Power supply unit and moving vehicle

Abstract

A power supply unit (10) has a first input terminal (101) to which a main control signal is input, a power supply input terminal (103) connected to a battery, a power supply output terminal (105), and a control unit (12). When a voltage is applied to the power supply input (103), the control unit (12) supplies output power with a controlled maximum value to the outside from the power supply output (105). The control unit (12) has at least a first upper limit power mode and a second upper limit power mode. The control unit (12) operates in a first upper limit power mode when the main control signal is in an ON state, and operates in a second upper limit power mode when the main control signal is in an OFF state. The maximum value of the output power in the second upper limit power mode is smaller than the maximum value of the output power in the first upper limit power mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a power supply unit and a mobile body including the power supply unit. Background Technology

[0002] Various electrical and electronic devices are installed in vehicles such as automobiles equipped with batteries. As a technology related to reducing power consumption in such vehicles, there is the technology described in Patent Document 1.

[0003] As described in Patent Document 1, the power supply modes of a general vehicle are: (1) a power-off mode that cuts off the power; (2) an accessory mode that turns on the power to only the accessories; and (3) an on mode that turns on all the power.

[0004] To improve user convenience, more and more electrical and electronic devices (accessories) that can be used as accessories are being installed in vehicles. USB chargers are one such accessory.

[0005] To prevent battery depletion, it's desirable to minimize power consumption in accessory mode. Therefore, the power supply of conventional automotive USB chargers is limited to a specified level. This limitation is independent of the power mode. That is, the power supply capacity of existing automotive USB chargers is the same in accessory mode and power-on mode.

[0006] Existing technical documents

[0007] Patent documents

[0008] Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-43752. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0010] According to the USB PD standard, the power supply can provide a large power output. Using such a power supply as a car USB charger enables fast charging of user devices, improving user convenience. However, simply replacing a conventional car USB charger with a USB PD-compliant power supply increases the likelihood of battery depletion.

[0011] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a power supply unit that reduces the possibility of battery depletion to the same level as conventional in-vehicle USB chargers, and has a greater power supply capacity.

[0012] Technical means for solving problems

[0013] To achieve the aforementioned objectives, this invention identifies both the accessory mode (where there is concern about battery depletion) and the on-screen mode (where there is no concern about battery depletion). Then, in accessory mode, power is supplied with a lower power level, while in on-screen mode, power is supplied with a higher power level, thereby improving user convenience.

[0014] One aspect of the present invention is a power supply unit mounted on a mobile body, the mobile body comprising: a drive unit; a start switch that is operated when the drive unit is activated and is capable of switching at least the state of a main control signal; and a battery that is charged when the main control signal is in the on state and the drive unit is operating, wherein...

[0015] The power supply unit has a first input terminal into which the main control signal can be input, a power input terminal connected to the battery, a power output terminal, and a control unit.

[0016] When a voltage is applied to the power input terminal, the control unit supplies maximum controlled output power to the external source from the power output terminal.

[0017] The control unit has at least a first upper limit power mode and a second upper limit power mode.

[0018] The control unit operates according to the first upper limit power mode when the main control signal is in the on state, and operates according to the second upper limit power mode when the main control signal is in the off state.

[0019] The maximum output power in the second upper limit power mode is smaller than the maximum output power in the first upper limit power mode.

[0020] Furthermore, another aspect of the present invention is a mobile body, which, as a first mobile body, includes a drive unit, a battery, a start switch, and any one of the aforementioned first to fourth power supply units, wherein...

[0021] The start switch is operated when the drive unit is started and is at least capable of switching the state of the main control signal.

[0022] The battery is charged when the main control signal is on and the drive unit is working.

[0023] Invention Effects

[0024] In one aspect of the power supply unit of the present invention, the control unit operates in a first maximum power mode when the main control signal is on, and in a second maximum power mode when the main control signal is off. Here, the maximum output power in the second maximum power mode is smaller than the maximum output power in the first maximum power mode. Therefore, the power supply unit can provide power with a relatively low power consumption when there is a concern about battery depletion, and with a relatively high power consumption when there is no concern about battery depletion. This improves user convenience.

[0025] By studying the following description of the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, one can correctly understand the purpose of the present invention and more fully understand its structure. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating a power supply unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2 It is used to describe the inclusion Figure 1 A block diagram illustrating the power supply operation within the moving body of the power supply unit. The main control signal is in the off state, and the secondary control signal is in the on state.

[0028] Figure 3 It is used to describe the inclusion Figure 1 Another block diagram of the power supply operation in the moving body of the power supply unit. Both the main control signal and the auxiliary control signal are in the ON state. Detailed Implementation

[0029] This invention can be implemented in many variations and in various ways, but as one example, the specific embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings will be described in detail below. The drawings and embodiments do not limit the invention to the specific manner disclosed herein, but include all variations, equivalents, and substitutions within the scope defined by the appended claims.

[0030] (First Implementation)

[0031] Reference Figure 1 The power supply unit 10 provided in this embodiment of the invention includes a first input terminal 101, a power input terminal 103, a power output terminal 105, and a control unit 12. In this embodiment, the power supply unit 10 also has a second input terminal 107. However, the second input terminal 107 is not essential in this invention.

[0032] like Figure 2As shown, the power supply unit 10 is mounted on the mobile body 20. In this embodiment, the mobile body 20 is a motor vehicle (such as an internal combustion engine vehicle). However, the present invention is not limited to this. The mobile body 20 can also be an electric vehicle, a fuel cell vehicle, a motorcycle, an electric bicycle, etc.

[0033] like Figure 2 As shown, the mobile body 20 includes a drive unit 22, a start switch 24, and a battery 26. In this embodiment, the mobile body 20 also includes an energy source 28 and electrical and electronic equipment 30. In this embodiment, the power supply unit 10 and the electrical and electronic equipment 30 are classified as accessories 40. The electrical and electronic equipment 30 includes various electrical devices and electronic equipment. The power supply unit 10 is used to supply power to the electrical and electronic equipment (user equipment) 50 used by the user.

[0034] Reference Figure 2 The energy source 28 is, for example, fuel such as gasoline, light oil, or hydrogen. In the case where the moving body 20 is an electric vehicle, the energy source 28 is a drive battery. In this embodiment, the drive unit 22 is an engine (such as an internal combustion engine). In the case where the moving body 20 is an electric vehicle, the drive unit 22 is an electric motor. In this embodiment, the battery 26 is a lead-acid battery. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The battery 26 can also be other types of batteries such as lithium-ion batteries.

[0035] Reference Figure 2 The start switch 24 is a switch operated by the user when starting the drive unit 22. The start switch 24 can at least switch the state of the main control signal. In this embodiment, the start switch 24 can switch both the state of the main control signal and the state of the auxiliary control signal. In this embodiment, the start switch 24 is an ignition switch. If the moving body 20 is an electric vehicle, the start switch 24 is a power switch.

[0036] Normally, the ignition switch has an off mode, an accessory mode, and an on mode. Additionally, the ignition switch also functions as the start switch for the starter drive unit 22. In the following description, the starter switch 24 has an off mode, an accessory mode, and an on mode. Furthermore, when the starter switch 24 is in the on state, the drive unit 22 is activated and operates.

[0037] In this embodiment, when the start switch 24 is in the off mode, both the main control signal and the auxiliary control signal are in the off state. When the start switch 24 is operated from the off mode to the accessory mode, the main control signal remains in the off state, while the auxiliary control signal switches from the off state to the on state. Furthermore, when the start switch 24 is operated from the accessory mode to the on mode, the auxiliary control signal remains in the on state, while the main control signal switches from the off state to the on state.

[0038] Reference Figure 2 When the start switch 24 is in the off mode, power supply from the battery 26 to the accessory 40 is stopped. When the start switch 24 is switched from the off mode to the accessory mode, power is supplied from the battery 26 to the accessory 40. At this time, the drive unit 22 is not working, and no power is supplied from the drive unit 22 to the battery 26. Therefore, in accessory mode, if the power consumption of the accessory 40 is high, the battery 26 may be depleted.

[0039] Reference Figure 3 When the start switch 24 is operated from accessory mode to on mode, power is supplied from battery 26 to accessory 40. Additionally, in on mode, power is supplied from drive unit 22 to battery 26. Normally, the power supply capacity of drive unit 22 is greater than the power consumption of accessory 40. Therefore, when the main control signal is on and drive unit 22 is operating, battery 26 is charged. Therefore, battery 26 is not usually depleted in on mode.

[0040] Refer again Figure 1 The power supply unit 10 has a control unit 12 comprising a main control signal status detection unit 14 and a power supply unit 16. Additionally, the power supply unit 10 includes a connector 18. In this embodiment, the control unit 12 conforms to the USB PD standard. The main control signal status detection unit 14 is connected to a first input terminal 101 and the power supply unit 16. The power supply unit 16 includes a DC-DC converter 161 and a USB PD controller 163. The power supply unit 16 is connected to a power input terminal 103, a second input terminal 107, and a power output terminal 105. The connector 18 is mounted on the power output terminal 105. In other words, the power output terminal 105 is disposed within the connector 18. In this embodiment, the connector 18 is a USB standard compliant connector. The connector 18 may be, for example, a USB Type-C connector. However, the invention is not limited to this. The connector 18 may also be a connector other than a USB Type-C connector.

[0041] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2The power input terminal 103 is connected to the battery 26. The first input terminal 101 and the second input terminal 107 are connected to the start switch 24. The first input terminal 101 can be input with a main control signal, and the second input terminal 107 can be input with a secondary control signal.

[0042] Reference Figure 1 A voltage from battery 26 is applied to power input terminal 103. When a voltage is applied to power input terminal 103, control unit 12 supplies maximum-value controlled output power to the outside via power output terminal 105. To control the maximum output power, control unit 12 has at least a first upper limit power mode and a second upper limit power mode. As described later, control unit 12 operates in the first upper limit power mode when the main control signal is on, and operates in the second upper limit power mode when the main control signal is off. The maximum output power in the second upper limit power mode (second maximum value) is set smaller than the maximum output power in the first upper limit power mode (first maximum value). As an example, the first maximum value is 60W = 20V × 3A, and the second maximum value is 27W (9V × 3A).

[0043] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the initial state, when the start switch 24 is in the off mode, both the main control signal and the auxiliary control signal are off. In the off mode, the control unit 12 is in a stopped state.

[0044] Reference Figure 2 When the start switch 24 is operated to switch from the off mode to the accessory mode, the secondary control signal switches from the off state to the on state. As a result, the control unit 12 transitions from the stopped state to the operating state. Meanwhile, the main control signal remains off. The main control signal status detection unit 14 detects that the main control signal is off and transmits it to the power supply unit 16. The power supply unit 16 operates in a second maximum power mode based on the detection signal from the main control signal status detection unit 14. Specifically, the USB PD controller 163 of the power supply unit 16 controls the DC-DC converter 161 based on the detection signal from the main control signal status detection unit 14, limiting the maximum power supplied to the power output terminal 105 to a second maximum value (< the first maximum value). Thus, the power supply unit 10 supplies power to the user equipment 50 with its maximum value limited to the second maximum value.

[0045] Reference Figure 3When the start switch 24 is operated again to switch from accessory mode to on mode, the main control signal switches from off state to on state. The main control signal status detection unit 14 detects that the main control signal is on state and transmits it to the power supply unit 16. The power supply unit 16 operates in a first maximum power mode based on the detection signal from the main control signal status detection unit 14. Specifically, the USB PD controller 163 of the power supply unit 16 controls the DC-DC converter 161 based on the detection signal from the main control signal status detection unit 14 to limit the maximum value of the power supplied to the power output terminal 105 to a first maximum value (> a second maximum value). In this way, the power supply unit 10 supplies power to the user equipment 50 with its maximum value limited to the first maximum value.

[0046] When the start switch 24 is operated to switch from the on mode to the accessory mode, the main control signal switches from the on state to the off state. The main control signal status detection unit 14 detects that the main control signal is in the off state and transmits it to the power supply unit 16. The power supply unit 16 operates in a second upper limit power mode based on the detection signal from the main control signal status detection unit 14. That is, the maximum power supply from the power supply unit 10 to the user equipment 50 is limited to the second maximum value.

[0047] When the start switch 24 is further operated to switch from accessory mode to off mode, the secondary control signal switches from the on state to the off state. This stops power supply to the accessory 40, which includes the power supply unit 10. Consequently, the control unit 12 of the power supply unit 10 stops operating when the secondary control signal is off. This stops power supply from the power supply unit 10 to the user equipment 50.

[0048] As explained above, in this embodiment, the maximum power supplied by the power supply unit 10 is different in accessory mode and power-on mode. Specifically, the maximum power supplied in accessory mode is less than the maximum power supplied in power-on mode. Therefore, the possibility of the battery 26 being completely depleted is at least the same as that of a conventional in-vehicle USB charger. On the other hand, the maximum power supplied in power-on mode is greater than the maximum power supplied in accessory mode. This can also be described as the maximum power supplied in power-on mode being greater than the maximum power supplied by a conventional in-vehicle USB charger. Therefore, the power supply unit 10 can supply a relatively large amount of power to the user device 50. For example, the power supply unit 10 can quickly charge personal computers (PCs) and the like.

[0049] The present invention has been described above with examples of embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications and alterations can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in the above embodiments, the control unit 12 of the power supply unit 10 operates when the secondary control signal is on, but the control unit 12 may always operate even when there is no secondary control signal. In this case, the control unit 12 may also operate in a first upper limit power mode when the main control signal is on, and in a second upper limit power mode when the main control signal is off.

[0050] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the battery 26 is charged by the drive unit 22. However, if the moving body 20 is an electric vehicle, power can also be supplied to the battery 26 from the drive battery, which serves as the energy source 28. In this case, the drive unit 22 supplies power to the drive battery during operation.

[0051] This invention is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-80207, filed with the Japan Patent Office on May 15, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0052] Preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, but those skilled in the art will recognize that modifications can be made to the embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and such modifications are within the scope of the present invention.

[0053] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0054] 10 Power Supply Units

[0055] 101 First Input Terminal

[0056] 103 Power Input Terminal

[0057] 105 Power Output Terminal

[0058] 107 Second Input Terminal

[0059] 12 Control Units

[0060] 14 Main control signal status detection unit

[0061] 16. Department of Electricity Supply

[0062] 161 DC-DC converter

[0063] 163 USB PD Controller

[0064] 18 connectors

[0065] 20 moving bodies

[0066] 22 Drive Unit

[0067] 24. Start Switch

[0068] 26 batteries

[0069] 28 Energy Sources

[0070] 30 Electrical and electronic equipment

[0071] 40 accessories

[0072] 50 Electrical and electronic equipment (user equipment).

Claims

1. A power supply unit mounted on a mobile body, the mobile body comprising: a drive unit; a start switch operable when the drive unit is activated and capable of switching at least the state of a main control signal; and a battery charged when the main control signal is in an on state and the drive unit is operating, wherein... The power supply unit has a first input terminal into which the main control signal can be input, a power input terminal connected to the battery, a power output terminal, and a control unit. When a voltage is applied to the power input terminal, the control unit supplies maximum controlled output power to the external source from the power output terminal. The control unit has at least a first upper limit power mode and a second upper limit power mode. The control unit operates according to the first upper limit power mode when the main control signal is in the on state, and operates according to the second upper limit power mode when the main control signal is in the off state. The maximum output power in the second upper limit power mode is smaller than the maximum output power in the first upper limit power mode.

2. The power supply unit according to claim 1, wherein, The start switch also switches the state of the secondary control signal. The power supply unit also has a second input terminal on which the secondary control signal can be input. The control unit operates when the secondary control signal is in the ON state and stops operating when the secondary control signal is in the OFF state.

3. The power supply unit according to claim 2, wherein, The control unit conforms to the USB PD standard.

4. The power supply unit according to claim 3, wherein, The power supply unit has a USB standard connector. The power output terminal is located within the connector.

5. A mobile body comprising a drive unit, a battery, a start switch, and a power supply unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The start switch is operated when the drive unit is started and is at least capable of switching the state of the main control signal. The battery is charged when the main control signal is on and the drive unit is working.

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