Power supply system

Abstract

An object of the present application is to provide a power supply system capable of achieving stabilization and / or redundancy of power supply voltages of a plurality of regions at low cost. A power supply system (1) includes a main battery (MB) for supplying electric power and a sub battery (SB) independent of the main battery (MB) and supplying electric power. The power supply system (1) further includes switching boxes (SW1 to SW4) in first to fourth regions (A1 to A4) as a plurality of power supply regions configured to be supplied with electric power from the main battery (MB) and the sub battery (SB), the switching boxes (SW1 to SW4) switching on / off states of electric power supplied from the main battery (MB) and the sub battery (SB) to the first to fourth regions (A1 to A4). Furthermore, the power supply system (1) includes a control section (6) for switching control of on / off states of the switching boxes (SW1 to SW4).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a power supply system to be provided in, for example, a vehicle. BACKGROUND

[0002] For example, in the case where a 12V power supply system for a vehicle is divided into a plurality of regions, it is known to arrange a battery in each region to stabilize the power supply voltage in each region and / or to achieve redundancy (see, for example, Patent Literature 1).

[0003] Patent Literature 1 describes that a power output is provided in each subsystem. Patent Literature 1 also describes one or more inter-subsystem switches each configured to switch a connection between adjacent subsystems to an on state or an off state, and one or more intra-subsystem switches each provided in a respective subsystem and configured to switch a connection between the power output and an electrical load to an on state or an off state.

[0004] LIST OF CITATIONS

[0005] PATENT LITERATURE

[0006] Patent Literature 1: JP 2019-062727 A SUMMARY

[0007] In the case where a power output such as a battery is arranged in each subsystem (region), as in the case of the invention according to Patent Literature 1, a battery is added for each added subsystem. Therefore, it is necessary to address problems such as securing a space to accommodate the battery, an increase in weight and a consequent reduction in fuel cost efficiency, and an increase in cost.

[0008] Therefore, the present application focuses on the above-described problems, and an object of the present application is to provide a power supply system capable of achieving stabilization of the power supply voltage and / or redundancy for a plurality of regions at low cost.

[0009] To achieve the object, the present application provides a power supply system, comprising: a first power supply unit configured to supply electric power; a second power supply unit configured to supply electric power, wherein the second power supply unit is separate from the first power supply unit; a plurality of switching units each provided in each of a plurality of power supply areas configured to be supplied with electric power from the first power supply unit and the second power supply unit, wherein each of the switching units is configured to switch on / off states of supply of electric power from the first power supply unit to a corresponding power supply area among the plurality of power supply areas and to switch on / off states of supply of electric power from the second power supply unit to the corresponding power supply area; and a control unit configured to perform switching control of on / off states of the switching units.

[0010] As described above, the present application enables switching on and off of supply of electric power from the first power supply unit and the second power supply unit by the switching units, thereby not requiring a power output unit for each area and enabling stabilization and / or redundancy of power supply voltages of a plurality of areas at low cost. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 A system configuration diagram of a power supply system according to an embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0012] Figure 2 A configuration diagram of a switching box according to Figure 1 is shown;

[0013] Figure 3 A diagram for explaining main operations of a power supply system according to Figure 1 is shown;

[0014] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a power supply system in a normal state is shown;

[0015] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a power supply system in a power supply failure is shown;

[0016] Figure 6 A table for explaining a method for detecting various power supply failure states is shown;

[0017] Figure 7 is a flowchart of operations in a control unit 6 according to Figure 1 ;

[0018] Figure 8 is a table showing on / off states of switches S1 and S2 depending on vehicle states;

[0019] Figure 9 An example of a timing chart for explaining operations of a power supply system is shown;

[0020] Figure 10 Another example of the wiring arrangement of the power supply line MPL and the power supply line SPL is shown.

[0021] Figure 11 Another example of the wiring arrangement of the power supply line MPL and the power supply line SPL is shown.

[0022] Figure 12 Another example of the wiring arrangement of the power supply line MPL and the power supply line SPL is shown.

[0023] Figure 13 A structural diagram showing an exemplary modification of the switching box; and

[0024] Figure 14 A schematic diagram showing a power supply system with a switching box according to Figure 13 the present application.

[0025] List of Reference Signs

[0026] 1 Power supply system

[0027] 6 Control unit (control section)

[0028] MB Main battery (first power supply section)

[0029] SB Sub-battery (second power supply section)

[0030] A1-A4 First to fourth regions (power supply regions)

[0031] SW1-SW4 Switching box (switching section)

[0032] I1, I2 Ammeter (current detection section)

[0033] V1, V2 Voltmeter (voltage detection section)

[0034] S1 Switch (first switch)

[0035] S2 Switch (second switch)

[0036] S11 Switch (third switch)

[0037] S12 Switch (fourth switch)

[0038] S21 Switch (fifth switch)

[0039] S22 Switch (sixth switch) DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Embodiments of the present application will be described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1A system configuration diagram of a power supply system 1 according to an embodiment of the present application is shown. The power supply system 1 includes a main battery MB, a sub battery SB, a first area Al, a second area A2, a third area A3, a fourth area A4, a DC / DC converter 2, general loads 3 and 4, a BMS 5, and a control unit 6.

[0041] The main battery MB is formed of, for example, a lead-acid battery configured to supply a 12V direct current voltage. The main battery MB supplies power to the general loads 3 and the first to fourth areas via a power supply line MPL. Furthermore, the main battery MB is charged by a power supply system of a high voltage system (HV) via the DC / DC converter 2. This means that the main battery MB serves as a first power supply section that supplies power.

[0042] The sub battery SB is formed of, for example, a lead-acid battery configured to supply a 12V direct current voltage and / or a lithium ion battery or a nickel-hydrogen battery capable of being connected to the lead-acid battery. The main battery SB supplies power to the general loads 4 and the first to fourth areas via a power supply line SPL. This means that the sub battery SB serves as a second power supply section that supplies power, wherein the second power supply section is separate from the main battery MB (first power supply section).

[0043] The first area Al is one of the areas (power supply areas) obtained by partitioning the power supply system 1 (zoning the power supply system 1). The first area Al includes a switch box SW1, ECUs 11 and 12, and loads 21 and 22.

[0044] The switch box SW1 switches on / off states of the power supply from the main battery MB and the power supply from the sub battery SB. In Figure 2 A configuration of the switch box SW1 is shown in FIG. 1. That is, the switch box SW1 serves as one of the switching sections each of which is provided within each of the plurality of power supply areas configured to be supplied with power from the main battery MB (first power supply section) and the sub battery SB (second power supply section), wherein each of the switching sections is configured to switch on / off states of the power supply from the main battery MB (first power supply section) to the respective power supply area of the plurality of power supply areas and to switch on / off states of the power supply from the sub battery SB (second power supply section) to the respective power supply area. The term “respective power supply area” refers to the area itself in which the switch box is disposed, wherein, for example, for the switch box SW1, the “respective power supply area” is the first area.

[0045] The switch box SW1 includes a main side ammeter II, a sub side ammeter I2, a load voltmeter V0, a main side voltmeter VI, a sub side voltmeter V2, switches SI and S2, an MCU 31, main side connection terminals 32 and 33, sub side connection terminals 34 and 35, a control line connection terminal 36, and a load connection terminal 37.

[0046] The main-side ammeter I1 is arranged between the main-side connection terminals 32 and 33 and the switch S1. The main-side ammeter I1 monitors (detects) the value of the current flowing from the power supply line MPL connected to the main-side connection terminal 32 or the main-side connection terminal 33 to the switch S1. This means that the main-side ammeter I1 functions as a first current detection section configured to detect a first current value, which is the value of the current flowing from the main battery MB (first power supply section) side into the switching box SW1 to SW4 (switching section).

[0047] The sub-side ammeter I2 is arranged between the sub-side connection terminals 34 and 35 and the switch S2. The sub-side ammeter I2 monitors (detects) the value of the current flowing from the power supply line SPL connected to the sub-side connection terminal 34 or the sub-side connection terminal 35 to the switch S2. This means that the sub-side ammeter I2 functions as a second current detection section configured to detect a second current value, which is the value of the current flowing from the sub battery SB (second power supply section) into the switching box SW1 to SW4 (switching section). It is to be noted that the main-side ammeter I1 and / or the sub-side ammeter I2 can be configured by a known current sensor such as a resistance and / or a magnetic current sensor.

[0048] The load voltage meter V0 is arranged between the node between the switches S1 and S2 and the load connection terminal 37. The load voltage meter V0 monitors (detects) the value of the voltage applied to the load (ECU 11, ECU 12, load 21, load 22).

[0049] The main-side voltage meter V1 is arranged between the main-side connection terminals 32 and 33 and the main-side ammeter I1. The main-side voltage meter V1 monitors (detects) the value of the voltage applied to the switch S1. This means that the main-side voltage meter V1 functions as a first voltage detection section configured to detect a first voltage value, which is the value of the voltage on the main battery MB (first power supply section) side in the switching box SW1 to SW4 (switching section).

[0050] The sub-side voltage meter V2 is arranged between the sub-side connection terminals 34 and 35 and the sub-side ammeter I2. The sub-side voltage meter V2 monitors (detects) the value of the voltage applied to the switch S2. This means that the sub-side voltage meter V2 functions as a second voltage detection section configured to detect a second voltage value, which is the value of the voltage on the sub battery SB (second power supply section) side in the switching box SW1 to SW4 (switching section). It is to be noted that the main-side voltage meter V1 and the sub-side voltage meter V2 can be configured by a known voltage detection circuit such as a resistance arranged between the relevant wiring and ground.

[0051] The switch S1 is arranged between the main-side ammeter I1 and the switch S2, and is configured as a switch that switches the on state to the load and the switch S2. The switch S1 is configured with a mechanical relay or a semiconductor switch such as a MOSFET (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor). This means that the switch S1 functions as a first switch configured to switch the on / off state of the power supply from the main battery MB (first power supply section).

[0052] The switch S2 is arranged between the sub-side ammeter I2 and the switch S1, and is configured as a switch that switches the on state to the load and the switch S1. Similar to the switch S1, the switch S2 is configured with a mechanical relay or a semiconductor switch such as a MOSFET. This means that the switch S2 functions as a second switch configured to switch the on / off state of the power supply from the sub battery SB (second power supply section).

[0053] Further, the switch S1 (first switch) and the switch S2 (second switch) make it possible to start the power supply to the load provided in the power supply region by turning on one of the switches, as will be seen from Figure 1 and 2 .

[0054] The MCU 31 is a microcontroller including a control circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), in which the MCU 31 performs control of the on / off state of the switches S1 and S2 based on a control signal output from the control unit 6 via the control line CL. Further, the MCU 31 supplies the detection values of the ammeters I1 and I2 and the voltmeters V0, V1, and V2 to the control unit 6 via the control line CL.

[0055] The main-side connection terminals 32 and 33 are configured as connection terminals for connection with the power supply line MPL. The main battery MB is electrically connected to the main-side connection terminals 32 and 33 directly or via another switching box. For example, in the case of Figure 1 , the main battery MB is directly connected to the main-side connection terminal 32 of the switching box SW1, in which the switching box SW2 and the switching box SW2 as another switching box are connected to the main-side connection terminal 33 of the switching box SW1.

[0056] The sub-side connection terminals 34 and 35 are configured as connection terminals for connection with the power supply line SPL. The sub battery SB is electrically connected to the sub-side connection terminals 34 and 35 directly or via another switching box. For example, in the case of Figure 1 , the sub battery SB is directly connected to the sub-side connection terminal 34 of the switching box SW3, in which the switching box SW1 and the switching box SW4 as another switching box are connected to the sub-side connection terminal 35 of the switching box SW3.

[0057] The control line connection terminal 36 is configured for connection with a control line CL for input / output of signals of, for example, the control unit 6 and the MCU 31. The load connection terminal 37 is configured for connection with a load (ECU 11, 12).

[0058] Returning to Figure 1 the description of FIG. 1, the ECU 11 is configured as a known electronic control unit installed in a vehicle such as an automobile, in which the ECU 11 controls the load 21. The ECU 12 is configured as a known electronic control unit installed in a vehicle such as an automobile, in which the ECU 12 controls the load 22.

[0059] Basically, the second to fourth regions A2 to A4 are configured in the same manner as the first region Al. The switching boxes SW2 to SW4 arranged in the respective regions are also configured in the same manner as the switching box SW1 shown in FIG. 1. Of course, the switching boxes SW2 to SW4 similarly function as switching sections. Figure 2

[0060] As shown in FIG. 2, the power supply line MPL from the main battery MB is connected to the switching box SW2 and the switching box SW3 via the switching box SW1, and is connected to the switching box SW4 via the switching box SW2. In addition, the power supply line SPL from the sub-battery SB is connected to the switching box SW1 and the switching box SW4 via the switching box SW3, and is connected to the switching box SW2 via the switching box SW4. Figure 1

[0061] The DC / DC converter 2 has a voltage lowering function of lowering a direct current voltage received from the high-voltage system and supplying it to the main battery MB. In addition, the DC / DC converter 2 can have a voltage raising function of raising a direct current voltage received from the main battery MB and supplying it to the high-voltage system.

[0062] The ordinary load 3 is a load that operates with power supplied from the main battery MB. The ordinary load 4 is a load that operates with power supplied from the sub-battery SB. Unlike the loads 21 to 28, the ordinary loads 3 and 4 represent loads that do not require redundancy.

[0063] The BMS 5 is a battery management system, and is configured as a known system (circuit) that monitors and controls the state of the battery cell(s) of the sub-battery SB.

[0064] ​​The control unit 6 controls the switching boxes SW1 to SW4 arranged in the first to fourth regions A1 to A4. The control unit 6 is configured with, for example, a microcontroller including, for example, a CPU. This means that the control unit 6 functions as a control section that performs switching control of the on / off state of the power supply from the main battery MB (first power supply section) to the power source region and the on / off state of the power supply from the sub battery SB (second power supply section) to the power source region for the switching boxes SW1 to SW4 (switching sections).

[0065] Next, the operation of the power supply system 1 will be described with reference to Figure 3 to the power supply system 1. Figure 3 Figures are shown for explaining the operation of the main battery MB, the sub battery SB, and the switching box SW1 in the normal state and in the state where a ground fault exists. For better understanding, Figure 3 Only the main battery MB, the sub battery SB, the switching box SW1, the DC / DC converter 2, and a load section (LOAD) are shown. The load section is, for example, the ECU 11, the load 21, and / or the like. Although the following description will be made with reference to the switching box SW1, Figure 3 However, the switching boxes SW2 to SW4 also operate in the same manner.

[0066] Figure 3 The normal state is shown in (a) of Fig. 1. The term "normal state" used herein refers to a state where all current and voltage values satisfy the following equations (1) to (4), in which the switch S1 and the switch S2 are on in this state. In the equations (1) to (4), il represents a current value (first current value) detected at the main-side current meter II, i2 represents a current value (second current value) detected at the sub-side current meter I2, vl represents a voltage value (first voltage value) detected at the main-side voltage meter VI, v2 represents a voltage value (second voltage value) detected at the sub-side voltage meter V2, and vo represents a voltage value detected at the load voltage meter V0. Further, OC represents an overcurrent detection line, and LV represents a voltage drop detection line, each of which has a predetermined value.

[0067] - OC < il < OC (1)

[0068] - OC < i2 < OC (2)

[0069] vl > v2 > LV (3)

[0070] vo > LV (4)

[0071] Figure 1The power system 1 shown is configured such that, under normal conditions, the power supply path from the main battery MB and the power supply path from the auxiliary battery SB are electrically connected to each other by switching on both switches S1 and S2. This allows the load (load section) to be supplied with power from the main battery MB, and for the auxiliary battery SB to be charged from the main battery MB. Therefore, current I flows from the main battery MB towards the load and the auxiliary battery. Figure 3 (a)).

[0072] Here, it is assumed that a ground fault occurs on the power line MPL between the main battery MB and the switching box SW1. Figure 3 (b) In this state, the current value i1 detected at the main-side ammeter I1 indicates an overcurrent in the opposite direction to the normal state (-OC>i1), and / or the voltage value v1 detected at the main-side voltmeter V1 indicates a voltage drop level equal to or lower than the voltage drop detection line (v1≤LV). In this case, a power supply fault is determined, wherein switch S1 is opened to stabilize the power supply to the load. Figure 3 (c)). Once switch S1 is opened, the current flow from the secondary battery SB to the main battery MB is blocked, causing current I to flow toward the load.

[0073] Next, refer to Figure 4 and 5 Description as follows Figure 1 An example of a power failure in power system 1 is shown. Figure 4 A schematic diagram of power system 1 under normal conditions (no power failure) is shown. For better understanding, Figure 4 and 5 Showing the ratio Figure 1 A simplified view of power system 1. Because in Figure 4 Under normal conditions, current I flows from the main battery MB to the auxiliary battery SB, as described above. In this case, current I also flows from switching box SW1 to switching box SW4.

[0074] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of power system 1 under power failure is shown. Figure 5 These views illustrate eight scenarios. The first view shows a scenario where a ground fault exists on the power line MPL between the main battery MB and the switching box SW1. Figure 5 (1)). The second view shows a ground fault on the power line SPL between the auxiliary battery SB and the switching box SW3. Figure 5 (2)). The third view shows a grounding fault on the power line MPL between switch boxes SW1 and SW2. Figure 5 (3)). The fourth view shows a grounding fault on the power line SPL between switch boxes SW3 and SW4.Figure 5 (4)).

[0075] The fifth view shows a ground fault on the power line MPL between switch boxes SW1 and SW3. Figure 5 (5)). The sixth view shows a grounding fault on the power line SPL between switching boxes SW1 and SW3. Figure 5 (6)). The seventh view shows a ground fault on the power line MPL between switch boxes SW2 and SW4. Figure 5 (7)). The eighth view shows a ground fault on the power line SPL between switch boxes SW2 and SW4. Figure 5 (8)).

[0076] exist Figure 6 The table shows the methods used for detection Figure 5 The method for handling power failure conditions is shown. Figure 6 In the middle, (a) shows the target according to Figure 5 The detection status of various power supply faults (1) to (8) at each box and the corresponding judgment of the control unit 6. Figure 6 In the diagram, (b) shows the control of switching on / off of switches S1 and S2 in each switching box for each detected power failure state.

[0077] First of all, Figure 5 In case (1), the ground fault exists on the power line MPL between the main battery MB and the switching box SW1, such that in the switching box SW1, i1 ≤ -OC for the current value i1 detected at the main side ammeter I1, or v1 ≤ LV for the voltage value v1 detected at the main side voltmeter V1. The same applies to the switching boxes SW2 to SW4. This manifests as follows: Figure 3 The power failure state described herein causes the control unit 6 to determine that the main-side voltage has dropped. Figure 6 (a), Fault 1).

[0078] Based on the already determined... Figure 6 Following fault 1 in (a), control unit 6 disconnects switch S1 in switching box SW1 to SW4. Switch S2 remains in the ON state. Figure 6 (b), Fault 1). In this way, current I flows from the secondary battery SB into the switching box SW1 to SW4, as... Figure 5 As shown in (1), this enables the power supply to the load to be stabilized.

[0079] exist Figure 5In case (2), the ground fault exists on the power line SPL between the secondary battery SB and the switching box SW3, such that in the switching box SW1, i2 ≤ -OC for the current value i2 detected at the secondary ammeter I2, or v2 ≤ LV for the voltage value v2 detected at the secondary voltmeter V2. The same applies to the switching boxes SW2 to SW4. This manifests as follows: Figure 3 The power failure state described herein causes the control unit 6 to determine that the secondary voltage has dropped. Figure 6 (a), Fault 2).

[0080] Based on the already determined... Figure 6 Following fault 2 in (a), control unit 6 disconnects switch S2 in switching box SW1 to SW4. Switch S1 remains in the ON state. Figure 6 (b), Fault 2). In this way, current I flows from the main battery MB into the switching box SW1 to SW4, as... Figure 5 As shown in (2), this enables the power supply to the load to be stabilized.

[0081] exist Figure 5 In case (3), the ground fault exists on the power line MPL between switching boxes SW1 and SW2, such that in switching box SW1, i1 ≤ -OC for current value i1, or v1 ≤ LV for voltage value v1. The same applies to switching boxes SW2 to SW4. This manifests as follows: Figure 3 The power failure state described herein causes the control unit 6 to determine that the main-side voltage has dropped. Figure 6 (a), Fault 3).

[0082] Based on the already determined... Figure 6 Following fault 3 in (a), control unit 6 disconnects switch S1 in switching box SW1 to SW4. Switch S2 remains in the ON state. Figure 6 (b), Fault 3). In this way, current I flows from the secondary battery SB into the switching box SW1 to SW4, as... Figure 5 As shown in (3), this enables the power supply to the load to be stabilized.

[0083] exist Figure 5 In case (4), the ground fault exists on the power line SPL between switching boxes SW3 and SW4, such that in switching box SW1, i2 ≤ -OC for current value i2, or v2 ≤ LV for voltage value v2. The same applies to switching boxes SW2 to SW4. This manifests as follows: Figure 3 The power failure state described herein causes the control unit 6 to determine that the secondary voltage has dropped. Figure 6 (a), Fault 4).

[0084] Based on the already determined... Figure 6 Following fault 4 in (a), control unit 6 disconnects switch S2 in switching box SW1 to SW4. Switch S1 remains in the ON state. Figure 6 (b), Fault 4). In this way, current I flows from the main battery MB into the switching box SW1 to SW4, as... Figure 5 As shown in (4), this enables the power supply to the load to be stabilized.

[0085] exist Figure 5 In case (5), the ground fault exists on the power line MPL between switching boxes SW1 and SW3, such that in switching box SW1, i1 ≤ -OC for current value i1, or v1 ≤ LV for voltage value v1. The same applies to switching boxes SW2 to SW4. This manifests as follows: Figure 3 The power failure state described herein causes the control unit 6 to determine that the main-side voltage has dropped. Figure 6 (a), Fault 5).

[0086] Based on the already determined... Figure 6 Following fault 5 in (a), control unit 6 disconnects switch S1 in switching box SW1 to SW4. Switch S2 remains in the ON state. Figure 6 (b), Fault 5). In this way, current I flows from the secondary battery SB into the switching box SW1 to SW4, as... Figure 5 As shown in (5), this enables the power supply to the load to be stabilized.

[0087] exist Figure 5 In case (6), the ground fault exists on the power line SPL between switching boxes SW1 and SW3, such that in switching box SW1, i2 ≤ -OC for current value i2, or v2 ≤ LV for voltage value v2. The same applies to switching boxes SW2 to SW4. This manifests as follows: Figure 3 The power failure state described herein causes the control unit 6 to determine that the secondary voltage has dropped. Figure 6 (a), Fault 6).

[0088] Based on the already determined... Figure 6 Following fault 6 in (a), control unit 6 disconnects switch S2 in switching box SW1 to SW4. Switch S1 remains in the ON state. Figure 6 (b), Fault 6). In this way, current I flows from the main battery MB into the switching box SW1 to SW4, as... Figure 5 As shown in (6), this enables the power supply to the load to be stabilized.

[0089] existFigure 5 In the case of (7), a ground fault exists on the power supply line MPL between the switching box SW2 and the switching box SW4, so that in the switching box SW1, i1≤ -OC for the current value i1 or v1≤ LV for the voltage value v1. The same is true for the switching boxes SW2 to SW4. This exhibits a power supply fault state as described in (6), so that in the control unit 6, it is determined that the main-side voltage has fallen (a), fault 7). Figure 3 Figure 6 (a), fault 7) has been determined, the control unit 6 opens the switch S1 in the switching boxes SW1 to SW4. The switch S2 remains in the on state (b), fault 7). In this way, the current I flows from the sub-battery SB into the switching boxes SW1 to SW4, as shown in (7), so that it is possible to stabilize the power supply to the load.

[0090] In the case of (8), a ground fault exists on the power supply line SPL between the switching box SW2 and the switching box SW4, so that in the switching box SW1, i2≤ -OC for the current value i2 or v2≤ LV for the voltage value v2. The same is true for the switching boxes SW2 to SW4. This exhibits a power supply fault state as described in (6), so that in the control unit 6, it is determined that the sub-side voltage has fallen (a), fault 8). Figure 6 Figure 6 (a), fault 8) has been determined, the control unit 6 opens the switch S2 in the switching boxes SW1 to SW4. The switch S1 remains in the on state (b), fault 8). In this way, the current I flows from the main battery MB into the switching boxes SW1 to SW4, as shown in (8), so that it is possible to stabilize the power supply to the load. Figure 5

[0091] For the faults as described above, if a drop in the main-side voltage or the sub-side voltage is detected when I1< 0 A and / or I2< 0 A, a false detection can occur in the case where the main-side load is temporarily powered and / or in the case where the sub-battery SB is charged. Therefore, by comparison with the overcurrent detection line OC (-OC), it is ensured that it is possible to determine a power supply fault. Figure 7 Figure 3 Figure 3

[0092] Figure 7 Figure 6 Figure 8

[0093]

[0094] Next, reference will be made to Figure 9 ​​​​​​​​​​​The flowchart in FIG. 6 describes the operation in the control unit 6 as described above. First, the switches S1 and S2 in the switching boxes SW1 to SW4 are all turned on (step S11).

[0095] Next, the variable n is set to "0" (step S12). The value of this variable n can be held in a memory, for example, inside the control unit 6. Then, the variable n is incremented by "1" (step S13). The above memory or the like is rewritten with the incremented value. This variable n corresponds to the numeric portion in the reference signs SW1 to SW4, and the following steps are instructions and determinations for one switching box except for steps S17, S19, and S20.

[0096] Next, the current values in the switching box are measured (step S14). Specifically, a control signal or the like is supplied to the control line CL so that the MCU 31 in the switching box (SW1 when n = 1) measures the current values il and i2 and transmits the measurement results (detection results).

[0097] Next, the voltage values in the switching box are measured (step S15). Specifically, a control signal or the like is supplied to the control line CL so that the MCU 31 in the switching box (SW1 when n = 1) measures the voltage values v0, vl, and v2 and transmits the measurement results (detection results). The voltage value v0 refers to the voltage value detected at the load voltage meter V0. Note that steps S14 and S15 can be exchanged in order.

[0098] Next, it is determined whether the conditions of the current value il > -OC or the voltage value vl > LV are satisfied for the current values and voltage values measured in steps S14 and S15 (step S16). If the determination in step S16 shows that the conditions are not satisfied (step S16; No), there is a power supply failure as described in FIG. 5. Thus, it is determined that the main-side power supply is failed, and the switches S1 of the switching boxes SW1 to SW4 are all turned off (step S17). Figure 5 If the determination in step S16 shows that the conditions are satisfied (step S16; Yes), it is determined whether the conditions of the current value i2 > -OC or the voltage value v2 > LV are satisfied (step S18). If the determination in step S18 shows that the conditions are not satisfied (step S18; No), there is a power supply failure as described in FIG. 5. Thus, it is determined that the sub-side power supply is failed, and the switches S2 of the switching boxes SW1 to SW4 are all turned off (step S19).

[0099] Figure 6

[0100] ​​If the determination in step S18 shows that the condition is satisfied (step S18; YES), it is determined that there is no abnormality (normal state), and it is determined whether the variable n is "4" (step S20). If the variable n is not "4" (step S20; NO), the processing returns to step S13, in which the variable n is incremented by "1", and the measurement and determination are performed on the next switch box. On the other hand, if the variable n is "4" (step S20; YES), the flowchart ends.

[0101] As described above, the control unit 6 (control section) controls the switch boxes SW1 to SW4 (switching sections) based on the current value il (first current value), the voltage value vl (first voltage value), the current value i2 (second current value), and the voltage value v2 (second voltage value).

[0102] Further, the control unit 6 (control section) detects a power failure based on the current value il, the voltage value vl, the current value i2, and the voltage value v2. Thereby, if there is a power failure on the main battery MB (first power supply section) side, the power supply from the main battery MB (first power supply section) side is cut off, and if there is a power failure on the sub battery SB (second power supply section) side, the power supply from the sub battery SB (second power supply section) side is cut off.

[0103] Although in the above description, both the current value and the voltage value are used to detect the power failure, it is to be noted that the detection of the power failure can be performed by using only the current value or by using only the voltage value. For example, referring to the flowchart of Figure 5 , it is possible to perform only step S14 or only step S15, in which only one of the current value or the voltage value is used for the determination in steps S16 and S17. For Figure 6 , it is the same.

[0104] Figure 5 A table showing the on / off state of the switches SI and S2 depending on the vehicle state is shown. First, when the vehicle is parked, the switch SI is on and the switch S2 is off. This is to prevent the sub battery SB from discharging, i.e., power consumption of the sub battery SB due to a dark current. The detection of the parking can be done in a known manner, such as an engine-off detection.

[0105] In a normal state such as driving or regenerative operation, both of the switches SI and S2 are on. In this state, the sub battery SB is charged in addition to supplying power to the load, as described above. In the case of a restart, the switch SI is off while the switch S2 is on. This means that when the engine is restarted, for example, in a hybrid vehicle, the switch SI is temporarily off and thus the power supply from the sub battery SB, which prevents voltage fluctuation in each region, is achieved, and stable power supply is always achieved.

[0106] In the case of a primary-side voltage drop or ground fault, as a backup control, switch S1 is turned off and switch S2 is turned on as described above. In the case of a secondary-side voltage drop or ground fault, as a backup control, switch S1 is turned on and switch S2 is turned off as described above.

[0107] Figure 6 An example of a timing chart illustrating the operation of the power supply system 1 described above is shown. This chart illustrates the case of a fault 1 in Figure 5 Figure 5 Figure 6 a fault 2 in Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 9 Figure 9 Figure 8 Figure 8 Figure 3 Figure 3

[0108] In Figure 10 to 12 , IG denotes an ignition switch, DC / DC output denotes the output of the DC / DC converter 2, SW1-V1 denotes the voltage value v1 of the voltage meter V1 in the switch box SW1, SW1-V2 denotes the voltage value v2 of the voltage meter V2 in the switch box SW1, SW1-I1 denotes the current value i1 of the current meter I1 in the switch box SW1, SW1-I2 denotes the current value i2 of the current meter I2 in the switch box SW1, SW1-S1 denotes the switch S1 in the switch box SW1, and SW1-S2 denotes the switch S2 in the switch box SW1. SW2-S1 denotes the switch S1 in the switch box SW2, SW2-S2 denotes the switch S2 in the switch box SW2, SW3-S1 denotes the switch S1 in the switch box SW3, SW3-S2 denotes the switch S2 in the switch box SW3, SW4-S1 denotes the switch S1 in the switch box SW4, and SW4-S2 denotes the switch S2 in the switch box SW4.

[0109] In Figure 10 , there is initially an initial state in which switch S1 is turned on and switch S2 is turned off (see stand-by in Figure 1 ). Then, if the ignition switch is turned on at time t1 (IG is turned on), the control unit 6 turns on switch S2 (see normal state in Figure 11 ).

[0110] ​​​​​​​​​​Then, if a power failure occurs at the main side at time t2, the DC / DC converter 2 starts to lower the voltage of its output. This is accompanied by SW1-V1 and SW1-V2 starting to lower their voltage values, where SW1-I1 also starts to decrease its current value. On the other hand, SW1-I2 starts to increase its current value.

[0111] Then, at time t3, SW1-V1 falls below the voltage drop detection line LV, and SW1-I1 decreases below -OC (SW1-I2 is equal to or greater than OC). Therefore, there is Figure 10 the power failure state, so that the control unit 6 turns off the switch S1. The switch S2 remains in the on state.

[0112] If a power failure occurs at time t4 (after time t1), the DC / DC converter 2 starts to lower the voltage of its output. This is accompanied by SW1-V1 and SW1-V2 starting to lower their voltage values, where SW1-I2 also starts to decrease its current value. On the other hand, SW1-I1 starts to increase its current value.

[0113] Then, at time t5, SW1-V2 falls below the voltage drop detection line LV, and SW1-I2 decreases below -OC (SW1-I1 is equal to or greater than OC). Therefore, there is Figure 12 the power failure state, so that the control unit 6 turns off the switch S2. The switch S1 remains in the on state.

[0114] Figure 1 Other examples of the wiring arrangement of the power supply line MPL and the power supply line SPL are shown. Figure 13 A ring wiring arrangement of the power supply line MPL for the switching boxes SW1 to SW4 is shown. The wiring of the power supply line SPL is arranged in the same way as Figure 2 the power supply line MPL. Figure 14 A ring wiring arrangement of the power supply line MPL is shown as Figure 2 shown, where, for the power supply line SPL, the wiring is arranged to connect the switching boxes SW1 to SW4 directly to the sub-battery (also referred to as "busbar form"). Figure 2 A ring wiring arrangement of both the power supply line MPL and the power supply line SPL for the switching boxes SW1 to SW4 is shown. As described above, the wiring of the power supply line MPL and the power supply line SPL can be arranged in various shapes, where different wiring arrangements can be used for the power supply line MPL and the power supply line SPL.

[0115] As Figure 13 and 10As shown in FIG. 12, the switching boxes SW1 to SW4 (switching sections) are directly connected to at least one of the main battery MB (first power supply section) and the sub battery SB (second power supply section). Further, the switching boxes SW1 to SW4 (switching sections) are connected to at least one of the main battery MB (first power supply section) and the sub battery SB (second power supply section) via the other (one or more) switching boxes (switching sections).

[0116] This means that the wiring from the main battery MB to the switching boxes SW1 to SW4 in the first region A1 to the fourth region A4 can extend along a different path from the wiring from the sub battery SB to the switching boxes SW1 to SW4 in the first region A1 to the fourth region A4, so that simultaneous power supply failures of the main battery MB and the sub battery SB can be avoided.

[0117] Figure 14 An exemplary modification of the switching box is shown. In Figure 13 In the structure shown, when simultaneous power supply failures occur at two points on the wiring paths of the power supply line MPL and the power supply line SPL between the switching boxes (see Figure 14 ), redundancy of the power supply is not possible.

[0118] By removing the voltmeters V1 and V2 from the structure of Figure 14 and adding the switches S11, S12, S21, S22 and the voltmeters V11, V12, V21, V22 to the structure of Figure 5 , the switching box SW1A according to Figure 14 is configured.

[0119] The switch S11 is arranged between the main side connection terminal 32 and the ammeter I1. The switch S12 is arranged between the main side connection terminal 33 and the ammeter I1. The switch S11 and the switch S12 are connected in series. The switch S21 is arranged between the sub side connection terminal 34 and the ammeter I2. The switch S22 is arranged between the sub side connection terminal 35 and the ammeter I2. The switch S21 and the switch S22 are connected in series.

[0120] This means that the switch S11 functions as a third switch (or a fourth switch) arranged on the main battery MB (first power supply section) side with respect to the first switch, and the switch S12 functions as a fourth switch (or a third switch) arranged on the main battery MB (first power supply section) side with respect to the first switch. The switch S21 functions as a fifth switch (or a sixth switch) arranged on the sub battery SB (second power supply section) side with respect to the second switch, and the switch S22 functions as a sixth switch (or a fifth switch) arranged on the sub battery SB (second power supply section) side with respect to the second switch.

[0121] The voltmeter V11 measures (detects) the voltage applied to the switch S11. The voltmeter V12 measures (detects) the voltage applied to the switch S12. The voltmeter V21 measures (detects) the voltage applied to the switch S21. The voltmeter V22 measures (detects) the voltage applied to the switch S22.

[0122] The switching box SW1A is configured so that the upstream side (e.g., the main side connection terminal 32 side and / or the sub side connection terminal 34 side) and the downstream side (e.g., the main side connection terminal 33 side and / or the sub side connection terminal 35 side) can be completely disconnected from each other by the switches S11, S12, S21, and S22.

[0123] Figure 10 to 12 A schematic diagram of the power supply system 1A with the switching box SW1A according to the embodiment of the present application is shown. In this diagram, (9) shows the case where a ground fault exists on both the power line MPL and the power line SPL between the switching box SW1A and the switching box SW3A. (10) shows the case where a ground fault exists on both the power line MPL and the power line SPL between the switching box SW2A and the switching box SW4A. Here, the numbers in parentheses in (9) and (10) are the same as in (1) and (2) in FIG. 1. ​ ​ ​ ​

[0124] ​ A case where power supply faults occur simultaneously at two points on the power line MPL and the power line SPL is shown. In such a case, the switching boxes SW1A and SW2A are disconnected (isolated) from the switching boxes SW3A and SW4A by switching the switches S11, S12, S21, S22 in the switching boxes SW1A to SW4A, so as to secure a redundant path.

[0125] Once the redundant path is secured in this way, the current Ia flows from the main battery MB to the switching boxes SW1A and SW4A, thereby completing the power supply to the relevant first region Al and the second region A2. In addition, the current Ib flows from the sub battery SB to the switching boxes SW3A and SW4A, thereby completing the power supply to the relevant third region A3 and the fourth region A4.

[0126] The switching boxes SW1A to SW4A are applied to the power supply system 1B shown in FIG. 3. ​ ​​​​With the ring line arrangement of the power supply lines shown, it is possible to change the wiring path such that in the ring for the main battery (power supply line MPL), a power supply fault (ground fault) point(s) can be disconnected (isolated) via switches S11 and S12, and in the ring for the sub battery (power supply line SPL), a power supply fault (ground fault) point(s) can be disconnected (isolated) via switches S21 and S22, which enables a high-reliability power supply redundancy.

[0127] According to the present embodiment, the power supply system 1 comprises a main battery MB configured to provide electric power and a sub battery SB independent of the main battery MB and configured to provide electric power. The power supply system 1 further comprises switching boxes SW1A to SW4A arranged in first to fourth power supply areas A1 to A4 as a plurality of power supply areas configured to be supplied with electric power from the main battery MB and the sub battery SB, wherein the switching boxes SW1A to SW4A are configured to switch on / off states of the electric power supply from the main battery MB to the first to fourth areas A1 to A4 and to switch on / off states of the electric power supply from the sub battery SB to the first to fourth areas A1 to A4. Furthermore, the power supply system 1 comprises a control unit 6 configured to perform switching control of the on / off of the switching boxes SW1A to SW4A.

[0128] The configuration of the above-described power supply system 1 enables the on / off of the electric power supply from the main battery MB and the sub battery SB with the switching boxes SW1A to SW4A, so that it is not necessary to provide, for example, a battery for each area, and stabilization of the power supply voltage of a plurality of areas and / or redundancy can be achieved at low cost. Even when an additional area is provided, it is not necessary to increase the switching boxes.

[0129] Furthermore, the switching boxes SW1A to SW4A each comprise a switch S1 configured to switch on / off states of the electric power supply from the main battery MB and a switch S2 configured to switch on / off states of the electric power supply from the sub battery SB. In this way, the on / off states of the electric power supply from the main battery MB and the sub battery SB can be independently switched. Thus, appropriate electric power supply can be achieved in dependence on the presence of a ground fault on the power supply line MPL for the main battery MB and the power supply line SPL for the sub battery SB, respectively, and / or the operating state of a device in which the power supply system 1 is installed, for example, a vehicle.

[0130] Furthermore, the switches S1 and S2 are configured such that the electric power supply to a load provided in a power supply area is started by switching on one of the switches S1 and S2. In this way, the electric power supply can be performed from one of the main battery MB and the sub battery SB, which enables a redundancy of the power supply path.

[0131] Further, the switches S1 and S2 are configured such that a power supply path from the main battery MB is electrically connected with a power supply path from the sub battery SB by turning on both of the switches S1 and S2. This enables charging of the sub battery SB from the main battery MB and / or the DC / DC converter 2.

[0132] Also, each of the switching boxes SW1A to SW4A includes a switch S11 and a switch S12 on the main battery MB side with respect to the switch S1, and includes a switch S21 and a switch S22 on the sub battery SB side with respect to the switch S2. In this way, even when a power supply failure occurs on the power supply line MPL and the power supply line SPL between the same switching boxes, it is possible to ensure a redundant path while isolating the power supply failure point.

[0133] Further, the power supply system 1 includes a current meter I1 and a current meter I2 configured to detect a current value il of a current flowing out from the main battery MB and a current value i2 of a current flowing out from the sub battery SB in the switching boxes SW1A to SW4A, respectively, and a voltage meter V1 and a voltage meter V2 configured to detect a voltage value vl of a voltage on the main battery MB side and a voltage value v2 of a voltage on the sub battery SB side in the switching boxes SW1A to SW4A, respectively. In addition, the control unit 6 is configured to control the switching boxes SW1A to SW4A based on the current value il and the voltage value vl and based on the current value i2 and the voltage value v2. In this way, it is possible to detect (determine) the presence of a power supply failure on the main battery MB side based on an overcurrent and / or a voltage drop on the main battery MB side, and also to detect (determine) the presence of a power supply failure on the sub battery SB side based on an overcurrent and / or a voltage drop on the sub battery SB side.

[0134] Further, the control unit 6 is configured to detect a power supply failure based on the current value il and the voltage value vl on the main battery MB side and based on the current value i2 and the voltage value v2 on the main battery MB side, wherein the control unit 6 switches the switch S1 to cut off the power supply from the main battery MB side if a power supply failure occurs on the main battery MB side, and wherein the control unit 6 switches the switch S2 to cut off the power supply from the sub battery SB side if a power supply failure occurs on the sub battery SB side. In this way, it is possible to independently detect the presence of a power supply failure on the main battery MB side and the presence of a power supply failure on the sub battery SB side. In addition, it is possible to stop the power supply from the main battery MB in the case of a main battery MB side power supply failure, and it is also possible to stop the power supply from the sub battery SB in the case of a sub battery SB side power supply failure.

[0135] Further, the wiring from the main battery MB to the switching boxes SW1A to SW4A in the first to fourth regions A1 to A4 extends along a different path from the wiring from the sub battery SB to the switching boxes SW1A to SW4A in the first to fourth regions A1 to A4, so that simultaneous power failures of the main battery MB and the sub battery SB can be avoided.

[0136] The present application is not limited to the above-described embodiments. That is, those skilled in the art can modify and implement the embodiments based on the knowledge of the prior art without departing from the gist of the present application. It should be noted that these modifications fall within the scope of the present application as long as they include the features of the power supply system according to the present application.

Claims

1. A power supply system, comprising: The first power supply unit is configured to supply power. A second power supply unit, configured to supply power, wherein the second power supply unit is separate from the first power supply unit; A switching unit, each of which is disposed in each of a plurality of power supply regions, the plurality of power supply regions being configured to be supplied with power from a first power supply unit and a second power supply unit, wherein each of the switching units is configured to: switch the on / off state of power supply from the first power supply unit to a corresponding power supply region among the plurality of power supply regions, and switch the on / off state of power supply from the second power supply unit to the corresponding power supply region; and The control unit is configured to control the switching state of the switching unit. Each of the switching units includes a first switch and a second switch, wherein the first switch is configured to switch the on / off state of power supply from the first power supply unit, and the second switch is configured to switch the on / off state of power supply from the second power supply unit. The first switch and the second switch are configured such that turning on both the first switch and the second switch electrically connects the power supply path of the first power supply unit to the power supply path of the second power supply unit. Each of the switching units further includes: A first upstream connection terminal connected to the power supply path of the first power supply unit; A first downstream connection terminal connected to the power supply path of the first power supply unit; A second upstream connection terminal connected to the power supply path of the second power supply unit; A second downstream connection terminal connected to the power supply path of the second power supply unit; A third switch and a fourth switch, wherein the third switch and the fourth switch are connected in series between the first upstream connection terminal and the first downstream connection terminal, and the first switch is connected to the connection line between the third switch and the fourth switch; and The fifth switch and the sixth switch are connected in series between the second upstream connection terminal and the second downstream connection terminal, and the second switch is connected to the connection line between the fifth switch and the sixth switch.

2. The power supply system according to claim 1, in, The first switch and the second switch are configured such that power is supplied to a load, wherein the load is located in the power supply area, by turning on one of the first switch and the second switch.

3. The power supply system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: A first current detection unit is configured to detect a first current value, which is the value of the current flowing into the switching unit from the first power supply unit side; as well as A second current detection unit is configured to detect a second current value, which is the value of the current flowing into the switching unit from the second power supply unit side. The control unit is configured to control the switching unit based on the first current value and the second current value.

4. The power supply system according to claim 3, in, The control unit is configured to: Based on the first current value and the second current value, a power supply fault is detected. If a power failure occurs on the side of the first power supply unit, the control unit cuts off the power supply from the first power supply unit; and If a power failure occurs on the second power supply side, the control unit cuts off the power supply from the second power supply.

5. The power supply system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: A first voltage detection unit is configured to detect a first voltage value, which is the voltage value on the first power supply side of the switching unit; as well as A second voltage detection unit is configured to detect a second voltage value, which is the voltage value on the second power supply side of the switching unit. The control unit is configured to control the switching unit based on the first voltage value and the second voltage value.

6. The power supply system according to claim 5, in, The control unit is configured to: Based on the first voltage value and the second voltage value, a power supply fault is detected; If a power failure occurs on the side of the first power supply unit, the control unit cuts off the power supply from the first power supply unit; and If a power failure occurs on the second power supply side, the control unit cuts off the power supply from the second power supply.

7. The power supply system according to claim 1 or 2, in, The path formed by the wiring extending from the first power supply unit to the plurality of switching units is different from the path formed by the wiring extending from the second power supply unit to the plurality of switching units.

8. The power supply system according to claim 3, in, The path formed by the wiring extending from the first power supply unit to the plurality of switching units is different from the path formed by the wiring extending from the second power supply unit to the plurality of switching units.

9. The power supply system according to claim 4, in, The path formed by the wiring extending from the first power supply unit to the plurality of switching units is different from the path formed by the wiring extending from the second power supply unit to the plurality of switching units.

10. The power supply system according to claim 5, in, The path formed by the wiring extending from the first power supply unit to the plurality of switching units is different from the path formed by the wiring extending from the second power supply unit to the plurality of switching units.

11. The power supply system according to claim 6, in, The path formed by the wiring extending from the first power supply unit to the plurality of switching units is different from the path formed by the wiring extending from the second power supply unit to the plurality of switching units.

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