CN112189292A

CN112189292A - Charging protection method and device

Info

Publication number: CN112189292A
Application number: CN201880093228.6A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 张俊彪; 王朝; 罗伟
Original assignee: Huawei Technologies Co Ltd
Current assignee: Honor Device Co Ltd
Priority date: 2018-05-10
Filing date: 2018-05-10
Publication date: 2021-01-05
Anticipated expiration: 2038-05-10
Also published as: WO2019213915A1; CN112189292B

Abstract

The embodiment of the application discloses a charging protection method and device, and relates to the technical field of communication. The heating caused by the series contact impedance and the ground parallel impedance can be eliminated, and the burning of the charging port is prevented. The method can comprise the following steps: detecting a first temperature of a charging port of a charged device; reducing a charging current of the charged device to a first current value after detecting that the first temperature is greater than or equal to a first threshold and less than a second threshold; wherein the second threshold is greater than the first threshold; detecting a second temperature of a charging port of the charged device; disconnecting the charging path of the charged device after detecting that the second temperature is greater than or equal to a second threshold.

Description

Charging protection method and device

Technical Field

The present application relates to the field of communications technologies, and in particular, to a charging protection method and apparatus.

Background

Generally, charging ports of a charging device and a device to be charged are butted by a connector to transmit electric power, so that a charging function is realized. The male head and the female head of the charging port connector have contact impedance when in butt joint, the contact impedance of the contact pins of the common male head and the female head is very small, and the heating value when the charging current flows through the contact impedance is very small and can be ignored. However, as the number of plugging and unplugging operations increases, the contact resistance also increases, for example, the contact resistance increases to 800 milliohms, which results in 1.8W of power at the male and female contacts when 1.5A of charging current flows. Because the contact point is airtight, the heat dissipation is not smooth, may burn the plastics of contact point department after certain time, leads to charging port to burn out.

There is also a case where, during use of the connector, if there is a foreign object such as water, the charging port power supply forms an impedance to ground, which causes the output of the charging device to form a large current loop, and when the current is still within the rated output range of the charging device, the impedance generates heat when the current flows. If the heat is not dissipated in time, this may cause the temperature of the charging port to rise, and a burn-out event may occur.

The contact impedance of the male and female terminals is generally referred to as a series contact impedance, and the impedance formed by the charging port power supply to ground is generally referred to as a parallel impedance to ground. Both the series contact impedance and the parallel impedance to ground may cause the charging port to heat up, causing a burn event to occur. During charging, there is a need for a method of charge protection that prevents burn-out caused by series contact impedances and ground shunt impedances.

Disclosure of Invention

The embodiment of the application provides a charging protection method and a charging protection device, which can eliminate heating caused by series contact impedance and ground parallel impedance and prevent a charging port from being burnt.

In order to achieve the above purpose, the embodiment of the present application adopts the following technical solutions:

in a first aspect, the present application provides a charge protection method. The method can comprise the following steps: detecting a first temperature of a charging port of a charged device; after detecting that the first temperature is greater than or equal to the first threshold and less than the second threshold, reducing the charging current of the charged device to a first current value; detecting a second temperature of a charging port of the charged device; disconnecting the charging path of the charged device after detecting that the second temperature is greater than or equal to the second threshold; wherein the second threshold is greater than the first threshold. In the method, if the first temperature is detected to be greater than or equal to a first threshold and less than a second threshold, possibly due to heating caused by series contact impedance, the charging current of the charged device is reduced to a first current value, and the series contact impedance heating is eliminated; if the temperature of the charging port continues to rise, and the second temperature is detected to be greater than or equal to the second threshold, the heating caused by the ground parallel impedance can be determined, the charging path of the charged device is disconnected, and the heating of the ground parallel contact impedance is eliminated. Therefore, the heating reasons can be distinguished and processed respectively, the heating of the series contact impedance can be eliminated, the heating of the ground parallel contact impedance can be eliminated, and the probability of the burning event of the charging port of the charged equipment is reduced.

In one possible design of the first aspect, after reducing the charging current of the device to be charged to the first current value; detecting a third temperature of a charging port of the charged device; and if the third temperature is detected to be less than or equal to a third threshold, increasing the charging current of the charged equipment to a second current value, wherein the second current value is greater than the first current value, and the third threshold is less than the first threshold. In this method, if heat generation is caused by the series contact resistance, after reducing the charging current of the device to be charged to the first current value, the heat generation can be eliminated and the temperature drops. And when the temperature of the charging port is smaller than or equal to the third threshold, the temperature of the charging port is considered to be recovered to be normal, the charging can be continued, the charging current of the charged equipment is increased to a second current value, and the charging function is recovered.

In one possible design of the first aspect, after the charging path of the charged device is disconnected, a fourth temperature of the charging port of the charged device is detected; if the fourth temperature is detected to be less than or equal to a third threshold, a charging path of the charged device is switched on, and the charging current of the charged device is increased to a second current value, wherein the second current value is greater than the first current value, and the third threshold is less than the first threshold. In this method, if heat generation is caused by the ground parallel contact resistance or the heat generation is caused by both the series contact resistance and the ground parallel contact resistance, the heat generation can be eliminated and the temperature drops after the charging path of the device to be charged is opened. And after the temperature of the charging port is smaller than or equal to the third threshold, considering that the temperature of the charging port is recovered to be normal, continuing charging, turning on a charging path of the charged device, increasing the charging current of the charged device to a second current value, and recovering the charging function.

In one possible design of the first aspect, detecting a first temperature of a charging port of a charged device includes: detecting a first absolute temperature of a charging port of a charged device; or, a temperature difference of a first temperature of a charging port of the charged device relative to an ambient temperature is detected. Detecting a second temperature of a charging port of a charged device, comprising: detecting a second absolute temperature of a charging port of the charged device; or, a temperature difference of a second temperature of the charging port of the charged device with respect to the ambient temperature is detected. Detecting a third temperature of a charging port of a charged device, comprising: detecting a third absolute temperature of a charging port of the charged device; or, a temperature difference of a third temperature of the charging port of the charged device with respect to the ambient temperature is detected. Detecting a fourth temperature of a charging port of a charged device, comprising: detecting a fourth absolute temperature of a charging port of the charged device; or, a temperature difference of a fourth temperature of the charging port of the charged device with respect to the ambient temperature is detected.

In one possible design of the first aspect, when detecting the first temperature of the charging port of the charged device, periodically detecting the temperature of the charging port of the charged device with a first time length if the temperature of the charging port of the charged device is less than a fourth threshold, and periodically detecting the temperature of the charging port of the charged device with a second time length if the temperature of the charging port of the charged device is greater than or equal to the fourth threshold; wherein the fourth threshold is less than the third threshold, and the second duration is less than the first duration. In the method, a fourth threshold smaller than the third threshold is set, and when the temperature of the charging port is smaller than the fourth threshold, the temperature of the charging port is detected in a longer period, so that the system is facilitated to save power consumption; and when the temperature of the charging port is greater than or equal to the fourth threshold, detecting the temperature of the charging port in a shorter period so as to monitor the temperature change in real time.

In one possible design of the first aspect, the first temperature, the second temperature, the third temperature, and the fourth temperature of the charging port of the device to be charged are detected by using thermistors.

In one possible design of the first aspect, the charging current of the device to be charged is controlled to be grounded through the metal oxide semiconductor MOS transistor, so as to disconnect the charging path of the device to be charged.

In a second aspect, the present application also provides a charging protection device, which may include: the device comprises a detection module, a judgment module and a processing module. The detection module is used for detecting a first temperature of a charging port of a charged device; the judging module is used for judging whether the first temperature is detected to be greater than or equal to a first threshold and smaller than a second threshold or not; the processing module is used for reducing the charging current of the charged equipment to a first current value after the judging module determines that the first temperature is greater than or equal to a first threshold and less than a second threshold; the detection module is also used for detecting a second temperature of the charging port of the charged equipment; the judging module is also used for judging whether the second temperature is detected to be greater than or equal to a second threshold; the processing module is further used for disconnecting the charging path of the charged equipment after the judging module determines that the second temperature is greater than or equal to the second threshold; wherein the second threshold is greater than the first threshold.

In a possible design of the second aspect, the detection module is further configured to detect a third temperature of a charging port of the charged device; the judging module is further used for judging whether the third temperature is detected to be smaller than or equal to a third threshold, wherein the third threshold is smaller than the first threshold; the processing module is further configured to increase the charging current of the charged device to a second current value if the determining module determines that the detected third temperature is less than or equal to a third threshold after the charging current of the charged device is decreased to the first current value, where the second current value is greater than the first current value.

In a possible design of the second aspect, the detection module is further configured to detect a fourth temperature of a charging port of the charged device; the judging module is further used for judging whether the fourth temperature is detected to be smaller than or equal to a third threshold, wherein the third threshold is smaller than the first threshold; the processing module is further configured to, after the charging path of the charged device is disconnected, if the determining module determines that the fourth temperature is less than or equal to the third threshold, switch on the charging path of the charged device, and increase the charging current of the charged device to a second current value, where the second current value is greater than the first current value.

In a possible design of the second aspect, the detecting module detects a first temperature of a charging port of the charged device, and specifically includes: detecting a first absolute temperature of a charging port of a charged device; or, a temperature difference of a first temperature of a charging port of the charged device relative to an ambient temperature is detected. The detection module detects a second temperature of a charging port of the charged device, and specifically includes: detecting a second absolute temperature of a charging port of the charged device; or, a temperature difference of a second temperature of the charging port of the charged device with respect to the ambient temperature is detected. The detection module detects a third temperature of a charging port of the charged device, and specifically includes: detecting a third absolute temperature of a charging port of the charged device; or, a temperature difference of a third temperature of the charging port of the charged device with respect to the ambient temperature is detected. The detection module detects a fourth temperature of the charging port of the charged device, and specifically includes: detecting a fourth absolute temperature of a charging port of the charged device; or, a temperature difference of a fourth temperature of the charging port of the charged device with respect to the ambient temperature is detected.

In a possible design of the second aspect, the detecting module detects a first temperature of a charging port of the charged device, and specifically includes: periodically detecting the temperature of the charging port of the charged device with a first time length under the condition that the temperature of the charging port of the charged device is smaller than a fourth threshold, and periodically detecting the temperature of the charging port of the charged device with a second time length under the condition that the temperature of the charging port of the charged device is larger than or equal to the fourth threshold; and the fourth threshold is smaller than the third threshold, and the second duration is smaller than the first duration.

In a possible design of the second aspect, the detecting module detects a first temperature of a charging port of the charged device, and specifically includes: the detection module detects a first temperature of a charging port of a charged device by using a thermistor. The detection module detects a second temperature of a charging port of the charged device, and specifically includes: and detecting a second temperature of the charging port of the charged device by using the thermistor. The detection module detects a third temperature of a charging port of the charged device, and specifically includes: and detecting a third temperature of the charging port of the charged device by using the thermistor. The detection module detects a fourth temperature of the charging port of the charged device, and specifically includes: and detecting a fourth temperature of the charging port of the charged device by using the thermistor.

In a possible design of the second aspect, the processing module disconnects a charging path of the charged device, and specifically includes: the processing module controls the charging current of the charged equipment to be grounded through the metal oxide semiconductor MOS tube.

In a third aspect, the present application further provides a charging protection device, including: a processor, a memory, and a communication interface. The communication interface, which may be a transceiver or transceiving circuitry, is used to support communication between the device and other devices. A memory is coupled to the processor, the memory including a non-volatile storage medium for storing computer program code, the computer program code including computer instructions. When the processor executes the computer instructions, the processor is configured to detect a first temperature of a charging port of a device to be charged; after detecting that the first temperature is greater than or equal to the first threshold and less than the second threshold, reducing the charging current of the charged device to a first current value; detecting a second temperature of a charging port of the charged device; disconnecting the charging path of the charged device after detecting that the second temperature is greater than or equal to the second threshold; wherein the second threshold is greater than the first threshold.

In a possible design of the third aspect, the processor is configured to detect a third temperature of the charging port of the charged device after reducing the charging current of the charged device to the first current value; if the third temperature is detected to be less than or equal to the third threshold, increasing the charging current of the charged equipment to a second current value; the second current value is larger than the first current value, and the third threshold is smaller than the first threshold. In a possible design of the third aspect, the processor is configured to detect a fourth temperature of a charging port of the device to be charged after the charging path of the device to be charged is disconnected; if the fourth temperature is detected to be less than or equal to the third threshold, a charging path of the charged equipment is switched on, and the charging current of the charged equipment is increased to a second current value; the third threshold is smaller than the first threshold, and the second current value is larger than the first current value.

In a possible design of the third aspect, the processor is configured to detect a first absolute temperature of a charging port of the device to be charged; or, detecting a temperature difference of a first temperature of a charging port of the charged device relative to an ambient temperature; the processor is further configured to detect a second absolute temperature of a charging port of the charged device; or, detecting a temperature difference of a second temperature of the charging port of the charged device relative to the ambient temperature; the processor is further configured to detect a third absolute temperature of a charging port of the device to be charged; or, detecting a temperature difference of a third temperature of the charging port of the charged device relative to the ambient temperature; the processor is further configured to detect a fourth absolute temperature of a charging port of the device to be charged; or, a temperature difference of a fourth temperature of the charging port of the charged device with respect to the ambient temperature is detected.

In a possible design of the third aspect, the processor is configured to periodically detect the temperature of the charging port of the charged device with the first time period if the temperature of the charging port of the charged device is less than a fourth threshold, and periodically detect the temperature of the charging port of the charged device with the second time period if the temperature of the charging port of the charged device is greater than or equal to the fourth threshold; and the fourth threshold is smaller than the third threshold, and the second duration is smaller than the first duration.

In a possible design of the third aspect, the processor is configured to detect a first temperature of a charging port of the device to be charged by using a thermistor; the processor is further configured to detect a second temperature of the charging port of the charged device using the thermistor; the processor is further configured to detect a third temperature of the charging port of the device to be charged by using the thermistor; the processor is further configured to detect a fourth temperature of the charging port of the device to be charged using the thermistor.

In a possible design of the third aspect, the processor is configured to control a charging current of the device to be charged to be grounded through the MOS transistor, so as to disconnect a charging path of the device to be charged.

The present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium having stored therein instructions, which when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method of any of the above aspects.

The present application also provides a computer program product comprising instructions which, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method of any of the above aspects.

The present application further provides a chip system, which includes a processor, a memory, and a transceiver circuit, and is configured to implement the method according to any one of the above aspects.

Any one of the above-mentioned apparatuses, computer storage media, computer program products, or chip systems is configured to execute the above-mentioned corresponding methods, so that the beneficial effects achieved by the apparatuses, the computer storage media, the computer program products, or the chip systems can refer to the beneficial effects of the corresponding schemes in the above-mentioned corresponding methods, and are not described herein again.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a charging system to which the technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present application is applied;

fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of a charging port of a device to be charged to which the technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present application is applied;

fig. 3 is a first schematic structural diagram of a charged device to which the technical solution provided in the embodiment of the present application is applied;

fig. 4 is a schematic structural diagram of a charged device to which the technical solution provided in the embodiment of the present application is applied;

fig. 5 is a first schematic diagram illustrating a charge protection method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 6 is a second schematic diagram of a charging protection method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 7 is a first schematic structural diagram of a charging protection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 8 is a second schematic structural diagram of a charging protection device according to an embodiment of the present application.

Detailed Description

The following describes in detail a charging protection method and apparatus provided in an embodiment of the present application with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The technical scheme provided by the application can be applied to any charged equipment with a charging port. For example, the charged device may be a mobile terminal, a digital device, a mobile phone, a tablet, etc. The charged device is connected to the charging device through a charging port. The charging device may be any device capable of providing charging power to a device to be charged, for example, a charger, a portable charging device, a wireless charger, a rechargeable battery, etc.

The technical scheme provided by the application can be applied to the charging system shown in fig. 1, and comprises a charging device and a device to be charged. The charged device comprises a control unit, a detection unit, a charging management unit, a charging port, a protection device and a load. The control unit is used for controlling various units and modules in the charged device, for example, sending control commands, controlling the charging management unit to reduce the current input to the load, loading and running an operating system of the charged device, and the like. The detection unit is used for detecting the states of various modules and units in the charged device, for example, detecting the temperature near a charging port of the charged device. The charging management unit is used for managing a charging process, realizing functions of managing charging, discharging, power consumption management and the like, and executing charging to a load by proper current; for example, the charging management unit may be a charging chip for adjusting the current magnitude of the input load. The charging port is an interface for connecting a charging device, and has various types, such as Micro B, min USB, Micro USB, type C, and the like. For example, the charging port may have the structure shown in fig. 2, and the female end of the charging port is connected to the charging device or the male end of the connector. The protection device is used for adjusting current and voltage in the circuit through opening or closing, and the purpose of protecting the charging port is achieved. For example, the protection device may be a Metal Oxide Semiconductor (MOS) transistor, and when the MOS transistor is turned on, the charging device is protected due to the low impedance of the MOS transistor, and no current is output, so as to protect the charged device. The load is used to provide power to the entire charged device, for example, the load may be a rechargeable battery.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the charged device may be a mobile terminal device or a non-mobile terminal device. The Mobile terminal device may be a Mobile phone, a tablet Computer, a notebook Computer, a palm Computer, a vehicle-mounted terminal, a wearable device, an Ultra-Mobile Personal Computer (UMPC), a netbook or a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), etc.; the non-mobile terminal device may be a Personal Computer (PC), a Television (TV), a teller machine, a self-service machine, or the like; the embodiments of the present invention are not particularly limited.

Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of a hardware structure of a charged device 100 for implementing various embodiments of the present invention. As shown in fig. 3, the charged device 100 includes, but is not limited to: radio frequency unit 101, network module 102, audio output unit 103, input unit 104, sensor 105, display unit 106, user input unit 107, interface unit 108, memory 109, processor 110, and power supply 111. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the configuration of the charged device 100 shown in fig. 3 does not constitute a limitation of the charged device, and that the charged device 100 may include more or fewer components than those shown, or some components may be combined, or a different arrangement of components. In the embodiment of the present invention, the charged device 100 includes, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a notebook computer, a palm computer, a vehicle-mounted terminal, a wearable device, a UMPC, a netbook, a PDA, a PC, a TV, a teller machine, a self-service machine, or the like.

It should be understood that, in the embodiment of the present invention, the radio frequency unit 101 may be used for receiving and sending signals during a message transmission or call process, and specifically, after receiving downlink data from a base station, the downlink data is processed by the processor 110; in addition, the uplink data is transmitted to the base station. Typically, radio frequency unit 101 includes, but is not limited to, an antenna, at least one amplifier, a transceiver, a coupler, a low noise amplifier, a duplexer, and the like. In addition, the radio frequency unit 101 can also communicate with a network and other devices through a wireless communication system.

The charged device 100 provides wireless broadband internet access to the user via the network module 102, such as assisting the user in sending and receiving e-mails, browsing web pages, and accessing streaming media.

The audio output unit 103 may convert audio data received by the radio frequency unit 101 or the network module 102 or stored in the memory 109 into an audio signal and output as sound. Also, the audio output unit 103 may also provide audio output related to a specific function performed by the charged device 100. The audio output unit 103 includes a speaker, a buzzer, a receiver, and the like.

The input unit 104 is used to receive an audio or video signal. The input Unit 104 may include a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) 1041 and a microphone 1042, and the Graphics processor 1041 processes image data of a still picture or video obtained by an image capturing device (e.g., a camera) in a video capturing mode or an image capturing mode. The processed image frames may be displayed on the display unit 106. The image frames processed by the graphic processor 1041 may be stored in the memory 109 (or other storage medium) or transmitted via the radio frequency unit 101 or the network module 102. The microphone 1042 may receive sound (e.g., receive voice information input by a user) and may be capable of processing such sound into audio data. The processed audio data may be converted into a format output transmittable to a mobile communication base station via the radio frequency unit 101 in case of a phone call mode.

The charged device 100 also includes at least one sensor 105, such as a light sensor, motion sensor, and other sensors. Specifically, the light sensor includes an ambient light sensor that can adjust the brightness of the display panel 1061 according to the brightness of ambient light, and a proximity sensor that can turn off the display panel 1061 and/or the backlight when the charged device 100 moves to the ear. As one of the motion sensors, the accelerometer sensor can detect the magnitude of acceleration in various directions (generally three axes), detect the magnitude and direction of gravity when stationary, and can be used to identify the posture of the device 100 to be charged (such as horizontal and vertical screen switching, related games, magnetometer posture calibration), and vibration identification related functions (such as pedometer and tapping); the sensors 105 may also include fingerprint sensors, pressure sensors, iris sensors, molecular sensors, gyroscopes, barometers, hygrometers, thermometers, infrared sensors, etc., which are not described in detail herein.

The display unit 106 is used to display information input by a user or information provided to the user. The Display unit 106 may include a Display panel 1061, and the Display panel 1061 may be configured in the form of a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), an Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED), or the like.

The user input unit 107 may be used to receive input numeric or character information and generate key signal inputs related to user settings and function control of the charged device 100. Specifically, the user input unit 107 includes a touch panel 1071 and other input devices 1072. Touch panel 1071, also referred to as a touch screen, may collect touch operations by a user on or near the touch panel 1071 (e.g., operations by a user on or near touch panel 1071 using a finger, stylus, or any suitable object or attachment). The touch panel 1071 may include two parts of a touch detection device and a touch controller. The touch detection device detects the touch direction of a user, detects a signal brought by touch operation and transmits the signal to the touch controller; the touch controller receives touch information from the touch sensing device, converts the touch information into touch point coordinates, sends the touch point coordinates to the processor 110, and receives and executes commands sent by the processor 110. In addition, the touch panel 1071 may be implemented in various types, such as a resistive type, a capacitive type, an infrared ray, and a surface acoustic wave. In addition to the touch panel 1071, the user input unit 107 may include other input devices 1072. Specifically, other input devices 1072 may include, but are not limited to, a physical keyboard, function keys (e.g., volume control keys, switch keys, etc.), a trackball, a mouse, and a joystick, which are not described in detail herein.

Further, the touch panel 1071 may be overlaid on the display panel 1061, and when the touch panel 1071 detects a touch operation thereon or nearby, the touch panel 1071 transmits the touch operation to the processor 110 to determine the type of the touch event, and then the processor 110 provides a corresponding visual output on the display panel 1061 according to the type of the touch event. Although in fig. 3, the touch panel 1071 and the display panel 1061 are two independent components to implement the input and output functions of the charged device 100, in some embodiments, the touch panel 1071 and the display panel 1061 may be integrated to implement the input and output functions of the charged device 100, and is not limited herein.

The interface unit 108 is an interface for connecting an external device to the charged apparatus 100. For example, the external device may include a wired or wireless headset port, an external power supply (or battery charger) port (e.g., a charging port in fig. 1), a wired or wireless data port, a memory card port, a port for connecting a device having an identification module, an audio input/output (I/O) port, a video I/O port, an earphone port, and the like. The interface unit 108 may be used to receive input (e.g., data information, power, etc.) from an external device and transmit the received input to one or more elements within the charged apparatus 100 or may be used to transmit data between the charged apparatus 100 and the external device.

The memory 109 may be used to store software programs as well as various data. The memory 109 may mainly include a storage program area and a storage data area, wherein the storage program area may store an operating system, an application program required by at least one function (such as a sound playing function, an image playing function, etc.), and the like; the storage data area may store data (such as audio data, a phonebook, etc.) created according to the use of the cellular phone, and the like. Further, the memory 109 may include high speed random access memory, and may also include non-volatile memory, such as at least one magnetic disk storage device, flash memory device, or other volatile solid state storage device.

The processor 110 is a control center of the charged device 100, connects various parts of the entire charged device 100 by various interfaces and lines, and performs various functions of the charged device 100 and processes data by running or executing software programs and/or modules stored in the memory 109 and calling data stored in the memory 109, thereby performing overall monitoring of the charged device 100. Processor 110 may include one or more processing units; alternatively, the processor 110 may integrate an application processor, which mainly handles operating systems, user interfaces, application programs, etc., and a modem processor, which mainly handles wireless communications. It will be appreciated that the modem processor described above may not be integrated into the processor 110.

The charged device 100 may further include a power supply 111 (such as a battery) for supplying power to various components, and optionally, the power supply 111 may be logically connected to the processor 110 through a power management system, so as to implement functions of managing charging, discharging, and power consumption through the power management system. For example, the power source 111 may be a load in fig. 1, and the functions of managing charging, discharging, and power consumption management are implemented by the charging management unit in fig. 1.

In addition, the charged device 100 includes some functional modules that are not shown, and are not described in detail here.

The charging protection method provided by the application can be applied to the charged equipment, and the situation that a charging port is burnt due to heating of series contact impedance and/or ground parallel impedance in the charging process of the charged equipment is prevented.

Some of the terms referred to in this application are explained below for the convenience of the reader:

1. series contact impedance, ground parallel impedance

Generally, the contact impedance of the male and female terminals is referred to as a series contact impedance; the impedance that the charge port power supply forms to ground is referred to as a parallel impedance to ground. The series contact impedance is generally caused by multiple plugging and unplugging wear of the male and female heads; the ground parallel impedance is generally a micro short circuit at the interface caused by foreign matter such as water. The series contact impedance and the parallel to ground impedance are related to the load in the circuit as shown in fig. 4. In fig. 4, V denotes the positive electrode of the charging device, and gnd (ground) denotes the negative electrode of the charging device.

2. The term "plurality" herein means two or more. The terms "first" and "second" herein are used to distinguish between different objects, and are not used to describe a particular order of objects. For example, the first threshold and the second threshold are used to distinguish between different thresholds, rather than to describe a particular order of thresholds. The term "and/or" herein is merely an association describing an associated object, meaning that three relationships may exist, e.g., a and/or B, may mean: a exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone.

In the embodiments of the present application, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any embodiment or design described herein as "exemplary" or "e.g.," is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. Rather, use of the word "exemplary" or "such as" is intended to present concepts related in a concrete fashion.

The embodiment of the application provides a charging protection method, which can be applied to the systems or devices shown in fig. 1 to 3. The method can identify the heating generated by the series contact impedance and the ground parallel impedance, and execute corresponding protective measures to prevent the series contact impedance and the ground parallel impedance from generating heating to cause melting. As shown in fig. 5, the method may include S101-S105:

s101, detecting the temperature of a charging port of the charged device. If it is detected that the first temperature is greater than or equal to the first threshold and less than the second threshold, S102 is performed.

Specifically, in the process that the charging device and the charged device are connected through the charging port to perform the charging function, the temperature of the charging port of the charged device is detected.

Optionally, the temperature of the charging port of the device to be charged may be periodically detected during the process that the charging device and the device to be charged are connected through the charging port to perform the charging function.

In one implementation, a thermistor may be utilized to detect the temperature of the charging port. The thermistor may be disposed in the device being charged proximate to the charging port. As the charging port temperature changes, the resistance of the thermistor also changes. The temperature of the charging port can be obtained by monitoring the resistance value of the thermistor. For example, a Negative Temperature Coefficient thermistor (NTC) may be provided near the charging port of the device being charged. For example, the detecting unit in fig. 1 periodically detects the resistance value of the NTC, and reports the resistance value to the control unit, that is, the control unit periodically obtains the temperature of the charging port of the device to be charged.

Optionally, if it is detected that the temperature of the charging port of the charged device is a first temperature, where the first temperature is greater than or equal to a first threshold and is less than a second threshold, S102 is executed to decrease the charging current of the charged device. Wherein the first threshold is less than the second threshold; the first threshold is a threshold for determining series contact impedance heating and the second threshold is a threshold for determining parallel impedance heating to ground. Illustratively, the first threshold is 40 degrees Celsius and the second threshold is 48 degrees Celsius. After detecting that the first temperature is greater than or equal to the first threshold and less than the second threshold, the charging current of the charged device is reduced, and the heat generation of the series contact impedance can be eliminated. For example, the control unit in fig. 1, after determining that the temperature of the charging port is greater than or equal to the first threshold, notifies the charging management unit that the charging management unit reduces the charging current through the load. Thus, the current passing through the series contact resistance is also reduced, and heat generation due to the series contact resistance can be improved.

If the temperature of the charging port decreases after the charging current of the charged device is reduced, it can be determined that the charging port heat generation is mainly caused by the series contact resistance. If the temperature of the charging port continues to rise to be greater than or equal to the second threshold after the charging current of the charged device is reduced, it may be determined that the charging port heating is primarily due to the shunt impedance to ground.

Optionally, in the process of periodically detecting the temperature of the charging port of the charged device, a fourth threshold may be set, where the fourth threshold is smaller than the first threshold. Illustratively, the fourth threshold is 30 degrees Celsius. Under the condition that the temperature of the charging port of the charged device is detected to be smaller than a fourth threshold, periodically detecting the temperature of the charging port of the charged device for a first time period; periodically detecting the temperature of the charging port of the charged device with a second time length under the condition that the temperature of the charging port of the charged device is detected to be greater than or equal to a fourth threshold; wherein the second duration is less than the first duration. For example, the first duration is 10 s; the second time period is 0.3 s. Under the condition that the temperature of the charging port is smaller than the fourth threshold, the period for detecting the temperature of the charging port is longer, and the power consumption of the system can be saved; under the condition that the temperature of the charging port is greater than or equal to the fourth threshold, the period for detecting the temperature of the charging port is shorter, and the temperature change can be detected more quickly in real time.

And S102, reducing the charging current of the charged equipment.

Specifically, reducing the charging current of the charged device may include reducing the charging current of the charged device to a first current value. Alternatively, the reduction of the charging current of the charged device may be performed by the control unit in fig. 1 notifying the charging management unit of completion.

Wherein the first current value may be set to a value much smaller than a charging current during normal charging of the device to be charged. For example, the charging current during normal charging of the charged device is 1.5A, and the first current value may be set to 100 mA. For example, the first current value may be set to 0 mA.

And S103, detecting the temperature of the charging port of the charged device. If the second temperature is detected to be greater than or equal to the second threshold, executing S104; if it is detected that the third temperature is less than or equal to the third threshold, S107 is performed.

Specifically, after the charging current of the charged device is reduced, the temperature of the charging port of the charged device continues to be detected.

Alternatively, the temperature of the charging port of the charged device may continue to be periodically detected after the charging current of the charged device is reduced.

If the heat generation of the charging port is mainly caused by the series contact resistance, the temperature of the charging port is reduced after the charging current of the charged device is reduced, and the charging function of the charged device can be recovered. Optionally, if it is detected that the temperature of the charging port is the third temperature, and the third temperature is less than or equal to the third threshold, S107 is performed to recover the charging current of the device to be charged. Wherein the third threshold is less than the first threshold and the third threshold is greater than the fourth threshold. Illustratively, the third threshold is 36 degrees Celsius.

If the charging port heating is mainly caused by the ground parallel impedance, after the charging current of the charged device is reduced, the ground parallel impedance continues to heat through the current of the ground parallel impedance is not reduced, and the temperature of the charging port rises. If the temperature of the charging port is detected to be the second temperature, and the second temperature is greater than or equal to the second threshold, S104 is executed.

And S104, disconnecting the charging path of the charged equipment.

In one implementation, the charging path of the charged device may be disconnected by the protection device in fig. 1. For example, the protection device in fig. 1 is a MOS transistor. The protection device is turned on by the control unit in fig. 1, that is, the MOS transistor is turned on, the charging current of the charged device is controlled to be grounded through the MOS transistor, the load of the charged device is short-circuited, the charging device is triggered to start protection, and the charging path of the charged device is disconnected without outputting current by the charging device.

And S105, detecting the temperature of the charging port of the charged device. If it is detected that the fourth temperature is less than or equal to the third threshold, S106 and S107 are performed.

Specifically, after the charging path of the device to be charged is disconnected, the temperature of the charging port of the device to be charged is continuously detected.

Alternatively, the temperature of the charging port of the charged device may continue to be periodically detected after the charging path of the charged device is disconnected.

After the charging path of the charged device is disconnected, the charging device does not output current to the ground parallel impedance, so that heat generation caused by the ground parallel impedance can be eliminated, and the temperature of the charging port is reduced. And if the temperature of the charging port is detected to be the fourth temperature, and the fourth temperature is less than or equal to the third threshold, executing S106 and S107, turning on a charging path of the charged device, recovering the charging current of the charged device, and recovering the charging function of the charged device.

And S106, turning on a charging path of the charged equipment.

Alternatively, the charging path of the charged device is switched on by turning off the protection device, i.e. turning off the MOS transistor, by the control unit in fig. 1.

And S107, restoring the charging current of the charged equipment.

Specifically, the charging current of the charged device is restored by increasing the charging current of the charged device to a second current value, wherein the second current value is larger than the first current value. Illustratively, the second current value is set to be a charging current during normal charging of the charged device, such as 1.5A. Alternatively, the restoration of the charging current of the charged device may be notified by the control unit in fig. 1 to the completion of the charging management unit. The charging management unit performs a charging function of the charging device and the device to be charged through the charging port after increasing the current of the load of the device to be charged to the second current value.

Optionally, in a specific implementation, after the MOS transistor is turned off in S106, a delay time may be set, for example, the delay time is 1ms, and then S107 is executed to recover the charging current of the device to be charged. Therefore, the effective time delay of closing the MOS tube can be offset by setting the time delay, and the charging current of the charged equipment is recovered after the MOS tube is successfully closed.

In the above embodiment, detecting the temperature of the charging port of the charged device may be detecting an absolute temperature of the charging port of the charged device; alternatively, the detecting of the temperature of the charging port of the charged device may be detecting the relative temperature of the charging port of the charged device. Optionally, with reference to fig. 5, as shown in fig. 6, before step S101, the charging protection method provided in the embodiment of the present application may further include step S100:

and S100, detecting the ambient temperature of the charged equipment.

Specifically, the ambient temperature of the charged device may be detected by a thermistor. For example, a thermistor is provided on a battery protection board of the device to be charged. When the charged device does not perform the charging function, the detection unit in fig. 1 detects the resistance value of the thermistor and notifies the control unit, and the control unit acquires the temperature of the battery protection board, i.e., the ambient temperature.

Optionally, in S101, S103, and S105, the temperature of the charging port of the charged device is detected, specifically, a temperature difference between an absolute temperature of the charging port of the charged device and an ambient temperature is detected, that is, a relative temperature of the charging port of the charged device is detected.

Correspondingly, the first temperature, the second temperature, the third temperature and the fourth temperature in S101-S107 are temperature differences of the absolute temperature of the charging port of the charged device relative to the ambient temperature, respectively; the values of the first threshold, the second threshold, the third threshold and the fourth threshold may also be set correspondingly for the relative temperature. Illustratively, the ambient temperature is 28 degrees celsius, and the first threshold, the second threshold, the third threshold, and the fourth threshold may be set to 12 degrees celsius, 20 degrees celsius, 8 degrees celsius, and 2 degrees celsius, respectively.

After the relative temperature of the charging port of the device to be charged is detected, the specific charging protection method is as described in S101-S107, and is not described herein again.

According to the charging protection method provided by the embodiment of the application, in the charging process, after the heating caused by the series contact impedance is detected, the charging current input into the charged equipment is reduced, and after the heating caused by the ground parallel impedance is detected, the charging path of the charged equipment is disconnected, and the heating reasons are distinguished and processed respectively; the heating of the series contact impedance can be eliminated, and the heating of the parallel contact impedance can be eliminated; the probability of a burning event occurring at the charging port of the charged device is reduced.

The scheme provided by the embodiment of the application is mainly introduced from the perspective of the charged device. It is understood that the charged device includes corresponding hardware structures and/or software modules for performing the respective functions in order to realize the functions. Those of skill in the art would readily appreciate that the various illustrative elements and algorithm steps described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as hardware or combinations of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is performed as hardware or computer software drives hardware depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the solution. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the present application.

In the embodiment of the present application, the charged device may be divided into the functional modules according to the method example, for example, each functional module may be divided corresponding to each function, or two or more functions may be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module can be realized in a hardware mode, and can also be realized in a software functional module mode. It should be noted that, in the embodiment of the present application, the division of the module is schematic, and is only one logic function division, and there may be another division manner in actual implementation. The following description will be given taking the example of dividing each functional module corresponding to each function.

Fig. 7 is a schematic logical structure diagram of an apparatus 700 provided in this embodiment of the present application, where the apparatus 700 may be a charged device, such as a user equipment, and is capable of implementing a function of the charged device in the method provided in this embodiment of the present application; the apparatus 700 may also be an apparatus capable of supporting a charged device to implement the function of the charged device in the method provided by the embodiment of the present application. The apparatus 700 may be a hardware structure, a software module, or a hardware structure plus a software module. The apparatus 700 may be implemented by a system-on-chip. In the embodiment of the present application, the chip system may be composed of a chip, and may also include a chip and other discrete devices. As shown in fig. 7, the apparatus 700 includes a detection module 701, a determination module 702, and a processing module 703. The detection module 701 may be used to perform S101, S103, and S105 in fig. 5, or S100, S101, S103, and S105 in fig. 6, and/or perform other steps described herein. The decision module 702 may be used to perform the decision steps of fig. 5 or fig. 6, and/or perform other steps described herein. The processing module 703 may be used to perform S102, S104, S106, and S107 in fig. 5 or fig. 6, and/or perform other steps described herein.

In an example of the present application, the detecting module 701 in fig. 7 may be implemented by the detecting unit in fig. 1, the determining module 702 may be implemented by the controlling unit in fig. 1, and the processing module 703 may be implemented by the charging managing unit and/or the controlling unit in fig. 1.

All relevant contents of each step related to the above method embodiment may be referred to the functional description of the corresponding functional module, and are not described herein again.

In this embodiment, the apparatus 700 may be presented in a form of dividing each functional module in an integrated manner. A "module" herein may refer to a particular ASIC, a circuit, a processor and a memory device executing one or more software or firmware programs, an integrated logic circuit, and/or other components that can provide the described functionality.

In a simple embodiment, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the apparatus 700 may take the form shown in FIG. 8.

As shown in fig. 8, the apparatus 800 may include: memory 801, processor 802, and communication interface 803. The memory 802 is used for storing instructions, and when the apparatus 800 operates, the processor 802 executes the instructions stored in the memory 801, so that the apparatus 800 executes the charging protection method provided by the embodiment of the present application. The memory 801, processor 802, and communication interface 803 are communicatively coupled via a bus 804. For a specific charging protection method, reference may be made to the description above and the related description in the drawings, and details are not repeated here. It should be noted that, in a specific implementation process, the apparatus 800 may also include other hardware devices, which are not listed herein. In one possible implementation, the memory 801 may also be included in the processor 802.

In an example of the present application, the detecting module 701, the determining module 702, and the processing module 703 in fig. 7 may be implemented by the processor 802.

The communication interface 803 may be a circuit, a device, an interface, a bus, a software module, a transceiver, or any other device capable of implementing communication. The Processor 802 may be a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a System on Chip (SoC), a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a Network Processor (NP), a Digital Signal processing Circuit (DSP), a microcontroller (Micro Controller Unit, MCU), or a Programmable Logic Device (PLD) or other Integrated Chip. The Memory 801 includes a volatile Memory (volatile Memory), such as a Random-Access Memory (RAM); the memory may also include a non-volatile memory (non-volatile memory), such as a flash memory (flash memory), a Hard Disk Drive (HDD) or a Solid-State Drive (SSD); the memory may also comprise a combination of memories of the above kind; the memory may also include any other means having a memory function such as a circuit, device, or software module.

Since the apparatus provided in the embodiment of the present application can be used to execute the charging protection method, the technical effects obtained by the apparatus can be obtained by referring to the method embodiment, and are not described herein again.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that all or part of the steps of the above method may be performed by hardware associated with program instructions, and the program may be stored in a computer readable storage medium such as ROM, RAM, optical disk, etc.

The embodiment of the present application also provides a storage medium, which may include a memory 801.

For the explanation and beneficial effects of the related content in any one of the above-mentioned apparatuses, reference may be made to the corresponding method embodiments provided above, and details are not repeated here.

In the above embodiments, the implementation may be wholly or partially realized by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using a software program, may be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. The procedures or functions described in accordance with the embodiments of the present application are all or partially generated upon loading and execution of computer program instructions on a computer. The computer may be a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, a computer network, a network appliance, a user device, or other programmable apparatus. The computer instructions may be stored on a computer readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer readable storage medium to another, for example, from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wire (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.). The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or can comprise one or more data storage devices, such as a server, a data center, etc., that can be integrated with the medium. The usable medium may be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy Disk, hard Disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., Digital Video Disk (DVD)), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., Solid State Disk (SSD)), among others.

While the present application has been described in connection with various embodiments, other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed application, from a review of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the word "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Although the present application has been described in conjunction with specific features and embodiments thereof, it will be evident that various modifications and combinations can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the application. Accordingly, the specification and figures are merely exemplary of the present application as defined in the appended claims and are intended to cover any and all modifications, variations, combinations, or equivalents within the scope of the present application. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made in the present application without departing from the spirit and scope of the application. Thus, if such modifications and variations of the present application fall within the scope of the claims of the present application and their equivalents, the present application is intended to include such modifications and variations as well.

Claims

A charge protection method, comprising:

detecting a first temperature of a charging port of a charged device;

reducing a charging current of the charged device to a first current value after detecting that the first temperature is greater than or equal to a first threshold and less than a second threshold; wherein the second threshold is greater than the first threshold;

detecting a second temperature of a charging port of the charged device;

disconnecting the charging path of the charged device after detecting that the second temperature is greater than or equal to a second threshold.
The charge protection method according to claim 1, characterized in that after reducing the charging current of the device to be charged to a first current value; the method further comprises the following steps:

detecting a third temperature of a charging port of the charged device;

if the third temperature is detected to be smaller than or equal to a third threshold, increasing the charging current of the charged equipment to a second current value, wherein the second current value is larger than the first current value; wherein the third threshold is less than the first threshold.
The charge protection method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein after the disconnection of the charging path of the device to be charged, the method further comprises:

detecting a fourth temperature of a charging port of the charged device;

if the fourth temperature is detected to be less than or equal to a third threshold, a charging path of the charged device is switched on, and the charging current of the charged device is increased to a second current value, wherein the second current value is greater than the first current value; wherein the third threshold is less than the first threshold.
The charge protection method according to any one of claims 1 to 3,

the detecting a first temperature of a charging port of a charged device includes:

detecting a first absolute temperature of a charging port of a charged device;

or, detecting a temperature difference of a first temperature of a charging port of the charged device relative to an ambient temperature;

the detecting a second temperature of a charging port of a charged device includes:

detecting a second absolute temperature of a charging port of the charged device;

or, a temperature difference of a second temperature of the charging port of the charged device with respect to the ambient temperature is detected.
The charge protection method of any one of claims 2-4, wherein detecting the first temperature of the charging port of the device to be charged comprises:

periodically detecting the temperature of the charging port of the charged device with a first time length under the condition that the temperature of the charging port of the charged device is smaller than a fourth threshold, wherein the fourth threshold is smaller than the third threshold;

periodically detecting the temperature of the charging port of the charged device with a second time length under the condition that the temperature of the charging port of the charged device is greater than or equal to a fourth threshold; the second duration is less than the first duration.
The charge protection method according to any one of claims 1 to 5,

the detecting a first temperature of a charging port of a charged device includes:

detecting a first temperature of a charging port of a charged device by using a thermistor;

the detecting a second temperature of a charging port of a charged device includes:

and detecting a second temperature of the charging port of the charged device by using the thermistor.
The charge protection method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the disconnecting the charging path of the device to be charged comprises: and controlling the charging current of the charged equipment to be grounded through a Metal Oxide Semiconductor (MOS) tube.
A charge protection device, comprising:

the detection module is used for detecting a first temperature of a charging port of the charged equipment;

the judging module is used for judging whether the first temperature is detected to be greater than or equal to a first threshold and smaller than a second threshold or not; wherein the second threshold is greater than the first threshold;

the processing module is used for reducing the charging current of the charged equipment to a first current value after the judging module determines that the first temperature is greater than or equal to a first threshold and smaller than a second threshold;

the detection module is further used for detecting a second temperature of a charging port of the charged device;

the judging module is further configured to judge whether the second temperature is detected to be greater than or equal to a second threshold;

the processing module is further configured to disconnect the charging path of the charged device after the determining module determines that the second temperature is greater than or equal to a second threshold.
The charge protection device of claim 8,

the detection module is further used for detecting a third temperature of a charging port of the charged device;

the judging module is further configured to judge whether the third temperature is detected to be less than or equal to a third threshold; wherein the third threshold is less than the first threshold;

the processing module is further configured to, after reducing the charging current of the charged device to a first current value, increase the charging current of the charged device to a second current value if the determining module determines that the third temperature is smaller than or equal to a third threshold, where the second current value is greater than the first current value.
The charging protection device according to claim 8 or 9,

the detection module is further used for detecting a fourth temperature of a charging port of the charged device;

the judging module is further configured to judge whether the fourth temperature is detected to be less than or equal to a third threshold; wherein the third threshold is less than the first threshold;

the processing module is further configured to, after the charging path of the charged device is disconnected, if the determining module determines that the fourth temperature is smaller than or equal to a third threshold, switch on the charging path of the charged device, and increase the charging current of the charged device to a second current value, where the second current value is greater than the first current value.
The charging protection device according to any one of claims 8 to 10,

the detection module detects a first temperature of a charging port of a charged device, and specifically includes:

the detection module detects a first absolute temperature of a charging port of a charged device;

or, the detection module detects a temperature difference of a first temperature of a charging port of the charged device relative to an ambient temperature;

the detection module detects a second temperature of a charging port of the charged device, and specifically includes:

the detection module detects a second absolute temperature of a charging port of the charged device;

or the detection module detects a temperature difference of a second temperature of the charging port of the charged device relative to the ambient temperature.
The charging protection device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the detecting module detects a first temperature of a charging port of a device to be charged, and specifically includes:

periodically detecting the temperature of the charging port of the charged device with a first time length under the condition that the temperature of the charging port of the charged device is smaller than a fourth threshold, wherein the fourth threshold is smaller than the third threshold;

periodically detecting the temperature of the charging port of the charged device with a second time length under the condition that the temperature of the charging port of the charged device is greater than or equal to a fourth threshold; the second duration is less than the first duration.
The charging protection device according to any one of claims 8 to 12,

the detection module detects a first temperature of a charging port of a charged device, and specifically includes:

the detection module detects a first temperature of a charging port of a charged device by using a thermistor;

the detection module detects a second temperature of a charging port of the charged device, and specifically includes:

the detection module detects a second temperature of a charging port of the charged device by using the thermistor.
The charging protection device according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein the processing module disconnects a charging path of the device to be charged, and specifically includes:

the processing module controls the charging current of the charged equipment to be grounded through a Metal Oxide Semiconductor (MOS) tube.
A chip comprising a processor and transceiver circuitry, the transceiver circuitry being coupled to the processor, the processor being configured to execute a computer program or instructions to implement the method of any of claims 1-7, the transceiver circuitry being configured to communicate with modules other than the chip.
A computer-readable storage medium, in which a computer program or instructions are stored which, when executed, implement the method of any one of claims 1-7.
A computer program product, characterized in that it contains instructions which, when run on a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method according to any one of claims 1-7.