Patent ID: 12202367

The following elements may be used in connection with the drawings to describe embodiments of the present invention.100: charging integrated controller111: inlet112: communication circuit110: control unit120: high-voltage battery device121: BMS130: filter140: lid200: charger201: connector202: communication circuit

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

A charging integrated controller that enables a high-voltage battery device to be charged by power supplied from a plurality of chargers connected to a plurality of inlets respectively will be described. The charging integrated controller may determine a communication frequency occupied band of a charger through a communication frequency occupied band of another charger to which a charging coupler is engaged.

Hereinafter, referring to the drawings, the exemplary embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail, but the same or similar reference numerals are given to the same or similar constituent elements, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. The suffixes “module” and/or “-portion” for the constituent element used in the following description are given or mixed in consideration of only the ease of drafting the specification, and do not have meanings or functions distinguished from each other by themselves. In addition, in describing the exemplary embodiments disclosed in this specification, when it is determined that a detailed description of a related known technology may obscure the gist of the exemplary embodiments disclosed in this specification, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the attached drawings are only for easy understanding of the exemplary embodiments disclosed in this specification, the technical ideas disclosed in this specification is not limited by the attached drawings, and it should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents and substitutes included in the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The terms including ordinal numbers such as first, second, etc. may be used to describe various constituent elements, but the constituent elements are not limited by the terms. The terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one constituent element from another constituent element.

In the present application, the terms such as “comprise” or “have” are intended to designate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, constituent element, part, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and it should be understood that the terms do not preclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, constituent elements, parts or combinations thereof.

A program implemented as a set of instructions embodying a control algorithm required to control another configuration may be installed in a configuration for controlling another configuration under a specific control condition among configurations according to an exemplary embodiment. The control configuration may process input data and stored data according to the installed program to generate output data. The control configuration may include a non-volatile memory storing a program and a memory storing data.

A charging integrated controller100and a charging integrated control method using the same according to an exemplary embodiment may integrally control a frequency at which charging states may be exchanged with each other when the charging integrated controller100utilizes a plurality of inlets111_1to111_nto charge a high-voltage battery device120from a plurality of chargers200_1to200_n. Here, the charging integrated controller100and the high-voltage battery device120may be included in a vehicle. Here, the vehicle may be an electric vehicle (EV).

FIG.1is a block diagram schematically illustrating that a charging integrated controller is connected to a charger and a high-voltage battery device according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring toFIG.1, the charging integrated controller100according to an exemplary embodiment may include a plurality of control units110_1to110_n, a plurality of inlets111_1to111_n, and a plurality of communication circuits112_1to112_n.

The charging integrated controller100may be connected to a plurality of chargers200_1to200_nthrough the plurality of inlets111_ito111_nto transmit power to the high-voltage battery device120.

The plurality of control units110_1to110_nmay correspond to the plurality of inlets111_1to111_n, respectively.

The plurality of control units110_1to110_nmay communicate with a battery management system (BMS)121. The BMS121may be included in the high-voltage battery device120.

Hereinafter, when common operation and technical characteristics of the plurality of control units110_1to110_nare described, the plurality of control units110_1to110_nwill be referred to as a control unit110. A control unit specified to describe the charging integrated controller100among the plurality of control units110_1to110_nis indicated as a control unit110_i. Among the plurality of control units110_1to110_n, the control units other than the control unit110_iare indicated as the remaining control units.

Hereinafter, when common operation and technical characteristics of the plurality of inlets111_1to111_nare described, the plurality of inlets111_1to111_nwill be referred to as an inlet111. An inlet specified to describe the charging integrated controller100among the plurality of inlets111_1to111_nis indicated as an inlet111_i. Among the plurality of inlets111_1to111_n, the inlets other than the inlet111iare indicated as the remaining inlets.

Hereinafter, when common operation and technical characteristics of the plurality of communication circuits112_1to112_nof the charging integrated controller100are described, the plurality of communication circuits112_1to112_nwill be referred to as a communication circuit112.

Hereinafter, when common operation and technical characteristics of the plurality of chargers200_1to200_nare described, the plurality of chargers200_1to200_nwill be referred to as a charger200. A charger specified to describe the charging integrated controller100among the plurality of chargers200_1to200_nis indicated as a charger200_i. Among the plurality of chargers200_1to200_n, the chargers other than the charger200_iare indicated as the remaining chargers.

Hereinafter, when common operation and technical characteristics of the plurality of connectors201_1to201_nare described, the plurality of connectors201_1to201_nwill be referred to as a connector201. A connector specified to describe the charging integrated controller100among the plurality of connectors201_1to201_nis indicated as a connector201_i. Among the plurality of connectors201_1to201_n, the connectors other than the connector201_iare indicated as the remaining connectors.

The plurality of chargers200_1to200_nmay respectively include a plurality of communication circuits202_1to202_n. Hereinafter, when common operation and technical characteristics of the plurality of communication circuits202_1to202_nof the charger200are described, the plurality of communication circuits202_1to202_nwill be referred to as a communication circuit202.

Each of a communication circuit112and a communication circuit202may include a PHY chip. The PHY chip may be designed to perform PLC communication adopted by the standard of physical/data link layer requirements according to ISO/IEC15118-3. PHY may be a Home Plug Green PHY adopted by the standard. The PHY chip may be a chipset for network communication within a modem applied to a vehicle side and a charger side for rapid charging in electric charging.

The charger200may send and receive a signal regarding a charging state with the charging integrated controller100through a communication frequency occupied band determined by the control unit110.

The plurality of chargers200_1to200_nmay be physically connected to the plurality of inlets111_1to111_nthrough the plurality of connectors201_1to201_nrespectively.

Hereinafter, the inlet111_iand the charger200_ibeing engaged by a charging coupler may indicate the inlet111_ibeing physically connected to the connector201_iof the charger200_i.

Hereinafter, an operation of the control unit110_iof the inlet111_iwhen the inlet111_iand the charger200_iare engaged by a charging coupler300will be described below. The communication circuit112of the charging integrated controller100may be represented by the communication circuit112_i, and the communication circuit202of the charger200_imay be represented by the communication circuit202_i. In order to distinguish from them, among the remaining inlets, the remaining control units, and the remaining chargers, those with which the charging coupler is engaged earlier than the inlet111_imay be represented by another inlet111_j, another control unit110_j, another charger200_j, a communication circuit112_j, and a communication circuit202_j.

The control unit110_imay transmit and receive information about the communication frequency occupied band with the other control unit110_jto determine a communication frequency occupied band of the communication circuit112_i. The communication frequency occupied band means a frequency band allocated between the communication circuits112and202in order for a PHY chip of the communication circuit112to communicate with a PHY chip of the communication circuit202.

The BMS121may use a communication frequency of the occupied band determined by the control unit110_ito control charging of the high-voltage battery device120by the power supplied from the charger200_i.

A protocol for charging a vehicle battery, etc. may include various charging entry steps. The charging entry steps may include steps of engaging the inlet111_iwith the charger200_iby the charging coupler, matching and synchronizing the charger200_iwith the charging integrated controller100, starting charging the high-voltage battery device120, ending charging the high-voltage battery device120, etc. The matching step, the synchronizing step, etc. may be implemented by the disclosed technologies.

The control unit110_imay receive information about the charging entry steps from the other control unit110_j. The control unit110_imay control the charging entry step with respect to the charger200_ibased on the information about the charging entry step received from the other control unit110_j.

The control unit110_imay receive information about the communication frequency occupied band allocated to the communication circuit112_jof the other control unit110_j, and avoid the received communication frequency occupied band to allocate a communication frequency band to the communication circuit112_iof the control unit110_i.

In addition, the charging integrated controller100may filter signals respectively input to the control units110to classify and allocate the signals, so that communication frequency bands respectively corresponding to the communication circuits112do not overlap each other.

Also, the control unit110_imay be switched to either a sleep mode or a wake mode based on whether a lid of the inlet111is opened, whether the other inlet111_jis engaged with the other connector201by the charging coupler, and what the charging entry step of the other charger200_j is.

The high-voltage battery device120may include one or more high-voltage batteries. The power supplied from the charger200may be distributed by a bus bar to be equally transmitted to the one or more high-voltage batteries.

Hereinafter, an operation in which the control unit110_idetermines the communication frequency occupied band of the communication circuit112_iwill be described.

FIG.2is a flowchart of a charging integrated control method according to an exemplary embodiment, andFIG.3is an exemplary diagram of a charging integrated control method according to an exemplary embodiment in which frequency hopping occurs.

Hereinafter, the charging integrated control method according to an exemplary embodiment will be sequentially described with reference toFIG.2.

InFIG.2, the inlet111_iis engaged with the charger200_iby a charging coupler (S11).

The control unit110_itransmits/receives signals to/from the remaining control units to confirm whether there is the other inlet111_jengaged by the charging coupler earlier than the inlet111_i(S12).

Each of the plurality of control units110_1to110_nmay receive information about a charging entry step from the other control units, and confirm the order that the plurality of charging couplers300are engaged.

For example, the control unit110_imay confirm the order that the charging couplers are engaged based on the information about the charging entry step received from the remaining control units. Accordingly, the control unit110_imay confirm that the other inlet111_jand the other charger200_jare engaged by the charging coupler before the time when the inlet111_iand the charger200_iare engaged by the charging coupler.

If there is the other inlet111_jengaged by the charging coupler earlier than the inlet111_i, the control unit110_ireceives information about a communication frequency occupied band through the other inlet111_jfrom the other control unit110_j(S13).

The communication frequency occupied band received from the other control unit110_jmay be a frequency band for the communication circuit112_jof the other inlet111_jto communicate with the communication circuit202_jof the other charger200_j.

The control unit110_iselects an avoidance frequency (S14).

The control unit110_imay select the avoidance frequency based on the received information about the communication frequency occupied band. The avoidance frequency may be a remaining frequency band except for the communication frequency occupied band occupied by the other control unit110_j.

The control unit110_idetermines the communication frequency occupied band of the inlet111_i(S15).

The control unit110_imay determine the communication frequency occupied band through the inlet111_ibased on the avoidance frequency. Accordingly, the communication frequency occupied band through the inlet111_imay be determined not to overlap a communication frequency occupied band through the other inlet111_j.

The BMS121may receive information required for charging control of the high-voltage battery device120from the control unit110. The high-voltage battery device120may be charged with power supplied from the charger200_i.

Also, according to an exemplary embodiment, frequency hopping may occur in a communication frequency through the other inlet111_j. In this case, hopping may also occur in the communication frequency through the inlet111_i. Referring toFIG.3, when hopping occurs in a communication frequency indicated by A through the other inlet111_j, hopping may also occur in a communication frequency indicated by B through the inlet111_iaccording to the avoidance frequency.

FIG.4is a block diagram schematically illustrating an exemplary embodiment in which a filter is included in the charging integrated controller ofFIG.1.

Referring toFIG.4, the charging integrated controller100may include a plurality of filters130_1to130_n.

Hereinafter, when common operation and technical characteristics of the plurality of filters130_1to130_nare described, the plurality of filters130_1to130_nare referred to as a filter130. Also, a filter connected to the inlet111_imay be referred to as a filter130_i, and a filter connected to the other inlet111_jmay be referred to as another filter130_j.

The filter130may be applied to a signal input terminal of the control unit110. The filter130may be applied between the communication circuit112of the charging integrated controller100and the communication circuit202of the charger200. Accordingly, the plurality of filters130_1to130_nmay filter signals that are input to the plurality of control units110_1to110_n. A center frequency of the filter130may be variable, and frequencies used between a plurality of inlets may be exclusively filtered. In this regard, a specific frequency band may be selected through a band-pass filter. Alternatively, frequency band division may be used through a low-pass filter and a high-pass filter.

FIG.5is a flowchart of a charging integrated control method using a charging integrated controller including a frequency filter according to an exemplary embodiment, andFIG.6is an exemplary diagram of the frequency filter ofFIG.5.

InFIG.5, steps S21and S22may operate in the same manner as steps S11and S12inFIG.2, respectively.

Thereafter, the filter130_imay filter a communication frequency of the control unit110_ithrough each inlet111_i(S23).

The filter130may perform exclusive filtering so that the communication frequency of the control unit110_ithrough the remaining inlet111_idoes not overlap with communication frequencies of the remaining control units through the remaining inlets. Here, the filter130may be any one of a band pass filter (BPF), a low-pass filter (LPF), and a high-pass filter (HPF).

Referring to implementation example 1 ofFIG.6, the filter130_iand the other filter130_jmay be BPSs. In this case, the control unit110_imay determine a center frequency of the filter130_iso that a pass band of the filter130_idoes not overlap a pass band of the other filter130_j. In this regard, the control unit110_imay receive information about the pass band of the other filter130_jfrom the other control unit110_jand determine the center frequency of the filter130_ibased on the information.

Also, referring to implementation example 2 ofFIG.6, the filter130_iand the other filter130_jmay be LPFs or HPFs. The filter130_imay be a LPF, and the other filter130_jmay be a HPF, or vice versa. In this case, the control unit110_imay determine a cut-off frequency so that the pass band of the filter130_idoes not overlap with the pass band of the other filter130_j.

In this regard, the control unit110_imay receive information about a shape and pass band of the other filter130_jfrom the other control unit110_jand determine a shape and cut-off frequency of the filter130_ibased on the information. Here, the shape of the filter130may be any one of a BPF, a LPF, and a HPF.

InFIG.5, step S24may operate in the same manner as step S15inFIG.2.

FIG.7is a detailed flowchart illustrating a matching step of a charging integrated control method according to an exemplary embodiment, andFIG.8is an exemplary diagram illustratingFIG.7.

Steps shown inFIG.7relate to a detailed flowchart of steps of matching the charging integrated controller100and the charger200_iwith each other. The control unit110_imay communicate with the other control unit110_jto receive feedback of information about a charging entry step.

Hereinafter, the matching step of the charger200_imay represent a step of matching the charger200_iwith the charging integrated controller100through the inlet111_iengaged by a charging coupler.

Here, the matching step may be performed through a signal level attenuation characterization (SLAC) mechanism. The SLAC mechanism may include a step of performing matching through a signal level comparison between the charging integrated controller100and the charger200.

The control unit110_imay limit the matching step of the charger200_ito exclusively enter the matching step of the other charger200_j.

Referring toFIG.7, the inlet111_iis engaged with the charger200_iby a charging coupler (S31).

The control unit110_itransmits/receives signals to the remaining control units to confirm whether there is the other inlet111_jengaged by the charging coupler earlier than the inlet111_i. If there is the other inlet111_jengaged by the charging coupler earlier than the inlet111_i, the control unit110_ireceives information about the charging entry step from the other control unit110_j.

The control unit110_iconfirms whether the other charger200_jis in the matching step with the charging integrated controller100at the time when the information about the charging entry step is received, based on the information about the charging entry step received from the other control unit110_j(S32).

When the other charger200_jis in the matching step, the control unit110_istands by matching of the charger200_iuntil the matching step of the other charger200_jends (S33). Here, the other charger200_jmay represent the charger200that has entered the matching step earlier than the charger200_i.

Whether the other charger200_jhas earlier entered the matching step among the plurality of chargers200_1-200nmay be determined by comparing the magnitude of signal attenuation recognized by the communication circuit112of the control unit110_iand the magnitude of signal attenuation recognized by the communication circuit112of the remaining control units.

When the matching step of the other charger200_jis completed, the control unit110_iallows the charger200_ito enter the matching step (S34).

After the matching step of the other charger200_jis completed, the control unit110_imay allow the charger200_ito enter the matching step. For example, when the SLAC step is performed, the control unit110may facilitate an SLAC entry by placing a chipset performing the corresponding step in a temporal monopoly situation due to the characteristic of a broadcast signal.

InFIG.8, {circle around (1)} (S41to S43and S51to S55) may represent specific steps before the matching step among the charging entry steps, {circle around (2)} (S44to S46and S56to S58) may represent the matching steps, and {circle around (3)} (S47to S49) may represent specific steps after the matching step among the charging entry steps.

In the example ofFIG.8, the control unit110_istands by the matching step of the charger200_iuntil the other charger200_jfirst enters the matching step (S44) and completes (S45) (S53to S54). The control unit110_icontrols the charger200_ito enter the matching step (S56) when the other charger200_jenters a specific step after the matching step (S47).

As described above, when the charger matches the charging integrated controller100, transmission control protocol (TCP) communication between the communication circuit202of the charger200and the communication circuit112of the charging integrated controller100may be performed (S35).

After the matching step is completed, when the charger200_icommunicates with the charging integrated controller100through the inlet111_i, TCP communication is performed and thus, reliable communication may be guaranteed.

FIGS.9A and9Bare exemplary diagrams for explaining an operation of a plurality of inlets, andFIG.10is a flowchart for explaining a sleep state of a charging integrated control method according to an exemplary embodiment.

InFIG.9A, the lid140is opened and the connector201_jof the other charger200_jis engaged with the other inlet111_jby a charging coupler and enters charging.

InFIG.9B, the lid140is opened and the connector201_jof the other charger200_jis engaged with the other inlet111_jby a charging coupler and enters charging, and the connector201_iof the charger200_iis engaged with the inlet111_iand does not enter charging.

An exemplary embodiment relating to the sleep state of the control unit110through communication between the control units110will be described with reference toFIGS.9A and9B.

The lid140may represent a cover that covers one or more inlets111included in a vehicle. When the inlet111is not engaged with the charger200by the charging coupler300, the control unit110may be in the sleep state. In the sleep state, the control unit110does not operate.

When the lid140is opened, the control unit110may be switched to a wake-up state and stand by charging of the high-voltage battery device120through the charger200.

In an exemplary embodiment, if the inlet111is not engaged with the charger200by the charging coupler300within a predetermined period of time after the lid140is opened, the control unit110may return to the sleep state. InFIG.9A, if one of the other connectors201is not connected to the inlet111_ifor a predetermined period of time, the control unit110of the inlet111_imay return to the sleep state.

Also, in an exemplary embodiment, if the inlet in does not start charging within a predetermined period of time after the inlet111is engaged with the charger200by the charging coupler300, the control unit110may return to the sleep state. InFIG.9B, if charging through the inlet111_iis not started for a predetermined period of time, the control unit110_iof the inlet111_imay return to the sleep state.

Also, in an exemplary embodiment, the control unit110may determine whether to return to the sleep state in consideration of a state of charging through the remaining inlets.

Referring toFIG.10, after the lid140is opened (S61), the control unit110_imay receive information about a charging entry step through the other inlet111_jfrom the other control unit110_j(S62).

Here, when the lid140is opened, the control unit110may be switched to the wake-up state and stand by charging of the high-voltage battery device120through the charger200.

The control unit110_imay be switched to the sleep state based on a time when the other inlet111_jis engaged by the charging coupler and a time when charging of the high-voltage battery device120by the other charger200_jends (S63).

First, when the inlet111_iis not engaged by the charging coupler, the control unit110_imay be switched to the sleep state (FIG.9A).

For example, if charging through the other charger200_jis not started, and the inlet111_iis not engaged by the charging coupler within a predetermined period of time with respect to the time when the other inlet111_jis engaged by the charging coupler, the control unit110_imay be switched to the sleep state.

In addition, if the inlet111_iis not engaged by the charging coupler within a predetermined period of time with respect to the time when the other inlet111_jis engaged by the charging coupler and charging of the high-voltage battery device120through the other charger200_jends, the control unit110_imay be switched to the sleep state.

Next, when the inlet111_iis engaged with the charger200_iby the charging coupler, the control unit110_imay be switched to the sleep state (FIG.9B).

For example, if charging through the charger200_iand the other charger200_jis not started within a predetermined period of time with respect to the time when the other inlet111_jis engaged by the charging coupler, the control unit110_imay be switched to the sleep state.

In addition, if charging through the charger200_iis not started within a predetermined period of time with respect to the time when the other inlet111_jis engaged by the charging coupler and charging of the high-voltage battery device120through the other charger200_jends, the control unit110_imay be switched to the sleep state.

In relation to a transition between the sleep state and the wake-up state of the control unit110, a charging warning light attached to the inside or outside of a vehicle including the charging integrated controller100may be turned on or off. For example, in the wake-up state, the charging warning light may be turned on. Also, in the sleep state, the charging warning light may be turned off.

As such, in the wake-up state, power may be consumed to turn on the charging warning light and stand by for charging. Accordingly, if the wake-up state continues, a problem such as discharging of a low-voltage battery device due to excessive power consumption may occur. A problem such as inability to start a vehicle may be caused by discharging of the low-voltage battery device. In order to overcome such problems, each control unit110_imay communicate with the remaining control units to control whether to return to a sleep mode according to charging states of the remaining inlets.

Here, the predetermined period of time may be previously determined as initial information.

In embodiments of the present specification, communication of the control unit110_iwith the other control unit110_jmay be performed through any one or more of network communication, PLC communication, CAN communication, and SPI communication.

If communication between the control units110is not implemented, in charging the high-voltage battery device120with power supplied from the plurality of chargers200_1to200_n, interference between signals capable of transmitting and receiving a charging state between each charger200and each control unit110may occur. Accordingly, such an interference between signals may be improved by enabling communication between the control units110.

While exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and improvements by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains also belong to the scope of the present invention.