PnC-based electric vehicle charging control method and apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to a plug-and-charge (PnC) based electric vehicle charging control device and method, wherein multiple PnC contract certificates are stored inside the device, and the user sets a payment priority and payment limit for each contract certificate. Subsequently, in the electric vehicle charging process, payments up to the payment limit are controlled in order of the contract certificate with the highest priority, thereby providing the user with flexible payment methods and charging convenience.

Description

[[Technical Field]]

[0001] The present invention relates to a charging control method and apparatus for an electric vehicle, and more specifically, to a plug-and-charge (PnC)-based charging control method and apparatus for an electric vehicle. [[Background Art]]

[0002] Recently, with the rapid popularization of electric vehicles, problems related to the charging of electric vehicles have attracted attention, and one of these problems is the issue of billing and payment during charging.

[0003] An electric vehicle starts charging after going through a certain approval process. Representative approval methods include the plug-and-charge (PnC) method, in which approval and payment are automatically completed using a contract certificate stored in the vehicle, and the external payment method, in which identification, approval, and payment are performed via a charger using an external identification means such as the vehicle user's credit card or RFID.

[0004] Among these, the plug-and-charge method, which has recently attracted much attention, is an automatic approval method that does not require the user to perform any special operation for charging payment, and automatically identifies the user and approves charging. Specifically, the plug-and-charge method refers to a method in which user authentication and charging are performed when a charging plug is inserted between an electric vehicle and a charging station.

[0005] The ISO 15118 standard specifies authentication based on a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) as the foundation for realizing plug-and-charge methods. According to the PKI system based on the ISO 15118 standard, electric vehicles are equipped with a contract certificate generated based on an MO RootCA cert. issued by an MO RootCA affiliated with a charging service provider (MO). Charging stations are equipped with a charging station certificate (SECC cert.) generated based on a V2G RootCA cert. issued by a V2G RootCA (Vehicle-to-Grid) RootCA.

[0006] In the authentication and payment authorization processes, the charging station receives and verifies the contract certificate chain from the electric vehicle to confirm that the vehicle has a valid charging contract and then proceeds with the payment process.

[0007] However, the traditional PnC (plug and charge) payment method uses only one contract certificate for payment. Therefore, even if a user tries to split the charging charges across more than one account, there is no way to do so, which causes inconvenience to the user.

[0008] For example, if a user has registered a specific credit card as the payment method for one contract certificate, and the amount spent on that credit card is usually high and exceeds the credit limit, then charging via the PnC method will not occur, and it will be necessary to charge using another payment method instead.

[0009] Furthermore, if a user wants to use multiple credit cards for a certain amount and enjoy the benefits of each card, they need to adjust the payment amount for each credit card. However, if the charging charges for electric vehicles, which account for a large portion of daily expenses, are to be paid for with only one credit card corresponding to a single contract certificate, it becomes inconvenient as some of the amount must be paid using the PnC method and the remaining amount paid with a regular credit card.

[0010] Furthermore, with the conventional PnC charging payment method, only the validity of the contract certificate linked to the payment method (credit card, bank account, etc.) is authenticated before charging begins. Once the validity of the contract certificate is authenticated, charging begins without verifying payment ability, and after charging is complete, payment for the charging charges is requested from the payment method (credit card, bank account, etc.) linked to the contract certificate.

[0011] In this case, if the credit limit of the credit card linked to the contract certificate is exceeded, or if there are insufficient funds in the bank account, the actual payment will not be processed. As a result, charging may be completed, but the payment for the charging may not be processed.

[0012] Furthermore, according to the ISO 15118 standard that currently defines PnC charging methods, even if you input the amount of electricity to be charged and try to check whether payment for that amount of electricity is possible before transmitting the charging power, you can only check whether payment is possible or not; you cannot check information about the maximum amount of electricity or money that can be paid.

[0013] Therefore, from the user's perspective, if they receive a notification that payment for a specific amount of electricity is impossible, they have to re-enter the information to check if payment for other amounts of electricity is possible. If they receive another notification that payment is impossible in this case, they have to repeat the cumbersome process of re-entering and checking whether payment for yet another amount of electricity is possible. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0014] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a PnC-based electric vehicle charging control device and method that, when charging an electric vehicle using a PnC charging method, can store multiple contract certificates internally and divide and settle charging charges across multiple contract certificates according to the convenience of the user.

[0015] Another problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a PnC-based electric vehicle charging control device and method that, when charging an electric vehicle using a PnC charging method, can automatically perform charging within the range of a payable amount using a payment means linked to a contract certificate. [Means for solving the problem]

[0016] A preferred embodiment of the present invention for solving the aforementioned problems is a PnC-based electric vehicle charging control method, which is performed by a vehicle charging control device provided inside the electric vehicle and including a memory and processor for storing a plurality of contract certificates and commands, comprising: (a) when the preset settlement mode is a composite settlement mode, the processor loads the contract certificate with the highest priority from among a plurality of pre-stored contract certificates; (b) the processor receives a billing table from a charging station and calculates the charging charge for the target charge amount; (c) currently loaded (d) If the settlement limit of the contract certificate is less than the charge charge, the processor adjusts the target charge amount to the settlement limit; (b) The processor charges the target charge amount using the currently loaded contract certificate and settles the charge charge; and (e) If there is a remaining charge amount that has not been charged from the initial target charge amount entered by the user, and there is a contract certificate that has not yet been used for settlement, the processor loads the next-ranked contract certificate, updates the target charge amount by subtracting the already charged amount from the initial target charge amount, and repeats from step (b) for the updated target charge amount.

[0017] Furthermore, in step (d), if the processor requests payment authorization from the charging station for the charge and the payment authorization fails, the target charge amount can be divided into a plurality of sub-charge amounts, and charging and payment can be performed for each sub-charge amount.

[0018] Furthermore, in step (d), the processor may divide the target charge amount into a plurality of sub-charge amounts in units of a predetermined fixed amount of charge, divide the target charge amount into a plurality of sub-charge amounts in a predetermined ratio, or divide the target charge amount into a plurality of sub-charge amounts in units of charge that can be charged within a predetermined time.

[0019] Furthermore, in step (d), the processor can divide the target charge amount into a plurality of sub-charge amounts by dividing the target charge amount into a predetermined ratio and repeatedly dividing the remainder of the target charge amount into the predetermined ratio.

[0020] Furthermore, step (d) may include: (d1) requesting payment approval from the charging station for the charging charge for the target charging amount; (d2) if payment approval fails, dividing the target charging amount into multiple sub-charging amounts; (d3) calculating the charging charge for each sub-charging amount and requesting payment approval from the charging station for the charging charge for each sub-charging amount; and (d4) if payment approval for each sub-charging amount is successful, charging the sub-charging amount using a contract certificate, settling the charging charge, and then repeating the process from step (d3) for the next sub-charging amount; and if payment approval for each sub-charging amount fails, terminating the charging process for that sub-charging amount and proceeding to step (e).

[0021] Furthermore, in step (a), if the pre-configured payment mode is a single payment mode, the processor may load a contract certificate selected by the user via the user terminal from among a plurality of pre-stored contract certificates, or, if the user has not selected a contract certificate, load the contract certificate with the highest priority.

[0022] Furthermore, prior to step (a), the processor may further include the steps of: transmitting and displaying contract certificate information and payment mode information to the user terminal, including the current payment limit and payment priority for each of the multiple contract certificates; receiving and storing the modified contract certificate information or payment mode information from the user terminal if the user modifies the contract certificate information or payment mode information; and receiving and storing the initial target charge amount from the user terminal.

[0023] Furthermore, the initial target charge amount is input in the form of a charge rate, charge amount, energy amount, or charging time. When the initial target charge amount is input as a target charge rate, the processor calculates the energy amount required to charge up to the target charge rate and sets it as the initial target charge amount. When the initial target charge amount is input as a charge charge, the processor calculates the energy amount corresponding to the charge based on the charge table and sets it as the initial target charge amount. When the initial target charge amount is input as a charging time, the processor calculates the amount of charge that will be charged when charging is performed during the charging time and sets it as the initial target charge amount. Step (b) allows the processor to calculate a charge for charging the calculated energy amount or the energy amount of the charge amount information based on the charge table.

[0024] On the other hand, a PnC-based charging control apparatus for an electric vehicle according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned technical problem is a vehicle charging control apparatus provided inside the electric vehicle and comprising a memory storing a plurality of contract certificates and commands, and a processor, wherein the processor, which executes the commands stored in the memory, performs the following steps: (a) when a preset settlement mode is a composite settlement mode, loading the contract certificate with the highest priority from among the plurality of contract certificates stored in advance; (b) receiving a price list from the charging station and calculating a charging fee for a target charging amount; (c) when a settlement limit of the currently loaded contract certificate is smaller than the charging fee, adjusting the target charging amount to the settlement limit; (d) performing charging for the target charging amount and settling the charging fee using the currently loaded contract certificate; and (e) when there is a remaining uncharged amount from the initial target charging amount input by a user and there is still a contract certificate that has not been used for settlement, loading the contract certificate of the next priority, updating the target charging amount by subtracting the already charged amount from the initial target charging amount, and re-executing from step (b) for the updated target charging amount.

[0025] Furthermore, in step (d), the processor requests the charging station for settlement approval for the charging fee, and when the settlement approval fails, the processor can divide the target charging amount into a plurality of sub-charging amounts and perform charging and fee settlement for each sub-charging amount.

[0026] Furthermore, in step (a), the processor can divide the target charging amount into a plurality of sub-charging amounts by a predefined fixed amount of charging unit, divide the target charging amount into a plurality of sub-charging amounts by a predefined ratio, or divide the target charging amount into a plurality of sub-charging amounts by a charging unit that can be charged within a predefined period of time.

[0027] Further, in said step (d), said processor may divide said target charging amount at a predefined ratio, repeatedly divide the remainder of said target charging amount at said predefined ratio, and divide said target charging amount into a plurality of sub-charging amounts.

[0028] Further, said step (d) includes: (d1) requesting said charging station for payment approval for the charging charge of said target charging amount; (d2) dividing said target charging amount into a plurality of sub-charging amounts when payment approval fails; (d3) calculating the charging charge for said sub-charging amount, and requesting said charging station for payment approval for the charging charge of said sub-charging amount; and (d4) when payment approval for said sub-charging amount succeeds, performing charging for said sub-charging amount using the contract certificate, settling the charging charge, and then re-executing from said step (d3) for the next sub-charging amount, and when payment approval for said sub-charging amount fails, terminating the charging process for said sub-charging amount and proceeding to said step (e).

[0029] Further, in said step (a), when a preset payment mode is a single payment mode, said processor loads the contract certificate selected by the user via the user terminal from among a plurality of pre-stored contract certificates, or when the user does not select a contract certificate, the processor can load the contract certificate with the highest priority.

[0030] Further, before said step (a), said processor can further perform the steps of: transmitting and displaying, to a user terminal, contract certificate information including the current payment limit and payment priority for each of a plurality of contract certificates and payment mode information; receiving and storing the modified contract certificate information or payment mode information from the user terminal when the user modifies the contract certificate information or payment mode information; and receiving and storing the initial target charging amount from the user terminal.

[0031] Furthermore, the initial target charge amount is input in the form of a charge rate, charge, energy amount, or charging time. When the initial target charge amount is input as a target charge rate, the processor calculates the amount of energy required to charge up to the target charge rate and sets it as the initial target charge amount. When the initial target charge amount is input as a charge charge, the processor calculates the amount of energy corresponding to the charge based on the charge table and sets it as the initial target charge amount. When the initial target charge amount is input as a charging time, the processor calculates the amount of charge that will be charged when charging for that charging time and sets it as the initial target charge amount. In step (b), the processor can calculate a charge charge for charging the calculated energy amount or the energy amount of the charge amount information based on the charge table. [Effects of the Invention]

[0032] A preferred embodiment of the present invention for solving the aforementioned problems provides a PnC-based electric vehicle charging control method and apparatus that stores multiple PnC contract certificates inside the charging control device and allows the user to set a payment priority and payment limit for each contract certificate. Subsequently, during the electric vehicle charging process, the device controls the process so that payments are executed up to the payment limit in order of the contract certificate with the highest priority when the electric vehicle is being charged, thereby providing the user with a flexible payment method and convenient charging.

[0033] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention for solving the aforementioned problems, if the payment approval process performed before actual charging and billing fails, even though the validity of the contract certificate has been authenticated, the initial target charging amount is divided into multiple sub-charging amounts, and charging and billing are performed sequentially for each sub-charging amount. This allows for automatic charging up to the payable amount, even if the user cannot confirm the payable amount of charging power and charging charges. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0034] [Figure 1a] This is a diagram illustrating the charging process based on the ISO 15118-2 standard. [Figure 1b] This is a diagram illustrating the charging process based on the ISO 15118-2 standard. [Figure 2] This figure shows the overall connection configuration of a PnC-based electric vehicle charging control device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the detailed configuration of a PnC-based electric vehicle charging control device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4a] This figure illustrates the overall flow of a PnC-based electric vehicle charging control method according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4b] This figure illustrates the overall flow of a PnC-based electric vehicle charging control method according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4c] This figure illustrates the overall flow of a PnC-based electric vehicle charging control method according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0035] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The aforementioned objectives, features, and advantages of the present invention will become clearer through the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention can be modified in various ways and may have various embodiments, and specific embodiments will be illustrated in the drawings and described in detail below.

[0036] Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals generally indicate the same components. Furthermore, functions within the same conceptual scope as shown in the drawings of each embodiment are described using the same reference numerals for the same components.

[0037] Throughout the specification, when a part is described as "containing" a component, this does not exclude other components unless otherwise stated, but rather means that other components may be included. Furthermore, terms such as "~part" and "module" used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0038] Where a specific description of a known function or configuration related to the present invention is deemed likely to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the invention, such detailed description will be omitted. Furthermore, the numbers used in the description of this specification (e.g., 1st, 2nd, etc.) are merely identifiers to distinguish one component from another.

[0039] The charging control device and method for electric vehicles according to preferred embodiments of the present invention described below exemplify compliance with the plug-and-charge (PnC) protocol specified in ISO 15118-2.

[0040] Except for the distinctive configurations of the present invention explicitly described below, the overall charging procedure and charging settlement procedure are identical to those applied to the aforementioned ISO 15118-2 standard.

[0041] First, referring to Figures 1a and 1b which illustrate the charging and settlement process according to the ISO 15118-2 standard, the charging and settlement process according to the ISO 15118-2 standard is explained as follows: A SupportedAppProtocol step (S10) is performed between the charging station (SECC (Supply Equipment Communication Controller)) and the charging control device (EVCC (Electric Vehicle Communication Controller)) to send and receive messages for setting up an application layer protocol between EVCC and SECC, and a SessionSetup step (S20) is performed in which EVCC sends a message requesting to open a V2G communication session, and SECC responds through the message whether it has succeeded in joining a new communication session or a previous communication session, thereby establishing a communication channel between the charger (SECC) and the charging control device (EVCC).

[0042] Subsequently, a ServiceDiscovery step (S30) is performed in which the EVCC requests SECC to provide all service discoveries that can be offered by SECC, and SECC responds with available services such as AC charging, DC charging, EIM mode, plug and charge mode, and a ServiceDetail step (S40) is performed in which the EVCC requests specific additional information from SECC, and SECC provides the detailed parameter information.

[0043] The PaymentServiceSelection step (S50) in which EVCC requests a payment method (EIM / Plug-and-Charge) for the services provided by SECC, and SECC responds by indicating whether it accepts the selected services and payment method; the CertificateInstallation step (S60) in which EVCC requests SECC to install a certificate if it does not have an installed contract certificate, and installs the requested contract certificate; the CertificateUpdate step (S70) in which EVCC requests renewal of the contract certificate if it has an expired contract certificate. When the payment method is plug-and-charge, the following steps are performed sequentially: EVCC sends the contract certificate chain and EMAID to SECC to request a challenge; SECC verifies the EMAID and contract certificate chain and, if trustworthy, responds with a challenge in the form of a 128-bit random number in the PaymentDetail step (S80); and EVCC signs the request message body containing the challenge with the private key of the contract certificate, SECC verifies this signature, checks if it matches a previously sent challenge, and responds with whether or not to approve the charge in the Authorization step (S100).

[0044] Next, the EVCC and SECC transmit maximum and minimum allowable voltage levels and current amounts, exchange their respective technical charging limits, and the ChargeParameterDiscovery step (S110) is performed in which the EVCC notifies the SECC of the amount of power to be charged and the desired departure time, and the SECC proposes a charging schedule to the EVCC. Here, the charging schedule includes the maximum power that the electric vehicle can be charged while connected to the charging station and a selective SalesTariff.

[0045] Next, a CableCheck step (S120) is performed to check the cables for safe charging, a PreCharge step (S130) is performed to adjust the output voltage of the charging station to the battery voltage of the electric vehicle, and a PowerDelivery step (S140) is performed in which the EVCC requests power supply from the SECC by sending a PowerDeliveryReq, the EVCC sends a charging profile to be followed during the charging process, and the SECC, upon receiving the PowerDeliveryReq message, sends a PowerDeliveryRes message to the EVCC containing information on whether power is available.

[0046] Subsequently, the charging loop is executed by the CurrentDemand step, in which the electric vehicle requests a specific current from the charging station by sending CurrentDemandReq, and the SECC sends CurrentDemandRes to the EVCC, informing the electric vehicle of the status of the charging station and the current output voltage and current (S150).

[0047] Finally, the SessionStop step (S170) is executed, and the charging process using the PnC protocol ends.

[0048] The charging control method according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention described below was performed in accordance with the ISO 15118-2 standard, and the contents not specifically described are the same as those specified in the ISO 15118-2 standard shown in Figures 1a and 1b.

[0049] Figure 2 is a diagram showing the overall coupling configuration of a PnC-based electric vehicle charging control device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the detailed configuration of the charging control device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, a PnC-based electric vehicle charging control device 310 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is installed inside the electric vehicle 300 and connected to the charging station 100 via a connector 200. It controls the supply of charging power from the charging station 100 to the electric vehicle 300 and performs billing and settlement for the charging power.

[0051] Furthermore, the charging control device 310 is connected to the AVN controller 400a installed inside the vehicle, displays contract certificate information and payment mode information to the user, receives correction information for the contract certificate information and payment mode information from the user as input, updates the corrected information, and receives the target charge amount entered by the user.

[0052] Furthermore, the charging control device 310 is connected to the user's mobile communication terminal 400b via a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth® or a mobile communication network, transmits contract certificate information and payment mode information to the mobile communication terminal 400b and displays it to the user, receives correction information for the contract certificate information and payment mode information from the mobile communication terminal 400b, updates the contract certificate information and payment mode information, and receives the target charge amount entered by the user.

[0053] In the following, for the sake of clarity, the configurations that display information to users and receive information from users will be collectively referred to as user terminals 400a and 400b, regardless of their installation location or implementation method, and the AVN controller 400a and mobile communication terminal 400b will also be included as user terminals.

[0054] The charging station 100 is connected to the charging circuit (not shown) and charging control device 310 of the electric vehicle 300 via a connector 200. The charging station 100 supplies charging power to the battery 340 via the charging circuit to charge the high-voltage battery 340, and not only sends and receives charging-related information with the charging control device 310, but also sends and receives charging charge settlement information for executing charging charge settlement using the PnC method.

[0055] The user, who is the driver of the electric vehicle to be charged, enters into a service agreement for PnC-related services with a Charge Point Operator (CPO), Mobility Operator (MO), or eMobility Service Provider (eMSP), and a certificate of the agreement is installed in the electric vehicle at the time of the first charge. Subsequently, the user selects the PnC service at a charging station 100 associated with the CPO, MO, or eMSP 500 and pays the charging fee.

[0056] Referring further to Figure 3, the electric vehicle may include a charging control device 310, an OBC 320, a BMS 330, and a high-voltage battery 340, and may further include an AVN controller 400a.

[0057] The On-Board Charger (OBC) 320 converts AC power input from the charging station 100 via the connector 200 into DC power to charge the battery 340, while the Battery Management System (BMS) 330 controls the overall charging process within the electric vehicle.

[0058] The AVN controller 400a has the function of outputting various information to the user and receiving information from the user. In relation to the present invention, the AVN controller 400a displays contract authentication information and payment mode information to the user, receives correction information for the contract authentication information and payment mode information from the user as input, and outputs it to the charging control device 310. In addition, the AVN controller 400a receives a target charge amount as input from the user and outputs it to the charging control device 310.

[0059] The charging control device 310 installed in the vehicle includes a processor 311 and a memory 313. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the memory 313 can store commands that can be executed by the processor 311 and programs that are executed by the processor 311, and can also store input and output data. Examples of the memory 313 include SSD (Solid State Drive), flash memory, ROM (Read-Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc.

[0060] A processor 311 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention can be implemented as a CPU or a similar device (for example, an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), an MCU (Micro Control Unit), etc.), and executes commands stored in memory 313 to perform each step of the charging control method described later with reference to Figures 4a to 4c, and when performing PnC payment, it performs the functions of the EVCC (Electric Vehicle Communication Controller) and communicates with the SECC (Supply Equipment Communication Controller) provided in the charging station 100.

[0061] Furthermore, the processor 311 works in conjunction with the OBC (On Board Charger) 320 and the BMS (Battery Management System) 330 to control the output of DC power received from the charging station 100 via the connector 200 to the battery 340 so that the battery 340 is charged, or to control the output of AC power to the OBC 320, which is converted to DC power before charging the battery 340.

[0062] The specific functions of the charging control device 310 of the present invention will be described in more detail with further reference to Figures 4a to 4c.

[0063] Figures 4a to 4c illustrate the overall flow of a charging control method for an electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Referring further to Figures 4a to 4c, the PnC-based electric vehicle charging control method performed by the electric vehicle charging control device 310 shown in Figures 2 and 3 will be explained. When a user has previously concluded a contract for the use of PnC-related services with a Charge Point Operator (CPO), Mobility Operator (MO), or Mobility Service Provider (eMSP), and has stored multiple contract certificates in the charging control device 310, the user operates the user terminals 400a and 400b to select a contract certificate and / or payment mode modification mode before charging the electric vehicle using the PnC method, and the processor 311 of the charging control device 310 transmits the contract certificate information and payment mode information stored in the memory 313 to the user terminals 400a and 400b (S401).

[0065] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the memory 313 can store multiple contract certificates and corresponding contract certificate information, the contract certificate information including the settlement limit and settlement priority. For example, the memory 313 may store contract certificates A and B, with the contract certificate information for contract certificate A set to a settlement limit of 50,000 won and priority 1, and the contract certificate information for contract certificate B set to a settlement limit of 100,000 won and priority 2. In addition, each contract certificate can be stored in conjunction with settlement information such as settlement account or settlement credit card information.

[0066] On the other hand, the payment mode information stores whether it is a single payment mode or a combined payment mode. If the payment mode information indicates a combined payment mode, payments are executed sequentially according to the priority of the contract certificate information up to the payment limit set by the user. If it is a single payment mode, payments are executed for the entire charge amount using the contract certificate selected by the user or the highest priority contract certificate, or up to the payment limit set by the user.

[0067] Subsequently, if the user modifies the contract certificate information or payment mode information, the processor 311 receives the modified contract certificate information or payment mode information from the user terminals 400a and 400b and stores it in the memory 313, thereby updating the contract certificate information or payment mode information (S403). The processor also receives the target charge amount (referred to as the "initial target charge amount") from the user terminals 400a and 400b and stores it in the memory 313 (S404).

[0068] For example, in the above example, if the user modifies the payment mode information to single payment mode via user terminals 400a and 400b, sets the contract certificate to be paid for to contract certificate B, which is the second-priority contract certificate, and then sets the contract certificate information of contract certificate B to a payment limit of 100,000 won, then in step S415 described later, contract certificate B will be loaded, and in step S431, the payment limit of 100,000 won will be applied.

[0069] However, if the user does not update the contract certificate information and / or payment mode information, step S403 described above may be omitted. In this case, the target charge amount entered from the user terminals 400a and 400b can be entered in one of the following formats, depending on the user's preference: charge rate, charge amount, charge energy amount, or charge time.

[0070] Furthermore, if the user does not input a target charge amount, step S404 described above can be omitted. In this case, the target charge amount can be set to a target charge amount previously set by the user or a default target charge amount pre-set for the vehicle.

[0071] Meanwhile, when the processor 311 detects that the charger connector 200 of the charging station 100 has been connected, it proceeds to the charging process (S405), checks the payment mode information stored in the memory 313 (S407), and if the payment mode is a composite payment mode, it queries the contract certificate information for each of the multiple contract certificates and loads the contract certificate with the highest priority from the memory 313 according to the payment priority (Loading) (S411).

[0072] If, in step S407, the system is in single payment mode, it checks whether the user selected a contract certificate to be used for payment from among multiple contract certificates in step S403. If the user has not selected a contract certificate, the system proceeds to step S411 and loads the contract certificate with the highest priority (S413). If the user has selected a contract certificate, the system loads the selected contract certificate (S415).

[0073] After the contract certificate is loaded, the processor 311 provides the loaded contract certificate to the charging station 100 and performs validity authentication. If validity authentication fails, the processor 311 loads the next highest priority contract certificate or selects another contract certificate from the user and performs validity authentication. If authentication fails for all contract certificates, the charging process terminates (S421).

[0074] Once the validity of the loaded contract certificate is confirmed, the processor 311 initiates the full charging sequence, receives the billing table from the charging station 100, and calculates the charging charge according to the target charge amount (S423).

[0075] As mentioned above, in step 403, the target charge amount entered from the user terminal can be entered in one of the following formats, depending on the user's preference: charge rate, charge amount, charge energy, or charge time. If the target charge amount entered by the user is a charge rate (for example, if the current charge rate is 10% and the target charge amount is a target charge rate of 40%), the processor 311 calculates the amount of energy required to charge up to the target charge rate, taking into account the current battery charge capacity and the difference in capacity to be charged from the current level (40% - 10% = 30%), and calculates the charge amount for charging the calculated amount of energy based on the charge table.

[0076] Furthermore, the processor 311 calculates the amount of power corresponding to the charge based on the charge table when the target charge amount entered by the user is a charge charge, and calculates the amount of charge that will be charged when charging for that charging time is performed when the target charge amount entered by the user is a charging time, and calculates the charge charge for charging the calculated amount of power based on the charge table.

[0077] Subsequently, the processor 311 compares the calculated charge amount with the settlement limit of the currently loaded contract certificate (S431). If the settlement limit of the loaded contract certificate is equal to or greater than the calculated charge amount, the process immediately proceeds to step S435. If the settlement limit of the loaded contract certificate is less than the calculated charge amount, the processor 311 adjusts the target charge amount for the loaded contract certificate to the settlement limit (S433). At this point, the charge amount is adjusted to the settlement limit of the currently loaded contract certificate.

[0078] Subsequently, the processor 311 requests payment authorization for the charging fee from the charging station 100 (S435).

[0079] If payment authorization from the charging station 100 is successful (S437), the processor 311 starts from step S120 shown in Figure 1b and executes a general PnC-based charging process (S441).

[0080] Once the general charging process is complete, the charge for the charge based on the actual amount of electricity charged is settled, and the process proceeds to step S471 (S443).

[0081] On the other hand, if payment approval for the target charge amount from the charging station 100 fails in step S437, the processor 311 divides the target charge amount into several sub-charge amounts (S451), calculates the expected charge for the first sub-charge amount, and requests payment approval from the charging station 100 (S453).

[0082] Referring to the example above, if the payment limit for contract certificate A is set at 50,000 won, but the payment limit of the credit card linked to contract certificate A is only 40,000 won, then payment authorization for a 50,000 won charge may be rejected. In this case, the target charge amount equivalent to the payment amount of 50,000 won will be divided into multiple sub-charge amounts.

[0083] In step S451, the target charge amount can be divided into multiple sub-charge amounts in various ways. For example, the target charge amount can be divided into fixed charge units (e.g., 1 kWh, 5 kWh, 10 kWh, etc.). The target charge amount can be divided into charge units of a predetermined percentage (e.g., 10%, 20%, etc.). The target charge amount can be divided into charge units that can be charged within a predetermined time (e.g., 1 minute, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, etc.). In step S451, the method by which the division is performed can be pre-configured by the user terminals 400a and 400b, or it can be pre-configured as a default.

[0084] In step S453, if the settlement approval for the sub-charge amount is successful (S455), the processor 311 starts execution from step S150 shown in Figure 1b for the settled sub-charge amount, executes a general PnC-based charging process (S457), and settles the charge for the sub-charge amount (S459).

[0085] Subsequently, it is checked whether the target charge amount for the contract certificate has been fully charged (i.e., whether there is any remaining sub-charge amount) (S460), and if the target charge amount has been fully charged, the process proceeds to step S471.

[0086] If, as a result of checking in step S460, there are still sub-charge amounts that have not yet been completed, the process proceeds to step S453 to charge the next sub-charge amount. For example, if the target charge amount is 10kWh and there are multiple sub-charge amounts of 2kWh each, after the first sub-charge amount of 2kWh is charged, steps S453 to S459 are executed to charge the next sub-charge amount of 2kWh, and then steps S453 to S459 are executed sequentially for each subsequent sub-charge amount of 2kWh.

[0087] On the other hand, if payment authorization for the sub-charge amount fails in step S455, the charging process for the currently loaded contract certificate terminates and the process proceeds to step S471.

[0088] For example, suppose the target charging amount within the settlement limit for contract certificate A is 12 kWh, and the charging amount corresponding to the unknown charging amount that can be settled with contract certificate A is 9 kWh. Then, if the target charging amount of 12 kWh is divided into multiple sub-charging amounts of 2 kWh each, charging up to the fourth sub-charging amount will be completed automatically, and the settlement approval step S455 for the fifth sub-charging amount will fail, and the process will proceed to step S471.

[0089] In step S457 of the preferred embodiment of the present invention described above, charging is performed in units of a predetermined fixed amount or constant rate of sub-charge amounts. However, in another preferred embodiment of the present invention, charging can be performed by dividing the target charge amount and the remaining target charge amount into a fixed proportion.

[0090] For example, in another embodiment of the present invention, in step S451, 50% of the target charge amount is divided, the remaining 50% of the target charge amount is further divided into 50%, and the remaining target charge amount is further divided into 50%, thereby continuously dividing the remaining target charge amount at the same ratio, and steps S453 to S460 described above can be executed sequentially.

[0091] In this case, step S453 requests the charging station 100 to approve the payment of the charge for a sub-charge amount equivalent to 50% of the target charge amount. If the payment approval is successful, the system charges up to 50% of the target charge amount and then makes the payment.

[0092] Subsequently, for a sub-charge amount (25% of the target charge amount before division) equivalent to 50% of the remaining target charge amount (50% of the target charge amount before division), the charging station 100 is requested to approve the charge payment. If the payment approval is successful, the remaining 50% of the target charge amount (25% of the target charge amount before division) is charged, and then the charge payment is processed. Then, the above process is repeated for the remaining target charge amount (25% of the target charge amount before division).

[0093] On the other hand, after executing steps S435 to S460 described above and completing the charge settlement for the contract certificate, the processor 311 checks whether there is a remaining target charge amount that has not yet been charged (calculated by subtracting the amount of charge already completed from the initial target charge amount) and whether there are any remaining contract certificates that have not yet been settled (S471). If there is a remaining target charge amount and there are any remaining contract certificates, the processor proceeds to recharge mode and loads the next-ranked contract certificate (S473). The processor updates the target charge amount by subtracting the amount of charge settled by the previous-ranked contract certificate from the initial target charge amount received from the user terminals 400a and 400b, and proceeds to step S421, where the validity authentication procedure is performed again for the loaded contract certificate (S475).

[0094] In the above example, the target charge amount received from user terminals 400a and 400b is a charge charge of 120,000 won. When steps S433 to S460 are executed and 50,000 won, which is the settlement limit of contract certificate A, is charged and the charge charge is settled, the target charge amount is updated to the charge amount corresponding to the difference of 70,000 won.

[0095] Furthermore, in the above example, if the target charge amount received from user terminals 400a and 400b is a charge charge of 120,000 won, and steps S451 to S460 described above are executed and a charge charge of 40,000 won, which is the payable amount on contract certificate A, is settled, the target charge amount will be updated to the charge amount corresponding to the difference of 80,000 won.

[0096] Based on the updated target charge amount, the processor 311 initiates the charging process for the contract certificate with the next priority (contract certificate B in the above example), receives the billing table from the charging station 100, and calculates the charging charge according to the remaining charge amount (S423).

[0097] Subsequently, the processor 311 compares the charge amount calculated based on the updated target charge amount with the settlement limit of the currently loaded contract certificate (second-priority contract certificate B) (S431). If the settlement limit of the currently loaded contract certificate is smaller than the calculated charge amount, it updates the target charge amount to the limit of the loaded contract certificate (S433) and executes steps S435 to S460 described above.

[0098] Subsequently, in step S471, if the charging to the initial target charge amount is complete and there is no remaining target charge amount, or if there is still charge amount to be charged but all contract certificates have already been settled and there are no more remaining contract certificates (S471), the processor 311 unlocks the charger connector 200 and completely terminates the charging process (S480).

[0099] The electric vehicle charging control method according to the preferred embodiments of the present invention described above can be implemented as a command executable on a computer and realized as a computer program stored on a non-volatile storage medium.

[0100] Storage media include all types of recording devices on which computer-readable data is stored. Examples of computer-readable storage media include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, and optical data storage devices. Furthermore, computer-readable storage media can be distributed across networked computer systems, and depending on the distribution method, computer-readable code can be stored and executed.

[0101] To date, the present invention has been discussed primarily in terms of its preferred embodiments. Those with ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains will understand that the invention can be realized in modified forms that do not depart from its essential characteristics. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments should be considered in an explanatory rather than restrictive manner. The scope of the invention is defined in the claims, not in the foregoing description, and all differences within an equivalent scope should be construed as being included within the invention.

Claims

1. A PnC-based electric vehicle charging control method, which is implemented in a vehicle charging control device located inside the electric vehicle and includes a memory and processor for storing multiple contract certificates and commands, (a) When the pre-configured payment mode is a composite payment mode, the processor loads the contract certificate with the highest priority from among a plurality of pre-stored contract certificates; (b) The processor receives a billing table from the charging station and calculates the charging charge for the target charge amount; (c) If the settlement limit of the currently loaded contract certificate is less than the charge charge, the processor adjusts the target charge amount up to the settlement limit; (d) The processor uses the currently loaded contract certificate to charge the target charge amount and settle the charge; and (e) If there is an uncharged remaining charge amount from the initial target charge amount entered by the user, and there is a contract certificate that has not yet been used for settlement, the processor loads the next-ranked contract certificate, updates the target charge amount by subtracting the already charged amount from the initial target charge amount, and repeats the steps from step (b) for the updated target charge amount; A charging control method for a PnC-based electric vehicle, characterized by including the following:

2. In step (d) above, The charging control method for a PnC-based electric vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the processor requests payment approval for the charging charge from the charging station, and if payment approval fails, divides the target charging amount into a plurality of sub-charging amounts and performs charging and payment for each sub-charging amount.

3. In step (d) above, The aforementioned processor, The target charge amount is divided into multiple sub-charge amounts using a predetermined fixed charge amount unit, or The target charge amount is divided into multiple sub-charge amounts at a predetermined ratio, or The charging control method for a PnC-based electric vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that the target charge amount is divided into a plurality of sub-charge amounts in charge amount units that can be charged within a predetermined time.

4. In step (d) above, The charging control method for a PnC-based electric vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that the processor divides the target charge amount into a plurality of sub-charge amounts by dividing the target charge amount into a predetermined ratio and repeatedly dividing the remainder of the target charge amount into a plurality of sub-charge amounts.

5. Step (d) is, (d1) A step of requesting payment approval from the charging station for the charging fee for the target amount of charge; (d2) If payment approval fails, the target charge amount is divided into multiple sub-charge amounts; (d3) The step of calculating the charging charge for the sub-charging amount and requesting the charging station to approve the settlement of the charging charge for the sub-charging amount; and (d4) If payment approval for the sub-charge amount is successful, charge the sub-charge amount using the contract certificate, settle the charge fee, and then repeat the process from step (d3) for the next sub-charge amount; if payment approval for the sub-charge amount fails, terminate the charging process for that sub-charge amount and proceed to step (e); A charging control method for a PnC-based electric vehicle according to claim 2, characterized by including the following:

6. In step (a) above, The PnC-based electric vehicle charging control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the pre-set payment mode is a single payment mode, the processor loads a contract certificate selected by the user via the user terminal from among a plurality of pre-stored contract certificates, or, if the user has not selected a contract certificate, loads the contract certificate with the highest priority.

7. Before step (a) above, The processor transmits and displays to the user terminal contract certificate information and payment mode information, including the current payment limit and payment priority for each of the multiple contract certificates; If the user modifies the contract certificate information or payment mode information, the processor receives the modified contract certificate information or payment mode information from the user terminal and stores it; and The processor receives and stores the initial target charge amount from the user terminal; A charging control method for a PnC-based electric vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising:

8. The aforementioned initial target charge amount is input in one of the following forms: charge rate, charge amount, energy amount, or charging time. When the initial target charge amount is input as the target charge rate, the processor calculates the amount of power required to charge up to the target charge rate and sets it as the initial target charge amount. When the initial target charge amount is input as a charge charge, the processor calculates the amount of power corresponding to the charge based on the charge table and sets it as the initial target charge amount. When the initial target charge amount is input as the charging time, the processor calculates the amount of charge that will be charged during that charging time and sets it as the initial target charge amount. Step (b) is characterized in that the processor calculates a charge charge for charging the calculated amount of power or charge amount information based on the charge table, as described in claim 1, for a PnC-based electric vehicle charging control method.

9. A vehicle charging control device installed inside an electric vehicle, which includes a memory and processor that store multiple contract certificates and commands, The processor that executed the command stored in the memory said, (a) If the pre-configured payment mode is a composite payment mode, the step of loading the contract certificate with the highest priority from among several pre-saved contract certificates; (b) A step of receiving a billing table from the charging station and calculating the charging charge for the target charge amount; (c) If the payment limit of the currently loaded contract certificate is less than the charge amount, adjust the target charge amount to the payment limit; (d) The step of charging to the target charge amount using the currently loaded contract certificate and settling the charge; and (e) If there is an uncharged remaining charge amount from the initial target charge amount entered by the user, and there is a contract certificate that has not yet been used for settlement, load the next-ranked contract certificate, subtract the already charged amount from the initial target charge amount to update the target charge amount, and repeat the steps from (b) above for the updated target charge amount; A PnC-based electric vehicle charging control device characterized by performing the following:

10. In step (d) above, The aforementioned processor, A PnC-based electric vehicle charging control device according to claim 9, characterized in that it requests payment approval for the charging charge from the charging station, and if payment approval fails, divides the target charging amount into a plurality of sub-charging amounts and performs charging and payment for each sub-charging amount.

11. In step (a) above, The aforementioned processor, The target charge amount is divided into multiple sub-charge amounts using a predetermined fixed charge amount unit, or The target charge amount is divided into multiple sub-charge amounts at a predetermined ratio, or The charging control device for a PnC-based electric vehicle according to claim 10, characterized in that the target charge amount is divided into a plurality of sub-charge amounts in charge amount units that can be charged within a predetermined time.

12. In step (d) above, The aforementioned processor, The charging control device for a PnC-based electric vehicle according to claim 10, characterized in that the target charge amount is divided into a predetermined ratio, the remaining portion of the target charge amount is repeatedly divided into a plurality of sub-charge amounts by the predetermined ratio, and the target charge amount is divided into a plurality of sub-charge amounts.

13. Step (d) is, (d1) A step of requesting payment approval from the charging station for the charging fee for the target amount of charge; (d2) If payment approval fails, the target charge amount is divided into multiple sub-charge amounts; (d3) The step of calculating the charging charge for the sub-charging amount and requesting the charging station to approve the settlement of the charging charge for the sub-charging amount; and (d4) If payment approval for the sub-charge amount is successful, charge the sub-charge amount using the contract certificate, settle the charge fee, and then repeat the process from step (d3) for the next sub-charge amount; if payment approval for the sub-charge amount fails, terminate the charging process for that sub-charge amount and proceed to step (e); A charging control device for a PnC-based electric vehicle according to claim 10, characterized by including the following:

14. In step (a) above, The PnC-based electric vehicle charging control device according to claim 9, characterized in that, when the pre-configured payment mode is a single payment mode, the processor loads a contract certificate selected by the user via the user terminal from among a plurality of pre-stored contract certificates, or, if the user has not selected a contract certificate, loads the contract certificate with the highest priority.

15. The aforementioned processor, Before step (a) above, A step of sending and displaying contract certificate information and payment mode information, including the current payment limit and payment priority for each of multiple contract certificates, to the user terminal; If the user modifies the contract certificate information or payment mode information, the steps include receiving and saving the modified contract certificate information or payment mode information from the user's terminal; and A step of receiving and saving the initial target charge amount from the user terminal; A charging control device for a PnC-based electric vehicle according to claim 9, further characterized by performing the following:

16. The aforementioned initial target charge amount is input in one of the following forms: charge rate, cost, energy amount, or charging time. When the initial target charge amount is input as the target charge rate, the processor calculates the amount of power required to charge up to the target charge rate and sets it as the initial target charge amount. When the initial target charge amount is input as a charge charge, the processor calculates the amount of power corresponding to the charge based on the charge table and sets it as the initial target charge amount. When the initial target charge amount is input as the charging time, the processor calculates the amount of charge that will be charged when charging for that charging time, and sets it as the initial target charge amount. The PnC-based electric vehicle charging control device according to claim 9, characterized in that, in step (b), the processor calculates a charging charge for charging the calculated amount of power or charge amount information based on the charging table.

Images