A charging circuit, system and method

Abstract

The present invention discloses a charging circuit, system and method, belonging to the technical field of charging. The charging circuit includes a relay circuit, an isolated current detection circuit, a controller circuit, a socket interface circuit, a leakage detection circuit, a temperature and humidity detection circuit and a power supply. By setting the isolated current detection circuit, the current can be detected, and at the same time, the isolation function can be achieved to prevent the large current in the detection process from damaging the controller circuit, increasing the service life. At the same time, the leakage detection circuit and the temperature and humidity detection circuit are used to detect whether the socket leaks and the temperature and humidity conditions, so as to prevent safety accidents caused by leakage or water ingress of the socket.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of charging, and particularly to a charging circuit, system and method. Background Art

[0002] Electric vehicles are common means of transportation for short-distance travel in daily life, and there are a large number of electric vehicle users in China. At present, there is no planning and management for electric vehicle charging in communities. Charging at home poses a safety hazard and is likely to cause fires, endangering people's personal and property safety. Prolonged charging of electric vehicles at night causes overcharging of the battery, which easily shortens the battery life. In addition, it can also solve the embarrassing situation where the electric vehicle runs out of power in public places. There are fast charging piles on the market, and their charging current is very large, far exceeding the normal charging current of the battery, which easily causes overcharging and bulging of the battery, greatly damaging the battery and affecting its life.

[0003] Currently, most of the charging devices on the market adopt coin insertion, card swiping, or mobile phone QR code payment modes. The coin insertion and card swiping modes have relatively high service costs and require coin collection and recharge services, while the mobile phone QR code payment mode requires a 4G signal to be used. As a result, such systems cannot be used in many underground parking lots, which leads to a poor user experience. At the same time, the cost of the charging devices of manufacturers increases significantly. When there is no signal, a relay station needs to be added, or the use of a 4G signal or a GPRS module will increase the device cost. At the same time, some existing charging devices often have problems such as short circuit of the charging interface or natural overheating due to long charging time. Moreover, when water enters the charging interface, it will cause a short circuit, burning out the charging device and endangering the safety of the charging vehicle. Therefore, in order to solve the above problems, it is necessary to design a charging device with lower cost and more suitable for use in underground parking lots. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to solve the problems mentioned above, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a charging circuit, system and method. The present invention adopts a strategy of online mobile phone payment and offline use. The device can be installed in places without a GPRS signal, such as underground parking lots, without other service costs, and the QR code scanning operation is eliminated. Users can freely choose idle devices for charging. This solution combines the advantages of various solutions, real-time detects the temperature, humidity and leakage of the charging interface, improves charging safety, and greatly enhances the user experience.

[0005] A charging circuit includes a relay circuit, an isolated current detection circuit, a controller circuit, a socket interface circuit, a leakage detection circuit, a temperature and humidity detection circuit, and a power supply. The input end of the relay circuit is connected to an external power line, and the output end of the relay circuit is connected to the socket interface circuit. The isolated current detection circuit is arranged on the energized wire between the relay circuit and the socket interface circuit. The output end of the isolated current detection circuit is connected to the controller circuit. The detection ends of the leakage detection circuit and the temperature and humidity detection circuit are both connected to the socket interface circuit. The output ends of the leakage detection circuit and the temperature and humidity detection circuit are connected to the controller circuit. The output end of the power supply is connected to the controller circuit. A Bluetooth antenna is arranged on the controller circuit and is connected to the controller circuit.

[0006] Further, the controller circuit includes a microprocessor, a clock circuit, an indicator light circuit, and a power supply circuit. The input end of the power supply circuit is connected to the power supply, and the output end is connected to the microprocessor to supply power. The clock circuit and the indicator light circuit are both connected to the microprocessor. The microprocessor uses a chip with the model CC2640_V1.4.

[0007] Further, the isolated current detection circuit includes a current transformer, resistors R2, R3, R6, a capacitor C9, and an MB6S rectifier bridge. The resistor R2 is connected in parallel to the output end of the current transformer. The detection end of the current transformer is arranged on the wire. The output end of the current transformer is connected to the input end of the MB6S rectifier bridge. The output end of the MB6S rectifier bridge is respectively connected to one end of the capacitor C9 and the resistor R3. The other end of the capacitor C9 is grounded. The other end of the resistor R3 is respectively connected to the output end of the isolated current detection circuit and one end of the resistor R6. The other end of the resistor R6 is grounded.

[0008] Further, the power supply includes a rectification circuit, a buck circuit, and a transformer. The input end of the rectification circuit is connected to an external 220V mains supply, and the output end of the rectification circuit is connected to the transformer via the buck circuit.

[0009] Further, the temperature and humidity detection circuit includes a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor. The output ends of the temperature sensor and the humidity sensor are both connected to the controller circuit. The temperature sensor uses a temperature sensor with the model WRM-101.

[0010] A charging system includes a server, a user terminal, and a charging socket device. The server is wirelessly connected to the user terminal, and the user terminal is wirelessly connected to the charging socket device.

[0011] The charging socket device includes a relay circuit, an isolated current detection circuit, a controller circuit, a socket interface circuit, and a power supply. The input end of the relay circuit is connected to an external power line, and the output end of the relay circuit is connected to the socket interface circuit. The isolated current detection circuit is disposed on the energized wire between the relay circuit and the socket interface circuit. The output end of the isolated current detection circuit is connected to the controller circuit. The output end of the power supply is connected to the controller circuit. A Bluetooth antenna is provided on the controller circuit, and the Bluetooth antenna is connected to the controller circuit.

[0012] Further, the user terminal is a mobile phone or a tablet computer, and a charging system is installed on both the mobile phone and the tablet computer.

[0013] A charging method, the method comprising the following steps:

[0014] Step 1: Turn on the charging system on the user's mobile phone, find the charging socket where the user is located on the charging system, and select the socket;

[0015] Step 2: Click to charge, turn on Bluetooth, connect the device, and connect to the Bluetooth on the charging socket device;

[0016] Step 3: The charging socket device transmits the previous charging data of the user to the charging system on the mobile phone. The charging system detects whether the network of the mobile phone is available. When available, it transmits the previous charging data of the user to the server. When the network is not available, it periodically detects the network situation of the mobile phone until the mobile phone network is available and uploads the previous charging data of the user to the server;

[0017] Step 4: After the charging socket device uploads the previous charging data of the user, it receives the user information and charging information transmitted from the charging system. The controller circuit in the charging socket device controls the relay circuit to turn on according to the charging information;

[0018] Step 5: The isolated current detection circuit on the charging socket device detects the current situation on the wire. When the current is not zero, it transmits the detection signal to the controller circuit, and the controller circuit starts charging billing. The billing is equal to the product of the charging time and the set charging unit price;

[0019] Step 6: When the isolated current detection circuit detects that the wire current is zero or the static current when the tram is fully charged, it transmits a signal to the controller. The controller settles the charging fee. Otherwise, until the charging reaches the charging time set by the user and ends, it calculates the charging fee, and packages the charging fee and the charging user information, waiting to be sent to the next charging user.

[0020] Further, in step 6, when the current is the static current of the charger, it is defined as fully charged. Additionally, if charging is considered to be interrupted during charging and the detected current is 0, in these two cases, the controller circuit controls the relay circuit to open, the device stops discharging, and the controller circuit calculates the charging fee.

[0021] Further, before clicking to charge in step 2, the charging system detects the user's account balance. When it detects that the user's account balance is less than the amount set by the system, it reminds the user to recharge in a timely manner. Then, the user selects the charging time as needed and clicks to confirm charging.

[0022] The present invention adopts the above technical solutions and has the following technical effects:

[0023] 1. The charging circuit of the present invention can detect the current by setting up an isolation current detection circuit, and at the same time achieve the function of isolation, preventing the large current during the detection process from damaging the controller circuit, increasing its lifespan. At the same time, a leakage detection circuit and a temperature and humidity detection circuit are used to detect whether there is leakage and the temperature and humidity of the socket, in case safety accidents are caused by leakage or water ingress of the socket.

[0024] 2. The charging system of the present invention adopts a strategy of mobile phone online payment and offline use. The device can be installed in places without GPRS signals, such as underground parking lots, without other service costs, and the action of scanning the code is eliminated. Users can freely choose idle devices for charging. This solution combines the advantages of various solutions, detects the temperature, humidity, and leakage of the charging interface in real time, improves charging safety, and greatly enhances the user experience.

[0025] 3. The charging method of the present invention allows the offline use of the mobile phone. Allowing offline use places no restrictions on the installation site of the device, as long as there is power. By "offline" it means that this solution does not rely on the GSM / GPRS network. In the case of no network on the mobile phone, the device is controlled through Bluetooth communication to achieve authorized discharging. This feature is one of the key points differentiating it from other solutions. A current detection circuit is designed in the solution. When the current is small enough and close to the static current of the charger, it is defined as fully charged. Additionally, if it is unplugged by someone during charging, the current will drop to 0. In both cases, the device will stop discharging and settle accounts for the user at this time point. The excess part of the payment amount when the user places an order will be returned to the user's account, minimizing the user's usage cost. Only reasonable electricity charges will be realistically charged, that is, the user pays exactly for what they use, providing a better user experience than the ambiguous consumption models of other solutions. This is the second key point differentiating it from other solutions. Regarding the upload of real charging consumption records, this solution adopts a collaborative mutual transmission strategy. If the charging is terminated, the user's real consumption period will be saved in the device. When the second user connects to this device, the record will be obtained and pushed to the server background. The entire packet is about 20 bytes, hardly imposing too much burden on the user's traffic. Similarly, the user's own record will also be uploaded through other users' mobile phones. This is just a collaborative and mutually beneficial working mode, without increasing the user's total usage cost. This is the third distinctive feature of this solution. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 is the block diagram of the charging circuit structure of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2 is the block diagram of the charging system of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 3 is the schematic diagram of the isolation current detection circuit of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 4 is the schematic diagram of the controller circuit of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 5 is the schematic diagram of the relay circuit of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 6 is the schematic diagram of the power supply of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 7 is the flow chart of the charging method of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] To make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, the following provides preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings to further elaborate on the present invention in detail. However, it should be noted that many details listed in the specification are only for enabling the reader to have a thorough understanding of one or more aspects of the present invention, and these aspects of the present invention can be implemented even without these specific details.

[0034] As Figure 1 shown, a block diagram of a charging circuit according to the present invention includes a relay circuit, an isolated current detection circuit, a controller circuit, a socket interface circuit, a leakage detection circuit, a temperature and humidity detection circuit, and a power supply. The input end of the relay circuit is connected to an external power line, and the output end of the relay circuit is connected to the socket interface circuit. The isolated current detection circuit is provided on the energized wire between the relay circuit and the socket interface circuit. The output end of the isolated current detection circuit is connected to the controller circuit, and the detection ends of the leakage detection circuit and the temperature and humidity detection circuit are both connected to the socket interface circuit. The output ends of the leakage detection circuit and the temperature and humidity detection circuit are connected to the controller circuit. The output end of the power supply is connected to the controller circuit. A Bluetooth antenna is provided on the controller circuit. The Bluetooth antenna is connected to the controller circuit.

[0035] By providing an isolated current detection circuit in the charging circuit, the current can be detected and the isolation function can be achieved simultaneously, preventing the large current during the detection process from damaging the controller circuit and increasing its lifespan. At the same time, a leakage detection circuit and a temperature and humidity detection circuit are used to detect whether the socket is leaking and the temperature and humidity conditions, so as to prevent safety accidents caused by the socket leaking or getting water. The controller circuit controls the relay circuit to be turned on or off to complete charging, and the isolated current detection circuit detects the current situation of the conducting wire to calculate the charge according to time.

[0036] In another embodiment of the present invention, as Figure 4 shown, the controller circuit includes a microprocessor, a clock circuit, an indicator light circuit, and a power supply circuit. The input end of the power supply circuit is connected to the power supply, and the output end is connected to the microprocessor to supply power. The clock circuit and the indicator light circuit are both connected to the microprocessor. The microprocessor uses a chip with the model CC2640_V1.4. By using a Bluetooth chip as the controller chip, the cost can be greatly reduced and the volume of the device can be decreased at the same time. By using Bluetooth communication, offline use of the mobile phone is allowed. Allowing offline use has no restrictions on the installation site of the device, as long as there is electricity. The so-called offline means that this solution does not rely on the GSM / GPRS network. In the case of the mobile phone having no network, the device can be controlled through the Bluetooth communication method to achieve authorized discharging.

[0037] In another embodiment of the present invention, as Figure 3As shown in the figure, the isolated current detection circuit includes a current transformer, resistors R2, R3, R6, a capacitor C9, and an MB6S rectifier bridge. The resistor R2 is connected in parallel at the output end of the current transformer. The detection end of the current transformer is arranged on the wire. The output end of the current transformer is connected to the input end of the MB6S rectifier bridge. The output end of the MB6S rectifier bridge is respectively connected to one end of the capacitor C9 and the resistor R3. The other end of the capacitor C9 is grounded. The other end of the resistor R3 is respectively connected to the output end of the isolated current detection circuit and one end of the resistor R6. The other end of the resistor R6 is grounded. The isolated current detection circuit can detect the magnitude of the current and isolate large currents at the same time, avoiding affecting the controller circuit.

[0038] In another embodiment of the present invention, as Figure 6 shown in the figure, the power supply includes a rectifier circuit, a buck circuit, and a transformer. The input end of the rectifier circuit is connected to the external 220V mains power supply. The output end of the rectifier circuit is connected to the transformer through the buck circuit. The power supply reduces the 220V voltage of the mains power supply to 12V voltage or 5V DC voltage to supply power to the controller circuit.

[0039] In another embodiment of the present invention, the temperature and humidity detection circuit includes a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor. The output ends of the temperature sensor and the humidity sensor are both connected to the controller circuit. The temperature sensor uses a temperature sensor with the model number WRM-101. At the same time, a leakage detection circuit and a temperature and humidity detection circuit are used to detect whether the socket is leaking and the temperature and humidity conditions, in case of safety accidents caused by leakage or water ingress of the socket.

[0040] A charging system, as Figure 2 shown in the figure, includes a server, a user terminal, and a charging socket device. The server is wirelessly connected to the user terminal. The user terminal is wirelessly connected to the charging socket device.

[0041] The charging socket device includes a relay circuit, an isolated current detection circuit, a controller circuit, a socket interface circuit, and a power supply. The input end of the relay circuit is connected to the external power supply line. The output end of the relay circuit is connected to the socket interface circuit. The isolated current detection circuit is arranged on the energized wire between the relay circuit and the socket interface circuit. The output end of the isolated current detection circuit is connected to the controller circuit. The output end of the power supply is connected to the controller circuit. A Bluetooth antenna is arranged on the controller circuit. The Bluetooth antenna is connected to the controller circuit. The user terminal is a mobile phone or a tablet computer, and the charging system is installed on both the mobile phone and the tablet computer.

[0042] The server stores user data and cost data and provides direct access to user queries. A fixed charging system is installed on the user's end, connecting to a charging socket to control charging. The charging socket uses Bluetooth to control charging, allowing the phone to be used offline. Offline use is permitted regardless of the device's installation location; it requires access to power. Offline operation means this solution doesn't rely on the GSM / GPRS network. Even when the phone is offline, Bluetooth communication is used to control the device and authorize discharge. A current detection circuit is designed to detect a full charge when the current is sufficiently low, approaching the charger's quiescent current. If the device is unplugged during charging, the current drops to zero. In both cases, the device stops discharging and the user is billed at that point. Any excess from the user's order amount is refunded to the user's account, minimizing user costs and ensuring a reasonable, realistic electricity bill—that is, charging based on usage. This solution offers a better user experience than the fuzzy consumption model of other solutions. This solution uses a collaborative mutual transmission strategy to upload actual charging consumption records. If charging is terminated, the user's actual consumption period is saved on the device. When a second user connects to the device, the record is retrieved and pushed to the server backend. The entire package is approximately 20 bytes, which hardly adds a significant burden to the user's data usage. Similarly, the user's records are uploaded through other users' phones. This is simply a collaborative working model that does not increase the user's overall cost of use.

[0043] A charging method, comprising the following steps:

[0044] Step 1: Open the charging system on the user's mobile phone, find the charging socket where the user is located on the charging system, and select the socket.

[0045] Step 2: Click Charge, turn on Bluetooth, connect the device, and connect to the Bluetooth on the charging socket device.

[0046] Step 3: The charging socket device transmits the last user's charging data to the charging system on the mobile phone. The charging system detects whether the mobile phone network is available. If it is available, the charging data of the last user is transmitted to the server. If the network is not available, the mobile phone network status is periodically checked until the mobile phone network is available and the charging data of the last user is uploaded to the server.

[0047] Step 4: After the charging socket device uploads the last user's charging data, it receives the user information and charging information from the charging system. The controller circuit in the charging socket device controls the relay circuit to open according to the charging information.

[0048] Step 5: The isolation current detection circuit on the charging socket device detects the current on the wire. When the current is non-zero, it transmits the detection signal to the controller circuit, and the controller circuit starts charging billing. The billing is equal to the product of the charging time and the set charging unit price.

[0049] Step 6: When the isolation current detection circuit detects that the wire current is zero or the static current when the tram is fully charged, it transmits the signal to the controller, and the controller settles the charging fee. Otherwise, until the charging reaches the charging time set by the user and ends, the charging fee is calculated, and the charging fee and the charging user information are packaged and waiting to be sent to the next charging user.

[0050] In another embodiment of the present invention, in step 6, when the current is the static current of the charger, it is defined as fully charged. Additionally, if it is considered that the charging is disconnected during charging and the detected current is 0, in these two cases, the controller circuit controls the relay circuit to open, the device stops discharging, and the controller circuit settles the charging fee.

[0051] In another embodiment of the present invention, before clicking to charge in step 2, the charging system detects the user's account balance. When it detects that the user's account balance is less than the amount set by the system, it reminds the user to recharge in time. Then the user selects the charging time as needed and clicks to confirm charging.

[0052] The simple process is as follows:

[0053] Broadcast information such as the local virtual ID of this machine, charging status, and charging quotes; after connecting to the mobile phone, provide and upload actual consumption records; receive consumption requests and provide a 220VA power supply path; detect the charging status; record the actual charging time and duration and save them locally; stop power supply regularly.

[0054] This method interacts between the mobile phone Bluetooth and the power supply device. First, the user opens the APP to select a socket and automatically connects to the socket via Bluetooth. The APP will authorize and turn on the device according to the user's local balance and start the timed power supply logic according to the charging time set by the user. When the time is up, the power supply will stop automatically.

[0055] In principle, it follows the actual charging time calculation rule to minimize the charging fee for the user as much as possible. If an accident occurs during charging and charging is actively or passively abandoned, the charging socket will automatically stop power supply and calculate the actual charging time to ensure the safety of the device and avoid losses to the user's rights and interests. The difference between the user-applied charging time and the actual charging time will be delayed and returned to the user's account.

[0056] The evaluation of the current is to use a current transformer device to isolate and collect the current on the AC220L line, which can ensure the safety of both the device and the user at the same time. When the device is discharging, it will periodically collect the induced current. When the current is greater than about 3A, the device will perform a protective power-off to avoid potential safety hazards caused by overheating due to large current. The relay adopts a double-knife structure, completely disconnecting the output of the socket from the AC220V, including the neutral wire and the live wire.

[0057] The user turns on the mobile phone Bluetooth to start the APP, selects the device to connect. After successful connection, the actual consumption record of the previous user is obtained (if there is a network, it will be uploaded immediately; if there is no network, it will be saved locally and uploaded after connecting to the network). If the user's local balance is not zero, a charging request will be sent to the device according to the user's default consumption habit (for example: charging for four hours). The device starts to supply power and the countdown begins. If the detected current is zero during the process, the power supply will be automatically terminated, and the actual consumption record will be immediately uploaded and saved locally, or wait to be uploaded. If the user's local balance is zero, it will prompt that the balance is insufficient, and the user is required to connect to the network to replenish the balance or recharge.

[0058] When the user connects and the device supplies power, after actively or passively stopping charging, the device will automatically stop supplying power.

[0059] This system interacts based on mobile phone Bluetooth and the power supply device. First, the user opens the APP, selects the socket, and automatically connects to the socket via Bluetooth. The APP will authorize and turn on the device according to the user's local balance, and start the timed power supply logic according to the charging time set by the user. When the time is up, the power supply will automatically stop.

[0060] In principle, this system follows the actual charging time calculation rule to minimize the charging cost for the user as much as possible. If an accident occurs during charging and charging is actively or passively abandoned, the charging socket will automatically stop supplying power and calculate the actual charging time to ensure the safety of the device and avoid losses to the user's rights and interests. The difference between the user's applied charging time and the actual charging time will be delayed and returned to the user's account. The situations of charging termination are as follows:

[0061] Normal termination: When the charging device is fully charged and the charging current is close to the static working current of the charger, the system will automatically stop discharging.

[0062] Active termination: When the user actively unpluggs the charger after charging for a period of time, the system will detect that the current is zero and stop discharging.

[0063] Passive termination: When the plug is unplugged by others during charging, the system will detect that the current is zero and stop discharging.

[0064] Abnormal termination. Due to abnormalities in the charger itself, or excessive current caused by the user using other electrical appliances, exceeding the upper limit value of this system, the system will perform self-protection and stop discharging.

[0065] The above are only the preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that for those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the principle of the present invention, several improvements and refinements can be made, and these improvements and refinements should also be regarded as the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A charging method, characterized in that, The method includes the following steps: Step 1: Turn on the charging system on the user's mobile phone, locate the charging socket where the user is located on the charging system, and select the socket; Step 2: Click to charge, turn on Bluetooth, connect the device, and connect to the Bluetooth on the charging socket device; Step 3: The charging socket device transmits the previous charging data of the user to the charging system on the mobile phone. The charging system detects whether the network of the mobile phone is available. When it is available, it transmits the previous charging data of the user to the server. When the network is not available, it periodically detects the network situation of the mobile phone until the mobile phone network is available and uploads the previous charging data of the user to the server; Step 4: After the charging socket device uploads the previous charging data of the user, it receives the user information and charging information transmitted from the charging system. The controller circuit in the charging socket device controls the relay circuit to open according to the charging information; Step 5: The isolation current detection circuit on the charging socket device detects the current situation on the wire. When the current is not zero, it transmits the detection signal to the controller circuit, and the controller circuit starts charging billing. The billing is equal to the product of the charging time and the set charging unit price; Step 6: When the isolation current detection circuit detects that the wire current is zero or the static current when the tram is fully charged, it transmits the signal to the controller, and the controller settles the charging fee. Otherwise, until the charging reaches the charging time set by the user and ends, it calculates the charging fee, and packages the charging fee and the charging user information, waiting to be sent to the next charging user; In Step 6, when the current is the static current of the charger, it is defined as fully charged. Additionally, if the charging is considered to be disconnected during charging and the detected current is 0, in these two cases, the controller circuit controls the relay circuit to open, the device stops discharging, and the controller circuit settles the charging fee; Before clicking to charge in Step 2, the charging system detects the user's account balance. When it detects that the user's account balance is less than the amount set by the system, it reminds the user to recharge in time. Then the user selects the charging time as needed and clicks to confirm charging.

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