Charging connector control system and method

Abstract

A charging connector control system and method are disclosed, which may include: a charging control unit of a charging device, providing a control signal for charging; and a vehicle control unit changing a sensing control signal into a normal control signal by performing a variable resistor control according to whether a sensing control signal (generated by sensing a control signal transmitted through a charging connector for connecting the charging device and the vehicle) is normal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a charging control technology, and more particularly, to a system and method for controlling charging of a vehicle and locking of a charging connector after charging. Background Art

[0002] Generally, a method for locking a charging connector of a vehicle installs keys corresponding to a lock mode, an automatic mode, and an unlock mode inside the vehicle, and thus sets and manages them.

[0003] However, in the case of the above-mentioned automatic mode, when charging is completed, the lock of the charger can be released to remove the charger. In addition, in the case of the lock mode, even when charging is completed, the lock state is always maintained so that the charger is still attached to the vehicle.

[0004] In this case, there arises a problem that when the user does not set the mode according to the situation, the user's charger is stolen in the automatic mode, or other users other than the user who is using it cannot use the charger even after fully charging in the lock mode.

[0005] Meanwhile, a method for realizing a locking function of a charging connector by selecting and managing a corresponding function (appointment setting / smart grid setting / charging connector lock control setting, etc.) in a vehicle is disclosed. The smart grid setting is controlled by navigation, and the charging connector lock control is controlled by various methods such as hard key / cluster setting / navigation setting. However, when the user does not set the corresponding method, the charging connector may be stolen or inconvenience may be caused to other users.

[0006] In addition, there is a problem that when a vehicle-to-grid (V2G) power grid is used through a smart grid, a separate navigation setup is required to perform a corresponding function.

[0007] The contents described in the related art description are to help understanding the background of the present disclosure, and may include contents that are previously unknown to those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. Summary of the invention

[0008] Aspects of the present disclosure may provide a charging connector control system and method, which may allow a user to prevent the charging connector from being stolen or avoid inconvenience to other users when a user does not set or incorrectly sets a charging connector lock control.

[0009] Aspects of the present disclosure may provide a charging connector control system and method that may directly control the use of a smart grid once a user connects the connector.

[0010] Aspects of the present disclosure may provide a charging connector control system that may allow a user to prevent the charging connector from being stolen or to avoid inconvenience to other users even if the user does not set or incorrectly sets the charging connector lock control.

[0011] A charging connector control system may include: a charging control unit of a charging device, which provides a control signal for charging; and a vehicle control unit, which performs variable resistor control according to whether the sensing control signal is normal to change the sensing control signal into a normal control signal, and generates a sensing control signal by sensing a control signal transmitted through a charging connector for connecting the charging device and the vehicle.

[0012] The control signal may be changed by the first variable resistor.

[0013] A control mode corresponding to the resistance value of the first variable resistor may be predetermined, and the control mode may be one of an automatic mode in which locking of the charging connector is performed only during charging and a locking mode in which locking of the charging connector is performed regardless of charging.

[0014] When the first variable resistor does not operate for a predetermined time, the automatic mode may be performed by changing the resistance value.

[0015] The third variable resistor and the second variable resistor may be connected in parallel to each other on the vehicle side for variable resistor control.

[0016] The first variable resistor and the third variable resistor may be connected in series through the charging connector.

[0017] A switch for connecting or disconnecting the second variable resistor may be provided between the third variable resistor and the second variable resistor.

[0018] When a normal connection state between them is confirmed, the charging control unit may generate and send a charging start signal.

[0019] Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a charging connector control system, which includes: a vehicle control unit; a charging control unit of a charging device, which provides a control signal for charging to the vehicle control unit through a charging connector, and changes the control signal into a normal control signal by controlling a variable resistor set in the charging connector to transmit it to the vehicle control unit.

[0020] The vehicle control unit may perform charging by using an automatic mode and lock the charging connector only during charging and unlock it after charging.

[0021] Yet another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a charging connector control system, the system comprising: a charging control unit of a charging device, providing a control signal for charging; and a vehicle control unit, changing the control signal to a normal control signal according to connection or removal of a charging connector for connecting the charging device and the vehicle, and the charging connector has different resistance values ​​for each type.

[0022] When the vehicle control unit does not match a pre-stored resistance value for the charging connector, the vehicle control unit may output instruction information for instructing a change to another charging connector.

[0023] Yet another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a charging connector control method, the method comprising: providing a control signal for charging through a charging control unit of a charging device; determining through a vehicle control unit whether a sensing control signal is normal, generating a sensing control signal by sensing a control signal transmitted through a charging connector for connecting the charging device and a vehicle; and changing the sensing control signal to a normal control signal by performing a variable resistor control according to a result of the determination through the vehicle control unit.

[0024] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent the charging connector from being stolen due to the user not correctly setting the charging connector lock control or avoid inconvenience to other users due to the user not correctly setting the charging connector lock control.

[0025] Additionally or alternatively, once a user connects the connector, it may be possible to directly control the use of the smart grid. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1A is a conceptual diagram of connecting a charging device and a vehicle through a charging connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 1B This is a conceptual diagram showing a general charging connector locking device.

[0028] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1A A block diagram of the detailed configuration of the charging device is shown.

[0029] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1A A block diagram of the detailed configuration of the vehicle is shown.

[0030] Figure 4 yes Figure 1A The circuit block diagram of the charging connector control system is shown.

[0031] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a charging connector control process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 6 is a circuit block diagram of a charging connector control system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Various modifications and various embodiments can be made according to the present disclosure, so that specific embodiments are shown in the drawings and described in detail in the specification. However, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the present disclosure to a specific disclosed form, but to include all modifications, equivalent forms and alternative forms that fall within the spirit and technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0034] When describing each of the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used for the same elements. The terms "first", "second", etc. may be used to illustrate different components, but these components should not be limited by the terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element from another.

[0035] For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, a first component may be referred to as a second component, and similarly, a second component may be referred to as a first component. The term "and / or" includes a combination of a plurality of associated listed items or any one of a plurality of associated listed items.

[0036] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical and scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0037] It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should additionally be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined in this application.

[0038] Hereinafter, a charging connector control system and method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] Generally, when describing the basic slow charging sequence of the vehicle, the charging device may send a voltage of 12 V to the control pilot CP. Therefore, when the charging device is connected to the vehicle, a resistor (not shown) of the charging device and a resistor (not shown) of the vehicle are connected in series, and the CP drops to 9 V. Based on this, the charging device and the vehicle confirm the connection state between them.

[0040] When the connection status between the charging device and the vehicle has been confirmed and the user's payment has been completed, the charging device sends a charging progress signal (+12~-12V) to the vehicle side. This ratio is called the CP duty ratio and is used to calculate the intensity of the chargeable current, and based on this ratio, the vehicle requests current from the charging device.

[0041] When the charging progress signal is output, the vehicle is connected to a switch (not shown) and the CP voltage drops to 6V, and when the 6V+charging progress signal (pulse width modulation (PWM)) condition is completed, charging starts.

[0042] Figure 1A is a conceptual diagram of connecting a charging device 110 and a vehicle 120 through a charging connector 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1B 2 is a conceptual diagram showing a general charging connector locking device. Figure 1A and Figure 1B , the charging device 110 may be electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE).

[0043] The vehicle 120 may be a conventional electric vehicle (EV) that obtains power by using only electric energy, a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) that obtains power by using both heat energy and electric energy generated by the combustion of fossil fuels, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) that obtains power by using both heat energy and electric energy generated by the combustion of fossil fuels and electric energy received from the outside that can be charged in an embedded battery, a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), or the like.

[0044] The charging connector 10 is connected to the vehicle side inlet 143-1 and / or the charging device side inlet 143-2. ​​As described above, the charging connector 10 can also be used for public or general purposes, but can also be private. Therefore, the charging connector 10 includes a first plug 142-1 and a second plug 142-2 configured with a plurality of pins at both ends of the charging connector 10, and a high-voltage cable 141 formed integrally with the first plug 142-1 and the second plug 142-2. For example, the first plug 142-1 is fastened to the vehicle side inlet 143-1, and the second plug 142-2 is fastened to the charging device side inlet 143-2.

[0045] The charging connector 10 is connected to the power circuit of the charging device 110 through the high-voltage cable 141. In addition, a locking device 145 for locking the first plug 142-1 is configured in the vehicle. The locking device 145 controls an actuator (not shown) so that the latch of the vehicle-side inlet 143-1 is inserted into the latch groove provided in the first plug 142-1 to be locked. Generally, the actuator is composed of a motor, a ball screw rotated by the motor, and a gear meshed with the ball screw.

[0046] Figure 1B 1 is a diagram showing a locking concept for understanding, and various methods are possible. For example, a locking device may also be configured in the charging device 110, and locking may also be performed by software.

[0047] The plug may be configured at only one end of the high voltage cable, and the inlet coupled to the plug may be configured at the vehicle side or the charging device side.

[0048] Figure 2 yes Figure 1A A block diagram of the detailed configuration of the charging device 110 is shown. Figure 2 , the charging device 110 supplies electric energy to the vehicle 120, so that the battery (not shown) of the vehicle 120 can be charged. Figure 2 As shown, the charging device 110 may be configured to include a user interface 210 , a charging control unit 220 , a communication circuit 230 , a power supply unit 240 , and the like.

[0049] The user interface 210 receives user instructions or outputs information. Therefore, the user interface 210 can be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display, a plasma display panel (PDP), an organic LED (OLED) display, a touch screen, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a flexible display, a microphone, a keyboard, a button, etc. and a combination thereof.

[0050] The charging control unit 220 exchanges signals with the components and controls charging. To this end, the charging control unit 220 may be composed of a microprocessor, a memory, and the like.

[0051] The communication circuit 230 communicates with the vehicle 120 through the charging connector 10. For example, the communication circuit 230 communicates with the vehicle using power line communication (PLC). To this end, the communication circuit 230 may be composed of a modem, a digital signal processor (DSP), and the like.

[0052] The power supply unit 240 is connected to the charging connector 10 to supply power to the vehicle 120. To this end, the power supply unit 240 may be composed of a voltage regulator, a switching element, an inverter, etc. In addition, if necessary, the power supply unit 240 may also include various components or devices required for charging the vehicle 120, such as a transmission line or a transformer connected to an external power source other than these.

[0053] Figure 3 yes Figure 1A A block diagram of the detailed configuration of the vehicle 120 is shown. Figure 3 , the vehicle 120 may include a communication circuit 310, a vehicle control unit 320, a charger 330, a battery 340, and the like.

[0054] The communication circuit 310 is connected to the communication circuit 230 on the charging device 110 side through the charging connector 10 to communicate therewith. To this end, the communication circuit 310 may be composed of a modem, a DSP, and the like.

[0055] The vehicle control unit 320 exchanges signals with the components and controls charging. To this end, the vehicle control unit 320 may be composed of a microprocessor, a memory, and the like.

[0056] The charger 330 converts the power received from the charging device 110 to charge the battery 340. The charger 330 may be an on-board charger (OBC). The on-board charger (OBC) may be a bidirectional OBC. Therefore, vehicle-to-grid (V2G) is feasible. For example, the vehicle 120 may be charged through the grid, and then the remaining power may be transmitted back to the grid.

[0057] The battery 340 has battery cells (not shown) configured in series and / or in parallel, and the battery cells may be high-voltage batteries for electric vehicles, such as nickel metal battery cells, lithium-ion battery cells, lithium polymer battery cells, and all-solid-state battery cells, etc. Generally, a high-voltage battery is a battery used as a power source for driving an electric vehicle, and refers to a high voltage of 100 V or more. However, it is not limited thereto, and a low-voltage battery is also feasible.

[0058] Figure 4 yes Figure 1A The circuit block diagram of the charging connector control system 400 is shown in FIG. Figure 4 In order to avoid safety issues, the vehicle 120 may need to keep the charging connector 10 in a locked state during charging. In addition, the charging connector 10 may also be public, but may also be private, so that the conditions for locking / unlocking the charging connector 10 after charging is completed may be different in different situations.

[0059] Therefore, to address these and other issues, automatic mode and lock mode can be used through hard buttons / cluster settings / navigation settings to prevent theft and / or prevent exclusive use of the charging connector. Automatic mode is a mode that enables connector lock only during charging, while lock mode is a mode that enables connector lock regardless of whether charging is in progress.

[0060] However, in the case of this method, problems may occur depending on user settings. For example, in the case where the charging connector 10 is a universal common connector, when the lock mode is set, the next user cannot use the corresponding charging device 110.

[0061] Therefore, the charging device 110 side (eg, Figure 4 The left side of the vehicle 120 (eg, Figure 4 To this end, the charging device 110 may include a first switch 412 for selectively connecting the control signal 12V or the charging start signal, a first variable resistor 415 connected in series with the first switch 412, and the like.

[0062] In addition, the charging device 110 side may be configured to include a measurement circuit 413 connected to the rear end of the first variable resistor 415 and configured to sense the control signal; an oscillator 411 generating a charging start signal for starting charging, and the like.

[0063] When the charging device 110 and the vehicle 120 confirm a normal connection state between them through the charging connector 10 through the signal sensed by the measurement circuit 413, the charging control unit 220 generates a charging start signal. The charging start signal may be a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal.

[0064] Meanwhile, the charging connector 10 is composed of a plurality of electric wires, some of which may be used to send signals (eg, 403 and 404 ), and some of which may be used to transmit electric power.

[0065] At the same time, the vehicle 120 side is configured to include a third variable resistor 425-2 connected in series with the first variable resistor 415, a second variable resistor 425-1 connected in parallel with the third variable resistor 425-2, and a second switch 422 for connecting or disconnecting the second variable resistor 425-1 between the third variable resistor 425-2 and the second variable resistor 425-1.

[0066] In addition, the vehicle 120 side is configured to include: a first buffer circuit 420 for measuring the voltage at the front end of the third variable resistor 425-2; a second buffer circuit 421 connected to the front end of the second variable resistor 425-1 through a branch and used to measure the frequency and / or power supply, etc. These buffer circuits 420, 421 perform an amplification function even without affecting the measurement point.

[0067] In addition, a positive diode 429 is arranged at the front end of the third variable resistor 425-2. This prevents power from flowing in the reverse direction thereof.

[0068] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing a charging connector control process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 , the first variable resistor 415 , the second variable resistor 425 - 1 , and the third variable resistor 425 - 2 may be set to, for example, R1 : 1 kΩ; R2 : 1.3 kΩ; and R3 : 2.74 kΩ, respectively.

[0069] In the case where 12V is fully applied to the initial 1kΩ of the first variable resistor R1, while the charging connector 10 is connected and the third variable resistor R3 is connected in series, the measured voltage is reduced to 9V ( Figure 5 S510, S520).

[0070] In some embodiments, the voltage supplied by the charging device 110 is always the same 12V, and is reduced to about 9V and 6V by a resistor and sequence of the vehicle 120. For example, 12V may be always maintained by changing the resistor according to the type of the charging device 110.

[0071] If the first variable resistor of the charging device 110 is 2 kΩ, the voltage value at the time of the first connection will be sensed as approximately 6.3 V instead of 9 V ( Figure 5 S530).

[0072] If, without using the second variable resistor R2 (or 425 - 1 ), once the charging device 110 is connected to the vehicle 120 , 6 V is sensed (e.g., by the measuring circuit 413 ), that is, in the non-operating state of the second switch 422 , the vehicle 120 may determine that it is abnormal and may terminate charging.

[0073] However, the embodiment of the present disclosure changes the resistance value of the second variable resistor R2 and / or the third variable resistor R3 so that by attaching a variable resistor to increase 6V to 9V, the same corresponding voltage as the existing sequence can be output ( Figure 5 S550).

[0074] For example, the resistance value of the second variable resistor R2 is changed so that charging can be performed through a normal sequence eventually.

[0075] The charging device 110 confirms the normal connection status between them ( Figure 5 S560) to generate and send a charging start signal PWM ( Figure 5 When the charging start signal is sent and output, and the vehicle 120 is connected to the second switch 422, the voltage drops to 6V. Therefore, when the 6V+PWM condition is met, charging starts ( Figure 5 S580).

[0076] exist Figure 5 In S530 of FIG. 1 , when the resistance value is confirmed, the control mode is changed ( Figure 5 S540). See the table below.

[0077] Table 1

[0078]

[0079]

[0080] Meanwhile, when the variable resistor does not operate for a predetermined time (eg, approximately 3 seconds), the first variable resistor R1 on the charging device 110 side becomes 1 kΩ, and charging is performed in the automatic mode.

[0081] In addition, the resistor of the charging device 110 may be changed, but in the case where charging is not possible due to failure to apply the corresponding control logic, the vehicle 120 may also perform the following method.

[0082] Basically, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the resistance of the charging connector 10 can be changed (for example, if the charging device is public, it has a resistance of about 2 kΩ). However, if the resistance of the charging device is 2 kΩ, but the internal resistance cannot be changed, charging may fail.

[0083] In this case, when the internal switch S2 of the vehicle 120 (in Figure 4 When the operation of the variable resistor and the corresponding resistor in the vehicle 120 is not controlled, it is determined that the internal resistance of the charging connector is changed to 1 kΩ, so that the automatic mode as the basic mode is used and charging is normally entered. In this case, it is locked only during charging and unlocked after charging.

[0084] However, in this case, the variable resistor is also installed inside the charging connector 10 , and the variable resistor is controlled by the charging device 110 .

[0085] Figure 6 is a circuit block diagram of a charging connector control system 600 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 , the control signal for charging includes a power delivery (PD) signal in addition to the control pilot (CP) (see annotation 1), and the corresponding signal also measures the voltage based on the resistor.

[0086] When the charging connector 601 is not connected to the inlet 610, 4.5 V is measured by the resistor R4 + the resistor R5. On the contrary, when the charging connector 601 is connected to the inlet 610, R6 and R7 are added and it becomes 1.53 V.

[0087] When switch S3 is selected to remove the charging connector 601 , 2.77 V is measured.

[0088] The charging connector 601 is also composed of a plurality of wires, and some of the wires 603 , 605 are used to transmit power delivery (PD) signals.

[0089] However, in Figure 6In the illustrated embodiment, the voltage is used only for both whether the charging connector is connected and whether the charging connector is removed, and is not used for charging control (whether charging start payment has been completed, etc.). Therefore, only the reference value (e.g., the value according to the standard protocol) used for charging control of the vehicle 120 is changed, and only the operation of the corresponding reference value is clearly indicated, thereby storing the information in the vehicle control unit.

[0090] Therefore, even if the variable resistor of the vehicle is not used, the same control as above can be performed by only changing the resistors R6, R7 of the charging connector 601. For example, it can be changed to another charging connector having resistors different from each other for each type. In this case, when it does not match the value stored in the vehicle control unit, instruction information for instructing the change to another charging connector can be output. The output can be a combination of characters, graphics, and voice.

[0091] To this end, a display, a speaker, etc. may be provided therein. The display 150 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display, an organic LED (OLED) display, a touch screen, a flexible display, a head-up display (HUD), etc.

[0092] In addition, the steps of the method or algorithm explained in the embodiments disclosed herein are implemented as program instruction formats, which can be executed by various computer devices to be recorded in computer-readable media. The computer-readable media can include program (instruction) codes, data files, data structures, etc., alone or in combination.

[0093] The program (instruction) code recorded in the medium may be a program (instruction) code specially designed or configured for the present disclosure, or may be a code known and available to a person skilled in the art of computer software. Examples of computer-readable media may include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and tapes; optical media such as CD-ROMs, DVDs, and Blu-rays; and semiconductor storage devices specially configured to store and execute program (instruction) codes, such as ROMs, RAMs, and flash memories.

[0094] Here, examples of program (instruction) codes include high-level language codes that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc., and machine language codes such as those generated by a compiler. Hardware devices may be configured to operate as one or more software modules to perform the operations of the present disclosure, and vice versa.

Claims

1. A charging connector control system, comprising: A charging control unit of a charging device, configured to provide a control signal for charging; wherein the control signal for charging is changed by a first variable resistor included in the charging device; a control mode corresponding to a resistance value of the first variable resistor is predetermined, wherein the control mode is one of an automatic mode for performing locking of the charging connector only during charging and a locking mode for performing locking of the charging connector regardless of whether charging is performed; and a vehicle control unit configured to change the sensing control signal into a normal control signal by performing a variable resistor control based on whether the sensing control signal is normal, wherein the sensing control signal is generated by sensing the control signal for charging transmitted through a charging connector configured to connect the charging device and the vehicle; Here, a third variable resistor and a second variable resistor are connected in parallel to each other on the vehicle side for the variable resistor control.

2. The charging connector control system according to claim 1, in, The automatic mode is performed by changing the resistance value when the first variable resistor does not operate for a predetermined time.

3. The charging connector control system according to claim 1, in, The first variable resistor and the third variable resistor are connected in series through the charging connector.

4. The charging connector control system according to claim 1, in, A switch for connecting or disconnecting the second variable resistor is provided between the third variable resistor and the second variable resistor.

5. The charging connector control system according to claim 1, in, The charging control unit generates and transmits a charging start signal upon confirming a normal connection state between the charging connector and the vehicle.

6. A method for controlling a charging connector, comprising: providing a control signal for charging through a charging control unit of a charging device, wherein the control signal for charging is changed by a first variable resistor included in the charging device; predetermining a control mode corresponding to a resistance value of the first variable resistor, the control mode being one of an automatic mode in which locking of the charging connector is performed only during charging and a locking mode in which locking of the charging connector is performed regardless of whether charging is performed; determining, by a vehicle control unit, whether a sensing control signal is normal, wherein the sensing control signal is generated by sensing the control signal for charging transmitted through a charging connector, the charging connector being configured to connect the charging device and the vehicle; and a vehicle control unit changing the sensing control signal to a normal control signal by performing variable resistor control based on whether the sensing control signal is normal; Here, a third variable resistor and a second variable resistor are connected in parallel to each other on the vehicle side for the variable resistor control.

7. The control method of the charging connector according to claim 6, in, The automatic mode is performed by changing the resistance value when the first variable resistor does not operate for a predetermined time.

8. The control method of the charging connector according to claim 6, in, The first variable resistor and the third variable resistor are connected in series through the charging connector.

9. The control method of the charging connector according to claim 6, in, A switch for connecting or disconnecting the second variable resistor is provided between the third variable resistor and the second variable resistor.

10. The control method of the charging connector according to claim 6, in, The charging control unit generates and transmits a charging start signal upon confirming a normal connection state between the charging device and the vehicle.

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