Integrated charging device and control method of integrated charging device

Abstract

An integrated charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention is connectable to an alternating current (AC) grid and comprises: one or more battery packs; a converter that converts power supplied from the AC grid into direct current (DC) power and supplies the DC power; a user interface unit that receives a charging request of a user and transmits the charging request to a charging management unit; and the charging management unit that determines whether the charging request of the user is a charging request using a facility charging method or a charging request using a battery exchange method, determines a state of the one or more battery packs according to the charging request, and controls at least some of one or more chargers or the one or more battery packs connected to the integrated charging device, wherein the integrated charging device is provided to be movable and portable when disconnected from the AC grid.

Description

Integrated charging device and control method of the integrated charging device

[0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing date of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0143787 filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on October 21, 2024, and all contents disclosed in the document of said Korean patent application are incorporated into this specification.

[0002] The present invention relates to an integrated charging device and a control method for an integrated charging device, and more specifically, to an integrated charging device and a control method for an integrated charging device that provides charging services for facility-chargeable electric vehicles and battery-swappable electric vehicles.

[0003] Recently, consumer interest and demand for electric vehicles (EVs) are increasing as they emerge as the most effective alternative for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving energy efficiency. Unlike conventional internal combustion engine vehicles, electric vehicles (EVs) require components such as batteries, electric motors, inverters, converters, and Battery Management Systems (BMS).

[0004] Rechargeable secondary batteries are primarily used for electric vehicles. Secondary batteries, which can be recharged and reused after use, are manufactured into battery modules or battery packs by connecting multiple battery cells in series according to the output capacity required by the device, and are used as power sources for various devices. Secondary batteries are used in a wide range of fields, from small advanced electronic devices such as smartphones to electric bicycles, electric vehicles, and Energy Storage Systems (ESS).

[0005] A prerequisite for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is the establishment of charging infrastructure, including EV charging stations. EV charging stations generally receive power directly from the power grid to charge EVs. Meanwhile, in the case of battery-powered vehicles, there may be instances where batteries are swapped (primarily for two-wheeled electric vehicles). Although battery swapping infrastructure for EVs using this type of charging (typically two-wheeled vehicles and electric bikes) is currently being deployed, it is currently being constructed as separate charging stations from the charging exchange infrastructure due to constraints such as limited space in urban areas.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for an effective charging infrastructure that comprehensively supports four-wheeled electric vehicles using the facility charging method and two-wheeled electric vehicles using the battery swapping method.

[0007] The objective of the present invention, which aims to solve the aforementioned problems, is to provide an integrated charging device capable of servicing both electric vehicles using a facility charging method and electric vehicles using a battery exchange method.

[0008] Another objective of the present invention to solve the above-mentioned problems is to provide a control method for the integrated charging device.

[0009] An integrated charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above objective is an integrated charging device capable of being connected to an AC (Alternating Current) grid, comprising: one or more battery packs; a converter that converts power supplied from the AC grid into DC (Direct Current) power and supplies it; a user interface unit that receives a user's charging request and transmits it to a charging management unit; and a charging management unit that checks whether the user's charging request is a charging request using an equipment charging method or a charging request using a battery exchange method, checks the status of the one or more battery packs according to the charging request, and controls at least one of the one or more chargers connected to the integrated charging device or at least a portion of the one or more battery packs, wherein the integrated charging device may be provided in a movable portable form when disconnected from the AC grid.

[0010] The above one or more battery packs may include one or more first battery packs mounted in a receiving portion that includes a locking device that is locked or unlocked according to the control of the charging management unit.

[0011] The above charging management unit can, in response to a charging request for a battery exchange method, check whether there is a fully charged pack among the one or more first battery packs, provide the information to the user, and unlock the selected pack.

[0012] One or more of the above first battery packs can be separated from the receiving portion and provided in a portable form.

[0013] The above charging management unit can control the converter to charge the battery pack when it detects a discharged battery pack inserted into a receiving unit in which the first battery pack is received.

[0014] The above one or more battery packs may further include one or more second battery packs fixedly installed inside the integrated charging device.

[0015] The above charging management unit can determine whether a charging request for a facility charging method is a pack-unit charging request or an hour-unit charging request, and control an available battery pack among the one or more second battery packs or the converter to perform charging for the electric vehicle.

[0016] The above charging management unit, when the user's charging request is a pack-unit charging request,

[0017] The power stored in the selected second battery pack can be supplied through a charger connected to the electric vehicle.

[0018] The above charging management unit can perform charging for one or more first battery packs and second battery packs in an idle state using power supplied from the AC grid.

[0019] Meanwhile, the integrated charging device may further include a movement assisting means to assist the movement of the integrated charging device when the integrated charging device is disconnected from the AC grid and moves.

[0020] The above integrated charging device can be provided in the form of a tower that can be installed in a limited space.

[0021] In addition, the integrated charging device can be linked with an integrated server that manages location information of one or more integrated charging devices and the status and charging status of battery packs held by each integrated charging device.

[0022]

[0023] A control method for an integrated charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above other purpose is a control method for an integrated charging device comprising one or more battery packs and capable of being connected to an AC grid, comprising: a step of determining whether a user's charging request is a charging request using an equipment charging method or a charging request using a battery exchange method; a step of determining the status of the one or more battery packs according to the charging request; and a step of controlling one or more chargers connected to the integrated charging device or at least a portion of the battery packs according to the user's charging request and the status of the battery packs, wherein the integrated charging device may be provided in a movable portable form when disconnected from the AC grid.

[0024] The above one or more battery packs may include one or more first battery packs mounted in a receiving portion comprising a locking device that is locked or unlocked according to the control of the charging management unit; and one or more second battery packs fixedly installed inside the integrated charging device.

[0025] The step of controlling at least one of the above-mentioned chargers or at least some of the above-mentioned battery packs may include, in response to a charging request for a battery exchange method, checking whether there is a fully charged pack among the above-mentioned one or more first battery packs, providing such information to the user, and unlocking the selected pack.

[0026] The step of controlling at least one of the above-mentioned chargers or at least a portion of the above-mentioned battery packs may also include, for a charging request of the facility charging method, determining whether it is a charging request in pack units or a charging request in time units, and controlling an available battery pack among the above-mentioned one or more second battery packs or the converter to perform charging for the electric vehicle.

[0027] Meanwhile, the control method of the integrated charging device may further include the step of charging one or more battery packs in an idle state using power supplied from the AC grid.

[0028] The control method of the integrated charging device described above may further include the step of controlling the converter to charge the battery pack when a discharged battery pack inserted into a receiving portion in which the first battery pack is received is detected.

[0029] Additionally, the control method of the integrated charging device may further include the step of reporting to the integrated server the location information of the integrated charging device and information regarding the status and charging state of one or more battery packs when receiving a device information request from an integrated server that interacts with the integrated charging device via a network.

[0030] The integrated charging device according to the embodiment of the present invention as described above can perform charging for both facility-chargeable electric vehicles and battery-swappable electric vehicles.

[0031] In addition, since it is installed in the form of a small roadside charging station, the occupied space can be minimized, enabling efficient space creation and infrastructure construction in urban areas.

[0032] Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram of a typical electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

[0033] Figure 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of an on / off board charging system for an electric vehicle.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an integrated charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram of an integrated charging service provision system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 5 is a schematic flowchart of the control method of an integrated charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 6 is a detailed flowchart of the control method of an integrated charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention when charging using a facility charging method is requested.

[0038] FIG. 7 is a detailed operation flowchart of a control method for an integrated charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention when charging using a battery exchange method is requested.

[0039] 100: Integrated charging device 110 / 120: Battery pack

[0040] 130: Charging Management Unit 140: AC / DC Converter

[0041] 200: EV Charger (EVC) 300: AC Grid

[0042] 400: Integrated Server 500: Electric Vehicle (EV)

[0043] The present invention is susceptible to various modifications and may have various embodiments; specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. However, this is not intended to limit the invention to specific embodiments, and it should be understood that the invention includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention. Similar reference numerals have been used for similar components in the description of each drawing.

[0044] Terms such as first, second, A, B, etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components shall not be limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component may be named the second component, and similarly, the second component may be named the first component. The term "and / or" includes a combination of a plurality of related described items or any of a plurality of related described items.

[0045] When it is stated that one component is "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, there may also be other components in between. On the other hand, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0046] The terms used in this application are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to specify the presence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0047] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this application.

[0048]

[0049] Some terms used in this specification are defined as follows.

[0050] A battery cell is the basic unit that performs the role of storing energy, and a battery pack refers to an assembly of multiple battery cells that are electrically connected.

[0051] A plug-in rechargeable electric vehicle refers to an electric vehicle that charges power using a charger on a battery pack (or module) fixedly mounted inside the electric vehicle. The charging methods used for plug-in rechargeable electric vehicles may include both direct charging, which supplies energy via AC or DC by connecting a plug to the electric vehicle, and contactless charging, which uses high frequency. Plug-in rechargeable electric vehicles mainly include four-wheeled electric vehicles, and may include, for example, HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle), PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle), EV (Electric Vehicle), and FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle).

[0052] Battery-swappable electric vehicles use removable battery packs, and when charging is required, they can be used by swapping and installing a fully charged battery pack (or module) at a battery exchange station operated by a charging infrastructure operator. Battery-swappable electric vehicles primarily include two-wheeled electric vehicles, such as e-bikes and electric scooters.

[0053]

[0054] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0055]

[0056] Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram of a typical electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

[0057] The charging infrastructure for electric vehicles is a system for using electric vehicle charging cheaply and conveniently in the parking lot of an apartment or public facility, and is a general term for the hardware and software related to the charging of electric vehicle batteries. Referring to FIG. 1, the charging infrastructure can generally be configured to include a power supply facility (10), a charger (20), a charging interface (30), and an information system (40).

[0058] The power supply facility (10) is an electrical facility for supplying power to a charger and may include power transmission and distribution infrastructure, a power meter, wiring, a distribution board, and a circuit breaker. The charger (20) is a facility equipped with a user interface that receives power and provides AC or DC electricity to an electric vehicle.

[0059] Meanwhile, EV charging methods can be broadly classified into direct charging, contactless charging, and battery swapping. Direct charging involves supplying energy via AC or DC by connecting a plug to the electric vehicle. Battery swapping is a method where charging infrastructure operators purchase batteries and either lease them to users or operate them directly, utilizing an automated exchange system at a battery swap station. Contactless charging charges the battery by transmitting power via magnetic induction or resonance from a transmitting pad—a high-frequency power supply device embedded in the parking space floor—to a receiving pad mounted on the electric vehicle.

[0060] Chargers (20) that use a direct charging method are classified into on-board chargers and off-board chargers depending on whether they are installed in the electric vehicle, and can be classified into home, standard, and quick chargers depending on the purpose of use. On-board chargers have the advantage of being installed inside the electric vehicle so that charging can be done anywhere there is power, but power capacity is limited due to the weight of the charger and installation space constraints. On the other hand, off-board chargers have no limitations on power capacity or installation space.

[0061] Fast chargers supply the necessary power to the battery installed in the vehicle by converting AC power from KEPCO into DC or converting DC power from renewable energy into DC / DC, and the charging speed is fast because the rectifier and DC / DC converter are separated from the external charging system. Slow chargers (charging stand in Fig. 1) require a power conversion process because the rectifier and DC / DC converter are built into the vehicle (On Board Charger), and the charging speed is slow because the vehicle is structurally capable of only small-capacity conversion.

[0062] Meanwhile, the charging interface (30) is a device that connects power and communication to an electric vehicle, such as a cable, plug, and wireless transceiver pad, which connects the charger and the electric vehicle. Here, the plug is a charging connector that is inserted into the charging socket of a charging station and is also called an infrastructure charging plug. In addition, the connector is a charging connector that is inserted into the charging inlet of an electric vehicle and is also called a vehicle charging connector. The inlet of an electric vehicle is the charging socket of an electric vehicle into which the vehicle charging connector is inserted and is also called a vehicle charging inlet.

[0063] Additionally, the charging infrastructure information system (40) is an information system for providing users with information on the type, status, location, and usage of chargers, and for the overall operation and management of the charging infrastructure, including operation control of chargers, user management and information provision, billing, and payment. The charging infrastructure information system (40) may include a central management server located on a wired or wireless network and one or more local servers.

[0064]

[0065] Figure 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of an on / off board charging system for an electric vehicle.

[0066] Electric vehicles can be classified into HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle), PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle), EV (Electric Vehicle), FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle), etc., depending on the type of power source and battery used.

[0067] HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) is a general term for automobiles that use two types of power, typically utilizing both a conventional engine and electric energy from a battery. Unlike HEVs, PHEVs (Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles) charge their batteries externally; the battery plays the primary role in both starting and driving, with the engine acting as a backup only when the battery is discharged. EVs (Electric Vehicles) are electric vehicles that have enhanced battery capacity compared to PHEVs and have had their engines removed. FCEVs (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles) are characterized by having their primary power source in a fuel cell that generates electrical energy internally, rather than an externally charged battery.

[0068] The battery used in the electric vehicle (50) must satisfy the conditions of high energy density to increase the vehicle's driving range and the ability to be completely discharged more than a certain number of times. Nickel-hydrogen (Ni-MH) batteries and lithium polymer-based batteries, which have sufficient power density and reasonable charge / discharge energy efficiency, are mainly used as batteries for electric vehicles. The battery is typically mounted in the vehicle in the form of a battery pack (51) that includes a battery module and a Battery Management System (BMS).

[0069] The BMS manages driving range prediction, charging, overcharge prevention, and cell-to-cell equalization algorithms. The BMS may also include fault management of battery cells or modules and battery replacement notification functions through battery life prediction. To perform these operations, the BMS includes various components such as fuses, current sensing elements, thermistors, switches, and balancers to monitor the current, voltage, and temperature of battery cells or modules.

[0070] The battery pack (51) can drive the vehicle by supplying power to the electric motor through an inverter (or AC / DC converter) equipped in the vehicle. The BMS of the battery pack can communicate with the ECU and VCU within the vehicle body using a communication method such as the CAN protocol. The BMS reports information related to the battery status to the vehicle and can control the connection status between the vehicle and the battery according to the vehicle's operation information. When the operation of the vehicle ends, the BMS receives a vehicle operation termination signal from the vehicle's ECU or VCU and can stop the power supply that was being delivered from the battery module to the vehicle.

[0071] For the operation of such a vehicle, control operations such as motor drive control, regenerative braking control, air conditioning load control, and electrical load power (12V) supply control are required. A vehicle may include several Electronic Control Units (ECUs) for these control operations, and among the various ECUs, the highest-level controller responsible for overall operation and control within the vehicle may be called a Vehicle Control Unit (VCU).

[0072] Meanwhile, multiple ECUs included in a vehicle can communicate with each other via the CAN bus. CAN (Controller Area Network) is a standard communication protocol designed for microcontrollers or devices to communicate with each other within a vehicle without a host computer. As a non-host bus-based message-based network protocol primarily used for communication between controllers, CAN is mainly utilized in vehicles.

[0073] Referring to Fig. 2, chargers are classified into on-board chargers and off-board chargers depending on whether they are installed in an electric vehicle, and are further classified into Home, Standard, and Quick based on their purpose of use. On-board chargers include standard chargers and home chargers. Quick chargers are off-board chargers with a power level of 50 kW or higher, and are primarily used to supplement insufficient power for a short period of time at electric vehicle charging stations.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 2, the onboard charger (52) installed inside the electric vehicle is configured to include an AC / DC converter, a power flow controller (PFC), and a DC / DC converter, and can convert AC power supplied from the grid or a corresponding power supply device into DC power of an appropriate level and output it. The onboard charger (52) can supply power by connecting to a DC / DC converter connected to a battery pack via a DC bus, an AC / DC converter connected to an electric motor, and a DC / DC converter connected to electrical equipment.

[0075] As seen in Figure 2, the charging method of an electric vehicle utilizes a charging method that employs charging facilities of any form. Meanwhile, electric vehicles can include not only four-wheeled vehicles but also two-wheeled electric vehicles (e.g., e-bikes). Two-wheeled electric vehicles generally use a battery swap charging method. As previously discussed, the battery swap method is a method in which a fully charged battery pack (or module) is exchanged at a battery exchange station operated by a charging infrastructure operator and then installed and used in a vehicle.

[0076] Although infrastructure for electric vehicles (typically two-wheeled vehicles and electric bikes) using the battery swapping method is currently being deployed, due to constraints such as limited space in urban areas, these are being built as charging stations separate from the facility-based charging infrastructure. In other words, there is no charging system that comprehensively supports four-wheeled electric vehicles using the facility-based charging method and two-wheeled vehicles using the swapping method.

[0077] In order to solve these problems, the present invention aims to provide an integrated charging device (also known as an urban EVBCS (Electric Vehicle & Bike Charging Station) tower) capable of simultaneously supporting electric vehicles using a facility-based charging method and electric vehicles using a battery swapping-based charging method.

[0078]

[0079] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an integrated charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] The integrated charging device (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention is an integrated charging device that can be connected to an AC (Alternating Current) grid and can be provided in a power form that can be installed in a limited space, such as a sidewalk or in front of a building in an urban area.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 3, an integrated charging device (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include: a converter (140) that converts power supplied from an AC grid (300) into DC (Direct Current) power and supplies it; one or more battery packs (110; 120); a user interface unit (150) that receives a user's charging request and transmits it to a charging management unit; and a charging management unit (130) that checks whether the user's charging request is a charging request using an equipment charging method or a charging request using a battery exchange method, checks the status of the one or more battery packs according to the charging request, and controls at least one of the one or more chargers connected to the integrated charging device or at least one of the one or more battery packs.

[0082] Here, the integrated charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention may be provided in a portable form that is movable when disconnected from the AC grid. Accordingly, the integrated charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a movement assisting means (not shown) to assist the movement of the integrated charging device when it is disconnected from the AC grid and moved. Here, the movement assisting means may include, for example, means such as wheels or rails attached to the bottom, side, or top surface of the integrated charging device. Additionally, the integrated charging device may further include a locking means (for example, means including a lock) required when fixedly installed in one place.

[0083] In the example of FIG. 3, the charging management unit (130) and the AC / DC converter (140) may be configured as separate devices and interact with each other. The charging management unit (130) and the AC / DC converter (140) may also be integrated and implemented within a single piece of hardware.

[0084] In the example of FIG. 3, the charging management unit (130) and AC / DC converter (140) of the integrated charging device (100) may be connected to one or more chargers (200) that perform charging for an electric vehicle. One or more chargers may be connected to the integrated charging device (100) when service is required, and may be disconnected from the integrated charging device (100) when movement of the integrated charging device (100) is required. One or more chargers (200) may be installed in a location where they can be connected to the vehicle's charging connector, for example, a shoulder of a road in an urban area or a sidewalk adjacent to a road. One or more chargers (200) may include a user interface (not shown) for verifying user authentication information, user charging requests, displaying charging-related information, etc.

[0085] Meanwhile, one or more battery packs may include one or more first battery packs (110) mounted in a receiving portion that includes a locking device that is locked or unlocked according to the control of the charging management unit.

[0086] Each of the first battery packs may be mounted in an individual receiving unit that includes a locking device that is locked or unlocked according to the control of the charging management unit. Here, one or more of the first battery packs may be provided in a portable form that is detachable from the receiving unit. When the charging management unit (130) detects a discharged battery pack inserted into the receiving unit in which the first battery pack is received, it may control the converter (140) to charge the battery pack.

[0087] The integrated charging device (100) may also further include one or more second battery packs (120) fixedly installed inside the integrated charging device. The charging management unit (130) can perform charging for one or more first battery packs (110) and second battery packs (120) in an idle state using power supplied from the AC grid. The power stored in the second battery pack (120) is intended to respond to a charging request from an electric vehicle that performs charging using a charging facility (e.g., a charger (200)). As will be seen later, the charging management unit (130) can pre-charge the second battery pack (120) and then provide the power stored in the second battery pack through a charger connected to the electric vehicle when the user's charging request is for pack-unit charging.

[0088] Here, one or more first battery packs (110) and second battery packs (120) are assemblies in which a plurality of battery cells are electrically connected. Each battery pack (100, 120) is equipped with a Battery Management System (BMS) (not shown) to monitor the current, voltage, and temperature of the battery pack and to control charging and discharging based on the monitoring results.

[0089]

[0090] FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram of an integrated charging service provision system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0091] An integrated charging service providing system according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include an integrated charging device (100) provided in a movable portable form as seen in FIG. 3 and an integrated server (400) located on a network.

[0092] The integrated charging device (100) can be connected to an AC grid (300) and may be configured to include one or more battery packs (110; 120) and a charging management unit (130). More specifically, the charging management unit (130) can determine whether a user's charging request is a charging request using an equipment charging method or a charging request using a battery exchange method, check the status of one or more first battery packs according to the charging request, and control one or more chargers connected to a converter or the first battery pack.

[0093] The integrated charging device (100) may further include a converter that converts power supplied from an AC grid into DC (Direct Current) power and supplies it, a user interface unit that receives a user request and transmits it to a charging management unit, and a communication module.

[0094] Meanwhile, the integrated server (400) can provide an integrated charging service according to an embodiment of the present invention by linking with one or more integrated charging devices (100). More specifically, the integrated server (400) can receive, store, and manage information such as location information of one or more integrated charging devices (100) installed at an actual site (i.e., connected to an AC grid to provide charging services), and the status and charging status of battery packs possessed by each integrated charging device (100).

[0095] A user can use an integrated charging service according to an embodiment of the present invention by using a terminal capable of communicating with an integrated server (400) through a network. More specifically, the user can receive a charging service as described in FIG. 3 through an integrated charging device (100), and can also receive information regarding the location and related information where one or more integrated charging devices (100) are installed by using information provided by the integrated server (400).

[0096] More specifically, the integrated server (400) can provide the location and related information of an integrated charging device having a rechargeable battery pack to the user terminal in response to a charging device information request received from the user terminal via a network. At this time, the user's charging device information request may be received through the user interface of the integrated charging device deployed at the site.

[0097] According to one embodiment, if a user requests charging from a first integrated charging device but the first integrated charging device is unable to provide a charging service corresponding to the user's request, the first integrated charging device may report this to an integrated server (400). In this case, the integrated server (400) may provide information regarding a second integrated charging device located closest to the first integrated charging device among the integrated charging devices capable of providing a charging service corresponding to the user's request to the first integrated charging device or the user's terminal.

[0098] Users can also receive guidance on the charging process and charging progress (when using a charging service with a facility charging method), and information regarding the payment amount after charging is completed, through the user interface of the integrated charging device or a user terminal.

[0099]

[0100] FIG. 5 is a schematic flowchart of the control method of an integrated charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0101] Referring to FIG. 5, the integrated charging device may receive a charging request containing user information (S510). At this time, the charging request may be received through a user interface unit (150) included in the integrated charging device (100) or through a user interface unit provided by one or more chargers (200) connected to the integrated charging device (100). The charging request may be implemented in the form of a user card previously issued to the user, a charging request including user information entered after scanning a barcode provided through the user interface, etc. Here, the user information may be replaced with credit card information, etc., provided later through a payment method for charging.

[0102] When a charging request is received, the integrated charging device checks whether the request is a charging request using an equipment charging method or a charging request using a battery exchange method (S520). Depending on the result of the check, it checks the status of one or more first battery packs and controls one or more chargers or first battery packs connected to the converter.

[0103] More specifically, if the user's charging request is a charging method, it is additionally checked whether it is a charging request in pack units or a charging request in hours (S601). If it is a charging request in pack units, a battery pack (e.g., a second battery pack) is controlled, and if it is a charging request in hours, an AD / DC converter is controlled to perform charging for the electric vehicle (S602).

[0104] Meanwhile, if the user's charging request is a battery exchange method, check if there is a fully charged pack (among the first battery packs) and provide it to the user and display it (S701). When the user selects the pack (S702), unlock the selected pack and check if the pack has been withdrawn (S703).

[0105] Additionally, although not illustrated, a control method for an integrated charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include the step of performing charging for one or more battery packs in an idle state using power supplied from an AC grid.

[0106] A control method for an integrated charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include the step of controlling the converter to charge the battery pack when a discharged battery pack inserted into a receiving portion in which a first battery pack is received is detected.

[0107] A control method for an integrated charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include the step of reporting to the integrated server, when receiving a device information request from an integrated server linked to the integrated charging device via a network, information regarding the location information of the integrated charging device and the status and charging state of one or more battery packs.

[0108]

[0109] FIG. 6 is a detailed flowchart of the control method of an integrated charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention when charging using a facility charging method is requested.

[0110] Referring to FIG. 6, as previously examined through FIG. 5, if the user's charging request is for a facility charging method, it is additionally checked whether it is a pack-unit charging request or an hour-unit charging request (S610). If the user's charging request is an hour-unit charging request, information set by the user (e.g., charging time, charging speed, charging capacity, etc.) is received through the user interface (S620). When the information set by the user in relation to the charging request is confirmed, it is checked whether the charging plug is connected (S640), and the converter is controlled according to the requested charging time and speed to perform charging for the electric vehicle (S650).

[0111] Meanwhile, if the user's charging request is a pack-unit charging request, it is checked whether the remaining capacity (SOC; State of Charge) of a fixed battery pack (e.g., the second battery pack in FIG. 3) is sufficient to be available for charging, and information about the selectable pack (including the charging amount and estimated time) is provided to the user (S630). Upon receiving the information about the pack selected by the user (S631), it is checked whether the charging plug is connected (S640), and the corresponding battery pack is controlled according to the requested charging amount to perform charging for the electric vehicle (S650).

[0112]

[0113] FIG. 7 is a detailed operation flowchart of a control method for an integrated charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention when charging using a battery exchange method is requested.

[0114] Referring to FIG. 7, when the user's charging request is a battery exchange method, the integrated charging device checks the status of a first battery pack detachable from the battery receiving part (S710), checks if there is a fully charged pack, and provides it to the user (S720). When it receives information about a pack selected by the user (S730), it unlocks the selected pack (S740).

[0115] It checks whether the unlocked pack has been withdrawn (S750) and checks whether a new battery pack has been inserted into the withdrawn place (S760). At this time, the new battery pack received in the battery receiving portion is a battery pack that has been discharged due to use and requires charging, and can be inserted by a user who has requested a battery replacement. If the integrated charging device confirms that a discharged battery pack has been inserted (e.g., S760), it can perform charging for the pack (S770).

[0116]

[0117] The integrated charging device according to the embodiment of the present invention described above can simultaneously perform charging for facility-type electric vehicles and exchange-type electric vehicles. In addition, since it is installed in the form of a small roadside charging station, the occupied space can be minimized, enabling efficient space creation and infrastructure construction in urban areas.

[0118]

[0119] The operation of the method according to an embodiment of the present invention can be implemented as a computer-readable program or code on a computer-readable recording medium. A computer-readable recording medium includes all types of recording devices in which data that can be read by a computer system is stored. Additionally, the computer-readable recording medium may be distributed across networked computer systems, allowing computer-readable programs or code to be stored and executed in a distributed manner.

[0120] In addition, computer-readable recording media may include hardware devices specifically configured to store and execute program instructions, such as ROM, RAM, and flash memory. Program instructions may include machine code, such as that generated by a compiler, as well as high-level language code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc.

[0121] Some aspects of the invention have been described in the context of a device, but may also be described according to a corresponding method, wherein a block or device corresponds to a method step or a feature of a method step. Similarly, aspects described in the context of a method may also be described according to a corresponding block or item or a feature of a corresponding device. Some or all of the method steps may be performed by (or using) a hardware device, such as, for example, a microprocessor, a programmable computer, or an electronic circuit. In some embodiments, one or more of the most important method steps may be performed by such a device.

[0122] Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and changes can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as described in the following claims.

Claims

1. As an integrated charging device capable of connecting to an AC (Alternating Current) grid, One or more battery packs; A converter that converts power supplied from the above AC grid into DC (Direct Current) power and supplies it; A user interface unit that receives a user's charging request and transmits it to a charging management unit; and It includes a charging management unit that checks whether a user's charging request is a charging request using an equipment charging method or a charging request using a battery exchange method, checks the status of the one or more battery packs according to the charging request, and controls at least one part of the one or more chargers or the one or more battery packs connected to the integrated charging device. The above integrated charging device is provided in a movable portable form when disconnected from the AC grid.

2. In Claim 1, The above one or more battery packs are, An integrated charging device comprising one or more first battery packs mounted in a receiving portion that includes a locking device that is locked or unlocked according to the control of the charging management unit.

3. In Claim 2, The above charging management unit is, An integrated charging device that, in response to a charging request for a battery exchange method, checks whether there is a fully charged pack among the one or more first battery packs, provides the information to the user, and unlocks the selected pack.

4. In Claim 2, An integrated charging device in which one or more first battery packs are separated from the receiving portion and provided in a portable form.

5. In Claim 2, The above charging management unit is, An integrated charging device that controls the converter to charge the battery pack when it detects a discharged battery pack inserted into a receiving portion in which the first battery pack is received.

6. In Claim 2, The above one or more battery packs are, An integrated charging device further comprising one or more second battery packs fixedly installed inside the integrated charging device.

7. In Claim 6, The above charging management unit is, An integrated charging device that, in response to a charging request of an equipment charging method, determines whether it is a pack-unit charging request or an hour-unit charging request, and performs charging for the electric vehicle by controlling an available battery pack among the one or more second battery packs or the converter.

8. In Claim 7, The above charging management unit is, If the above user's charging request is a pack-unit charging request, An integrated charging device that supplies power stored in a selected second battery pack through a charger connected to the electric vehicle.

9. In Claim 6, The above charging management unit is, An integrated charging device that performs charging for one or more first battery packs and second battery packs in an idle state using power supplied from the above AC grid.

10. In Claim 1, An integrated charging device further comprising a movement assisting means to assist the movement of the integrated charging device when the integrated charging device is disconnected from the AC grid and moves.

11. In Claim 1, The above integrated charging device is provided in the form of a tower that can be installed in a limited space.

12. In Claim 1, The above integrated charging device is, An integrated charging device linked with an integrated server that manages location information of one or more integrated charging devices and the status and charging status of battery packs held by each integrated charging device.

13. A method for controlling an integrated charging device comprising one or more battery packs and capable of being connected to an AC grid, A step of checking whether the user's charging request is a charging request using a facility charging method or a charging request using a battery exchange method; A step of checking the status of one or more battery packs according to the above charging request; and The method includes the step of controlling one or more chargers connected to the integrated charging device or at least a portion of the battery pack according to the charging request of the user and the state of the battery pack. A method for controlling an integrated charging device, wherein the integrated charging device is provided in a movable portable form when disconnected from the AC grid.

14. In Claim 13, The above one or more battery packs are, One or more first battery packs mounted in a receiving portion including a locking device that is locked or unlocked according to the control of the charging management unit; and A method for controlling an integrated charging device comprising one or more second battery packs fixedly installed inside the integrated charging device.

15. In Claim 14, The step of controlling at least one of the above-mentioned chargers or at least a portion of the above-mentioned battery packs is, A method for controlling an integrated charging device, comprising the step of checking whether there is a fully charged pack among the one or more first battery packs in response to a charging request for a battery exchange method, providing such information to the user, and unlocking the selected pack.

16. In Claim 14, The step of controlling at least one of the above-mentioned chargers or at least a portion of the above-mentioned battery packs is, A control method for an integrated charging device, comprising the step of determining whether a charging request for a facility charging method is a pack-unit charging request or an hour-unit charging request, and controlling an available battery pack or converter among the one or more second battery packs to perform charging for the electric vehicle.

17. In Claim 14, A control method for an integrated charging device, further comprising the step of performing charging for one or more idle battery packs using power supplied from the AC grid.

18. In Claim 14, A method for controlling an integrated charging device, further comprising the step of controlling a converter to charge a battery pack when a discharged battery pack inserted into a receiving portion in which the first battery pack is received is detected.

19. In Claim 13, When receiving a device information request from an integrated server that interacts with the aforementioned integrated charging device via a network, A method for controlling an integrated charging device, further comprising the step of reporting to an integrated server information regarding the location information of the integrated charging device and the status and charging state of one or more battery packs.

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