Power Supply System

Abstract

To discriminatingly detect short-circuit and disconnection in a heat-sensitive wire arranged along a feeder cable, and execute fail-safe control according to a result of the detection in a power supply system comprising the feeder cable that supplies electric power to a moving body and the heat-sensitive wire arranged along the feeder cable.SOLUTION: A heat-sensitive wire 3 comprises a pair of conductors 1 covered with an insulator that softens at a preset temperature. The pair of conductors 1 are configured to be short-circuited by contacting with each other when the insulator softens. A power supply system 100 comprises: a second power supply 10 that supplies power to the pair of conductors 1; a short circuit detection part 4 that detects short-circuit in the pair of conductors 1; a disconnection detection part 5 that detects disconnection of the pair of conductors 1; and a controller 7. The controller 7 executes abnormal control in which power supply to the feeder cable is different between when the short circuit detection part 4 detects the short-circuit in the pair of conductors 1 and when the disconnection detection part 5 detects the disconnection of the pair of conductors 1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a power supply system including a power supply line arranged along a moving path of a moving object to supply power to the moving object, and a heat-sensitive wire arranged along the power supply line. [Background technology]

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2006-337156 discloses a power supply system including a power supply line arranged along a moving path of a moving object to supply power to the moving object, and a heat-sensitive wire arranged along the power supply line (hereinafter, in the Background Art, the reference numerals in parentheses are those of the referenced document). The heat-sensitive wire (20) is formed by twisting together a pair of conductors (20a, 20b), each of which is covered with a coating material that softens at a predetermined temperature or higher. When the temperature of the power supply line (3) rises due to an overcurrent or the like, the coating material softens and the pair of conductors (20a, 20b) short-circuits. The temperature detection circuit (1) detects the occurrence of such a short circuit. The power supply device (4) stops the power supply to the power supply line (3) based on the detection result of the temperature detection circuit (1). The temperature detection circuit (1) is also configured to be able to detect an open fault caused by a break in the heat-sensitive wire (20), etc. If an open circuit fault occurs in the heat-sensing wire (20), it becomes impossible to monitor the temperature of the power supply line (3). However, by detecting the open circuit fault, the continuation of the situation in which it becomes impossible to monitor the temperature is prevented.

[0003] In this power supply system, a relay is provided in series with the heat-sensitive wire (20). When the heat-sensitive wire (20) is energized, a current flows through the coil (41) of the relay, and the contacts (42a, 42b) of the relay are closed. On the other hand, when a break or short occurs in the heat-sensitive wire (20), a current sufficient to excite the coil (41) of the relay does not flow, and the contacts (42a, 42b) of the relay are opened. The contacts (42a, 42b) of the relay are connected to an emergency switch that cuts off the power supply to the power supply line (3) and a green LED that indicates that the temperature detection circuit (1) using the heat-sensitive wire (20) is operating normally, respectively. When the contact (42b) connected to the emergency switch is opened, the emergency switch is activated and the power supply to the power supply line (3) is cut off. When the contact (42a) connected to the LED is opened, the green LED is turned off, indicating that the operating state of the temperature detection path (1) is not normal. That is, in this power supply system, a short circuit or break in the heat-sensitive wire (20) is detected and such fail-safe control is appropriately performed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2006-337156 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the above power supply system, a short circuit and a break in the heat-sensitive wire are not distinguished, and are detected as an abnormality in the heat-sensitive wire. When an abnormality is detected and the power supply to the power supply line is cut off, the operation of the equipment using the mobile object itself is also stopped. For example, when a short circuit occurs in the heat-sensitive wire, it is possible that the temperature of the power supply line is increased due to an overcurrent caused by an overload of the power supply device or a short circuit, and there is a high possibility that some abnormality has occurred in the power supply equipment. Therefore, when a short circuit is detected, it is preferable to immediately cut off the power supply. However, when a break occurs in the heat-sensitive wire (open fault), in addition to the heat-sensitive wire being broken, a connector connecting the heat-sensitive wire and the temperature detection circuit may be disconnected. In such a case, if an operator checks and reattaches the connector, the situation can be quickly restored to one in which the temperature of the power supply line can be monitored. Therefore, when a break is detected, there are many cases in which it is not necessary to immediately cut off the power supply to the power supply line.

[0006] Therefore, in a power supply system having a power supply line that supplies power to a moving body and a heat-sensitive wire arranged along the power supply line, it is desirable to realize technology that can distinguish between short circuits and breaks in the heat-sensitive wire arranged along the power supply line and perform fail-safe control in accordance with the detection results. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In view of the above, a power supply system includes a power supply line arranged along a moving path of a moving object to supply power to the moving object, a first power source that supplies power to the power supply line, and a heat-sensitive wire arranged along the power supply line, the heat-sensitive wire having a pair of conductors covered with an insulator that softens at a preset temperature, the pair of conductors being configured to come into contact with each other and short-circuit when the insulator softens, a second power source that supplies power to the pair of conductors, A short circuit detection unit detects when the pair of conductors are short-circuited, a disconnection detection unit detects when the pair of conductors are disconnected, and a control device. a first terminal pair to which one end of each of the pair of conductors is connected; a second terminal pair to which the other ends of the pair of conductors are connected; a pair of first connection wirings connecting the first terminal pair and the second power source; a second connection wiring that connects the second terminal pair; the disconnection detection unit includes a first element of a make contact for monitoring a current flowing through the pair of first connection wirings, the first element is connected to one of the pair of first connection wirings, the short circuit detection unit includes a second element of a break contact for monitoring a current flowing through the pair of first connection wirings, and a third element of a break contact for monitoring a current flowing through the second connection wirings, the second element is connected in series with the first element to one of the pair of first connection wirings, the third element is connected to the second connection wiring, the first element is in an ON state when the pair of conductors is normal or short-circuited, and is in an OFF state when the pair of conductors is broken; the second element is in an OFF state when the pair of conductors is normal or short-circuited, and is in an ON state when the pair of conductors is broken; the third element is in an ON state when the pair of conducting wires is normal, and in an OFF state when the pair of conducting wires is short-circuited or broken; The control device includes: determining that the device is normal when the first element is in an ON state, the second element is in an OFF state, and the third element is in an ON state; determining that a short circuit has been detected between the pair of conducting wires when the first element is in an ON state, the second element is in an OFF state, and the third element is in an OFF state; determining that a break in the pair of conducting wires has been detected when the first element is in an off state, the second element is in an on state, and the third element is in an off state; The control device ,before When it is detected that the pair of conductors is short-circuited Short circuit abnormality control and ,before When it is detected that the pair of conductors is broken, Control when disconnection occurs In this way, different abnormality control operations are performed with respect to the power supply to the power feed line. Further, in view of the above, a power supply system includes a power supply line arranged along a movement path of a moving body to supply power to the moving body, a first power source that supplies power to the power supply line, and a heat-sensitive wire arranged along the power supply line, wherein the heat-sensitive wire includes a pair of conductors covered with an insulator that softens at a preset temperature, and the pair of conductors are configured to come into contact with each other and short-circuit when the insulator softens, a second power source that supplies power to the pair of conductors, a short-circuit detection unit that detects when the pair of conductors is short-circuited, a break detection unit that detects when the pair of conductors is break-circuited, and a control device, a first terminal pair to which one end of each of the pair of conductors is connected; a second terminal pair to which the other ends of the pair of conductors are connected; a pair of first connection wirings connecting the first terminal pair and the second power source; a second connection wiring that connects the second terminal pair; the disconnection detection unit includes a first element of a make contact for monitoring a current flowing through the pair of first connection wirings, the first element is connected to one of the pair of first connection wirings, the short circuit detection unit includes a second element of a make contact for monitoring a current flowing through the second connection wiring, the second element is connected to the second connection wiring, the first element is in an ON state when the pair of conductors is normal or short-circuited, and is in an OFF state when the pair of conductors is broken; the second element is in an ON state when the pair of conducting wires is normal, and in an OFF state when the pair of conducting wires is short-circuited or broken; The control device includes: determining that the device is normal when the first element and the second element are in an on-state; determining that a short circuit has been detected between the pair of conducting wires when the first element is in an ON state and the second element is in an OFF state; determining that a break in the pair of conducting wires has been detected when the first element and the second element are in an off state; The control device executes different abnormality controls regarding the power supply to the power supply line: short circuit abnormality control when it is detected that the pair of conductors are short-circuited, and open circuit abnormality control when it is detected that the pair of conductors are open.

[0008] According to this configuration, it is possible to distinguish between a short circuit of a pair of conductors caused by abnormal heat generation in the power supply line and a break in the pair of conductors. Then, based on the detection result, different abnormality control can be executed depending on whether it is a short circuit or a break. Therefore, according to this configuration, it is possible to distinguish between a short circuit and a break in the heat-sensitive wire arranged along the power supply line and detect the short circuit and a break in the heat-sensitive wire arranged along the power supply line, and execute a fail-safe control according to the detection result.

[0009] Further features and advantages of the power supply system will become apparent from the following description of exemplary and non-limiting embodiments which are given with reference to the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of an article transport facility equipped with a power supply system. [Diagram 2] Front view of the moving object [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic circuit block diagram illustrating a first example of a power supply system; [Figure 4] Schematic circuit block diagram showing a second example of a power supply system. [Diagram 5] Schematic circuit block diagram showing a third example of a power supply system [Figure 6] Schematic circuit block diagram showing a fourth example of a power supply system DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the power supply system will be described with reference to the drawings, taking as an example a form in which power is supplied to an article transport vehicle in an article transport facility. As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, a moving body 50, which is an article transport vehicle in an article transport facility 200, travels on a traveling rail 52 arranged along a moving path 51, which is a travel path. As shown in Fig. 1, a power supply system 100 includes a power supply line 8 arranged along the moving path 51 of the moving body 50 to supply power to the moving body 50, a first power source 80 that supplies power to the power supply line 8, and a heat-sensitive wire 3 arranged along the power supply line 8.

[0012] 2, for example, the moving body 50 includes a traveling section 59 that travels along a moving path 51 while being guided by a pair of traveling rails 52 that are arranged and supported by being suspended from the ceiling, a transport vehicle body 53 that is positioned below the traveling rails 52 and supported by being suspended from the traveling section 59, and a power receiving device 40 that receives driving power in a non-contact manner from a power supply line 8 that is arranged along the moving path 51. The transport vehicle body 53 includes an article support section (not shown) that is provided on the transport vehicle body 53 so as to be capable of being raised and lowered and that supports an article in a suspended state. The article to be transported by the moving body 50 is, for example, a FOUP (Front Opening Unified Pod) that contains a semiconductor substrate, a glass substrate that is a material for a display, etc.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 2, the traveling section 59 is provided with a pair of traveling wheels 55 that are rotated by an electric drive motor 54. The traveling wheels 55 roll on a traveling surface formed by the upper surface of each of the traveling rails 52. The traveling section 59 is also provided with a pair of guide wheels 56 that freely rotate around an axis (around a vertical axis) along the vertical direction in a state of abutting against the inner surfaces of the pair of traveling rails 52. The traveling section 59 is also configured with a driving motor 54 for traveling and a drive circuit thereof, etc., and causes the moving body 50 to travel along the traveling rails 52. The transport vehicle main body 53 is provided with an actuator that raises and lowers the article support section, an actuator that drives a gripping section that grips an article, etc., and a drive circuit thereof.

[0014] Power for these drive motors 54, various actuators, and drive circuits for driving these are supplied contactlessly to the power receiving device 40 from a power supply line 8. In this embodiment, the power supply line 8 that supplies drive power to the moving body 50 via the power receiving device 40 is arranged on both sides of the power receiving device 40 in the path width direction perpendicular to the movement path 51 along the horizontal plane.

[0015] In this embodiment, the power receiving device 40 supplies driving power to the moving body 50 using a wireless power supply technology called HID (High Efficiency Inductive Power Distribution Technology). Specifically, a high-frequency current is passed through a power supply line 8, which is an induction line, to generate a magnetic field around the power supply line 8. The power receiving device 40 is configured to include a pickup coil 41 and a magnetic core, and the pickup coil 41 is induced by electromagnetic induction from the magnetic field. The induced AC power is converted to DC by a rectifier circuit such as a full-wave rectifier circuit, and a power receiving circuit (not shown) including a smoothing capacitor, and is supplied to the actuator and the drive circuit.

[0016] In this specification, an article transport vehicle, which is a so-called ceiling transport vehicle, has been exemplified as the moving body 50, but it goes without saying that the moving body 50 may also be an article transport vehicle that travels on the ground. The moving body 50 may have any form as long as it operates by receiving power from a power supply line 8 arranged along the moving path 51. Of course, the moving body 50 is not limited to an article transport vehicle.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the heat-sensitive wire 3 includes a pair of conductors 1 covered with an insulator 2 that softens at a preset temperature. One conductor 1 is configured as a coated conductor wire in which a core wire 1c formed of a conductor is coated with an insulator 2. The heat-sensitive wire 3 including the pair of conductors 1 is formed by twisting two conductors 1, the first conductor 1a and the second conductor 1b, into a so-called twisted pair, and further coating the twisted wire with a coating material 3d. As shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 5, the power supply system 100 includes a second power source 10, and one end of the first conductor 1a and one end of the second conductor 1b at one end of the heat-sensitive wire 3 are connected to a positive terminal P and a negative terminal N of the second power source 10, respectively. Also, the other end of the first conductor 1a and the other end of the second conductor 1b at the other end of the heat-sensitive wire 3 are connected to each other.

[0018] In addition, when the scale of the article conveying equipment 200 is large, the scale of the power supply system 100 is naturally large, and the length of the power supply line 8 is also long. Therefore, the length of the heat-sensitive wire 3 arranged along the power supply line 8 is also long. Therefore, the first conductor 1a and the second conductor 1b are not necessarily formed of a single conductor 1, but may be formed of a plurality of conductors 1 that are linked and electrically connected via a repeater (not shown). The repeater and the conductor 1 are connected, for example, via a connector (not shown). In this way, even if the first conductor 1a and the second conductor 1b are each formed of a plurality of conductors 1, they are regarded as one first conductor 1a and one second conductor 1b after being connected.

[0019] The pair of conductors 1 formed as a twisted wire are configured such that when the insulator 2 softens, the core wires 1c formed of a conductor come into contact with each other and short-circuit. Even if the insulator 2 softens, the heat-sensitive wire 3 including the pair of conductors 1 is covered with a covering material 3d, so that the core wire 1c is prevented from being exposed to the outside. The power feeder 8 also includes a power feeder body 8c (core wire) formed of a conductor, and a covering 8d formed of an insulator and covering the power feeder body 8c. The heat-sensitive wire 3 is disposed along the power feeder 8 in the vicinity of the power feeder 8, preferably in close contact with the power feeder 8. When the temperature of the power feeder 8 rises, the insulator 2 softens as described above, and the core wires 1c come into contact with each other without being insulated, resulting in a so-called short-circuited state. The power feeder system 100 includes a short-circuit detector 4, and can detect an abnormality (temperature rise) in the power feeder 8 by detecting the occurrence of a short circuit when the second power source 10 is energized to the heat-sensitive wire 3.

[0020] The power supply system 100 also includes a disconnection detection unit 5. When the second power source 10 is energizing the heat-sensing wire 3, the power supply line 8 detects that the heat-sensing wire 3 is in an open state, that is, that a disconnection has occurred, by detecting that no current flows through the heat-sensing wire 3. The disconnection includes a disconnection of the core wire 1c of either the first conductor 1a or the second conductor 1b (not limited to a case where the core wire 1c is completely disconnected, but also including a case where the core wire 1c is about to be disconnected and has a very high impedance), a disconnection of the first conductor 1a and the second conductor 1b, a disconnection of the electrical connection in the connector (first terminal pair 11 and second terminal pair 12 described later with reference to FIG. 3 to FIG. 5) connecting the heat-sensing wire 3 and the second power source 10, a disconnection of the electrical connection in the connector connecting the conductors 1 to each other to extend the first conductor 1a and the second conductor 1b, and the like.

[0021] In this embodiment, the second power source 10, the short circuit detection unit 4, and the disconnection detection unit 5 are mounted on a thermal control board 30. In this embodiment, the thermal control board 30 is provided with a power supply abnormality detection unit 6 that detects that the voltage of the second power source 10 has become equal to or lower than a preset determination voltage. By providing the power supply abnormality detection unit 6, the power supply system 100 can detect a state in which electricity cannot be properly supplied to the heat-sensitive wire 3 even if there is no short circuit or disconnection in the heat-sensitive wire 3. The power supply system 100 may be configured to include only the short circuit detection unit 4 and the disconnection detection unit 5 without providing the power supply abnormality detection unit 6.

[0022] The power supply system 100 includes a control device 7, which executes abnormality control of power supply to the power supply line 8 based on the detection results by the short circuit detection unit 4, the disconnection detection unit 5, and the power supply abnormality detection unit 6. In this embodiment, the power supply system 100 further includes a user interface unit 9 that receives information input from an operator (user) and outputs information to the operator. As abnormality control, the control device 7 notifies the operator of information based on the detection results by the short circuit detection unit 4, the disconnection detection unit 5, and the power supply abnormality detection unit 6 that triggered the abnormality control. Note that this does not preclude a configuration in which the power supply system 100 does not include the user interface unit 9.

[0023] The power supply system 100 of the present embodiment executes different abnormality control based on at least the detection results of the short circuit detection unit 4 and the breakage detection unit 5. That is, the control device 7 executes different abnormality control regarding the power supply to the power supply line 8 when the short circuit detection unit 4 detects that the pair of conductors 1 is short-circuited and when the breakage detection unit 5 detects that the pair of conductors 1 is breakage.

[0024] For example, if the abnormality of the heat-sensitive wire 3 is detected without distinguishing between a short circuit and a break in the heat-sensitive wire 3, the power supply to the power feeder 8 is cut off when the abnormality of the heat-sensitive wire 3 is detected. When the heat-sensitive wire 3 is short-circuited, it is preferable to immediately cut off the power supply to the power feeder 8 because it is possible that the temperature of the power feeder 8 is rising due to an overcurrent caused by an overload of the first power source 80 or a short circuit or the like in the power supply circuit system including the power feeder 8. However, when a break (open fault) occurs in the heat-sensitive wire 3, in addition to the break in the conductor 1, there may be a connection failure in the connector connecting the conductor 1 and the heat-sensitive control board 30, or a connection failure in the connector connecting the conductors 1 to each other. In such a case, if the operator (user) checks and refits the connector, the connection failure can be improved, and the state in which the temperature of the power feeder 8 can be quickly restored. Therefore, when a break is detected, there are many cases in which it is not necessary to immediately cut off the power supply to the power feeder 8. In the power supply system 100 of this embodiment, different abnormality controls can be executed when a short circuit is detected and when a break is detected. Therefore, when an abnormality in the heat-sensitive wire 3 is detected, the power supply to the power supply line 8 is uniformly cut off, thereby preventing the operation of the equipment using the mobile body 50 from being stopped.

[0025] For example, the control device 7 executes different abnormality control as described below depending on whether the short circuit detection unit 4 detects that the pair of conductors 1 is short-circuited or whether the disconnection detection unit 5 detects that the pair of conductors 1 is disconnected. When the short circuit detection unit 4 detects that the pair of conductors 1 is short-circuited, the control device 7 immediately stops the power supply from the first power source 80 to the power feed line 8 as abnormality control (short circuit abnormality control), and outputs power supply abnormality information indicating an abnormality in the power feed line 8 via the user interface unit 9, and continues to stop the power supply to the power feed line 8 until an input is made in the user interface unit 9 indicating that the power feed line 8 is normal. When the disconnection detection unit 5 detects that the pair of conductors 1 is disconnected, the control device 7 continues the power supply from the first power source 80 to the power feed line 8 as abnormality control (disconnection abnormality control), and outputs confirmation request information requesting confirmation of the state of the heat-sensing wire 3 via the user interface unit 9.

[0026] Note that the continuation of the power supply from the first power source 80 to the power feed line 8 includes resuming the power supply from the first power source 80 to the power feed line 8 in response to an input to the user interface unit 9 permitting the continuation of the power supply to the power feed line 8 after the power supply from the first power source 80 to the power feed line 8 has been temporarily stopped. Naturally, the continuation of the power supply from the first power source 80 to the power feed line 8 may be limited to the continuation of the power supply without temporarily stopping the power supply from the first power source 80 to the power feed line 8.

[0027] In addition, when the user interface unit 9 is not provided, for example, the control device 7 may immediately stop the power supply from the first power source 80 to the power feed line 8 as an abnormality control (short circuit abnormality control), and may continue the power supply from the first power source 80 to the power feed line 8 as an abnormality control (disconnection abnormality control). In this case, the moving body 50 stops due to the stop of the power supply from the first power source 80 to the power feed line 8, so the worker checks the status of the power feed line 8. Then, when the power feed line 8 is normal, the power supply to the power feed line 8 can be resumed by the worker's manual operation or the like. In addition, the operating status of the article conveying equipment 200 and the power supply system 100 is often recorded, and the record is regularly checked by the worker. In this case, the worker can find that a disconnection has been detected based on the record and check the heat-sensitive wire 3.

[0028] Furthermore, in the case where the power supply system 100 includes the power supply abnormality detection unit 6, it is preferable that the control device 7 further executes abnormality control (power supply abnormality control) different from the above-mentioned short circuit abnormality control and disconnection abnormality control. That is, when the power supply abnormality detection unit 6 detects that the voltage of the second power source 10 has become equal to or lower than the determination voltage, it is preferable that the control device 7 executes abnormality control regarding the power supply to the power supply line 8, different from the control when the short circuit detection unit 4 detects that the pair of conductors 1 has been short-circuited and the control when the disconnection detection unit 5 detects that the pair of conductors 1 has been disconnected.

[0029] For example, when the control device 7 detects via the power supply abnormality detection unit 6 that the voltage of the second power source 10 has fallen below the determination voltage, it immediately stops the power supply from the first power source 80 to the power supply line 8 and outputs second power supply abnormality information indicating an abnormality in the second power source 10 via the user interface unit 9, and continues to stop the power supply to the power supply line 8 until an input is made via the user interface unit 9 confirming that the second power source 10 is normal.

[0030] In addition, in the case where the user interface unit 9 is not provided, for example, the control device 7 may immediately stop the power supply from the first power source 80 to the power feeder 8 as the abnormality control (power supply abnormality control) in the same manner as the short circuit abnormality control. In other words, the control device 7 may execute the same abnormality control as the short circuit abnormality control as the power supply abnormality control, instead of the abnormality control different from the short circuit abnormality control and the disconnection abnormality control. In this case, too, the moving body 50 stops due to the stop of the power supply from the first power source 80 to the power feeder 8, so the worker checks the status of the power feeder 8 and the second power source 10. Then, when the power feeder 8 and the second power source 10 are normal, the power supply to the power feeder 8 can be resumed by the worker's manual operation or the like. In this case, it is not necessary to distinguish between a short circuit and a power supply abnormality and detect them, so the power supply abnormality detection unit 6 and the short circuit detection unit 4 may be provided in common, not independently (see FIG. 4, for example).

[0031] A specific circuit configuration will be described below. The circuit block diagram of FIG. 3 shows a first example (first power supply system 100A) of the power supply system 100. As shown in FIG. 3, the first power supply system 100A includes a first element S1 included in the disconnection detection unit 5 and serving as the core of the disconnection detection unit 5, a second element S2 and a third element S3 included in the short circuit detection unit 4 and serving as the core of the short circuit detection unit 4, a fourth element S4 included in the power supply abnormality detection unit 6 and serving as the core of the power supply abnormality detection unit 6, and a fifth element S5 indirectly included in the disconnection detection unit 5 and assisting the disconnection detection unit 5. In this embodiment, the first element S1, the second element S2, the third element S3, the fourth element S4, and the fifth element S5 are configured by mechanical relays having a coil and a contact. However, they may be configured by solid state relays (SSRs), selectors, switches, etc. When a mechanical relay is used as in this embodiment, there is no need to provide a power source other than the second power source 10 for energizing the heat-sensitive wire 3, and an increase in the circuit size can be suppressed.

[0032] 3, the first element S1, the second element S2, the third element S3, the fourth element S4, and the fifth element S5 are mounted on a thermal control board 30. The thermal control board 30 also has a circuit constituting a second power supply 10, such as a DC / DC converter (direct current converter), and further includes a first terminal pair 11, a second terminal pair 12, a third terminal pair 13, a fourth terminal pair 14, a fifth terminal pair 15, and a sixth terminal pair 16. The thermal control board 30 also has a pair of first connection wirings 21 (positive side first connection wiring 21a, negative side first connection wiring 21b), one second connection wiring 22, one branch line 23, and one power supply monitoring wiring 24 formed thereon.

[0033] The first terminal pair 11 and the second terminal pair 12 are terminal pairs to which a pair of conductive wires 1 constituting the heat-sensitive wire 3 are connected. Each terminal of the first terminal pair 11 is connected to each of the pair of conductive wires 1 and each of the pair of first connection wirings 21. Furthermore, each terminal of the second terminal pair 12 is connected by a second connection wiring 22 on the heat-sensitive control board 30. Specifically, the positive terminal P of the second power source 10 and the positive side first terminal 11a of the first terminal pair 11 are connected to the positive side first connection wiring 21a of the pair of first connection wirings 21, and the negative terminal N of the second power source 10 and the negative side first terminal 11b of the first terminal pair 11 are connected to the negative side first connection wiring 21b of the pair of first connection wirings 21. A first conductor 1a of the heat-sensitive wire 3 is connected to the positive side first terminal 11a of the first terminal pair 11 and the positive side second terminal 12a of the second terminal pair 12, and a second conductor 1b of the heat-sensitive wire 3 is connected to the negative side first terminal 11b of the first terminal pair 11 and the negative side second terminal 12b of the second terminal pair 12.

[0034] That is, the power supply system 100 includes a first terminal pair 11 to which one end of each of a pair of conductors 1 is connected at one end of the heat sensitive wire 3, i.e., a heat sensitive wire first end 3a, a second terminal pair 12 to which the other end of each of the pair of conductors 1 is connected at the other end of the heat sensitive wire 3, i.e., a heat sensitive wire second end 3b, a pair of first connection wirings 21 connecting the first terminal pair 11 and the second power source 10, and a second connection wiring 22 connecting between the second terminal pair 12. The heat-sensitive wire 3 and the second power source 10 are connected in the following order to form a closed circuit: the positive terminal P of the second power source 10, the positive side first connecting wire 21a, the positive side first terminal 11a, the first conducting wire 1a, the positive side second terminal 12a, the second connecting wire 22, the negative side second terminal 12b, the second conducting wire 1b, the negative side first terminal 11b, the negative side first connecting wire 21b, and the negative terminal N.

[0035] The third terminal pair 13 is a terminal pair that supplies power to the second power source 10. The second power source 10 is supplied with power via the third terminal pair 13 from an AC / DC converter (also called an AC / DC converter) (not shown) that generates DC power from a commercial power source of, for example, 100 to 200 [V]. The second power source 10 then steps down the voltage (for example, 24 to 48 [V]) supplied from the AC / DC converter to, for example, 12 to 15 [V] and supplies the voltage to the heat sensor 3. The third terminal pair 13 is a terminal pair that connects the AC / DC converter and the second power source 10.

[0036] The fourth terminal pair 14 is a terminal pair that outputs a short-circuit signal (SHORT) to the control device 7. The control device 7 is configured with a processor such as a microcomputer as its core, and one terminal of the fourth terminal pair 14 is connected to at least one port (input port) of the microcomputer. The other terminal of the fourth terminal pair 14 is connected to a positive voltage (for example, 5 [V] or 3.3 [V]) line in the control device 7, or another port (output port) of the microcomputer that outputs the positive voltage. When the fourth terminal pair 14 is conductive, the positive voltage in the control device 7 is input to the above-mentioned input port, and the microcomputer determines that the short-circuit signal is in the ON state and determines that the heat-sensing wire 3 is normal with respect to the short circuit. That is, when the fourth terminal pair 14 is conductive, the short-circuit signal is in the ON state, indicating that the heat-sensing wire 3 is normal. On the other hand, when the fourth terminal pair 14 is not conductive, the short-circuit signal is in the OFF state, indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the heat-sensing wire 3 (the pair of conductors 1 is short-circuited).

[0037] Incidentally, "when the terminal pair is conductive" means that the two terminals constituting the terminal pair are electrically connected to each other and are conductive. Similarly, "when the terminal pair is not conductive" means that the two terminals constituting the terminal pair are not electrically connected to each other and are not conductive. Hereinafter, the same applies to "when the terminal pair is conductive" and "when the terminal pair is not conductive" for the second terminal pair 12, the fifth terminal pair 15, the sixth terminal pair 16, etc. In addition, the method of generating the disconnection signal and the power supply abnormality signal in cooperation with the control device 7 is the same as that of the short circuit signal, so detailed explanations will be omitted below.

[0038] The fifth terminal pair 15 is a terminal pair that outputs a disconnection signal (OPEN) to the control device 7. When the fifth terminal pair 15 is conductive, the disconnection signal is ON, indicating that the heat-sensing wire 3 is normal. When the fifth terminal pair 15 is not conductive, the disconnection signal is OFF, indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the heat-sensing wire 3 (at least one of the pair of conductive wires 1 is disconnected).

[0039] The sixth terminal pair 16 is a terminal pair that outputs a power supply abnormality signal (READY) to the control device 7. When the sixth terminal pair 16 is conductive, the power supply abnormality signal is in the ON state, indicating that the second power source 10 is in a state (READY state) in which it can supply power to the heat sensor 3 and is operating normally. When the sixth terminal pair 16 is not conductive, the power supply abnormality signal is in the OFF state, indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the second power source 10 and it is unable to supply sufficient power to the heat sensor 3.

[0040] The first element S1, which is the core of the disconnection detection unit 5, monitors the current flowing through the pair of first connection wirings 21. In the first power supply system 100A, the first element S1 is connected to the branch line 23 connected in parallel to the pair of first connection wirings 21. The first element S1 of this embodiment, which is configured as a mechanical relay, is connected to the branch line 23 in a form in which a coil is connected in series to the branch line 23. The contacts of the first element S1 are connected in series between the respective terminals of the fifth terminal pair 15. When the contacts of the first element S1 are closed, the disconnection signal is in the ON state, and when the contacts of the first element S1 are open, the disconnection signal is in the OFF state. In this embodiment, the first element S1 is a mechanical relay having an a-contact (make contact). The first element S1 is an element whose contacts close when a current flows through the pair of first connecting wirings 21 (branch lines 23) and sufficient current flows through the coil to close the contacts, and whose contacts open when a break or the like occurs in the heat sensitive wire 3 and sufficient current does not flow through the pair of first connecting wirings 21 (branch lines 23) to close the contacts.

[0041] In the following description, it may be simply stated that "when a current flows through the coil," but when describing the opening and closing conditions of the contacts, it means "when a sufficient current flows through the coil to close the contacts" unless otherwise specified. Similarly, it may be simply stated that "when no current flows through the coil," but when describing the opening and closing conditions of the contacts, it means "when a sufficient current does not flow through the coil to close the contacts" unless otherwise specified.

[0042] In addition, when at least one of the pair of conductive wires 1 constituting the heat-sensitive wire 3 is broken, the current does not flow through the first connection wiring 21 that forms a closed circuit between the second power source 10 and the heat-sensitive wire 3, but the current may continue to flow through the branch wire 23 connected in parallel to the first connection wiring 21 in the heat-sensitive control board 30. The fifth element S5 is provided to cut off the current flowing through the branch wire 23 when the heat-sensitive wire 3 is broken and the current does not flow through the first connection wiring 21. In this embodiment, the fifth element S5 is a mechanical relay having an a-contact (make contact), and the coil is connected in series to the first connection wiring 21 (here, the positive side first connection wiring 21a), and the contact is connected in series to the branch wire 23. When the current flows through the pair of first connection wirings 21, the contact of the fifth element S5 is closed, so that when the heat-sensitive wire 3 is not broken, the current flows through the branch wire 23 connected in parallel to the first connection wiring 21. On the other hand, the fifth element S5 has its contacts open when no current flows through the pair of first connection wirings 21, and therefore, when a break occurs in the heat sensitive wire 3, the branch line 23 is cut off and no current flows. That is, the fifth element S5 cuts off the current flowing through the branch line 23. When no current flows through the branch line 23, the contacts of the first element S1 open, and therefore the fifth element S5 is an element that assists the break detection unit 5, and can also be said to be included in the break detection unit 5.

[0043] The second element S2, which is the core of the short circuit detection unit 4, is an element that monitors the current flowing through the pair of first connection wirings 21, and the third element S3 is an element that monitors the current flowing through the second connection wiring 22. Like the first element S1, the second element S2 is also connected to the branch line 23 that is connected in parallel to the pair of first connection wirings 21. The third element S3 is connected to the second connection wiring 22. The third element S3, which is configured as a mechanical relay having an a-contact (make contact), has a coil connected in series to the second connection wiring 22, and a contact connected in series between each terminal of the fourth terminal pair 14. Ignoring the behavior of the second element S2 described later, when the contact of the third element S3 is closed, the short circuit signal is in the ON state, and when the contact of the third element S3 is open, the short circuit signal is in the OFF state.

[0044] When a short circuit occurs in the heat-sensitive wire 3, the pair of conductors 1 constituting the heat-sensitive wire 3 are electrically connected at the shorted location, so that no current flows through the conductor 1 on the side farther from the second power source 10 than the shorted location (i.e., the side of the second end 3b of the heat-sensitive wire) and the second connection wiring 22 that electrically connects the pair of conductors 1 on the side of the second end 3b of the heat-sensitive wire. As a result, no current flows through the coil of the third element S3, the contacts open, and the short-circuit signal becomes OFF. However, even if a break occurs in the heat-sensitive wire 3, no current flows through the second connection wiring 22, so it is not preferable to switch the short-circuit signal ON and OFF only by the third element S3. The second element S2 is arranged on the first connection wiring 21 (here, the branch line 23) so that the short-circuit signal can be output in a state in which a short circuit and a break can be distinguished.

[0045] In this embodiment, the second element S2 is a mechanical relay having a b-contact (break contact), and the contact opens when a current flows through the coil, and closes when no current flows through the coil. The coil of the second element S2 is connected in series to the branch line 23, and the contact of the second element S2 is connected in series between each terminal of the fourth terminal pair 14. As described above, the contact of the third element S3 is also connected in series between each terminal of the fourth terminal pair 14. That is, two paths are formed in parallel between the two terminals of the fourth terminal pair 14: a path via the contact of the second element S2 and a path via the contact of the third element S3. When at least one of these two paths forms a closed circuit, the short-circuit signal is in the ON state, and when neither of these two paths forms a closed circuit, the short-circuit signal is in the OFF state. That is, the second element S2 and the third element S3 are wired-OR connected to the fourth terminal pair 14.

[0046] When the heat-sensitive wire 3 is short-circuited, a current flows on the second power source 10 side of the short-circuited part. That is, a current flows in the first connection wiring 21 and the branch line 23 connected in parallel to the first connection wiring 21. Therefore, when a short circuit occurs, the contact of the second element S2, which is a b-contact, is open. Here, when the contact of the third element S3 is opened, both of the two paths connecting the respective terminals of the fourth terminal pair 14 are in an open state, so that the short-circuit signal is in an OFF state. On the other hand, when the heat-sensitive wire 3 is broken, as described above, no current flows in either the first connection wiring 21 or the branch line 23. Therefore, the contact of the second element S2, which is a b-contact, is closed. At this time, no current flows in the second connection wiring 22 either, so that the contact of the third element S3 is opened, but since the fourth terminal pair 14 is connected via the contact of the third element S3, the short-circuit signal can be maintained in an ON state. Therefore, the short circuit signal is output in a state in which a short circuit and a disconnection can be distinguished, and the control device 7 can distinguish between a short circuit and a disconnection.

[0047] The fourth element S4, which is the core of the power supply abnormality detection unit 6, is an element that monitors the current flowing through the power supply monitoring wire 24 that connects the positive terminal P and the negative terminal N of the second power supply 10. The power supply monitoring wire 24 is connected to the second power supply 10 on the thermal control board 30 in parallel with the heat-sensitive wire 3. Therefore, the power supply monitoring wire 24 is a wire through which a current flows if a voltage is output from the second power supply 10, regardless of the state (short circuit or disconnection) of the heat-sensitive wire 3. In this embodiment, the fourth element S4 is composed of a mechanical relay having an a-contact (make contact), and the coil is connected in series to the power supply monitoring wire 24. The contacts of the fourth element S4 are connected in series between the respective terminals of the sixth terminal pair 16. When the contacts of the fourth element S4 are closed, the power supply abnormality signal is in the ON state, and when the contacts of the fourth element S4 are open, the power supply abnormality signal is in the OFF state.

[0048] When the voltage output from the second power source 10 exceeds the determination voltage, a sufficient current flows in the power supply monitoring wiring 24 to close the contacts. On the other hand, when the voltage output from the second power source 10 is equal to or lower than the determination voltage, a sufficient current does not flow in the power supply monitoring wiring 24 to close the contacts, and the contacts open. In other words, when the voltage output from the second power source 10 falls to or lower than the determination voltage, the contacts of the fourth element S4 open and the power supply abnormality signal turns to the OFF state.

[0049] Table 1 shown below shows the open / closed states (represented as open: OFF and closed: ON) of the contacts of the first element S1, the second element S2, the third element S3, the fourth element S4, and the fifth element S5 when the heat sensitive wire 3 is normal, when the heat sensitive wire 3 is short-circuited, when the heat sensitive wire 3 is broken, and when there is an abnormality in the second power supply 10 (when the output voltage is below the determination voltage), as well as the states of the short circuit signal (SHORT), the break signal (OPEN), and the power supply abnormality signal (READY).

[0050] [Table 1]

[0051] As shown in Table 1, when the pair of conductors 1 are shorted, only the short circuit signal is turned OFF. Therefore, the control device 7 can clearly distinguish between a case where at least one of the pair of conductors 1 is broken or an abnormality occurs in the second power source 10, and can determine that the pair of conductors 1 are shorted, and can execute abnormality control (control at time of short circuit abnormality) according to the abnormality. Furthermore, when at least one of the pair of conductors 1 is broken, only the break signal is turned OFF. Therefore, the control device 7 can clearly distinguish between a case where the pair of conductors 1 are shorted or an abnormality occurs in the second power source 10, and can determine that at least one of the pair of conductors 1 is broken, and can execute abnormality control (control at time of break abnormality) according to the abnormality. When an abnormality occurs in the second power source 10, the power supply abnormality signal and the break signal are turned OFF. In this case, it is clear that at least the pair of conductors 1 are not shorted. Furthermore, when at least one of the pair of conductors 1 is broken, only the break signal is turned OFF. Therefore, in this case, the control device 7 can clearly distinguish between a case where the pair of conductors 1 are short-circuited or where at least one of the pair of conductors 1 is broken and determine that an abnormality has occurred in the second power source 10, and can execute abnormality control (power supply abnormality control) in response to the abnormality.

[0052] The circuit block diagram of Fig. 4 shows a second example (second power supply system 100B) of the power supply system 100. Items common to the first power supply system 100A are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted below as appropriate. Below, differences between the first power supply system 100A and the second power supply system 100B will be mainly described.

[0053] The first power supply system 100A and the second power supply system 100B described above with reference to Fig. 3 are different in that the first power supply system 100A includes the sixth terminal pair 16, whereas the second power supply system 100B does not include the sixth terminal pair 16. Therefore, while the first power supply system 100A is configured to be able to output three abnormality signals, a short circuit signal, a disconnection signal, and a power supply abnormality signal, the second power supply system 100B does not output a power supply abnormality signal (READY) to the control device 7. However, the second power supply system 100B also includes a fourth element S4, and generates a signal equivalent to the power supply abnormality signal. However, the second power supply system 100B is configured such that the short circuit signal (SHORT) is turned OFF when a condition for the power supply abnormality signal to be turned OFF is satisfied.

[0054] Table 2 shown below shows the open / closed states (represented as open: OFF and closed: ON) of the contacts of the first element S1, the second element S2, the third element S3, the fourth element S4, and the fifth element S5, as well as the states of the short circuit signal (SHORT) and the open circuit signal (OPEN) when the heat sensitive wire 3 is normal, when the heat sensitive wire 3 is short-circuited, when the heat sensitive wire 3 is broken, and when there is an abnormality in the second power supply 10 (when the output voltage is below the determination voltage) in the second power supply system 100B.

[0055] [Table 2]

[0056] As described above, when the short circuit detection unit 4 detects that the pair of conductors 1 are short-circuited, the control device 7 performs abnormality control (short circuit abnormality control) by immediately stopping the power supply from the first power source 80 to the power feed line 8, outputting power supply abnormality information indicating an abnormality in the power feed line 8 through the user interface unit 9, and continuing to stop the power supply to the power feed line 8 until an input is made in the user interface unit 9 to the effect that the power feed line 8 is normal. Furthermore, when the power supply abnormality detection unit 6 detects that the voltage of the second power source 10 has become equal to or lower than the determination voltage, the control device 7 immediately stops the power supply from the first power source 80 to the power feed line 8, outputting second power supply abnormality information indicating an abnormality in the second power source 10 through the user interface unit 9, and continuing to stop the power supply to the power feed line 8 until an input is made in the user interface unit 9 to the effect that the second power source 10 is normal.

[0057] That is, when a short circuit occurs in the heat-sensitive wire 3 and when an abnormality occurs in the second power source 10, the abnormality control executed differs in whether the abnormality information output from the user interface unit 9 is "power supply abnormality information" or "second power supply abnormality information" and whether the condition for releasing the continuation of the power supply to the power supply line 8 is "confirmation that the power supply line 8 is normal" or "confirmation that the second power source 10 is normal", but it is common that the power supply to the power supply line 8 by the first power source 80 is stopped. The abnormality information output from the user interface unit 9 is a state in which power cannot be supplied to the power supply line 8, so it can be said to be "power supply abnormality information" in a broad sense. In addition, the confirmation is a confirmation that the power supply line 8 is normal and that the second power source 10 is normal, so it can be, for example, "confirmation that power supply can be performed normally". In other words, even if the short circuit signal and the power supply abnormality signal are common in the second power supply system 100B, the abnormality control similar to that of the first power supply system 100A can be executed.

[0058] For example, in an existing power supply system 100, when the control device 7 is configured to receive only a short circuit signal and a disconnection signal (for example, when there is a limit to the number of ports available in the processor or the connectors of the control device 7), the use of the second power supply system 100B makes it possible to replace the existing heat-sensitive control board 30 with the heat-sensitive control board 30 of the second power supply system 100B. In other words, it is possible to build a power supply system 100 that can detect an abnormality in the second power source 10 without making a major change to the power supply system 100.

[0059] The circuit block diagram of Fig. 5 shows a third example (third power supply system 100C) of the power supply system 100. The same reference numerals are used for items common to the first power supply system 100A, and descriptions thereof will be omitted below as appropriate. The following mainly describes the differences between the first power supply system 100A and the third power supply system 100C.

[0060] As described above with reference to FIG. 3, the first power supply system 100A includes the branch line 23 connected in parallel to the pair of first connection wirings 21, and the first element S1 and the second element S2 are connected in series to the branch line 23. Also, the first power supply system 100A includes a configuration in which a coil of the fifth element S5, whose contact point is connected in series to the branch line 23, is connected in series to one of the pair of first connection wirings 21 (the positive-side first connection wiring 21a in this embodiment). On the other hand, the third power supply system 100C does not include such a branch line 23, and the first element S1 and the second element S2 are included in one of the pair of first connection wirings 21 (the positive-side first connection wiring 21a in this embodiment). Also, the third power supply system 100C does not include the fifth element S5 because it does not include the branch line 23.

[0061] The branch line 23 in the first power supply system 100A (similarly in the second power supply system 100B) is provided to suppress an increase in load (increase in impedance) caused by connecting many elements (mechanical relays in this case) in series to a closed circuit formed by the second power source 10 and the heat-sensitive wire 3. The increase in load is accompanied by a voltage drop in the heat-sensitive wire 3, which may easily lead to erroneous detection in disconnection detection and the like. However, when the extension distance of the power supply line 8 is relatively short and the extension distance of the heat-sensitive wire 3 arranged along the power supply line 8 is also relatively short, the impedance of the heat-sensitive wire 3 is also low, and therefore an increase in impedance may be acceptable even if multiple mechanical relays are connected in series to the heat-sensitive wire 3. The third power supply system 100C is a suitable configuration for such a case.

[0062] Table 3 shown below shows the first element S1, the second element S2, the third element S3, and the fourth element S4 in the third power supply system 100C when the heat-sensing wire 3 is normal, when the heat-sensing wire 3 is short-circuited, when the heat-sensing wire 3 is broken, and when there is an abnormality in the second power source 10 (when the output voltage is equal to or lower than the determination voltage). of 4 It shows the open / closed state of the contacts (open: OFF, closed: ON) as well as the states of the short circuit signal (SHORT), open circuit signal (OPEN), and power supply abnormality signal (READY).

[0063] [Table 3]

[0064] As is clear from a comparison between Tables 1 and 3, even when the fifth element S5 is not provided, the control device 7 can clearly distinguish between a short circuit signal, a disconnection signal, and a power supply abnormality signal, as in the first power supply system 100A, and can execute abnormality control according to each of the abnormalities of a short circuit, a disconnection, and a power supply abnormality. Although not shown in the figures, it is self-evident that the power supply system 100 can also be constructed in the second power supply system 100B without providing the branch line 23 and the fifth element S5.

[0065] The first power supply system 100A, the second power supply system 100B, and the third power supply system 100C have been described above, but the power supply system 100 may be configured to include a simplified heat-sensitive control board 30 that does not detect the second power source 10 using the power supply abnormality signal (READY). Fig. 6 shows a fourth power supply system 100D that includes such a simplified heat-sensitive control board 30. Items common to the first power supply system 100A, the second power supply system 100B, and the third power supply system 100C are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted below as appropriate.

[0066] The fourth power supply system 100D includes a first element S1 included in the short circuit detection unit 4 and serving as the core of the short circuit detection unit 4, and a third element S3 included in the open circuit detection unit 5 and serving as the core of the open circuit detection unit 5. Here, the first element S1 and the third element S3 are mechanical relays having an a-contact (make contact). In the first power supply system 100A, the second power supply system 100B, and the third power supply system 100C, the first element S1 is included in the open circuit detection unit 5 and the third element S3 is included in the short circuit detection unit 4, but in the fourth power supply system 100D, the first element S1 is included in the short circuit detection unit 4 and the third element S3 is included in the open circuit detection unit 5.

[0067] Table 4 shown below shows the open / closed state (represented as open: OFF and closed: ON) of the contacts of the first element S1 and the third element S3, as well as the state of the short circuit signal (SHORT) and the open circuit signal (OPEN) when the heat sensitive wire 3 is normal, when the heat sensitive wire 3 is short-circuited, and when the heat sensitive wire 3 is broken in the fourth power supply system 100D.

[0068] [Table 4]

[0069] As shown in Table 4, when the pair of conductors 1 are shorted, only the disconnection signal is turned OFF. Therefore, the control device 7 can clearly distinguish between a case where at least one of the pair of conductors 1 is disconnected and determine that the pair of conductors 1 is shorted, and can execute abnormality control (short circuit abnormality control) according to the abnormality. Furthermore, when a disconnection occurs in at least one of the pair of conductors 1, the disconnection signal and short circuit signal are turned OFF. Therefore, the control device 7 can clearly distinguish between a case where the pair of conductors 1 are shorted and determine that at least one of the pair of conductors 1 is disconnected, and can execute abnormality control (disconnection abnormality control) according to the abnormality.

[0070] [Overview of the embodiment] The power supply system described above will now be briefly outlined.

[0071] In one preferred aspect, a power supply system includes a power supply line arranged along a movement path of a moving body to supply power to the moving body, a first power source that supplies power to the power supply line, and a heat-sensitive wire arranged along the power supply line, the heat-sensitive wire comprising a pair of conductors covered with an insulator that softens at a preset temperature, the pair of conductors being configured to come into contact with each other and short-circuit when the insulator softens, a second power source that supplies power to the pair of conductors, a short-circuit detection unit that detects when the pair of conductors are short-circuited, a wire-break detection unit that detects when the pair of conductors are broken, and a control device, and the control device executes different abnormality controls regarding the supply of power to the power supply line depending on whether the short-circuit detection unit detects when the pair of conductors are short-circuited or when the wire-break detection unit detects when the pair of conductors are broken.

[0072] According to this configuration, it is possible to distinguish between a short circuit of a pair of conductors caused by abnormal heat generation in the power supply line and a break in the pair of conductors. Then, based on the detection result, different abnormality control can be executed depending on whether it is a short circuit or a break. Therefore, according to this configuration, it is possible to distinguish between a short circuit and a break in the heat-sensitive wire arranged along the power supply line and detect the short circuit and a break in the heat-sensitive wire arranged along the power supply line, and execute a fail-safe control according to the detection result.

[0073] Preferably, the power supply system further includes a user interface unit that receives information input from a user and outputs information to the user, and when the short-circuit detection unit detects that the pair of conductors are short-circuited, the control device performs the abnormality control by immediately stopping the power supply to the power supply line from the first power source and outputting power supply abnormality information indicating an abnormality in the power supply line via the user interface unit, and continuing the suspension of power supply to the power supply line until an input is made in the user interface unit to confirm that the power supply line is normal, and when the break detection unit detects that the pair of conductors is broken, the control device performs the abnormality control by continuing the power supply to the power supply line from the first power source and outputting confirmation request information via the user interface unit for confirming a state of the heat sensitive wire.

[0074] According to this configuration, when abnormal heat generation in the power supply line is detected by a short circuit of the pair of conductors, the power supply to the power supply line is immediately stopped, and the power supply to the power supply line is continued to be stopped until the normality of the power supply line is confirmed. Therefore, the power supply line is prevented from continuing to generate heat, and safety can be ensured. On the other hand, when a break in the pair of conductors is detected, there is often no abnormality in the power supply line. Therefore, the operation of the mobile body can be continued by continuing the power supply to the power supply line. Then, confirmation request information requesting confirmation of the state of the heat-sensing wire is output, so that the user can confirm the state of the heat-sensing wire or replace it, and the heat-sensing wire can be restored to a normal state. Therefore, a situation in which the temperature of the power supply line cannot be monitored is prevented from continuing for a long period of time.

[0075] Here, it is preferable that the continuation of the power supply to the power feed line by the first power source includes temporarily suspending the power supply to the power feed line by the first power source, and then resuming the power supply to the power feed line by the first power source in response to an input being made in the user interface unit to permit the continuation of the power supply to the power feed line.

[0076] According to this configuration, after the power supply to the power feeder is temporarily stopped, the power supply to the power feeder is resumed subject to confirmation by the user, so that safety can be further improved. After the power supply to the power feeder is resumed, the moving object can continue to move, and the user can check the condition of the pair of conductors or replace them, and the heat-sensing wire can be quickly restored to a normal state.

[0077] In addition, it is preferable that the power supply system further includes a power supply abnormality detection unit that detects when the voltage of the second power source falls below a predetermined judgment voltage, and when the power supply abnormality detection unit detects that the voltage of the second power source falls below the judgment voltage, the control device executes abnormality control with respect to the supply of power to the power supply line that is different from the control when the short circuit detection unit detects that the pair of conductors have been short-circuited and the control when the open circuit detection unit detects that the pair of conductors have been open.

[0078] According to this configuration, it is possible to detect a voltage drop of the second power source, a short circuit of a pair of conductors, and a break of a pair of conductors separately, and therefore it is possible to execute an abnormality control according to whether the voltage drop of the second power source, the short circuit of a pair of conductors, or the break of a pair of conductors has occurred.

[0079] In addition, it is preferable that the power supply system further includes a user interface unit that receives information input from a user and outputs information to the user, and when the power supply abnormality detection unit detects that the voltage of the second power supply has fallen below the determination voltage, the control device immediately stops the power supply to the power supply line from the first power supply and outputs second power supply abnormality information indicating an abnormality in the second power supply via the user interface unit, and continues to stop the power supply to the power supply line until an input is made in the user interface unit to the effect that it has been confirmed that the second power supply is normal.

[0080] When the voltage of the second power source drops, it becomes impossible to detect abnormal heat generation in the power feed line by the pair of conductors. According to this configuration, when a drop in the voltage of the second power source is detected, the power supply to the power feed line is immediately stopped and the power supply to the power feed line is continued to be stopped until the normality of the second power source is confirmed, thereby ensuring safety.

[0081] Furthermore, it is preferable that the power supply system comprises a first terminal pair to which one end of each of the pair of conductors is connected, and a pair of first connection wirings connecting the first terminal pair and the second power source, and the open circuit detection unit comprises a first element for monitoring a current flowing through the pair of first connection wirings, and the first element is connected to a branch line connected in parallel to the pair of first connection wirings.

[0082] According to this configuration, by monitoring the current supplied from the second power source to the pair of conductors via the pair of first connection wirings, it is possible to appropriately detect when the pair of conductors is disconnected and no current flows. In addition, since the first element is connected to a branch line connected in parallel to the first connection wirings, it is possible to prevent the output impedance of the pair of conductors as viewed from the second power source from being affected by the first element.

[0083] Furthermore, it is preferable that the power supply system comprises a first terminal pair to which one ends of each of the pair of conductors are connected, a second terminal pair to which the other ends of each of the pair of conductors are connected, a pair of first connection wires connecting the first terminal pair and the second power source, and a second connection wire connecting between the second terminal pair, and the short-circuit detection unit comprises a second element for monitoring a current flowing through the pair of first connection wires and a third element for monitoring a current flowing through the second connection wire, and the second element is connected to a branch line connected in parallel to the pair of first connection wires.

[0084] According to this configuration, the current supplied from the second power source to the pair of conductors is monitored by the second element, and the current at the end of the pair of conductors opposite to the end connected to the second power source is monitored by the third element, so that it is possible to appropriately detect that the pair of conductors is short-circuited rather than disconnected. In addition, since the second element is connected to a branch line connected in parallel to the first connection wiring, it is possible to prevent the output impedance of the pair of conductors as viewed from the second power source from being affected by the second element. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 1: Conductor 2: Insulator 3: Heat sensitive wire 4: Short circuit detection section 5: Disconnection detection section 6: Power supply abnormality detection section 7: Control device 8:Feed line 9: User interface section 10:Second power supply 11: First terminal pair 12: Second terminal pair 21: First connection wiring 22: Second connection wiring 23: Branch line 50: Mobile 51: Travel route 80: 1st power supply 100: Power supply system 100A: First power supply system (power supply system) 100B: Second power supply system (power supply system) 100C: Third power supply system (power supply system) S1: First element S2: Second element S3: Third element

Claims

1. A power supply system including: a power supply line arranged along a moving path of a moving object to supply power to the moving object; a first power source that supplies power to the power supply line; and a heat-sensitive wire arranged along the power supply line, The heat-sensitive wire comprises a pair of conductive wires covered with an insulator that softens at a preset temperature; The pair of conductors are configured to come into contact with each other and short-circuit when the insulation softens; a second power source that supplies power to the pair of conductors; a short circuit detection unit for detecting a short circuit between the pair of conductors; a disconnection detection unit for detecting a disconnection of the pair of conductive wires; A control device, a first terminal pair to which one end of each of the pair of conductors is connected; a second terminal pair to which the other ends of the pair of conductors are connected; a pair of first connection wirings connecting the first terminal pair and the second power supply; a second connection wiring that connects the second terminal pair; the disconnection detection unit includes a first element of a make contact for monitoring a current flowing through the pair of first connection wirings, the first element is connected to one of the pair of first connection wirings, the short circuit detection unit includes a second element of a break contact for monitoring a current flowing through the pair of first connection wirings, and a third element of a make contact for monitoring a current flowing through the second connection wirings; the second element is connected in series with the first element to one of the pair of first connection wirings, the third element is connected to the second connection wiring, the first element is in an ON state when the pair of conductors is normal or short-circuited, and is in an OFF state when the pair of conductors is broken; the second element is in an OFF state when the pair of conductors is normal or short-circuited, and is in an ON state when the pair of conductors is broken; the third element is in an ON state when the pair of conducting wires is normal, and in an OFF state when the pair of conducting wires is short-circuited or broken; The control device includes: determining that the device is normal when the first element is in an ON state, the second element is in an OFF state, and the third element is in an ON state; determining that a short circuit has been detected between the pair of conducting wires when the first element is in an ON state, the second element is in an OFF state, and the third element is in an OFF state; determining that a break in the pair of conducting wires has been detected when the first element is in an off state, the second element is in an on state, and the third element is in an off state; The control device of the power supply system executes different abnormality controls regarding the power supply to the power supply line, namely, short circuit abnormality control when it is detected that the pair of conductors are short-circuited, and open circuit abnormality control when it is detected that the pair of conductors are open.

2. a user interface unit that receives information input from a user and outputs the information to the user; The control device includes:

2. The power supply system according to claim 1, wherein, when the short circuit detection unit detects that the pair of conductors are short-circuited, the short circuit abnormality control includes immediately stopping power supply to the power supply line from the first power source and outputting power supply abnormality information indicating an abnormality in the power supply line by the user interface unit, and continuing to stop the power supply to the power supply line until an input is made in the user interface unit to confirm that the power supply line is normal.

3. A user interface unit that receives information input from a user and outputs information to the user, When the disconnection detection unit detects that the pair of conductors are disconnected, the control device performs the disconnection abnormality control, The power supply from the first power source to the power supply line is continued, and confirmation request information for requesting confirmation of the state of the heat-sensing wire is output by the user interface unit, or 2. The power supply system according to claim 1, wherein after the power supply from the first power source to the power supply line is temporarily stopped, the power supply from the first power source to the power supply line is resumed in response to an input to the user interface unit permitting continuation of the power supply to the power supply line.

4. A power supply system including: a power supply line arranged along a moving path of a moving object to supply power to the moving object; a first power source that supplies power to the power supply line; and a heat-sensitive wire arranged along the power supply line, The heat-sensitive wire comprises a pair of conductive wires covered with an insulator that softens at a preset temperature; The pair of conductors are configured to come into contact with each other and short-circuit when the insulation softens; a second power source that supplies power to the pair of conductors; a short circuit detection unit for detecting a short circuit between the pair of conductors; a disconnection detection unit for detecting a disconnection of the pair of conductive wires; A control device, a first terminal pair to which one end of each of the pair of conductors is connected; a second terminal pair to which the other ends of the pair of conductors are connected; a pair of first connection wirings connecting the first terminal pair and the second power supply; a second connection wiring that connects the second terminal pair; the disconnection detection unit includes a first element of a make contact for monitoring a current flowing through the pair of first connection wirings, the first element is connected to one of the pair of first connection wirings, the short circuit detection unit includes a second element of a make contact for monitoring a current flowing through the second connection wiring; the second element is connected to the second connection wiring, the first element is in an ON state when the pair of conductors is normal or short-circuited, and is in an OFF state when the pair of conductors is broken; the second element is in an ON state when the pair of conducting wires is normal, and in an OFF state when the pair of conducting wires is short-circuited or broken; The control device includes: determining that the device is normal when the first element and the second element are in an on-state; determining that a short circuit has been detected between the pair of conducting wires when the first element is in an ON state and the second element is in an OFF state; determining that a break in the pair of conducting wires has been detected when the first element and the second element are in an off state; The control device of the power supply system executes different abnormality controls regarding the power supply to the power supply line, namely, short circuit abnormality control when it is detected that the pair of conductors are short-circuited, and open circuit abnormality control when it is detected that the pair of conductors are open.

5. a user interface unit that receives information input from a user and outputs the information to the user; The control device includes:

5. The power supply system according to claim 4, wherein, when the short circuit detection unit detects that the pair of conductors are short-circuited, the short circuit abnormality control includes immediately stopping power supply to the power supply line from the first power source and outputting power supply abnormality information indicating an abnormality in the power supply line by the user interface unit, and continuing to stop the power supply to the power supply line until an input is made in the user interface unit to confirm that the power supply line is normal.

6. A user interface unit that accepts input of information from a user and outputs information to the user, When the disconnection detection unit detects that the pair of conductors are disconnected, the control device performs the disconnection abnormality control, The power supply from the first power source to the power supply line is continued, and confirmation request information for requesting confirmation of the state of the heat-sensing wire is output by the user interface unit; or 5. The power supply system according to claim 4, wherein after the power supply from the first power source to the power supply line is temporarily stopped, the power supply from the first power source to the power supply line is resumed in response to an input to the user interface unit permitting continuation of the power supply to the power supply line.

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