Autonomous control system

• US 9,415,690 B2
• Filed: 01/15/2014
• Issued: 08/16/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 01/29/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Microelectronica Maser, S.L.
• Original Assignee: Microelectronica Maser, S.L.
• Inventors: Ferrer-Dalmau Nieto, Francisco, Vicandi Unanue, Francisco Javier, Iriondo Arrizabalaga, Carlos Javier, Iriondo Arrizabalaga, Jesus Maria
• Primary Examiner(s): Tarcza, Thomas
• Assistant Examiner(s): EVANS, GARRETT F
• Application Number:
  US14/646,517
• Publication Number:
  US 20150298552A1
• Time in Patent Office: 944 Days
• Field of Search: None
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 1/003 to auxiliary motors, e.g. for pumps, compressors
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 15/2009 for braking
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2220/44 Wheel Hub motors, i.e. integrated in the wheel hub
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2220/46 Wheel motors, i.e. motor connected to only one wheel
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2240/46 related to wheels
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2260/28 Four wheel or all wheel drive
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 3/0046 relating to electric energy storage systems, e.g. batteries or capacitors
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 3/0092 with use of redundant elements for safety purposes
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 58/16 responding to battery ageing, e.g. to the number of charging cycles or the state of health [SoH]
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 58/20 having different nominal voltages
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 7/18 Controlling the braking effect B60L7/12, B60L7/14, B60L7/16 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 10/08 including control of electric propulsion units, e.g. motors or generators
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 10/26 for electrical energy, e.g. batteries or capacitors
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/00 Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/70 Energy storage systems for electromobility, e.g. batteries
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/72 Electric energy management in electromobility
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 903/907 Electricity storage, e.g. battery, capacitor

Abstract

The regenerative energy produced during the braking of a vehicle is used for powering a secondary battery, that is independent from the main battery, and, in the event of a complete failure of said main battery, allows the continued operation of the basic services such as power steering, lights, the brake servo unit, and electronics, as a result of the combined action of said autonomous system that includes a capacitor bank which powers said services either directly or via the secondary battery. The system comprises an interface of the electronic power and control unit, an electronic power and control unit, applied to the steering and pedals, and an ECU power controller and port.

Claims

1. An autonomous control system applicable to hybrid and/or electric vehicles wherein the vehicle comprises a platform on which wheels are mounted near corners of the platform, a main battery, a secondary battery and a capacitor bank, comprising

an electronic power and control unit applied to steering and pedals, which detects failure of the main battery, an interface of the electronic power and control unit, located on a steering wheel,

a gateway and a controller of the electronic power and control unit, powered by the secondary battery, and

an automated wheel controller device for each wheel, which comprises following electronic motors;

a power steering, a servo brake unit, and a traction, wherein the servo steering, the servo brake, and the traction motor and their corresponding electronics, are individualized in each wheel, a sensor for each wheel that detects sudden speed changes in wheel rotation,

wherein the system is activated when the main battery fails.

2. The autonomous control system according to claim 1 wherein the autonomous control system can work directly from the capacitor bank, powering the electric motors of the servo steering, servo brakes and traction.

3. The autonomous control system according to claim 1 wherein regenerative energy created when braking the vehicle is used to power lights, electric windows, general vehicle electronics, without having to pass through the main battery.

4. The autonomous control system according to claim 1 which is installed in each wheel.

5. The autonomous control system according to claim 1 which is installed on the platform.

6. The autonomous control system according to claim 1 wherein the sensor with aid of the autonomous control system, converts the regenerative energy generated by the traction motor when braking, by changing the polarity of said traction motor in an intensity that is sent to the capacitor bank, which in addition to storing the electricity generated while the vehicle is braking, stabilizes peaks of regenerative energy, moving the regenerative energy from the capacitor bank to the secondary battery.

7. The autonomous control system according to claim 1 wherein the autonomous control system detects a failure of power from the main battery through the controlling unit, taking power from the secondary battery.