shown in step 110 and is configured to collect data to monitor the health of the battery. In step 120, it is determined whether an update exists for the software. If no update is available (option "no" in the flowchart, 122), the method pauses in loop 122 until an update exists. If an update is available (option "yes" in the flowchart, 121), in step 130 it is determined whether the vehicle is connected to a charging module. The charging module may comprise a single-phase alternating current (AC) power supply, a three-phase AC power supply, a direct current (DC) fast charging station, or other charging device. If the vehicle is not connected to a charging module (option "no" in the flowchart, 132), the method pauses in loop 132 until the vehicle is connected to a charging module. If the vehicle is connected to a charging module (option "yes" in the flowchart, 131), in step 140 it is determined whether charging of the battery is in progress. If charging is in progress, charging is paused (option "yes" 141, leading to step 150). If the vehicle is connected to the charging module but is not currently charging (option "no" 142), the method proceeds to step 160. In step 160, a software update is installed. The update installation may include a flushing process, thereby overwriting the software with the updated software. During step 160, battery charging may be stopped to prevent the battery from being disconnected from the charging module.

[0013] Step 120, which determines whether an update for the software exists, may be performed at a location removed from the electric work vehicle, for example, by personnel supervising one or more electric vehicles. These personnel may permit the wireless download of the software update to the electric vehicle. Step 120 for determining whether an update for the software exists may be performed by the electric work vehicle in an alternative or additional manner. If the electric work vehicle is turned off for an extended period, it may be configured to be turned on at periodic intervals to check for updates. Referring to Figure 2, the download of the update may occur in step 210, after step 120 for determining whether an update exists.

[0014] Referring to Figures 3-5, the local user of the electric vehicle may be notified that the software is being updated. In one embodiment, the local user may be notified in step 310 after the update has been downloaded. The local user may be asked to allow the software to be installed before the process proceeds to step 130. In another embodiment, the local user may be notified in step 410 after the electric vehicle has been connected to the charging module and it has been determined that the installation can proceed safely. After step 160, the local user may be notified in step 510 that the installation is complete. The notification may include a text message or electronic message that can be accessed on a device outside the electric work vehicle, or the notification may be displayed on a screen on the electric work vehicle or by other means.

[0015] Step 130, which determines whether an electric work vehicle is connected to a charger, may include determining whether there is a charging cable connection with electricity flowing through it. This can be confirmed with the BMS via a Controller Area Network (CAN) message for charging.

[0016] Figure 6 shows a simplified exemplary schematic diagram of a target module comprising a battery pack 610 capable of receiving remote software updates according to embodiments of the present disclosure, and its connection within an electric work vehicle 600. This is an exemplary arrangement, and remote software updates may be applied to the target module in alternative arrangements. The battery pack 610 may include a battery storage module 611, a BMS 612, and a DC / DC converter 613. The BMS 612 may be connected to a CAN 620. The battery storage module 611 may be connected to a machine switch 630 via the DC / DC converter 613, which may be connected to a machine controller 640 and a telematics module 650. There may be CAN connections to the machine controller 640 and the telematics module 650.

[0017] Figure 6 shows an electric work vehicle 600 in the context of an external charging module 660 and a remote module 680. The external charging module 660 may be equipped with an AC power supply (either single-phase or three-phase) or a DC charging station and may be connected to or disconnected from the electric work vehicle 600 via a charging contactor 661. The charging module 660 may be connected to the energy storage module 611 of the battery pack 610 via a fuse 670. A main contactor 614 in the battery pack allows the battery pack to be connected to or disconnected from the electric work vehicle's circuitry. The energy storage module 611 may be charged at a high voltage, and a DC / DC converter 614 may convert the high voltage to a low voltage suitable for the components of the electric work vehicle 600.

[0018] Only when the main contactor 614 is closed is it possible to (a) operate the electric work vehicle 600 and (b) charge the battery pack 610's energy storage module 611 using the external charging module 660. Therefore, if the main contactor 614 is open, it can be inferred that the electric work vehicle is not in use and that the battery pack 610 is not being charged by the external charging module 660.

[0019] Furthermore, since the external charging module 660 is likely to be placed away from the activity area of the work site, when the electric vehicle 600 is connected to the external charging module 660, it can be inferred that the electric vehicle 600 is located at an appropriate position away from the activity area of the work site.

[0020] Therefore, when the electric vehicle is connected to the external charging module 660 and the main contactor 614 is open, it can be inferred that the electric work vehicle 600 is in a suitable state for installing updates.

[0021] The telematics module 680 can communicate wirelessly with a remote module 680 that may include a data repository and a battery health predictor. The telematics module 680 may transmit the measurement values obtained by the BMS612 and may receive software updates.

[0022] As described above, the charging module 660 may include an AC power source or a DC power source. The charging module 660 may include a converter or be connected to a converter so that the charging module 660 can charge different types of electric vehicles that require charging at different voltages. For example, the converter may control the charging current to a value that the battery can tolerate, and the charging module 660 may include an AC / DC converter or be connected to an AC / DC converter to enable DC charging of the power storage module 611 from an AC power source. The AC / DC converter may be on-board the electric work vehicle. The charging module 660 or the converter may receive this information from the BMS via the CAN620.

[0023] When the charging module 660 is connected to the electric work vehicle, the machine is considered to be in a safe state to accept the installation of software updates. Due to the interlock, the movement of the machine and the operation of the equipment are impossible, and machine maintenance is prevented when the charging cable is operating. Limiting the installation of software updates when the charging module is connected avoids safety issues (either by unexpectedly turning on the electric work vehicle when stationary or unexpectedly stopping the electric work vehicle during use) and avoids interrupting the work.

[0024] In use, software updates may be available as a subscription service such that software updates are provided remotely to local users of the electric vehicle without the need to schedule a technician to manually update the software. The subscription provider may send the update to the vehicle and notify the local user that the update is available or that the update has been installed. If the electric work vehicle is turned off for an extended period, the method of the present disclosure may further include the controller of the electric work vehicle turning on the electric work vehicle at periodic intervals in order to receive updates.

[0025] The BMS may act as a measurement device. For example, the BMS may measure charge, current, voltage, and temperature. The BMS can calculate the capacity of the battery. The BMS may take periodic data that can be transmitted to the remote module 680, and the remote module 680 may include a health predictor that uses the data to predict the health of the battery. The health predictor may include a digital twin of the battery pack 610. A digital twin is a virtual representation of a physical object or process that functions as an exact counterpart of the physical object or process. It spans the life cycle of the physical thing and is updated from real-time dates, serving to model simulations of physical objects or processes.

[0026] The present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments.

Claims

1. A method performed by the controller of an electric work vehicle for remotely updating software on a target module of an electric work vehicle equipped with a rechargeable battery, the method being: (a) Determining that a software update exists for the software, (b) Determining whether the rechargeable battery is connected to the charging module, If the rechargeable battery is connected to the charging module, perform step (c), or If the rechargeable battery is not connected to the charging module, step (c) is delayed until the rechargeable battery is connected to the charging module. That thing, (c) Updating the software via remote flushing, wherein the rechargeable battery is prevented from being charged during the update, Methods that include...

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising step (b) determining whether the rechargeable battery is being charged.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein if the rechargeable battery is being charged, the charging is temporarily suspended until step (c) is completed.

4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising step (a) checking whether software updates exist in the software at periodic intervals.

5. The method according to claim 4, further comprising step (a) if the electric work vehicle is turned off, the controller turning on the electric work vehicle at periodic intervals to check whether a software update for the software exists.

6. The process further includes the steps of downloading the software update and notifying the user that the software will be updated. The step of notifying the user is, In response to the download of a software update, including a software update determined to exist through the aforementioned periodic checks, the system will notify the user. This includes at least one of the following: displaying a message on the onboard display screen, sending an electronic message to the user, and sending a text message to the user. The method according to claim 4 or 5, including the method described in claim 4 or 5.

7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of notifying the user that step (c) has been completed.

8. Rechargeable battery, An electric work vehicle comprising: a target module in which software is stored, wherein the software is remotely updated using the method described in claim 1.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the rechargeable battery is prevented from being disconnected from the charging module during step (c).

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