Vehicle charging device

Abstract

An embodiment of the present invention includes a vehicle charging device, which comprises a receiving coil positioned opposite the wireless charging coil of an EVSE, a power supply unit that converts the power received from the receiving coil, a communication unit that communicates with the EVSE and the vehicle's EVCC, a control unit that controls charging according to the information received by the communication unit, and a charging gun that is inserted into the vehicle's inlet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle charging device.

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] [[ID=!15]] Various regulations are actively formulated for the interaction between electric vehicles and EVSE. Regulations regarding electric vehicle charging can be broadly classified into charging systems, charging interfaces, communication protocols, etc.

[0004] However, since different regulations are adopted by country or automobile company, charging devices, battery packs, battery management systems (BMS), etc. for electric vehicles must be developed and designed according to regulations.

[0005] Vehicles without a wireless charging receiver have a problem that they cannot be charged through a wireless charging station. Also, there is a limit that vehicle charging becomes impossible when there are many users of a wired charging station or the wired charging station fails.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a vehicle charging device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To solve the aforementioned technical problems, an embodiment of the present invention provides a vehicle charging device that includes a receiving coil positioned opposite the wireless charging coil of an EVSE, a power supply unit that converts the power received from the receiving coil, a communication unit that communicates with the EVSE and the vehicle's EVCC, a control unit that controls charging according to the information received by the communication unit, and a charging gun that is inserted into the vehicle's inlet.

[0008] The power supply unit may include an inverter unit that converts the AC power received by the receiving coil into DC power, and a booster unit that increases the voltage of the DC power converted by the inverter.

[0009] The power supply unit, the communication unit, and the control unit are formed in a box shape, and the receiving coil and the charging gun can each be connected to the box via cables.

[0010] The control unit can determine whether to start charging by considering whether the receiving coil and the wireless charging coil of the EVSE are connected, and whether the inlet of the charging gun is connected.

[0011] The communication unit can communicate with the receiving coil using PWM.

[0012] The receiving coil may include a battery that is charged with power for the operation of the vehicle charging device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to this embodiment, a vehicle can be charged at a wireless charging station even if it is not equipped with a wireless charging receiver.

[0014] Furthermore, by including a coil pad capable of wireless vehicle charging, the vehicle charging device can be simplified and miniaturized. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1]It is a diagram illustrating a vehicle charging system.

[0016] [Figure 2] It is a diagram illustrating a vehicle charging device according to this embodiment.

[0017] [Figure 3] It is a block diagram of a vehicle charging device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] [Figure 4] It is a block diagram of a vehicle charging device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] [Figure 5] It is a block diagram of a vehicle charging device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] 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 and used.

[0022] In addition, the terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in this embodiment are interpreted as having a meaning generally understood by those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which this embodiment belongs, unless clearly specifically defined and described. Terms generally used together with terms defined in the dictionary can be interpreted in consideration of the meaning in the context of the related technology.

[0023] Also, the terms used in this embodiment are for explaining the embodiment and do not limit the present invention.

[0024] In this specification, the singular form includes the plural form unless otherwise specified in the text, and when it says "A and / or at least one of B, C," it may include one or more of all possible combinations of A, B, and C.

[0025] Furthermore, when describing the components of this embodiment, 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.

[0026] 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 directly “linked,” “joined,” or “connected” to that other component, but also cases where it is “linked,” “joined,” or “connected” by yet another component between that component and that other component.

[0027] Furthermore, when it is stated that a component is 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," it can include not only an upward direction but also a downward direction relative to one component.

[0028] Figure 1 illustrates a vehicle charging system. The vehicle charging system, including an electric vehicle, may include a vehicle 10 and an EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) 200. Vehicle 10 is an electric vehicle (EV) and can be charged from the EVSE 200. A charging cable connected to the EVSE 200 to receive charging power from the EVSE 200 can be connected to the inlet of vehicle 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. The EVSE200 is not limited by location and can also be implemented to be portable. In this specification, the EVSE200 can be used in combination with charging stations (supply), AC charging stations (AC supply), DC charging stations (DC supply), socket-outlets, etc. The EVCC (Electric Vehicle Communication Controller) is a component included in the vehicle 10 and can be connected to the ECU (Electronic Control Unit) within the vehicle 10. The EVCC can control charging signals and charging power within the vehicle.

[0030] The charging gun 210 is carried by the user, and when the charging connector of the charging gun 210 is connected to the inlet 21 provided in the vehicle 10, power supplied from the EVSE 200 is supplied to the vehicle 10 through the charging cable and the charging gun 210 to charge the vehicle 10's battery.

[0031] The charging port 20 is formed on the outer surface of the vehicle 10 and may include an inlet 21. The inlet 21 may be a socket to which the charging connector of the charging gun 210 is connected. The charging port 20 may include a cover that is opened and closed depending on whether charging is required or not. The inlet 21 may include a plurality of charging pins.

[0032] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating a vehicle charging device according to this embodiment, and Figures 3 to 5 are block diagrams of vehicle charging devices according to other embodiments of the present invention.

[0033] The vehicle charging device 100 according to this embodiment may include a receiving coil 110, a power supply unit 120, a communication unit 150, a control unit 140, and a charging gun 130.

[0034] The receiving coil 110 can be positioned opposite the wireless charging coil of the EVSE200. The wireless charging coil of the EVSE200 can be positioned adjacent to the EVSE200 in an area where a vehicle is parked for charging. The receiving coil 110 can be formed in a coil pattern on a pad. The receiving coil 110 can be formed in a shape corresponding to the wireless charging coil of the EVSE200.

[0035] The power supply unit 120 can convert the power received from the receiving coil 110. The power supply unit 120 can convert the power received from the receiving coil 110 into power suitable for vehicle charging. The power supply unit 120 may include an inverter unit 121 and a booster unit 122. The inverter unit 121 can convert the AC power received by the receiving coil 110 into DC power. The booster unit 122 can boost the voltage of the DC power converted by the inverter unit 121. The power supply unit 120 can convert the power received by the receiving coil 110 to suit various vehicle types and charging modes under the control of the control unit 140.

[0036] The communication unit 150 can communicate with the EVSE 200 and the EVCC (Electric Vehicle Communication Controller) of the vehicle 10. The EVCC is an integrated component of the vehicle 10 and can be connected to the ECU (Electronic Control Unit) within the vehicle 10. The EVCC can perform in-vehicle charging signals and charging power control. The communication unit 150 can communicate with the BMS (Battery Management System) of the vehicle 10. The EVCC can be connected to the BMS via wired or wireless connection. The communication unit 150 can communicate with the receiving coil 110 via PWM.

[0037] The control unit 140 can collect various information regarding the charge state (State of Charge, SoC) of the battery located in the vehicle 10 via the communication unit 150. The communication unit 150 can communicate with the receiving coil 110 using PWM. This allows monitoring of the power transmitted and received by the receiving coil 110, the charging speed, and whether or not it is operating normally.

[0038] The control unit 140 can control the power supply unit 120 to convert the power received from the receiving coil 110 to suit various vehicle types and charging modes. The control unit 140 can decide to start charging by considering whether the receiving coil 110 and the EVSE 200 wireless charging coil are connected and whether the charging gun 130 inlet 20 is connected. The control unit 140 can control vehicle charging by receiving user control through the user terminal.

[0039] The charging gun 130 can be inserted into the inlet of the vehicle 10. The charging gun 130 can be connected to the power supply unit 120 via a cable. When the user carries the charging gun 130 by hand and charges the charging connector of the charging gun 130 into the inlet 21 provided in the vehicle 10, power supplied from the EVSE 200 is supplied to the vehicle 10 through the charging cable and the charging gun 130 to charge the battery of the vehicle 10.

[0040] The vehicle charging device 100 has a power supply unit 120, a communication unit 150, and a control unit 140, all of which are formed in a box shape. The receiving coil 110 and the charging gun 130 can each be connected to the box via cables. The box-shaped body can be waterproof for use in outdoor environments.

[0041] When not in use, the receiving coil 110 and charging gun 130, which are connected to the cable, can be stored by winding the cable inside the box. Alternatively, when in use, the receiving coil 110 and charging gun 130 can be pulled out of the box and the cable extended for use. This makes the vehicle charging device 100 easily portable and enhances its ease of use.

[0042] The vehicle charging device 100 may include a battery that is charged to provide power for the operation of the vehicle charging device 100. The battery can supply power for operation to the power supply unit 120, communication unit 150, and control unit 140 included in the vehicle charging device 100. The battery can be charged from the receiving coil 110. The battery can supply power for vehicle charging. Power received from the EVSE 200 through the receiving coil 110 can be used to charge the vehicle, and power charged in the battery can also be used to charge the vehicle. This has the effect of charging the vehicle with two power lines, allowing for rapid charging.

[0043] According to this embodiment, a vehicle can be charged at a wireless charging station even if it does not have a wireless charging receiver installed. Furthermore, by including a coil pad capable of wireless vehicle charging, the vehicle charging device can be simplified and miniaturized.

[0044] Those with ordinary skill in the art related to this embodiment should understand that it can 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 the same scope should be interpreted as being included in the invention.

Claims

1. The receiving coil is positioned opposite the EVSE wireless charging coil, A power supply unit that converts the power received from the receiving coil, A communication unit that communicates with the EVSE and the vehicle's EVCC, A control unit that controls charging in accordance with information received by the communication unit, A vehicle charging device, comprising a charging gun inserted into the inlet of the aforementioned vehicle.

2. The vehicle charging device according to claim 1, wherein the power supply unit includes an inverter unit that converts AC power received by the receiving coil into DC power and a booster unit that increases the voltage of the DC power converted by the inverter unit.

3. The power supply unit, the communication unit, and the control unit are formed in a box shape. The vehicle charging device according to claim 1, wherein the receiving coil and the charging gun are each connected to the box via a cable.

4. The vehicle charging device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines the start of charging considering whether or not the receiving coil and the wireless charging coil of the EVSE are connected, and whether or not the inlet of the charging gun is connected.

5. The vehicle charging device according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit communicates with the receiving coil using PWM.

6. The vehicle charging device according to claim 1, further comprising a battery from which power for the operation of the vehicle charging device is charged from the receiving coil.

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