Apparatus for charging battery of electric vehicle

By integrating electronic equipment and communication protocols between electric vehicles, the high-voltage battery of another electric vehicle can be used to achieve fast charging without a fixed power source, solving the problems of long charging time and high conversion loss in the existing technology and improving the convenience of using electric vehicles.

CN120641290APending Publication Date: 2025-09-12SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO KG
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202480007855.9
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-01-17
Filing Date
2024-01-12
Publication Date
2025-09-12

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing electric vehicle charging equipment needs to be close to a fixed power source, charging time is long and conversion loss is high, which limits the popularity and convenience of electric vehicles.

Method used

An electronic device is designed that utilizes the high-voltage battery of another electric vehicle through a connection device, an adapter device, a rectifier device, and a conversion control device to achieve battery charging without a fixed electric energy source, optimizes conversion losses using a DC/DC converter, and identifies vehicle configuration through a communication protocol to charge with minimal losses.

Benefits of technology

It realizes the rapid charging of high-voltage batteries of electric vehicles without a fixed power source, reduces conversion losses, and improves charging efficiency and convenience.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to an electronic device suitable for use in a first electric vehicle (10), the device comprising: coupling means (20), first adaptation means (30), second electrical energy storage means (60), conversion and control means (70) coupled to the second electrical energy storage means (60) by means of fifth connection means (104), and transmission and propulsion means (80), characterized in that the conversion and control means (70) are connected to the second electrical energy storage means (60) by means of the fifth connection means (104). The conversion and control device (70) is adapted to couple the second electrical energy storage device (60) directly to the coupling device (20) via the fifth connecting device (104) or to couple the second electrical energy storage device (60) to the coupling device (20) via the first adapter device (30) and the rectifier device (50).
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of electric vehicles, and more particularly to an apparatus for charging an electric vehicle battery using another electric vehicle. The present invention also relates to a method for controlling the charging of at least one electric vehicle battery using another electric vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Electric vehicles are increasingly common on our roads and are quite popular among drivers. However, recharging their batteries is one area that has hindered their growth and represents a strategic challenge for automotive manufacturers. Indeed, battery recharge times and the availability and location of infrastructure for recharging electric vehicles mean that electric vehicles are still not as easy to use as combustion engine vehicles, hindering their development.

[0003] There are two main types of technology or infrastructure for recharging the batteries of electric vehicles. The first involves home charging, which connects the electric vehicle to a single-phase domestic network (220 volt household socket), which has the advantage of being universal but requires relatively long charging times.

[0004] The second involves recharging via fast-charging terminals located in supermarket car parks, for example. This type of recharging requires a relatively high investment to deploy, but has the advantage of allowing the battery of an electric vehicle to be charged much more quickly.

[0005] There are two main types of battery chargers for electric vehicles. The first is the battery charger in the electric vehicle, sometimes called an "on-board charger." This on-board charger is primarily used when connected to a home network and is designed to convert the voltage of the electrical system (AC voltage) to a voltage suitable for the vehicle battery (DC voltage).

[0006] The on-board charger has the disadvantage of being bulky and also comprises a large number of electronic conversion and / or voltage matching stages, which correspond to the conversion of the AC voltage into the DC voltage required for charging the battery.

[0007] The second type of charger is a battery charger external to the electric vehicle, which is sometimes also referred to as an “off-board charger.” External chargers have the advantage of being mounted on a charging point rather than in the electric vehicle and therefore do not take up space in the vehicle.

[0008] However, onboard chargers, like external chargers, share the disadvantage of requiring proximity to a working electrical system in the electric vehicle. In fact, for onboard chargers, a household outlet connected to the electrical system must be near the electric vehicle, and for external chargers, a fast-charging terminal must be nearby. Therefore, both types of chargers require a stationary energy source near the electric vehicle to recharge the battery.

[0009] Furthermore, on-board chargers require a large number of power conversion stages in order to make the voltage of the electrical system compatible with the voltage of the battery, resulting in significant conversion losses and thus extending the charging time of the electric vehicle's battery.

[0010] One object of the present invention is to propose a device for recharging electric vehicles that does not require the presence of a stationary source of electrical energy in the vicinity and that has a lower level of conversion losses than the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The present invention relates to an electronic device designed to be used in a first electric vehicle, the device comprising: a coupling device; a first adapter device coupled to the coupling device via a second coupling device, the first adapter device further coupled to a rectifier device via a fourth coupling device; a second electrical energy storage device designed to store electrical energy; a conversion and control device coupled to the coupling device via a third coupling device, the conversion and control device further coupled to the second electrical energy storage device and a transmission and propulsion device via a fifth coupling device. The conversion and control device is designed to couple the second electrical energy storage device to the coupling device directly via the fifth coupling device, or to couple the second electrical energy storage device to the coupling device via the first adapter device and the rectifier device.

[0012] By means of the device of the invention, it is possible to charge the battery of a first electric vehicle using a second electric vehicle.

[0013] For example, the second electrical energy storage device is a high voltage (eg, 800 volt) battery.

[0014] In one exemplary embodiment, the switching and control device is a high power switch.

[0015] In another exemplary embodiment, the electronic device further comprises a DC / DC converter arranged between the conversion and control device and the second electrical energy storage device, so that conversion losses can be optimized.

[0016] For example, the DC / DC converter is designed to adapt to the voltage level generated by the second electrical energy storage device.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, the DC / DC converter is designed to electrically isolate the second electrical energy storage device from the conversion and control device.

[0018] As a variant, the DC / DC converter is a converter having a low level of conversion losses.

[0019] In a second aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling and charging a high-voltage battery of a second electric vehicle coupled to an electronic device is provided. The method comprises the following steps:

[0020] a first step E1) comprises coupling a second electric vehicle to said first electric vehicle via first connection means of said first electric vehicle,

[0021] A second step E2) consists in initiating a communication protocol between the second electric vehicle and the first electric vehicle to allow identification of the supplying vehicle and the receiving vehicle,

[0022] a third step E3) consisting in identifying the internal configuration of the charger of the supplying vehicle and, if the receiving vehicle is designed to receive a floating continuous charge, executing a fourth step E4) and, if the receiving vehicle is designed to receive a reference continuous charge, executing a fifth step E5) and, if the receiving vehicle is designed to receive neither a reference continuous charge nor a floating continuous charge, executing a sixth step E6),

[0023] a fourth step E4) comprising controlling the connection and control means of the first electric vehicle so as to short-circuit the first adapter means and the rectifier means so as to electrically connect the second electrical energy storage means to the coupling means via the fifth connection means,

[0024] • a fifth step E5) consists in controlling the conversion and control means of the first electric vehicle so as to couple the converter directly to the conversion and control means and to the second electrical energy storage means,

[0025] • A sixth step E6) consists in deactivating the connection and control means of the first electric vehicle in order not to damage the electric vehicle.

[0026] For example, the conversion and control device of the first electric vehicle is controlled by a computer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from reading the following description, which is purely illustrative and should be read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an electric vehicle according to the present invention,

[0029] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a variant of the electric vehicle according to the present invention,

[0030] Figure 3 A diagram of the method according to the invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Figure 1 A first electric vehicle 10 is shown with its primary functions well known to those skilled in the art.

[0032] The electric vehicle 10 according to the invention comprises, in a general and non-limiting manner, a coupling device 20 designed to couple the electric vehicle 10 to an external source 200 of electrical energy via first connection means 100 .

[0033] For example, the external electrical energy source 200 may be a conventional electrical outlet in a house connected to a household electrical system that provides 220 volts AC.

[0034] As a variant, in order to avoid long-term damage to the traditional power sockets of the house, the external electrical energy source 200 can be a reinforced socket that is always connected to the electrical system of the house. This reinforced socket is suitable for higher current flow, thereby allowing to reduce recharging time.

[0035] As a variant, the external electrical energy source 200 can be a dedicated wall-mounted charging terminal always located in the house. Advantageously, such a wall-mounted charging terminal is specifically intended to supply power to the vehicle via the main power supply of the house but is designed to provide a greater power in order to further reduce the recharging time.

[0036] Finally, in another exemplary use, external electrical energy source 200 can be a fast-charging terminal located in a supermarket parking lot. Advantageously, this type of fast-charging terminal allows high power to flow as direct current, as opposed to previous variants that only operate with alternating current. This can potentially reduce recharging time by a factor of 10 or 20.

[0037] If the external electrical energy source 200 is a conventional electrical outlet at a house, the first connection means 100 that connects the coupling device 20 to the external electrical energy source 200 is a universal cable, which may be a cable provided with the electric vehicle 10 and designed to connect the electric vehicle 10 to the electrical outlet at a house. This type of cable (and outlet) is also known as a Mode 2 cable.

[0038] If the external electrical energy source 200 is a dedicated wall-mounted charging terminal, the first connection device 100 may be a Mode 3 cable. This type of cable has a connector and cable diameter that allows the electric vehicle 10 to be recharged more quickly.

[0039] If the external electric energy source 200 is a public fast charging terminal, the first connection device 100 is, for example, a dedicated Mode 4 cable; in this case, the cable is the cable of the fast charging terminal and not the cable of the electric vehicle.

[0040] The electric vehicle 10 comprises a first adapter device 30 coupled to the coupling device 20 via a second coupling device 101. The first adapter device 30 is further coupled to the rectifier device 50 via a fourth coupling device 103.

[0041] The electric vehicle 10 also includes a first energy storage device 40 and a second energy storage device 60. For example, the first energy storage device 40 is a low-voltage battery, and the second energy storage device 60 is a high-voltage battery. Solutions for adapting the voltage and power levels between the two batteries to allow the low-voltage battery to be recharged by the high-voltage battery are known to those skilled in the art.

[0042] The electric vehicle 10 further comprises a switching and control device 70 coupled to the coupling device 20 via a third connecting device 102 .

[0043] The conversion and control device 70 is also coupled to the second electrical energy storage device 60 via a fifth connection device 104 , and is also coupled to the transmission and propulsion device 80 .

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, the conversion and control device 70 is connected in parallel with the first adapter device 30 and the rectifier device 50. In other words, the conversion and control device 70 is designed to either directly connect the second electrical energy storage device 60 to the coupling device 20 via the fifth connecting device 104 or to connect the second electrical energy storage device 60 to the coupling device 20 via the first adapter device 30 and the rectifier device 50.

[0045] The first electrical energy storage device 40 is, for example, a battery having an available voltage value of approximately 12 volts and is designed to supply the electric vehicle 10 with an onboard electrical system voltage.

[0046] The second electrical energy storage device 60 is, for example, a high-voltage battery. In one exemplary embodiment, the battery may be a 400V or 800V battery. Battery technology does not have any impact on the present invention and is therefore not described in detail in the remainder of this specification. The battery may be, for example, a lithium-ion battery, a lithium metal polymer battery, or a lithium-ion polymer battery.

[0047] The first adapter device 30 is, for example, an AC / DC converter.

[0048] If the electric vehicle 10 is coupled via the first connection device 100 by a Mode 2 or Mode 3 cable, the first adapter device 30 and the rectifier device 50 are designed to convert the alternating current provided by the electrical energy source 200 into a direct current designed to recharge the second electrical energy storage device 60 .

[0049] If the electric vehicle 10 is connected to the source of electrical energy 200 via a Mode 2 or Mode 3 cable, that is, using alternating current, the conversion and control means 70 are designed to manage the power supplied by the on-board charger in order to recharge the second electrical energy storage means 60. For example, they may include a power computer designed to manage the power compatibility between the various modules of the electric vehicle 10.

[0050] In the first exemplary embodiment, the conversion and control device 70 is designed to short-circuit the first adapter device 30 and the rectifier device 50 in order to electrically couple the second electrical energy storage device 60 to the coupling device 20 via the fifth connecting device 104 .

[0051] For example, the conversion and control device 70 includes switches designed to switch high electrical power. For example, the switches can be controlled based on a strategy determined by a computer. Thus, according to the present invention, the energy stored in the second electrical energy storage device 60 can be transferred to the coupling device 20, for example, to recharge another electric vehicle that is compatible or capable of receiving the energy.

[0052] In the second exemplary embodiment, as Figure 2 As shown, the first electric vehicle 10 includes a DC / DC converter 90 disposed between the conversion and control device 70 and the second energy storage device 60. The converter 90 is designed, for example, to adapt the voltage level of the second energy storage device 60 and / or to electrically isolate the second energy storage device 60 of the first electric vehicle 10 from another electric vehicle to be coupled. The DC / DC converter 90 has low conversion losses.

[0053] The connecting means 101, 102, 103 and 104 may be a DC voltage bus, which is referred to as a "DC bus" by those skilled in the art.

[0054] As mentioned in the above description, an electric vehicle may sometimes encounter a situation where its available energy reserves are too low to reach, for example, its driver's home or a public charging terminal, which puts the user in a relatively difficult situation.

[0055] Therefore, if Figure 3 As shown, the present invention proposes a method for controlling and charging a second electric vehicle connected to a first electric vehicle 10 via a first connection device 100 of the first electric vehicle 10. Of course, the first connection device may be a connection device of another electric vehicle.

[0056] Ingeniously, the method of the invention provides that, during a first step E1 ), a second electric vehicle is coupled to said first electric vehicle 10 via a first connection device 100 of said first electric vehicle 10 .

[0057] During a second step E2 ), the method of the invention consists in initiating a communication protocol between the second electric vehicle and the first electric vehicle 10 , which communication protocol cleverly allows identification of which vehicle is the supplying vehicle and which is the receiving vehicle.

[0058] During a third step (E3), the method includes identifying the configuration of the receiving vehicle, namely the second electric vehicle. Advantageously, if the second electric vehicle is designed to receive a floating continuous charge, the method proposes moving on to a fourth step (E4). Furthermore, advantageously, if the second electric vehicle is designed to receive a reference continuous charge, the method proposes moving on to a fifth step (E5). Finally, if the second electric vehicle is designed to receive neither a reference continuous charge nor a floating continuous charge, the method proposes moving on to a sixth step (E6).

[0059] The fourth step E4) of the method consists in controlling the connection and control means 70 of the first electric vehicle so as to short-circuit the first adapter means 30 and the rectifier means 50 in order to electrically connect the second electrical energy storage means 60 to the coupling means 20 via the fifth connection means 104. Thus, with the aid of the method of the invention, the second electric vehicle can be charged directly with minimal losses.

[0060] A fifth step E5) of the method consists in controlling the connection and control means 70 of the first electric vehicle so as to connect the converter 90 directly to the conversion and control means 70 and to the second electrical energy storage means 60, which allows electrical isolation to be established between the second electrical energy storage means 60 and the connection means 20, thereby allowing the second electrical energy storage means of the second electric vehicle to be charged with minimal losses.

[0061] A sixth step E6) consists in deactivating the connection and control means 70 of the first electric vehicle in order not to damage the electric vehicle.

[0062] The communication protocol during charging is not shown here, as it is obvious to a person skilled in the art.

[0063] Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to recharge the high-voltage battery of an electric vehicle connected to another electric vehicle without a fixed energy source. In addition, the conversion loss can be minimized and the charging capacity of the high-voltage battery can be increased.

Claims

1. An electronic device designed to be in a first electric vehicle (10), the electronic device comprising: A coupling device (20); A first adapter device (30) connected to the coupling device (20) via a second coupling device (101), the first adapter device (30) being further connected to a rectifier device (50) via a fourth coupling device (103); a second electrical energy storage device (60) designed to store electrical energy; a conversion and control device (70) connected to the coupling device (20) via a third coupling device (102), the conversion and control device (70) being further connected to the second electrical energy storage device (60) and a transmission and propulsion device (80) via a fifth coupling device (104), characterized in that the conversion and control device (70) is designed to: directly connect the second electrical energy storage device (60) to the coupling device (20) via the fifth coupling device (104), or to connect the second electrical energy storage device (60) to the coupling device (20) via the first adapter device (30) and the rectifier device (50).

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein The second electrical energy storage device (60) is a high voltage battery, such as an 800 volt battery.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The switching and control device (70) is a high power switch.

4. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The electronic device further comprises a DC / DC converter (90) arranged between the conversion and control device (70) and the second electrical energy storage device (60).

5. The electronic device according to claim 4, wherein The DC / DC converter (90) is designed to adapt to the voltage level generated by the second electrical energy storage device (60). The electronic device according to claim 4 , wherein: The DC / DC converter (90) is designed to electrically isolate the second electrical energy storage device (60) from the conversion and control device (70).

7. The electronic device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein: The DC / DC converter (90) is a converter with a low level of conversion losses.

8. A method for controlling and charging a high-voltage battery of a second electric vehicle coupled to an electronic device according to any one of the preceding claims, the electronic device being arranged in the first electric vehicle (10), the method comprising the following steps: A first step E1) comprises coupling a second electric vehicle to said first electric vehicle (10) via first connection means (100) of said first electric vehicle (10), A second step E2) consists in initiating a communication protocol between said second electric vehicle and said first electric vehicle (10) to allow identification of the supplying vehicle and the receiving vehicle, a third step E3) consisting in identifying the internal configuration of the charger of the supplying vehicle and, if the receiving vehicle is designed to receive a floating continuous charge, executing a fourth step E4) and, if the receiving vehicle is designed to receive a reference continuous charge, executing a fifth step E5) and, if the receiving vehicle is designed to receive neither a reference continuous charge nor a floating continuous charge, executing a sixth step E6), a fourth step E4) comprising controlling the connection and control means (70) of the first electric vehicle (10) so as to short-circuit the first adapter means (30) and the rectifier means (50) so as to electrically connect the second electrical energy storage means (60) to the coupling means (20) via the fifth connection means (104), A fifth step E5) comprises controlling the conversion and control means (70) of the first electric vehicle (10) so as to couple the converter (90) directly to the conversion and control means (70) and to the second electrical energy storage means (60), A sixth step E6) consists in deactivating the connection and control means (70) of the first electric vehicle (10) in order not to damage the electric vehicle.

9. Method for controlling and charging a high-voltage battery according to the preceding claim, wherein: The conversion and control device (70) of the first electric vehicle (10) is controlled by a computer.