Apparatus and method for controlling locking of a charging entrance of a vehicle

Abstract

Device for controlling a locking of a charging input (110), the device comprising: the charging input (110) having an input device (120) configured to be disposed at a position where a pressurization is detected based on a type of a connector of a charging cable, and engageable with the connector; an on-board charger, OBC (130), configured to generate an input unlock signal when the input device (120) is pressurized by means of the connector; and a controller (160) configured to unlock the charging input (110) when the input unlock signal is received, wherein the controller (160) is configured to determine whether an input lock mode has occurred when the connector and the charging input (110) are engaged with each other, wherein the controller (160) is configured to determine whether the input unlock signal is generated when it is determined that the input lock mode has occurred, wherein the controller (160) is configured to control a relay to be turned on when the input device (120) is pressurized, and receives the input unlock signal generated by the OBC (130) to detect generation of the input unlock signal when the OBC (130) detects a voltage change due to the relay being turned on, and wherein the controller (160) is configured to determine a charging method as fast charging when it detects the generation of the input unlock signal.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for controlling locking of a charging input and a method thereof. BACKGROUND

[0002] Recently, the use of an electric vehicle that runs using a battery charged using electricity has increased. Generally, a charging method of the electric vehicle includes a slow charging method and a fast charging method. Considering that the vehicle is charged by the slow charging method, a connector of a charging cable is locked when it is engaged with a charging inlet (in other words, attached to the charging inlet). Accordingly, if charging is stopped in a state where the connector of the charging cable and the charging inlet are engaged with each other, there is a situation where the charging inlet cannot be unlocked until charging is completed, and unnecessary waiting occurs.Therefore, there is a need to develop a technology capable of reducing a charging standby time by controlling the locking of the charging input based on the charging method.

[0003] KR 10 2015 0 067 491 A discloses a charging system and a control method therefor.

[0004] JP 2014 - 193 062 A discloses a cable locking device.

[0005] DE 10 2018 219 908 A1 discloses an electric vehicle charging system and a method. OVERVIEW

[0006] Embodiments of the present disclosure solve problems encountered in the prior art while retaining advantages achieved by the prior art unaffected.

[0007] The present invention is based on the object of providing a device for controlling a locking of a charging input and a method which are capable of controlling a locking of the charging input based on a charging method of a vehicle.

[0008] Technical problems solved by embodiments of the present inventive concept are not limited to the problems mentioned above, and any other technical problems not mentioned herein will be clearly understood from the following description by those skilled in the art to whom the present disclosure is directed.

[0009] To achieve the object, the invention provides a device for controlling a locking of a charging input according to claim 1 and a method for controlling a locking of a charging input according to claim 7.

[0010] That is, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for controlling locking of a charging inlet includes: the charging inlet having an input device disposed at a position where pressurization is detected based on a kind (in other words, a type) of a connector (e.g., a connector plug) of a charging cable, and engageable with the connector, an on-board charger (OBC) for generating an inlet unlock signal when the input device is pressurized by the connector, and a controller for unlocking the charging inlet when the input unlock signal is received.The controller determines whether an input lock mode has entered (in other words, whether an input lock mode has started; in other words, whether an input lock mode has been entered) when the connector and the charging input are engaged with each other. The controller determines whether the input unlock signal is generated when it is determined that the input lock mode has entered. The controller is configured to control a relay to be turned on when pressure is applied to the input device and to receive the input unlock signal generated by the on-board charger (OBC) to determine generation of the input unlock signal when the on-board charger (OBC) detects a voltage change due to the relay being turned on.The controller determines a charging method as fast charging (in other words, the controller determines that a charging method is fast charging) when the generation of the input unlock signal is detected.

[0011] The controller may control the input unlock signal to be transmitted to a locking device.

[0012] The controller may control release (e.g., exit) of the input lock mode when it determines that the input lock mode has not entered or when the input unlock signal is transmitted to the locking device.

[0013] The controller can determine whether a charge is being performed while the input lock mode is released (e.g., exited).

[0014] The controller may re-enter the input lock mode to lock the connector so that it is not disconnected from the charging input when it detects that charging is in progress.

[0015] The controller may control to maintain the release of the input lock mode when it determines that charging is not performed.

[0016] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a method for controlling locking of a charging input comprises: generating an input unlock signal when the charging input having an input device arranged at a position where pressurization is detected based on a kind (in other words, a type) of a connector (e.g., a connector plug) of a charging cable is engaged with the connector, unlocking the charging input when the input unlock signal is received, determining whether an input lock mode has entered (in other words, whether an input lock mode has started;In other words, whether an input lock mode has been entered) when the connector and the charging input are engaged with each other; determining whether the input unlock signal is generated when it is determined that the input lock mode has been entered; pressurizing the input device to control a relay to turn on; and determining that the input unlock signal generated in the on-board charger (OBC) is received when the on-board charger (OBC) detects a voltage change due to the relay being turned on and determines that the input unlock signal is generated. The charging method is determined to be fast charging (in other words, it is determined that the charging method is fast charging) when it is determined that the input unlock signal is generated.

[0017] The method may further comprise controlling the input unlock signal to be transmitted to a locking device when it is determined that the input unlock signal is generated.

[0018] The method may further comprise controlling the input lock mode to be released (e.g., exited) when it is determined that the input lock mode has not been entered or when the input unlock signal is transmitted to the locking device.

[0019] The method may further include determining whether charging is performed while the input lock mode is released (e.g., exited).

[0020] The input lock mode may be re-entered (in other words, the input lock mode may be re-entered) when it is detected that charging is in progress to lock the connector so that it is not disconnected from the charging input.

[0021] Maintaining the release of the input lock mode may be controlled (in other words, controlling to maintain an input lock mode) when it is determined that charging is not being performed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The above and other objects, features and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an apparatus for controlling locking of a vehicle charging inlet in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. Fig. 2 is a view illustrating a charging input engaged when charging slowly; Fig. 3 is a view illustrating a charging input with an input device engaged when charging quickly; Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 are diagrams schematically illustrating relay functions by pressurizing an input device of embodiments of the present disclosure; Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of locking a vehicle charging input in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a computer system that performs a method in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0023] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the exemplary drawings. When adding reference numerals to the components of each drawing, it should be noted that an identical or equivalent component will be identified by the identical numeral even if they are illustrated in other drawings. Furthermore, in describing the embodiment of the present disclosure, a detailed description of well-known features or functions will be omitted so as not to unnecessarily obscure the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0024] In describing the components of embodiments consistent with the present disclosure, terms such as first, second, "A," "B," (a), (b), and the like may be used. These terms are merely intended to distinguish one component from another, and the terms do not limit the nature, order, or arrangement of the constituent components. Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meanings as those commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains.Such terms, such as those defined in a commonly used dictionary, should be interpreted to have meanings equivalent to the contextual meanings in the relevant field of technology and should not be interpreted to have ideal or excessively formal meanings unless they are clearly defined in the present application as having such meanings.

[0025] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an apparatus for controlling locking of a vehicle charging entrance in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] As in Fig. 1, an apparatus for controlling locking of a vehicle charging inlet 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a charging inlet 110, an input device 120, an OBC 130, a communication device 140, a locking device 150, and a controller 160 (e.g., a controller).

[0027] The charging input 110 may be connected to a charging cable of a charging output to receive electricity. The charging input 110 may have a plurality of connection terminals and may be implemented as a DC combo type to allow different types of connectors (e.g., connector plugs) to be engaged based on (in other words, depending on) a charging method. Here, the DC combo type may be implemented in an integrated embodiment having five AC pins and two DC pins. A more detailed description will be given with reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 given.

[0028] Fig. 2 is a view illustrating a charging input engaged when charging slowly, and Fig. 3 is a view illustrating a charging input with an input device engaged when fast charging.

[0029] As in Fig. 2, the charging input, which engages the connector (e.g., connector plug) of the charging cable of the charging output when charging slowly, may have five AC pins 20. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the charging input, which is engaged with the connector (e.g., connecting plug) of the charging cable of the charging output when fast charging, may include five AC pins 20 and two DC pins 30. In embodiments of the present disclosure, the charging method may be determined by utilizing the property that the two DC pins 30 are not engaged when slow charging, but the two DC pins 30 are engaged when fast charging.

[0030] The input device 120 may be arranged in a region where the connector of the charging cable, which is engaged with the two DC pins, is in contact with the charging input during rapid charging, to enable the charging method to be determined by utilizing the property that the connector (e.g., connecting plug) of the charging cable and the two DC pins are engaged. In addition, the input device 120 may be implemented in a form capable of being pressurized when the connector of the charging cable is in contact with the charging input. The controller 160 may receive an input unlock signal from the OBC 130 when the connector of the charging cable is engaged with the charging input 110 and the charging input 110 is pressurized by the connector. For this purpose, the input device 120 may be implemented, for example, in the form of a button, a push pin, and the like.In accordance with an embodiment as set forth in . Fig. 3, although the input device 120 is shown as being disposed between the two DC pins, the input device 120 is not limited thereto, and the input device 120 may be disposed in any area where the connector engages the charging input 110 and it (the input device) is capable of being in contact with (being pressed by) the connector.

[0031] The on-board charger (OBC) 130, which is a charger installed in a vehicle, may refer to a device for charging a battery by converting AC power supplied from the connector of the charging cable into direct current (DC). Additionally, when the input device 120 is pressurized, a relay is turned on, a voltage is changed due to the relay being turned on, and the OBC can detect the voltage change and generate the input unlock signal.

[0032] When the OBC 130 detects the voltage change caused by the pressurization of the input device 120, the communication device 140 may transmit the input unlock signal generated by the OBC 130 to the controller 160 via CAN communication, and the input unlock signal may be transmitted to the locking device 150 using CAN communication. In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, since the OBC 130 communicates using a P-CAN communication method and the locking device 150 communicates using a C-CAN communication method, the communication device 140 may enable the input unlock signal generated by the OBC 130 to be transmitted to the locking device 150 via a gateway (IGPM).

[0033] The locking device 150 can be controlled to prevent the connector of the charging cable from being disconnected from the charging inlet 110 and to maintain the engaged state.

[0034] The controller 160 can be implemented using various processing devices, such as a microprocessor equipped with a semiconductor chip capable of performing calculations or executing various instructions, and can control an overall function (e.g., an overall operation) of the charging input locking control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure based on at least one algorithm. In detail, when the input unlock signal is received, the charging input can be unlocked.

[0035] When it is determined that the connector of the charging cable and the charging input 110 are engaged with each other for charging, the controller 160 can supply power to controllers (e.g., controllers) necessary for charging the vehicle. Here, the controllers necessary for charging the vehicle can include devices powered using IG3 power, and the IG3 power can supply power to a charging circuit using a large-capacity battery, a comfort device, and a safety device. For reference, IG1 power can supply power to devices involved in starting an engine (e.g., an internal combustion engine), and IG2 power can supply power to electrical equipment (e.g., headlights and heater cables) that have a large load other than engine starting (in other words, that have a large load other than engine starting).

[0036] When power is supplied to the controls necessary to charge the vehicle, the controller 160 determines whether an input lock mode has occurred. Here, the input lock mode may refer to a mode that controls the locking device 150 so that the connector of the charging cable remains engaged with the charging input 110, rather than being disconnected from the charging input 110.

[0037] When it is determined to enter the input lock mode, the controller 160 may determine whether pressure is being applied to the input device 120. A more detailed description will be provided with reference to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 given.

[0038] Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 are diagrams schematically illustrating relay functions by pressurizing an input device of embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0039] As in Fig. 4, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, the controller 160 may be controlled to turn on the relay when the input device 120 is pressurized, the controller 160 may receive the input unlock signal generated in the OBC 130 when the voltage change from the OBC 130 due to the relay being turned on is detected, it may be determined that the input unlock signal is generated when the input unlock signal is received, and the charging method may be determined to be the fast charging method. In addition, as in Fig. 5, the controller 160 may be controlled to turn off the relay when the input device 120 is not pressurized, the OBC 130 may not generate the input unlock signal, and the controller 160 may not receive the input unlock signal; when the voltage change from the OBC 130 due to the relay being turned off is not detected, the controller 160 may not receive the input unlock signal, it may be determined that the input unlock signal is not generated, and the charging method may be determined to be the slow charging method.

[0040] When it is determined that the input unlock signal is generated, the controller 160 may control the input unlock signal to be transmitted to the locking device 150 (in other words, in this case, the controller may perform control such that the input unlock signal is transmitted to the locking device). In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, the OBC 130 may transmit the input unlock signal to the controller 160 via the P-CAN communication method, and the controller 160 may control the input unlock signal to be transmitted to the locking device 150 via the gateway (IGMP) in the C-CAN communication method.

[0041] When the input unlock signal is transmitted to the locking device 150, the controller 160 may control the locking mode to be released (e.g., canceled) for a specific time (in other words, the controller may perform control such that the locking mode is released (e.g., canceled) for a specific time). Here, releasing (e.g., canceling) the locking mode may mean that the controller 160 controls the locking device 150 to allow the connector of the charging cable to be easily disconnected from the charging input 110.

[0042] The controller 160 can determine whether charging is being performed while the input lock mode is released for the specified time. The controller 160 can determine that charging is being performed when electricity is normally supplied from the connector of the charging cable to the charging input 110. In this case, the input lock mode can be entered again, and the controller 160 can control the locking device 150 so that it is not possible to disconnect the connector of the charging cable from the charging input (in other words, the locking device prevents the connector from being disconnected from the charging input). In addition, if it is determined that the input device 120 is not being pressurized, i.e.If it is determined that the charging method is the slow charging method, the controller 160 may control the locking device 150 so that it is not possible to disconnect the connector of the charging cable from the charging inlet (in other words, the locking device prevents the connector from being disconnected from the charging inlet).

[0043] Meanwhile, if it is determined that the electrical supply from the connector of the charging cable to the charging inlet 110 is not performed normally while the inlet lock mode is released for the specified time, the controller 160 may determine that charging is stopped or not charging and maintain the release of the inlet lock mode. Accordingly, if charging is not performed while the connector of the charging cable is engaged with the charging inlet 110 in the fast charging method, the controller 160 may maintain the release of the inlet lock mode to allow the connector of the charging cable to be easily disconnected from the charging inlet by a user.

[0044] Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for locking a vehicle charging input in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, when the controller 160 determines that the connector of the charging cable and the charging inlet 110 are engaged with each other for charging at S110, the controller 160 may supply power to controllers (e.g., controllers) necessary for charging the vehicle at S120. When power is supplied to the controllers necessary for charging the vehicle, the controller 160 determines at S130 whether the inlet lock mode has entered. Here, the inlet lock mode may refer to a mode that controls the locking device 150 so that the connector of the charging cable remains engaged with the charging inlet 110 instead of being disconnected from the charging inlet 110.

[0046] If it is determined that the controller 160 is entering the input lock mode ("Yes" in S130), the controller 160 may determine in S140 whether the input device 120 is being pressurized. In S140, the controller 160 may determine whether the input device 120 is being pressurized to generate an input unlock signal. The detailed description will be made with reference to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 given.

[0047] If the controller 160 determines that the input unlock signal is generated ("Yes" in S140), the controller 160 may control the input unlock signal to be transmitted to the locking device 150 in S150 (in other words, the controller 160 may perform control such that the input unlock signal is transmitted to the locking device). In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, since the OBC 130 communicates using the P-CAN communication method and the locking device 150 communicates using the C-CAN communication method, the controller 160 may control the communication device 140 to allow the input unlock signal to be transmitted to the locking device 150 via the gateway (IGPM) in S150.

[0048] When the input unlock signal is transmitted to the locking device 150, the controller 160 may control the locking mode to be released for a certain time in S160 (in other words, the controller 160 may perform control such that the locking mode is released for a certain time). In S160, releasing the locking mode may mean that the controller 160 controls the locking device 150 to allow the connector of the charging cable to be easily disconnected from the charging input 110 by external pressure (in other words, allowing the connector of the charging cable to be easily disconnected from the charging input by external pressure).

[0049] The controller may determine in S170 whether charging is being performed while the input lock mode is released for the specified time. In S170, the controller 160 may determine that charging is being performed if electricity is normally supplied from the connector of the charging cable to the charging input 110 ("Yes" in S170). In this case, the connector re-enters the input lock mode in S180, and the controller 160 may control the locking device 150 so that it (the connector) is not (or cannot be) disconnected from the charging input. In addition, if the controller 160 determines that the input device 120 is not being pressurized ("No" in S140), i.e.If it is determined that the charging method is the slow charging method, the controller 160 controls the locking device 150 in S180 so as to allow the connector not to be disconnected from the charging inlet (in other words, the connector cannot be disconnected from the charging inlet).

[0050] Meanwhile, if the controller 160 determines that electricity is not being normally supplied from the charging cable connector to the charging input 110 while the input lock mode is released for the specified time ("No" in S170), the controller 160 may determine in S190 that charging is stopped or not charging, and may maintain the release of the input lock mode in S200. Accordingly, if charging is not substantially performed (in other words, when substantial charging is not occurring) while the charging cable connector is engaged with the charging input 110 in the fast charging process, the controller 160 may maintain the release of the input lock, thereby allowing the charging cable connector to be easily disconnected from the charging input by the user (in other words, allowing a user to easily disconnect the charging cable connector from the charging input).

[0051] Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a computer system that performs a method in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] Referring to Fig. 7, a computer system 1000 may include at least a processor 1100, a memory 1300, a user interface input device 1400, a user interface output device 1500, a memory 1600, and a network interface 1700 interconnected via a bus 1200.

[0053] Processor 1100 may be a central processing unit (CPU) or a semiconductor device that processes instructions stored in memory 1300 and / or storage 1600. Memory 1300 and storage 1600 may include various types of volatile or non-volatile storage media. For example, memory 1300 may include ROM (read-only memory) 1310 and RAM (random access memory) 1320.

[0054] Thus, the functions (e.g., operating steps) of the method or algorithm described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware or as a software module executed by the processor 1100, or a combination thereof. The software module may be located on a storage medium (i.e., the memory 1300 and / or the storage 1600), such as a RAM, a flash memory, a ROM, an EPROM, an EEPROM, a register, a hard disk, a removable disk, and / or a CD-ROM. The exemplary storage medium may be coupled to the processor 1100, and the processor 1100 may read information from the storage medium and may store information in the storage medium. Alternatively, the storage medium may be integrated with the processor 1100.The processor 1100 and the storage medium may be located in an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The ASIC may be located in a user terminal. Alternatively, the processor 1100 and the storage medium may be located in the user terminal as separate components.

[0055] The charging input locking control apparatus and method thereof according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can control the charging input locking based on the charging method to prevent unnecessary increase of the charging standby time.

Claims

[1] Device for controlling a locking of a charging input (110), the device comprising: the charging input (110) having an input device (120) configured to be disposed at a position where a pressurization is detected based on a type of a connector of a charging cable, and engageable with the connector; an on-board charger, OBC (130), configured to generate an input unlock signal when the input device (120) is pressurized by means of the connector; and a controller (160) configured to unlock the charging input (110) when the input unlock signal is received, wherein the controller (160) is configured to determine whether an input lock mode has occurred when the connector and the charging input (110) are engaged with each other, wherein the controller (160) is configured to determine whether the input unlock signal is generated when it is determined that the input lock mode has occurred, wherein the controller (160) is configured to control a relay to be turned on when the input device (120) is pressurized, and receives the input unlock signal generated by the OBC (130) to detect generation of the input unlock signal when the OBC (130) detects a voltage change due to the relay being turned on, and wherein the controller (160) is configured to determine a charging method as fast charging when it detects the generation of the input unlock signal. [2] The device of claim 1, wherein the controller (160) is configured to control the input unlock signal to be transmitted to a locking device (150). [3] The device of claim 2, wherein the controller (160) is configured to control release of the input lock mode when it determines that the input lock mode has not occurred or when the input unlock signal is transmitted to the locking device (150). [4] The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the controller (160) is configured to determine whether charging is performed while the input lock mode is released. [5] The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the controller (160) is configured to re-enter the input lock mode to lock the connector so that it cannot be disconnected from the charging input (110) when it is determined that charging is in progress. [6] The apparatus of claim 4 or 5, wherein the controller (160) is configured to control maintaining the release of the input lock mode when it is determined that charging is not being performed. [7] A method for controlling locking of a charging input (110), the method comprising: Generating an input unlock signal when the charging input (110) having an input device (120) arranged at a position where pressure is detected based on a type of connector of a charging cable is engaged with the connector; Unlocking the charging input (110) when the input unlock signal is received; Determining whether an input lock mode has occurred when the connector and the charging input (110) are engaged with each other; Determining whether the input unlock signal is generated when it is determined that the input lock mode has entered; Pressurizing the input device (120) to control a relay to turn it on; and Determining that the input unlock signal generated in an on-board charger, OBC, (130) is received when the OBC (130) detects a voltage change due to the relay being turned on and determining that the input unlock signal is generated, wherein a charging method is determined to be a fast charging method when it is determined that the input unlock signal is generated. [8] The method of claim 7, further comprising controlling the input unlock signal to be transmitted to a locking device (150) when it is determined that the input unlock signal is generated. [9] The method of claim 8, further comprising controlling the input lock mode to be released when it is determined that the input lock mode has not entered or when the input unlock signal is transmitted to the locking device (150). [10] The method of claim 9, further comprising determining whether charging is performed while the input lock mode is released. [11] The method of claim 10, further comprising re-entering the input lock mode to lock the connector so that it cannot be disconnected from the charging input (110) when it is determined that charging is in progress. [12] The method of claim 10 or 11, further comprising controlling to maintain the release of the input lock mode when it is determined that charging is not being performed.

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