Vehicle charging system and control method thereof

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a vehicle charging system and a control method thereof, and more particularly, to: a vehicle charging system capable of selectively charging vehicles parked in a plurality of parking spaces with one charging device; and a control method thereof. As a means for solving technical problems, a vehicle charging system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise: a plurality of parking space facilities installed to correspond to parking spaces; and a server communicatively connected to a charger that supplies charging power and each of the plurality of parking space facilities, wherein each of the plurality of parking space facilities may comprise: an identification unit that identifies a vehicle located in a corresponding parking space; a power transmission unit having a power transmission means that supplies the charging power to the vehicle; and a controller communicating with the server and having a switch that selectively connects a charging cable between the power transmission unit and the charger.

Description

Vehicle charging system and control method thereof

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle charging system and a control method thereof, and more particularly, to a vehicle charging system and a control method thereof capable of selectively charging vehicles parked in multiple parking spaces with a single charging device.

[0002] Electric vehicles, such as electric vehicles (EVs) or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), can charge their built-in batteries using power provided by an external charging device.

[0003] These electric vehicles have superior driving performance because they use motors that are more responsive than internal combustion engines as their driving force, and they have the advantage of further improving fuel efficiency through regenerative braking. However, they require a long charging time compared to refueling, and there is an issue with the availability of chargers.

[0004] Even in facilities with large parking lots, such as apartment complexes, parking spaces equipped with charging devices are limited, making charging more inconvenient due to factors such as fully charged vehicles not moving or internal combustion engine vehicles parked in the parking lot. In reality, the biggest reason for this inconvenience is the lack of space and the cost of installing charging devices in every parking space.

[0005] The matters described as background technology above are only intended to enhance understanding of the background of the present disclosure, and should not be taken as an admission that they correspond to prior art already known to a person of ordinary skill in the art.

[0006] Accordingly, the present disclosure has as a technical problem the provision of a vehicle charging system and a control method thereof that can selectively charge vehicles parked in multiple parking spaces with a single charging device.

[0007] The technical problems to be achieved in the present disclosure are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0008] As a means for solving the above technical problem, a vehicle charging system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a plurality of parking space facilities installed to correspond to parking spaces; and a server communicatively connected to each of the plurality of parking space facilities and a charger that supplies charging power, wherein each of the plurality of parking space facilities may include an identification unit that identifies a vehicle located in a corresponding parking space; a power transmission unit that includes a power transmission means that supplies the charging power to the vehicle; and a controller that communicates with the server and includes a switch that selectively connects a charging cable between the power transmission unit and the charger.

[0009] For example, the identification unit can identify the vehicle by recognizing a license plate in an image captured by a camera.

[0010] For example, the controller may transmit vehicle detection information including the result of identifying the vehicle to the server.

[0011] For example, the server may perform a charging decision on the vehicle based on the vehicle detection information, and transmit switch control information corresponding to the result of the charging decision to the control unit of each of the plurality of parking space facilities.

[0012] For example, if multiple different vehicle detection information is received from different parking lot facilities, the server can determine the charging order between vehicles based on the entry time information or the expected exit time.

[0013] For example, the server may transmit the switch control information to the control unit of each of the plurality of parking space facilities based on the vehicle-to-vehicle charging order.

[0014] For example, the switch control information may be set so that the switch corresponding to the current charging target vehicle according to the vehicle-to-vehicle charging order is closed, and the switches of the remaining parking space equipment are opened.

[0015] For example, the server can determine the switch status of each of the plurality of parking lot facilities according to the switch control information, and if the switch status is satisfied, transmit charging control information to the charger.

[0016] For example, the charger may initiate supply of the charging power based on the charging control information.

[0017] In addition, a vehicle charging system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of parking space facilities installed to correspond to parking spaces; a main controller installed between a charger supplying charging power and the plurality of parking space facilities; and a server communicatively connected to the main controller, wherein each of the plurality of parking space facilities includes an identification unit for identifying a vehicle located in a corresponding parking space; a power transmission unit having a power transmission means for supplying the charging power to the vehicle; and a sub-controller communicating with the main controller, and the main controller may include a switch for selectively connecting a charging cable between the power transmission unit of any one of the plurality of parking space facilities and the charger according to an instruction of the server.

[0018] As a means for solving the above technical problem, a vehicle charging system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a plurality of parking space facilities installed to correspond to different parking spaces; a main controller installed between a charger supplying charging power and the plurality of parking space facilities; and a server communicatively connected to the main controller, wherein each of the plurality of parking space facilities comprises: an identification unit for identifying a vehicle located in a corresponding parking space; a power transmission unit having a power transmission means for supplying the charging power to the vehicle; and a sub-controller communicating with the main controller, wherein the main controller may be provided with a switch for selectively connecting a power line between the power transmission unit of any one of the plurality of parking space facilities and the charger according to an instruction of the server.

[0019] For example, the identification unit can identify the vehicle by recognizing a license plate in an image captured by a camera.

[0020] For example, the sub-controller can transmit vehicle detection information including the result of identifying the vehicle to the server through the main controller.

[0021] For example, the server may perform a charging decision for the vehicle based on the vehicle detection information, and transmit switch control information corresponding to the result of the charging decision to the main controller.

[0022] For example, if multiple different vehicle detection information is received from different parking lot facilities, the server can determine the charging order between vehicles based on the entry time information or the expected exit time.

[0023] For example, the server may transmit the switch control information to the control unit of each of the plurality of parking space facilities based on the vehicle-to-vehicle charging order.

[0024] For example, the switch control information may be set to be connected to a state corresponding to the current charging target vehicle according to the vehicle-to-vehicle charging order.

[0025] For example, the sub-controller of each of the charger and the plurality of parking lot facilities has a charger-side control pilot (CP) device, the main controller has a vehicle-side control pilot (CP) device, and the sub-controller and the main controller connected to the power line by the switch can wirelessly relay a control pilot signal.

[0026] For example, when the main controller detects a first voltage PWM signal through the vehicle-side control pilot device, it can instruct the sub-controller to which the power line is connected to turn on the first switch.

[0027] For example, the sub-controller to which the power line is connected can, when detecting a second voltage PWM signal having a lower peak voltage than the first voltage PWM signal through its own charger-side control pilot device, instruct the main controller to turn on the second switch.

[0028] In addition, a vehicle charging system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of parking space facilities installed to correspond to different parking spaces; a main controller installed between a charger supplying charging power and the plurality of parking space facilities; and a server communicatively connected to the main controller, wherein each of the plurality of parking space facilities includes an identification unit for identifying a vehicle located in a corresponding parking space; a power transmission unit having a power transmission means for supplying the charging power to the vehicle; and a sub-controller communicating with the main controller, wherein each of the plurality of parking space facilities may include a switch for selectively connecting a power line branched from the charger and its own power transmission unit.

[0029] For example, the identification unit can identify the vehicle by recognizing a license plate in an image captured by a camera.

[0030] For example, the sub-controller can transmit vehicle detection information including the result of identifying the vehicle to the server through the main controller.

[0031] For example, the server may perform a charging decision for the vehicle based on the vehicle detection information, and transmit switch control information corresponding to the result of the charging decision to the main controller.

[0032] For example, if multiple different vehicle detection information is received from different parking lot facilities, the server can determine the charging order between vehicles based on the entry time information or the expected exit time.

[0033] For example, the server may transmit the switch control information to the control unit of each of the plurality of parking space facilities based on the vehicle-to-vehicle charging order.

[0034] For example, the main controller can determine the switch status of each of the plurality of parking lot facilities according to the switch control information, and if the switch status is satisfied, transmit charging start information to the charger.

[0035] For example, the sub-controller of each of the charger and the plurality of parking lot facilities has a charger-side control pilot (CP) device, the main controller has a vehicle-side control pilot (CP) device, and the sub-controller and the main controller connected to the power line by the switch can wirelessly relay a control pilot signal.

[0036] For example, when the main controller detects a first voltage PWM signal through the vehicle-side control pilot device, it can instruct the sub-controller to which the power line is connected to turn on the first switch.

[0037] For example, the sub-controller to which the power line is connected can, when detecting a second voltage PWM signal having a lower peak voltage than the first voltage PWM signal through its own charger-side control pilot device, instruct the main controller to turn on the second switch.

[0038] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, one charging device and multiple parking space facilities can be selectively or sequentially connected through vehicle recognition.

[0039] Therefore, the cost burden of installing charging devices in each parking space can be reduced.

[0040] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains from the description below.

[0041] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a vehicle charging system configuration according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 2 is a conceptual diagram of a parking lot to which a vehicle charging system according to one embodiment is applied.

[0043] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a charging process through a vehicle charging system according to one embodiment.

[0044] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a vehicle charging system configuration according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Fig. 5 is a conceptual diagram of a parking lot to which a vehicle charging system according to another embodiment is applied.

[0046] Figure 6 illustrates an example of a charging process through a vehicle charging system according to another embodiment.

[0047] Figure 7 shows an example of a possible parking lot to which the embodiments apply.

[0048] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of a vehicle charging system configuration according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing another example of a vehicle charging system configuration according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] Fig. 10 is a conceptual diagram of a parking lot to which a vehicle charging system according to another embodiment is applied.

[0051] Figure 11 illustrates an example of a charging process through a vehicle charging system according to another embodiment.

[0052] Figure 12 illustrates another example of a charging process through a vehicle charging system according to another embodiment.

[0053] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a CP device configuration that can be applied to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the control pilot signal status of the CP device shown in FIG. 13 according to the charging sequence.

[0055] Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of a charging control process according to a charging sequence.

[0056] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of a charging process through CP relay control according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Regardless of the drawing numbers, identical or similar components will be given the same reference numbers and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. The suffixes "module" and "part" used for components in the following description are assigned or used interchangeably only for the convenience of writing the specification, and do not in themselves have distinct meanings or roles. In addition, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a specific description of a related known technology may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the attached drawings are only intended to facilitate easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical ideas disclosed in this specification are not limited by the attached drawings, and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0058] Terms that include ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another.

[0059] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but that there may be other components intervening. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components intervening.

[0060] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0061] In this specification, terms such as “include” or “have” are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in the specification, but should be understood not to exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0062] Hereinafter, a vehicle charging system and a control method thereof according to various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0063] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a vehicle charging system configuration according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of a parking lot to which a vehicle charging system according to one embodiment is applied.

[0064] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 together, a vehicle charging system according to one embodiment may include a server (100), a charger (200), and a plurality of parking space facilities (300-1, 300-2, ... 300-N).

[0065] The server (100) is communicatively connected to a charger (200) and a plurality of parking space facilities (300-1, 300-2, ... 300-N), and through this, transmission and reception of status information and control information is possible. The server (100) may be provided per parking lot, or multiple servers (100) may be provided for each section of a single parking lot, or multiple parking lots may be managed by one server (100). For example, in the case of an apartment complex, one server (100) may be provided for each building, or the parking lot of the entire complex may be managed by one server (100), or multiple apartment complexes may be managed by one server (100).

[0066] The server (100) can manage user information related to charging for each vehicle. For example, the server (100) manages vehicles by registration number (license plate), and charging-related information may include payment method information, entry time information, expected exit time information, and charging method information (slow / rapid, etc.). Payment method information may include, but is not limited to, credit card information and charging payment agency account information. For example, for apartments or offices, payment method information may further include address information so that charging fees can be added to the management fee and billed.

[0067] The charger (200) can receive grid power, convert it into power suitable for charging the battery of a vehicle to be charged, and supply it to the vehicle. For example, the charger (200) may be an Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE). Furthermore, the charger (200) can initiate or interrupt the supply of charging power according to instructions from the server (100).

[0068] Each of the plurality of parking space facilities (300-1, 300-2, ... 300-N) may be installed in a parking lot corresponding to an individual parking space, and may include a controller (310), an identification unit (320), and a power transmission unit (330).

[0069] The controller (310) may have a communication function with the charger (200) and the server (100).

[0070] The identification unit (320) may have a configuration suitable for identifying a vehicle parked in a parking space equipped with the corresponding parking space facility. For example, the identification unit (320) may include a camera to capture the license plate of a vehicle parked in the parking space and obtain license plate information through image recognition from the captured image. The license plate information may be transmitted to the controller (310), which may then transmit it to the server (100). Depending on the embodiment, the identification unit (320) may further include an information input / output means. The information input / output means may include at least one of a key button, a card recognition device (reader), a tag recognition device, and a display device (or touchscreen). Through the information input / output means, a user may input charging-related user information or register a payment method, etc. Such an information input / output means may be particularly useful when initially registering user information if the user information has not been previously registered with the server (100).

[0071] The power transmission unit (330) can perform a function of transmitting charging power supplied from the charger (200) to a vehicle parked in the corresponding parking space. For example, the power transmission unit (330) can include a charging connector.

[0072] Meanwhile, the controller (310) may include a switch (311) to selectively connect the charger (200) and the power transmission unit (330) according to the instructions of the server (100). At this time, the switch (311) may selectively connect or disconnect each line corresponding to the charging method supported by the charger (200). For example, if the charger (200) supports the combo method, the connector includes a total of 7 pins, including 5 slow pins (① AC 220 V / neutral ② AC 220 V ③ ground ④ CP signal line ⑤ PD signal line) and 2 fast pins (⑥ DC (+) ⑦ DC (-)). Accordingly, a charging cable having a total of 7 lines is connected between the charger (200) and the power transmission unit (330), and the switch (311) may be configured to simultaneously connect or disconnect each of the 7 lines of the cable. Accordingly, by closing the switch of only one of the plurality of parking space facilities (300-1, 300-2, ... 300-N) and opening the switches of the remaining parking space facilities, the charger (200) can be connected one-to-one with the power transmission unit corresponding to the parking space facility with the closed switch. That is, from the perspective of the charger (200), it is equivalent to having one charging connector. Accordingly, there is no need to complicate the structure of the charger (200) or change the control of the charging process performed in the charger (200), and since one charger (200) can selectively charge vehicles parked in multiple parking spaces through the control of the switch (311), there is no need to have a charger (200) for each parking space.

[0073] Below, the process of vehicle charging is described based on the configuration of the vehicle charging system described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0074] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a charging process through a vehicle charging system according to one embodiment.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 3, first, a user's vehicle, i.e., charging-related user information, can be registered with the server (100) via a user terminal (10) (S301). As described above, charging-related user information may include vehicle identification information (license plate), payment method information, entry time information, expected exit time information, charging method information (slow / rapid, etc.), etc. In addition, the user terminal (10) may be any type of terminal, such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or PC, as long as it can execute a webpage or application that provides a user interface for registering user information with the server (100). Furthermore, the user terminal (10) may be a public kiosk, assuming a public parking lot, or a PC in the management office, assuming an apartment complex or other multi-family housing.

[0076] Afterwards, when a vehicle wishing to charge enters the parking lot and parks on a parking space equipped with a parking space facility (here, assumed to be 300-1), the identification unit (320) of the parking space facility identifies the license plate of the parked vehicle, and the controller (310) can transmit this as vehicle detection information to the server (100) (S302). Here, it is assumed that the driver of the vehicle takes an action (e.g., connecting the charging connector) so that charging power can be supplied to the vehicle through the power transmission unit (330) after parking.

[0077] The server (100) can search for charging-related user information based on the license plate information included in the vehicle detection information, and determine charging based on the search result (S303). The determination of charging may include determinations regarding charging availability, charging amount, charging start time, etc. For example, the server (100) may determine that charging is possible if there is a charging-related user information item corresponding to the license plate information and a valid payment method is registered. In addition, if there is an expected exit time in the charging-related user information item, the server (100) can adjust the charging order among vehicles whose parking has been recognized so that charging can be performed before the expected exit time. If there is no information regarding the expected exit time, the server (100) may determine the charging order among vehicles in the order of parking (entry).

[0078] Although not shown, if the server (100) determines that charging-related user information for the license plate included in the vehicle detection information is not registered, it may transmit registration request information to the controller (310). In this case, the controller (310) may receive charging-related user information through an information input / output means (not shown) and transmit it back to the server (100). Once user information is registered in the server (100) through the process described above, it is possible to determine charging using the user information in any parking lot nationwide that can access the server (100).

[0079] The server (100) can transmit switch control information to the controller (310) of each parking space facility based on the result of the charging judgment (S304). For example, when charging is to be initiated for a vehicle parked in parking space 1, the server (100) can instruct the controller (310) of the parking space facility (300-1) corresponding to parking space 1 to close the switch (311) and can instruct the controllers (310) of the remaining parking space facilities to open the switches (311). In other words, the switch control information can be set so that the switch (311) of the parking space facility (300-1) where the vehicle to be charged is currently parked is closed according to the vehicle-to-vehicle charging order, and the switches of the remaining parking space facilities are opened. Through this, the server (100) can connect the power transmission unit (330) of the parking space facility (300-1) where the vehicle to be charged is currently parked to the charger (200).

[0080] When the switch (311) is controlled according to the switch control information (S305), the controller (310) can report the switch control result to the server (100) (S306).

[0081] Upon checking the switch status for each parking space facility, the server (100) can transmit charging control information to the charger (200) (S307). For example, the charging control information may include information indicating the initiation of a charging procedure, the charging method of the vehicle to be charged, the target charging amount, etc., but this is merely exemplary and is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0082] Afterwards, the charger (200) can perform charging according to a predefined procedure for each charging method (e.g., detecting CP voltage change when using CP, etc.) (S308).

[0083] The result of the charging operation (e.g., charging completion or charging failure) can be transmitted from the charger (200) to the server (100) (S309). If the charger (200) also has a payment function, payment method information can be acquired by the charger (200) during the process of receiving charging control information (S307). Otherwise, the server (100) can perform payment based on the charging result. In addition, the server (100) can also transmit the charging result to a pre-registered user terminal (10) (S310).

[0084] Steps S302 to S309 described above are sequentially performed according to the parking space, thereby enabling charging of vehicles parked in multiple parking spaces using a single charger (200). Accordingly, the installation cost burden of the charger (200) can be significantly reduced.

[0085] Although Fig. 3 is described based on one parking space facility (300-1), it is of course possible for the server (100) to perform switch control again so that vehicles parked in other parking spaces can be charged when charging for a vehicle parked in that parking space is completed.

[0086] In the above-described embodiment, a controller (310) including a switch (311) is provided for each parking space facility, but according to another embodiment, a main controller including a switch may be provided between a charger and a plurality of parking space facilities. This will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6.

[0087] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a vehicle charging system configuration according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram of a parking lot to which a vehicle charging system according to another embodiment is applied.

[0088] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5 together, a vehicle charging system according to another embodiment may include a server (100), a charger (200), a main controller (400), and a plurality of parking space facilities (500-1, 500-2, ... 500-N).

[0089] The server (100) is communicatively connected to the main controller (400), and can transmit and receive status information and control information through this. The server (100) may be provided per parking lot, or multiple servers (100) may be provided for each section of a single parking lot, or multiple parking lots may be managed by one server (100). For example, in the case of an apartment complex, one server (100) may be provided for each building, or the parking lot of the entire complex may be managed by one server (100), or multiple apartment complexes may be managed by one server (100).

[0090] The server (100) can manage user information related to charging for each vehicle. For example, the server (100) manages vehicles by registration number (license plate), and charging-related information may include payment method information, entry time information, expected exit time information, and charging method information (slow / rapid, etc.). Payment method information may include, but is not limited to, credit card information and charging payment agency account information. For example, for apartments or offices, payment method information may further include address information so that charging fees can be added to the management fee and billed.

[0091] The charger (200) can receive grid power, convert it into power suitable for charging the battery of a vehicle to be charged, and supply it to the vehicle. For example, the charger (200) may be an Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE). Furthermore, the charger (200) can initiate or interrupt the supply of charging power according to instructions from the main controller (400).

[0092] The main controller (400) is connected to communicate with the server (100), the charger (200), and the sub-controllers (510) of each of the plurality of parking lot facilities, and may include a switch (410). The function of the switch (410) will be described later.

[0093] Each of the plurality of parking space facilities (500-1, 500-2, ... 500-N) may be installed in a parking lot corresponding to an individual parking space, and may include a sub-controller (510), an identification unit (520), and a power transmission unit (530).

[0094] The sub-controller (510) may have a communication function with the main controller (400).

[0095] The identification unit (520) may have a configuration suitable for identifying a vehicle parked in a parking space equipped with the corresponding parking space facility. For example, the identification unit (520) may include a camera to capture the license plate of a vehicle parked in the parking space and obtain license plate information through image recognition from the captured image. The license plate information may be transmitted to the sub-controller (510), which may then transmit it to the main controller (400). Depending on the embodiment, the identification unit (520) may further include an information input / output means. The information input / output means may include at least one of a key button, a card recognition device (reader), a tag recognition device, and a display device (or touchscreen). Through the information input / output means, a user may input charging-related user information or register a payment method, etc. Such an information input / output means may be particularly useful when initially registering user information if the user information has not been previously registered in the server (100).

[0096] The power transmission unit (530) can perform a function of transmitting charging power supplied from the charger (200) to a vehicle parked in the corresponding parking space. For example, the power transmission unit (530) can include a charging connector.

[0097] Meanwhile, the main controller (400) may include a switch (410) to selectively connect the charger (200) and the power transmission unit (530) of a specific parking lot facility according to the instructions of the server (100). At this time, the switch (410) may connect each line corresponding to the charging method supported by the charger (200) to the power transmission unit (530) of any one of the plurality of parking lot facilities. For example, when the charger (200) supports the combo method, the connector includes a total of 7 pins, including 5 slow pins (① AC 220 V / neutral ② AC 220 V ③ Ground ④ CP signal line ⑤ PD signal line) and 2 fast pins (⑥ DC (+) ⑦ DC (-)). Accordingly, a total of 7 lines are connected between the charger (200) and the power transmission unit (530), and the switch (410) can be configured to simultaneously connect or disconnect each of the 7 lines with the line heading to the power transmission unit (530) of a specific parking lot facility. Accordingly, in the above-described embodiment, the switch (311) had to be individually controlled for each parking lot facility, but in another embodiment, only the switch (410) of the main controller (400) is controlled, thereby enabling a one-to-one connection between the charger (200) and the power transmission unit (530) of a specific parking lot facility. In other words, in the structure of FIG. 1, the charging cable is branched between the charger (200) and each parking lot facility, but in the structure of FIG. 4, the charger (200) and the main controller (400) are connected by a single charging cable, and the charging cable is branched within the switch (410) of the main controller (400). Accordingly, the switch (311) of Fig. 1 has only one-to-one connection per line and is therefore controlled to be in an open or close state, but the switch (410) of Fig. 4 has one-to-many connections for each line as many as the number of parking lot facilities, and thus can have a close state and an open state corresponding to each parking lot facility.

[0098] Due to this, from the perspective of the charger (200) in this embodiment, it is as if a single charging connector is provided. Accordingly, there is no need for the structure of the charger (200) to become complicated or for the control of the charging process performed in the charger (200) to change, and since a single charger (200) can selectively charge vehicles parked in multiple parking spaces through the control of the switch (410), there is no need for a charger (200) to be provided for each parking space.

[0099] Below, the process of vehicle charging is described based on the configuration of the vehicle charging system described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0100] Figure 6 illustrates an example of a charging process through a vehicle charging system according to another embodiment.

[0101] Referring to FIG. 6, first, user vehicle, i.e., charging-related user information, can be registered with the server (100) via the user terminal (10) (S601). This step is similar to step S301 of FIG. 3, so any redundant description will be omitted.

[0102] Afterwards, when a vehicle wishing to charge enters the parking lot and parks on a parking space equipped with a parking space facility (here, assumed to be 500-1), the identification unit (520) of the parking space facility identifies the license plate of the parked vehicle, and the sub-controller (510) can transmit this as vehicle detection information to the main controller (400) (S602). Here, it is assumed that the driver of the vehicle takes an action (e.g., connecting the charging connector) so that charging power can be supplied to the vehicle through the power transmission unit (530) after parking.

[0103] The main controller (400) transmits the vehicle detection information back to the server (100) (S603), and the server (100) can search for charging-related user information based on the license plate information included in the vehicle detection information and make a decision on charging based on the search result (S604). The charging decision process (S604) is similar to step S303 of FIG. 3, and thus, any duplicate description will be omitted. The case where the server (100) determines that charging-related user information for the license plate included in the vehicle detection information is not registered is also similar.

[0104] Based on the charging judgment result, the server (100) may transmit charging control information to the main controller (400) (S605). For example, the charging control information may include switch control information, information about the parking space (or parking space equipment) where the vehicle to be charged is parked, the charging method of the vehicle to be charged, the target charging amount, etc., but these are exemplary and not necessarily limited thereto.

[0105] The main controller (400) can control the switch (410) based on the charging control information received from the server (100) (S606). For example, the main controller (400) can control the switch (410) so that the power transmission unit (530) of the parking space equipment (500-1) corresponding to the parking space where the vehicle to be charged is parked is connected to the charger (200).

[0106] Once the switch (410) control is completed, the main controller (400) can transmit charging control information to the charger (200) (S607). Here, the charging control information may include information indicating the start of the charging process, information regarding the charging method of the vehicle to be charged, the target charging amount, etc., but this is merely exemplary and is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0107] Afterwards, the charger (200) can perform charging according to a procedure defined for each charging method (e.g., detecting CP voltage change when CP is used, etc.) (S608).

[0108] The result of the charging operation (e.g., charging completion or charging failure) can be transmitted from the charger (200) to the main controller (400) (S609). The main controller (400) can then transmit the charging result to the server (100) (S610).

[0109] If the charger (200) also has a payment function, payment method information can be acquired by the charger (200) during the process of receiving charging control information (S607). Otherwise, the server (100) can perform payment based on the charging result. In addition, the server (100) can also transmit the charging result to a pre-registered user terminal (10) (S611).

[0110] Each of the aforementioned steps is performed sequentially according to the parking space, thereby enabling charging of vehicles parked in multiple parking spaces using a single charger (200). Accordingly, the installation cost burden of the charger (200) can be significantly reduced.

[0111] FIG. 6 is also described based on one parking space facility (500-1), but it is of course possible for the server (100) to transmit charging control information back to the main controller (400) so that vehicles parked in other parking spaces can be charged when charging for a vehicle parked in that parking space is completed.

[0112] Figure 7 shows an example of a possible parking lot to which the embodiments apply.

[0113] The power transmission unit (330) illustrated in FIG. 2 and the power transmission unit (530) illustrated in FIG. 5 are illustrated as charging connectors, but referring to FIG. 7, the power transmission unit (330') of each parking space facility (300-1') may also be implemented in the form of a wireless charging pad.

[0114] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a vehicle charging system configuration according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating another example of a vehicle charging system configuration according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Furthermore, FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram of a parking lot to which a vehicle charging system according to another embodiment is applied.

[0115] Referring to FIGS. 8 to 10 together, a vehicle charging system according to another embodiment may include a server (1100), a charger (1200), a main controller (1400), and a plurality of parking space facilities (1500-1, 1500-2, ... 1500-N).

[0116] The server (1100) is communicatively connected to the main controller (1400), and can transmit and receive status information and control information through this. The server (1100) may be provided per parking lot, or multiple servers (1100) may be provided for each section of a single parking lot, or multiple parking lots may be managed by one server (1100). For example, in the case of an apartment complex, one server (1100) may be provided for each building, or the parking lot of the entire complex may be managed by one server (1100), or multiple apartment complexes may be managed by one server (1100).

[0117] The server (1100) can manage user information related to charging for each vehicle. For example, the server (1100) manages vehicles by registration number (license plate), and charging-related information may include payment method information, entry time information, expected exit time information, and charging method information (slow / rapid, etc.). Payment method information may include, but is not limited to, credit card information and charging payment agency account information. For example, for apartments or offices, payment method information may further include address information so that charging fees can be added to the management fee and billed.

[0118] The charger (200) can receive grid power, convert it into power suitable for charging the battery of a vehicle to be charged, and supply it to the vehicle. For example, the charger (1200) may be an Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE). Furthermore, the charger (1200) can initiate or interrupt the supply of charging power according to instructions from the main controller (400).

[0119] The main controller (1400) may include a controller (1410), a signal processing unit (1420), and a communication unit (1430). The controller (1410) may perform overall control functions for the main controller (1400), including control of the remaining components (1420, 1430), and may be connected to communicate with the server (1100) and the charger (1200). The connection to the server (1100) and the charger (1200) may be a wired connection, but this is exemplary and a wireless connection may also be possible depending on the implementation.

[0120] The signal processing unit (1420) can perform switching operations and voltage detection functions for relaying a control pilot (CP) signal and a proximity detection (PD) signal together with the signal processing unit (1512) of the parking space equipment described later. This will be described in more detail later with reference to FIGS. 13 to 15.

[0121] The communication unit (1430) can wirelessly exchange data with the communication unit (1513) of the sub-controller (1510) provided in each of the plurality of parking lot facilities (1500-1, 1500-2, ... 1500-N). The data exchange method may be a wireless communication protocol (BT, Wi-Fi, 4G / LTE, etc.) widely used in the IoT field, but this is an example and is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0122] Each of the plurality of parking space facilities (1500-1, 1500-2, ... 1500-N) may be installed in a parking lot corresponding to an individual parking space, and may include a sub-controller (1510), an identification unit (1540), and a power transmission unit (1550).

[0123] The sub-controller (1510) may include a controller (1511), a signal processing unit (1512), and a communication unit (1513).

[0124] The controller (1511) can perform overall control functions for the parking lot facility, including control of the remaining components (1512, 1513, 1520).

[0125] The signal processing unit (1512) can perform switching operations and voltage detection functions for relaying control pilot (CP) signals and proximity detection (PD) signals together with the signal processing unit (1420) of the main controller (1400).

[0126] The communication unit (1513) can exchange data with the communication unit (1430) of the main controller (1400) through a predetermined wireless communication protocol.

[0127] The identification unit (1540) may have a configuration suitable for identifying a vehicle parked in a parking space equipped with the corresponding parking space facility. For example, the identification unit (1540) may include a camera to capture the license plate of a vehicle parked in the parking space and obtain license plate information through image recognition from the captured image. The license plate information may be transmitted to the sub-controller (1510), which may then transmit it to the main controller (1400). Depending on the embodiment, the identification unit (1540) may further include an information input / output means. The information input / output means may include at least one of a key button, a card recognition device (reader), a tag recognition device, and a display device (or touchscreen). Through the information input / output means, a user may input charging-related user information or register a payment method, etc. Such an information input / output means may be particularly useful when initially registering user information if the user information has not been previously registered in the server (1100).

[0128] The power transmission unit (1550) may perform a function of transmitting charging power supplied from the charger (1200) to a vehicle parked in the corresponding parking space. For example, the power transmission unit (1550) may include a charging connector.

[0129] Meanwhile, if the charger (1200) supports both AC charging and DC charging, a combo type charging cable and charging connector may be applied. The combo type charging connector includes a total of 7 pins, including 5 slow pins (① AC 220V / neutral ② AC 220V ③ Ground ④ CP signal line ⑤ PD signal line) and 2 fast pins (⑥ DC (+) ⑦ DC (-)). At this time, it is preferable that the number of pins of the charging connector (1550) and the number of pins of the charger (200) are the same.

[0130] Here, the pins used for AC power transmission (i.e., ① AC 220V / neutral, ② AC 220V) and the pins used for DC power transmission (i.e., ⑥DC(+) and ⑦DC(-)) perform power transmission, so the cable line corresponding to the pins can be collectively referred to as a power line (PL).

[0131] Ultimately, the connection between the charger (1100) and the main controller (1400) has a configuration of a PD signal line, a CP signal line, a ground line, and a power line (PL) (excluding the communication line between the controller (1410) for direct control of the charger (1200) and the charger (1200), and the connection between the connector (1550) and the sub-controller (1510) is also the same.

[0132] However, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, although the power line may have a wired connection between the main controller (1400) and the parking lot equipment (e.g., 1500-1), the PD signal and the CP signal are not connected via a wire. Instead, the PD signal and the CP signal may be exchanged between the main controller (1400) and the parking lot equipment (e.g., 1500-1) in the form of a control signal rather than a direct signal through each communication unit (1430, 1513). For example, when the signal processing unit (1512) detects a proximity state as the connector (1550) is connected to the vehicle, the controller (1511) may control the communication unit (1513) to transmit a control signal corresponding to the proximity state detection to the communication unit (1430) of the main controller (1400). Accordingly, the controller (1410) of the main controller (1400) can control the signal processing unit (1420) to transmit a proximity detection signal to the PD line. Accordingly, the charger (1200) can recognize that the connector (1550) is connected to the vehicle even if it is not connected to the connector (1550) by a wire. The CP signal is similar, and this will be described in more detail later with reference to FIGS. 13 to 16.

[0133] As described above, the power line (PL) drawn from the charger (1200) needs to be directly connected to the charging cable (1530) of the parking space where the vehicle to be charged is parked. However, since one charger (1200) needs to be selectively connected to any one of the charging cables (1530) of each of the multiple parking spaces, a switch is required to set this connection relationship.

[0134] In the case of Fig. 8, a switch (1300) performing such a function may be provided in the main controller (1400). The connection status of the switch (1300) may be changed according to the control of the controller (1410) according to the instructions of the server (1100). For example, when the vehicle to be charged is parked in parking space 1, the switch (1300) may be controlled so that the power line (PL1) extending to the connector (1550) of the corresponding parking space equipment (1500-1) is connected to the power line (PL) drawn from the charger (1200).

[0135] Alternatively, the switch may be placed in the sub-controller of each parking space facility. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the switch (1300-1) may be placed in the sub-controller (1510) of the parking space facility (1500-1). In this case, the switch (1300-1) may be closed or opened under the control of the controller (1511) of the sub-controller (1510). Here, the sub-controller (1510) may change the state of the switch (1300-1) under the control of the main controller (1400).

[0136] For example, if the main controller (1400) recognizes that a vehicle to be charged is parked in parking space 1 and decides to charge the vehicle (or if the charging control information of the server (1100) instructs charging of the vehicle), the main controller (1400) can control the switches of each parking space facility to be in a state suitable for charging the vehicle. Specifically, the main controller (1400) can control the switch (1300-1) of the parking space facility (1500-1) corresponding to the vehicle to be charged to be closed, and the switches of the remaining parking space facilities (1500-2, 1500-2 ... 1500-N) to be opened, so that only the power line (PL1) branched from the power line (PL) drawn from the charger (1200) to the corresponding parking space facility (1500-1) can be connected to the connector (1550) of the corresponding facility (1500-1).

[0137] In summary, in the structure of FIG. 8, a single charging cable is connected between the charger (1200) and the main controller (1400), and the charging cable is branched inside the switch (1300) of the main controller (1400). In contrast, in the structure of FIG. 9, the charging cable is branched between the charger (1200) and each parking space facility. Therefore, the switch (1300) of FIG. 8 has one-to-many connections for each individual pin constituting the power line, as many as the number of parking space facilities, and thus can have a close state and an open state corresponding to each parking space facility, and the switch of FIG. 9 (e.g., 1300-1) has only one-to-one connections for each individual pin, and thus can be controlled to an open or close state.

[0138] Ultimately, in the structure of FIG. 8, a one-to-one power line connection between a charger (1200) and a power transmission unit (1550) of a specific parking lot facility is possible by controlling only a single switch (1300), and in the structure of FIG. 9, a one-to-one power line connection between a charger (1200) and a power transmission unit (1550) of a specific parking lot facility is possible by individually controlling a switch (1300-1, etc.) for each parking lot facility.

[0139] This provides the same effect as having a single charging connector from the perspective of the charger (1200) in this embodiment. Accordingly, the structure of the charger (1200) does not need to become complicated, and the control of the charging process performed in the charger (1200) does not need to change. Furthermore, since a single charger (1200) can selectively charge vehicles parked in multiple parking spaces through control of switches (1300, 1300-1, etc.), there is no need to have a charger (1200) for each parking space.

[0140] Below, based on the configuration of the vehicle charging system described above, the process of vehicle charging is described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12.

[0141] Fig. 11 illustrates an example of a charging process using a vehicle charging system according to another embodiment. It is assumed that the charging process illustrated in Fig. 11 is performed in the vehicle charging system illustrated in Fig. 8.

[0142] Referring to Fig. 11, first, the user vehicle, i.e., charging-related user information, can be registered in the server (1100) through the user terminal (S1401).

[0143] Charging-related user information may include vehicle identification information (license plate), payment method information, entry time information, expected exit time information, and charging method information (slow / rapid, etc.). Furthermore, any type of terminal, such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or PC, can be applied as long as it can run a webpage or application that provides a user interface for registering user information on the server (1100). Furthermore, the user terminal may be a public kiosk, such as in a public parking lot, or a PC in the management office, such as in an apartment complex.

[0144] Afterwards, when a vehicle wishing to charge enters the parking lot and parks on a parking space equipped with a parking space facility (here, assumed to be 1500-1), the identification unit (1540) of the parking space facility identifies the license plate of the parked vehicle, and the sub-controller (1510) can transmit this as vehicle detection information to the main controller (1400) (S1402). Here, it is assumed that the driver of the vehicle takes an action (e.g., connecting the charging connector) so that charging power can be supplied to the vehicle through the power transmission unit (550) after parking.

[0145] The main controller (1400) transmits vehicle detection information to the server (1100) (S1403), and the server (1100) searches for user information related to charging based on the license plate information included in the vehicle detection information, and can make a decision on charging based on the search result (S1404).

[0146] Decisions regarding charging may include decisions regarding whether to charge, the amount of charge, and the start time of charging. For example, the server (1100) may determine that charging is possible if a charging-related user information item corresponding to the license plate information exists and a valid payment method is registered. Furthermore, if the charging-related user information item includes an expected departure time, the server (1100) may adjust the charging order among vehicles whose parking has been recognized so that charging can be performed before the expected departure time. If there is no information regarding the expected departure time, the server (1100) may determine the charging order among vehicles in the order of parking (entry).

[0147] Although not shown, if the server (1100) determines that charging-related user information for the license plate included in the vehicle detection information is not registered, it may transmit registration request information to the main controller (1400). In this case, the main controller (1400) may transmit the registration request information to the corresponding parking space facility (1500-1), and may receive charging-related user information through an information input / output means (not shown) of the parking space facility and transmit it back to the server (1100) via the main controller (1400). Once user information is registered in the server (1100) through the process described above, it may be possible to determine charging using the user information in any parking lot nationwide that can access the server (1100).

[0148] Based on the charging judgment result, the server (1100) may transmit charging control information to the main controller (1400) (S1405). For example, the charging control information may include switch control information, information about the parking space (or parking space equipment) where the vehicle to be charged is parked, the charging method of the vehicle to be charged, the target charging amount, etc., but these are exemplary and not necessarily limited thereto.

[0149] The main controller (1400) can control the switch (1300) based on the charging control information received from the server (1100) (S1406). For example, the main controller (1400) can control the switch (1300) so that the power line between the power transmission unit (1550) of the parking space equipment (1500-1) corresponding to the parking space where the vehicle to be charged is parked and the charger (1200) is interconnected (e.g., connection between PL and PL1).

[0150] When the switch (1300) control is completed, the main controller (1400) can transmit charging initiation information to the sub-controller (1510) of the charger (1200) and the parking space equipment (1500-1) (S1407). Here, the charging initiation information may include information indicating the initiation of the charging process, information regarding the charging method of the vehicle to be charged, the target charging amount, etc., but this is merely exemplary and is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0151] Thereafter, the charger (1200), main controller (1400), and sub-controller (1510) can perform charging through control pilot (CP) relay control (S1408). As previously mentioned, the control pilot (CP) relay control process will be described later with reference to FIGS. 13 to 16.

[0152] The result of the charging operation (e.g., charging completion or charging failure) can be transmitted from the charger (1200) to the main controller (1400) (S1409). The main controller (1400) can then transmit the charging result to the server (1100) (S1410).

[0153] If the charger (1200) also has a payment function, payment method information may be acquired from the charger (200) during the process of receiving charging control information (S1407). Otherwise, the server (1100) may perform payment based on the charging result. In addition, the server (1100) may also transmit the charging result to a pre-registered user terminal (S1411).

[0154] Each of the aforementioned steps is performed sequentially according to the parking space, thereby enabling charging of multiple vehicles parked in multiple parking spaces using a single charger (1200). Accordingly, the installation cost burden of the charger (1200) can be significantly reduced.

[0155] FIG. 11 is also described based on one parking space facility (1500-1), but it is of course possible for the server (1100) to transmit charging control information back to the main controller (1400) so that vehicles parked in other parking spaces can be charged when charging for a vehicle parked in that parking space is completed.

[0156] Fig. 12 illustrates another example of a charging process using a vehicle charging system according to another embodiment. It is assumed that the charging process illustrated in Fig. 12 is performed in the vehicle charging system illustrated in Fig. 9.

[0157] Referring to FIG. 12, steps S1501 to S1505 are similar to steps S1401 to S1405, respectively, so redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0158] As described above, since the vehicle charging system illustrated in FIG. 9 has a switch installed in each parking space facility, the main controller (1400) can instruct the sub-controller (510) of the parking space facility (1500-1) corresponding to the vehicle to be charged based on the charging control information to connect the switch (S1506). Here, although not illustrated, the main controller (1400) can instruct the sub-controllers (1510) of the remaining parking space facilities excluding the corresponding parking space facility (1500-1) to open the switch. Through this, among the power lines (PL) drawn from the charger (1200), only the power line (PL1) branched to the corresponding parking space facility (1500-1) can be connected to the connector (1550) of the corresponding parking space facility (1500-1).

[0159] The sub-controller (1510) can connect the switch (1300-1) according to the switch connection instruction (S1507) and report the result to the sub-controller (1510) (S1508).

[0160] When the connection results are received from all sub-controllers (1510) of each parking lot facility and normal connection is confirmed, the main controller (1400) can transmit charging start information to each of the charger (1200) and sub-controllers (1510) (S1509).

[0161] The subsequent process (S1510) is the same as in Fig. 11, so a duplicate description is omitted. Although not shown in Fig. 12, it goes without saying that each charging result reporting process (S1409, S1410, S1411) in Fig. 11 can also be performed similarly.

[0162] Below, CP relay control is described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 16.

[0163] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a CP device configuration that can be applied to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0164] Referring to FIG. 13, a system for control pilot (CP) relay control applicable to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a charger-side CP device (11000), a vehicle-side CP device (12000), and a CP line (13000). This configuration is similar to a configuration for utilizing CP between a typical EVSE and an electric vehicle. For example, the charger-side CP device (11000) may constitute a part of a typical EVSE, the vehicle-side CP device (12000) may constitute a part of a typical electric vehicle, and the CP line (13000) may constitute a part of a typical charging cable.

[0165] However, in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the charger-side CP device (11000) is implemented in the signal processing units of the charger (1200) and the sub-controller (1510), respectively, and the vehicle-side CP device (12000) is implemented in the main controller (1400). As described above, it goes without saying that the vehicle to be charged basically has a configuration corresponding to the vehicle-side CP device (12000). By having this configuration, the vehicle-side CP device (12000) of the main controller (1400) and the charger-side CP device (11000) of the sub-controller (1510) share a CP state with each other, so that even if the CP signal line is not directly connected between the charger (1200) and the vehicle to be charged, an effect equivalent to a direct connection can be implemented.

[0166] Below, the operation of each device (11000, 12000) is described.

[0167] A control pilot signal (CP) can be transmitted and received through a transmission line between a node having an output voltage (V EVSE) of a charger-side CP device (11000) and a node having an input voltage (V Vehicle) of a vehicle-side CP device (12000).

[0168] The charger-side CP device (11000) can change the voltage level, frequency, and duty ratio of the control pilot signal (CP) according to the preset control pilot communication sequence and transmit the changed voltage level, frequency, and duty ratio to the vehicle-side CP device (12000). The duty ratio of the control pilot signal (CP) can be varied according to the current limit capacity information of the charger (1200).

[0169] The charger-side CP device (11000) may include an S1 switch (11200) that selectively connects +12 V, -12 V, and a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signal, and a first resistor (11300) that is connected in series with the S1 switch (11200). When the control board (11100) confirms that the charger-side CP device (11000) and the vehicle-side CP device (12000) are normally connected to each other through the CP line (13000) through a signal sensed through the measurement line (11400), the control board (11100) may output a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signal as a control pilot signal (CP). The control pilot signal (CP) may be changed to any one of a plurality of preset states according to the charging sequence.

[0170] The vehicle-side CP device (12000) may include a vehicle battery charging device (12100) that charges a vehicle battery (not shown) when installed in an actual vehicle, but it is not necessary to actually include the charging device (12100) when installed in the main controller (1400).

[0171] A vehicle battery charging device (12100) can be enabled by receiving power based on a control pilot signal (CP). More specifically, the vehicle battery charging device (12100) can be stably enabled when the voltage level of the control pilot signal (CP) continues for a predetermined period of time above a preset voltage level. Here, the preset voltage level can be set between the maximum voltage level and the minimum voltage level of the control pilot signal (CP) corresponding to a state in which, among a plurality of preset states for the control pilot signal (CP), the vehicle-side CP device (2000) is connected to the charger-side CP device (11000) but is not ready to receive power.

[0172] A vehicle battery charging device (12100) can control charging of a vehicle battery by detecting the voltage level, frequency, and duty ratio of a control pilot signal (CP).

[0173] The vehicle battery charging device (12100) can be implemented as an OBC (On-Board Charger) or a VCMS (Vehicle Charging Management System).

[0174] The vehicle-side CP device (12000) may include a first resistor (11300) and a second resistor (12200), a third resistor (12300) connected through a CP line (13000), and an S2 switch (12400) that selectively connects the third resistor (12300) in parallel to the second resistor (12200).

[0175] Additionally, the vehicle-side CP device (12000) may further include a buffer circuit (12500) for measuring voltage at one end of a second resistor (12200), and a buffer circuit (12600) connected by a branch to one end of a third resistor (12300) for measuring frequency and / or pulse width. The buffer circuits (12500, 12600) may perform an amplifying function without affecting the measurement point.

[0176] In addition, the vehicle-side CP device (12000) may further include a positive diode (12700) placed in front of the second resistor (12200). The positive diode (12700) prevents current from flowing in the reverse direction.

[0177] FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the control pilot signal status of the CP device shown in FIG. 13 according to the charging sequence.

[0178] As illustrated in Fig. 14, the state (State) of the control pilot signal (CP) between the charger-side CP device (11000) and the vehicle-side CP device (12000) transitions in the order of a first state (State A), a second state (State B1), a third state (State B2), and a fourth state (State C) according to the charging sequence. Depending on the type of electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), the state (State) of the control pilot signal (CP) may transition directly from the first state (State A) to the third state (State B2) without going through the second state (State B1).

[0179] The first state (State A) is a state when the charging connector (CP line) between the charger-side CP device (11000) and the vehicle-side CP device (12000) is not connected. In the first state (State A), since the charging connector (1300) between the electric vehicle supply equipment (1100) and the vehicle (1200) is not connected, the level of the output voltage (V EVSE) in the first state (State A) is a DC voltage +12 V, and the level of the input voltage (V Vehicle) is 0 V. Since the connection between the vehicle-side CP device (12000) equipped in the vehicle to be charged and the charger-side CP device (11000) of the sub-controller (1510) is performed through the actual connector (1550), the first state can be implemented even if the connector (1550) is not actually connected. However, since the charger-side CP device (11000) provided in the charger (1200) and the vehicle-side CP device (12000) provided in the main controller (1400) do not have actual connectors that can be detached, a switch (13100, 13200) that changes the connection state between both ends of the CP line (13000) may be provided, and it is preferable that the switch be controlled by the main controller (1400). For example, the main controller (1400) can open the switch (13100, 13200) until a proximity detection signal is transmitted from the sub-controller (1510), and close the switch (13100, 13200) only when the proximity detection signal is transmitted, thereby simulating the connection state of the connector (1550).

[0180] The second state (State B1) is the state when the CP line (13000) between the charger-side CP device (11000) and the vehicle-side CP device (12000) is connected. In the second state (State B1), the levels of the output voltage (V EVSE) and the input voltage (V Vehicle) are each a DC voltage of +9 V. In the second state (State B1), the vehicle is generally not ready to accept charging power, and the charger is not ready to supply charging power. Since the actual connector is not detached between the charger-side CP device (11000) provided in the charger (1200) and the vehicle-side CP device (12000) provided in the main controller (1400), the main controller (1400) can control the switches (13100, 13200) to be closed from the second state onward.

[0181] In the third state (State B2), the level of the output voltage (V EVSE) is periodically changed between -12 V and +9 V by the operation of the S1 switch (11200), and the level of the input voltage (V Vehicle) is periodically changed between 0 V and +9 V. In the third state (State B2), the vehicle is generally not ready to accept charging power, but the charger is ready to supply charging power.

[0182] The fourth state (State C) is when the charger is ready to supply charging power and the vehicle is also ready to accept charging power, and the S2 switch (12400) is turned on so that the level of the output voltage (V EVSE) can be periodically changed between -12 V and +6 V, and the level of the input voltage (V Vehicle) can be periodically changed between 0 V and +6 V.

[0183] Below, the CP change according to the charging sequence is explained with reference to Fig. 15.

[0184] Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of a charging control process according to a charging sequence.

[0185] Referring to FIG. 15, first, a charging connector, i.e., a CP line, can be connected between a charger-side CP device (11000) and a vehicle-side CP device (12000) (S1810). Accordingly, the CP signal changes from a first state to a second state.

[0186] As the CP line is connected, the CP signal becomes 9V (i.e., the input voltage (V Vehicle) is 9V PWM) (S1820), and the CP state becomes the third state by the operation of the S1 switch in the CP device (11000) on the charger side that detects this.

[0187] Afterwards, when the vehicle-side CP device (12000) is ready for charging, the S2 switch is turned on, the CP signal becomes 6 V, and the CP state becomes the fourth state (S1830).

[0188] When the CP device (1000) on the charger side detects that the CP state has become the fourth state, both sides are ready for charging and the supply of charging power can begin (S1840).

[0189] Based on the CP device, charging sequence using CP signal, CP state, etc. described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 15 so far, CP relay control according to an embodiment is described with reference to FIG. 16.

[0190] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of a charging process through CP relay control according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0191] Referring to FIG. 16, as the main controller (1400) transmits charging start information to the charger (1200) and the sub-controller (1510), the charger-side CP device (11000) provided in each of the charger (1200) and the sub-controller (1510) can apply a 12 V voltage (i.e., a first state) through the control board (11110) (S1901A, S1901B).

[0192] At this time, as the connector (1550) is connected to the vehicle to be charged, a proximity detection (PD) signal is input to the sub-controller (1510), and the sub-controller (510) can transmit the proximity signal to the main controller (1400). Accordingly, the main controller (1400) can close the CP line switch (13100, 13200) between the charger-side CP device (11000) of the charger (1200) and the vehicle-side CP device (12000) of the main controller (1400). When a CP line connection is formed between the charger-side CP device (11000) of the charger (1200) and the vehicle-side CP device (12000) of the main controller (1400), the charger-side CP device (11000) of the charger (1200) detects 9 V as the output voltage (V EVSE) (i.e., the second state), and when ready to supply charging power, the charger (1200) can turn on the S1 switch (S1902).

[0193] As the S1 switch of the charger (1200) is turned on, 9V PWM is detected as the input voltage (V VEHICLE) at the input terminal of the vehicle-side CP device (12000) of the main controller (1400) (S1903, third state).

[0194] Accordingly, the main controller (1400) transmits an S1 switch-on instruction to the sub-controller (1510) (S1904), and the charger-side CP device (11000) of the sub-controller (1510) can turn on the S1 switch according to the instruction (S1905).

[0195] By turning on the S1 switch, the vehicle-side CP device (12000) of the vehicle to be charged can know that the charger (1200) is ready to supply charging power (i.e., the third state), and when the battery charging preparation (i.e., the preparation to accept charging power) is completed, the S2 switch can be turned on.

[0196] When the S2 switch is turned on on the vehicle side, the sub-controller (1510) can detect 6V PWM as the input voltage (S1906). Accordingly, the sub-controller (1510) transmits an S2 switch-on instruction to the main controller (1400) (S1907), and the vehicle-side CP device (12000) of the main controller (1400) can turn on the S2 switch according to the instruction (S1908).

[0197] Upon turning on the S2 switch, the charger (1200) can detect that the CP voltage becomes 6V PWM, determine that the vehicle is ready to accept charging power, and initiate supply of charging power accordingly (S1910).

[0198] In the above-described embodiments, the power line (PL) is described as a concept including an AC line and a DC line, but in actual implementation, the power line (PL) may further include a ground line.

[0199] By sharing the CP status between the vehicle-side CP device (12000) of the main controller (1400) and the charger-side CP device (11000) of the sub-controller (1510) through the CP relay control described so far, an effect equivalent to a direct connection can be implemented even if a CP signal line is not directly connected between the charger (1200) and the vehicle to be charged.

[0200] Meanwhile, the above-described present disclosure can be implemented as computer-readable code on a program-recorded medium. Computer-readable media include all types of recording devices that store data that can be read by a computer system. Examples of computer-readable media include hard disk drives (HDDs), solid-state disks (SSDs), silicon disk drives (SDDs), ROMs, RAMs, CD-ROMs, magnetic tapes, floppy disks, and optical data storage devices. Therefore, the above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in any respect, but rather as illustrative. The scope of the present disclosure should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes within the equivalent scope of the present disclosure are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. Multiple parking space facilities installed to correspond to the parking space; and Including a charger that supplies charging power and a server that is communicatively connected to each of the plurality of parking lot facilities, Each of the above multiple parking lot facilities, An identification unit for identifying a vehicle located in a corresponding parking space; A power transmission unit having a power transmission means for supplying the charging power to the vehicle; and A vehicle charging system comprising a controller communicating with the server and having a switch for selectively connecting a charging cable between the power transmission unit and the charger.

2. In paragraph 1, The above identification part is, A vehicle charging system that identifies the vehicle by recognizing the license plate number in an image captured by a camera.

3. In paragraph 2, The above controller, A vehicle charging system that transmits vehicle detection information including the result of identifying the vehicle to the server.

4. In paragraph 3, The above server, A vehicle charging system that performs a charging decision for the vehicle based on the vehicle detection information and transmits switch control information corresponding to the result of the charging decision to the control unit of each of the plurality of parking space facilities.

5. In paragraph 4, The above server, A vehicle charging system that determines the charging order between vehicles based on entry time information or expected exit time when multiple different vehicle detection information is received from different parking lot facilities.

6. In paragraph 5, The above server, A vehicle charging system that transmits the switch control information to the control unit of each of the plurality of parking space facilities based on the vehicle-to-vehicle charging order.

7. In paragraph 6, The above switch control information is, A vehicle charging system in which the switch corresponding to the current vehicle to be charged according to the above vehicle-to-vehicle charging order is set to be closed, and the switches of the remaining parking space equipment are set to be open.

8. In the fourth phase, The above server, A vehicle charging system that determines the switch status of each of the plurality of parking space facilities according to the switch control information, and transmits charging control information to the charger when the switch status is satisfied.

9. In paragraph 8, A vehicle charging system in which the charger initiates supply of the charging power based on the charging control information.

10. Multiple parking space facilities installed to correspond to different parking spaces; A main controller installed between a charger supplying charging power and the plurality of parking space facilities; and Including a server that is communicatively connected to the above main controller, Each of the above multiple parking lot facilities, An identification unit for identifying a vehicle located in a corresponding parking space; A power transmission unit having a power transmission means for supplying the charging power to the vehicle; and Including a sub-controller communicating with the above main controller, A vehicle charging system, wherein the main controller comprises a switch that selectively connects a power line between the power transmission unit of one of the plurality of parking lot facilities and the charger according to instructions from the server.

11. In paragraph 10, The above identification part is, A vehicle charging system that identifies the vehicle by recognizing the license plate number in an image captured by a camera.

12. In paragraph 11, The above sub-controller, A vehicle charging system that transmits vehicle detection information including the result of identifying the vehicle to the server through the main controller.

13. In paragraph 12, The above server, A vehicle charging system that performs a charging judgment for the vehicle based on the vehicle detection information and transmits switch control information corresponding to the result of the charging judgment to the main controller.

14. In paragraph 13, The above server, A vehicle charging system that determines the charging order between vehicles based on entry time information or expected exit time when multiple different vehicle detection information is received from different parking lot facilities.

15. In paragraph 14, The above server, A vehicle charging system that transmits the switch control information to the control unit of each of the plurality of parking space facilities based on the vehicle-to-vehicle charging order.

16. In paragraph 15, The above switch control information is, A vehicle charging system set to be connected in a state corresponding to the current vehicle to be charged according to the above vehicle-to-vehicle charging order.

17. In paragraph 10, The sub-controller of each of the above charger and the plurality of parking lot facilities is equipped with a charger-side control pilot (CP) device, The above main controller is equipped with a vehicle-side control pilot (CP) device, A vehicle charging system in which the sub-controller and the main controller, to which the power line is connected by the switch, wirelessly relay a control pilot signal.

18. In paragraph 17, The above main controller, A vehicle charging system that detects a first voltage PWM signal through the vehicle-side control pilot device and instructs the sub-controller to which the power line is connected to turn on the first switch.

19. In paragraph 10, The sub-controller to which the above power line is connected is A vehicle charging system that instructs the main controller to turn on the second switch when detecting a second voltage PWM signal having a lower peak voltage than the first voltage PWM signal through the charger side control pilot device.

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