Vehicle-to-vehicle charging cable and method for controlling the same

Abstract

Charging cable, comprising: a first connector (110) having a first proximity detection pin (111) and a first power pin (114); a second connector (120) having a second proximity detection pin (121) and a second power pin (124); and a cable (130) configured to electrically connects the first power pin (114) to the second power pin (124); and does not connect the first proximity detection pin (111) to the second proximity detection pin (121).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) charging cable for electrical charging from vehicle to vehicle and a method for controlling the same.

[0002] Generally, vehicles use gasoline or diesel as fuel, and gasoline and diesel not only produce pollutants and cause air pollution, but due to the reduction of petroleum, every industry is accelerating the development of alternative energy and the development and operation of electric vehicles as an alternative.

[0003] However, in the case of electric vehicles, the charging time is longer than that of petrol and diesel vehicles, which causes operational problems, and the charging infrastructure is also inadequate, which makes the commercialization of electric vehicles very difficult.

[0004] In addition, since increased demand for electric vehicles is expected, an energy supply and demand strategy are required to meet the demand for electric energy and to market the electric vehicles.

[0005] Accordingly, there is a need for a vehicle-to-vehicle charging method for charging an electric vehicle when the battery charge is insufficient by connecting a charging cable between a plurality of electric vehicles.

[0006] The invention provides a vehicle-to-vehicle charging cable capable of detecting a connection state of a charging connector with a vehicle and performing vehicle-to-vehicle charging according to a proximity detection voltage standard corresponding to a connection state of the charging connector, and a method for controlling the same.

[0007] According to one aspect of the invention, a charging cable may include a first connector (or plug or socket) having a first proximity detection pin (or proximity sensing pin) and a first power pin (or power pin), a second connector (or plug or socket) having a second proximity detection pin (or proximity sensing pin) and a second power pin (power pin), and a cable configured to electrically connect the first power pin of the first connector and the second power pin of the second connector, wherein the cable cannot connect the first proximity detection pin and the second proximity detection pin.

[0008] The first connector may have a first control pilot pin (or control guide pin), the second connector may have a second control pilot pin (or control guide pin), and the cable may connect the first control pilot pin and the second control pilot pin (to each other).

[0009] The first connector may include a first ground pin electrically connected to the first proximity detection pin and a first resistor disposed between the first ground pin and the first proximity detection pin, and the second connector may include a second ground pin electrically connected to the second proximity detection pin and a second resistor disposed between the second ground pin and the second proximity detection pin.

[0010] For example, the cable cannot connect the first resistor and the second resistor (e.g. the cable does not connect the first resistor and the second resistor).

[0011] The first connector may further comprise a first switching element connected in parallel with the first resistor and implemented as a normally closed switching element that operates in response to an operation of a switch provided externally of the first connector, and the second connector may further comprise a second switching element connected in parallel with the first resistor and implemented as a normally closed switching element that operates in response to an operation of a switch provided externally of the second connector.

[0012] According to another aspect of the invention, a charging cable may comprise a first connector (or plug or socket) having a first proximity detection pin (or proximity sensing pin) and a first power pin (or power pin), a second connector (or plug or socket) configured to have a second proximity detection pin (or proximity sensing pin) and a second power pin (orpower pin), a cable configured to electrically connect the first power pin of the first connector and the second power pin of the second connector to form a power supply path, and a communication control device configured to control the supply of charging power via the power supply path according to a connection state of each of the first connector and the second connector to the vehicle, wherein the cable cannot connect the first proximity detection pin and the second proximity detection pin, for example (e.g., wherein the cable does not connect the first proximity detection pin and the second proximity detection pin).

[0013] The communication control device may include a control device configured to determine a connection state between the first connector and a first vehicle based on the first detection signal of the first proximity detection pin, and to determine a connection state between the second connector and a second vehicle based on the second detection signal of the second proximity detection pin.

[0014] The control device may determine a connection state between the first connector and the first vehicle by comparing the voltage of the first detection signal with a predetermined approach detection voltage standard, and may determine a connection state of the second connector and the second vehicle by comparing the voltage of the second detection signal with the predetermined approach detection voltage standard.

[0015] When it is determined that the first connector and the first vehicle are connected, and when it is determined that the second connector and the second vehicle are connected, the control device may generate a power transmission signal for controlling the supply of charging power via the power supply path.

[0016] The first connector further comprises a first control pilot pin (or control guide pin), the second connector further comprises a second control pilot pin (or control guide pin), and the communication control device may further comprise a communicator configured to receive a state of charge signal for a battery state of charge of the first vehicle and the second vehicle via the first control pilot pin and the second control pilot pin and to transmit the power transmission signal to the first vehicle and the second vehicle via the first control pilot pin and the second control pilot pin.

[0017] The communicator can send and receive a signal to and from the first vehicle and the second vehicle by means of power line communication.

[0018] The first connector may include a first ground pin electrically connected to the first proximity detection pin and a first resistor disposed between the first ground pin and the first proximity detection pin, and the second connector may include a second ground pin electrically connected to the second proximity detection pin and a second resistor disposed between the second ground pin and the second proximity detection pin.

[0019] For example, the cable cannot connect the first resistor and the second resistor (e.g. the cable does not connect the first resistor and the second resistor).

[0020] The first connector further comprises a first switching element connected in parallel with the first resistor and implemented as a normally closed switching element that operates in response to an operation of a switch provided externally of the first connector, and the second connector further comprises a second switching element connected in parallel with the first resistor and implemented as a normally closed switching element that operates in response to an operation of a switch provided externally of the second connector.

[0021] According to another aspect of the invention, a method for controlling a charging cable having a first connector (or plug or socket) having a first proximity detection pin (or proximity sensing pin) and a first power pin (or power pin), a second connector (or plug or socket) configured with a second proximity detection pin (or proximity sensing pin) and a second power pin (power pin), and a cable that does not connect the first power pin of the first connector and the second power pin of the second connector, the method may comprise detecting a first detection signal (or detection signal) of the first proximity detection pin and a second detection signal (or detection signal) of the second proximity detection pin, determining a first detection signal (or detection signal) of the first proximity detection pin and a second detection signal (or detection signal) of the second proximity detection pin,Determining a connection state of the first connector and the first vehicle (to each other) based on the first detection signal, and determining a connection state between the second connector and the second vehicle based on the second detection signal.

[0022] Determining a connection state between the first connector and the first vehicle may include determining a connection state between the first connector and the first vehicle by comparing the voltage of the first detection signal with a predetermined proximity detection voltage standard, and determining a connection state between the second connector and the second vehicle may include determining a connection state between the second connector and the second vehicle by comparing the voltage of the second detection signal with a predetermined proximity detection voltage standard.

[0023] In some embodiments of the invention, a method for controlling a charging cable may further comprise generating a power transmission signal when it is determined that the first connector is connected to the first vehicle and the second connector is connected to the second vehicle.

[0024] In some embodiments of the invention, a method for controlling a charging cable may include receiving a state of charge signal for a battery state of charge of the first vehicle and the second vehicle via the first control pilot pin of the first connector and the second control pilot pin of the second connector, and transmitting the power transmission signal to the first vehicle and the second vehicle via the first control pilot pin and the second control pilot pin.

[0025] Receiving a state of charge signal and transmitting the power transmission signal may include transmitting / receiving a signal to and from the first vehicle and the second vehicle via power line communication.

[0026] In some embodiments of the invention, the proximity detection voltage standard based on the state of charge can be met with a simple change in the circuit (or circuit or circuit), and the connection state between the vehicles can be easily determined according to the proximity detection voltage signal.

[0027] The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 is a view of a circuit of a charging cable with a connector according to the prior art; Fig. 2 is a view of a circuit of a charging cable with another connector according to the prior art; Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 views of the appearance of a charging cable according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 5 is a view of a circuit of a charging cable according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 6 is a view of a circuit of a charging cable according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 7 is a control block diagram of a charging cable according to an embodiment of the invention; and Fig. 8 is a control flow diagram of a charging cable according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0028] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. It should be understood that corresponding reference characters designate like or corresponding parts and features throughout the drawings.

[0029] It is further understood that the term “connect” or its variations refer to direct and indirect connection, and the indirect connection includes a connection via a wireless communications network.

[0030] It is further understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising" when used in this specification define the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements.

[0031] Terms such as "part," "module," "element," "block," etc., as used throughout the specification, may refer to a unit for processing at least one function or operation. For example, the terms may refer to at least one piece of hardware processed by at least one piece of hardware, such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) / application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), at least one piece of software stored in memory, or a processor.

[0032] The reference numerals used for the method steps are used only for convenience of explanation and do not limit the order of the steps. Therefore, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the written order may be practiced otherwise.

[0033] Hereinafter, a charging cable and a method for controlling the same according to some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] Fig. 1 is a circuit diagram of a charging cable with a prior art connector. With reference to Fig. 1, a conventional charging cable may comprise a charging connector 4 connected to an input 2 of a vehicle 1 and a cable (not shown) connecting the charging connector 4 to the charger 5.

[0035] The charging connector 4 may have a control pilot pin (not shown), a proximity detection pin (PD) 6 and a ground pin 7, which are connected, for example, to the input 2 of the vehicle 1.

[0036] In addition, the charger 5 may include a supply equipment communication controller (SECC) and may determine a connection state between the vehicle 1 and the charger 5, ie, the input 2 and the charging connector 4, based on the proximity detection signal outputted from a circuit connected to the proximity detection pin 6.

[0037] That is, the supply equipment communication control device can detect the connection state between the vehicle 1 and the charging connector 4 based on the proximity detection voltage output from the proximity detection pin 6, and at this time, the proximity detection voltage, which is an indication for detecting the connection state of the charging connector, is detected by the proximity detection voltage standard.

[0038] The Fig. The table shown in Figure 1 refers to the proximity detection voltage standard SAE-J1772. With reference to the Fig. According to the table shown in FIG. 1, when the proximity detection voltage output from the proximity detection pin 6 is in the range of 4.13V to 4.78V, the charger 5 can determine that the vehicle 1 and the charging connector 4 are in a disconnected state, that is, not connected to each other. Furthermore, when the proximity detection voltage output from the proximity detection pin 6 is in the range of 2.38V to 3.16V, the charger 5 can determine that the switch provided outside the charging connector 4 and coupled to the internal switching element 4S is in an open state. In addition, when the proximity detection voltage output from the proximity detection pin 6 is in the range of 1.23V to 1.82V, the charger 5 can determine that the vehicle 1 and the charging connector 4 are in a connected state.

[0039] At this time, in order to meet the approach detection voltage standard, the approach detection voltage is output according to the hardware configuration of the predetermined input 2 or charging connector 4, such as the resistance value of the resistance element included in the charging connector 4, the resistance value of the resistance element 3 included in the input 2 of the vehicle 1, etc.

[0040] Fig. Figure 2 is a circuit diagram of a charging cable with another prior art connector. With reference to Fig. 2, a charging cable with two connectors 4-1 and 4-2 may include a first connector 4-1 connected to a first input 2-1 of a first vehicle, a second connector 4-2 connected to the second input 2-2 of the second vehicle, and a cable (not shown) connecting the first connector 4-1 to the second connector 4-2. The first connector 4-1 may include a control pilot pin (not shown), a proximity detection pin 6-1, and a ground pin 7-1 connected to the first input 2-1 of the first vehicle.

[0041] Similarly, the second connector 4-2 may include a control pilot pin (not shown), a proximity detection pin 6-2, and a ground pin 7-2 connected to the second input 2-2 of the second vehicle.

[0042] When one connector 4-1 is connected to the other connector 4-2 via a cable, the circuit connected to the proximity detection pin 6-1 of the first connector 4-1 is connected along the cable via a connection 4-3 to the circuit connected to the proximity detection pin 6-2 of the second connector 4-2. Similarly, the circuit connected to the ground pin 7-1 of the first connector 4-1 is connected along the cable to the circuit connected to the ground pin 7-2 of the second connector 4-2. Although not shown in the figure, the circuit connected to the control pilot pin of the first connector 4-1 is connected along the cable to the circuit connected to the control pilot pin of the second connector 4-2.

[0043] At this time, due to the connection 4-3 between the proximity detection pins 6-1 and 6-2, the proximity detection voltage output to the first vehicle via the first input 2-1 does not meet the proximity detection voltage standard. Likewise, due to the connection 4-3 between the proximity detection pins 6-1 and 6-2, the proximity detection voltage output to the second vehicle via the second input 2-2 does not meet the proximity detection voltage standard.

[0044] That is, to output the proximity detection voltage that meets the proximity detection voltage standard, the hardware configuration, such as the resistance element included in connectors 4-1 and 4-2, or the hardware configuration, such as the resistance element included in inputs 2-1 and 2-2 of the vehicle, must be changed. In other words, to output the proximity detection voltage that meets the proximity detection voltage standard, the hardware configuration of the previously formed connector or input provided in the vehicle must be completely changed, so the hardware configuration of the previously formed connector or input of the vehicle cannot be used.

[0045] To explain the above with reference to Fig. To solve the problem described in Section 2, a charging cable for vehicle-to-vehicle charging is required that delivers a proximity detection voltage that meets a proximity detection voltage standard. Fig. 3 to 7, a vehicle-to-vehicle charging cable according to some embodiments of the invention is described in detail.

[0046] The Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 are views of the appearance of a charging cable according to some embodiments of the invention. With reference to Fig. 3, the first vehicle 101 or the second vehicle 102 may include a utility equipment communication controller (SECC). According to some embodiments of the invention, the charging cable 100 may include a first connector 110 connected to the first input 101-1 of the first vehicle 101, a second connector 120 connected to the second input 102-1 of the second vehicle 102, and a cable 130 electrically connecting a first power pin 114 of the first connector 110 to a second power pin 124 of the second connector 120.

[0047] The first connector 110 may include a first proximity detection pin 111, a first ground pin 112, a first control pilot pin 113, and the first power pin 114 connected to the first input 101-1, and the second connector 120 may include a second proximity detection pin 121, a second ground pin 122, a second control pilot pin 123, and the second power pin 124 connected to the second input 101-2.

[0048] To connect the two connectors 110 and 120, the cable 130 may include a plurality of conductor groups (high-conductivity metals, such as copper, are used to reduce transmission losses) that form the line as a bundle of conductors enclosed by a protective layer. Furthermore, the cable 130 may mean a physical wire, but may also encompass the meaning of a data transmission path.

[0049] With reference to Fig. 4, the cable 130 of the charging cable 100 according to some embodiments of the invention may include a main body, and a supply equipment communication control device 140 may be provided in the main body. The supply equipment communication control device 140 provided in the charging cable 100 may include a controller 141 and a communicator 142, which will be described later with reference to FIG. Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 are described.

[0050] In this case, the first vehicle 101 or the second vehicle 102 need not be separately equipped with the communication control device. Furthermore, the main body of the cable 130 may include a display unit (not shown) that displays the charging status or a series of charging processes.

[0051] The following is based on Fig. 5 describes a circuit configuration of the charging cable 100 according to some embodiments of the invention. Fig. 5 is a circuit diagram of a charging cable 100 according to some embodiments of the invention. With reference to Fig. 5, the cable 130 of the charging cable 100 can electrically connect the first power pin 114 to the second power pin 124 and cannot connect (or connect) the first proximity detection pin 111 to the second proximity detection pin 121. That is, the cable 130 of the charging cable 100 cannot connect a circuit connected to the first proximity detection pin 111 to a circuit connected to the second proximity detection pin 121.

[0052] For example, since the cable 130 does not connect the first proximity detection pin 111 to the second proximity detection pin 121, either of the proximity detection voltage output from the first proximity detection pin 111 and the proximity detection voltage output from the second proximity detection pin 121 can satisfy the proximity detection voltage standard.

[0053] The proximity detection voltage output from the proximity detection pins 111 and 121 can conform to the proximity detection voltage standard without changing (or requiring) the resistance values ​​of the resistance elements 101R and 102R of the inputs 101-1 and 102-1 or the resistance values ​​of the resistance elements 110R and 120R included in the connectors 110 and 120.

[0054] Specifically, for example, according to some embodiments of the invention, the cable 130 may not connect (or does not connect) the first resistor 110R included in the first connector 110 with the second resistor 120R included in the second connector 120.

[0055] The first power pin 114 and the second power pin 124 may each include a plurality of power pins and may include a DC (direct current) power pin for receiving or supplying DC from the first vehicle 101 and the second vehicle 102, respectively, and an AC (alternating current) power pin for receiving or supplying AC from the first vehicle 101 and the second vehicle 102, respectively. The cable 130 may form a power supply path between the first vehicle 101 and the second vehicle 102 by electrically connecting the first power pin 114 to the second power pin 124.

[0056] In the case of Fig. According to some embodiments of the invention, the charging cable 100 described in FIG. 5 may include a supply equipment communication controller in the first vehicle 101 or the second vehicle 102. For simplicity of explanation, it is assumed that only the first vehicle 101 includes a supply equipment communication controller. The supply equipment communication controller included in the first vehicle 101 may determine a connection state between the first vehicle 101 and the first connector 110 based on the proximity detection voltage output from the first proximity detection pin 111 and the proximity detection voltage standard.Similarly, the proximity detection voltage output from the second proximity detection pin 121 may be transmitted to the utility equipment communication control device of the first vehicle 101 via the second control pilot pin 123, and the utility equipment communication control device included in the first vehicle 101 may determine a connection state between the second vehicle 102 and the second connector 120 based on the proximity detection voltage output from the second proximity detection pin 121 and the proximity detection voltage standard.

[0057] When it is determined that the first vehicle 101 is connected to the first connector 110, the utility equipment communication control device included in the first vehicle 101 can control the vehicle 101 to prevent movement of the first vehicle 101. Furthermore, when it is determined that the second vehicle 102 is connected to the second connector 120, the first vehicle 101 and the second vehicle 102 can be controlled.

[0058] When it is determined that the first vehicle 101 is connected to the first connector 110 and the second vehicle 102 is connected to the second connector 120, the utility equipment communication control device included in the first vehicle 101 may determine that the first vehicle 101 is connected to the second vehicle 102.

[0059] As such, the proximity detection voltage output from each of the proximity detection pins 111 and 121 can be detected to determine a connection state between the connectors 110 and 120 and the inputs 101-1 and 101-2 of each vehicle.

[0060] Back with reference to Fig. 5, the cable 130 may connect the first power pin 114 to the second power pin 124 and the first control pilot pin 113 to the second control pilot pin 123. Furthermore, the cable 130 may connect the first ground pin 112 to the second ground pin 122.

[0061] In this case, the first ground pin 112 and the first proximity detection pin 111 included in the first connector 110 may be electrically connected to each other, and the first connector 110 may include a first switching element 110S connected in parallel with the first resistor 110R positioned between the first ground pin 112 and the first proximity detection pin 111. The first switching element 110S may be a normally closed switching element coupled to a switch provided externally of the first connector 110, that is, operating in response to an operation of a switch provided externally of the first connector 110.

[0062] That is, an operator needs to press a switch provided outside the first connector 110 so that the operator can connect the first connector 110 to the first input 101-1 of the first vehicle 101, and the first switching element 110S included in the first connector 110 is opened in response to this operation. Thereafter, when the operator completes the connection and releases the switch provided outside the first connector 110, the first switching element 110S included in the first connector 110 is closed. The switch provided outside the first connector 110 may be a push-button switch, but is not limited thereto.

[0063] Likewise, the second ground pin 122 and the second proximity detection pin 121 included in the second connector 120 may be electrically connected to each other, and the second connector 120 may include a switching element 120S connected in parallel with the second resistor 120R positioned between the second ground pin 122 and the second proximity detection pin 121. Likewise, the second switching element 120S may be a normally closed switching element coupled to a switch provided externally of the second connector 120, that is, operating in response to an operation of a switch provided externally of the second connector 120.

[0064] In the case of Fig. 5 described charging cable 100 according to some embodiments of the invention, there is an advantage that no separate power supply is required for the charging cable 100. The following will be explained with reference to Fig. 6 describes the charging cable 100 provided with the supply equipment communication control device 140.

[0065] Fig. 6 is a view of a circuit of a charging cable according to some embodiments of the invention. With reference to Fig. 6, the charging cable 100 according to some embodiments of the invention may be used as in the case described with reference to Fig. 5, the charging cable 100 may comprise a first connector 110 connected to the first input 101-1 of the first vehicle 101, a second connector 120 connected to the second input 102-1 of the second vehicle 102, and a cable 130 electrically connecting the first power pin 114 of the first connector 110 to the second power pin 124 of the second connector 120.

[0066] In this case, the first connector 110 may have a first proximity detection pin 111, a first ground pin 112, a first control pilot pin 113, and a first power pin 114, and the second connector 120 may have a second proximity detection pin 121, a second ground pin 122, a second control pilot pin 123, and a second power pin 124.

[0067] Furthermore, according to some embodiments of the invention, the charging cable 100 may include a communication controller 140, which includes a controller 141 connected to the first control pilot pin 113 and the second control pilot pin 123 to control charging between the first vehicle 101 and the second vehicle 102, and a communicator 142 that receives data for a battery charge state of the first vehicle 101 and the second vehicle 102 and transmits a control signal from the controller 141 to the first vehicle 101 and the second vehicle 102. That is, the communication controller 140 may control the supply of charging current via the power supply path formed between the first current pin 114 and the second current pin 124.

[0068] The cable 130 according to some embodiments of the invention may connect the first proximity detection pin 111 to the controller 141 and may connect the second proximity detection pin 121 to the controller 141, but may not connect the first proximity detection pin 111 to the second proximity detection pin 121.

[0069] Since the cable 130 does not connect the first proximity detection pin 111 to the second proximity detection pin 121, either the proximity detection voltage output from the first proximity detection pin 111 or the proximity detection voltage output from the second proximity detection pin 121 can meet the proximity detection voltage standard.

[0070] The proximity detection voltage output from the proximity detection pins 111 and 121 can meet the proximity detection voltage standard without changing the resistance values ​​of the resistance elements 101R and 102R of the inputs 101-1 and 102-1 or the resistance values ​​of the resistance elements 110R and 120R included in the connectors 110 and 120.

[0071] At this time, by generating a control signal from the communication control device 140 itself provided in the cable 130, the control signal can be transmitted to each vehicle 101 and 102 via the first control pilot pin 113 and the second control pilot pin 123.

[0072] As with reference to Fig. 5, the first ground pin 112 and the first proximity detection pin 111 included in the first connector 110 may be electrically connected to each other, and the first connector 110 may include a first resistor 110R positioned between the first ground pin 112 and the first proximity detection pin 111, and a first switching element 110S connected in parallel with the first resistor 110R.

[0073] The cable 130 according to some embodiments of the invention may not connect the first resistor 110R included in the first connector 110 to the second resistor 120R included in the second connector 120. The first switching element 110S may be a normally closed switch coupled to a switch provided externally of the first connector 110, that is, operating in response to operation of a switch provided externally of the first connector 110.

[0074] Likewise, the second ground pin 122 and the second proximity detection pin 121 included in the second connector 120 may be electrically connected to each other, and the second connector 120 may include a second resistor 120R positioned between the second ground pin 122 and the second proximity detection pin 121, and a second switching element 120S connected in parallel with the second resistor 120R. The second switching element 120S may be a normally closed switch coupled to a switch provided externally of the second connector 120, that is, operating in response to an operation of a switch provided externally of the second connector 120.

[0075] The controller 141, which is included in the communication controller 140, can determine a connection state between the first vehicle 101 and the first connector 110 based on the proximity detection voltage output from the first proximity detection pin 111 and the proximity detection voltage standard. Similarly, the controller 141 can determine the connection state of the second vehicle 102 with the second connector 120 based on the proximity detection voltage output from the second proximity detection pin 121 and the proximity detection voltage standard.

[0076] That is, the controller 141 may determine the connection state between the first connector 110 and the first vehicle 101 based on the first detection signal of the first proximity detection pin 111, and may determine the connection state between the second connector 120 and the second vehicle 102 based on the second detection signal of the second proximity detection pin 121.

[0077] Specifically, the controller 141 may determine the connection state of the first connector 110 to the first vehicle 101 by comparing the voltage of the first detection signal with a predetermined approach detection standard, and may determine the connection state of the second connector 120 to the second vehicle 102 by comparing the voltage of the second detection signal with a predetermined approach detection standard.

[0078] If it is determined that the first vehicle 101 is connected to the first connector 110, the controller 141 may control the first vehicle 101 such that the movement of the first vehicle 101 is impossible. Furthermore, if it is determined that the second vehicle 102 is connected to the second connector 120, the controller 141 may control the second vehicle 102 such that the movement of the second vehicle 102 is impossible.

[0079] Furthermore, the controller 141 may determine the connection state of the first vehicle 101 to the second vehicle 102 based on the connection state between the first connector 110 and the first vehicle 101 and the connection state between the second connector 120 and the second vehicle 102. Specifically, when it is determined that at least one of the connection state of the first connector 110 to the first vehicle 101 or the connection state of the second connector 120 to the second vehicle 102 is disconnected, the connection state between the first vehicle 101 and the second vehicle 102 may be determined to be a disconnected state.In addition, when it is determined that the connection state between the first connector 110 and the first vehicle 101 and the connection state between the second connector 120 and the second vehicle 102 are connected, the connection state of the first vehicle 101 with the second vehicle 102 can be determined as the connected state.

[0080] In this way, the controller 141 can determine a connection state between each connector 110 and 120 and the inputs 101-1 and 101-2 of each vehicle by detecting the proximity detection voltage output from the respective proximity detection pins 111 and 121, and can further determine a connection state of the first vehicle 101 with the second vehicle 102.

[0081] When it is determined that the first connector 110 is connected to the first vehicle 101 and it is determined that the second connector 120 is connected to the second vehicle 102, the controller 141 may generate a current transmission signal for controlling the supply of the charging current via the power supply path formed between the first power pin 114 and the second power pin 124.

[0082] The communicator 142 may receive the battery charge level signals from the first vehicle 101 and the second vehicle 102 via the first control pilot pin 113 and the second control pilot pin 123, and may transmit the power transmission signal generated by the controller 141 to the first vehicle 101 and the second vehicle 102 via the first control pilot pin 113 and the second control pilot pin 123.

[0083] That is, the communicator 142 can transmit the generated power transmission signal to the first vehicle 101 and the second vehicle 102. In this case, the communicator 142 can transmit and receive data to and from the first vehicle 101 and the second vehicle 102 via power line communication.

[0084] The following is based on Fig. 7 describes in detail the configuration of the charging cable 100 according to some embodiments of the invention. Fig. 7 is a control block diagram of a charging cable according to some embodiments of the invention.

[0085] The charging cable 100 according to some embodiments of the invention may include a first connector 110 connected to the first vehicle 101, a second connector 120 connected to the second vehicle 102, and a cable 130 connecting the first connector 110 to the second connector 120 and provided with the communication control device 140. At this time, since the communication control device 140 is provided in the cable 130, the first vehicle 101 or the second vehicle 102 need not separately include the communication control device 140.

[0086] The communication control device 140 provided in the cable 130 may include a controller 141 for controlling a charging process, a communicator 142 for transmitting and receiving data between a control signal or a vehicle, and a power supply 143 for supplying power to the communication control device 140.

[0087] The control device 141 may be implemented as a memory (not shown) for storing data about an algorithm or a program that reproduces the algorithm for controlling inter-vehicle charging, and a processor (not shown) for performing the above-described process using the data stored in the memory. In this case, the memory and processor may be implemented as separate chips. Alternatively, the memory and processor may be implemented in a single chip.

[0088] The control device 141 may be an electronic control unit (ECU) for controlling the charging process and may be one of a microcomputer, a CPU, and a processor.

[0089] The communicator 142 may include a PLC PHY chip for performing power line communication (PLC). Furthermore, the communicator 142 may be connected to the controller 141 to transmit a control signal generated by the controller 141 to each vehicle 101, 102, and specifically to an electric vehicle communication controller (EVCC) provided in each of the vehicles 101 and 102. Furthermore, the communicator 142 may receive data about the state of charge of the batteries of the first vehicle 101 and the second vehicle 102 from the EVCCs of the respective vehicles 101 and 102 and transmit the data to the controller 141.

[0090] In addition, although not shown in the drawing, the communication control device 140 may include a voltage detection sensor for detecting the proximity detection voltage output from the first proximity detection pin 111 or the proximity detection voltage output from the second proximity detection pin 121 and transmitting a detected voltage value to the control device 141.

[0091] The following is based on Fig. 8 describes a method for controlling the charging cable 100 according to some embodiments of the invention. Fig. 8 is a control flow diagram of a charging cable according to some embodiments of the invention.

[0092] With reference to Fig.8, according to some embodiments of the invention, the controller 141 may detect the first detection signal from the first proximity detection pin 111 and the second detection signal from the second proximity detection pin 121 (1000). Specifically, the voltage sensor included in the communication controller 140 may detect the voltage value of the proximity detection voltage output from the first proximity detection pin 111 and the proximity detection voltage output from the second proximity detection pin 121 and transmit the detected voltage value to the controller 141.

[0093] The controller 141 may determine a connection state between the first connector 110 and the first vehicle 101 based on the first detection signal from the first proximity detection pin 111 and a connection state of the second connector 120 with the second vehicle 102 based on the signal from the second proximity detection pin 121 (1100).

[0094] In detail, the connection state of the first connector 110 with the first vehicle 101 and the connection state of the second connector 120 with the second vehicle 102 can be determined by comparing each of the voltage of the first detection signal output from the first proximity detection pin 111 and the voltage of the second detection signal output from the second proximity detection pin 121 with a predetermined proximity detection voltage standard.

[0095] When at least one of the connection states of the first connector 110 and the second connector 120 is determined to be a disconnected state (No in 1200), the controller 141 may determine the connection state between the first vehicle 101 and the second vehicle 102 to be a disconnected state and continuously detect the first detection signal from the first approach detection pin 111 and the second detection signal from the second approach detection pin 121.

[0096] When the connection state of the first connector 110 with the second connector 120 is determined to be a connected state (Yes in 1200), the controller 141 may determine the connection state between the first vehicle 101 and the second vehicle 102 to be a connected state (1300).

[0097] When it is determined that the first vehicle 101 and the second vehicle 102 are in the connected state, the controller 141 may determine that the preparation for charging is completed and generate a control signal that starts the power transmission according to the input of an operator or without input from the operator.

[0098] That is, when it is determined that the first connector 110 and the first vehicle 101 are in the connected state, the controller 141 may generate a power transmission signal.

[0099] The communicator 142 may transmit the control signal from the controller 141 to the EVCC of each of the vehicles 101 and 102 to start charging (1400). That is, the communicator 142 may transmit a charge level signal for a battery charge level of the first vehicle 101 and the second vehicle 102 via the first control pilot pin 113 of the first connector 110 and the second control pilot pin 123 of the second connector 120, and transmit the power transmission signal generated by the controller 141 to the first vehicle 101 and the second vehicle 102 via the first control pilot pin 113 and the second control pilot pin 123.

[0100] At this time, receiving the state of charge signal and transmitting the power transmission signal can be realized by means of power line communication.

[0101] However, the disclosed embodiments of the invention may be implemented in the form of a recording medium storing instructions executable by a computer. The instructions may be stored in the form of program code and, when executed by a processor, may generate a program module for performing the operations of the disclosed embodiments of the invention. The recording medium may be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium.

[0102] The computer-readable recording medium includes all types of recording media in which instructions that can be decoded by a computer are stored, for example, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic tape, a magnetic disk, a flash memory, an optical data storage device, and the like.

Claims

[1] Charging cable, comprising: a first connector (110) having a first proximity detection pin (111) and a first power pin (114); a second connector (120) having a second proximity detection pin (121) and a second power pin (124); and a cable (130) configured to electrically connects the first power pin (114) to the second power pin (124); and does not connect the first proximity detection pin (111) to the second proximity detection pin (121). [2] Charging cable according to claim 1, wherein: the first connector (110) further comprises a first control pilot pin (113), the second connector (120) further comprises a second control pilot pin (123), and the cable (130) is configured to connect the first control pilot pin (113) to the second control pilot pin (123). [3] Charging cable according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: the first connector (110) further comprises: a first ground pin (112) electrically connected to the first proximity detection pin (111); and a first resistor (110R) arranged between the first ground pin (112) and the first proximity detection pin (111), and the second connector (120) further comprises: a second ground pin (122) electrically connected to the second proximity detection pin (121); and a second resistor (120R) arranged between the second ground pin (122) and the second proximity detection pin (121). [4] The charging cable of claim 3, wherein the cable (130) is configured not to connect the first resistor (110R) to the second resistor (120R). [5] Charging cable according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: the first connector (110) further comprises: a first switching element (110S) connected in parallel with the first resistor (110R) and implemented as a normally closed switching element that operates in response to an operation of a switch provided outside the first connector (110), and the second connector (120) further comprises: a second switching element (120S) connected in parallel with the second resistor (120R) and realized as a normally closed switching element that operates in response to an operation of a switch provided outside the second connector (120). [6] Charging cable, comprising: a first connector (110) having a first proximity detection pin (111) and a first power pin (114); a second connector (120) having a second proximity detection pin (121) and a second power pin (124); a cable (130) configured to: electrically connects the first power pin (114) to the second power pin (124) to form a power supply path; and does not connect the first proximity detection pin (111) to the second proximity detection pin (121); and a communication control device (140) configured to control the supply of charging current via the power supply path according to a connection state of the first connector (110) and the second connector (120) with the vehicle. [7] Charging cable according to claim 6, wherein the communication control device (140) further comprises: a control device (141) configured to: based on a first detection signal of the first proximity detection pin (111), determines a connection state between the first connector (110) and a first vehicle (101); and based on a second detection signal of the second proximity detection pin (121), a connection state between the second connector (120) and a second vehicle (102) is determined. [8] Charging cable according to claim 7, wherein the control device (141) is configured to: a connection state between the first connector (110) and the first vehicle (101) is determined by comparing a voltage of the first detection signal with a predetermined approach detection voltage standard; and a connection state between the second connector (120) and the second vehicle (102) is determined by comparing a voltage of the second detection signal with the predetermined approach detection voltage standard. [9] Charging cable according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the control device (141) is configured to generate a current transmission signal for controlling a supply of the charging current via the power supply path when it is determined that the first connector (110) is connected to the first vehicle (101) and it is determined that the second connector (120) is connected to the second vehicle (102). [10] Charging cable according to claim 9, wherein: the first connector (110) further comprises a first control pilot pin (113), the second connector (120) further comprises a second control pilot pin (123), and the communication control device (140) further comprises: a communicator (142) configured to: receives a charge state signal for a battery charge state of the first vehicle (101) and the second vehicle (102) via the first control pilot pin (113) and the second control pilot pin (123); and transmits the power transmission signal to the first vehicle (101) and the second vehicle (102) via the first control pilot pin (113) and the second control pilot pin (123). [11] The charging cable of claim 10, wherein the communicator (142) is further configured to send and receive a signal to and from the first vehicle (101) and the second vehicle (102) by means of power line communication. [12] Charging cable according to one of claims 6 to 11, wherein: the first connector (110) further comprises: a first ground pin (112) electrically connected to the first proximity detection pin (111); and a first resistor (110R) arranged between the first ground pin (112) and the first proximity detection pin (111), and the second connector (120) further comprises: a second ground pin (122) electrically connected to the second proximity detection pin (121); and a second resistor (120R) arranged between the second ground pin (122) and the second proximity detection pin (121). [13] The charging cable of claim 12, wherein the cable (130) is configured not to connect the first resistor (110R) to the second resistor (120R). [14] Charging cable according to claim 12 or 13, wherein: the first connector (110) further comprises: a first switching element (110S) connected in parallel with the first resistor (110R) and implemented as a normally closed switching element that operates in response to an operation of a switch provided outside the first connector (110), and the second connector (120) further comprises: a second switching element (120S) connected in parallel with the second resistor (120R) and realized as a normally closed switching element that operates in response to an operation of a switch provided outside the second connector (120). [15] Method for controlling a charging cable (100), comprising: Detecting a first detection signal of a first proximity detection pin (111) and a second detection signal of a second proximity detection pin (121) (1000); Determining a connection state of a first connector (110) with a first vehicle (101) based on the first detection signal, wherein the first connector (110) has the first proximity detection pin (111) and a first power pin (114); and Determining a connection state between a second connector (120) and a second vehicle (102) based on the second detection signal, wherein the second connector (120) has the second proximity detection pin (121) and a second power pin (124) (1100). [16] The method of claim 15, further comprising: Determining a connection state between the first connector (110) and the first vehicle (101) by comparing a voltage of the first detection signal with a predetermined approach detection voltage standard; and Determining a connection state between the second connector (120) and the second vehicle (102) by comparing a voltage of the second detection signal with the predetermined approach detection voltage standard. [17] The method of claim 15 or 16, further comprising: Generating a power transmission signal when the first connector (110) is connected to the first vehicle (101) and the second connector (120) is connected to the second vehicle (102) (1200). [18] The method of claim 17, further comprising: Receiving a charge state signal for a battery charge state of the first vehicle (101) and the second vehicle (102) via a first control pilot pin (113) and a second control pilot pin (123); and Transmitting the power transmission signal to the first vehicle (101) and the second vehicle (102) via the first control pilot pin (113) and the second control pilot pin (123). [19] Method according to one of claims 15 to 18, further comprising: Sending and receiving a signal by means of power line communication to and from the first vehicle (101) and the second vehicle (102).

Images