METHOD FOR DETECTING A MOTOR VEHICLE OVERWEIGHT STATE, AND METHOD FOR MANAGING THE CHARGE OF A TRACTION BATTERY

Abstract

A method detects a vehicle overweight state for a vehicle equipped with a power unit including a traction battery. The method selects a number of vehicle acceleration phases. The method includes, for each selected acceleration phase: calculating a mean value of a differential force equal to a value of the traction loads of the unit from which there are subtracted the value of the acceleration resultant force and the value of the sum of the resistive loads experienced by the vehicle, calculating a statistical value based on the calculated mean values of the differential force, and comparing the statistical value against a vehicle overweight threshold value. The vehicle is in an overweight state if the statistical value is higher than the threshold value.

Claims

1-10. (canceled)

11. A method for detecting a state of excessive weight of a motor vehicle equipped with a power train comprising a traction battery, the method comprising: selecting a determined number of phases of longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle, for each of which the longitudinal acceleration is greater than a longitudinal acceleration threshold value; and for each selected longitudinal acceleration phase: calculating an average value of a differential force which is equal to a value of traction efforts of the power train from which are subtracted a value of a resultant longitudinal acceleration force of the vehicle and a value of a sum of resisting efforts to which the vehicle is subjected while rolling, calculating a statistical value from the calculated average values of the differential force, and comparing the calculated statistical value with a threshold value of excessive weight of the vehicle, wherein the vehicle is in a state of excessive weight when the statistical value is greater than the threshold value of excessive weight of the vehicle.

12. The detection method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the statistical value is an average of all the calculated average values of the differential force.

13. The detection method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the threshold value of longitudinal acceleration is greater than or equal to 0.5 m/s.sup.2.

14. The detection method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the selecting the longitudinal acceleration phases is disabled when a speed of the vehicle is greater than a speed threshold value.

15. The detection method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the number of longitudinal acceleration phases selected is a value associated with the motor vehicle.

16. The detection method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the resultant longitudinal acceleration force is defined by a product of a value of a constant value of a reference weight of the vehicle by the value of the longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle.

17. The detection method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the resisting efforts are defined by a sum of aerodynamic drag forces of the vehicle, of rolling resistance forces of the vehicle, and of forces linked to a gradient of a terrain.

18. A method for managing a charge of a traction battery of a motor vehicle, comprising: detecting a possible state of excessive weight of the vehicle; and increasing, when the state of excessive weight is detected, an energy level stored in the traction battery to a charge threshold to respond to temporary vehicle rolling situations.

19. The management method as claimed in claim 18, wherein the detecting includes selecting a determined number of phases of longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle, for each of which the longitudinal acceleration is greater than a longitudinal acceleration threshold value; and for each selected longitudinal acceleration phase: calculating an average value of a differential force which is equal to a value of traction efforts of a power train from which are subtracted a value of a resultant longitudinal acceleration force of the vehicle and a value of a sum of resisting efforts to which the vehicle is subjected while rolling, calculating a statistical value from the calculated average values of the differential force, and comparing the calculated statistical value with a threshold value of excessive weight of the vehicle, wherein the vehicle is in a state of excessive weight when the statistical value is greater than the threshold value of excessive weight of the vehicle.

20. A power train comprising: a heat engine and an electric motor associated with a traction battery, wherein the charge of the traction battery is controlled by the management method as claimed in claim 18.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0038] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from reading the following detailed description, for understanding of which reference will be made to the attached drawings in which:

[0039] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of the interaction of the main elements involved in the method for managing the charge of a traction battery of the vehicle according to the invention;

[0040] FIG. 2 is a diagram of the steps in detecting a state of excessive weight of a motor vehicle associated with the method for managing the charge of a traction battery of the vehicle according to the invention;

[0041] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of the method for detecting a state of excessive weight of a vehicle according to the invention;

[0042] FIG. 4A is a diagram representing the variation of the speed of the vehicle as a function of time, the association of FIG. 4A with FIGS. 4B and 4B illustrate an example of application of the method for detecting a state of excessive weight of a vehicle according to the invention;

[0043] FIG. 4B is a diagram representing the variation of the longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle as a function of time;

[0044] FIG. 4C is a diagram representing the variation of the calculated value of the differential force of the vehicle as a function of time.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0045] In the following description, the elements that are identical, similar or analogous will be designated by the same alphanumerical references.

[0046] The invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising a power train equipped with a traction battery 14.

[0047] As represented in FIG. 1, a control unit 10, or computer, implemented in the vehicle, supervises the level of charge in electrical energy and the recharging of the traction battery 14.

[0048] An accelerator pedal 12 sends a datum to the control unit 10 concerning the depression of accelerator pedal 12 by the driver of the vehicle. The traction battery 14 sends a datum to the control unit 10 concerning the level of charge of the traction battery 14.

[0049] A device or circuit 16 for detecting a state of weight of the vehicle implementing a detection method D1 sends a datum to the control unit 10 representative of the weight of the vehicle, in particular to determine whether or not the vehicle is in a state of excessive weight M1.

[0050] The method for managing G1 the charge of the traction battery 14 of the vehicle is managed by an energy management law embedded in the control unit 10 and it makes it possible, via a calculation of a target level of electrical energy, to drive the recharging or the discharging of the traction battery 14, notably as a function of the depression of the accelerator pedal 12, of the level of charge of the traction battery 14 and of the state of excessive weight M1 possibly detected by the detection device 16.

[0051] The method for managing G1 the charge of the traction battery 14 consists in detecting a state of excessive weight M1 of the vehicle, of the order of a few hundreds of kilograms and, when a state of excessive weight M1 is detected, in increasing (step 20FIG. 2) the energy level stored in the traction battery 14 to a charge threshold value that is sufficient to meet exceptional temporary rolling conditions of the vehicle.

[0052] When the rolling profile is favorable, for example in urban rolling, preferentially so as not to affect the performance levels of the vehicle, the management of the charge of the traction battery 14 is driven by the control unit 10 so as to increase 20 the energy level in the traction battery to a sufficiently high charge level. The objective of the invention is to constitute a reserve of energy before the vehicle encounters a temporary rolling situation which requires more power and thus the vehicle can exploit the reserve of energy formed if necessary.

[0053] The method for detecting D1 a state of excessive weight M1 of the vehicle according to the invention associated with the method for managing G1 the charge of the traction battery 14 is illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0054] The method for detecting D1 a state of excessive weight M1 of the vehicle consists in selecting 18 a determined number n of phases Pi of longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle, for each of which the longitudinal acceleration is greater than a predetermined longitudinal acceleration threshold value SA0. For each phase Pi of longitudinal acceleration selected, the detection method D1 comprises the following successive steps: [0055] a step E1 of calculation of an average value of a differential force F0i [0056] a step E2 of calculation of a statistical value X0 from the calculated average values F0i of the differential force, and [0057] a step E3 of comparison of the calculated statistical value X0 with a threshold value SM0 of excessive weight of the vehicle.

[0058] At the end of the comparison step E3, the vehicle is considered to be in a state of excessive weight M1 if the statistical value X0 is greater than the excessive weight threshold value SM0.

[0059] The detection of a state of excessive weight M1 of the vehicle by the detection method D1 provokes the increase 20 of the energy level stored in the traction battery 14 via the method for managing G1 the charge of the traction battery 14. The energy level stored in the traction battery 14 must reach a charge threshold value that is sufficient to meet exceptional temporary rolling situations of the vehicle and be maintained throughout the period of rolling of the vehicle that is considered to be in a state of excessive weight M1.

[0060] The differential force F0 is calculated via a calculation algorithm following the equations described in FIG. 3.

[0061] Selection 18 of a predetermined number n of phases Pi of longitudinal 0 acceleration of the vehicle:

A0>SA0.fwdarw.A0

[0062] with: [0063] A0: longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle in m.Math.s.sup.?2, [0064] SA0: longitudinal acceleration threshold value in m.Math.s.sup.?2, [0065] A0.sub.i: longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle during the i.sub.th longitudinal acceleration phase Pi selected in m.Math.s.sup.?2.

[0066] The value of the acceleration A0 of the vehicle must be high enough to obtain usable data. According to one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the longitudinal acceleration threshold value SA0 is greater than or equal to 0.5 m/s.sup.2. A phase Pi of longitudinal acceleration begins when the value of the longitudinal acceleration A0 of the vehicle is greater than the longitudinal acceleration threshold value S0 and ends as soon as the value of the longitudinal acceleration A0 is less than the threshold value SA0. Calculation E1 of an average value of the differential force F0i:

F0.sub.i=F1.sub.i?F2.sub.i?F3i

[0067] with: [0068] i: i.sub.th phase Pi of longitudinal acceleration selected, [0069] F0i: differential force in N (Newtons), [0070] F1i: traction effort of the power train in N, [0071] F2i: resultant longitudinal acceleration force of the vehicle in N, [0072] F3i: resistive effort in N.

[0073] Calculation of the traction effort values of the power train F1i:

[00001] $F 1_{i} = ? ? C_{m} ? \frac{?_{m}}{?_{r} ? R}$

[0074] with: [0075] ?: transmission efficiency, [0076] Cm: engine torque in N.Math.m.sup.?1, [0077] ?m: speed of rotation of the engine of the vehicle in m.Math.s.sup.?, [0078] ?r: speed of rotation of the wheels of the vehicle in m.Math.s.sup.?1, [0079] R: radius of the wheels of the vehicle in m.

[0080] In the case of a hybrid vehicle, the engine comprises a heat engine and an electric motor. The traction force designates the force which is exerted at the periphery of the drive wheels in contact with the ground to ensure the movement of the vehicle. The function of the traction force is to produce the movement and the speed of the vehicle.

[0081] Calculation of the value of the resultant acceleration force of the vehicle F2i:

M0?A0.sub.i

[0082] with: [0083] M0: reference weight of the vehicle in kg, [0084] A0.sub.i: longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle in the i.sub.th longitudinal acceleration phase Pi selected in m.Math.s.sup.?2.

[0085] The reference weight M0 of the vehicle is defined as being the constant minimum weight of the vehicle, that is to say the weight of the vehicle in running order plus the standard weight of two persons onboard. The weight of the vehicle in running order is its weight including: the consumables, the functional fluids such as the oil and coolant, the spare wheel and the driver of the vehicle. The standard weight of the driver and of the passengers is set at 75 kg. For the calculation of the average of the differential force F0i, the value of the reference weight M0 of the vehicle is a predefined constant value associated with the motor vehicle model.

[0086] Calculation of the value of the resisting efforts F3i:

F3.sub.i=F4.sub.i+F5.sub.i+F6.sub.i

[0087] with: [0088] F4i: aerodynamic drag force in N [0089] F5i: rolling resistance force in N [0090] F6i: force linked to the gradient of the terrain in N; [0091] calculation of the aerodynamic drag force F4i:

[00002] $F 4_{i} = \frac{1}{2} ? ? ? V 0^{2} ? S ? C_{x}$

[0092] with: [0093] ?: density of the air in kg.Math.m.sup.?3, [0094] S: reference surface area in m.sup.2, [0095] C.sub.x: aerodynamic coefficient, [0096] V0: speed of the vehicle in m.Math.s.sup.?1.

[0097] The aerodynamic drag force F4i designates the friction force of the air in the direction opposite to the speed of the vehicle. The value of the aerodynamic force F4i depends directly on the aerodynamic profile of the vehicle, the latter being able to be modified for example by the installation of roof bars or a roof trunk on the vehicle, or even the traction of a trailer or else of a caravan. [0098] Calculation of the rolling resistance force F5i:

F5.sub.i=M0?g?C.sub.RR

[0099] with: [0100] M0: reference weight of the vehicle in kg, [0101] g: earth's gravity, [0102] C.sub.RR: rolling resistance coefficient;

[0103] The rolling resistance force F5i of the vehicle is a force linked essentially to the deformation of the tire while the vehicle is rolling. For the calculation of the average of the differential force F0i, the value of the rolling resistance coefficient C.sub.RR is a predefined constant value associated with the motor vehicle model. [0104] Calculation of the force linked to the gradient of the terrain F6i:

F6.sub.i=M0?g?sin(?)

[0105] with: [0106] M0: reference weight of the vehicle in kg, [0107] g: earth's gravity, [0108] a: gradient of the terrain in degrees.

[0109] The force linked to the gradient of the terrain F6i depends directly on the physiognomy of the terrain, that is to say in the case of an uphill or downhill slope. For the calculation of the average of the differential force F0i, the value of the gradient a of the terrain is a zero constant value.

[0110] The differential force F0i is a quantity obtained according to the fundamental principle of dynamics (?{right arrow over (F.sub.ext)}=m?{right arrow over (a)}).

[0111] In nominal vehicle rolling conditions, the real value of the differential force F0i is zero.

[0112] In a temporary vehicle rolling situation, that is to say in the case of a high uphill slope, strong winds or else a state of excessive weight M1 of the vehicle, the values of the resultant longitudinal acceleration force F2i and/or of the resisting efforts F3i increase.

[0113] Consequently, the value of the traction efforts F1i of the power train increases proportionally to compensate for the resisting efforts F3i exerted on the vehicle and which are linked to the aerodynamic drag force F4i, to the rolling resistant force F5i and to the gradient of the terrain F6i, and/or to compensate for the resultant longitudinal acceleration force F2i linked to the weight of the vehicle to maintain a zero real differential force F0i value. Moreover, the calculation of the differential force F0i takes account of the predefined quantities for the calculations of the values of the resisting efforts F3i and of the resultant longitudinal acceleration force F2i. Consequently, in a temporary rolling situation, the average value of the differential force F0i calculated becomes greater than zero.

[0114] In order to detect a state of excessive weight M1 of the vehicle, the calculation of the differential force F0i must be performed on the basis of data acquired during a phase Pi of longitudinal acceleration because the value of the reference weight M0 of the vehicle has a great influence in the calculation of the resultant longitudinal acceleration force F2i.

[0115] Moreover, the number n of longitudinal acceleration phases Pi selected is a value associated with the motor vehicle. The value of n must be great enough to obtain a large sample thus making it possible to eliminate occasional non-nominal rolling situations, such as in the case of a high uphill slope or else strong wind. The larger the sample, the more the values of the resisting efforts F3i are compensated and canceled while the vehicle is rolling. That makes it possible to obtain a value of the differential force that is linked only to the resultant force of the acceleration and therefore to the weight of the vehicle.

[0116] Calculation E2 of a total average value X0:

[00003] $X 0 = \frac{{.Math.}_{i}^{n} F 0_{i}}{n}$

[0117] with: [0118] X0: statistical value in N, [0119] F0i: differential force in N, [0120] i: i.sub.th longitudinal acceleration phase Pi selected, [0121] n: total number of longitudinal acceleration phases Pi.

[0122] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the statistical value X0 is an average of all the calculated average values F0i of the differential force to filter the average values F0i of the differential force and eliminate the values that are not representative, and for example an arithmetic mean.

[0123] Comparison E3 of the statistical value X0 with the threshold value SM0 of excessive weight of the vehicle:

X0>SM0

[0124] At the end of the comparison step E3, the vehicle is detected as being in a state of excessive weight M1 if the statistical value X0 is greater than the threshold excessive weight value SM0.

[0125] The threshold excessive weight value SM0 of the vehicle is a constant associated with the motor vehicle model, this value being generally determined by means of physical tests performed for each motor vehicle model.

[0126] The method for detecting D1 a state of excessive weight M1 of the vehicle is launched each time the motor vehicle is started up and it is performed at the most once each time the vehicle is rolling.

[0127] The selection 18 of the longitudinal acceleration phases Pi is disabled when the speed V0 of the vehicle is greater than a speed threshold value SV0. The speed threshold value SV0 corresponds for example to a speed on a fast lane such as a freeway. Preferentially, the detection method D1 is configured for speed values V0 of the vehicle corresponding to urban-type rolling.

[0128] Indeed, when the vehicle reaches high speed values V0, the longitudinal acceleration phases Pi are more rare and lower.

[0129] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention the speed threshold value SV0 is greater than or equal to 90 km/h, a value dependent directly on the legislation of the country in which the vehicle is marketed.

[0130] According to a first mode of configuration of the invention, when the vehicle reaches a speed V0 greater than or equal to the speed threshold value SV0 the method for detecting D1 a state of excessive weight M1 of the vehicle is interrupted throughout the time the vehicle is rolling.

[0131] According to a second mode of configuration of the invention, when the vehicle reaches a speed V0 greater than or equal to the speed threshold value SV0, the detection method D1 is interrupted until the speed V0 of the vehicle is less than the speed threshold value SV0.

[0132] The association of FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C illustrates an example of application of the method for detecting D1 a state of excessive weight M1 of a vehicle with the following input data: [0133] reference weight M0 of the vehicle, [0134] variation of the speeds V0 of the vehicle as a function of time: FIG. 4A, [0135] variation of the longitudinal acceleration A0 of the vehicle as a function of time: FIG. 4B, [0136] longitudinal acceleration threshold value SA0: 0.5 m/s.sup.2, [0137] number n of longitudinal acceleration phases P.sub.i: 3, [0138] threshold value SM0 of excessive weight of the vehicle.

[0139] The control unit 10 of the vehicle receives information concerning the speed V0 of the vehicle and deduces therefrom the longitudinal acceleration A0 of the vehicle to select 18 a predefined number of three phases P.sub.1, P.sub.2 and P.sub.3 of longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle according to which the longitudinal acceleration A0 is greater than the longitudinal acceleration threshold value SA0 of 0.5 m/s.sup.2.

[0140] The detection method D1: [0141] calculates E1 average values of the differential force F0.sub.i for each of the longitudinal acceleration phases P.sub.1, P.sub.2 and P.sub.3: F0.sub.1, F0.sub.2 and F0.sub.3; [0142] calculation E2 of the statistical value X0 (FIG. 4C) which corresponds to the average of all the calculated average values of the differential force F0.sub.1 to 3:

[00004] $X 0 = \frac{{.Math.}_{i = 0}^{3} F 0_{i}}{3}$ [0143] comparison E3 of the statistical value X0 with a threshold value SM0 of excessive weight M1 of the vehicle: [0144] if X0>150N, the vehicle is considered to be in a state of excessive weight M1 and the management method G1 proceeds to increase 20 the level of energy stored in the traction battery 14 of the vehicle to a charge threshold that is sufficient to meet exceptional temporary rolling situations of the vehicle, or [0145] if X0<150N, the vehicle is not considered to be in a state of excessive weight M1 and the management method G1 does not intervene because the energy level stored in the traction battery 14 is sufficient to meet exceptional temporary rolling situations of the vehicle because the weight of the vehicle is not excessive.

[0146] The detection of a state of excessive weight M1 of a vehicle by a detection method D1 according to the invention via a calculation of differential force based on a constant value of the reference weight M0 of the vehicle makes it possible to obtain reliable and accurate information on the weight of the vehicle.

[0147] The association of such a detection method D1 with a method for managing G1 the charge of the traction battery 14 makes it possible to proceed to recharge the traction battery 14 before the vehicle encounters an exceptional temporary rolling situation which requires more power.

[0148] The early constitution of a reserve of energy in the case of a state of excessive weight M1 of the vehicle makes it possible to maintain a satisfactory driving service perceived by the driver of the vehicle.

[0149] Furthermore, such a strategy does not require the use of any sensor to constitute the reserve of electrical energy of the traction battery 14.

KEY

[0150] 10: control unit [0151] 12: accelerator pedal [0152] 14: traction battery [0153] 16: device for detecting a state of excessive weight of the vehicle [0154] 18: selection of a predetermined number of longitudinal acceleration phases of the vehicle [0155] F0.sub.i: differential force [0156] F1.sub.i: traction effort [0157] F2.sub.i: resultant force [0158] F3.sub.i: resisting effort [0159] F4.sub.i: aerodynamic drag force [0160] F5.sub.i: rolling resistance force [0161] F6.sub.i: force linked to the gradient of the terrain [0162] D1: method for detecting a state of excessive weight of the vehicle [0163] G1: method for managing the charge of a traction battery of the vehicle [0164] P.sub.i: longitudinal acceleration phase [0165] n: number of longitudinal acceleration phases [0166] X0: statistical average [0167] M0: reference weight of the vehicle [0168] SM0: threshold value of excessive weight of the vehicle [0169] V0: speed of the vehicle [0170] SV0: speed threshold value [0171] A0: longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle [0172] SA0: longitudinal acceleration threshold value [0173] E1: calculation of an average value of a differential force [0174] E2: calculation of a statistical value [0175] E3: comparison of the statistical value with a threshold value of excessive weight of the vehicle [0176] 20: increasing of the energy level stored in the traction battery

METHOD FOR DETECTING A MOTOR VEHICLE OVERWEIGHT STATE, AND METHOD FOR MANAGING THE CHARGE OF A TRACTION BATTERY

Assignee

Inventors

Cpc classification

Classification Explorer

B60W20/11

PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING

Classification Explorer

B60W20/19

PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING

Classification Explorer

B60W20/13

PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING

Classification Explorer

G01G19/022

PHYSICS

Classification Explorer

B60W40/13

PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING

Classification Explorer

B60W2552/15

PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING

Classification Explorer

B60W2520/105

PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING

Classification Explorer

B60W10/26

PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING

Classification Explorer

B60W40/1005

PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING

International classification

Classification Explorer

B60W20/11

PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING

Classification Explorer

B60W20/13

PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING

Classification Explorer

B60W20/19

PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING

Classification Explorer

B60W10/26

PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING

Classification Explorer

B60W40/10

PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING

Classification Explorer

B60W40/13

PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING

Abstract

Claims

Description