Vehicle charging adapter and vehicle charging gun

Abstract

A vehicle charging adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a main body; an Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) connection unit connected to EVSE in the main body; and an inlet connection unit connected to a vehicle in the main body, wherein the EVSE connection unit includes at least one input unit, the inlet connection unit includes at least one output unit, and the plurality of output units may be connectors corresponding to different charging standards. In addition, the vehicle charging adapter comprises a control unit that controls mutual connection by identifying the type of an input unit connected to the EVSE and the type of an output unit connected to the vehicle from among the plurality of output units.

Description

Car charging adapter and car charging gun

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle charging adapter and a vehicle charging gun.

[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] To enhance the convenience of drivers of eco-friendly vehicles such as electric vehicles, various technologies are needed to shorten electric charging times and improve the environment of charging stations, including electric vehicle chargers.

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

[0007] In order to solve the above technical problem, a vehicle charging adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a main body; an EVSE connection part connected to an EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) in the main body; and an inlet connection part connected to a vehicle in the main body, wherein the EVSE connection part includes at least one input part, and the inlet connection part includes at least one output part.

[0008] The input unit may include a plurality of input units connected to different types of charging guns, and the output unit may include a plurality of output units connected to different types of inlets.

[0009] It may include a control unit that controls the mutual connection by checking the type of the input unit connected to the EVSE among the plurality of input units and the type of the output unit connected to the vehicle among the plurality of output units.

[0010] A temperature sensing unit for sensing the temperature between the inlet of the vehicle and the body is included, and the control unit can control the vehicle charging speed according to the temperature sensed by the temperature sensing unit.

[0011] The above body may include a display unit that displays vehicle charging status information.

[0012] It may include a communication input unit that communicates the EVSE and the vehicle and vehicle charging information.

[0013]

[0014] In order to solve the above technical problem, a vehicle charging adapter according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a polyhedral body including a plurality of faces; a male connection formed on one surface of the body and connected to a charging gun of an EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment); and a female connection formed on the other surface of the body and connected to an inlet of a vehicle, wherein the male connection includes a plurality of male connection parts of different types, and the female connection includes a plurality of female connection parts of different types.

[0015] The above body is formed in a hexahedral shape and includes first to sixth faces, and at least one of the first to sixth faces may include a different type of male connection part, and the remaining faces of the first to sixth faces may include a different type of female connection part.

[0016] The above plurality of female connectors may be connectable to a male connector of the vehicle charging adapter and another vehicle charging adapter.

[0017] The EVSE may include a control unit that controls the mutual connection by checking the type of the male connector connected to the charging gun and the type of the female connector connected to the inlet of the vehicle.

[0018] In order to solve the above technical problem, a vehicle charging device according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a first adapter; a second adapter connectable to the first adapter; and a third adapter connectable to the first adapter and the second adapter, wherein the first to third adapters are formed in a polyhedral shape including a plurality of faces, and each of the plurality of faces of the first to third adapters is formed with a female connection portion or a male connection portion.

[0019] The female connector of the adapter including a male connector that can be connected to the charging gun of the EVSE and the male connector of the adapter including a female connector that can be connected to the inlet of the vehicle can be connected in a stack structure.

[0020] The EVSE may include a control unit that controls the mutual connection by checking the type of the male connector connected to the charging gun and the type of the female connector connected to the inlet of the vehicle.

[0021]

[0022] In order to solve the above technical problem, a vehicle charging gun according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a main body connected to an EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment); a display unit arranged on the main body; a temperature sensing unit for sensing the temperature of the main body; and a control unit for controlling the charging speed according to the temperature of the main body.

[0023] The above control unit can control the temperature of the main body and the charging speed to be displayed on the display unit.

[0024] The control unit receives information on the battery charge amount and battery temperature from the EVCC, and the control unit can control the charging speed according to the temperature of the main body, the battery charge amount, and the battery temperature.

[0025] The control unit may control the charging speed of the battery from the vehicle charging gun according to the temperature of the main body, and the control unit may generate a signal for controlling the charging speed of the battery from the EVSE according to the temperature of the battery.

[0026] The control unit may control a charging speed at which the battery is charged from the vehicle charging gun when the temperature of the main body is equal to or greater than a first value and the battery temperature is equal to or less than a second value, and the control unit may generate a signal for controlling a charging speed at which the battery is charged from the EVSE when the temperature of the main body is equal to or greater than the first value and the battery temperature is equal to or greater than the second value.

[0027] According to these embodiments, user convenience can be increased by making the charging standards of different vehicles and the charging standards of EVSE mutually compatible.

[0028] Additionally, the charging temperature between the vehicle inlet and the vehicle charging adapter can be detected to control the charging speed and improve charging efficiency.

[0029] Additionally, adapters compatible with various standards can be implemented in a stack structure to minimize charging space.

[0030] Additionally, since the vehicle charging station and EVSE are physically separated, the charging speed can be controlled primarily based on the temperature of the vehicle charging station and the battery temperature, and secondarily by controlling the charging speed from the EVSE to the battery, thereby increasing charging efficiency.

[0031] Additionally, the display of the charging gun can visually provide information on the battery charge level, charging speed, and temperature of the charging gun and battery, thereby increasing driver convenience.

[0032] Fig. 1 illustrates a vehicle charging device according to the present embodiment.

[0033] FIGS. 2 to 4 are drawings for explaining a vehicle charging adapter according to the present embodiment.

[0034] FIGS. 5 to 10 are drawings for explaining a vehicle charging adapter according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Fig. 11 illustrates a vehicle charging gun according to the present embodiment.

[0036] Figures 12 to 14 are drawings for explaining a vehicle charging gun according to the present embodiment.

[0037] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] Additionally, the terms used in this embodiment are for the purpose of describing the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045]

[0046] FIG. 1 illustrates a vehicle charging device according to the present embodiment, and FIGS. 2 to 4 are drawings for explaining a vehicle charging adapter according to the present embodiment.

[0047] 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 can 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) can be connected to an inlet of the vehicle (10).

[0048] 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 control the amount of charging power in the vehicle. The EVCC can communicate with the battery management unit of the vehicle (10). The EVCC can be connected to the battery management unit by wire or wirelessly.

[0049] The Battery Management System (BMS) can monitor the temperature of the vehicle battery. It monitors the voltage, current, and temperature of the vehicle battery to maintain it in optimal condition. The BMS can transmit information about the vehicle battery's charge level, charging speed, and battery information to the EVCC. The BMS can also transmit the vehicle battery's temperature to the EVCC.

[0050] A vehicle battery is designed to power the vehicle motor and can be installed within an electric vehicle. The vehicle is an electric vehicle (EV), and the battery can be charged from an electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE).

[0051] When a user carries the charging gun (210) by hand and charges the charging connector of the charging gun (210) into the inlet (21) provided in the vehicle (10), power supplied from the EVSE (200) is supplied to the vehicle (10) through the charging cable and the charging gun (210), thereby charging the battery of the vehicle (10).

[0052]

[0053] The vehicle charging adapter (100) according to the present embodiment may include a main body, an EVSE connection part, and an inlet connection part, and may include a control part (110), a temperature detection part (124), a display part, and a communication input part (105).

[0054] The main body can be connected between the charging gun (210) of the EVSE (200) and the inlet (21) of the vehicle (10). The main body can be made in a size that can be carried by a user. The user can charge the vehicle by connecting the EVSE (200) and the vehicle (10) with different charging standards without any restrictions, according to the charging compatibility described below.

[0055] The EVSE connection part of the main body can be connected to the EVSE (200). The EVSE connection part can be formed on one side of the main body. The EVSE connection part can include at least one input part. The input part can include multiple input parts that are connected to different types of charging guns. The multiple input parts can be connectors that correspond to different charging standards. For example, the first input part (101) can be a combo type, the second input part (102) can be a CHAdeMO type, and the third input part (103) can be a China DC type.

[0056] The inlet connector of the main body can be connected to a vehicle. The inlet connector can be formed on the other surface of the main body. The inlet connector can include at least one output. The output can include a plurality of outputs that are connected to different types of inlets. The plurality of outputs can be connectors corresponding to different charging standards. For example, the first output (121) can be a combo type, the second output (122) can be a CHAdeMO type, and the third output (123) can be a China DC type.

[0057] The control unit (110) can control the interconnection by checking the type of the input unit connected to the EVSE (200) among the plurality of input units and the type of the output unit connected to the vehicle (10) among the plurality of output units. The control unit (110) can control a power conversion unit capable of converting power so that an appropriate charging power is output according to the type of the output unit connected to the vehicle even if different charging powers are input according to various charging standards. That is, a power conversion unit can be included between the plurality of input units and the plurality of output units, and the power conversion unit can convert the charging power according to the control of the control unit (110).

[0058] For example, if the type of input connected to the EVSE (200) is the first input (101) and the output connected to the vehicle (10) is the third output (123), the control unit (110) can control the charging power to be output to the third output (123) through the first input (101).

[0059] The temperature detection unit (124) can detect the temperature between the inlet of the vehicle (10) and the body. The control unit (110) can control the vehicle charging speed according to the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit (124). The charging temperature that affects the charging efficiency may take into account factors such as the battery temperature and the inlet temperature. Therefore, the temperature of the vehicle inlet or the temperature between the vehicle charging adapter (100) and the vehicle inlet is detected through the temperature detection unit (124), and the control unit (110) can control the vehicle charging speed according to the detected temperature.

[0060] The PE (Protective Earth) input (104) can be connected to the ground of the EVSE (200). The control unit (110) can continuously detect the continuity of the protective earth through the PE input (104) and detect the charging stability through whether it is properly connected to the vehicle or EVSE.

[0061] The display unit is arranged on the main body and can display vehicle charging status information. The display unit can receive and display information on the vehicle charging status from the control unit (110). The vehicle charging status information can include information on the type of input unit connected to the EVSE (200), the type of output unit connected to the vehicle (10), the amount of charging power, the charging speed, the expected charging completion time, the battery charging amount, the charging temperature, the battery temperature, etc.

[0062] The communication input unit (105) can communicate vehicle charging information with the EVSE (200) and the vehicle (10). The communication input unit (105) can receive vehicle charging status information for the EVSE (200) and vehicle charging status information of the vehicle (10) when the vehicle is charged, and perform mutual communication. When the vehicle communication standards of the EVSE (200) and the vehicle (10) are different, the communication input unit (105) can communicate so that the vehicle charging status information is mutually exchanged. The communication method by which the vehicle (10) and the EVSE (200) communicate can be various, such as the PLC (Power Line Communication) communication method and the CAN (Controller Area Network) communication method.

[0063]

[0064] FIGS. 5 to 10 are drawings for explaining a vehicle charging adapter according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] A vehicle charging adapter according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a main body, a male connector, and a female connector, and may include a control unit. A vehicle charging device according to another embodiment of the present invention may include first to third adapters (31, 32, 33).

[0066] The main body may be formed in a polyhedral shape including multiple faces. The main body may be formed in various shapes such as a tetrahedron, a hexahedron, and an octahedron. The first to third adapters (31, 32, 33) may include different connecting faces. The first to third adapters (31, 32, 33) may be formed in different shapes. The first adapter (31) may be connected to at least one of the second adapter (32) and the third adapter (33). The second adapter (32) may be connected to at least one of the first adapter (31) and the third adapter (33). The third adapter (33) may be connected to at least one of the first adapter (31) and the second adapter (32). At least one adapter may be arranged between the EVSE (200) and the vehicle (10) according to each charging standard. Depending on the charging specifications of the EVSE (200) and the charging specifications of the vehicle (10), the vehicle charging adapter can be selectively stacked and placed.

[0067] Referring to Fig. 6, connectors having various charging standards include terminals having the same or similar functions. For example, a charging port of the CHAdeMo standard, a charging port of the GB / T standard, and a charging port of the CCS1 or CCS2 standard may commonly include a DC(+) terminal, a DC(-) terminal, an A(+) terminal, an A(-) terminal, a CP terminal, and a PE terminal. Accordingly, the vehicle charging adapter according to the present embodiment may be configured with a female connector and a male connector so that the terminals are compatible.

[0068] The male connector (+) is formed on one side of the main body and can be connected to the EVSE (200) and the charging gun. Here, the connection connector of the charging gun (210) of the EVSE (200) is formed as a female connector (-) and can be combined with the male connector (+) of the vehicle charging adapter. The male connector (+) may include a plurality of male connectors (+) of different types. For example, the male connector (+) may be formed in different shapes according to various countries and charging standards. The types of the male connector (+) may be a male connector of the CHAdeMo standard, a male connector of the GB / T standard, and a male connector of the CCS1 or CCS2 standard, etc.

[0069] The female connector (-) is formed on the other side of the body and can be connected to the inlet of the vehicle. Here, the inlet (20) of the vehicle (10) is formed as a male connector (+) and can be combined with the female connector (-) of the vehicle charging adapter. The female connector (-) may include a plurality of female connectors (-) of different types. For example, the female connector (-) may be formed in different shapes according to various countries and charging standards. The types of the female connector (-) may be a female connector of the CHAdeMo standard, a female connector of the GB / T standard, and a female connector of the CCS1 or CCS2 standard, etc.

[0070] When the main body has a hexahedral shape, the main body may include first to sixth faces. At least one of the first to sixth faces may include a different type of male connector (+). The remaining faces of the first to sixth faces may include a different type of female connector (-). The plurality of female connectors (-) may be connectable to the male connector (+) of the vehicle charging adapter and other vehicle charging adapters. Magnets may be arranged on the edges of the first to sixth faces of the main body for coupling with other adapters, the charging gun of the EVSE, and the inlet of the vehicle.

[0071] Referring to Fig. 8, one side of the first adapter (31) may include a male connector (A+) connectable to a female connector (A-) of type A. Three sides connected to one side and the other side of the first adapter (31) may include female connectors (C-, D-, E-) connectable to different types of male connectors. The other side of the first adapter (31) connected to the three other sides may include a female connector (B-) connectable to a male connector (B+) of type B.

[0072] Referring to Fig. 9, one side of the second adapter (32) may include a male connector (B+) connectable to a female connector (B-) of type B. Three sides connected to one side and the other side of the second adapter (32) may include female connectors (A-, D-, E-) connectable to different types of male connectors. The other side of the second adapter (32) connected to the three other sides may include a female connector (C-) connectable to a male connector (C+) of type C.

[0073] Referring to Fig. 10, one side of the third adapter (33) may include a male connector (C+) connectable to a female connector (C-) of type C. Three sides connected to one side and the other side of the third adapter (33) may include female connectors (A-, B-, E-) connectable to different types of male connectors. The other side of the third adapter (33) connected to the three other sides may include a female connector (D-) connectable to a male connector (D+) of type D. The shapes and connection sides of the adapters illustrated in Figs. 5 to 7 are merely exemplary, and it will be apparent that the adapters may be formed into structures that can be combined in various ways.

[0074] The control unit can control the mutual connection by checking the type of the male connector (+) connected to the charging gun (210) of the EVSE (200) and the type of the female connector (-) connected to the inlet (20) of the vehicle (10). The control unit can control the power conversion unit capable of converting power so that an appropriate charging power is output according to the type of the output unit connected to the vehicle even if different charging powers are input according to various charging standards. That is, a power conversion unit can be included between a plurality of male connectors (+) and a plurality of female connectors (-), and the power conversion unit can convert the charging power according to the control of the control unit.

[0075]

[0076] Fig. 11 illustrates a vehicle charging gun according to the present embodiment, and Figs. 12 to 14 are drawings for explaining a vehicle charging gun according to the present embodiment.

[0077] The vehicle charging gun (210) according to the present embodiment may include a main body, a display unit (220), a temperature sensing unit (211), and a control unit (212).

[0078] The charging gun (210) may include a main body that a user holds by hand. The main body may be connected to the EVSE (200) via a cable, and may be placed apart from the EVSE (200). When the charging connector of the charging gun (210) is charged in the inlet (21) provided in the vehicle (10), power supplied from the EVSE (200) is supplied to the vehicle (10) through the charging cable and the charging gun (210), thereby charging the battery of the vehicle (10).

[0079] The temperature detection unit (211) can detect the temperature of the main body. The temperature detection unit (211) can detect the temperature of the charging connector area of ​​the charging gun connected to the vehicle charging port (20). The temperature detection unit (211) may be a temperature sensor for temperature measurement.

[0080] A display unit (220) may be placed on the main body. The display unit (220) may display the temperature and charging speed of the main body under the control of the control unit (212). The display unit (220) may display information on the battery charge level and battery temperature received from the EVCC (11) and charging station output information received from the EVSE (200). Through this, when the EVSE and the main body are physically separated, the user can check information on the vehicle charging status from the charging gun.

[0081] The control unit (212) can control the charging speed according to the temperature of the main body detected by the temperature detection unit (211). The control unit (212) can control the temperature of the main body and the charging speed to be displayed on the display unit (220). The control unit (212) receives information on the battery charge amount and battery temperature from the EVCC (11), and the control unit (212) can control the charging speed according to the temperature of the main body, the battery charge amount, and the battery temperature.

[0082] The vehicle charging gun (210) can control the charging speed based on the temperature of the main body before the charging speed is controlled by the EVSE (200). That is, since the EVSE (200) and the main body are physically separated, there may be a time difference in reflecting the temperature of the main body to the charging speed. Therefore, in order to immediately respond to the temperature of the main body that affects the charging speed, the temperature of the charging gun main body can be detected independently, and the charging gun itself can primarily control the charging speed based on the temperature of the main body.

[0083] The control unit (212) can control the charging speed of the battery from the vehicle charging gun (210) when the temperature of the main body is equal to or higher than a first value and the battery temperature is equal to or lower than a second value. The control unit (212) can control the charging speed of the battery from the EVSE (200) when the temperature of the main body is equal to or higher than a first value and the battery temperature is equal to or higher than a second value. Here, the first value and the second value may be temperature values ​​preset for optimizing the charging speed. Through this, the charging speed can be controlled by reflecting the temperatures of the main body of the charging gun and the battery, which affect the charging efficiency.

[0084] That is, even if the charging speed is fast in the EVSE (200), if the temperature of the main body overheats, the control unit (212) can lower the charging speed of the battery being charged from the vehicle charging gun (210), and thereafter, if the battery temperature overheats together with the temperature of the main body, the control unit (212) can generate and transmit a signal for reducing the charging speed in the EVSE.

[0085] When the control unit (212) adjusts the charging speed according to the temperature of the main body and the battery temperature, it can calculate the charging completion time according to the battery charge amount and the adjusted charging speed and display it on the display unit (220).

[0086]

[0087] 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. Main body; An EVSE connection part that connects to the EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) in the above body; and Including an inlet connection part connected to the vehicle in the above body, The EVSE connection part includes at least one input part, A vehicle charging adapter wherein the inlet connector includes at least one output.

2. In paragraph 1, The above input unit includes a plurality of input units connected to different types of charging guns, A vehicle charging adapter comprising a plurality of outputs connected to different types of inlets.

3. In paragraph 1, A vehicle charging adapter including a control unit that controls the mutual connection by checking the type of the input unit connected to the EVSE among the plurality of input units and the type of the output unit connected to the vehicle among the plurality of output units.

4. In paragraph 1, Includes a temperature sensing unit that senses the temperature between the inlet of the vehicle and the body, The above control unit is a vehicle charging adapter that controls the vehicle charging speed according to the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit.

5. In paragraph 1, A vehicle charging adapter including a display unit for displaying vehicle charging status information on the above body.

6. In paragraph 1, A vehicle charging adapter including the EVSE and a communication input unit for communicating vehicle charging information with the vehicle.

7. A polyhedral body containing multiple faces; A male connection formed on one side of the main body and connected to the charging gun of the EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment); and Includes a female connection formed on the other side of the main body and connected to the inlet of the vehicle, The above-mentioned connecting portion includes a plurality of different types of connecting portions, The above female connector is a vehicle charging adapter including a plurality of female connectors of different types.

8. In paragraph 7, The above body is formed in a hexahedral shape and includes first to sixth faces, At least one of the first to sixth surfaces includes a different type of connecting portion, A vehicle charging adapter wherein the remaining sides of the first to sixth sides each include different types of female connectors.

9. In paragraph 7, The above plurality of female connectors are a vehicle charging adapter that can be connected to a male connector of the vehicle charging adapter and another vehicle charging adapter.

10. In paragraph 7, A vehicle charging adapter including a control unit that controls the mutual connection by checking the type of the male connector connected to the charging gun of the EVSE and the type of the female connector connected to the inlet of the vehicle.

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