Vehicle charging device

Abstract

A vehicle charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a charger body; a light source disposed on the charger body; a proximity sensor, which is disposed on the body and senses the proximity of a vehicle; and a control unit for controlling the brightness of the light source according to the proximity degree of the vehicle.

Description

vehicle charging device

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

[0002] Eco-friendly vehicles such as electric vehicles (EVs) or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) use electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) installed at charging stations to charge their batteries.

[0003] Several standards are actively being developed to facilitate interaction between electric vehicles and EVSE. These standards for electric vehicle charging can be broadly categorized into charging systems, charging interfaces, and communication protocols.

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

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a vehicle charging device.

[0006] In order to solve the above technical problem, a vehicle charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a charger body; a light source disposed in the charger body; a proximity sensor disposed in the body and detecting the proximity of a vehicle; and a control unit that controls the brightness of the light source according to the degree of proximity of the vehicle.

[0007] It includes a gyro sensor that detects the attitude of the charger body, and the control unit can control the brightness of the light source according to the attitude of the charger body detected by the gyro sensor.

[0008] The above control unit can control the brightness of the light source to be weaker as it gets closer to the vehicle, and to be stronger as it gets farther from the vehicle.

[0009] When the control unit determines that the charger body is within a first area close to the vehicle, the control unit can control the light source to be turned on, and when the control unit determines that the charger body is within a second area excluding the first area, the control unit can control the light source to be turned off.

[0010] In order to solve the above technical problem, a vehicle charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a charger body; a light source disposed in the charger body; a communication unit that communicates with an EVCC of a vehicle; and a control unit that controls the brightness of the light source according to the degree of proximity to the vehicle detected by the EVCC and the communication unit.

[0011] It includes a gyro sensor that detects the attitude of the charger body, and the control unit can control the brightness of the light source according to the attitude of the charger body detected by the gyro sensor.

[0012] The above control unit can control the brightness of the light source to be weaker as it gets closer to the vehicle, and to be stronger as it gets farther from the vehicle.

[0013] When the control unit determines that the charger body is within a first area close to the vehicle, the control unit can control the light source to be turned on, and when the control unit determines that the charger body is within a second area excluding the first area, the control unit can control the light source to be turned off.

[0014] According to the present embodiments, when entering a charging station, the charging port of the vehicle can be guided to the user for charging.

[0015] Additionally, a lighting guide function can be implemented by wirelessly communicating with each other or by using sensors, etc., using a charging gun and a charging port or a wireless EVCC to identify each other's location.

[0016] Additionally, guide lights on the charging port can help users easily find the charging port.

[0017] Fig. 1 illustrates a vehicle charging device according to the present embodiment.

[0018] Fig. 2 is a block diagram of a vehicle charging device according to the present embodiment.

[0019] Figures 3 to 6 are drawings for explaining a vehicle charging device according to the present embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are a circuit diagram and a diagram for explaining the circuit diagram of a vehicle charging device according to the present embodiment.

[0021] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0022] However, the technical idea of ​​the present invention is not limited to some of the embodiments described, but can be implemented in various different forms, and 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 substituted for use.

[0023] In addition, terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in this embodiment may be interpreted as having a meaning that can be generally understood by a person of ordinary skill in the technical field to which this embodiment belongs, unless explicitly and specifically defined and described, and terms that are commonly used, such as terms defined in a dictionary, may be interpreted in consideration of the contextual meaning of the relevant technology.

[0024] Additionally, the terms used in this embodiment are for the purpose of describing the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0025] In this specification, the singular may also include the plural unless specifically stated otherwise in the phrase, and when it is described as “A and / or at least one (or more) of B, C”, it may include one or more of all combinations that can be combined with A, B, C.

[0026] Additionally, in describing the components of this embodiment, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used. These terms are only intended to distinguish the components from other components, and are not intended to limit the nature, order, or sequence of the components.

[0027] And, when a component is described as being 'connected', 'coupled', or 'connected' to another component, it may include not only cases where the component is 'connected', 'coupled', or 'connected' directly to the other component, but also cases where the component is 'connected', 'coupled', or 'connected' by another component between the component and the other component.

[0028] Additionally, when described as being formed or arranged "above" or "below" each component, "above" or "below" includes not only cases where the two components are in direct contact with each other, but also cases where one or more other components are formed or arranged between the two components. Furthermore, when expressed as "above" or "below," the meaning may include not only the upward direction but also the downward direction based on one component.

[0029]

[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates a vehicle charging device according to the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a vehicle charging device according to the present embodiment, FIGS. 3 to 6 are drawings for explaining a vehicle charging device according to the present embodiment, and FIGS. 7 and 8 are a circuit diagram and drawings for explaining a circuit diagram of a vehicle charging device according to the present embodiment.

[0031] A charging system including an electric vehicle according to the present embodiment may include a vehicle (10) and an electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) 200. The vehicle (10) is an electric vehicle (EV) and may be charged from the EVSE (200). In order for the vehicle (10) to receive charging power from the EVSE (200), a charging cable connected to the EVSE (200) may be connected to an inlet of the vehicle (10).

[0032] The EVSE (200) is a device that supplies AC or DC and can be placed at a charging station or placed in a home. The EVSE (200) is not limited to a location and can also be implemented to be portable. In this specification, the EVSE (200) can be used interchangeably with a charging station (Supply), an AC charging station (AC supply), a DC charging station (DC supply), a socket-outlet, etc. The EVCC (Electric Vehicle Communication Controller) is a component included in the vehicle (10) and can be connected to an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) in the vehicle (10). The EVCC can perform charging signals and charging power amount control within the vehicle.

[0033] The charging gun (210) is carried by the user's hand and when the charging connector of the charging gun (210) is charged in the inlet 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), thereby charging the battery of the vehicle (10).

[0034] The charging port (20) may be formed on the exterior surface of the vehicle (10) and may include an inlet. The inlet 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 opens and closes depending on whether charging is being performed. The inlet may include a plurality of charging pins.

[0035]

[0036] The vehicle charging device according to the present embodiment may include a charger body (210), a light source (211), a proximity sensor (214), a control unit (212), and a gyro sensor (213).

[0037] The charger body (210) may be a charging gun electrically connected to the EVSE. The charger body (210) may refer to a structure that a user holds in order to charge a vehicle (10). The charger body (210) may be a connector connected to the inlet of the vehicle (10). The front of the charger body (210) includes a terminal that is connected to the inlet of the vehicle (10), and the terminal may be electrically connected to the charging equipment via a cable. An openable cover may be arranged on the front of the charger body (210), and the terminal formed on the front of the charger body (210) may be protected by closing the cover of the charger body (210).

[0038] A light source (211) may be placed in the charger body (210). The light source (211) may be placed on the front of the charger body (210) and may be positioned to irradiate light toward the front of the charger body (210). The light source (211) may be placed around the connector of the charger body (210). The light source (211) may be configured to receive power and irradiate light. The light source (211) may be an LED and may include a lens for collecting or dispersing light irradiated from the LED. The brightness of the light source (211) may be adjusted and may be changed to light of various colors.

[0039] A gyro sensor (213) is disposed on the charger body (210) to detect the position of the charger body (210). The gyro sensor (213) can detect in which direction the user is holding the charger body (210). The control unit (212) can control the brightness of the light source (211) according to the position of the charger body (210) detected by the gyro sensor (213). For example, the control unit (212) can turn on the light source (211) when the charger body (210) is in a forward-facing position. The control unit (212) can turn off the light source (211) when the charger body (210) is in an upward or downward-facing position. Through this, it is possible to guide whether the user is holding the charger body (210) in the correct direction in a dark environment.

[0040] A proximity sensor (214) is disposed on the charger body (210) to detect the proximity of a vehicle. The proximity sensor (214) can detect the distance to the inlet through a sensor disposed on the inlet of the vehicle (10). The proximity sensor (214) can detect the distance to the charger cover through a sensor disposed on the charger cover. The proximity sensor (214) can detect the degree of proximity to the vehicle through the strength and direction of the sensor disposed on the vehicle. Information on the degree of proximity to the vehicle detected by the proximity sensor (214) can be transmitted to the control unit (212).

[0041] The communication unit can communicate with the EVCC installed in the vehicle (10). The communication unit can recognize the EVCC and detect the degree of proximity to the vehicle through the communication strength and direction with the EVCC. Information regarding the degree of proximity to the vehicle detected by the communication unit can be transmitted to the control unit (212).

[0042] The control unit (212) can control the brightness of the light source (211) according to the proximity of the vehicle. The control unit (212) can control the brightness of the light source (211) to be weaker as the vehicle approaches, and to be stronger as the vehicle moves away from the vehicle. Through this, a user holding the charger body (210) in a dark environment can easily find the charging port by finding the place where the brightness of the light source (211) is weak. Conversely, the control unit (212) can control the brightness of the light source (211) to be strong as the vehicle approaches, and to be weaker as the vehicle moves away from the vehicle.

[0043] If the control unit (212) determines that the charger body (210) is within a first area close to the vehicle, the control unit (212) can control the light source (211) to turn on. If the control unit (212) determines that the charger body (210) is within a second area excluding the first area, the control unit (212) can control the light source (211) to turn off. Here, the first area may mean an area within a radius of a meter from a reference point of the vehicle. The reference point of the vehicle may mean a charging port. The a meter may vary depending on a value preset by the user.

[0044] If the control unit (212) determines that the charger body (210) is facing the direction of the vehicle charging port, it can control the light source (211) to be turned on. If the control unit (212) determines that the charger body (210) is not facing the direction of the vehicle charging port, it can control the light source (211) to be turned off. If the charger body (210) is facing the direction of the vehicle charging port, the control unit (212) can dim the brightness of the light source (211), and if the charger body (210) is not facing the direction of the vehicle charging port, it can increase the brightness of the light source (211). Through this, a user who holds the charger body (210) in a dark environment can easily find the charging port by finding a place where the brightness of the light source (211) is dim, and can easily find the charging port by finding a place where the brightness of the light source (211) is strong in a direction not facing the charging port.

[0045] A light source may be placed in the charging port of the vehicle (10). When the charger body (210) approaches the vehicle through the proximity sensor (214) of the vehicle charging device, the light source placed in the charging port of the vehicle (10) may be turned on. When it is determined that the charger body (210) is within a first area close to the vehicle, the light source placed in the charging port of the vehicle (10) may be turned on. When it is determined that the charger body (210) is in a second area excluding the first area or when it is determined that the charger body (210) is moving away from the vehicle, the light source placed in the charging port may be turned off. When a change in the attitude of the charger body (210) or a user's grip on the charger body (210) is detected through the gyro sensor (213) of the vehicle charging device, the light source placed in the charging port of the vehicle (10) may be turned on.

[0046]

[0047] FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are a circuit diagram and a diagram for explaining the circuit diagram of a vehicle charging device according to the present embodiment.

[0048] In the vehicle charging device according to the present embodiment, the light source arranged in the charger body (210) may include a plurality of light sources (Lighting IND1 to IND4) that can be individually controlled. In the circuit for controlling the plurality of light sources, one end of each node may be connected to each of the plurality of light sources (Lighting IND1 to IND4), and the other end of each node may be connected to a control unit that generates an on or off signal, a brightness control signal, and a color control signal for the plurality of light sources (Lighting IND1 to IND4). In the circuit diagram for controlling the plurality of light sources, a diode and a switching element for preventing reverse voltage may be connected, and resistors may be appropriately connected according to the law of resistance distribution so as to control the plurality of light sources.

[0049]

[0050] According to these embodiments, a vehicle's charging port can be guided to the user upon entering a charging station for charging. Furthermore, a lighting guide function can be implemented by wirelessly communicating with the charging gun and the charging port, or by using a wireless EVCC, to determine each other's location through wireless communication or sensors. Furthermore, guide lighting at the charging port can help the user easily find the charging port.

[0051] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be implemented in modified forms without departing from the essential characteristics of the above-described description. Therefore, the disclosed methods should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. The scope of the present invention is set forth in the claims, not the foregoing description, and all differences within the scope equivalent thereto should be construed as being encompassed by the present invention.

Claims

1. Charger body; A light source placed on the above charger body; A proximity sensor disposed on the charger body and detecting the proximity of a vehicle; and A vehicle charging device including a control unit that controls the brightness of the light source according to the proximity of the vehicle.

2. In paragraph 1, Includes a gyro sensor that detects the attitude of the charger body, A vehicle charging device in which the control unit controls the brightness of the light source according to the attitude of the charger body detected by the gyro sensor.

3. In paragraph 1, A vehicle charging device in which the control unit controls the brightness of the light source to be weaker as it gets closer to the vehicle and to be stronger as it gets farther from the vehicle.

4. In paragraph 1, When the control unit determines that the charger body is within a first area close to the vehicle, it controls the light source to be turned on. A vehicle charging device that controls the light source to be turned off when the control unit determines that the charger body is in a second area excluding the first area.

5. Charger body; A light source placed on the above charger body; A communication unit that communicates with the EVCC of the vehicle; and A vehicle charging device including a control unit that controls the brightness of the light source according to the proximity of the vehicle detected by the EVCC and the communication unit.

6. In paragraph 5, Includes a gyro sensor that detects the attitude of the charger body, A vehicle charging device in which the control unit controls the brightness of the light source according to the attitude of the charger body detected by the gyro sensor.

7. In paragraph 5, A vehicle charging device in which the control unit controls the brightness of the light source to be weaker as it gets closer to the vehicle and to be stronger as it gets farther from the vehicle.

8. In paragraph 5, When the control unit determines that the charger body is within a first area close to the vehicle, it controls the light source to be turned on. A vehicle charging device that controls the light source to be turned off when the control unit determines that the charger body is in a second area excluding the first area.

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