EVCC device

Abstract

An EVCC device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a load switch unit that receives a CP (Control Pilot) signal from an EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment), a first detection unit connected to the load switch unit that performs a first conversion operation of the CP signal to a first signal, a second detection unit connected to the first detection unit that performs a second conversion operation of the first signal to a second signal, and an MCU that detects the first and second signals.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an EVCC device, and more specifically, to an EVCC device capable of stably detecting a PWM voltage.

Background Art

[0002] Environment-friendly vehicles such as electric vehicles (EVs) or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) use electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) installed at charging stations for battery charging.

[0003] Therefore, an electric vehicle charging controller (EVCC) is installed in an EV, communicates with the EV and the EVSE, and controls the charging of the electric vehicle. For example, when the EVCC receives a signal instructing the start of charging from the electric vehicle, it can control to start charging, and when it receives a signal instructing the end of charging from the electric vehicle, it can control to end charging.

[0004] The charging method of an electric vehicle can be classified into rapid charging and slow charging according to the charging time. In the case of rapid charging, the battery is charged by the direct current supplied from the charger, and in the case of slow charging, the battery is charged by the alternating current supplied to the charger. Therefore, the charger used for rapid charging is called a rapid charger or a direct current charger, and the charger used for slow charging is called a slow charger or an alternating current charger.

[0005] Because electric vehicle charging systems use high-voltage electricity for charging, there is a possibility of safety issues such as electric shock and system failures due to reverse current. Therefore, electric vehicle charging systems incorporate various structures to enhance system safety by controlling the charging process through various sequences to prevent these and other potential problems.

[0006] However, current electric vehicle charging systems cannot detect or prevent all the various problems that can occur during the battery charging process, so solutions are needed to address this. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide an EVCC device that can stably detect PWM voltage. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the aforementioned technical problems, an EVCC device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a load switch unit to which a CP (Control Pilot) signal is input from an EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment), a first detection unit connected to the load switch unit and performing a first conversion operation of the CP signal to a first signal, a second detection unit connected to the first detection unit and performing a second conversion operation of the first signal to a second signal, and an MCU for detecting the first and second signals.

[0009] The MCU can detect a change in the state of the CP signal through the first signal, and the MCU can detect the maximum voltage value of the CP signal through the second signal.

[0010] The first signal may have a faster response speed to changes in the state of the CP signal than the second signal.

[0011] The amplitude of the first signal may be greater than the amplitude of the second signal.

[0012] The first detection unit includes a first capacitor, and the second detection unit includes a second capacitor, and the capacitance of the first capacitor may be greater than the capacitance of the second capacitor.

[0013] Each of the load switch sections includes two resistors having different values ​​and connected in parallel, and one of the two resistors may include a switch connected in series.

[0014] The first detection unit includes a first node connected to the MCU, the second detection unit includes a second node connected to the MCU, and the first detection unit may include a buffer connected to the load switch unit, a resistor connected to ground and a first capacitor between the output terminal of the buffer and the first node.

[0015] The second detection unit may include a diode and a resistor connected in series with the first node, and a second capacitor connected between the second node and the ground. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to this embodiment, stability can be enhanced by monitoring the CP signal in two stages.

[0017] Furthermore, by detecting changes in the CP signal state within the falling time, user safety can be ensured. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing a vehicle charging system. [Figure 2] This diagram shows a vehicle charging circuit as defined in standard DIN70121. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram of the EVCC device according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a circuit diagram of the EVCC device according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] Circuit diagram of an EVCC device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] Illustration of signals detected in the circuit diagram of the EVCC device according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] Illustration of signals detected in the circuit diagram of the EVCC device according to this embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing the CP signal input to the EVCC device according to this embodiment and the signals of each detection unit.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0020] However, the technical idea of the present invention is not limited to the partial embodiments described, and can be realized in various different forms. Within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention, one or more of the components between the embodiments can be selectively combined or replaced for use.

[0021] Also, the terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the embodiments of the present invention are to be interpreted as having a meaning generally understood by those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains, unless clearly defined and described otherwise, and terms generally used together with terms defined in a dictionary can be interpreted in consideration of their meaning in the context of the related art.

[0022] Also, the terms used in the embodiments of the present invention are for explaining the embodiments and do not limit the present invention.

[0023] In this specification, the singular form includes the plural form unless otherwise specifically mentioned in the text, and when it is described as "at least one (or one or more) of A and (and) B, C", it can include one or more of all combinations that can be combined with A, B, and C.

[0024] Furthermore, when describing the components of the embodiments of the present invention, terms such as 1st, 2nd, A, B, (a), (b), etc., can be used. Such terms are used solely to distinguish a component from other components and do not limit the essence, order, or sequence of the component in question.

[0025] Furthermore, when it is stated that one component is “linked,” “joined,” or “connected” to another component, this includes not only cases where that component is “linked,” “joined,” or “connected” to that other component directly, but also cases where it is “linked,” “joined,” or “connected” to another component that lies between that component and that other component.

[0026] Furthermore, when described as being formed or positioned "above" or "below" each component, "above" or "below" includes not only cases where two components are in direct contact with each other, but also cases where one or more other components are formed or positioned between the two components. Also, when expressed as "above" or "below," the meaning can include not only the upward direction but also the downward direction relative to one component.

[0027] Figure 1 shows a vehicle charging system; Figure 2 shows a vehicle charging circuit as defined in standard DIN70121; Figure 3 is a block diagram of the EVCC device according to this embodiment; Figure 4 is a circuit diagram of the EVCC device according to this embodiment; Figure 5 is a circuit diagram of the EVCC device according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figures 6 and 7 are examples of signals detected in the circuit diagram of the EVCC device according to this embodiment; and Figure 8 shows the CP signal and the signals of each detection unit input to the EVCC device according to this embodiment.

[0028] The vehicle charging system according to this embodiment can mean a system for charging the battery of an electric vehicle that operates using electrical energy as its power source. Referring to Figure 1, the vehicle charging system according to this embodiment of the present invention may include an Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) 200 and an Electric Vehicle (EV) 10.

[0029] The EVSE200 is a device that supplies AC or DC power and can be installed in a charging station or in a home, and can also be implemented in a portable form. The EVSE200 can be used in combination with charging stations (supply), AC charging stations (AC supply), DC charging stations (DC supply), etc. The EVSE200 can receive AC or DC power from the main power source. The main power source can include power grids, etc. The EVSE200 can transform or convert the AC or DC power supplied from the main power source and supply it to the electric vehicle 10.

[0030] An electric vehicle 10 means an automobile that operates by being supplied with all or part of its energy from an onboard battery. An electric vehicle 10 can include not only electric vehicles that run solely on the electric energy stored in the battery, but also plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) that run in parallel with an engine that uses fossil fuels. The battery in the electric vehicle 10 can be charged by being powered by the EVSE200.

[0031] The EVSE200 may include a charging control device for sending and receiving various control signals necessary for charging the battery of the electric vehicle 10 and for controlling the battery charging process. The charging control device can send and receive control signals with the electric vehicle 10 and perform the battery charging process. The control signals may include information such as charging preparation, charging completion, and proximity detection. The charging control device may include a communication device for communicating with the electric vehicle 10. The communication device can communicate with the electric vehicle 10 using power line communication (PLC), a controller area network (CAN), etc. The communication device may be included in the charging control device or configured separately.

[0032] The cable, connector 210, and inlet 20 electrically connect the EVSE 200 to the electric vehicle. The cable transmits power and signals between the EVSE 200 and the electric vehicle 10. The cable may include power lines for transmitting power, signal lines for transmitting control signals related to charging, and grounding lines for connecting to the ground. The cable is connected to the EVSE 200. According to one embodiment, the EVSE 200 and the cable can be directly connected without a separate connection configuration. According to another embodiment, the EVSE 200 and the cable can be connected through a connection between a socket-outlet provided on the EVSE 200 and a plug provided on the cable.

[0033] Connector 210 is connected to a cable, and inlet 20 can be provided on the electric vehicle 10. Connector 210 and inlet 20 together can be called a coupler. Connector 210 and inlet 20 are designed to be connectable to each other, and the electric vehicle 10 and EVSE200 can be electrically connected through the connection of connector 210 and inlet 20. Inlet 20 and connector 210 can be connected not only directly but also via an adapter. An adapter can be used when the charging standards between the EVSE200 standard and the electric vehicle 10 are different, and the connector 210 and inlet 20 cannot be connected directly. For example, an adapter may be used to connect the connector 210 of the EVSE200 according to the CHAdeMO standard specification to the inlet 20 of the electric vehicle 10 according to the chaoji standard specification.

[0034] The connector 210 and the inlet 20 may have multiple pins that connect them to each other. For example, one of the multiple pins may be a CP port pin through which a CP (Control Pilot) signal is transmitted between the EVSE 200 and the EVCC 100, another may be a PD (Proximity Detection) port pin that senses the proximity between the connector 210 and the inlet 20, and yet another may be a Protective Earth (PE) port pin connected to the protective earth of the EVSE 200. Another of the multiple pins may be a pin for driving a motor to open the oil filler flap, another for sensing the motor, another for temperature sensing, another for LED sensing, and yet another for CAN communication. One of the multiple pins may be a voltage line pin supplied from a collision detection sensor in the electric vehicle 10, another may be a battery pin that supplies charging power to the electric vehicle 10, and yet another may be a high-voltage protection pin. However, the number and function of the pins are not limited to these and can be varied in various ways.

[0035] The EVCC (Electric Vehicle Communication Controller) 100 can control part or all of the battery charging process of the electric vehicle 10. The EVCC 100 can communicate with the EVSE 200. The EVCC 100 can send and receive control commands related to the battery charging process from the EVSE 200. The EVCC 100 can communicate with the charging control device provided in the EVSE 200 and can send and receive control commands related to the battery charging process from the charging control device.

[0036] The EVCC device 100 can communicate with the electric vehicle 10. The EVCC device 100 can receive control commands related to the battery charging process from the electric vehicle 10. The EVCC device 100 can communicate with the battery management system of the electric vehicle 10 and can receive control commands related to the battery charging process from the battery management system. The EVCC device 100 can communicate with the integrated power control unit of the electric vehicle 10 and can receive control commands related to the battery charging process from the integrated power control unit. The EVCC device 100 may be equipped with a microcontroller unit (MCU), communication devices, relay devices, etc., to perform the above functions.

[0037] The EVCC device 100 according to this embodiment may include a load switch unit 110, a first detection unit 120, a second detection unit 130, and an MCU 140.

[0038] The EVSE200 generates a Control Pilot (CP) signal. The CP signal can be either DC or pulse width modulation (PWM). The CP signal can transmit information about the charging status to the EVCC device 100 using the amplitude of a PWM at a specific frequency. The specifications of the CP signal are determined by the IEC61851-1 standard, and it may be, for example, a ±12V, 1kHz PWM signal. The CP signal can be generated in forms such as 12V DC (connector fastening), 9V DC (standby time, reservation time), 9V PWM (charging start), and 6V PWM (charging in progress).

[0039] The EVCC device 100 may include a load switch unit 110 to which a CP signal is input from the EVSE 200.

[0040] The load switch section 110 can be connected to the input terminal (P) of the EVCC device 100. A diode (D1) and a capacitor (Cv) can be included between the load switch section 110 and the input terminal (P) to prevent reverse voltage of the CP signal. The load switch section 110 can include two resistors (R2, R3) having different values ​​and connected in parallel. One of the two resistors (R2, R3) can include a switch (S2) connected in series. One of the two resistors can have a higher resistance value than the other. For example, one of the two resistors (R2) can be 2740Ω and the other (R3) can be 1300Ω or 270Ω. The switch (S2) can be connected in series to the resistor (R3) having the smaller value of the two resistors.

[0041] In the initial state of the charging process, the CP signal is set to DC 12V, notifying the EVCC device 100 that the EVSE200 is ready to charge (State A). When the EVSE200 and the EVCC device 100 are connected, the CP signal is changed to a 9V PWM signal by the resistor (R1) of the EVSE200 and the resistor (R2) of the EVCC device 100 (State B), at which point the switch (S3) connected to the resistor (R3) is in the off state. When the MCU 140 of the EVCC device 100 confirms that the electric vehicle 10 is ready to charge, it changes the switch (S3) connected to the resistor (R3) to the on state, changing the magnitude of the CP signal to a 6V PWM signal (State C). Subsequently, if the power to the EVSE200 is lost or an error occurs in the EVSE200 or the EVSE200, the CP signal can be changed to 0V (State E).

[0042] The EVCC device 100 may include a first detection unit 120 and a second detection unit 130 for detecting the CP signal.

[0043] The first detection unit 120 is connected to the load switch unit 110 and can perform a first conversion operation of the CP signal to a first signal. The first detection unit 120 can convert the CP signal to a voltage range that the MCU 140 can sense. For example, the PWM voltage range of the CP signal generated by the EVSE 200 may be a ±12V, 1kHz PWM signal, and the first detection unit 120 can convert the PWM voltage range of the CP signal to a 0V to 5V, 1kHz PWM signal.

[0044] The first detection unit 120 may include a buffer connected to the output terminal (Vb) of the load switch unit 110. The buffer can block noise generated when the CP signal from the EVSE 200 is input to the EVCC device 100 through the inlet and cable, and can suppress delays in the rise / fall time of the PWM waveform of the CP signal. The output terminal of the buffer may include a diode (D2) to prevent reverse voltage of the CP signal.

[0045] The output terminal of the buffer may include a first capacitor (C1) and an eighth resistor (R8), each connected to ground. The first detection unit 120 may include a first node connected to the MCU 140. The first node may include a first capacitor (C1) and an eighth resistor (R8), each connected to ground. By adjusting the values ​​of the first capacitor (C1) and the eighth resistor (R8), the CP signal can be converted to a first signal. The first capacitor (C1) can satisfy a range of 450nF to 500nF, and is preferably 470nF. The eighth resistor (R8) can satisfy a range of 10kΩ to 20kΩ, and is preferably 15kΩ.

[0046] The second detection unit 130 is connected to the first detection unit 120 and can perform a second conversion operation of the first signal to the second signal. The second detection unit 130 can perform a second conversion operation of the first signal to the second signal, which is a stabilized signal. For example, the first signal may be a CP signal with a PWM voltage range of 0V to 5V and a frequency of 1kHz, and the second signal may satisfy an amplitude range of 0.001V to 0.005V for the PWM signal of the CP signal. This is merely an example and is not limited thereto.

[0047] The second detection unit 130 may include a diode (D3) to prevent reverse voltage of the CP signal. The second detection unit 130 may include a ninth resistor (R9) connected in series with the diode (D3) and a second capacitor (C2) connected to ground. The second detection unit 130 may include a second node connected to the MCU 140. The second node may include a ninth resistor (R9) and a second capacitor (C2) connected to ground. By adjusting the values ​​of the second capacitor (C2) and the ninth resistor (R9), the first signal can be converted to a second signal. The second capacitor (C2) can satisfy a range of 0.5nF to 2nF, preferably 1nF. The ninth resistor (R9) can satisfy a range of 95kΩ to 110kΩ, preferably 100kΩ. The capacitance of the second capacitor (C2) may be smaller than the capacitance of the first capacitor (C1). The value of the ninth resistor (R9) may be larger than the value of the eighth resistor (R8).

[0048] Referring to Figure 5, which shows an EVCC device 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention, the second detection unit 130 can be configured in the same form as the first detection unit 120. In this case, the values ​​of the second capacitor (C2) and the 13th resistor (R13) included in the second detection unit 130 may differ from the values ​​of the second detection unit 130 shown in Figure 4. The second capacitor (C2) can satisfy a range of 0.5uF to 2uF, and preferably 1uF. The 13th resistor (R13) can satisfy a range of 0.5MΩ to 1.5MΩ, and preferably 1MΩ. The second detection unit 130 shown in Figure 4 differs from the second detection unit 130 shown in Figure 5 in that the expensive buffer can be replaced with a diode.

[0049] The MCU140 is connected to the first detection unit 120 and the second detection unit 130 and can detect the first and second signals. The MCU140 can detect the voltage strength of the PWM-formatted CP signal. The MCU140 can detect the signal level information of the CP signal. The MCU140 can detect the duty cycle of the PWM-formatted CP signal. The MCU140 can monitor the CP signal generated from the EVSE200 and control part or all of the battery charging process.

[0050] The MCU140 can detect changes in the state of the CP signal through a first signal. The MCU140 can sense the maximum voltage value of the CP signal through a second signal. The first signal may have a faster response speed to changes in the state of the CP signal than the second signal. The amplitude of the first signal may be greater than the amplitude of the second signal. The second signal may be a stabilized version of the first signal.

[0051] When an error occurs in the EVSE200 while charging the electric vehicle 10, the CP signal drops to 0V. The CP signal will drop from the charging voltage of 9V or 6V to 0V over time, and this must be detected by the EVCC device 100 within a certain time. Referring to Figure 6(b), the time it takes for the CP signal generated in the EVSE200 to drop from 9V to 0V after an error occurs (falling time) may be 50ms. Referring to Figure 7(b), the time it takes for the CP signal generated in the EVSE200 to drop from 6V to 0V after an error occurs (falling time) may be 60ms. At this time, the EVCC device 100 must detect the change in the state of the CP signal within 100ms.

[0052] Therefore, the first signal of the EVCC device 100 is set to have a fast response speed to the CP signal, enabling rapid detection of changes in the state of the CP signal. On the other hand, since the converted first signal does not have constant maximum and minimum voltages, it is converted into a stabilized second signal.

[0053] Referring to Figure 6(a), it can be confirmed that the first signal (X), converted from a ±9V, 1kHz PWM CP signal generated by the EVSE200, oscillates with a maximum voltage of 2.2V and a minimum voltage of 1.92V with a period of 1mSecs, and the second signal (Y) oscillates with a period of 1mSecs and an amplitude of approximately 0.01V, approaching 2.1V. Referring to Figure 7(a), it can be confirmed that the first signal (X), converted from a ±6V, 1kHz PWM CP signal generated by the EVSE200, oscillates with a period of 1mSecs, a maximum voltage of 1.44V and a minimum voltage of 1.245V, and the second signal (Y) oscillates with a period of 1mSecs and an amplitude of approximately 0.01V, approaching 1.36V.

[0054] Referring to Figure 8, when the CP signal (Vp) generated by the EVSE200 drops from 9V to 2.5V, the first signal (VA) requires the same amount of time to change from 2V to 0V as the state change time of the CP signal (Vp), and the second signal (VB) takes approximately 2 seconds to change from 2V to 0V.

[0055] The EVCC device according to this embodiment can enhance stability by monitoring the CP signal in two stages, and can ensure user safety by detecting changes in the state of the CP signal within the falling time.

[0056] Those with ordinary skill in the art related to this embodiment should understand that it may be realized in modified forms that do not deviate from the essential characteristics described above. Therefore, the disclosed method should be considered in an explanatory rather than restrictive view. The scope of the invention is expressed in the claims and not in the foregoing description, and all differences within an equivalent scope should be interpreted as being included in the invention.

Claims

1. The load switch section receives the CP (Control Pilot) signal from the EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment), A first detection unit is connected to the load switch unit and performs a first conversion operation of the CP signal to a first signal, A second detection unit is connected to the first detection unit and performs a second conversion operation of the first signal to a second signal, An EVCC device including an MCU for detecting the first and second signals.

2. The MCU detects the state change of the CP signal through the first signal, The EVCC apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the MCU detects the maximum voltage value of the CP signal through the second signal.

3. The EVCC apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first signal has a faster response speed to changes in the state of the CP signal than the second signal.

4. The EVCC apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the amplitude of the first signal is greater than the amplitude of the second signal.

5. The first detection unit includes a first capacitor, The second detection unit includes a second capacitor. The EVCC device according to claim 1, wherein the capacitance of the first capacitor is greater than the capacitance of the second capacitor.

6. The EVCC device according to claim 1, wherein the load switch section includes two resistors having different values ​​and connected in parallel, and one of the two resistors includes a switch connected in series.

7. The first detection unit includes a first node connected to the MCU, The second detection unit includes a second node connected to the MCU, The EVCC apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first detection unit includes a buffer connected to the load switch unit, a resistor connected to ground between the output terminal of the buffer and the first node, and a first capacitor.

8. The EVCC apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second detection unit includes a diode and a resistor connected in series with the first node, and a second capacitor connected between the second node and the ground.

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