Electric bus charging system using directional antennas and method therefor

Abstract

An electric bus charging system using directional antennas according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises an electronic bus and an electric bus charger. The electronic bus includes: an antenna (B); a signal strength sensing unit which is electrically connected to the antenna (B) and measures the strength of a CH signal received by the antenna (B); and a second communication unit which transmits the CH signal strength received from the signal strength sensing unit. The electric bus charger includes: a pantograph bar which provides a power supply path by means of physical contact with the electric bus; a wireless communication unit which has an antenna (A) for transmitting charging information through wireless communication with the antenna (B); a first communication unit which receives the CH signal strength from the second communication unit; and a control unit which controls the overall operation of the charging of the electric bus so that the electric bus is supplied with charging power by controlling the pantograph bar according to the charging information.

Description

Electric bus charging system using a directional antenna and method therefor

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric bus charging system using a directional antenna and a method therefor, and more particularly, to an electric bus charging system using a directional antenna and a method therefor, which can optimize wireless communication by changing the directivity of the antenna so that it faces the antenna on the electric bus side by adjusting the direction and angle of the antenna on the pantograph side when the entry of an electric bus into the electric bus charging system is detected.

[0002] An electric bus is a bus that runs on electric energy as its power source. Compared to conventional buses that use fossil fuels, electric buses are environmentally friendly as they do not emit harmful gases.

[0003] Recently, due to strengthened international regulations on greenhouse gas emissions, research on eco-friendly electric buses is actively being conducted. In addition to research on electric buses, research on charging infrastructure for charging electric buses is also actively being conducted.

[0004]

[0005] Unlike regular internal combustion engine buses, electric buses are composed of batteries, electric motors, inverters, converters, and BMS (Battery Management System), and the batteries must be charged periodically to operate the electric bus.

[0006] There are two types of battery charging methods: the 'Plug-In Type' charging method, which charges by directly connecting a wire to the battery fixed to the electric bus, and the charging method using a pantograph.

[0007]

[0008] However, when charging electric buses using a pantograph, there is a problem that electric bus charging failure may occur due to wireless communication (Wi-Fi, etc.) errors between the electric bus charging system and the electric bus.

[0009] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an electric bus charging system and method using a directional antenna that can prevent electric bus charging failure caused by wireless communication errors between the electric bus charging system and the electric bus.

[0010] Other problems to be solved by the present invention will become clearer from the following detailed description and drawings.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an electric bus charging system using a directional antenna includes an electric bus having an antenna (B), a signal strength detection unit electrically connected to the antenna (B) to measure a CH signal strength received by the antenna (B), and a second communication unit for transmitting the CH signal strength received from the signal strength detection unit; and an electric bus charger having a wireless communication unit having a pantograph bar for providing a power supply path by physical contact with the electric bus and an antenna (A) for transmitting charging information through wireless communication with the antenna (B), a first communication unit for receiving the CH signal strength from the second communication unit, and a control unit for controlling the pantograph bar according to the charging information to control the overall operation of charging the electric bus so that charging power is supplied to the electric bus.

[0012] Here, the wireless communication unit includes an entry direction confirmation unit that detects the direction of the antenna (B) and then determines whether the direction of the antenna (A) and the direction of the antenna (B) are opposite to each other; a signal intensity measurement unit that measures the reception intensity of an EV signal received from the antenna (B) to the antenna (A); a signal intensity measurement unit that determines whether the CH signal intensity and the EV signal intensity fall within a preset range; and an antenna driving unit that is connected to the antenna (A) and adjusts the direction of the antenna (A) so that the direction of the antenna (A) is opposite to the direction of the antenna (B) and adjusts the angle of the antenna (A) so that the CH signal intensity and the EV signal intensity fall within the preset range.

[0013]

[0014] Here, it is preferable that the antenna (A) is an antenna whose swing and tilt are adjustable.

[0015] At this time, the antenna driving unit may be equipped with a motor that controls the swing and inclination of the antenna (A).

[0016]

[0017] In addition, the antenna driving unit can control the swing and inclination of the antenna (A) based on the position information of the antenna (A) generated by detecting the movement of the antenna (A) in the yaw, pitch, and roll directions in space.

[0018] In addition, the antenna driving unit can adjust the swing and tilt of the antenna (A) to a plurality of different preset angles when the CH signal intensity and the EV signal intensity do not fall within the preset range.

[0019]

[0020] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method for charging an electric bus using a directional antenna includes a direction detection step in which an antenna (A) installed in an electric bus charging system that performs wireless communication with an antenna (B) installed in the electric bus detects the direction of the antenna (B); a direction determination step in which the direction of the antenna (A) is determined to be opposite to the direction of the antenna (B); a signal strength determination step in which the reception intensity of a signal received from the antenna (B) to the antenna (A) is measured and the reception intensity falls within a preset range; and an antenna adjustment step in which the direction of the antenna (A) is adjusted so that the direction of the antenna (A) is opposite to the direction of the antenna (B) and the angle of the antenna (A) is adjusted so that the reception intensity falls within the preset range.

[0021]

[0022] Here, it is preferable that the antenna (A) is an antenna whose swing and tilt are adjustable.

[0023] At this time, it is preferable that the antenna adjustment step is a step of adjusting the swing and inclination of the antenna (A).

[0024]

[0025] In addition, the antenna adjustment step may be a step of adjusting the swing and inclination of the antenna (A) based on the position information of the antenna (A) generated by detecting the movement of the antenna (A) in the yaw, pitch, and roll directions in space.

[0026] In addition, the antenna adjustment step may be a step of adjusting the swing and tilt of the antenna (A) to a plurality of different preset angles when the CH signal intensity and the EV signal intensity do not fall within the preset range.

[0027] The electric bus charging system and method using a directional antenna according to the present invention have a remarkable effect of preventing electric bus charging failures due to wireless communication errors between the electric bus charging system and the electric bus by adjusting the direction and angle of the antenna on the pantograph side to change the directivity of the antenna to face the antenna on the electric bus side when the entry of the electric bus into the electric bus charging system is detected, thereby optimizing wireless communication.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining an electric bus charging system using a directional antenna according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a drawing for explaining a wireless communication unit in an electric bus charging system using the directional antenna of FIG. 1.

[0030] Fig. 3 is an enlarged drawing of the antenna driving unit in the wireless communication unit of Fig. 2.

[0031] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining an electric bus charging method using a directional antenna according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining an electric bus charging method using a directional antenna according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the attached Figures 1 to 5. The embodiments of the present invention may be modified in various ways, and the scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described below. These embodiments are provided to provide a more detailed explanation of the present invention to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the shapes of each element shown in the drawings may be exaggerated to emphasize a clearer explanation.

[0034]

[0035] Throughout the specification, when a part is said to be “connected” to another part, this includes not only the case where it is “directly connected” but also the case where it is “electrically connected” with another element in between. Furthermore, when a part is said to “include” a component, this should be understood to mean that, unless specifically stated to the contrary, it may include other components rather than excluding other components, and does not preclude the presence or possibility of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0036]

[0037] Before we begin, let's first clarify that there are two charging methods for electric buses: "Plug-In" and "Pantograph." "Plug-In" charging involves connecting a cable directly to the battery, which is fixed to the electric bus.

[0038] The pantograph charging method is a method in which a pantograph bar moves above the electric bus along the power rail, then descends and contacts the contact bar installed on the top of the electric bus, charging the electric bus.

[0039]

[0040] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining an electric bus charging system using a directional antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a drawing for explaining a wireless communication unit in an electric bus charging system using the directional antenna of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is an enlarged drawing of an antenna driving unit in the wireless communication unit of FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining an electric bus charging method using a directional antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] However, the electric bus charging system using the directional antenna of FIGS. 1 to 4 is only one embodiment of the present invention, and therefore the present invention is not limited to FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0042]

[0043] This is to optimize wireless communication such as Wi-Fi by changing the directivity of the antenna (A) of the electric bus charging system (100) using a directional antenna according to the present embodiment so that the antenna (A) of the electric bus charging system (100) and the antenna (B) of the electric bus (10) face each other.

[0044]

[0045] Referring to FIG. 1, an electric bus charging system (100) using a directional antenna according to the present embodiment includes a pantograph charging unit (110), a control unit (120), a wireless communication unit (130), and a first communication unit (140).

[0046] The electric bus charging system (100) can charge large commercial vehicles such as buses, and can be installed at a bus stop or garage where buses run.

[0047] The pantograph charging unit (110) includes a transfer unit (112) and a pantograph bar (114).

[0048]

[0049] The control unit (120) is electrically connected (via wired or wireless communication) to the pantograph charging unit (110), the wireless communication unit (130), and the first communication unit (140), and is responsible for the overall control of the pantograph charging unit (110), the wireless communication unit (130), and the first communication unit (140).

[0050] The control unit (120) moves the pantograph charging unit (110) along the support and transport rail of the electric bus charging system (100) via the transport unit (112). When the pantograph charging unit (110) reaches its destination (e.g., the upper part of the electric bus to which charging power is to be supplied) through the movement, the control unit (120) lowers the pantograph bar (114) to contact the contact bar (11) installed on the roof of the electric bus (10). When charging of the electric bus (10) is completed, the control unit (120) raises the pantograph bar (114).

[0051]

[0052] The control unit (120) controls the overall operation of vehicle charging. Depending on the power status of the electric bus (10), the control unit (120) controls the pantograph bar (114) to determine whether to wake up the electric bus (10). At this time, the control unit (120) receives vehicle information, including the power status, from the electric bus (10) with the engine turned on via wireless communication (WiFi, etc.). Specifically, the vehicle information is preferably information regarding the vehicle's power-off time, charging reservation time, or charging amount.

[0053] The control unit (120) transmits and receives charging information through the antenna (A) when the electric bus (10) is turned on. At this time, the control unit (120) can control the pantograph bar (114) to descend to supply charging power to the electric bus (10).

[0054] When the electric bus (10) that has transmitted vehicle information turns off its power and stands by, the control unit (140) lowers the pantograph bar (114) and connects it to the electric bus (10), wakes up the charging controller (13) and wireless communication controller (12) provided in the electric bus (10) through the pantograph bar (114), and then transmits and receives charging information through wireless communication (Wi-Fi, etc.).

[0055]

[0056] The wireless communication unit (130) performs wireless communication with the antenna (B) of the electric bus (10) through the antenna (A), and includes an entry direction confirmation unit (132), a signal strength measurement unit (134), a signal strength determination unit (138), and an antenna driving unit (136).

[0057] The wireless communication unit (130) starts performing wireless communication with the antenna (B) when the direction of the antenna (A) is opposite to (facing) the direction of the antenna (B), and the reception strength of the EV signal received by the antenna (A) and the CH signal received from the second communication unit (14) are within a preset range.

[0058]

[0059] The entry direction confirmation unit (132) detects the direction of the antenna (B) through the antenna (A) and determines whether the direction of the antenna (A) is opposite to that of the antenna (B). If the direction of the antenna (B) is not opposite to that of the antenna (A), the control unit (120) adjusts the direction and angle of the antenna (A) through the antenna driving unit (136).

[0060] The signal strength measurement unit (134) measures the reception strength of the EV signal received from the antenna (B). The signal strength judgment unit (138) determines whether the EV signal strength thus measured falls within a preset range (e.g., an off-charge (OppCharge) standard conforming signal strength: -40 [dBm] to -60 [dBm]). At this time, the control unit (120) adjusts the direction and angle of the antenna (A) through the antenna driving unit (136) if the signal strength falls outside the preset range.

[0061] In addition, the signal strength judgment unit (138) determines whether the CH signal strength received from the second communication unit (14) falls within a preset range (e.g., off-charge (OppCharge) standard conforming signal strength: -40 [dBm] to -60 [dBm]). At this time, the control unit (120) adjusts the direction and angle of the antenna (A) through the antenna driving unit (136) if the CH signal strength falls outside the preset range.

[0062]

[0063] The antenna driving unit (136) is connected to the antenna (A) and controls the direction and angle (X-axis, Y-axis, Z-axis control) of the antenna (A) according to the control signal of the control unit (120). At this time, it is preferable that the antenna (A) is an antenna whose swing and tilting are controlled. The antenna driving unit (136) may be equipped with a motor (e.g., BLDC (Brushless DC), etc.) that controls the swing and tilt of the antenna (A).

[0064] Specifically, the antenna driving unit (136) can adjust the direction of the antenna (A) so that the direction of the antenna (A) is opposite to the direction of the antenna (B), and can adjust the angle of the antenna (A) so that the reception strength of the EV signal and the CH signal corresponds to the preset range.

[0065]

[0066] For example, the antenna driving unit (136) can control the swing and tilt of the antenna (A) based on the position information of the antenna (A) generated by detecting the movement of the antenna (A) in the yaw, pitch, and roll directions in space.

[0067] In addition, the antenna driving unit (136) can adjust the swing and tilt of the antenna (A) to a plurality of different preset angles when the reception intensity does not fall within the preset range.

[0068]

[0069] An electric bus (10) including the aforementioned large commercial vehicle may be equipped with a contact bar (11) for receiving charging power, a wireless communication controller (12) for wirelessly transmitting and receiving charging information through an antenna (B), a charging controller (14) for charging control, and a second communication unit (14).

[0070] The wireless communication controller (12) may be equipped with a signal strength detection unit (12a) that measures the CH signal strength received from the antenna (A). The second communication unit (14) may transmit the CH signal strength thus specified to the first communication unit (140).

[0071] The first communication unit (140) and the second communication unit (14) may use a short-range communication technology such as a mobile communication modem such as a known 3G / 4G / 5G, Zigbee communication, or Bluetooth communication.

[0072]

[0073] The pantograph bar (114) physically contacts the electric bus (10) to provide a wired communication path and a charging power supply path. The pantograph bar (114) may be installed to be positioned on the upper portion of the electric bus (10) and may be provided to move up, down, left, and right.

[0074] When the pantograph bar (114) is lowered, it comes into contact with the contact bar (11) provided in the electric bus (10) to supply charging power, and the pantograph bar (114) may be provided with a CP contact portion (not shown) that physically comes into contact with the electric bus (10) to provide a wired communication path for CP (Control Pilot) communication.

[0075]

[0076] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 4, a method for charging an electric bus using a directional antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following description of each step, any content that overlaps with the previously described electric bus charging system using a directional antenna will be omitted or briefly described.

[0077]

[0078] First, the entry direction confirmation unit (132) detects the direction of the antenna (B) through the antenna (A) (S10).

[0079]

[0080] Next, the entry direction confirmation unit (132) determines whether the direction of the antenna (B) of the electric bus (10) is opposite to the direction of the antenna (A) (S20). At this time, if the direction of the antenna (B) is not opposite to the direction of the antenna (A), the control unit (120) adjusts the direction and angle of the antenna (A) through the antenna driving unit (136).

[0081]

[0082] Next, the signal strength measurement unit (134) measures the reception strength of the signal received from the antenna (B) (S30). The signal strength judgment unit (138) determines whether the EV signal strength thus measured falls within a preset range (e.g., off-charge (OppCharge) standard conforming signal strength: -40 [dBm] to -60 [dBm]) (S50). At this time, the control unit (120) adjusts the direction and angle of the antenna (A) through the antenna driving unit (136) if the signal strength falls outside the preset range.

[0083] In addition, the signal strength judgment unit (138) determines whether the CH signal strength received from the second communication unit (14) falls within a preset range (e.g., off-charge (OppCharge) standard conforming signal strength: -40 [dBm] to -60 [dBm]) (S50). At this time, the control unit (120) adjusts the direction and angle of the antenna (A) through the antenna driving unit (136) if the CH signal strength falls outside the preset range.

[0084]

[0085] Next, the wireless communication unit (130) starts performing wireless communication with the antenna (B) when the direction of the antenna (A) is opposite to (facing) the direction of the antenna (B) and the reception strength of the EV signal and CH signal is within a preset range (S60).

[0086]

[0087] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 5, a method for charging an electric bus using a directional antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following description of each step, any content that overlaps with the previously described electric bus charging system using a directional antenna will be omitted or briefly described.

[0088]

[0089] First, the entry direction confirmation unit (132) detects the direction of the antenna (B) through the antenna (A) (S11).

[0090]

[0091] Next, the entry direction confirmation unit (132) determines whether the direction of the antenna (B) of the electric bus (10) is opposite to the direction of the antenna (A) (S21). At this time, if the direction of the antenna (B) is not opposite to the direction of the antenna (A), the control unit (120) adjusts the direction and angle of the antenna (A) through the antenna driving unit (136).

[0092]

[0093] Next, the signal strength measurement unit (134) measures the reception strength of the signal received from the antenna (B) (S31). The signal strength judgment unit (138) determines whether the EV signal strength thus measured falls within a preset range (e.g., off-charge (OppCharge) standard conforming signal strength: -40 [dBm] to -60 [dBm]) (S41). At this time, the control unit (120) adjusts the direction and angle of the antenna (A) through the antenna driving unit (136) if the EV signal strength falls outside the preset range.

[0094]

[0095] Next, the signal strength judgment unit (138) receives the CH signal strength from the second communication unit (14) if the EV signal strength is within the preset range (S51).

[0096]

[0097] Next, the signal strength judgment unit (138) compares the EV signal and the CH signal (S61). If the CH signal is lower than the EV signal, the control unit (120) adjusts the direction and angle of the antenna (A) through the antenna driving unit (136).

[0098]

[0099] Next, the wireless communication unit (130) starts performing wireless communication with the antenna (B) when the direction of the antenna (A) is opposite to (facing) the direction of the antenna (B) and the CH signal is greater than or equal to the EV signal (S71).

[0100]

[0101] As a result, the electric bus charging system and method using a directional antenna according to the present invention have a remarkable effect of preventing electric bus charging failures caused by wireless communication errors between the electric bus charging system and the electric bus in advance by adjusting the direction and angle of the antenna on the pantograph side to change the directivity of the antenna to face the antenna on the electric bus side when the entry of the electric bus into the electric bus charging system is detected, thereby optimizing wireless communication (Wi-Fi, etc.).

[0102]

[0103] While the present invention has been described in detail through preferred embodiments, other embodiments are possible. Therefore, the technical spirit and scope of the claims set forth below are not limited to the preferred embodiments.

[0104] The electric bus charging system and method using a directional antenna according to the present invention can prevent electric bus charging failures caused by wireless communication errors between the electric bus charging system and the electric bus in advance by adjusting the direction and angle of the antenna on the pantograph side to change the directivity of the antenna to face the antenna on the electric bus side when the entry of an electric bus into the electric bus charging system is detected, thereby optimizing wireless communication, and thus it is an invention having industrial applicability.

Claims

1. An electric bus having an antenna (B), a signal strength detection unit electrically connected to the antenna (B) to measure the CH signal strength received by the antenna (B), and a second communication unit to transmit the CH signal strength received from the signal strength detection unit; and An electric bus charger comprising: a pantograph bar that provides a power supply path by physical contact with the electric bus; a wireless communication unit that has an antenna (A) that transmits charging information by wireless communication with the antenna (B); a first communication unit that receives the CH signal strength from the second communication unit; and a control unit that controls the pantograph bar according to the charging information to control the overall operation of charging the electric bus so that charging power is supplied to the electric bus; The above wireless communication unit, After detecting the direction of the antenna (B), an entry direction confirmation unit determines whether the direction of the antenna (A) and the direction of the antenna (B) are opposite to each other; A signal strength measuring unit that measures the reception strength of an EV signal received from the antenna (B) to the antenna (A); A signal strength measuring unit that determines whether the CH signal strength and the EV signal strength fall within a preset range; and An electric bus charging system using a directional antenna, comprising: an antenna driving unit connected to the antenna (A), adjusting the direction of the antenna (A) so that the direction of the antenna (A) is opposite to the direction of the antenna (B), and adjusting the angle of the antenna (A) so that the CH signal intensity and the EV signal intensity correspond to the preset range.

2. In paragraph 1, The above antenna (A) is an antenna whose swing and tilt are adjustable, The above antenna driving unit, An electric bus charging system using a directional antenna, comprising a motor that controls the swing and inclination of the antenna (A).

3. In paragraph 2, The above antenna driving unit, An electric bus charging system using a directional antenna that controls the swing and inclination of the antenna (A) based on position information of the antenna (A) generated by detecting the movement of the antenna (A) in the yaw, pitch, and roll directions in space.

4. In paragraph 2, The above antenna driving unit, An electric bus charging system using a directional antenna, which adjusts the swing and tilt of the antenna (A) to a plurality of different preset angles when the CH signal strength and the EV signal strength do not fall within the preset range.

5. In the electric bus charging method using the electric bus charging system according to Article 1, Direction detection step in which antenna (A) detects the direction of antenna (B); A direction determination step for determining whether the direction of the antenna (A) and the direction of the antenna (B) are opposite to each other; An EV signal measuring step in which the EV signal reception strength received from the antenna (B) to the antenna (A) is measured; A CH signal receiving step in which the CH signal intensity received by the above antenna (B) is received; A signal strength determination step for determining whether the CH signal strength and the EV signal strength fall within a preset range; and An electric bus charging method using a directional antenna, comprising: an antenna adjustment step of adjusting the direction of the antenna (A) so that the direction of the antenna (A) is opposite to the direction of the antenna (B), and adjusting the angle of the antenna (A) so that the CH signal intensity and the EV signal intensity correspond to the preset range.

6. In paragraph 5, The above antenna (A) is an antenna whose swing and tilt are adjustable, The above antenna adjustment step is, A method for charging an electric bus using a directional antenna, which is a step of adjusting the swing and inclination of the above antenna (A).

7. In paragraph 6, The above antenna adjustment step is, A method for charging an electric bus using a directional antenna, the method comprising: a step of controlling the swing and inclination of the antenna (A) based on the position information of the antenna (A) generated by detecting the movement of the antenna (A) in the yaw, pitch, and roll directions in space.

8. In paragraph 6, The above antenna adjustment step is, A method for charging an electric bus using a directional antenna, the method comprising: adjusting the swing and inclination of the antenna (A) to a plurality of preset different angles when the CH signal strength and the EV signal strength do not fall within the preset range.

9. In the electric bus charging method using the electric bus charging system according to Article 1, Direction detection step in which antenna (A) detects the direction of antenna (B); A direction determination step for determining whether the direction of the antenna (A) and the direction of the antenna (B) are opposite to each other; An EV signal measuring step in which the EV signal reception strength received from the antenna (B) to the antenna (A) is measured; A signal strength judgment step for judging whether the above EV signal strength falls within a preset range; A CH signal receiving step in which the CH signal strength received by the antenna (B) is received when the EV signal strength does not fall within the preset range; A signal intensity comparison step for comparing the CH signal intensity and the EV signal intensity; and A method for charging an electric bus using a directional antenna, comprising a wireless communication performing step in which wireless communication between the antenna (A) and the antenna (B) is initiated when the CH signal strength is greater than or equal to the EV signal strength.

10. In paragraph 9, The above antenna (A) is an antenna whose swing and tilt are adjustable, The above antenna adjustment step is, A method for charging an electric bus using a directional antenna, which is a step of adjusting the swing and inclination of the above antenna (A).

11. In paragraph 10, The above antenna adjustment step is, A method for charging an electric bus using a directional antenna, the method comprising: a step of controlling the swing and inclination of the antenna (A) based on the position information of the antenna (A) generated by detecting the movement of the antenna (A) in the yaw, pitch, and roll directions in space.

12. In paragraph 10, The above antenna adjustment step is, A method for charging an electric bus using a directional antenna, the method comprising: adjusting the swing and inclination of the antenna (A) to a plurality of preset different angles when the CH signal strength and the EV signal strength do not fall within the preset range.

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