Charging communication module and charging method for electric vehicle

Abstract

The present application provides a charging communication module and charging method for an electric vehicle. The charging communication module includes: a voltage sensor that senses the voltage level of a signal line to generate a sensing result; a controller that generates first control information based on the sensing result and converts information in a first communication format provided from the signal line into information in a second communication format; and a switching device that electrically connects or disconnects the signal line from the controller based on the first control information. The charging communication module and charging method can achieve smooth charging and communication through a charging cable during charging of an electric vehicle without the need to install separate wired / wireless devices, and can protect the internal electronic equipment of the electric vehicle from overvoltage and overcurrent of the power line.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0064756 filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on May 20, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a charging communication module and a charging method for an electric vehicle. Background Art

[0004] Because electric vehicles (EVs) use battery power to drive their motors, they offer advantages over conventional gasoline-powered vehicles, including reduced air pollutants such as exhaust and noise, fewer breakdowns, increased lifespan, and easier driving. An EV charging system can be broadly defined as a system that charges the batteries installed in EVs using electricity from the power distribution network or energy storage devices.

[0005] Recently, as one of the methods for charging electric vehicles, a charging method that uses power line communication (PLC) to simultaneously perform customer authentication, charging, and billing is being proposed. To achieve customer authentication and billing through PLC, communication between the electric vehicle and the electric vehicle charging system should be unimpeded. However, because the internal electronic devices of the electric vehicle, including the communication equipment, operate at a voltage lower than the charging voltage, the possibility of abnormal operation and failure due to overvoltage and overcurrent that may occur on the power line used for communication increases. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present disclosure is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems existing in the prior art while fully maintaining the advantages achieved by the prior art.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a charging communication module and charging method for an electric vehicle, which can achieve smooth charging and communication through a charging cable during charging of the electric vehicle without installing separate wired / wireless devices, and can protect the internal electronic equipment of the electric vehicle from the influence of overvoltage and overcurrent of the power line.

[0008] The technical problems to be solved by the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned problems. Through the following description, those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs will clearly understand any other technical problems not mentioned herein.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a charging communication module of an electric vehicle may include: a voltage sensor that senses the voltage level of a signal line to generate a sensing result; a controller that generates first control information based on the sensing result and converts information in a first communication format provided by the signal line into information in a second communication format; and a switching device that electrically connects or disconnects the signal line from the controller based on the first control information.

[0010] In one embodiment, when the sensing result indicates that the voltage level of the signal line is higher than or equal to the overvoltage determination reference voltage level, the controller may generate the first control information for electrically disconnecting the signal line from the controller; and when the sensing result indicates that the voltage level of the signal line is higher than or equal to the connection reference voltage level and lower than the overvoltage determination reference voltage level, the controller may generate the first control information for electrically connecting the signal line to the controller.

[0011] In one embodiment, the charging communication module may further include a filter device inserted between the switch device and the controller, and the filter device may transmit a voltage within a given voltage level range from the switch device to the controller.

[0012] In one embodiment, the controller may generate second control information for controlling the operation of the filter device according to the sensing result.

[0013] In one embodiment, when generating the first control information for electrically connecting the signal line with the switching device, the controller generates the second control information for allowing the filter device to operate.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a charging communication module of an electric vehicle may include a voltage sensor that generates a sensing result by sensing a voltage level of each of a plurality of signal lines electrically connected to a plurality of communication lines included in a charging cable; a switching device that electrically connects or disconnects the plurality of signal lines to a filter device based on first control information, and the filter device removes noise contained in information of the plurality of signal lines transmitted from the switching device based on second control information; and a controller that generates the first control information and the second control information based on the sensing result, and converts and outputs information in a first communication format from which the noise has been removed by the filter device into information in a second communication format.

[0015] In another embodiment, the multiple communication lines may include a first communication line, a second communication line, and a third communication line, wherein the first and third communication lines are lines for transmitting information in the first communication format, and the second communication line is a line for transmitting information about the electrical connection status of the charging cable and the electric vehicle.

[0016] In another embodiment, the plurality of signal lines may include a first signal line, a second signal line, and a third signal line, and the second signal line electrically connected to the second communication line is located between the first and third signal lines electrically connected to the first and third communication lines.

[0017] In another embodiment, the controller can compare the voltage level of each of the first to third signal lines with the connection reference voltage level of the corresponding signal line to generate the first control information for electrically connecting each of the multiple signal lines to the filter device; and compare the voltage level of each of the first to third communication lines with the overvoltage determination reference voltage level of the corresponding signal line to generate the first control information for electrically disconnecting the multiple signal lines from the filter device.

[0018] In another embodiment, the controller may generate the first control information for electrically connecting the signal line with the filter device, the voltage level of the signal line being higher than or equal to the connection reference voltage level of the corresponding signal line and lower than the overvoltage determination reference voltage level of the corresponding signal line; and when the voltage level of at least one of the first to third signal lines is higher than or equal to the overvoltage determination reference voltage level of the corresponding signal line, the first control information for electrically disconnecting the first to third signal lines from the filter device is generated.

[0019] In another embodiment, the switching device may include a first switch, a second switch and a third switch, the first switch can electrically connect or disconnect the first signal line with the filter device based on the first control information, the second switch can electrically connect or disconnect the second signal line with the filter device based on the first control information, and the third switch can electrically connect or disconnect the third signal line with the filter device based on the first control information.

[0020] In another embodiment, the filter device includes a first TVS (Transient Voltage Suppressor) diode, a second TVS diode, and a third TVS diode, wherein the first TVS diode can be electrically connected between the first switch and the controller, the second TVS diode can be electrically connected between the second switch and the controller, and the third TVS diode can be electrically connected between the third switch and the controller.

[0021] In another embodiment, each of the first to third TVS diodes may transmit a voltage provided from each of the first to third switches to the controller, and the voltage transmitted to the controller is a voltage of a given voltage level or lower.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a charging method for an electric vehicle may include: comparing the voltage level of a first communication line with a first connection reference voltage level to electrically connect the electric vehicle to the first communication line; comparing the voltage level of a second communication line with a second connection reference voltage level to electrically connect the electric vehicle to the second communication line; comparing the voltage level of the first communication line with a first overvoltage determination reference voltage level to electrically disconnect the first and second communication lines from the electric vehicle; and, comparing the voltage level of the second communication line with a second overvoltage determination reference voltage level to electrically disconnect the first and second communication lines from the electric vehicle.

[0023] In another embodiment, comparing the voltage level of the first communication line with the first connection reference voltage level to electrically connect the electric vehicle with the first communication line may include: when the voltage level of the first communication line is higher than or equal to the first connection reference voltage level, electrically connecting the first communication line to the electric vehicle; and, comparing the voltage level of the second communication line with the second connection reference voltage level to electrically connecting the electric vehicle with the second communication line may include: when the voltage level of the second communication line is higher than or equal to the second connection reference voltage level, electrically connecting the second communication line to the electric vehicle.

[0024] In another embodiment, the comparing the voltage level of the first communication line with the first overvoltage determination reference voltage level to electrically disconnect the first and second communication lines from the electric vehicle may include: when the voltage level of the first communication line is higher than or equal to the first overvoltage determination reference voltage level, the first and second communication lines are electrically disconnected from the electric vehicle; and the comparing the voltage level of the second communication line with the second overvoltage determination reference voltage level to electrically disconnect the first and second communication lines from the electric vehicle may include: when the voltage level of the second communication line is higher than or equal to the second overvoltage determination reference voltage level, the first and second communication lines are electrically disconnected from the electric vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent through the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:

[0026] Figure 1 is a diagram for describing a charging method of an electric vehicle to which a charging communication module for an electric vehicle is applied according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 2 is a diagram for describing an electric vehicle and a charging device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating a charging gun that can be connected to a charging communication module of an electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 4 is a diagram for describing a configuration of a charging communication module of an electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0030] Figure 5 is a diagram for describing a configuration of a charging communication module of an electric vehicle according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the exemplary drawings. When adding reference numerals to the components of each figure, it should be noted that even when the same or equivalent components are shown in other figures, they are represented by the same reference numerals. In addition, when describing the embodiments of the present disclosure, detailed descriptions of well-known features or functions will be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the main purpose of the present disclosure.

[0032] When describing components according to embodiments of the present disclosure, terms such as first, second, "A", "B", (a), (b), etc. may be used. These terms are intended only to distinguish one component from another, and these terms do not limit the nature, order, or arrangement of the constituent components. Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. Terms defined in general dictionaries should be interpreted as having the same meaning as the contextual meaning in the relevant field, and should not be interpreted as having an ideal or overly formal meaning unless expressly defined as having such a meaning in this application.

[0033] Below, we will refer to Figures 1 to 5 Various embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail.

[0034] Figure 1 is a diagram for describing a charging method of an electric vehicle to which a charging communication module for an electric vehicle is applied according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] The electric vehicle (EV) 10 can obtain driving energy by rotating a motor using the electric energy stored in its battery as a power source. The electric vehicle 10 can be supplied with electric energy from a charging device 20 and can charge the electric energy in the battery.

[0036] In this case, when a charging gun provided at one end of a charging cable is inserted into the electric vehicle 10 , the electric vehicle 10 may be electrically connected to the charging device 20 through the charging cable.

[0037] When the electric vehicle 10 and the charging device 20 are electrically connected via a charging cable, data communication between the electric vehicle 10 and the charging device 20 can be performed via the charging cable. In this case, data communication between the electric vehicle 10 and the charging device 20 can be performed via power line communication (PLC).

[0038] For example, information about the driver or owner stored in internal electronic devices of the electric vehicle 10 may be transmitted to the charging device 20 through data communication.

[0039] The charging device 20 can transmit the driver's or vehicle owner's information to an authentication agency or a charging station 30. Once the driver's or vehicle owner's identity and payment are authenticated, the charging device 20 can receive charging permission information from the charging station 30. Upon receiving the charging permission information, the electric vehicle 10 connected to the charging device 20 can receive power from the charging device 20 to charge its battery.

[0040] Figure 2 1 is a diagram for describing an electric vehicle and a charging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Reference Figure 2 The electric vehicle 10 may include a battery 11 , a battery management system (BMS) 12 , a battery charger 13 (eg, an on-board charger (OBC)), and a first charging communication module 100 .

[0042] The battery 11 can store electrical energy.

[0043] The battery management system 12 is a device that manages the battery 11 for efficient and safe use, and can monitor the voltage, current, temperature, etc. of the battery 11 and can keep the battery 11 in an optimal state.

[0044] The battery charger 13 can charge the battery 11 by using the electric energy supplied from the charging device 20. For example, the battery charger 13 can boost (or increase) the AC power supplied from the charging device 20, can convert the boosted AC power into a DC power source, and can charge the battery 11 with the DC power thus converted.

[0045] The battery management system 12 and the battery charger 13 can exchange information with each other through the vehicle's communication method (for example, CAN communication or Ethernet).

[0046] The first charging communication module 100 can exchange information with the battery charger 13 , the battery management system 12 , and electronic devices (eg, audio video navigation (AVN) 14 ) of the electric vehicle 10 through the vehicle's communication method.

[0047] Furthermore, the first charging communication module 100 can exchange information with the charging device 20 via the charging cable. For example, the first charging communication module 100 can convert information in the vehicle's communication mode into information in the power line communication (PLC) mode to transmit to the charging device 20, and can also convert information in the power line communication (PLC) mode provided by the charging device 20 into information in the vehicle's communication mode to transmit to the electronic device 14 of the electric vehicle 10.

[0048] The charging device 20 may include a power supply circuit 21 and a second charging communication module 22 .

[0049] The power supply circuit 21 may provide electric energy to the electric vehicle 10 through a charging cable.

[0050] The second charging communication module 22 can be used to enable communication between the charging device 20 and the electric vehicle 10 via the charging cable. For example, the second charging communication module 22 can convert information provided by the electric vehicle 10 via the charging cable from a power line communication method to a communication method usable by the certification authority or the charging station 30, and can provide the converted information to the certification authority or the charging station 30.

[0051] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram for describing a charging gun that can be connected to a charging communication module of an electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] Figure 3 An example of a charging gun that can be plugged into an electric vehicle is shown. A charging cable connected to the charging gun may include multiple communication lines CP, PE, and PP, and multiple power lines N, L1, L2, and L3.

[0053] The charging gun can be connected to one end of the charging cable, and multiple communication lines CP, PE and PP and multiple power lines N, L1, L2 and L3 embedded in the charging cable can be extended to the outside of the charging gun to be electrically connected to the electric vehicle.

[0054] As described above, the transmission of electric energy to the electric vehicle and the communication between the electric vehicle and the charging device can be achieved through a charging cable, wherein the communication lines CP, PE and PP and the power lines N, L1, L2 and L3 are embedded in the charging cable.

[0055] Since the communication lines CP, PE and PP are close to the power lines N, L1, L2 and L3, when noise or abnormal voltage occurs on the power lines N, L1, L2 and L3, the communication lines CP, PE and PP may generate overvoltage through coupling.

[0056] The charging communication module 100 of the electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be electrically connected to the communication lines CP, PE, and PP of the charging cable to protect the internal electronic devices of the electric vehicle 10 from the influence of overvoltage that may be generated at the communication lines CP, PE, and PP.

[0057] Furthermore, since the charging communication module 100 of the electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure sends / receives information about the driver or owner of the electric vehicle 10, the charging communication module 100 may include an encryption module or algorithm for the purpose of preventing personal information from being leaked or the electric vehicle 10 from being hacked.

[0058] In addition, because the charging communication module 100 of the electric vehicle according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is provided with multiple information of the battery management system 12, the battery charger 13 and the charging device 20, the charging communication module 100 can provide the following as visual or auditory information to the driver or passenger through the electronic device 14 (such as AVN) of the electric vehicle 10: the required charging amount of the battery 11, the price of electric energy for charging the battery 11 to the required charging amount, and the battery status.

[0059] The configuration of the first charging communication module 100 included in the electric vehicle 10 and the configuration of the second charging communication module 22 included in the charging device 20 may be the same or similar.

[0060] Therefore, the first charging communication module 100 included in the electric vehicle 10 , and the first charging communication module 100 and the second charging communication module 21 therein will be described as an embodiment of the present disclosure, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0061] The charging communication module of the electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail below.

[0062] Figure 4 is a diagram for describing a configuration of a charging communication module of an electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0063] Reference Figure 4 The charging communication module 100 of the electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include an input signal connector 101 , a voltage sensor 102 , a switch device 103 , a filter device 104 , a controller 105 and an output signal connector 106 .

[0064] The input signal connector 101 may be electrically connected to a plurality of communication lines CP, PE, and PP included in the charging cable.

[0065] For example, the plurality of communication lines CP, PE, and PP included in the charging cable may include a first communication line CP, a second communication line PE, and a third communication line PP.

[0066] For example, the first communication line CP and the second communication line PE may be lines for transmitting / receiving data, while the third communication line PP may be a line for transmitting / receiving information indicating that the charging cable and the electric vehicle 10 are electrically connected via the charging plug. In this case, the second communication line PE may be maintained at a ground level, and the first communication line CP may transmit a voltage higher than the ground level.

[0067] The remaining communication lines, excluding the second communication line PE maintained at the ground level, namely the first communication line CP and the third communication line PP, should transmit voltages within an error range that complies with a given standard. Therefore, data can be sent / received based on the voltage level of the first communication line CP, where the voltage level of the first communication line CP is detected based on the voltage level of the second communication line PE.

[0068] Also, the input signal connector 101 may electrically connect a plurality of communication lines CP, PE, and PP included in the charging cable with the plurality of signal lines L1 , L2 , and L3 , respectively.

[0069] For example, the first communication line CP can be electrically connected to the first signal line L1 through the input signal connector 101, the second communication line PE can be electrically connected to the third signal line L3 through the input signal connector 101, and the third communication line PP can be electrically connected to the second signal line L2.

[0070] The voltage sensor 102 may sense a voltage level of each of the plurality of signal lines L1 , L2 , and L3 electrically connected to the input signal connector 101 , and may provide the sensed information to the controller 105 .

[0071] For example, the voltage sensor 102 may sense the voltage level of the first signal line L1 to generate first signal line voltage information, and may provide the first signal line voltage information thus generated to the controller 105. Also, the voltage sensor 102 may sense the voltage level of the second signal line L2 to generate second signal line voltage information, and may provide the second signal line voltage information thus generated to the controller 105. Furthermore, the voltage sensor 102 may sense the voltage level of the third signal line L3 to generate third signal line voltage information, and may provide the third signal line voltage information thus generated to the controller 105.

[0072] The switch device 103 can electrically connect or disconnect each of the plurality of signal lines L1, L2, and L3 to the filter device 104 based on the first control information C_A. For example, the switch device 103 can include a plurality of switches (eg, first to third switches 103-1, 103-2, and 103-3).

[0073] Based on first control information C_A based on the first signal line voltage information, the first switch 103-1 can electrically connect or disconnect the first signal line L1 from the filter device 104. Based on first control information C_A based on the second signal line voltage information, the second switch 103-2 can electrically connect or disconnect the second signal line L2 from the filter device 104. Based on first control information C_A based on the third signal line voltage information, the third switch 103-3 can electrically connect or disconnect the third signal line L3 from the filter device 104.

[0074] The filter device 104 can perform or stop filtering based on the second control information C_B. The filter device 104 can be inserted between the switch device 103 and the controller 105. The filter device 104, which performs filtering based on the second control information C_B, can be electrically connected to the plurality of signal lines L1, L2, and L3 according to the operation of the switch device 103, and can transmit the voltage transmitted from the plurality of signal lines L1, L2, and L3 to the controller 105 through the switch device 103.

[0075] In this case, the filter device 104 may only transmit voltages within a given voltage level range to the controller 105 .

[0076] That is, the filter device 104 may remove noise (ie, voltage exceeding a given voltage level range) of signals received from the plurality of signal lines L1 , L2 , and L3 and may provide noise-free signals to the controller 105 .

[0077] The filter device 104 may include a plurality of filter circuits (eg, TVS (transient voltage suppressor) diodes) electrically connected to a plurality of switches 103-1, 103-2, and 103-3, respectively, while the switches 103-1, 103-2, and 103-3 are connected to a plurality of signal lines L1, L2, and L3, respectively.

[0078] For example, the filter device 104 may include first to third TVS diodes 104-1, 104-2, and 104-3. In this case, the TVS diodes may only transmit voltages within an allowable voltage level range.

[0079] The first TVS diode 104-1 may be connected to the first switch 103-1, which is electrically connected to or disconnected from the first signal line L1. Also, a filtering operation of the first TVS diode 104-1 may be determined based on the second control information C_B.

[0080] The second TVS diode 104-2 may be connected to the second switch 103-2, which is electrically connected to or disconnected from the second signal line L2. Also, a filtering operation of the second TVS diode 104-2 may be determined based on the second control information C_B.

[0081] The third TVS diode 104-3 may be connected to a third switch 103-3 that is electrically connected to or disconnected from the third signal line L3, and a filtering operation of the third TVS diode 104-3 may be determined based on the second control information C_B.

[0082] In more detail, the filtering operation of the first TVS diode 104-1 can be determined based on the second control information C_B based on the first signal line voltage information. The first TVS diode 104-1 performing the filtering operation can remove the noise component of the signal transmitted through the first signal line L1 and the first switch 103-1, and can provide the noise-removed (or noise-free) signal to the controller 105.

[0083] The filtering operation of the second TVS diode 104-2 can be determined based on the second control information C_B, which is based on the second signal line voltage information. The second TVS diode 104-2 performing the filtering operation can remove the noise component of the signal transmitted through the second signal line L2 and the second switch 103-2, and can provide the noise-removed (or noise-free) signal to the controller 105.

[0084] The filtering operation of the third TVS diode 104-3 can be determined based on the second control information C_B based on the third signal line voltage information. The third TVS diode 104-3 performing the filtering operation can remove the noise component of the signal transmitted through the third signal line L3 and the third switch 103-3, and can provide the noise-removed (or noise-free) signal to the controller 105.

[0085] Information about the voltage level of each of the multiple signal lines L1, L2 and L3 can be provided from the voltage sensor 102 to the controller 105, and first control information C_A and second control information C_B can be generated based on the information. The first control information C_A can be provided to the switching device 103, and the second control information C_B can be provided to the filter device 104.

[0086] For example, the controller 105 may generate the first control information C_A based on information of a voltage level of each of the plurality of signal lines L1 , L2 , and L3 provided from the voltage sensor 102 .

[0087] In more detail, when the voltage level of the third signal line L3 corresponds to a first connection reference voltage level (e.g., a ground voltage level), the controller 105 may generate first control information C_A for electrically connecting the third signal line L3 and the filter device 104, and may provide the first control information C_A to the third switch 103-3.

[0088] At the same time, the controller 105 can determine the voltage level of the third signal line L3 based on the ground voltage level; when the determination result indicates that the voltage level of the third signal line L3 is higher than or equal to the first overvoltage determination reference voltage level, the controller 105 can generate first control information C_A for electrically disconnecting the first to third signal lines L1, L2 and L3 from the filter device 104, and can provide the first control information C_A to the first to third switches 103-1, 103-2 and 103-3.

[0089] In this case, the first overvoltage determination reference voltage level may be higher than the first connection reference voltage level.

[0090] The controller 105 can determine the voltage level of the second signal line L2 based on the voltage level of the third signal line L3, that is, the ground voltage level; depending on the result of the determination, it can generate first control information C_A for electrically connecting the second signal line L2 to the filter device 104, or electrically disconnecting the first to third signal lines L1, L2 and L3 from the filter device 104, and the first control information C_A thus generated can be provided to the second switch 103-2 or the first to third switches 103-1, 103-2 and 103-3.

[0091] For example, when the determination result of the voltage level of the second signal line L2 indicates that the voltage level of the second signal line L2 is higher than or equal to the second connection reference voltage level, the controller 105 can generate first control information C_A for electrically connecting the second signal line L2 with the filter device 104, and can provide the first control information C_A thus generated to the second switch 103-2.

[0092] At the same time, when the determination result of the voltage level of the second signal line L2 indicates that the voltage level of the second signal line L2 is higher than or equal to the second overvoltage determination reference voltage level, the controller 105 can generate the first control information C_A for electrically disconnecting the first to third signal lines L1, L2 and L3 from the filter device 104, and can provide the first control information C_A thus generated to the first to third switches 103-1, 103-2 and 103-3.

[0093] In this case, the second overvoltage determination reference voltage level may be higher than the second connection reference voltage level.

[0094] The controller 105 can determine the voltage level of the first signal line L1 based on the voltage level of the third signal line L3, that is, the ground voltage level; depending on the result of the determination, it can generate first control information C_A for electrically connecting the first signal line L1 to the filter device 104, or electrically disconnecting the first to third signal lines L1, L2 and L3 from the filter device 104, and the first control information C_A thus generated can be provided to the first switch 103-1 or the first to third switches 103-1, 103-2 and 103-3.

[0095] For example, when the determination result of the voltage level of the first signal line L1 indicates that the voltage level of the first signal line L1 is higher than or equal to the third connection reference voltage level, the controller 105 can generate first control information C_A for electrically connecting the first signal line L1 with the filter device 104, and can provide the first control information C_A thus generated to the first switch 103-1.

[0096] At the same time, when the determination result of the voltage level of the first signal line L1 indicates that the voltage level of the first signal line L1 is higher than or equal to the third overvoltage determination reference voltage level, the controller 105 may generate first control information C_A for electrically disconnecting the first to third signal lines L1, L2 and L3 from the filter device 104, and may provide the first control information C_A thus generated to the first to third switches 103-1, 103-2 and 103-3.

[0097] In this case, the third overvoltage determination reference voltage level may be higher than the third connection reference voltage level.

[0098] When the first to third signal lines L1, L2 and L3 are all connected to the filter device 104 through the first to third switches 103-1, 103-2 and 103-3, the controller 105 can generate second control information C_B, which allows the filter device 104, i.e., the first to third TVS diodes 104-1, 104-2 and 104-3 to operate, and can provide the second control information C_B to the first to third TVS diodes 104-1, 104-2 and 104-3.

[0099] In addition, the controller 105 can format-convert the information provided from the filter device 104 so that it can be transmitted to the output signal connector 106 through multiple data transmission lines CD_LA, CD_LB and CD_LC, or can format-convert the information provided from the output signal connector 106 through multiple data transmission lines CD_LA, CD_LB and CD_LC so that it can be transmitted to the filter device 104.

[0100] For example, the controller 105 may convert information provided from the filter device 104 from a power line communication format to a communication format usable within the electric vehicle so as to be provided to the output signal connector 106 .

[0101] Meanwhile, the controller 105 may convert information provided from the output signal connector 106 from a communication format available within the electric vehicle into a power line communication format so as to provide it to the filter device 104 .

[0102] Also, the controller 105 may store and parse information provided from at least one of the filter device 104 or the output signal connector 106 , and may transmit the parsed information to at least one of the filter device 104 or the output signal connector 106 .

[0103] The output signal connector 106 can electrically connect the charging communication module 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure to the internal electronic devices of the electric vehicle 10. In this case, the output signal connector 106 can transmit information from the charging communication module 100 to the internal electronic devices of the electric vehicle 10, or can receive information from the internal electronic devices of the electric vehicle 10.

[0104] Figure 5 is a diagram for describing a configuration of a charging communication module of an electric vehicle according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0105] Reference Figure 5 According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a charging communication module 100 for an electric vehicle may include an input signal connector 101 , a voltage sensor 102 , a switch device 103 , a filter device 104 , a controller 105 and an output signal connector 106 .

[0106] In addition to the connection relationship between the controller 105 and the output signal connector 106, Figure 5 The charging communication module 100 of the electric vehicle according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may have Figure 4 The charging communication module 100 of the electric vehicle according to the embodiment of the present disclosure has the same configuration as shown.

[0107] Reference Figure 5 , the controller 105 may perform format conversion on the information provided from the filter device 104 so as to be transmitted to the output signal connector 106 through the plurality of data transmission lines CD_LA, CD_LB, and CD_LC and the plurality of dedicated transmission lines CAN_H and CAN_L.

[0108] For example, the controller 105 may perform format conversion on the information provided from the filter device 104, may transmit a portion of the converted information to the output signal connector 106 via the plurality of data transmission lines CD_LA, CD_LB, and CD_LC, and may transmit the remaining portion of the converted information to the output signal connector 106 via the plurality of dedicated transmission lines CAN_H and CAN_L. In this case, the remaining portion of the converted information transmitted to the output signal connector 106 via the plurality of dedicated transmission lines CAN_H and CAN_L may be information in a given communication format.

[0109] Also, the controller 105 may format-convert information provided from the output signal connector 106 through the plurality of data transmission lines CD_LA, CD_LB, and CD_LC and the plurality of dedicated transmission lines CAN_H and CAN_L to transmit to the filter device 104 .

[0110] For example, the controller 105 may be provided with a portion of the information provided from the output signal connector 106 through the plurality of data transmission lines CD_LA, CD_LB, and CD_LC, and may be provided with the remainder of the information provided from the output signal connector 106 through the plurality of dedicated transmission lines CAN_H and CAN_L. In this case, the information transmitted to the controller 105 through the plurality of dedicated transmission lines CAN_H and CAN_L may be information in a given communication format.

[0111] The charging operation of the electric vehicle to which the charging communication module for the electric vehicle according to the embodiment of the present disclosure implemented as described above is applied is as follows.

[0112] When a charging gun connected to one end of a charging cable is inserted into the electric vehicle 10 , the electric vehicle 10 and the charging device 20 may be electrically connected through the charging cable.

[0113] When the charging gun is inserted into the electric vehicle 10 and the electric vehicle 10 and the charging device 20 are thereby electrically connected, the electric vehicle 10 and the charging device 20 can exchange data (i.e., information) with each other through the charging cable, and electrical energy can be supplied from the charging device 20 to the electric vehicle 10, thereby charging the battery of the electric vehicle 10.

[0114] Reference Figure 3 , the charging cable may include a plurality of communication lines CP, PE and PP and a plurality of power lines N, L1, L2 and L3.

[0115] In this case, the plurality of communication lines CP, PE, and PP may allow the electric vehicle 10 and the charging device 20 to exchange data (ie, information) with each other through power line communication (PLC).

[0116] Also, the electric vehicle 10 may be supplied with electric power from the charging device 20 through the plurality of power lines N, L1 , L2 , and L3 , and the battery of the electric vehicle 10 may be charged.

[0117] As described above, for the electric vehicle 10 to be supplied with electric energy from the charging device 20 , customer authentication of the driver or owner of the electric vehicle 10 and charging according to the amount of electric energy charged to the battery can be performed simultaneously.

[0118] The electric vehicle 10 may exchange customer authentication and charging (or charging) information with the charging device 20 through the communication line of the charging cable.

[0119] The charging communication module 100 of the electric vehicle according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may be electrically connected to a plurality of communication lines included in a charging cable, and may smooth data communication between the electric vehicle 10 and the charging device 20 .

[0120] The operation of the charging communication module of the electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in more detail below, which can prevent the internal electronic equipment of the electric vehicle 10 from being subjected to overvoltage that can be generated from the communication line, and can make data communication between the electric vehicle 10 and the charging device 20 smooth.

[0121] How the charging communication module of the electric vehicle according to the embodiment of the present invention works after the electric vehicle 10 and the charging device 20 are connected via a charging cable, and then the communication line of the charging cable and the signal line of the charging communication module 100 are electrically connected via the input signal connector 101 of the charging communication module 100 will be referred to. Figure 4 Provide a detailed description.

[0122] Reference Figure 4The voltage sensor 102 can sense the voltage levels of the first to third signal lines L1, L2 and L3 electrically connected to the first to third communication lines CP, PE and PP of the charging cable through the input signal connector 101, and can provide the sensing results to the controller 105.

[0123] The controller 105 may generate first and second control information C_A and C_B that controls operations of the switching device 103 and the filter device 104 based on the sensing result provided from the voltage sensor 102 .

[0124] First, how the controller 105 controls the operation of the switching device 103 based on the sensing result provided from the voltage sensor 102 will be described.

[0125] When the voltage level of the third signal line L3 sensed by the voltage sensor 102 corresponds to a first connection reference voltage (e.g., ground voltage) level, the controller 105 may provide first control information C_A to the third switch 103-3 for electrically connecting the third signal line L3 to the third TVS diode 104-3 of the filter device 104.

[0126] When the third signal line L3 and the third TVS diode 104-3 are electrically connected by the operation of the third switch 103-3 according to the first control information C_A, the controller 105 can generate the first control information C_A for controlling the operation of the second switch 103-2 based on the voltage level of the second signal line L2 sensed by the voltage sensor 102.

[0127] In this case, when the voltage level of the second signal line L2 is higher than the second connection reference voltage level, the controller 105 may generate first control information C_A for electrically connecting the second signal line L2 with the second TVS diode 104 - 2 to provide to the second switch 103 - 2 .

[0128] When the second signal line L2 and the second TVS diode 104 - 2 are electrically connected by operation of the second switch 103 - 2 according to the first control information C_A, the controller 105 may generate first control information C_A for controlling the operation of the first switch 103 - 1 based on the voltage level of the first signal line L1 sensed by the voltage sensor 102 .

[0129] In this case, when the voltage level of the first signal line L1 is higher than the third connection reference voltage level, the controller 105 may generate first control information C_A for electrically connecting the first signal line L1 with the first TVS diode 104 - 1 to provide to the first switch 103 - 1 .

[0130] After the first to third signal lines L1, L2, and L3 are electrically connected to the first to third TVS diodes 104-1, 104-2, and 104-3 through the first to third switches 103-1, 103-2, and 103-3, respectively, the controller 105 may generate second control information C_B for operating the first to third TVS diodes 104-1, 104-2, and 104-3 so as to be provided to the first to third TVS diodes 104-1, 104-2, and 104-3.

[0131] As described above, when the first to third signal lines L1, L2 and L3 are electrically connected to the first to third TVS diodes 104-1, 104-2 and 104-3 respectively through the first to third switches 103-1, 103-2 and 103-3, the first to third communication lines CP, PE and PP of the charging cable can be electrically connected to the controller 105 through the first to third switches 103-1, 103-2 and 103-3 and the first to third TVS diodes 104-1, 104-2 and 104-3.

[0132] Furthermore, the controller 105 may be electrically connected to internal electronic devices of the electric vehicle 10 via the output signal connector 106 .

[0133] As a result, since the first to third communication lines CP, PE and PP of the charging cable are electrically connected to the internal electronic devices of the electric vehicle 10, the controller 105 can receive information (i.e., data) provided by the charging device 20 and can send the received information to the internal electronic devices; the controller 105 can receive information from the internal electronic devices of the electric vehicle 10 and can send the received information to the charging device 20.

[0134] In this case, the controller 105 can convert the information in the power line communication format received from the charging device 20 into information in a communication format usable by the internal electronic devices of the electric vehicle 10, and can send the converted information to the internal electronic devices of the electric vehicle 10; the controller 105 can convert the information in the electric vehicle communication format received from the internal electronic devices of the electric vehicle 10 into information in the power line communication format, and can send the converted information to the charging device 20.

[0135] Furthermore, the controller 105 can receive encrypted information from the charging device 20 and can decrypt the received information to provide it to the internal electronic devices of the electric vehicle 10; the controller 105 can encrypt the information received from the internal electronic devices of the electric vehicle 10 to provide it to the charging device 20.

[0136] In addition, the controller 105 can store information received from at least one of the charging device 20 or the internal electronic devices of the electric vehicle 10, can parse the stored information, and can send the parsed information to at least one of the charging device 20 or the internal electronic devices of the electric vehicle 10.

[0137] Meanwhile, when information is exchanged between the charging device 20 and the internal electronic devices of the electric vehicle 10, when an overvoltage is generated at at least one of the first to third communication lines CP, PE, and PP of the charging cable, the charging communication module 100 of the electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can electrically disconnect the internal electronic devices of the electric vehicle 10 from the charging device 20. The above-mentioned operation of the charging communication module 100 of the electric vehicle will be described in detail below.

[0138] When an overvoltage occurs at the first to third communication lines CP, PE and PP, where the first to third communication lines CP, PE and PP are electrically connected to the first to third signal lines L1, L2 and L3 respectively, an overvoltage may also occur at the signal line electrically connected to the communication line where the overvoltage occurs.

[0139] When the voltage level of the third signal line L3 is higher than the first overvoltage determination reference voltage level, the controller 10 may generate first control information C_A for electrically disconnecting the first to third signal lines L1 , L2 , and L3 from the filter device 104 .

[0140] When the voltage level of the second signal line L2 is higher than the second overvoltage determination reference voltage level, the controller 105 may generate first control information C_A for electrically disconnecting the first to third signal lines L1 , L2 , and L3 from the filter device 104 .

[0141] When the voltage level of the first signal line L1 is higher than the third overvoltage determination reference voltage level, the controller 105 may generate first control information C_A for electrically disconnecting the first to third signal lines L1, L2, and L3 from the filter device 104.

[0142] That is, when the voltage level of any one of the first to third signal lines L1, L2 and L3 is higher than the overvoltage determination reference voltage level used to determine whether overvoltage is generated at the corresponding signal line, the controller 105 can generate first control information C_A for electrically disconnecting the first to third signal lines L1, L2 and L3 from the filter device 104, so that the filter device 104 is electrically disconnected from the first to third signal lines L1, L2 and L3.

[0143] As a result, when overvoltage is generated on the communication line of the charging cable, the charging communication module 100 of the electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can protect the internal electronic devices of the electric vehicle from the influence of overvoltage by electrically disconnecting the internal electronic devices of the electric vehicle from the communication line.

[0144] According to the present disclosure, even if overcurrent and overvoltage occur at the charging cable when charging an electric vehicle, the internal electronic devices of the electric vehicle can be protected, and stable charging and communication can be performed. Therefore, the convenience of the electric vehicle can be improved.

[0145] Furthermore, various effects understood directly or indirectly can be provided by the present disclosure.

[0146] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to exemplary embodiments and accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, but may be variously modified and changed by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure claimed in the technical solution.

[0147] Therefore, the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are provided to explain the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, rather than to limit them, and therefore the spirit and scope of the present disclosure are not limited by these embodiments. The scope of protection of the present disclosure shall be based on the technical solution, and all technical ideas equivalent to the technical solution shall be included in the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A charging communication module for an electric vehicle, comprising: a voltage sensor, configured to sense a voltage level of the signal line to generate a sensing result; a controller, configured to generate first control information based on the sensing result, and convert the information in the first communication format provided by the signal line into information in a second communication format; as well as a switch device, configured to electrically connect or disconnect the signal line from the controller based on the first control information; wherein the signal line is configured to be electrically connected to a communication line in a charging cable, and the electric vehicle and the charging device are electrically connected via the charging cable; Wherein, the controller is used for: generating the first control information for electrically disconnecting the signal line from the controller when the sensing result indicates that the voltage level of the signal line is higher than or equal to an overvoltage determination reference voltage level; and When the sensing result indicates that the voltage level of the signal line is higher than or equal to a connection reference voltage level and lower than the overvoltage determination reference voltage level, the first control information for electrically connecting the signal line with the controller is generated.

2. The charging communication module according to claim 1, further comprising: a filter device inserted between the switching device and the controller, The filter device transmits a voltage within a given voltage level range from the switching device to the controller.

3. The charging communication module according to claim 2, wherein: The controller is used to: According to the sensing result, second control information for controlling the operation of the filter device is generated.

4. The charging communication module according to claim 3, wherein: The controller is used to: When the first control information for electrically connecting the signal line with the switching device is generated, the second control information for allowing the filter device to operate is generated.

5. A charging communication module for an electric vehicle, comprising: a voltage sensor for generating a sensing result by sensing a voltage level of each of a plurality of signal lines electrically connected to a plurality of communication lines included in the charging cable; a switch device, configured to electrically connect or disconnect the plurality of signal lines from the filter device based on first control information; a filter device for removing noise contained in information of the plurality of signal lines transmitted from the switching device based on second control information; a controller configured to generate the first control information and the second control information based on the sensing result, and convert and output the information in the first communication format from which the noise has been removed by the filter device into information in the second communication format; Wherein, the controller is used for: generating the first control information for electrically connecting the signal line to the filter device when the voltage level of the signal line is higher than or equal to a connection reference voltage level of the corresponding signal line and lower than an overvoltage determination reference voltage level of the corresponding signal line; and When the voltage level of at least one of the signal lines is higher than or equal to the overvoltage determination reference voltage level of the corresponding signal line, the first control information for electrically disconnecting all signal lines from the filter device is generated.

6. The charging communication module according to claim 5, wherein: The plurality of communication lines include a first communication line, a second communication line and a third communication line; wherein the first communication line and the second communication line are lines for transmitting the information in the first communication format, and The third communication line is a line for transmitting information on the electrical connection state between the charging cable and the electric vehicle.

7. The charging communication module according to claim 6, wherein: The plurality of signal lines include a first signal line, a second signal line, and a third signal line; and The second signal line electrically connected to the third communication line is located between the first signal line electrically connected to the first communication line and the third signal line electrically connected to the second communication line.

8. The charging communication module according to claim 7, wherein: The controller is used to: comparing a voltage level of each of the first to third signal lines with a connection reference voltage level of the corresponding signal line to generate the first control information for electrically connecting each of the plurality of signal lines to the filter device; as well as The voltage level of each of the first to third communication lines is compared with an overvoltage determination reference voltage level of a corresponding signal line to generate the first control information for electrically disconnecting the plurality of signal lines from the filter device.

9. The charging communication module according to claim 7, wherein: The switch device includes a first switch, a second switch and a third switch; wherein the first switch electrically connects or disconnects the first signal line from the filter device based on the first control information; wherein the second switch electrically connects or disconnects the second signal line to or from the filter device based on the first control information; and The third switch electrically connects or disconnects the third signal line from the filter device based on the first control information.

10. The charging communication module according to claim 9, wherein: The filter device includes a first transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode, a second TVS diode, and a third TVS diode; wherein the first transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode is electrically connected between the first switch and the controller; wherein the second TVS diode is electrically connected between the second switch and the controller; and The third TVS diode is electrically connected between the third switch and the controller.

11. The charging communication module according to claim 10, wherein: Each of the first to third transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diodes transmits a voltage provided from each of the first to third switches to the controller, and the voltage transmitted to the controller is a voltage of a given voltage level or lower.

12. A method for charging an electric vehicle, the method comprising: Comparing the voltage level of the first signal line with a first connection reference voltage level to electrically connect the electric vehicle to the first signal line; specifically comprising: when the voltage level of the first signal line is higher than or equal to the first connection reference voltage level, electrically connecting the first signal line to the electric vehicle; Comparing the voltage level of the second signal line with a second connection reference voltage level to electrically connect the electric vehicle to the second signal line; specifically comprising: when the voltage level of the second signal line is higher than or equal to the second connection reference voltage level, electrically connecting the second signal line to the electric vehicle; Comparing the voltage level of the first signal line with a first overvoltage determination reference voltage level to electrically disconnect the first signal line and the second signal line from the electric vehicle; specifically comprising: when the voltage level of the first signal line is higher than or equal to the first overvoltage determination reference voltage level, electrically disconnecting the first signal line and the second signal line from the electric vehicle; Comparing the voltage level of the second signal line with a second overvoltage determination reference voltage level to electrically disconnect the first signal line and the second signal line from the electric vehicle; specifically comprising: when the voltage level of the second signal line is higher than or equal to the second overvoltage determination reference voltage level, electrically disconnecting the first signal line and the second signal line from the electric vehicle; The signal line is configured to be electrically connected to a communication line in a charging cable, and the electric vehicle and the charging device are electrically connected via the charging cable.

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