A charging wire charging control method and a charging wire

Abstract

The application discloses a charging wire charging control method and a charging wire. The charging wire comprises a main control module and a model detection module, and the method is applied to the main control module. The method comprises the following steps: after the charging wire is connected with a charging device, the characteristic parameters of the model detection module are detected; the model of the charging wire is judged according to the characteristic parameters; the charging device is authenticated and interacted according to the model of the charging wire, and the charging device is charged. The patent uses the same hardware scheme and the same software for various models of wires, and adds a model detection module on the hardware. The characteristic parameters of the model detection module are detected to realize the differentiation of the wire models, and then the fast charging and the general charging are differentiated, so that the problem of complex control in the production of different models of wires in the traditional method is changed, the mass production demand of the charging wire is facilitated, and the problems of high rework and maintenance cost during production error or production switching are also reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of charging cable control technology, specifically to a charging control method for a charging cable and a charging cable. Background Technology

[0002] Current charging cable manufacturing solutions employ different hardware and software solutions for different cable models. For fast-charging cables, when connected to a charging device, the control software embedded in the cable's hardware circuitry initiates a fast-charging authentication process with the charging device. Once fast-charging authentication is successful, the cable charges the device. For standard-charging cables, when connected to a charging device, the control software embedded in the cable's hardware circuitry initiates a standard-charging authentication process with the charging device. Once standard-charging authentication is successful, the cable charges the device.

[0003] This presents two problems: 1. Manufacturers need to prepare two sets of wire hardware circuits and burn different software onto the chips, making production and management control complex; 2. If a production error occurs or a model that has already been produced needs to be replaced, the chip needs to be removed and replaced, which is also relatively costly. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a charging control method and a charging cable, which is achieved through the following technical solutions.

[0005] The first aspect of the present invention provides a charging cable, including a main control module and a model detection module;

[0006] The main control module is used to detect the characteristic parameters of the model detection module after the charging cable is connected to the charging device, determine the model of the charging cable based on the characteristic parameters, and then perform authentication interaction with the charging device based on the model of the charging cable, and charge the charging device.

[0007] In some embodiments of this application, the model detection module includes a resonant circuit, a first node, and a second node; wherein the first node and the second node are respectively connected to two I / O ports of the main control module.

[0008] In some embodiments of this application, the resonant circuit is an RC loop composed of a resistor and a capacitor; wherein, the first node is located at the end of the resistor furthest from the capacitor, and the second node is located between the resistor and the capacitor.

[0009] In some embodiments of this application, the resonant circuit is an LC loop composed of an inductor and a capacitor; wherein, the first node is located at the end of the inductor furthest from the capacitor, and the second node is located between the inductor and the capacitor.

[0010] In some embodiments of this application, the main control module is specifically used to output a high level to the IO port connected to the first node after outputting a low level to both IO ports, and to measure the level inversion time of the IO port connected to the second node as the characteristic parameter.

[0011] A second aspect of the present invention provides a charging control method for a charging cable, the charging cable including a main control module and a model detection module, the method being applied to the main control module, the method comprising:

[0012] After the charging cable is connected to the charging device, the characteristic parameters of the model detection module are detected.

[0013] The model of the charging cable is determined based on the aforementioned characteristic parameters;

[0014] The system performs authentication interaction with the charging device based on the model of the charging cable, and then charges the charging device.

[0015] In some embodiments of this application, the model detection module includes a first node and a second node, the first node and the second node being respectively connected to two I / O ports of the main control module; the detection of the characteristic parameters output by the model detection module includes:

[0016] After outputting a low level to the two I / O ports, the I / O port connected to the first node is switched to output mode, and the I / O port connected to the second node is switched to input mode; a high level is output to the I / O port connected to the first node, and the level inversion time of the I / O port connected to the second node is measured as the characteristic parameter.

[0017] In some embodiments of this application, when the level inversion time of a fast-charging charging cable is less than that of a standard-charging charging cable, determining the type of the charging cable based on the characteristic parameters includes:

[0018] The characteristic parameter is compared with a preset threshold; if the characteristic parameter is less than the preset threshold, the charging cable is determined to be a fast charging model; if the characteristic parameter is greater than the preset threshold, the charging cable is determined to be a standard charging model.

[0019] In some embodiments of this application, when the level inversion time of a fast-charging charging cable is greater than that of a standard-charging charging cable, determining the type of the charging cable based on the characteristic parameters includes:

[0020] The characteristic parameter is compared with a preset threshold; if the characteristic parameter is greater than the preset threshold, the charging cable is determined to be a fast charging model; if the characteristic parameter is less than the preset threshold, the charging cable is determined to be a standard charging model.

[0021] In some embodiments of this application, the step of authenticating and interacting with the charging device based on the model of the charging cable and charging the charging device includes:

[0022] If the charging cable is a fast charging model, then upon receiving a cable model reading command from the charging device, the fast charging model data will be returned to the charging device so that the charging device can enter the fast charging authentication process; if the charging cable is a standard charging model, then upon receiving a cable model reading command from the charging device, the standard charging model data will be returned to the charging device so that the charging device can enter the standard charging authentication process.

[0023] Based on the charging control method and charging cable described in the first and second aspects above, the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects or advantages:

[0024] This patent uses the same hardware solution and software for various types of cables, and adds a model detection module to the hardware. By detecting the characteristic parameters of the model detection module, the cable model can be distinguished, thereby differentiating between fast charging and regular charging. This changes the problem of complex control in the production of different types of cables in traditional methods, facilitates the mass production of charging cables, and also reduces the high rework and maintenance costs when production errors occur or production switches are made. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and form part of this invention, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention and are used to explain the invention, but do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. In the drawings:

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a charging cable hardware structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2A This is a schematic diagram illustrating the specific structure of a model detection module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2B According to the present invention Figure 2A The illustrated embodiment shows a schematic diagram comparing different RC values ​​with reversal time;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the specific structure of another model detection module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a charging control method for a charging cable according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numerals in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with the present invention. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of the invention as detailed in the appended claims.

[0032] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used in this invention and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used herein refers to and includes any or all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0033] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used in this invention to describe various information, this information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish information of the same type from one another. For example, first information may also be referred to as second information without departing from the scope of this invention, and similarly, second information may also be referred to as first information. Depending on the context, the word "if" as used herein may be interpreted as "when," "when," or "in response to a determination."

[0034] Taking Apple devices' Lightning charging cables as an example, there are two main types of Lightning cables: fast charging and standard charging.

[0035] The existing solution uses different hardware and software solutions for different models of lighting cables, which has the following drawbacks:

[0036] 1. Manufacturers need to prepare two sets of wire hardware circuits and burn different software chips, which makes production and management quite complicated.

[0037] 2. If a production error occurs or a model that has already been produced needs to be replaced, the process requires removing the chip for replacement, which is costly.

[0038] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention proposes an improved charging cable design that utilizes the same hardware solution and software for all cable models, and adds a model detection module to the hardware. (See [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 1 The hardware structure of the charging cable shown includes a main control module and a model detection module. After being connected to and powered on by the charging device, the main control module detects the characteristic parameters of the model detection module, determines the model of the charging cable based on these parameters, and then performs authentication interaction with the charging device based on the model of the charging cable before charging the device.

[0039] In one optional embodiment, the model detection module can be implemented by a resonant circuit, and provide a first node and a second node that are respectively connected to two I / O ports of the main control module, so that the main control module can detect the characteristic parameters of the model detection module through the two I / O ports.

[0040] Specifically, regarding the process of detecting the characteristic parameters of the model detection module, the main control module can output a low level to both IO ports, then output a high level to the IO port connected to the first node, and measure the level inversion time of the IO port connected to the second node as the characteristic parameter of the model detection module.

[0041] It is understood that the model detection module can be added externally to the circuit board of the charging cable or integrated on the circuit board, and this application does not make any specific limitation on this.

[0042] The following describes two different implementations of resonant circuits:

[0043] The first type is an RC circuit composed of resistors and capacitors, see [link / reference] Figure 2A As shown, the first node is connected to the IO1 port of the main control module, that is, the first node is located at the end of resistor R4 away from capacitor C8, and the second node is connected to the IO2 port of the main control module, that is, the second node is located between resistor R4 and capacitor C8.

[0044] By combining different resistance and capacitance values, RC circuits with different resonant frequencies can be constructed. The wire type can be distinguished by detecting the level reversal time of the second node on one end of capacitor C8 in the RC circuit.

[0045] See Figure 2B As shown in Figure (a), resistor R4 is 20KΩ and capacitor C8 is 680nF. The resonant frequency formed by them is 1 / (R4*C8)=1 / (20000*0.00068)=1 / 13.6. After outputting low level to both IO1 and IO2 ports to completely discharge the residual charge in capacitor C8, IO1 port is pulled high, and the inversion time of IO2 port from low level to high level is measured to be 69.11ms.

[0046] In Figure (b), resistor R4 is 10KΩ and capacitor C8 is 100nF. The resonant frequency formed by them is 1 / (10000*0.0001) = 1 / 10. After outputting low level to both IO1 and IO2 ports to completely discharge the residual charge in capacitor C8, IO1 port is pulled high, and the inversion time of IO2 port from low level to high level is measured to be 4.3ms.

[0047] In Figure (c), resistor R4 is 10KΩ and capacitor C8 is 470nF. The resonant frequency formed by them is 1 / (10000*0.00047)=1 / 4.7. After outputting low level to both IO1 and IO2 ports to completely discharge the residual charge in capacitor C8, IO1 port is pulled high, and the inversion time of IO2 port from low level to high level is measured to be 17.36ms.

[0048] Therefore, it can be seen that the values ​​of resistors and capacitors are positively correlated with the level inversion time of the IO2 port, and negatively correlated with the resonant frequency. That is, the higher the value of the resistor or capacitor, the longer the level inversion time of the IO2 port. By setting different resistor and capacitor values ​​on fast charging cables and standard charging cables, these two types of cables can be distinguished.

[0049] The second type is an LC circuit composed of an inductor and a capacitor. See [link / reference] Figure 3 As shown, the first node is connected to the IO1 port of the main control module, that is, the first node is located at the end of the inductor L1 away from the capacitor C8, and the second node is connected to the IO2 port of the main control module, that is, the second node is located between the inductor L1 and the capacitor C8.

[0050] By combining different inductance and capacitance values, LC circuits with different resonant frequencies can be constructed. The wire type can be distinguished by detecting the level reversal time of the second node on one end of capacitor C8 in the LC circuit.

[0051] As can be seen from the above embodiments, by adding a model detection module to the hardware, the model of the cable can be distinguished by detecting the characteristic parameters of the model detection module, thereby distinguishing between fast charging and ordinary charging. This changes the problem of complex control in the production of different models of cables in the traditional method, facilitates the mass production needs of charging cables, and also reduces the problems of high rework and maintenance costs when production errors occur or production switches are made.

[0052] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0053] Figure 4This is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a charging control method for a charging cable according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The charging method is applied as described above. Figure 1 The main control module in the charging cable shown is illustrated. In this embodiment, taking Apple's Lightning cable as an example, it uses a single-wire communication protocol, where sending and receiving occur on the same wire. During the charging authentication process, all commands need to be correctly identified and responded to; otherwise, charging will not be possible.

[0054] like Figure 4 As shown, the charging control method for this charging cable includes the following steps:

[0055] Step 401: After the charging cable is connected to the charging device, check the characteristic parameters of the model detection module.

[0056] Once the charging cable is connected to the charging device and powered on, the main control module uses the characteristic parameters of the model detection module to distinguish the cable model, which is then used for model data feedback during subsequent authentication interactions.

[0057] The model detection module provided in the above embodiment has a first node and a second node, and the first node and the second node are respectively connected to two IO ports of the main control module. Therefore, by outputting a low level to the two IO ports to completely discharge the capacitor in the resonant circuit, the IO port connected to the first node is switched to output mode, the IO port connected to the second node is switched to input mode, and a high level is output to the IO port connected to the first node. The level inversion time of the IO port connected to the second node is measured as a characteristic parameter.

[0058] Step 402: Determine the model of the charging cable based on this characteristic parameter.

[0059] Since the characteristic parameter is specifically the level reversal time of the capacitor in the resonant circuit, and the length of this level reversal time is related to the value of the components in the resonant circuit, the components in the inventory can be used flexibly to make different combinations, test the level reversal time, calculate a suitable threshold to distinguish the wire type, and avoid material waste.

[0060] Based on the relationship between the component values ​​and the level reversal time in the resonant circuit described in the above embodiments, in one possible implementation, the level reversal time corresponding to the component values ​​in the resonant circuit can be set to be less than a set threshold on the charging cable for fast charging, and the level reversal time corresponding to the component values ​​in the resonant circuit can be set to be greater than the set threshold on the charging cable for standard charging. That is, the level reversal time of the charging cable for fast charging is less than the level reversal time of the charging cable for standard charging.

[0061] Furthermore, when determining the model of the charging cable, the characteristic parameters are compared with a preset threshold. If the characteristic parameters are less than the preset threshold, the charging cable is determined to be a fast charging model; if the characteristic parameters are greater than the preset threshold, the charging cable is determined to be a standard charging model.

[0062] In another possible implementation, the level reversal time corresponding to the value of the component in the resonant circuit of the fast charging model can be set to be greater than a set threshold, while the level reversal time corresponding to the value of the component in the resonant circuit of the standard charging model can be set to be less than the set threshold. That is, the level reversal time of the fast charging model is greater than the level reversal time of the standard charging model.

[0063] Furthermore, when determining the model of the charging cable, the characteristic parameters are compared with a preset threshold. If the characteristic parameters are less than the preset threshold, the charging cable is determined to be a standard charging model; if the characteristic parameters are greater than the preset threshold, the charging cable is determined to be a fast charging model.

[0064] Step 403: Authenticate with the charging device based on the model of the charging cable, and charge the charging device.

[0065] The authentication interaction process between the charging cable and the charging device is as follows: after receiving the authentication command sent by the charging device, the charging cable identifies the type of the authentication command and performs different operations according to the type of the authentication command.

[0066] In practice, the lighting cable communicates with the charging device via the SDQ cable. The basic data structure of the authentication command sent by the charging device includes a start signal, BIT0 data, and BIT1 data.

[0067] Specifically, the start signal is represented by pulling the SDQ line low for 11-15us and then pulling it high; the BIT0 data is represented by pulling the SDQ line low for 9us and then pulling it high for 5us; and the BIT1 data is represented by pulling the SDQ line low for 3us and then pulling it high for 7us.

[0068] For example, the standard charging certification process (C89 certification) mainly includes 7X commands, while the fast charging certification process (C94 certification) mainly includes 7X commands and 9X commands. The response to the 7X commands primarily includes basic information about the cable (cable model data, production information, and whether the MOS and CC circuit controls are functioning correctly). The 9X commands are mainly used to verify encrypted computation information to verify the interaction of the fast charging protocol.

[0069] Based on this, in step 403, if the charging cable is a fast charging model, the fast charging model data is returned to the charging device when the cable model reading command sent by the charging device is received, so that the charging device can enter the fast charging authentication process; if the charging cable is a standard charging model, the standard charging model data is returned to the charging device when the cable model reading command sent by the charging device is received, so that the charging device can enter the standard charging authentication process.

[0070] It should be noted that for the certification process of Lightning cables, the standard charging certification is relatively simple, while the fast charging certification has more steps and is more complicated.

[0071] In one possible implementation, after the fast charging model data is returned to the charging device, both the charging device and the charging cable enter the fast charging authentication interaction process. Therefore, when the main control module receives the encrypted verification command sent by the charging device, it can extract the random number in the encrypted verification command, perform encrypted calculation on the random number to obtain the value to be verified, and then return the value to be verified to the charging device so that the charging device can verify the value to be verified.

[0072] This completes the above. Figure 4 The control process shown in this patent uses the same hardware solution and software for various types of cables, and adds a model detection module to the hardware. By detecting the characteristic parameters of the model detection module, the cable model can be distinguished, thereby distinguishing between fast charging and regular charging. This changes the problem of complex control in the production of different types of cables in the traditional method, facilitates the mass production of charging cables, and also reduces the problems of high rework and maintenance costs when production errors occur or production switches are made.

[0073] Other embodiments of the invention will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This invention is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention that follow the general principles of the invention and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of the invention are indicated by the following claims.

[0074] It should also be noted that the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0075] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A charging wire material, characterized by, The main control module and the model detection module are included. The main control module is used for detecting the characteristic parameter of the model detection module after the charging wire is connected with the charging device, judging the model of the charging wire according to the characteristic parameter, and then performing authentication interaction with the charging device according to the model of the charging wire and charging the charging device. The model detection module is provided with a first node and a second node, and the first node and the second node are connected with two IO ports of the main control module respectively. The main control module is specifically used for outputting a high level to the IO port connected with the first node after outputting a low level to the two IO ports, and measuring the level inversion time of the IO port connected with the second node as the characteristic parameter.

2. The charging cord according to claim 1, wherein, The model detection module includes a resonance circuit.

3. The charging cord according to claim 2, wherein, The resonance circuit is an RC loop composed of a resistor and a capacitor. The first node is located at one end of the resistor away from the capacitor, and the second node is located between the resistor and the capacitor.

4. The charging cord according to claim 2, wherein, The resonance circuit is an LC loop composed of an inductor and a capacitor. The first node is located at one end of the inductor away from the capacitor, and the second node is located between the inductor and the capacitor.

5. A charging wire material charging control method characterized by, The charging wire includes a main control module and a model detection module, the model detection module includes a first node and a second node, and the first node and the second node are connected with two IO ports of the main control module respectively; the method is applied to the main control module, and the method includes: After the charging wire is connected with the charging device, the characteristic parameter of the model detection module is detected; The model of the charging wire is judged according to the characteristic parameter; Authentication interaction is performed with the charging device according to the model of the charging wire, and the charging device is charged; The detection of the characteristic parameter output by the model detection module includes: After outputting a low level to the two IO ports, the IO port connected with the first node is switched to an output mode, and the IO port connected with the second node is switched to an input mode; A high level is output to the IO port connected with the first node, and the level inversion time of the IO port connected with the second node is measured as the characteristic parameter.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein, When the level inversion time of the fast charging model charging wire is less than that of the general charging model charging wire, the judgment of the model of the charging wire according to the characteristic parameter includes: The characteristic parameter is compared with a preset threshold value; If the characteristic parameter is less than the preset threshold value, it is determined that the charging wire is of the fast charging model; If the characteristic parameter is greater than the preset threshold value, it is determined that the charging wire is of the general charging model.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein, When the level inversion time of the fast charging model charging wire is greater than that of the general charging model charging wire, the judgment of the model of the charging wire according to the characteristic parameter includes: The characteristic parameter is compared with a preset threshold value; If the characteristic parameter is greater than the preset threshold value, it is determined that the charging wire is of the fast charging model; If the characteristic parameter is less than the preset threshold value, it is determined that the charging wire is of the general charging model.

8. The method according to any of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that, The authentication interaction with the charging device according to the model of the charging wire, and charging the charging device, comprises: If the charging wire is a fast charging model, when receiving the wire model reading command sent by the charging device, the data of the fast charging model is returned to the charging device, so that the charging device enters the fast charging authentication process; If the charging wire is a general charging model, when receiving the wire model reading command sent by the charging device, the data of the general charging model is returned to the charging device, so that the charging device enters the general charging authentication process.

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