KR20110063056A - Data updateting apparatus and method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A data updating device and a method thereof are provided to easily download data related to an electric vehicle which can be updated before a battery is charged, thereby updating the data. CONSTITUTION: A telematic terminal comprises a central processing unit, a memory, a controller, and an LCD control unit. A power supply system comprises a grid module and a battery control device. A grid module selects a proper voltage and a proper current based on intrinsic information, a battery temperature, a voltage value, and a current value and provides the selected voltage and current to a battery. A communication unit(604) forms a cable communication network or a wireless communication network with the grid module.

Description

DATA UPDATETING APPARATUS AND METHOD THEREOF}

The present invention relates to an apparatus for updating data of an electric vehicle and a method thereof.

In general, since the electronic device mounted on the vehicle is closely related to the safety of the driver and the occupant, it is very important to secure stability, but there is a possibility of detecting a serious software defect after the production of the vehicle. In addition, electronic devices such as a vehicle radio or an instrument panel may improve various functions through software update (update). For these reasons, software update of the in-vehicle electronic device may be essential.

However, it is not easy to update the software of the internal electronic device in the actual driving environment. In general, when the software program of the electronic device is updated, it must be ensured that the vehicle stops driving and can wait for a long time. In addition, if the vehicle is abnormally terminated during the software update, the vehicle is in an inoperable environment, so the software update itself also requires high reliability.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a data update device and method for efficiently updating data related to an electric vehicle while charging a battery of the electric vehicle.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data updating apparatus comprising: a communication unit forming a communication network with a grid module for supplying power; A controller configured to download data related to the electric vehicle from the server through the grid module when in the battery charging mode of the electric vehicle; The storage unit stores the downloaded data.

A data updating method according to embodiments of the present invention includes forming a communication network with a grid module for supplying power; When in a battery charging mode of an electric vehicle, downloading data related to the electric vehicle from a server via the grid module; And storing the downloaded data.

The data updating apparatus and method thereof according to an embodiment of the present invention have an effect of easily updating data related to an electric vehicle by easily downloading data related to an electric vehicle that can be updated before battery charging.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the data update apparatus and method of the electric vehicle capable of effectively updating the data related to the electric vehicle while charging the battery of the electric vehicle will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8.

1 is a view showing a battery of an electric vehicle for explaining an embodiment of the present invention. The battery control apparatus and method thereof for explaining an embodiment of the present invention can be used in various electric / electronic devices in which batteries are used, as well as pure electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles.

As shown in Fig. 1, the electric vehicle 1 includes a battery 2 for supplying power to a motor. For example, hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) mount battery packs composed of a plurality of battery cells to receive necessary power. The plurality of battery cells included in the battery pack needs to equalize the voltage of each battery cell in order to improve safety, lifespan, and high power. The battery control device allows each battery to have an appropriate voltage while charging or discharging the batteries of the battery pack. On the other hand, since a plurality of battery cells are difficult to maintain a stable state due to various factors, such as a change in internal impedance, a battery management system has a balancing function for balancing the state of charge of a plurality of battery cells.

For example, a difference in the remaining capacity (state of charge, hereinafter SOC) between battery cells in the battery pack may occur over time due to the difference in the self discharge rate of the battery cells in the battery pack. In order to overcome the capacity imbalance between the battery cells, a separate circuit is configured to charge and / or buck each battery cell.

2 is a view showing the configuration of a hybrid electric vehicle for explaining an embodiment of the present invention. The battery control device and method of the present invention can be applied not only to hybrid electric vehicles but also to pure electric vehicles.

As shown in FIG. 2, the hybrid electric vehicle includes an engine 101 and a motor / generator unit (hereinafter abbreviated as “M / G unit”) 102 as a power source. Driven wheels driven by a power source are front-wheel in a front-wheel drive vehicle and rear-wheel in a rear-wheel drive vehicle. However, hereinafter, a front wheel drive vehicle will be described. Embodiments relating to the rear wheel drive vehicle are apparent from the following description of the front wheel drive vehicle.

The M / B unit 102 is a device that selectively functions as a motor or a generator according to the driving state, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, in the following description, for convenience of understanding, the M / G unit 102 may be used with the same name as a motor or a generator, but all refer to the same component. The engine 101 and the motor 102 of the electric vehicle are connected to a transmission in series.

The M / G unit 102 is driven by a signal of an inverter 104 under the control of a motor control unit (MCU 103).

The inverter 104 drives the M / G unit 102 as a power source by using the electric energy stored in the battery 105 under the control of the MCU 103 and generates the M / G unit 102 by a generator. In the case of driving with the electric energy generated by the M / G unit 102 is charged to the battery 105.

The power of the engine 101 and the M / G unit 102 is transmitted to the transmission (T / M) 107 via the clutch 106 and the final drive gear (F / R) 108 It is transmitted to the front wheel 109 through. The rear wheel 110 is a non-drive wheel that is not driven by the engine 101 and the M / G unit 102.

Each of the front wheel 109 and the rear wheel 110 is interposed with a wheel brake apparatus 111 for reducing the rotational speed of each wheel. And a hydraulic control system for hydraulically braking each wheel brake device 111 based on the hydraulic pressure generated according to the operation of the brake pedal 112 and the brake pedal 112, so that each wheel brake device 111 can be driven ( hydraulic control system) 113. The electric vehicle includes a brake control unit (BCU) 114 that controls the hydraulic control system 113 and receives a brake control state from the hydraulic control system 113.

The BCU 114 detects the oil pressure generated in the oil pressure control system 113 when the driver operates the brake pedal 112. The BCU 114 calculates the braking force to be applied to the driving wheel (for example, the front wheel 109), the hydraulic braking force to be braked by the hydraulic pressure, and the regenerative braking force to be braked by the regenerative braking. Accordingly, the BCU 114 supplies the calculated hydraulic braking force to the wheel brake device 111 of the front wheel 109 through the control of the hydraulic control system 113.

The electric vehicle is a hybrid electric vehicle electronic control unit (HEV-ECU) that implements an electric vehicle that performs the maximum speed limiting method by communicating with and controlling the BCU 114 and the MCU 103. (115).

The regenerative braking force calculated by the BCU 114 is transmitted to the HEV-ECU 115, whereby the HEV-ECU 115 controls the MCU 103 based on the received regenerative braking force. Therefore, the MCU 103 drives the M / G unit 102 as a generator so that the regenerative braking force specified from the HEV-ECU 115 is implemented. In this case, electrical energy generated by the M / G unit 102 is stored in the battery 105.

The electric vehicle further comprises a vehicle speed detector 116 for detecting vehicle speed.

The HEV-ECU 115 utilizes the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed detector 116 as data for controlling the BCU 114 and the MCU 103.

In addition, the electric vehicle includes a battery voltage detector 117 that detects the voltage of the battery 105. The battery voltage detector 117 detects a current voltage of the battery 105 and allows the HEV-ECU 115 to limit the maximum speed of the electric vehicle according to the detected difference between the current voltage and a preset reference voltage. Provide result data.

On the other hand, an electric vehicle uses a battery to drive a motor, and a battery life is an important part of an electric vehicle. As the battery ages, the voltage of the battery cell changes slightly. This imbalance is one of the important factors that can reduce the life of the battery. In order to prevent the disparity between these cells and extend the life of the battery, most electric vehicles must continuously perform cell balancing. Cell balancing is a method of equalizing a voltage with another cell by discharging a current by connecting a small load to a battery cell having a high voltage.

Hereinafter, the configuration of the telematics terminal 200 for explaining the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a telematics terminal 200 for explaining an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 3, the telematics terminal 200 includes a control unit (for example, a central processing unit, a CPU) 212 for controlling the telematics terminal 200 as a whole, a memory 213 for storing various kinds of information, and The main board 210 includes a key controller 211 for controlling various key signals and an LCD controller 214 for controlling a liquid crystal display (LCD).

The memory 213 stores map information (map data) for displaying road guidance information on a digital map. In addition, the memory 213 stores a traffic information collection control algorithm for inputting traffic information according to a road situation in which the vehicle is currently traveling and information for controlling the algorithm.

The main board 210 is assigned with a unique device number for a code division multiple access (CDMA) module 206, which is a mobile communication terminal embedded in a vehicle, for locating a vehicle, tracking a driving route from a starting point to a destination, and the like. GPS module 207 for receiving a GPS signal or transmitting traffic information collected by a user as a GPS (Global Positioning System) signal, a CD deck (CD Deck) 208 for reproducing a signal recorded on a compact disk (CD) ), A gyro sensor 209 and the like. The CDMA module 206 and the GPS module 207 transmit / receive signals through the antennas 204 and 205.

In addition, the broadcast receiving module 222 is connected to the main board 210 and receives a broadcast signal through the antenna 223. The main board 210 includes a display unit (201) under the control of the LCD control unit 214 through the interface board 203, a front board 202 under the control of the key control unit 211, and a vehicle. The camera 227 for capturing the inside and / or the outside is connected. The display unit 201 displays various video signals and text signals, and the front board 202 is provided with buttons for inputting various key signals, and the main board 210 provides a key signal corresponding to a user-selected button. To provide. In addition, the display unit 201 includes a proximity sensor and a touch sensor (touch screen) of FIG. 2.

The front board 202 may include a menu key for directly inputting traffic information, and the menu key may be configured to be controlled by the key controller 211.

The audio board 217 is connected to the main board 210 and processes various audio signals. The audio board 217 includes a microcomputer 219 for controlling the audio board 217, a tuner 218 for receiving a radio signal, a power supply unit 216 for supplying power to the microcomputer 219, and various voices. It consists of a signal processor 215 for processing a signal.

In addition, the audio board 217 is composed of a radio antenna 220 for receiving a radio signal, and a tape deck 221 for reproducing an audio tape. The audio board 217 may further configure a voice output unit (for example, an amplifier) 226 for outputting a voice signal processed by the audio board 217.

The voice output unit (amplifier) 226 is connected to the vehicle interface 224. That is, the audio board 217 and the main board 210 are connected to the vehicle interface 224. The vehicle interface 224 may be connected to a hands-free 225a for inputting a voice signal, an airbag 225b for occupant safety, a speed sensor 225c for detecting the speed of the vehicle, and the like. The speed sensor 225c calculates a vehicle speed and provides the calculated vehicle speed information to the central processing unit 212.

The navigation session 300 applied to the telematics terminal 200 generates road guide information based on map data and vehicle current location information, and notifies the user of the generated road guide information.

The display unit 201 detects a proximity touch in the display window through a proximity sensor. For example, the display unit 201 detects the position of the proximity touch when the pointer (for example, a finger or a stylus pen) is in close proximity and detects the position information corresponding to the detected position. Output to the control unit 212.

The voice recognition device (or voice recognition module) 301 recognizes a voice spoken by the user and performs a corresponding function according to the recognized voice signal.

The navigation session 300 applied to the telematics terminal 200 displays a driving route on map data, and a predetermined distance from a blind spot where the position of the mobile communication terminal 100 is included in the driving route. Automatically establishes a wireless network with a terminal (e.g., a vehicle navigation device) mounted on a nearby vehicle and / or a mobile communication terminal carried by a nearby pedestrian through wireless communication (e.g., a short range wireless communication network). As a result, position information of the surrounding vehicle is received from the terminal mounted on the surrounding vehicle, and position information of the surrounding pedestrian is received from the mobile communication terminal carried by the surrounding pedestrian.

Hereinafter, a battery control apparatus capable of preventing damage to a battery cell of an electric vehicle, improving performance of the battery, and extending the life of the battery will be described with reference to FIG. 4. Here, the battery control apparatus for explaining an embodiment of the present invention may be configured as an independent device or applied to the telematics terminal 200 of FIG. 3.

4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a battery control apparatus for an electric vehicle for explaining an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 4, the battery control apparatus 300 of the electric vehicle includes: a voltage detector 320 that detects a voltage of each cell of a battery (battery pack) 310 in real time; A current detector 330 which detects a current of each cell of the battery 310 in real time; A storage unit 370 for storing unique information of the battery 310 (for example, reference battery rated capacity [Ah], rated voltage value, and rated current value); A communication unit 350; Through the communication unit 350 forms a wired communication network or a wireless communication network with the charging station 400, the unique information of the battery 310 when the charging station 400 and the wired or wireless communication network is connected through the communication unit 350, A control unit (340) for providing the detected voltage value and current value to the charging station (400) through the communication unit (350); The display unit 360 displays information indicating that the charging station 400 is connected to the communication network through the communication unit 350 and displays the unique information of the battery 310, the detected voltage value, and the current value. .

The charging station 400 selects an appropriate voltage and current based on the unique information of the battery 310, the detected voltage value and the current value, and provides the appropriate voltage and current to the battery 310. For example, the charging station 400 may detect the unique information of the battery 310, the detected information, to prevent damage to the battery cells of the electric vehicle, improve the performance of the battery, and extend the life of the battery. An appropriate voltage and current are selected based on the voltage value and the current value, and the appropriate voltage and current are charged in the battery 310. Accordingly, the proper voltage and current required for the battery 310 are charged in the battery 310 to prevent damage to the battery cells of the electric vehicle, improve the performance of the battery, and extend the life of the battery. have.

Hereinafter, a battery control method capable of preventing damage to a battery cell of an electric vehicle, improving performance of the battery, and extending the life of the battery will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

5 is a flowchart illustrating a battery control method of an electric vehicle for explaining an embodiment of the present invention.

First, the voltage detector 320 detects a voltage of each cell of the battery 310 and outputs the detected voltage value to the controller 340 (S11).

The current detector 330 detects a current of each cell of the battery 310, and outputs the detected current value to the controller 340 (S12).

The control unit 340 determines whether the battery charging mode is selected by the user (S13), and when the battery charging mode is selected by the user, the charging station 400 and the wired communication network or the wireless communication network through the communication unit 350. To form (S14).

The control unit 340 reads the unique information of the battery 310 from the storage unit 370 when the charging station 400 and the wired or wireless communication network are connected through the communication unit 350 (S15). . Here, the storage unit 370 stores inherent information (eg, reference battery rated capacity [Ah], rated voltage, and rated current) of the battery 310 in advance. The battery charging mode may be displayed as a menu on the display unit 360, and the controller 340 may perform the battery charging mode when a battery charge mode displayed on the display unit 360 is selected by a user. It may be.

The controller 340 reads the unique information of the battery 310 from the storage unit 370, and reads the read unique battery information, the detected voltage value and the current value of the communication unit 350. Provided to the charging station 400 through (S16). At this time, the display unit 360 displays information (for example, connected to the charging station) indicating that the charging station 400 and the communication network are connected through the communication unit 350 under the control of the control unit 340. The unique information of the battery 310, the detected voltage value, and the current value are displayed.

The charging station 400 selects an appropriate voltage and current based on the unique information of the battery 310, the detected voltage value and the current value, and provides the appropriate voltage and current to the battery 310. For example, the charging station 400 may detect the unique information of the battery 310, the detected information, to prevent damage to the battery cells of the electric vehicle, improve the performance of the battery, and extend the life of the battery. An appropriate voltage and current are selected based on the voltage value and the current value, and the appropriate voltage and current are charged in the battery 310 (S17). Accordingly, the proper voltage and current required for the battery 310 are charged in the battery 310 to prevent damage to the battery cells of the electric vehicle, improve the performance of the battery, and extend the life of the battery. have.

Here, the method itself for selecting the appropriate voltage and current based on the unique information of the battery 310, the detected voltage value and the current value is changed in various ways according to the reference battery rated capacity [Ah], rated voltage, rated current It may be easily performed by one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the charging station 400 stops charging when the charging current is 1/10 of the battery capacity (for example, charges the battery only up to 92%-when the battery capacity is 100Ah, the charging current is 10A). When the charging voltage is within 1% of the error at 4.2V, by stopping the charging, the battery life can be extended, and the battery can be stably performed up to 85-92%. Here, the charging station 400 may be a grid module 500.

The battery 310 may charge power supplied from a charging station, but may supply the charged power to a power user or a power company. For example, the most important problem that will arise when an electric vehicle is disseminated is whether it can provide enough electric power to all electric vehicles. The current power supply will not be able to power all electric vehicles. Therefore, a power supply system called "smart grid" is being prepared. In the "smart grid", an existing electric user may become an electricity supplier, and the power accumulated in the battery 310 at a midnight time that provides power at green energy (wind energy, solar energy, etc.) or a low electricity rate. You can also sell them at times when power is scarce.

Hereinafter, a technique of charging a power by using a battery of an electric vehicle and re-selling it at a power shortage time (for example, during the day time) will be described. That is, a power supply system that can efficiently supply power to a power user by supplying power of a car battery to a power user or a power company at a specific time period will be described with reference to FIG. 6. Here, the battery control apparatus for explaining an embodiment of the present invention may be configured as an independent device or applied to the telematics terminal 200 of FIG. 3.

6 is a block diagram showing a power supply system to which a data updater according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied.

As shown in Fig. 6, the power supply system comprises: a grid module (or metering device) 500 that provides or downloads (powers) power; Charges power provided at low electricity rates at night or at night, such as green energy (wind energy, solar energy, etc.), and charges the charged power at predetermined time periods (e.g. High time zone) or according to a user's request, the vehicle battery control device 600 is supplied to a power user or a power company through the grid module.

The battery control apparatus 600 of the electric vehicle to which the data updating device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is applied, the voltage value and the current of each cell of the electric vehicle battery (battery pack) through the vehicle interface 602. Receive a value and temperature information of the battery, read the unique information and vehicle information of the battery previously stored in the storage unit 605, based on the unique information of the battery, the detected battery temperature, voltage value and current value A controller 603 for generating charge control information for controlling charging of the battery; A communication unit 604 forming a wired or wireless communication network with a grid module 500 and providing the charging control information to the grid module 500 when the grid module 500 and the wired or wireless communication network are connected; The display unit 601 displays the remaining amount of the battery. Herein, the controller 603 calculates a battery remaining amount based on the detected voltage value and current value, and displays the calculated battery remaining amount on the display unit 601.

The grid module 500 selects an appropriate voltage and current based on the unique information of the battery 310, the detected battery temperature, a voltage value, and a current value, and provides the appropriate voltage and current to the battery. . For example, the grid module 500 prevents damage to battery cells of an electric vehicle, improves the performance of the battery, and extends the life of the battery. Receives a voltage value and a current value through the communication unit 604, selects a proper voltage and current based on the received unique information of the battery, the detected battery temperature, a voltage value, and a current value; Voltage and current may be charged in the battery 310.

Hereinafter, a battery charging method of the electric vehicle will be described.

The controller 603 determines whether the battery charging mode is selected by the user, and forms a wired or wireless communication network with the grid module 500 through the communication unit 604 when the battery charging mode is selected by the user. do. The battery charging mode may be displayed as a menu on the display unit 601, and the controller 603 may perform the battery charging mode when a battery charge mode displayed on the display unit 601 is selected by a user. It may be.

The communication unit 604 may be a Bluetooth, a wireless local area network (WLAN), or a power line.

When the grid module 500 is connected to the wired or wireless communication network through the communication unit 604, the control unit 603 provides the vehicle interface (eg, car area nerwork, CAN) 602 with the state information of the battery. Receive from the battery management system (BMS). Here, the state information of the battery may include battery specific information (eg, reference battery rated capacity [Ah], rated voltage, and rated current) stored in the storage unit 605 in advance, and the detected battery temperature information, voltage value, and current. Contains a value.

The control unit 603 reads vehicle information (eg, a vehicle model, a vehicle identification number, etc.) from the storage unit when the grid module 500 and the wired or wireless communication network are connected through the communication unit 604. The vehicle information is transmitted to the grid module 500 through the communication unit 604.

The state information of the battery is received from a battery management system (BMS) via a vehicle interface (eg, car area network, CAN) 602.

The controller 340 generates charge control information for controlling the charging of the battery based on the unique information of the battery, the battery temperature information, the voltage value and the current value, and generates the generated charge control information into the communication unit 604. After providing to the grid module 500 through the grid module 500 to charge the battery. At this time, the display unit 601 displays information indicating that the grid module 500 and the communication network are connected through the communication unit 604 (for example, connected with the grid module) under the control of the control unit 603. And the vehicle of the battery is displayed. Here, the controller 340 may calculate the remaining battery capacity based on the unique information of the battery, the battery voltage value and the current value.

The communication unit 503 of the grid module 500 receives the charging control information and the vehicle information from the vehicle battery control device 600 through a wired communication network or a wireless communication network in the battery charging mode, and receives the vehicle information. It outputs to the authentication unit 502, and outputs the charging control information to the control unit 507. The communication unit 503 may be a Bluetooth, a wireless local area network (WLAN), or a power line.

The authenticator 502 authenticates the vehicle based on the vehicle information, and displays the authenticated vehicle information on the display unit 501 through the communication network 506.

The control unit 507 receives the charging control information, controls the input / output unit 506 based on the charging control information, and supplies the power provided to the input / output unit 506 to the charging port of the electric vehicle. Provided with a connected battery. At this time, the power detector 505 detects the amount of power supplied to the battery, and outputs the detected amount of power to the charging unit 504. The power detector 505 is connected between the input / output unit 506 and an input / output port.

The charging unit 504 calculates a usage fee corresponding to the power usage, and outputs the calculated usage fee and power usage to the controller 507.

The controller 507 may output the power consumption and the usage fee to the display unit 501 or may provide the vehicle battery control device 600 through the communication unit 503.

On the other hand, the control unit 603 is based on a power usage fee table stored in the storage unit 605 of the battery control device 600 in advance for a low time zone (for example, late night time zone) and a high time zone (for example For example, during the day when the power usage fee is low, the power is charged to the battery from the grid module 500 through the input / output port during the time when the power usage fee is low, the time zone when the power usage fee is high when the power supply mode Power supplied to the battery is supplied to the grid module 500 through the input / output port. The power usage fee table represents power usage fees according to time zones.

The grid module 500 authenticates the vehicle information transmitted from the battery control device 600, downloads power from the battery of the vehicle, and transmits the downloaded power to a power user and / or a power company through a power line. To feed.

Hereinafter, an electric vehicle data updating device and method thereof capable of effectively updating data related to the electric vehicle while charging the battery of the electric vehicle will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. The battery control device 600 controls the charging of the battery, but may also function to effectively update data related to the electric vehicle. In addition, the data update device of the electric vehicle may be configured independently, it may be applied to the telematics terminal 200.

Hereinafter, a data update device applied to the battery control device 600 will be described, and reference numerals of the data update device use the same reference numerals for the components of the battery control device 600.

As shown in Fig. 6, the data updating apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes: a communication unit 604 forming a communication network with a grid module 500 for supplying electric power; When in a battery charging mode of an electric vehicle, detecting a first estimated time for fully charging the battery, detecting a second estimated time for completing downloading data related to the electric vehicle, and detecting the detected first and second estimates. A control unit 603 for downloading data related to the electric vehicle through the communication unit 604 based on time; A display unit 601 for displaying the downloading process and / or result; The storage unit 605 stores the downloaded data.

7 is a flowchart showing a data update method according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

First, the communication unit 604 forms a communication network with the grid module 500 that supplies power when in the battery charging mode of the electric vehicle. Here, the communication network may be a wired or wireless communication network.

The control unit 603 transmits vehicle information to the grid module 500 through the communication unit 604 when the battery charging mode of the electric vehicle, the battery of the electric vehicle through the power supplied from the grid module 500 Charge (S11).

The controller 603 detects an estimated time (expected time before fully charged battery) for fully charging the battery of the electric vehicle in the battery charging mode of the electric vehicle (S12). For example, the controller 603 detects a state of charge of the battery and detects an estimated time required for fully charging the battery based on the state of charge of the battery. Here, the estimated time required to fully charge the battery when the battery is completely discharged (100%) is long, and the estimated time required to fully charge the battery when the battery is 50% discharged is Shorten. In addition, the estimated time required to fully charge the battery may vary according to the capacity of the battery.

The controller 603 reads version information of data related to an electric vehicle from the storage unit 605, and transmits the read version information to a server (not shown) through the grid module 500. The latest version information of the version information is requested to the server through the grid module 500 (S13). The controller 603 may transmit the vehicle information (including data related to an electric vehicle (eg, software program information)) together with the version information to the server through the grid module 500. Here, the data related to the electric vehicle is a software program, and may be various software programs related to the electric vehicle. For example, the data related to the electric vehicle may be applications of a telematics terminal, map data, electronic control unit (ECU) programs of the electric vehicle, and the like.

The server retrieves the latest version information corresponding to the received version information from an internal storage unit (not shown) based on the received version information, and retrieves the retrieved latest version information from the grid module 500. Transmission to the communication unit 604 through.

The communication unit 604 receives the latest version information from the server through the grid module 500, and outputs the received latest version information to the control unit 603 (S14).

The controller 603 compares the received latest version information and the read version information with each other to determine whether the received latest version information is new (higher) version information (S15). That is, the controller 603 determines whether a new version of data related to the electric vehicle exists by comparing the received latest version information with the read version information.

When the received latest version information is new version information, the controller 603 detects an estimated time (data download completion estimated time) required to complete downloading data corresponding to the new version information (S16). ). For example, the controller 603 is required to complete downloading the data corresponding to the new version information based on the data download speed of the communication unit 604 and the capacity of the data corresponding to the new version information. Detect estimated time.

The controller 603 compares the estimated battery full charge completion time with the estimated data download completion time to determine whether the estimated battery full charge completion time is longer or shorter than the estimated data download completion time (S17).

The controller 603 requests the server through the grid module 500 for data corresponding to the new version information when the estimated time before the battery is fully charged is longer than the estimated time for completing the data download, and the server requests the data from the server. Data corresponding to the new version information is downloaded (S18).

The control unit 603 downloads data corresponding to the new version information and stores the downloaded data in the storage unit 605 to complete updating of data related to the electric vehicle (S19). Here, the controller 603 may display the downloading process and / or the downloading result on the display unit 601.

 On the other hand, if the estimated time before the battery fully charged is shorter than the estimated time for completing the data download, the controller 603 does not download the data since the charging of the battery is completed before the data download is completed. For example, since the driver is likely to drive immediately when the battery is fully charged, the controller 603 stops communication with the grid module when the battery is fully charged.

Therefore, the data updating apparatus and method thereof according to the first embodiment of the present invention can update data related to an electric vehicle by easily downloading data related to an electric vehicle that can be updated before battery charging.

8 is a flowchart illustrating a data update method according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

First, the communication unit 604 forms a communication network with the grid module 500 that supplies power when in the battery charging mode of the electric vehicle. Here, the communication network may be a wired or wireless communication network.

The control unit 603 transmits vehicle information to the grid module 500 through the communication unit 604 when the battery charging mode of the electric vehicle, the battery of the electric vehicle through the power supplied from the grid module 500 Charge (S21).

The controller 603 detects an estimated time (expected time before fully charged battery) for fully charging the battery of the electric vehicle in the battery charging mode of the electric vehicle (S22). For example, the controller 603 detects a state of charge of the battery and detects an estimated time required for fully charging the battery based on the state of charge of the battery. Here, the estimated time required to fully charge the battery when the battery is completely discharged (100%) is long, and the estimated time required to fully charge the battery when the battery is 50% discharged is Shorten. In addition, the estimated time required to fully charge the battery may vary according to the capacity of the battery.

The controller 603 transmits the detected estimated time before the battery fully charged to the server through the communication unit 604 and the grid module 500 (S23).

The controller 603 reads version information of data related to an electric vehicle from the storage unit 605, and transmits the read version information to the server through the grid module 500 (S24). The server requests the latest version information of the information through the grid module 500. The controller 603 may transmit the vehicle information (including data related to an electric vehicle (eg, software program information)) together with the version information to the server through the grid module 500. Here, the data related to the electric vehicle is a software program, and may be various software programs related to the electric vehicle. For example, the data related to the electric vehicle may be applications of a telematics terminal, map data, electronic control unit (ECU) programs of the electric vehicle, and the like.

The server retrieves the latest version information corresponding to the received version information from an internal storage unit (not shown) based on the received version information, and estimates the data of the retrieved latest version information before the battery fully charged. Determine if it can transmit in time. Here, the server detects the estimated transfer completion time of the data of the retrieved latest version information based on the capacity of the retrieved latest version information and the data transfer rate, and the detected data transfer completion estimated time is determined by the battery. If it is shorter than the estimated time before full charge, it is assumed that data of the retrieved latest version information can be transmitted within the estimated time before full charge of the battery. On the other hand, if the detected estimated time to complete the data transmission is longer than the estimated battery full charge time, the server stops the data update process by deeming that the data of the latest version information retrieved cannot be transmitted within the estimated battery full charge time. .

The grid module 500 sends a message (eg, a pop-up window) to inquire whether to receive data of the retrieved latest version information when the detected data transfer completion estimated time is shorter than the estimated battery full charge time. And the control unit 603 through the communication unit 604.

The control unit 603 displays a message received from the server on the display unit 601, and when a key for receiving data of the retrieved latest version information is selected by the user in response to the message (S25). After the data corresponding to the latest version information is downloaded (received) from the server (S26), the downloaded (received) data is stored in the storage unit 605 to update data related to the electric vehicle. Complete (S27). Here, the controller 603 may display the downloading process and / or the downloading result on the display unit 601.

Therefore, the data updating apparatus and method thereof according to the second embodiment of the present invention can update data related to an electric vehicle by easily downloading data related to an electric vehicle that can be updated before battery charging from a server.

As described above in detail, the data updating apparatus and method according to an embodiment of the present invention can update data related to an electric vehicle by easily downloading data related to an electric vehicle that can be updated before battery charging.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are not intended to limit the technical idea of the present invention but to describe the present invention, and the scope of the technical idea of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. The protection scope of the present invention should be interpreted by the following claims, and all technical ideas within the equivalent scope should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present invention.

1 is a view showing a battery of an electric vehicle for explaining an embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a view showing the configuration of a hybrid electric vehicle for explaining an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a telematics terminal for explaining an embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a battery control apparatus for an electric vehicle for explaining an embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a flowchart illustrating a battery control method of an electric vehicle for explaining an embodiment of the present invention.

6 is a block diagram showing a power supply system to which a data updater according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied.

7 is a flowchart showing a data update method according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

8 is a flowchart illustrating a data update method according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

* Explanation of symbols on the main parts of the drawings

601, display unit 602: vehicle interface

603: control unit 604: communication unit

605: storage unit

Claims (14)

A communication unit forming a communication network with a grid module for supplying power; A controller configured to download data related to the electric vehicle from the server through the grid module when in the battery charging mode of the electric vehicle; And a storage unit for storing the downloaded data. The method of claim 1, wherein the control unit, And updating the data related to the electric vehicle previously stored in the storage unit based on the downloaded data. The method of claim 1, wherein the control unit, When in a battery charging mode of the electric vehicle, detecting a first estimated time for charging a battery of the electric vehicle, a second estimated time for downloading data related to the electric vehicle, detecting the first and And downloading data related to the electric vehicle based on a second estimated time. The method of claim 3, wherein the control unit, And when the first estimated time is longer than the second estimated time, downloading data related to the electric vehicle. The method of claim 3, wherein the control unit, And if the first estimated time is shorter than the second estimated time, downloading of data related to the electric vehicle is stopped. The method of claim 1, wherein the control unit, When in the battery charging mode of the electric vehicle, requesting the server the latest version information of the data related to the electric vehicle through the grid module, and receives the requested latest version information from the server through the grid module, And downloading the data corresponding to the latest version information from the server when the received latest version information is a higher version than the version of the data related to the electric vehicle previously stored in the storage unit. The method of claim 1, wherein the data related to the electric vehicle, And an electronic control unit (ECU) program of the electric vehicle, an application of a telematics terminal, and map data. Forming a communication network with a grid module for supplying power; When in a battery charging mode of an electric vehicle, downloading data related to the electric vehicle from a server via the grid module; Storing the downloaded data. The method of claim 8, wherein storing the downloaded data comprises: And updating the data related to the electric vehicle previously stored in the storage unit based on the downloaded data. The method of claim 8, wherein downloading data related to the electric vehicle comprises: Detecting a first estimated time for charging a battery of the electric vehicle when in the battery charging mode of the electric vehicle; Detecting a second estimated time for downloading data related to the electric vehicle; Downloading data related to the electric vehicle based on the first and second estimated times. The method of claim 10, wherein downloading data related to the electric vehicle comprises: Downloading data related to the electric vehicle if the first estimated time is longer than the second estimated time. The method of claim 10, wherein downloading data related to the electric vehicle comprises: Stopping downloading of data related to the electric vehicle if the first estimated time is shorter than the second estimated time. The method of claim 8, wherein downloading data related to the electric vehicle comprises: Requesting the latest version information of the data related to the electric vehicle from the server through the grid module when the battery charging mode of the electric vehicle is performed; Receiving the requested latest version information from the server via the grid module; Downloading the data corresponding to the latest version information from the server when the received latest version information is a higher version than a version of data related to the electric vehicle previously stored in the storage unit. Update method. The method of claim 8, wherein the data related to the electric vehicle, And an electronic control unit (ECU) program of the electric vehicle, an application of a telematics terminal, and map data.

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