Vehicle Charging Control Apparatus Arc Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle charging systems face delays in stopping electricity supply from external power feeding devices due to high arithmetic processing loads and communication delays, leading to potential arcing and terminal deterioration when users disconnect the power feeding devices during charging.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus with a power converter and connection state detection signal generating unit that allows immediate shutoff of power feeding when the lock mechanism is released, independent of charge control commands, ensuring reliable power cutoff before device disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the control unit calculates remaining capacity and controls charging based on detection signals, then charging control accuracy is improved, but arithmetic processing load increases and processing speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control unit into two separate arithmetic processing units: one dedicated to calculating remaining capacity and controlling charging operations, and another dedicated to detecting connection states and stopping power feeding. This segmentation allows each unit to operate independently with optimized processing cycles, resolving the contradiction between accurate charging control and fast response to disconnection events.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate microcomputers are used for controlling switch elements and calculating remaining capacity, then functional independence is improved, but communication processing delays occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the connection state detection signal is directly fed to the power feeding control unit, which immediately stops power feeding upon detecting lock mechanism release. This direct feedback path eliminates the need for inter-microcomputer communication processing, achieving both functional independence and instantaneous response to disconnection events.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the control unit waits for communication processing before stopping the charger, then control coordination is improved, but response time to disconnect events increases causing arcing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the power converter control unit continuously monitor connection state detection signals and immediately stop power feeding in advance when lock mechanism release is detected, before the external power feeding device is fully disconnected. This preliminary action prevents arcing by cutting power before disconnection occurs, resolving the contradiction between control coordination and arc prevention reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A control apparatus for a vehicle, wherein a detection signal, indicating the connection state of an external power feeding device 100 to an external charging connection unit 5 of a vehicle 1, is supplied from a connection state detection signal generating unit 11 to a storage device management control unit 10 and a power converter control unit 8. When detection signal indicating that an operation to release a lock mechanism 108, which locks the external power feeding device 100 connected to the external charging connection unit 5, has been performed is received from the connection state detection signal generating unit 11, the power converter control unit 8 controls a power converter 7, which feeds power from the external power feeding device 100 to an electric storage device 3, to a power feeding shutoff operation mode, independently of a charging control command received from the storage apparatus management control unit 10.