Downloader

Abstract

The utility model provides a downloading machine. The downloading machine comprises a control unit, an energy storage unit, a CAN (Controller Area Network) transceiving unit, a storage unit and a first interface, the control unit is respectively connected with the CAN transceiving unit and the storage unit, and the CAN transceiving unit and the energy storage unit are both connected with the first interface; the first interface is used for being connected with a second interface of the BMC; the storage unit is used for storing software updating data of the BMC; the energy storage unit is used for supplying power to the BMC; and the control unit is used for burning the software updating data into the BMC. The downloading machine provided by the utility model can improve the convenience and high efficiency of BMC software updating.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technology of updating a battery manager, and particularly to a downloading machine. Background Art

[0002] As the core power source of an electric vehicle, the battery pack not only stores and provides the electric energy required to drive the electric vehicle, but also directly affects the driving range, performance, safety and overall cost - effectiveness of the electric vehicle. A battery management controller (BMC) is integrated inside the battery pack for monitoring, controlling and managing the operating state of the battery pack.

[0003] With the continuous development of electric vehicle technology, the software of the BMC is also constantly iteratively upgraded. Therefore, it is necessary to frequently update the software of the BMC to adapt to new functions or fix defect problems.

[0004] Currently, during the software update process of the BMC, multiple devices are required, and operators need to perform complex connections and operations on - site. Since multiple steps are involved in the process, connection errors such as power supply and communication are likely to occur during the update process. Therefore, how to improve the convenience and efficiency of the BMC software update is an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Utility Model

[0005] The utility model provides a downloading machine to solve the problem that there are many operation steps in the software update operation of the BMC, and connection errors such as power supply and communication are likely to occur.

[0006] To solve the above - mentioned technical problems, the utility model adopts the following technical solutions:

[0007] The utility model provides a downloading machine, including: a control unit, an energy storage unit, a CAN transceiver unit, a storage unit, and a first interface; the control unit is respectively connected to the CAN transceiver unit and the storage unit, and both the CAN transceiver unit and the energy storage unit are connected to the first interface; the first interface is used to connect to the second interface of the BMC;

[0008] The storage unit is used to store the software update data of the BMC;

[0009] The energy storage unit is used to supply power to the BMC;

[0010] The control unit is used to burn the software update data into the BMC.

[0011] Optionally, the downloading machine further includes: an IO control unit;

[0012] The IO control unit is respectively connected to the energy storage unit, the control unit, and the first interface, and is used for power supply control and wake-up control of the BMC.

[0013] Optionally,

[0014] The IO control unit includes: a BMC power supply circuit and a BMC wake-up circuit;

[0015] The BMC power supply circuit is respectively connected to the energy storage unit and the first interface, and the BMC wake-up circuit is respectively connected to the BMC power supply circuit and the first interface;

[0016] The BMC power supply circuit is used to convert the output voltage of the energy storage unit into the power supply voltage of the BMC;

[0017] The BMC wake-up circuit is used to send a wake-up signal to the BMC when the power supply voltage is detected.

[0018] Optionally, the download machine further includes: a charging interface and a charging unit;

[0019] The charging unit is respectively connected to the charging interface and the energy storage unit, and the charging interface is used to connect to an external power supply device;

[0020] The charging unit is used to convert the voltage provided by the external power supply device into the charging voltage of the energy storage unit and transmit it to the energy storage unit when the external power supply device is connected to the charging interface.

[0021] Optionally, the download machine further includes: a voltage detection unit, and the voltage detection unit is respectively connected to the energy storage unit and the control unit;

[0022] The voltage detection unit is used to detect the power supply voltage and / or charging voltage of the energy storage unit;

[0023] The control unit is used to determine the state of the energy storage unit based on the power supply voltage and / or charging voltage.

[0024] Optionally, the download machine further includes: a human-computer interaction unit; the human-computer interaction unit is connected to the control unit;

[0025] The human-computer interaction unit is used to display at least one of the following data: the operating state of the download machine and the execution status of the software update of the BMC.

[0026] Optionally, the human-computer interaction unit is further used to receive an externally input control instruction for controlling the download machine.

[0027] Optionally, the downloader further includes: a clock unit connected to the control unit for providing real-time time for the control unit;

[0028] The control unit is further configured to record the programming time when the software update data is programmed into the BMC based on the real-time time.

[0029] Optionally, the downloader further includes: a prompting unit connected to the control unit for prompting the working state and / or CAN communication connection state of the downloader.

[0030] Optionally, the energy storage unit is further connected to other units inside the downloader that need power supply for powering other units.

[0031] Compared with the prior art, the downloader provided by the present utility model has the following advantages:

[0032] Compared with the prior art where software update of the BMC requires multiple devices such as a laptop computer, an AC-DC power supply, CAN bus communication devices, CAN bus communication wiring harnesses, etc., and requires operators to perform complex connections and operations on-site, the downloader of the present utility model integrates the devices required for updating the BMC software, improving the convenience and efficiency of BMC software update.

[0033] In addition to the technical problems solved by the present utility model, the technical features constituting the technical solution, and the beneficial effects brought by these technical features of the technical solution described above, other technical problems that the downloader provided by the present utility model can solve, other technical features included in the technical solution, and the beneficial effects brought by these technical features will be further described in detail in the specific implementation manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] The accompanying drawings herein are incorporated into the specification and constitute a part of this specification, showing embodiments consistent with the present application, and are used together with the specification to explain the principles of the present application.

[0035] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a scenario for software update of a BMC11 provided by the prior art;

[0036] Figure 2 A schematic structural diagram of the downloader provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] Figure 3 A schematic connection diagram of the downloader provided by an embodiment of the present application and the BMC11;

[0038] Figure 4 A schematic flowchart of the operation of the downloader provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0039] Description of the reference numerals:

[0040] 1: Control unit;

[0041] 2: Energy storage unit;

[0042] 3: CAN transceiver unit;

[0043] 4: Storage unit;

[0044] 5: Charging interface;

[0045] 6: Charging unit;

[0046] 7: Voltage detection unit;

[0047] 8: Human-machine interaction unit;

[0048] 9: Clock unit;

[0049] 10: Prompt unit;

[0050] 11: BMC;

[0051] 12: First interface;

[0052] 13: Second interface;

[0053] 14: IO control unit

[0054] 141: BMC power supply circuit; 142: BMC wake-up circuit. Detailed implementation manners

[0055] As the core power source of an electric vehicle, the battery pack not only stores and provides the electric energy required to drive the electric vehicle, but also directly affects the driving range, performance, safety and overall cost-effectiveness of the electric vehicle. A battery management controller (BMC) is integrated inside the battery pack to monitor, control and manage the operating state of the battery pack. With the continuous development of electric vehicle technology, the software of the BMC is also constantly iterated and upgraded. Therefore, it is necessary to frequently update the software of the BMC to adapt to new functions or fix defect problems.

[0056] Currently, during the software update process of the BMC that is not installed on an electric vehicle, the operator needs to perform a series of cumbersome and meticulous steps. Figure 1 Fig. shows a schematic diagram of a scenario for updating the software of the BMC11 provided by the prior art. As Figure 1 shown, the following devices are required for the BMC software update:

[0057] Laptop, AC-DC power supply, Controller Area Network (CAN) bus communication device, CAN bus communication harness.

[0058] When updating the BMC software, first, the operator needs to connect each device to the BMC as follows:

[0059] The operator connects one end of the AC-DC power supply to the AC power grid and the other end to the power supply port of the BMC, which is used to convert the alternating current provided by the AC power grid into the DC power supply voltage of the BMC, so as to supply power to the BMC and ensure the normal operation of the BMC during the update process.

[0060] The operator connects the laptop to the CAN bus communication device, and the other end of the CAN bus communication device is connected to the CAN interface of the BMC through the CAN bus communication harness to establish a communication link between the laptop and the BMC.

[0061] After the above connections are completed, the operator burns the software update data to the BMC through the laptop to complete the software update of the BMC.

[0062] Due to the above BMC software update process, there are many steps and all are manual operations, which are prone to problems such as incorrect device connections and manual operation errors, and it is difficult to meet the requirements of convenient, fast and efficient software updates.

[0063] Therefore, it is necessary to seek a more convenient, efficient and reliable BMC software update method to meet the needs of the electric vehicle industry for BMC software updates.

[0064] For this reason, the present utility model provides a downloader, which is provided with an interface connected to the BMC. Through this interface, it can supply power to the BMC and has the function of automatic software update. The process is simple to operate. Compared with the prior art that requires multiple device connections and manual operations for software updates, this embodiment can simplify the operation steps for BMC software updates, and thus can improve the convenience and efficiency of BMC software updates.

[0065] Next, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present utility model, rather than all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0066] It should be noted that in the present utility model, the descriptions involving "first", "second", etc. are only for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, the features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one such feature. Additionally, the technical solutions between various embodiments can be combined with each other, but it must be based on what can be achieved by those of ordinary skill in the art. When the combination of technical solutions results in contradictions or cannot be realized, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection required by the present utility model.

[0067] Figure 2 The structural schematic diagram of the downloader provided by the embodiment of the present application is as Figure 2 shown. The downloader may include a control unit 1, an energy storage unit 2, a CAN transceiver unit 3, a storage unit 4, and a first interface 12.

[0068] The control unit 1 is respectively connected to the CAN transceiver unit 3 and the storage unit 4. The CAN transceiver unit 3 and the energy storage unit 2 are both connected to the first interface 12. The first interface 12 is used to connect to the second interface 13 of the BMC 11.

[0069] Among them, the control unit 1 can be any unit capable of realizing control and processing. For example, it can be a unit including a single-chip microcomputer and its peripheral circuits, or a unit including a processor and its peripheral circuits, and no limitation is made thereto. In this embodiment, the control unit 1 can have the function of providing software updates for the BMC, that is, for burning the software update data into the BMC 11.

[0070] The energy storage unit 2 can be any unit capable of providing a power supply function and is used to supply power to the BMC 11. The power supply mentioned here can be to provide power externally through its own energy storage components, or to convert the voltage provided by an external power supply into the voltage required by the BMC. For example, the power supply unit can be a module composed of one or more combinations of a battery, an energy storage capacitor, an energy storage inductor, etc. The capacity of the energy storage unit 2 can be specifically set according to actual requirements.

[0071] The CAN transceiver unit 3 can be any unit capable of realizing CAN transceiver functions. For example, it can be a CAN transceiver, or other circuits capable of realizing CAN transceiver functions, and can support two formats of CAN and CAN with Flexible Data-Rate (CANFD).

[0072] Battery packs are usually used in vehicles. Components in vehicles typically communicate via a CAN bus. The BMC in the battery pack also has a CAN interface for communicating with components in the vehicle. Therefore, in this application, by setting up the CAN transceiver unit 3, communication connection with the BMC can be achieved without the need to additionally set up other communication components for communication forwarding, nor is it necessary to specifically set up an interface for software update on the BMC, improving the efficiency of software update and simplifying the complexity of the connection between the downloader and the BMC.

[0073] The storage unit 4 can be any unit with storage function, and is used to store software update data to be burned into the BMC 11. For example, it can be a removable storage device or a memory fixed in the downloader. The removable storage device mentioned here can be, for example, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) flash drive, a Secure Digital Memory Card (SD card), etc., and the memory can be, for example, a Random Access Memory (RAM). It should be understood that when the storage unit 4 is a removable storage device, the operator can more conveniently update the software update data stored thereon.

[0074] It should be noted that this embodiment does not limit whether the storage unit 4 needs to store other content.

[0075] In this embodiment, the CAN transceiver unit 3 and the energy storage unit 2 are both connected to the first interface 12; the first interface 12 is used to connect to the second interface 13 of the BMC 11, so that the downloader can achieve connection with the BMC through one interface, and power supply and software update for the BMC through this one interface.

[0076] The present application does not limit the forms of the above-mentioned first interface 12 and second interface 13. For example, both the first interface 12 and the second interface 13 are CAN interfaces, or one of them is a CAN interface and the other is another interface supporting CAN communication, or both are other types of interfaces, etc., which can be specifically set according to actual needs.

[0077] Taking the first interface as a USB interface and the second interface as a CAN interface as an example, the downloader and the BMC can be connected through a connecting line with a connector matching the USB interface at one end and a connector matching the CAN interface at the other end. In some embodiments, this connecting line can also be called a CAN connecting line.

[0078] Optionally, in some embodiments, the above connection line can also be part of the downloader. In this implementation, the first interface and the connection line can be fixedly connected or detachably connected. Alternatively, if the downloader does not have the first interface, the CAN transceiver unit 3 and the energy storage unit 2 can be directly connected to the connection line, and then connected to the second interface of the BMC through this connection line.

[0079] In this way, the integration degree of the downloader can be higher, so that when the user uses the downloader to update the software of the BMC, less things need to be carried and fewer operations need to be performed, further improving the efficiency of BMC software update.

[0080] Based on the above structure, the following is an example of how the downloader realizes BMC software update:

[0081] When it is necessary to update the software of the BMC of the battery pack, the first interface 12 of the downloader can be connected to the second interface 13 of the BMC through the connection line.

[0082] After the two are connected, the control unit 1 of the downloader can control the energy storage unit 2 to supply power to the BMC, and burn the software update data of the BMC 11 stored in the storage unit 4 into the BMC 11, thus realizing the software update of the BMC 11. This process only requires the user to connect the two through a connection line to realize the automatic update of the software of the BMC 11, and the operation is simple. Compared with the prior art that requires multiple devices to be connected and manual operation for software update, this embodiment can simplify the operation steps of BMC 11 software update, and thus improve the efficiency of BMC 11 software update.

[0083] In addition, since the downloader integrates the power supply and software update functions, when updating the BMC software, the operator only needs to carry one device to complete the software update of the BMC 11, without Figure 1 carrying multiple devices as shown in the prior art, which can improve the convenience of BMC 11 software update.

[0084] Continuing to refer to Figure 2 , further, the above downloader may also include, for example, an input / output (IO) control unit 14.

[0085] The IO control unit 14 is respectively connected to the energy storage unit 2, the control unit 1, and the first interface 12.

[0086] The IO control unit 14 is used to implement the control function of the downloader for the BMC. For example, it is used to perform power supply control and wake-up control on the BMC 11. Among them, the power supply control may include voltage conversion of the power supply voltage of the energy storage unit 2, and / or control of when to supply power. The wake-up control may be to perform wake-up control on the BMC 11. In some embodiments, sleep control may also be performed on the BMC 11.

[0087] For example, when software update of the BMC 11 is required, the IO control unit 14 wakes up the BMC 11. After the software update of the BMC 11 is completed, the IO control unit 14 can control the BMC to enter sleep and then stop supplying power to the BMC 11. By this method, the security of the BMC 11 can be ensured, and the problem of abnormality of the BMC 11 caused by direct power-off can be avoided.

[0088] Through the above-mentioned IO control unit 14, different software upgrade data can be continuously burned into the BMC during the upgrade process. For example, upgrade data of the bootloader (Bootloader Burning, boot) and application programs can be burned. For example, after burning the upgrade data of one program, the BMC 11 can be powered off and then powered on and woken up, and then the upgrade data of the second program can be continuously burned, further improving the software upgrade efficiency of the BMC 11.

[0089] Taking the IO control unit 14 being used to perform power supply control and wake-up control on the BMC 11 as an example, the IO control unit 14 may include, for example, a BMC power supply circuit 141 and a BMC wake-up circuit 142. The BMC power supply circuit 141 is respectively connected to the energy storage unit 2 and the first interface 12, and the BMC wake-up circuit 142 is respectively connected to the BMC power supply circuit 141 and the first interface 12.

[0090] The BMC power supply circuit 141 is used to convert the output voltage of the energy storage unit 2 into the power supply voltage of the BMC 11;

[0091] The BMC wake-up circuit 142 is used to send a wake-up signal to the BMC 11 when detecting the power supply voltage. Taking the power supply voltage required by the BMC 11 as 12V as an example, when the BMC wake-up circuit 142 detects that the output voltage of the BMC power supply circuit 141 reaches 12V, a wake-up signal is sent to the BMC 11. This wake-up method can also be called hard-wired wake-up. In this implementation manner, when the BMC wake-up circuit 142 stops sending a wake-up signal to the BMC 11, the BMC 11 can enter the sleep state. Optionally, the wake-up signal may be a level signal, a pulse signal or other forms of signals, and this embodiment does not limit this.

[0092] Optionally, the BMC power supply circuit 141 can be connected to the control unit 1, so that the control unit 1 can control the BMC power supply circuit 141 to perform voltage conversion based on the voltage required by the BMC 11, so that the downloader can supply power to the BMC 11 with different operating voltages, making the downloader applicable to multiple BMCs.

[0093] Optionally, the BMC wake-up circuit 142 can be connected to the control unit 1, so that the control unit 1 can timely learn whether the BMC 11 is woken up, so that the control unit 1 can perform the operation of burning software update data after the BMC 11 is woken up.

[0094] It should be understood that the above embodiments are applicable to the scenario where there is no button or control on the battery pack that can wake up the BMC 11. When such a button or control is provided on the battery pack, the BMC can also be woken up or put to sleep by operating the button or control. Additionally, if the power supply voltage provided by the energy storage unit 2 itself is the same as the power supply voltage required by the BMC 11, there is no need to additionally set up the IO control unit 14 to perform voltage conversion on the power supply voltage.

[0095] Taking the example of including the BMC wake-up circuit 142 and the BMC power supply circuit 141, Figure 3 is a schematic connection diagram of the downloader and the BMC 11 provided by the embodiment of the present application. As Figure 3 shown, the first interface and the second interface can both include the following terminals: P+ (representing the positive pole), P- (representing the negative pole), wake-up line, CANH (representing the high level of CAN), and CANL (representing the low level of CAN). Correspondingly, the connecting line connecting the first interface and the second interface also includes lines corresponding to the following terminals.

[0096] Furthermore, the above energy storage unit 2 can be a detachable unit. Therefore, when the capacity of the energy storage unit 2 is insufficient to supply power to the BMC 11, a new energy storage unit 2 can be replaced in a timely manner by removing the energy storage unit 2. If the energy storage unit 2 is a rechargeable unit, the capacity-insufficient energy storage unit 2 can also be charged by a charging device.

[0097] Or, a structure for charging the energy storage unit 2 can be provided in the above downloader. Continuing to refer to Figure 2 , on the basis of the above embodiment, the downloader can further include: a charging interface 5, and a charging unit 6.

[0098] The charging unit 6 is respectively connected to the charging interface 5 and the energy storage unit 2. The charging interface 5 is used to connect to an external power supply device. Optionally, the external power supply device can be a power adapter for connecting to an AC power supply device or a portable charging device that can directly provide a DC power supply voltage.

[0099] The present application does not limit the form of the charging interface 5. For example, it can be a USB Type-C interface.

[0100] The charging unit 6 can be used to convert the voltage provided by the external power supply device into the charging voltage of the energy storage unit 2 and deliver it to the energy storage unit 2 when the external power supply device is connected to the charging interface 5. The present embodiment does not limit the circuit structure of the charging unit 6, and it can be any existing charging circuit capable of realizing DC voltage conversion.

[0101] By the above method, the operation of charging the energy storage unit 2 by the downloader can be simplified, thereby further improving the portability of the downloader.

[0102] Optionally, the downloader may further include, for example: a voltage detection unit 7, and the voltage detection unit 7 is respectively connected to the energy storage unit 2 and the control unit 1.

[0103] The voltage detection unit 7 is used to detect the power supply voltage and / or the charging voltage of the energy storage unit 2.

[0104] The control unit 1 is used to determine the state of the energy storage unit 2 based on the power supply voltage and / or the charging voltage.

[0105] For example, when the energy storage unit 2 supplies power to the BMC 11, the voltage detection unit 7 can detect the power supply voltage of the energy storage unit 2 and provide it to the control unit 1. The control unit 1 can determine whether the energy storage unit 2 has insufficient capacity according to the magnitude relationship between the power supply voltage and the minimum power supply voltage of the BMC 11. For example, when the power supply voltage is less than the minimum power supply voltage of the BMC 11, it is determined that the energy storage unit 2 has insufficient capacity.

[0106] In this implementation manner, the control unit 1 can control the BMC 11 to enter the sleep state through the IO control unit 14, stop supplying power to the BMC, and pause the operation of software upgrading for the BMC 11.

[0107] The control unit 1 can also output a prompt message indicating that the energy storage unit 2 has insufficient capacity. Taking the downloader being provided with a human-computer interaction component as an example, this prompt message can be prompted through the human-computer interaction component of the control unit 1, or taking the downloader being provided with a prompt unit as an example, this prompt message can be prompted through the prompt unit of the control unit 1. The prompt unit 10 can be, for example, a light-emitting diode (LED), or a sound prompt device, such as a buzzer, a speaker, etc.

[0108] In this implementation, the control unit 1 can output a prompt indicating insufficient capacity in the energy storage unit 2. For example, if the downloader is equipped with a human-computer interaction component, this prompt can be provided by the human-computer interaction component of the control unit 1. Alternatively, if the downloader is equipped with a prompt unit, this prompt can be provided by the prompt unit of the control unit 1. The prompt unit 10 can be, for example, a light emitting diode (LED) or an audible prompt device, such as a buzzer or speaker.

[0109] For example, the voltage detection unit 7 can detect the charging voltage of the energy storage unit 2 when the energy storage unit 2 is charging, and provide the detected voltage to the control unit 1. The control unit 1 can determine whether the energy storage unit 2 is fully charged based on the magnitude relationship between the detected charging voltage and the charge cut-off voltage of the energy storage unit 2. For example, the energy storage unit 2 is determined to be fully charged when the supply voltage is greater than, equal to, or less than the charge cut-off voltage of the energy storage unit 2. Exemplarily, the charge cut-off voltage can be, for example, the maximum supply voltage of the BMC 11.

[0110] In this implementation, the control unit 1 can output a prompt indicating that the energy storage unit 2 has completed charging. For example, if the downloader is equipped with a human-computer interaction component, the prompt can be provided by the human-computer interaction component of the control unit 1. Alternatively, if the downloader is equipped with a prompt unit, the prompt can be provided by the prompt unit of the control unit 1.

[0111] Through the above method, the status of the energy storage unit 2 can be known in time, so as to facilitate timely replacement of the energy storage unit 2 or timely use of the energy storage unit 2, which can improve the intelligence of the downloader and further improve the efficiency of the downloader.

[0112] Furthermore, the downloader further comprises: a human-computer interaction unit 8 . The human-computer interaction unit 8 is connected to the control unit 1 .

[0113] The human-computer interaction unit 8 is used to display at least one of the following data:

[0114] The operating status of the downloader, for example, power-on status, initialization status, working status, etc.

[0115] The execution status of the BMC 11 software update, such as the BMC 11 software update status and software update data. For example, the BMC 11 software update status may include one or more of: waiting for update, preparing for update, updating, update completed, update failed, etc. The software update data may include one or more of: software version information, update start time, update completion time, updated content, etc.

[0116] Optionally, the human-computer interaction unit 8 may also be used to display files in the storage unit 4 , for example.

[0117] Optionally, the human-machine interaction unit 8 may include a display screen, which may be, for example, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) screen.

[0118] Optionally, the above-mentioned human-machine interaction unit 8 may also receive externally input control instructions for controlling the download machine. The control instructions may be control instructions for controlling the download machine, for example, changing the configuration parameters of the download machine, and / or the workflow, etc. The control instructions may also be instructions for controlling the download machine to perform software updates on the BMC 11, and may also be control instructions for performing other operations on the BMC 11.

[0119] Exemplarily, the human-machine interaction unit 8 may include a display screen with touch control function, so as to implement the functions of displaying and receiving control instructions. Alternatively, the human-machine interaction unit 8 may include a display screen and an input device with input function, so as to receive control instructions by using the input device. The input device may be, for example, a voice acquisition device, a physical button, etc. Alternatively, the human-machine interaction unit 8 may also include a communication module, so as to establish a communication connection with an external device, and further enable an operator to send control instructions to the download machine through the external device.

[0120] In the above manner, the operator can timely learn about the situation of the download machine and the software update situation of the BMC 11 through the human-machine interaction unit 8, and can also control the download machine through the human-machine interaction unit 8, which can further improve the flexibility of the operator in using the download machine.

[0121] Furthermore, the download machine can not only perform software updates on the BMC 11, but also record the burning time when the software update data is burned into the BMC 11. This record may be implemented, for example, through the aforementioned storage unit 4, that is, the recorded burning time may be stored in the storage unit 4. In some embodiments, in addition to the burning time, other software update data of the BMC 11 may also be stored in the storage unit 4. For example, software version information, updated content, etc. Optionally, this information may also be stored in the storage unit 4 in the form of a log file, which is not limited herein.

[0122] By storing the above data, it is convenient for subsequent operators to trace back the software update history and software update situation of the BMC 11.

[0123] As described above, the download machine can record the burning time when the software update data is burned into the BMC 11. The burning time can be the time obtained by the download machine from the network through the communication module when burning. Optionally, the download machine can further include a clock unit 9, which is connected to the control unit 1 and is used to provide the real-time time for the control unit 1, so that when the software update data is burned into the BMC 11, the burning time is determined and recorded based on the time provided by the clock unit 9.

[0124] Optionally, the clock unit 9 can be, for example, any unit capable of providing a real-time clock (RTC). Specifically, reference can be made to the circuit structure capable of providing RTC in the prior art, which will not be elaborated herein.

[0125] Optionally, the control unit 1 can also display the real-time time on the human-machine interaction unit 8 based on the real-time time provided by the clock unit 9, which is convenient for the operator to view.

[0126] Furthermore, the download machine can further include: a prompting unit 10, which is connected to the control unit 1 and is used to prompt the working state of the download machine and / or the CAN communication connection state.

[0127] Optionally, the prompting unit 10 can be a light-emitting diode (LED) lamp, or a sound prompting device, such as a buzzer, a speaker, etc.

[0128] Taking the LED lamp as an example, the prompting unit 10 can include multiple LED lamps. One state can be displayed by one or more LED lamps, or different colors of one or more LED lamps can be used to represent. That is, one color corresponds to one state.

[0129] Through the above method, the operator can more quickly know the working state of the download machine and / or the CAN communication connection state.

[0130] Taking the CAN communication connection state as an example, the prompting unit 10 can include two LED lamps. When one LED lamp is on, it indicates that the CAN communication connection state is the connected state, and when the other LED lamp is on, it indicates that the CAN communication connection state is the disconnected state.

[0131] Alternatively, the prompting unit 10 may include an LED lamp. When the LED lamp is on, it indicates that the CAN communication connection status is the connected state. When the LED lamp is off, it indicates that the CAN communication connection status is the disconnected state. Or, when the LED lamp displays a first color, it indicates that the CAN communication connection status is the connected state. When the LED lamp displays a second color, it indicates that the CAN communication connection status is the disconnected state. In some embodiments, it is also possible to display whether there is a fault in the CAN communication connection through the LED lamp, as well as the cause of the fault, etc., which can be specifically set according to actual requirements, and the embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0132] It should be understood that only how the downloader powers the BMC11 is described in the above embodiments. Correspondingly, each unit inside the downloader also needs to be powered to work. A possible implementation manner is that the downloader may be provided with an external power interface, and a voltage conversion unit corresponding to each unit is provided inside the downloader, which is used to convert the supply voltage of the external power supply into the supply voltage corresponding to each unit to power the units inside the downloader.

[0133] In this implementation manner, when the supply voltages required by multiple units are the same, these multiple units can share the same voltage conversion unit.

[0134] Optionally, the above-mentioned energy storage unit 2 may also be connected to other units inside the downloader to power other units. The other units mentioned here may be any other unit that needs to be powered except the energy storage unit 2.

[0135] In some embodiments, when the output voltage of the energy storage unit 2 is the same as the supply voltage of other units, the energy storage unit 2 can be directly connected to other units. When the two are inconsistent, the energy storage unit 2 and other units can also be connected through a voltage conversion unit so that the output voltage is the supply voltage required by the unit. Optionally, the voltage conversion unit may be similar to the power supply circuit of the BMC in the IO control unit 14, and details are not described here again.

[0136] The other units mentioned above may be, for example, the control unit 1, the CAN transceiver unit 3, the storage unit 4, the human-computer interaction unit 8, the clock unit 9, the prompting unit 10, etc.

[0137] Taking the downloader including: the control unit 1, the energy storage unit 2, the CAN transceiver unit 3, the storage unit 4, the first interface 12, the IO control unit 14, the charging interface 5, the charging unit 6, the voltage detection unit 7, the human-computer interaction unit 8, the clock unit 9, and the prompting unit 10 as an example, how the downloader realizes the software update of the BMC will be described.

[0138] In this example, the human-machine interaction unit 8 is an LCD screen, the prompt unit 10 is an LED light, the storage unit 4 is an SD card, the clock unit 9 is an RTC, the energy storage unit 2 is a battery, and the control unit 1 includes a single-chip microcomputer and its peripheral circuits.

[0139] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the working process of the downloader provided by the embodiment of the present application. As Figure 4 shown, after the downloader is powered on, the working process includes:

[0140] S10. Initialize peripherals.

[0141] Optionally, the peripheral initialization may include:

[0142] Initialize the RTC to obtain the current system running time;

[0143] Initialize the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) of the single-chip microcomputer: detect the running state of the single-chip microcomputer core, the core power supply voltage, and temperature information;

[0144] Initialize the LCD: Initialize the screen and display the current running state of the downloader;

[0145] Initialize the LED: Display the working state and CAN communication display;

[0146] Initialize the CAN: Initialize the CAN channel;

[0147] Initialize the SD: Complete the initialization of the SD card.

[0148] S20. Detect the power supply voltage.

[0149] Use the voltage detection unit 7 to detect the power supply voltage of the battery.

[0150] S30. Determine whether the battery voltage is too low.

[0151] If the power supply voltage of the battery is less than the battery discharge cut-off threshold, display "Please charge in time" on the screen and execute step S31. Optionally, the battery discharge cut-off threshold can be customized.

[0152] S31. Charge.

[0153] Charge the battery of the downloader using the charging interface 5 and the charging unit 6.

[0154] S32. Determine the relationship between the battery voltage in the charging state and the charging cut-off voltage threshold.

[0155] If the battery voltage during charging is greater than or equal to the charging cut-off voltage threshold, charging is stopped, and "Charging completed" is displayed on the screen. Optionally, the charging cut-off voltage threshold can be customized.

[0156] S40. Verify the burned file.

[0157] In this example, load the general file system module that provides file storage and access capabilities for the downloader, mount the disk drive, and then parse the burned file in the SD memory card to determine whether the burned file is valid. If it is valid, indicating that the verification has passed, proceed to step S50; if it is invalid, indicating that the verification has failed, proceed to step S41.

[0158] Regarding how to determine whether a file is valid, reference can be made to the implementation methods of the prior art, which will not be elaborated here. For example, it can be determined whether the file is valid based on the integrity of the file.

[0159] S41. Output an error message for the burned file error on the screen.

[0160] S50. Determine whether burn information is detected.

[0161] Optionally, detect the burn information. If the burn information is successfully detected, proceed to step S60. If the burn information is not detected, proceed to step S51.

[0162] It should be understood that the burned file refers to the file used to burn the program code into the BMC11, and the burn information refers to the specific program code and data contained in these files. In this embodiment, for example, it can be upgrade data.

[0163] S51. Output an error message for the burn information error on the screen.

[0164] S60. Start automatic download to the BMC11.

[0165] S70. Determine whether the download is completed.

[0166] If the download is completed, proceed to step S80; if the download fails, for example, the download time exceeds the predetermined download time, proceed to step S71.

[0167] S71. Output an information indicating that the download has failed on the screen.

[0168] S80. Generate log information.

[0169] During the burning process, a log file can be generated, which records the key information in the burning process data. This log file can be stored in the SD card.

[0170] Optionally, during the burning process, the burning process data can also be displayed on the LCD screen.

[0171] S90. Export log information.

[0172] A burn - completion prompt window pops up on the screen. After the burn is completed, the log file can be exported from the SD memory card.

[0173] After completing the above process, the download machine ends the work process.

[0174] The following describes the process of BMC software upgrade for the download machine from the perspective of an operator's use.

[0175] 1. First, store the burn file to be updated in the SD card.

[0176] 2. Power on the download machine. After the download machine powers on, it initializes each component, checks the validity of the burn file, and detects the power supply voltage. Then, connect the CAN bus communication interface to the BMC, and connect the power supply line to the BMC power interface and the wake - up interface.

[0177] 3. The operator clicks the option displayed on the touch - sensitive display screen to make the download machine start powering the BMC, and perform the burn operation after powering on, while generating a log file.

[0178] The burn is divided into the following three stages:

[0179] a. First, perform a basic information check on the BMC, such as version, serial number, etc., and record it in the log file. The version information will be displayed on the display screen;

[0180] b. After the detection is completed, perform the Unified Diagnostic Services (UDS) burn process, and output the burn progress and error information on the display screen;

[0181] c. After the burn is completed, perform the basic information check again, record it in the log file, and output the new version information on the display screen;

[0182] 4. The operator exports the log file after the software update is completed to count the software update data through the log file.

[0183] When the prior art adopts the software update method as Figure 1 shown, the software update data is usually recorded by the operator using a barcode scanner to record the battery pack barcode and manually record the software update data, resulting in low software update efficiency. The method of this embodiment can complete the recording of software update data without manual operation by the operator. In addition, it is also convenient for the operator to extract and use.

[0184] The download machine provided by the embodiment of the present application has the following advantages:

[0185] 1. Convenience

[0186] The downloader integrates multiple functional modules. Users only need to upload the file to be burned to the SD card and then connect to the BMC to complete the burning operation, without the need for additional power supply devices, CAN devices, laptops, etc.

[0187] 2. Independence

[0188] The downloader is built-in with a battery and a charging module, which can supply power to the downloader, getting rid of the limitation of external power supply. In addition, it can directly supply power to the BMC and can automatically power on and off the BMC.

[0189] In this way, there is no need to separately equip a power supply device for the BMC during the BMC software upgrade, thus simplifying the number of devices required during software upgrade, as well as the number of connecting wires and the connection operation required, making the burning operation more flexible and can be carried out anywhere.

[0190] 3. IO Control Support

[0191] The downloader introduces an IO control part, enabling the downloader to continuously burn different programs during the BMC upgrade on the basis of automatically updating the BMC software, further improving the efficiency of BMC software update. In addition, it can ensure the stability and reliability of the burning process.

[0192] 4. Real-time Performance

[0193] The downloader is equipped with a touch display screen and a power display, which can display the running status of the downloader, the burning progress, and the battery power in real time, facilitating users to timely understand the usage of the device.

[0194] 5. Log Recording

[0195] The downloader is set with a log recording function, which can record the read BMC version information, battery pack serial number, etc. before and after the download starts. The log recording can also record the reading and clearing of fault code information, as well as the relevant data of the BMC's sleep and wake-up.

[0196] 6. The downloader realizes CAN connection with the BMC through a single interface

[0197] This process only requires the user to connect the two with a connecting wire to realize the automatic update of the BMC11 software, and the operation is simple. Compared with the existing technology that requires multiple device connections and manual operation for software update, this embodiment can simplify the operation steps for BMC software update, and thus improve the efficiency of BMC software update.

[0198] In the present utility model, unless otherwise clearly stipulated and defined, the first feature being "on" or "under" the second feature may be that the first and second features are in direct contact, or the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Moreover, the first feature being "above", "over" and "on top of" the second feature may be that the first feature is directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or merely indicates that the horizontal height of the first feature is higher than that of the second feature. The first feature being "under", "beneath" and "underneath" the second feature may be that the first feature is directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or merely indicates that the horizontal height of the first feature is less than that of the second feature.

[0199] In the above description, the description with reference to terms such as "an embodiment", "some embodiments", "examples", "specific examples", or "some examples", etc. means that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present utility model. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in a suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and combine the different embodiments or examples described in this specification and the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0200] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present utility model, rather than to limit them; although the present utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions recorded in the foregoing embodiments, or perform equivalent replacements on some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or replacements do not make the essence of the corresponding technical solutions deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A downloading machine, characterized in that, The downloader includes: a control unit (1), an energy storage unit (2), a CAN transceiver unit (3), a storage unit (4), and a first interface (12); the control unit (1) is respectively connected to the CAN transceiver unit (3) and the storage unit (4), and the CAN transceiver unit (3) and the energy storage unit (2) are both connected to the first interface (12); the first interface (12) is used to connect to the second interface (13) of the BMC (11). The storage unit (4) is used to store the software update data of the BMC (11). The energy storage unit (2) is used to supply power to the BMC (11). The control unit (1) is used to burn the software update data into the BMC (11).

2. The download machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The downloader further includes: an IO control unit (14). The IO control unit (14) is respectively connected to the energy storage unit (2), the control unit (1), and the first interface (12), and is used to perform power supply control and wake-up control on the BMC (11).

3. The download machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The IO control unit (14) includes: a BMC power supply circuit (141) and a BMC wake-up circuit (142). The BMC power supply circuit (141) is respectively connected to the energy storage unit (2) and the first interface (12), and the BMC wake-up circuit (142) is respectively connected to the BMC power supply circuit (141) and the first interface (12). The BMC power supply circuit (141) is used to convert the output voltage of the energy storage unit (2) into the power supply voltage of the BMC (11). The BMC wake-up circuit (142) is used to send a wake-up signal to the BMC (11) when the power supply voltage is detected.

4. The downloader according to claim 2, wherein The downloader further includes: a charging interface (5) and a charging unit (6). The charging unit (6) is respectively connected to the charging interface (5) and the energy storage unit (2), and the charging interface (5) is used to connect to an external power supply device. The charging unit (6) is used to convert the voltage provided by the external power supply device into the charging voltage of the energy storage unit (2) and transmit it to the energy storage unit (2) when the external power supply device is connected to the charging interface (5).

5. The download machine according to claim 4, characterized in that, The downloader further includes: a voltage detection unit (7), and the voltage detection unit (7) is respectively connected to the energy storage unit (2) and the control unit (1). The voltage detection unit (7) is used to detect the power supply voltage and / or charging voltage of the energy storage unit (2). The control unit (1) is used to determine the state of the energy storage unit (2) based on the power supply voltage and / or charging voltage.

6. The download machine according to claim 1, wherein The downloader further includes: a human-machine interaction unit (8); the human-machine interaction unit (8) is connected to the control unit (1). The human-machine interaction unit (8) is used to display at least one of the following data: the operating state of the downloader and the execution status of the software update of the BMC (11).

7. The downloading machine according to claim 6, wherein The human-computer interaction unit (8) is further configured to receive a control instruction externally input for controlling the downloader.

8. The download machine according to claim 1, wherein The downloader further includes a clock unit (9), and the clock unit (9) is connected to the control unit (1) and is configured to provide real-time time for the control unit (1). The control unit (1) is further configured to record the burning time when the software update data is burned into the BMC (11) based on the real-time time.

9. The download machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The downloader further includes a prompting unit (10), and the prompting unit (10) is connected to the control unit (1) and is configured to prompt the working state and / or CAN communication connection state of the downloader.

10. The downloading machine according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The energy storage unit (2) is further connected to other units inside the downloader that need power supply, and is configured to supply power to other units.

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