Electric vehicle charger

Description

BACKGROUND 1. Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a charger for electric vehicles, and more specifically to a charger for electric vehicles that senses a fault in a line or poor plug contact by measuring voltage and current from the line and controls output current based on the sensing.2. Description of the Related Art

[0002] A charging circuit interrupting device (CCID) is a portable device that supplies electricity to electric vehicles and includes a relay, a main board, etc.

[0003] The CCID supplies electricity to electric vehicles connected thereto by opening / closing the relay.

[0004] US 2013 / 015700 A1, against which the preamble is based on, discloses a system solution for charging an electric vehicle, wherein the solution comprises first and second terminals for connecting to a power source and a vehicle to be charged respectively. The system solution also comprises an charging device or loading device capable of communication with the vehicle to be charged and controlled charging based on this communication.

[0005] FIG. 1 is a view showing an existing a charging circuit interrupt device (CCID).

[0006] Referring to FIG. 1, the CCID includes a plug 11 that is inserted into a socket (wall outlet), an electric wire 12 connecting the plug 11 with an electric vehicle, and a power switch 13 disposed at a predetermined position in the electric wire 12 and manually turned on / off to connect or interrupt the electric current flowing in the electric wire.

[0007] The CCID has the power switch 13 at a predetermined position of the electric wire to be turned on / off to control the flow of current. With the power switch, the current flowing in the power cord is not supplied to an electric vehicle even when the plug is inserted into the socket, making sure the user safety.

[0008] However, a user may make a mistake as she / he frequently connects and disconnects the plug into the wall outlet, resulting in an accident.

[0009] In particular, if the plug is detached from the wall outlet during charging of an electric vehicle, a great amount of current flows so that arc spark may be produced, resulting in damage.

[0010] Recently, a charger with a temperature sensor has been proposed, which interrupts output current from the charger depending on the temperature inside the charger measured by the temperature sensor.

[0011] However, the temperature inside the charger may not be accurately measured due to an error in the temperature sensor itself, such that an accident may occur.

[0012] In addition, since the output current is controlled when the temperature inside the charger exceeds a predetermined value, the temperature inside the charger is already increased, such that internal circuits may not be reliable.SUMMARY

[0013] It is an object of the present invention to provide a charger for electric vehicles, which charger is arranged to sense a fault in a line or poor plug contact by measuring voltage and current from the line and to control output current based on the sensing.

[0014] It is an aspect of the present invention to provide a charger for electric vehicles capable of removing a factor that causes increase in the temperature inside the charger before the temperature increases.

[0015] In addition, it is an aspect of the present invention to provide a charger for electric vehicles capable of controlling output current by detecting a fault in a line or poor connection between the plug and the socket.

[0016] In addition, it is an aspect of the present invention to provide a charger for electric vehicles capable of improving the operation reliability by allowing the charger to enter a mode for detecting a fault in a line or poor connection between the plug and the socket periodically.

[0017] Objects of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned objects. Other objects that are not mentioned may be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0018] In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a charger for electric vehicles according to the invention is defined in claim 1.

[0019] The controller determines the operation mode to be the second operation mode if a predetermined event happens. The event may include at least one of: a first event of detecting that the device to be charged is connected to the second connector, a second event that a predetermined period of time has elapsed, and a third event that a chargeable time according to a predetermined charge condition has elapsed.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the invention, the charger further includes: mains electricity line resistors disposed on an internal line of the mains electricity power source; and contact resistors disposed in the first connector and coming in contact with the socket. The overall line resistance is determined by the mains electricity line resistors, the contact resistors and the internal line resistor.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the invention, the controller allows the charge power to be supplied according to a charge condition required by the device to be charged if the overall line resistance is equal to or less than a first reference value, and may set a charge condition for charging the device to be charged if the overall line resistance is larger than the first reference value.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the invention, the controller determines whether the overall line resistance is equal to or less than a second reference value if the overall line resistance is larger than the first reference value, may set a charge condition for supplying the charge power to the device to be charged according to the overall line resistance if the overall line resistance is equal to or less the second reference value, and may interrupt supplying the charge power to the device to be charged.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the invention, the controller sets a chargeable time for which the charge power is allowed to be supplied to the device to be charged which is connected to the second connector and may allow the charge power to be supplied during the chargeable time if the overall line resistance is larger than the first reference value and equal to or less than the second reference value. The chargeable time may increase as the overall line resistance is closer to the first reference value while the chargeable time may decrease as the overall line resistance is closer to the second reference value.

[0024] The controller may check a charge current required by the device to be charged, and may adjust the set chargeable time according to the checked charge current. The chargeable time may decrease as the checked charge current increases.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the invention, the controller may turn on the relays and turn off the switch in the first operation mode, and may turn off the relays and turn on the switch in the second operation mode.

[0026] The condition of the internal line may be determined by a condition of an internal line of the charger, a condition of the internal line of the mains electricity power source, and a connection between the first connector and the socket.

[0027] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the line voltage and current across the line resistor in the charger are detected and the charging operation is controlled based on the detected line voltage and current, such that a fault in a line or whether the plug is correctly inserted into the wall outlet can be immediately determined before the actual temperature inside the charger is increased.

[0028] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, as the device to be charged is connected, the charge current is supplied to a path that does not include the device but includes internal line resistor, such that the line voltage and current is detected according to the supplied charge current. By doing so, a fault in a line from the mains electricity as well as a fault in an internal line in the charger can be detected, thereby improving reliability of the product.

[0029] In addition, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, if a fault occurs in a line or connection between a plug and socket is poor, output current is interrupted or reduced, such that it is possible to prevent a cause to increase temperature between the temperature inside the charge is increased. Accordingly, fire or an accident can be prevented.

[0030] Moreover, a temperature sensor inside a charger may be eliminated, and thus there is no need to qualify complicated requirements of temperature sensors for different countries. As a result, cost and time can be saved.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0031] FIG. 1 is a view showing an existing a charging circuit interrupt device (CCID); FIG. 2 is a view showing a charger for electric vehicles according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of the electric vehicle charger shown in FIG. 2; FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of a system for charging electric vehicles; FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram of the charger in the second operation mode according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram of the charger in the first operation mode according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and FIGS. 7 to 9 are flowcharts for illustrating steps of a method for operating a charger for electric vehicles according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Advantages and features of the present disclosure and methods to achieve them will become apparent from the descriptions of exemplary embodiments herein below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to exemplary embodiments disclosed herein but may be implemented in various different ways according to the appended claims.

[0033] The exemplary embodiments are provided for making the disclosure of the present disclosure thorough and for fully conveying the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. It is to be noted that the scope of the present disclosure is defined solely by the claims. Like reference numerals denote like elements throughout the descriptions.

[0034] Detailed descriptions of well-known functions and structures incorporated herein will be omitted to avoid obscuring the subject matter of the present disclosure. Further, terms or words used in the specification and claims shall not be construed merely in a conventional and dictionary definition but shall be construed in a meaning and concept corresponding to the technical idea of the present invention based on the principle that an inventor is allowed to properly define the concepts of terms in order to describe his or her invention in the best way. Therefore, the terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and / or the present application.

[0035] Combinations of blocks in the accompanying drawings and steps in a flow chart may be performed according to computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be installed in general-purpose computers, special-purpose computers or other processors of programmable data processing equipment. Therefore, the instructions executed by the computers or other processors of programmable data processing equipment create means for performing functions described in blocks in the drawings or in steps in the flow charts. These computer program instructions can be stored in computer-usable or computer-readable memories which can assist in the computers or other processors of programmable data processing equipment to implement particular functions in particular manners. Therefore, the instructions stored in the computer-usable or computer-readable memories can be used to make products containing instruction means for performing the functions described in the blocks in the drawings or in the steps in the flow charts. The computer program instructions can also be installed in the computers or other processors of programmable data processing equipment. Therefore, a sequence of operation steps can be performed on the computers or other processors of programmable data processing equipment to produce computer-executable processes. In addition, the instructions operating the computers or other processors of programmable data processing equipment can provide steps for executing the functions described in the blocks in the drawings or in the steps in the flow chart.

[0036] In addition, the blocks or the steps may represent portions of modules, segments or codes including one or more executable instructions for executing a specified logical function(s). In addition, in some alternative embodiments, it should be noted that the functions described in the blocks or steps may be performed out of a specified sequence. For example, two successive blocks or steps may be performed substantially at once or may be sometimes performed in a reverse order depending on a corresponding function.

[0037] FIG. 2 is a view showing a charger for electric vehicles according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of the charger for electric vehicles shown in FIG. 2.

[0038] Hereinafter, a charger for electric vehicles according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described referring to FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the charger for electric vehicles comes with a cord set, one side of the charger being connected to a wall outlet and the other side of the charger being connected to a device to be charged. The charger receives power supplied from the wall outlet and supplies charge power to the device to be charged.

[0040] The charger includes a charger body 110, a first connector 120 and a second connector 130.

[0041] The first connector 120 is connected to one side of the charger body 110 while the second connector 130 is connected to the other side of the charger body 110.

[0042] The first connector 120 is inserted into a wall outlet that supplies mains electricity, receives the mains electricity via the inserted plug, and supplies the received mains electricity to the charger body 110.

[0043] The second connector 130 is inserted into a charge plug (not shown) of an electric vehicle to be charged. In addition, the second connector 130 receives the charge power from the mains electricity via the charger body 110, and supplies the received charge power to the electric vehicle, specifically, to a battery installed in the electric vehicle.

[0044] Each of the first connector 120 and the second connector 130 may include two lines. That is, each of the first connector 120 and the second connector 130 may include a positive power line supplying power of positive polarity and a negative power line supplying power of negative polarity.

[0045] In addition to the positive power line and the negative power line, each of the first connector 120 and the second connector 130 may further include a communications line for performing communications with a device to be charged which is connected to the second connector 130, and a ground line.

[0046] The charger body 110 includes circuits for operating and controlling the charger for electric vehicles therein.

[0047] A plurality of selection buttons 140 may be formed on outside the charger body 110 for setting operational features of the charger for electric vehicles.

[0048] One of the selection buttons 140 may be a condition check button for checking a condition of a line inside the charger for electric vehicles, and another may be a button for turning on or off the operation of the charger.

[0049] The charger for electric vehicles may be operated in a first operation mode in which charge power is supplied to a device to be charged which is connected to the second connector 130, and in a second operation mode in which the condition of the line inside the charger for electric vehicles is checked.

[0050] The charger for electric vehicles, in the first operation mode, supplies charge power to the battery of the device to be charged via the first connector 120 and the second connector 130.

[0051] Preferably, the first connector 120 is connected to a wall outlet, i.e., mains electricity, and the second connector 130 is connected to a device to be charged. If there is no fault in the internal line, the charger for electric vehicles receives mains electricity supplied via the first connector 120, and supplies the received mains electricity to the device to be charged which is connected to the second connector 130.

[0052] In addition, the charger for electric vehicles, in the second operation mode, checks the condition of the internal line in the charger body 110.

[0053] Preferably, the condition of the internal line may include a line current value and a line voltage value across a line resistor disposed on an internal line, and the overall line resistance.

[0054] To this end, i.e., in order to check the condition of the internal line, the charger body 110 allows the mains electricity input via the first connector 120 to flow to a path that does not include the device to be charged which is connected to the second connector 130, i.e., a path that includes a line resistor disposed in the charger body 110.

[0055] In other words, in the second operation mode, a power supply path is formed so that the mains electricity is supplied into the charger body 110, and thus no charge power is supplied to the device to be charged even if it is connected to the second connector 130.

[0056] The charger body 110 determines whether to supply the charge power to the device to be charged which is connected to the second connector 130 based on the condition of the internal line checked in the second operation mode.

[0057] In other words, if it is determined that the condition of the lines is a first condition (normal condition), the charger body 110 supplies the charge power required by the device to be charged via the second connector 130 to it.

[0058] In addition, if it is determined that the condition of the internal line is a second state (conditionally abnormal state), the charger body 110 sets a charge condition of the device to be charged which is connected to the second connector 130 and supplies the charge power to the device to be charged depending on the set charge condition.

[0059] The charge condition may include a chargeable time in which charge current is supplied from the charger for electric vehicles to the device to be charged, and the magnitude of the charge current.

[0060] In other words, if the condition of the internal line is conditionally abnormal state, the charger body 110 allows the charge power corresponding to a particular charge current to be supplied to the device to be charged only for a predetermined time. If the predetermined charge time has been elapsed, the charger body interrupts the charge power supplied to the device to be charged.

[0061] After the charge power is interrupted, the charger body 110 may enter the second operation mode again, check the condition of the internal line again, and reset the charge condition depending on the rechecked result.

[0062] If it is determined that the condition of the internal line is a third state (an abnormal state), the charger body 110 interrupts the charge power supplied to the device to be charged, and allows a notification signal for notifying the abnormal state to be output.

[0063] Hereinafter, the above-described charger for electric vehicles will be described in more detail.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 3, the charger for electric vehicles includes the charger body 110, the first connector 120 and the second connector 130, and further includes a controller 150 controlling the operation of the charger for electric vehicles.

[0065] The first connector 120 includes a first terminal 121 receiving positive power and a second terminal 122 receiving negative power.

[0066] In addition, the first connector 120 includes a first contact resistor R1 having an end connected to the first terminal 121 and a second contact resistor R2 having an end connected to the second terminal 122.

[0067] The second connector 130 includes a third terminal 131 supplying positive power supplied via the first terminal 121 to the device to be charged, and a fourth terminal 132 supplying negative power supplied via the second terminal 122 to the device to be charged.

[0068] In the charger body 110, there is disposed a selection circuit that forms a path in which the mains electricity supplied via the first terminal 121 and the second terminal 122 is output so that the charger operates the first operation mode or the second operation mode.

[0069] In the related art, the charger body 110 includes a first relay 111 disposed between the first terminal 121 and the third terminal 131 to supply / interrupt the charge power supplied to the device to be charged, and a second relay 112 disposed between the second terminal 122 and the fourth terminal 132 to supply / interrupt the charge power supplied to the device to be charged.

[0070] In contrast, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the charger body 110 further includes a switch 113 and a line resistor R3 for implementing the second operation mode, as well as the first relay 111 and the second relay 112.

[0071] One end of the switch 113 is connected to one end of the first relay 111, and the other end of the switch 113 is connected to one end of the second relay 112.

[0072] The line resistor R3 is disposed between the other end of the switch 113 and the end of the second relay 112.

[0073] Accordingly, one end of the line resistor R3 is connected to the other end of the switch 113 and the other end of the line resistor R3 is connected to the end of the second relay 112.

[0074] In addition, the other end of the first relay 111 is connected to the third terminal 131, and the other end of the second relay 112 is connected to the fourth terminal 132.

[0075] The controller 150 controls on- / off-states of the first relay 111, the second relay 112 and the switch 113.

[0076] That is, the controller 150 allows the first relay 111, the second relay 112 and the switch 113 to operate in the on-state or off-state depending on a predetermined operation mode between the first operation mode and the second operation mode.

[0077] Preferably, if the operation mode of the charger for electric vehicles is determined to be the first operation mode, the controller 150 turns on the first relay 111 and the second relay 112 while turns off the switch 113.

[0078] Accordingly, the controller 150 allows the switch 113 to be in the off-state while the first relay 111 and the second relay 112 to be in the on-state. As a result, the mains electricity supplied via the first connector 120 flows to the path that does not include the line resistor R3 but includes the device to be charged which is connected to the second connector 130.

[0079] In addition, if the operation mode of the charger for electric vehicles is determined to be the second operation mode, the controller 150 turns off the first relay 111 and the second relay 112 while turns on the switch 113.

[0080] Accordingly, the controller 150 allows the switch 113 to be in the on-state while allows the first relay 111 and the second relay 112 to be in the off-state, such that the mains electricity supplied via the first connector 120 flows to the path that does not include the device to be charged but includes the line resistor R3.

[0081] In other words, in the first operation mode, the mains electricity supplied via the first connector 120 flows to the path including the device to be charged via the second connector 130, and, in the second operation mode, the mains electricity supplied via the first connector 120 flows to the path including the line resistor R3.

[0082] FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of a system for charging electric vehicles. FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram of the charger in the second operation mode according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram of the charger in the first operation mode according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 4, the first connector 120 is connected to a wall outlet, and mains electricity power source AC is connected to one end of the first connector 120 if the second connector 130 is connected to a device to be charged. Line resistors R4 and R5 are connected between the mains electricity power source AC and the first connector 120.

[0084] That is, the first connector 120 is connected to the mains electricity supply unit 200 that forms the mains electricity power source AC.

[0085] External line resistors R4 and R5 are connected between the first connector 120 and the mains electricity supply unit 200. The external line resistors R4 and R5 includes a first external line resistor R4 disposed in a power line of positive polarity and a second external line resistor R5 disposed in a power line of negative polarity. They provide safety between the mains electricity supply unit 200 and the first connector 120.

[0086] Specifically, when the first connector 120 is inserted into the socket of mains electricity, the first terminal 121 of the first connector 120 is connected to the first external line resistor R4 corresponding to an internal line resistor in the mains electricity power source AC. In addition, the second terminal 122 of the first connector 120 is connected to the second external line resistor R5 corresponding to an internal line resistor in the mains electricity power source AC.

[0087] When the second connector 130 is connected to a device to be charged, the third terminal 131 of the second connector 130 is connected to one end of a load R6 corresponding to the device to be charged, and the fourth terminal 132 of the second connector 130 is connected to the other end of the load R6.

[0088] In addition, referring to FIG. 5, if the operation mode of the charger for electric vehicles is determined to be the second operation mode, the controller 150 turns on the switch 113 while turns off the first relay 111 and the second relay 112.

[0089] Accordingly, the controller 150 allows the mains electricity supplied via the first connector 120 to flow to the path that does not include the load R6 but includes the internal line resistor R3.

[0090] Accordingly, in the second operation mode, the mains electricity flows in the path including the first external line resistor R4, the first contact resistor R1, the switch 113, the internal line resistor R3, the second contact resistor R2 and the second external line resistor R5.

[0091] In addition, referring to FIG. 6, if the operation mode of the charger for electric vehicles is determined to be the first operation mode, the controller 150 turns off the switch 113 while turns on the first relay 111 and the second relay 112.

[0092] Accordingly, the controller 150 allows the mains electricity supplied via the first connector 120 to flow to the path that does not include the internal line resistor R3 but includes the load R6.

[0093] Accordingly, in the first operation mode, the mains electricity flows in the path including the first external line resistor R4, the first contact resistor R1, the first relay 111, the load R6, the second relay 112, the second contact resistor R2 and the second external line resistor R5.

[0094] The controller 150 determines the operation mode of the charger for electric vehicles based on predetermined conditions.

[0095] The charger for electric vehicles operates in the first operation mode normally, and operates in the second operation mode at the time of occurrence of a predetermined event.

[0096] The time of occurrence of the event may be one of the time of detecting that a device is connected to the second connector 130, the time when a predetermined time period has elapsed, and the time when a chargeable time has been elapsed depending on a predetermined charging condition.

[0097] Upon detecting that a device is connected to the second connector 130, the controller 150 checks the condition of the internal line before supplying charge power to the device, and supplies the charge power based on the result of the checking.

[0098] In addition, the controller 150 controls the charger such that it operates in the second operation mode at every predetermined period.

[0099] In addition, if it is determined that the condition of the internal line is the second state and accordingly chargeable time is set, the controller 150 controls the charger so that it operates in the second operation mode at the time when the set chargeable time has been elapsed.

[0100] In this manner, the line voltage and current across the line resistor in the charger are detected and the charging operation is controlled based on the detected line voltage and current, such that a fault in a line or whether the plug is correctly inserted into the wall outlet can be immediately determined before the actual temperature inside the charger is increased.

[0101] In addition, as the device to be charged is connected, the charge current is supplied to a path that does not include the device but includes internal line resistor, such that the line voltage and current are detected according to the supplied charge current. By doing so, a fault in a line from the mains electricity as well as a fault in an internal line in the charger can be detected, thereby improving the reliability.

[0102] FIGS. 7 to 9 are flowcharts for illustrating steps of a method for operating a charger for electric vehicles according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0103] Hereinafter, the method for operating a charger for electric vehicles will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9.

[0104] Referring to FIG. 7, the controller 150 determines whether there occurs a condition for testing the charger for electric vehicles (step S101). The testing refers to a test for the condition of internal line in the charger for electric vehicles.

[0105] Specifically, the controller 150 determines whether there has occurred at least one event for the charger to operate in the second operation mode.

[0106] For example, the controller 150 determines whether a device is connected to the second connector 130, whether a predetermined period has elapsed that is previously set when the charger was operating in the second operation mode, or whether a chargeable time has elapsed according to the condition of the internal line previously determined.

[0107] If it is determined that there has occurred a test condition for the charger, the controller 150 turns on the switch 113 and accordingly turns off the first relay 111 and the second relay 112 (step S102).

[0108] As the switch 113 is turned on, mains electricity supplied via the first connector 120 flows to the path including the internal line resistor R3, not to the device to be charged which is connected to the second connector 130.

[0109] Then, the controller 150 detects current, voltage of the internal line according to the power flowing in the power path determined by turning on the switch 113 and resistance of the overall lines, and determines the condition of the internal line by using the detected resistance (step S103).

[0110] The controller 150 determines whether the first connector 120 is inserted into the wall outlet incorrectly, or whether there is a fault in the internal line in the mains electricity power source AC.

[0111] In the related art, the condition of the internal line refers to only the condition of the internal line in the charger. According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, however, it is to be noted that condition of the internal line not only refers to the condition of the internal line in the charger but also refers to the condition of the internal line in the mains electricity power source AC, i.e., the condition of an external line of the charger.

[0112] In addition, the controller 150 sets the charge condition of the device to be charged which is connected to the second connector 130 depending on the determination result on the condition of the internal line.

[0113] The charging condition may include normal charging, interrupting charging and conditional charging.

[0114] Then, the controller 150 determines whether the set charge condition is normal charging or conditional charging (step S104).

[0115] In other words, the controller 150 determines whether the condition of the internal line is appropriate for supplying the charge power to the device to be charged which is connected to the second connector 130.

[0116] If so, the controller 150 turns off the switch 113 and turns on the first relay 111 and the second relay 123 (step S105).

[0117] That is, the controller 150 turns off the switch 113 and accordingly turns on the first relay 111 and the second relay 112, such that the charger for electric vehicles operates in the first operation mode and accordingly the charge power is supplied to the device to be charged which is connected to the second connector 130.

[0118] If not, the controller 150 keeps the first relay 111 and the second relay 112 in the off-state (step S106).

[0119] The controller 150 may keep the switch 113 in the on-state or turn it off, and may check again the condition of the internal line if the switch 113 is turned on.

[0120] In addition, if the switch 113 is turned off, the controller 150 may turn on the switch 113 at every period, and may check again the condition of the internal line depending on turned-on switch 113.

[0121] Hereinafter, the processes of setting charging conditions of the device to be charged will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 8.

[0122] Initially, the controller 150 measures the line voltage in the internal line resistor R3 as the charger for electric vehicles operates in the second operation mode (step S201).

[0123] That is, a voltage sensor may be disposed at an end of the internal line resistor R3, and accordingly the controller 150 may receive a voltage value sensed by the voltage sensor.

[0124] In addition, the controller 150 measures a line current flowing through the internal line resistor R3 (step S202).

[0125] That is, a current sensor may be disposed at an end of the internal line resistor R3, and accordingly the controller 150 may receive a current value sensed by the current sensor.

[0126] Then, the controller 150 uses the measured line voltage value and line current value to calculate the resistance value of the overall line of the path including the line resistor R3 (step S203) The resistance value of the overall line is determined by the condition of the internal line of the charger for electric vehicles and the condition of the line of the mains electricity power source AC.

[0127] The resistance value of the overall line has a reference value when the condition of the internal line is normal, and increases as a fault occurs in the condition of the internal line.

[0128] Preferably, the resistance value of the overall line has a first value when the condition of the internal line of the charger for electric vehicles is normal, the first connector 120 is correctly inserted into a wall outlet, and the condition of the internal line of the mains electricity power source AC is normal.

[0129] In addition, the resistance value of the overall line increases as a fault occurs in at least one of the condition of the internal line of the charger for electric vehicles, the connection between the first connector 120 and the wall outlet, and the condition of the internal line of the mains electricity power source AC.

[0130] The resistance value of the overall line increases more as a fault occurring in at least one of the condition of the internal line of the charger for electric vehicles, the connection between the first connector 120 and the wall outlet, and the condition of the internal line of the mains electricity power source AC becomes more serious.

[0131] Accordingly, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the resistance value of the overall line has a first reference value indicating normal state, and a second reference value indicating an abnormal condition but allows the charger to operate for a limited period of time.

[0132] The first and second reference values may be determined by the value of the internal line resistor R3 of the charger, the first contact resistor R1 and the second contact resistor R2.

[0133] The controller 150 determines whether the determined resistance value of the overall line is below the predetermined first reference value A (step S204).

[0134] That is, the controller 150 determines whether the condition of the internal line is a first state (normal state) depending on the determined resistance value of the overall line.

[0135] In other words, the controller 150 determines whether all of the condition of the internal line of the charger for electric vehicles, the connection between the first connector 120 and the wall outlet, and the condition of the internal line of the mains electricity power source AC.

[0136] If it is determined that the resistance value of the over line is below the predetermined first reference value, the controller 150 determines that the condition of the internal line is the first state (normal state) and accordingly the charge power is normally supplied to the device to be charged which is connected to the second connector 130 (step S205).

[0137] The controller 150 supplies the charge power depending on the charge current and charge time required by the device to be charged.

[0138] In addition, if it is determined that the resistance value of the overall line is larger than the first reference value the controller 150 determines whether the resistance value of the overall line is below the second first reference value B (step S206).

[0139] That is, the controller 150 determines whether the condition of the internal line is a second state (conditionally normal state) depending on the determined resistance value of the overall line.

[0140] In other words, the controller 150 determines whether the condition of the internal line is appropriate for supplying the charge power to the device to be charged which is connected to the second connector 130 for a predetermined period of time although there is a fault in the internal line.

[0141] In addition, the controller 150 sets the charging condition of the device to be charged if the determined resistance value of the overall line is below the second reference value, and allows the device to be charged according to the set charging condition (step S207).

[0142] That is, if it is determined that the resistance value of the overall line is larger than the first reference value and equal to or less than the second reference value, the controller 150 allows the charge power to be supplied to the device to be charged only for the charge time with the predetermined charge current.

[0143] In addition, if the resistance value of the overall line is larger than the second reference value, the controller 150 keeps the first relay 111 and the second relay 112 in the off-state and interrupts the charge power supplied to the device to be charged (step S208).

[0144] Hereinafter, a method for setting the charge conditions will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 9.

[0145] Referring to FIG. 9, the controller 150 checks the chargeable time according to the calculated line resistance value (step S301).

[0146] That is, the controller 150 stores information on operable time of the charger for electric vehicles according to the line resistance value. The stored information contains controller 150 sets the operation mode of the charger to be the second operation mode and may check again the condition of the internal line.

[0147] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the line voltage and current across the line resistor in the charger are detected and the charging operation is controlled based on the detected line voltage and current, such that a fault in a line or whether the plug is correctly inserted into the wall outlet can be immediately determined before the actual temperature inside the charger is increased.

[0148] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, as the device to be charged is connected, the charge current is supplied to a path that does not include the device but includes internal line resistor, such that the line voltage and current is detected according to the supplied charge current. By doing so, a fault in a line from the mains electricity as well as a fault in a internal line in the charger can be detected, thereby improving reliability of the product.

[0149] In addition, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, if a fault occurs in a line or connection between a plug and socket is poor, output current is interrupted or reduced, such that it is possible to remove a factor that causes increase in the temperature before the temperature inside the charge is increased. Accordingly, fire or an accident can be prevented.

[0150] Moreover, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a temperature sensor inside a charger may be eliminated, and thus there is no need to qualify complicated requirements of temperature sensors for different countries. As a result, cost and time can be saved.

[0151] References to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may. Further, a particular feature, structure, effect in an embodiment may be practiced in other embodiments by combining or modifying them by those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is to be understood that such combinations and modifications also fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0152] Although the exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art would appreciate that various modifications and substitutions may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0153] For example, elements of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention may be modified. Such modifications and substitutions are also construed as falling within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A charger (100) for electric vehicles, the charger comprising: a first connector (120) connected to a socket of a mains electricity power source; a second connector (130) connected to a device to be charged; a charger body (110) disposed between the first connector (120) and the second connector (130) and configured to control a path via which mains electricity supplied from the first connector (120) flows, wherein the charger body (110) comprises: an internal line resistor (R3) disposed in an internal line of the charger between the first connector (120) and the second connector (130), one end of internal line resistor (R3) being connected to the first connector (120) and to a second relay (112), the other end of the internal line resistor (R3) being connected to a switch (113); wherein the switch (113) has one end of the switch being connected to the first connector (120) and the other end of the switch being connected to one end of the internal line resistor (R3); wherein the second relay (112) and a first relay (111) have one end being connected to the first connector (120) and the switch (113) and the other end being connected to the second connector (130); and a controller (150) controlling operation of the switch (113) and the relays (111 and 112), characterized in that the controller is arranged to control operation of the switch (113) and the relays (111, 112) depending on a predetermined operation mode, wherein the predetermined operation mode is a first operation mode in which the mains electricity is supplied to a first path including the device to be charged which is connected to the second connector (130) to thereby supply charge power to the device to be charged, or a second operation mode in which the mains electricity is supplied to a second path including the internal line resistor (R3) to check a condition of the internal line of the charger; wherein the controller (150), in the second operation mode, is arranged to detect a line voltage and a line current flowing through the internal line resistor (R3) to detect overall line resistance based on the detected line voltage and line current, and to determine the condition of the internal line depending on the detected overall line resistance, wherein the overall line resistance includes resistance of contact resistors (R1 and R2) disposed in the first connector (120) and coming in contact with the socket and a resistance of the internal line resistor (R3).

2. The charger of claim 1, wherein the controller (150) is arranged to determine the operation mode to be the second operation mode if a predetermined event happens, wherein the event comprises at least one of: a first event of detecting that the device to be charged is connected to the second connector (130), a second event that a predetermined period of time has elapsed, and a third event that a chargeable time according to a predetermined charge condition has elapsed.

3. The charger of claim 1 or 2, further comprising: mains electricity line resistors (R4 and R5) disposed on an internal line of the mains electricity power source; wherein the overall line resistance is determined by the mains electricity line resistors (R4 and R5), the contact resistors (R1 and R2) and the internal line resistor (R3).

4. The charger of claim 1 or 2, wherein the controller (150) is arranged to allow the charge power to be supplied according to a charge condition required by the device to be charged if the overall line resistance is equal to or less than a first reference value, and to set a charge condition for charging the device to be charged if the overall line resistance is larger than the first reference value.

5. The charger of claim 1 or 2, wherein the controller (150) is arranged to determine whether the overall line resistance is equal to or less than a second reference value and if the overall line resistance is larger than the first reference value, to set a charge condition for supplying the charge power to the device to be charged according to the overall line resistance if the overall line resistance is equal to or less the second reference value, and to interrupt supplying the charge power to the device to be charged.

6. The charger of claim 5, wherein the controller (150) is arranged to set a chargeable time for which the charge power is allowed to be supplied to the device to be charged which is connected to the second connector (130), and to allow the charge power to be supplied during the chargeable time if the overall line resistance is larger than the first reference value and equal to or less than the second reference value, wherein the chargeable time increases as the overall line resistance is closer to the first reference value while the chargeable time decreases as the overall line resistance is closer to the second reference value; and wherein the controller (150) is arranged to check a charge current required by the device to be charged, and to adjust the set chargeable time according to the checked charge current, and wherein the chargeable time decreases as the checked charge current increases.

7. The charger of claim 1, wherein the controller (150) is arranged to turn on the relays (111 and 112) and turn off the switch (113) in the first operation mode, and to turn off the relays (111 and 112) and turn on the switch (113) in the second operation mode.

8. The charger of claim 3, wherein the condition of the internal line is determined by a condition of the internal line of the charger, a condition of the internal line of the mains electricity power source, and a connection between the first connector (120) and the socket.