Vehicle power supply device

Abstract

To provide a power supply for vehicles capable of supplying the electric power to electrical and electronic equipment required with high output and high efficiency.SOLUTION: The power supply for vehicles includes: electrical and electronic devices provided on a vehicle; a control unit that controls the electrical and electronic devices; a main power supply unit that supplies the power to the control unit and the electrical and electronic devices; a backup power supply unit that supplies the power in place of the main power supply unit when a device fails; an auxiliary power supply unit that supplies the power to the backup power supply; a capacitor provided to the backup power supply; a secondary battery provided to the auxiliary power supply unit; and a diagnostic unit that detects the voltage value of the backup power supply. When the diagnostic unit determines that the voltage value of the backup power supply is below a predetermined threshold, the control unit performs to charge the backup power supply from the auxiliary power supply unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle power supply device.

Background Art

[0002] It is known to adopt an electric door latch device for the doors of vehicles such as automobiles. Conventionally, in an electric door latch device, power is supplied from a main power source installed on the vehicle side to the door latch device provided on the door via a wiring for power supply.

[0003] On the other hand, in case the power from the main power source to the door latch device is cut off due to an accident of the vehicle or the like, a door latch device provided with an emergency backup power source using a supercapacitor has been developed. For example, a power supply device for a door latch described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-503135 is described.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In a conventional door latch device using an emergency backup power source using a supercapacitor, since the backup power sources arranged for each door are only used by the door latches of each door, only limited power capabilities could be obtained. Further, since the supercapacitor becomes unusable within about several hours due to discharge, it lacks reliability.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A vehicle power supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes electric and electronic equipment provided in a vehicle, a control unit that controls the electric and electronic equipment, a main power supply unit that supplies power to the control unit and the electric and electronic equipment, a standby power supply unit that supplies power in place of the main power supply unit in the event of a vehicle malfunction, an auxiliary power supply unit that supplies power to the standby power supply unit, a capacitor unit composed of a capacitor provided in the standby power supply unit, a secondary battery provided in the auxiliary power supply unit, and a diagnostic unit that detects the voltage value of the standby power supply unit.

[0007] The control unit is configured to Standby power supply unit When it is determined that the voltage value of the auxiliary power supply unit is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold value, charging control is performed from the auxiliary power supply unit to the standby power supply unit. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the vehicle power supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to supply electric power to electrical and electronic devices that require it with high output and high efficiency. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that duplicated explanations of elements common to the various drawings may be omitted.

[0011] Fig. 1 is a diagram for explaining a vehicle power supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle power supply device shown in Fig. 1 is installed in a vehicle 100 such as an automobile, for example.

[0012] Vehicle 100 has an electric and electronic device 111 and a control unit 112. The electric and electronic device 111 comprehensively includes various electric devices and electronic devices provided in the vehicle, such as an actuator unit that constitutes a latch device of a vehicle door, a communication device that communicates with a user-owned portable device used for keyless entry, or a handle sensor such as a capacitance sensor that detects a user operation. The control unit 112 is configured to include an arithmetic device such as a microprocessor and controls the operation of the electric and electronic device.

[0013] For example, when the electric and electronic device 111 is an actuator unit that constitutes a vehicle door latch device, it receives an unlocking signal from a handle operation unit (not shown) provided on the vehicle door and performs control to drive a motor provided in the actuator unit. Although not particularly limited, the actuator unit has a ratchet that can be selectively rotated with respect to a striker fixed to a door post, a pole that blocks the rotation of such a ratchet, and a door latch motor that rotationally drives the pole. It is configured to include a ratchet that can be selectively rotated with respect to a striker fixed to a door post and a door latch motor that rotationally drives such a ratchet.

[0014] Power is supplied to the electric and electronic device 111 and the control unit 112 from the main power supply unit 101 of the vehicle via a power line 102, respectively. Although not particularly limited, the power supply from the main power supply unit 101 to the electric and electronic device 111 can also be configured to be performed via the control unit 112, such as by providing a power supply circuit necessary for the control unit 112. Such a main power supply 101 can use, for example, a storage battery such as a lead storage battery that is widely used as an automotive battery.

[0015] As described above, although the main power supply 101 is expected to constantly supply power to the control unit 112 and / or the electric and electronic device 111, in an emergency such as a vehicle accident, the power supply from the main power supply 101 may be interrupted, or the power supply may be cut off due to a disconnection of the power line 102.

[0016] The backup power supply unit 113 supplies power to the control unit 112 and / or the electrical and electronic equipment 111 in the event of a vehicle failure state (also referred to as a power failure state) where the main power supply has been interrupted. The backup power supply unit 113 is a capacitor unit composed of capacitance elements (capacitors), and is configured using, for example, a supercapacitor (sometimes also called an ultracapacitor). A supercapacitor includes an electric double layer capacitor, a pseudo capacitor, or a capacitor combining these.

[0017] Generally, a supercapacitor has a high energy density, high output current characteristics, and a relatively small size, making it suitable as a backup power supply unit. However, due to its nature, it becomes unusable within about several hours due to self-discharge.

[0018] Therefore, in the vehicle power supply device according to the present embodiment, in addition to the backup power supply unit 113, an auxiliary power supply unit 114 and a diagnostic unit 117 are provided. The auxiliary power supply unit 114 is composed of a secondary battery, and is composed of, for example, a nickel-metal hydride secondary battery.

[0019] The diagnostic unit 117 detects the voltage value of the backup power supply unit 113, and when it determines that such voltage value has become equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold value, controls the backup power supply unit 113 and the auxiliary power supply unit 114 to charge the backup power supply unit 113 from the auxiliary power supply unit 114.

[0020] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 1 again, the configuration and operation of the vehicle power supply device in the present embodiment will be described.

[0021] During normal operation when power supply is being normally performed from the main power supply unit 101, the main power supply unit 101 supplies power to the control unit 112 and / or the electrical and electronic equipment 111 via the power line 102.

[0022] In addition, the main power supply unit 101 also supplies power to the charge control unit 115 via the power line 102. During normal operation, the charge control unit 115 measures the voltage value of the backup power supply unit 113, and when the voltage value falls below a certain threshold, it performs charge control so as to charge the backup power supply unit 113 from the main power supply unit 101. Further, the charge control unit 115 measures the voltage value of the auxiliary power supply unit 114, and when the voltage value falls below a certain threshold, it controls to charge the auxiliary power supply unit 114 from the main power supply unit 101. In this way, during normal operation, the backup power supply unit 113 and the auxiliary power supply unit 114 are always controlled to have appropriate power values, and it becomes possible to store necessary power.

[0023] Note that the determination of each voltage value by the charge control unit 115 can be performed constantly, but it can also be periodically monitored at regular intervals.

[0024] In addition, the charge control unit 115 is connected to the control unit 112, and it is also assumed that it can receive control from the control 112 as appropriate. For example, in the vehicle failure state (power supply failure state) described later, it is conceivable to stop the charge control according to an instruction from the control unit 112.

[0025] Also, in FIG. 1, the control unit 112 and the charge control unit 115 are described by separate blocks, but it is not limited to this, and it is also possible to configure the control unit 112 to be able to implement the function of the charge control unit.

[0026] The control unit 112 constantly or periodically detects the voltage of the power line 102, and can detect that the power supply from the main power supply unit 101 has stopped (vehicle failure state or power supply failure state). Note that the control unit can be configured to detect a state where the voltage of the main power supply has decreased to a certain extent as a vehicle failure state, not limited to the case where the power from the main power supply has completely stopped.

[0027] When the vehicle is in a failure state, for example, when it is necessary to operate the electric and electronic device 111 such that the handle operation part of the vehicle door is operated and unlocking of the door latch device is requested, the control part 112 and / or the electric and electronic device 111 are supplied with power from the backup power supply part 113 and operate. The handle operation part has a sensor part (not shown) that is powered from the backup power supply part in a vehicle accident state. When the sensor part detects the operation, it sends an operation detection signal indicating that the operation has been detected to the control part. The operation part performs unlocking control in response to such an operation detection signal.

[0028] In the embodiment of FIG. 1, a boosting circuit 116 for boosting the voltage of the backup power supply part 113 is further shown. When the voltage of the capacitor constituting the backup power supply part 113 is not sufficient, such a boosting circuit 116 can be provided to boost the voltage value for use. Although not particularly limited, the maximum operating voltage of such a supercapacitor is about 2.5V, and by connecting two in series, a voltage of 5.0V can be generated as a whole. The boosting circuit 116 boosts such a voltage to about 12V to drive the electric and electronic device 111. Alternatively, although not particularly limited, it is also possible to generate a voltage of 12.5V as a whole by connecting five such capacitors in series. In this case, a sufficient voltage for driving the electric and electronic device 111 can be ensured without using a boosting circuit, but a boosting circuit 116 can also be provided in consideration of cases where the voltage drops due to discharge.

[0029] The auxiliary power supply part 114 is constituted by, for example, a nickel-metal hydride secondary battery. The nominal voltage of the nickel-metal hydride secondary battery is about 1.2V, but by connecting a plurality of them in series, a sufficient voltage for charging the backup power supply part 113 can be obtained. For example, when the maximum operating voltage of the backup power supply part is 5.0V as a whole, the auxiliary power supply part 114 can be constituted by connecting five nickel-metal hydride secondary batteries in series. Also, the current capacity of the nickel-metal hydride secondary battery can be obtained in different values depending on the battery structure, but by connecting a plurality of them in parallel as needed, a desired current capacity can be obtained and configured so that the supercapacitor can be charged the required number of times.

[0030] In the vehicle failure state, the diagnosis unit 117 always or periodically detects the voltage value of the standby power supply unit 113 according to the instruction of the control unit 112 or according to the internal logic of the diagnosis unit 117. As a result of such detection, when it is determined that the voltage value of the standby power supply unit 113 has become equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold value, the diagnosis unit 117 charges the standby power supply unit 113 by connecting the auxiliary power supply unit 114 to the standby power supply unit 113.

[0031] Note that it is assumed that the power of the diagnosis unit 117 is supplied via the control unit or from the boost circuit 116.

[0032] In addition, in FIG. 1, the control unit 112, the charge control unit 115, and the diagnosis unit 117 are described by separate blocks, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to configure the control unit 112 so that it can implement the functions of the charge control unit and the diagnosis unit 117. Of course, the control unit 112 may assume only the function of the diagnosis unit 117, and only the charge circuit 115 may be configured as a separate block.

[0033] Note that normally, each voltage value is periodically monitored by the charge control unit 115 at regular intervals, and in the vehicle failure state, the diagnosis unit 117 periodically detects the voltage value of the standby power supply unit 113. However, even during normal times, the diagnosis unit 117 may periodically detect the voltage value of the standby power supply unit 113, and the function of detecting the voltage value may be integrated in the diagnosis unit 117. In this case, the charge circuit 115 charges the standby power supply unit 113 in response to an instruction from the control unit 112 or the diagnosis unit 117.

[0034] As described above, according to the present embodiment, even when the power storage amount of the standby power supply unit 113 decreases in the vehicle failure state, appropriate charging can be performed from the auxiliary power supply unit, so that the electrical and electronic device 111 can operate more reliably, and the reliability as a power supply device can be improved.

[0035] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a vehicle power supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment shown in FIG. 2 shows a more specific form of the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 1. The description of the same parts as in FIG. 1 will be omitted.

[0036] The vehicle 200 has vehicle doors 210, 220, 230, and 240. Each vehicle door has electrical and electronic devices 211, 221, 231, and 241, and control units 212, 222, 232, and 242.

[0037] The electrical and electronic devices 211, 221, 231, and 241, as in FIG. 1, comprehensively represent various electrical and electronic devices provided in the vehicle, including the actuator part that constitutes the latch device of the vehicle door described later, the communication device that communicates with the user-owned portable device used for keyless entry, and the handle sensor such as a capacitance sensor that detects user operations.

[0038] As described above, the control unit includes an arithmetic device such as a microprocessor and controls the operation of the electrical and electronic devices.

[0039] Power is supplied to the electrical and electronic devices 211, 221, 231, and 241, and the control units 212, 222, 232, and 242 from the main power supply unit 201 of the vehicle via the power line 202. Although not particularly limited, the power supply from the main power supply unit 201 to the electrical and electronic devices can also be configured to be performed via the control unit by providing a power supply circuit necessary for the control unit.

[0040] As described above, the main power supply 201 is expected to constantly supply power to the control unit and / or the electrical and electronic devices during normal operation. However, in an emergency such as a vehicle accident, the power supply from the main power supply 201 may be cut off, or the power supply may be interrupted due to a disconnection of the power line 202.

[0041] In this embodiment, backup power supply units 213, 223, 233, and 243 are provided in each vehicle door, and power is supplied to respective control units and / or electrical and electronic devices in the event of a vehicle failure state where the main power supply has been interrupted. As described above, the backup power supply unit is a capacitor unit composed of capacitors, for example, composed of supercapacitors. The symbol of the capacitor shown in the figure is schematic, and the supercapacitors in this embodiment are also configured to generate a voltage of 12.5V as a whole by connecting five in series, or can also be configured to generate a voltage of 5.0V as a whole by connecting two in series, and the number thereof can be changed as appropriate.

[0042] Also, as described above, in the power supply device of FIG. 2, a boost circuit for boosting the voltage of each backup power supply unit is provided. According to another embodiment, it is also possible to provide an equivalent circuit for keeping the voltage stored in each capacitor constant by connecting a constant voltage element (not shown) such as a Zener diode in parallel with each capacitor.

[0043] Here, in this embodiment, the auxiliary power supply unit and the diagnostic unit shown in FIG. 1 are provided in the rear seat vehicle door 220. That is, in the vehicle door 220, in addition to the backup power supply unit 223, an auxiliary power supply unit 224 and a diagnostic unit 227 are provided. The auxiliary power supply unit 224 is composed of a secondary battery as described above, for example, composed of a nickel-metal hydride secondary battery. The symbol of the battery shown in FIG. 2 is schematic, and as described above, the number of series connections and parallel connections of the nickel-metal hydride batteries can be set as appropriate.

[0044] Also, as described above, the diagnostic unit 227 detects the voltage value of the backup power supply unit 223, and when it is determined that the voltage value has become equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value, it is controlled to charge the backup power supply unit 223 from the auxiliary power supply unit 224.

[0045] Next, while referring to FIG. 2 again, the configuration and operation of the vehicle power supply device in the present embodiment will be described. Note that the description of operations similar to those in the embodiment of FIG. 1 will be omitted as appropriate.

[0046] During normal operation when power supply is being performed normally from the main power supply unit 201, the main power supply unit 201 supplies power to the control units 212, 222, 232, and 242 of each vehicle door and / or the electrical and electronic devices 211, 221, 231, and 241 via the power line 202.

[0047] The main power supply unit 201 also supplies power to the charge control units 215, 225, 235, and 245 via the power line 202. During normal operation, the charge control units 215, 225, 235, and 245 measure the voltage values of the backup power supply units 213, 223, 233, and 243, and control charging from the main power supply unit 201 to the respective backup power supply units 213, 223, 233, and 243 when the voltage values fall below a certain threshold. In this way, during normal operation, the backup power supply units are always controlled to have appropriate power values, and it becomes possible to store necessary power.

[0048] In the aspect of FIG. 2, since the auxiliary power supply unit 224 is provided only for the vehicle door 220, the charge control unit 225 measures the voltage value of the auxiliary power supply unit 224 and controls charging from the main power supply unit 201 to the auxiliary power supply unit 224 when the voltage value falls below a certain threshold. In this way, during normal operation, the auxiliary power supply unit 224 is also always controlled to have an appropriate power value, and it becomes possible to store necessary power.

[0049] Note that the determination of each voltage value of the charge control unit can be performed constantly, but it can also be periodically monitored at regular intervals. Also, the charge control unit is connected to the control unit, and it is also assumed to receive control from the control unit as described above. Also, although the control unit and the charge control unit are described as separate blocks, it is not limited to this, and it is also possible to configure the control unit to be able to implement the functions of the charge control unit.

[0050] The control units 212, 222, 232, and 242 of each vehicle door constantly or periodically detect the voltage of the power line 202 and can detect that the power supply from the main power supply unit 201 has stopped (vehicle failure state or power supply failure state).

[0051] In the vehicle failure state, for example, when any one of the handle operation units 218, 228, 238, and 248 of the vehicle door is operated and unlocking of the door latch device is required, etc., when it is necessary to operate any one of the electrical and electronic devices 211, 221, 231, and 241, the corresponding control unit and / or electrical and electronic device is supplied with power from its respective backup power supply unit and operates. Note that when the control units 212, 222, 232, and 242 detect that the power supply from the main power supply unit 201 has stopped, control is performed so that power is intermittently supplied from the backup power supply unit to the power supply to the control units 212, 222, 232, and 242 and electrical and electronic devices such as the handle operation units 218, 228, 238, and 248 of the vehicle door.

[0052] Here, in the present embodiment, the auxiliary power supply unit 224 is provided only for the rear seat vehicle door 220. On the other hand, such an auxiliary power supply unit 224 is also connected to the diagnostic units 217, 237, and 247 of each vehicle door via the auxiliary power line 203 in addition to the diagnostic unit 227 of the vehicle door 220.

[0053] In the vehicle failure state, each diagnostic unit constantly or periodically detects the voltage value of the corresponding backup power supply unit according to the instructions of each control unit or according to the internal logic of each diagnostic unit. As a result of such detection, when it is determined that the voltage value of a certain backup power supply unit (for example, 233) has become equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold value, the corresponding diagnostic unit (for example, 237) charges the corresponding backup power supply unit (for example, 233) by connecting the auxiliary power supply unit 224 of the vehicle door 220 to the corresponding backup power supply unit (for example, 233).

[0054] Thus, according to this embodiment, even when the power storage amount of the backup power supply unit of any vehicle door decreases in a vehicle failure state, charging can be appropriately performed from the auxiliary power supply unit. Therefore, the electrical and electronic devices of each vehicle door can be operated more reliably, and the reliability as a power supply device is improved.

[0055] In addition, since the auxiliary power supply unit is provided only on one vehicle door, it is possible to reduce the weight of the vehicle or the vehicle door and effectively utilize the space. Reducing the vehicle weight can also suppress the consumption of the main power supply unit, especially in the case of electric vehicles.

[0056] In this embodiment, the auxiliary power supply unit is provided on the vehicle door of the rear seat. The reason is that since the rear seat has a relatively low possibility of being damaged by an accident, the possibility that the auxiliary power supply unit becomes unusable during an accident can be reduced. On the other hand, it is not limited to this, and it is also possible to provide the auxiliary power supply unit on the vehicle door of the front seat.

[0057] In addition, the auxiliary power supply unit does not necessarily have to be provided only on one vehicle door. For example, it can be provided on each vehicle door of the rear seat, or it can be provided on one vehicle door of the rear seat and the front seat respectively, and furthermore, it can be provided on all vehicle doors of the seats. As the number of auxiliary power supply units increases, the reliability as a power supply device improves, but it can also be a factor that occupies more space and increases the weight.

[0058] Also, in FIG. 2, a configuration is shown in which all diagnostic units are connected to one auxiliary power supply unit. However, when a plurality of auxiliary power supply units such as two are provided, by reducing the number of diagnostic units connected to each auxiliary power supply unit, a more redundant power supply device can be obtained. Specifically, it is conceivable to provide auxiliary power supply units on vehicle doors 220 and 240, share the auxiliary power supply unit of vehicle door 220 between vehicle door 220 and vehicle door 210, and share the auxiliary power supply unit of vehicle door 240 between vehicle door 240 and vehicle door 230.

[0059] In FIG. 2, the case where the vehicle 200 uses four doors has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of vehicle doors may be two doors, or three, or five or more, and the same configuration can be adopted. The vehicle doors described in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 may be any type of door that is rotatably provided with respect to the vehicle, such as a normal type of door, a sliding door, a double-opening door, a gull-wing door, etc. Depending on the type of door, the location where it is arranged, the number, etc., the arrangement of the first door latch device or the second door latch device can be appropriately changed.

[0060] Also, although it has been described that control is performed so that power is supplied from the auxiliary power supply unit to the control unit and / or the electrical and electronic equipment in the event of a vehicle failure, a control unit that requires only low power consumption, a communication device that communicates with a user-owned portable device such as a keyless entry, or a handle sensor such as a capacitance sensor that detects user operations may be configured to be directly powered from the auxiliary power supply unit. In this case, since the charging ability of the auxiliary power supply unit will decrease, the diagnostic unit may measure the voltage value of the auxiliary power supply unit, or selectively connect the auxiliary power supply unit and the auxiliary power supply unit so that power is supplied only to the control unit. It may be configured to supply power.

[0061] As described above, the embodiments according to the present invention have been described. In addition, the embodiments of the present invention also include the following forms.

[0062] (1) The vehicle power supply device according to the embodiment of the present invention includes an electrical and electronic device provided in the vehicle, a control unit that controls the electrical and electronic device, a main power supply unit that supplies power to the control unit and / or the electrical and electronic device, a backup power supply unit that supplies power in place of the main power supply unit in the event of a vehicle failure or a power failure, an auxiliary power supply unit that supplies power to the backup power supply unit, a capacitor unit provided in the backup power supply unit, a secondary battery provided in the auxiliary power supply unit, and a diagnostic unit that detects the voltage value of the backup power supply unit. The control unit is configured such that the diagnostic unit Standby power supply unitWhen it is determined that the voltage value has become equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value, charging control from the auxiliary power supply unit to the backup power supply unit is performed.

[0063] (2) In the vehicle power supply device, the electrical and electronic equipment is an actuator of a door latch device that locks and unlocks a vehicle door.

[0064] (3) In the vehicle power supply device, the electrical and electronic equipment is a communication device provided on a vehicle door for communicating with a portable device owned by a user.

[0065] (4) In the vehicle power supply device, the electrical and electronic equipment is a handle sensor provided on a vehicle door for detecting a user operation.

[0066] (5) In the vehicle power supply device, the vehicle has a plurality of vehicle doors, the backup power supply unit is provided on each of the plurality of doors, and the auxiliary power supply unit is provided on at least one of the predetermined vehicle doors.

[0067] (6) In the vehicle power supply device, the control unit controls to start charging the backup power supply unit with the secondary battery according to the determination of the diagnosis unit when the voltage value has decreased.

[0068] (7) The vehicle power supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a door latch device that is locked and unlocked by an actuator unit, controls the driving of the actuator unit Control unit and the main power supply unit that supplies power to the control unit and / or the Provided in the actuator unit motor, a backup power supply unit that supplies power in place of the main power supply unit in the event of a vehicle failure, an auxiliary power supply unit that supplies power to the backup power supply unit, a capacitor unit configured by a capacitor provided in the backup power supply unit, a secondary battery provided in the auxiliary power supply unit, and a diagnosis unit that detects the voltage value of the backup power supply unit. The control unit performs charging control from the auxiliary power supply unit to the backup power supply unit when the diagnosis unit determines that the Standby power supply unit voltage value has become equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value.

[0069] (8) In the vehicle power supply device, the vehicle has a plurality of vehicle doors, the backup power supply unit is provided for each door latch device of each vehicle door, and the auxiliary power supply unit is provided for at least one of the predetermined vehicle doors.

[0070] (9) In the vehicle power supply device, the control unit starts charging from the secondary battery to the capacitor unit whose voltage value is decreasing according to the determination of the diagnosis unit.

[0071] (10) The vehicle power supply device further has an operation unit that detects the operation of an internal and external operation handle provided on a vehicle door, and the diagnosis unit determines the voltage value of the backup power supply unit corresponding to the door latch device for which the operation of the operation unit is detected. When it is determined that the voltage value of the backup power supply unit is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold value, charging control from the auxiliary power supply unit to the backup power supply unit is performed.

[0072] (11) In the vehicle power supply device, the auxiliary power supply unit supplies power to the control unit or the predetermined electrical and electronic devices in place of the main power supply unit when a vehicle failure occurs.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0073] 100, 200 Vehicles 101, 201 Main Power Supply Unit 102, 202 Power Line 210, 220, 230, 240 Vehicle Doors 111, 211, 221, 231, 241 Electrical and Electronic Devices 112, 212, 222, 232, 242 Control Unit 113, 213, 223, 233, 243 Backup Power Supply Unit 114, 224 Auxiliary Power Supply Unit 115, 215, 225, 235, 245 Charging Control Unit 116, 216, 226, 236, 246 Boost Circuit 117, 217, 227, 237, 247 Diagnosis Unit 203 Auxiliary Power Supply Line 218, 228, 238, 248 Handle operation unit

Claims

1. An electric and electronic device provided in a vehicle, a control unit for controlling the electric and electronic device, a main power supply unit for supplying power to the control unit and the electric and electronic device, a backup power supply unit for supplying power in place of the main power supply unit in the event of a vehicle failure, an auxiliary power supply unit for supplying power to the backup power supply unit, a capacitor unit composed of capacitors provided in the backup power supply unit, a secondary battery provided in the auxiliary power supply unit, and a diagnostic unit for detecting the voltage value of the backup power supply unit, wherein the control unit performs charging control from the auxiliary power supply unit to the backup power supply unit when the diagnostic unit determines that the voltage value of the backup power supply unit has become equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold value. A vehicle power supply device.

2. The vehicle power supply device according to claim 1, wherein the electric and electronic device is an actuator of a door latch device that drives the locking and unlocking of a vehicle door.

3. The vehicle power supply device according to claim 1, wherein the electric and electronic device is a communication device provided on a vehicle door for communicating with a portable device owned by a user.

4. The vehicle power supply device according to claim 1, wherein the electric and electronic device is a handle sensor provided on a vehicle door for detecting a user operation.

5. The vehicle has a plurality of vehicle doors, the backup power supply unit is provided on each vehicle door, and the auxiliary power supply unit is provided on at least one of the predetermined vehicle doors. The vehicle power supply device according to claims 1 to 4.

6. The vehicle power supply device according to claim 5, wherein the control unit starts charging the backup power supply unit with the secondary battery according to the determination of the diagnostic unit.

7. A door latch device driven to lock and unlock by an actuator unit, a control unit for controlling the driving of the actuator unit, a main power supply unit for supplying power to a motor provided in the control unit and the actuator unit, a backup power supply unit for supplying power in place of the main power supply unit in the event of a vehicle failure, an auxiliary power supply unit for supplying power to the backup power supply unit, a capacitor unit composed of capacitors provided in the backup power supply unit, a secondary battery provided in the auxiliary power supply unit, and a diagnostic unit for detecting the voltage value of the backup power supply unit, wherein the control unit performs charging control from the auxiliary power supply unit to the backup power supply unit when the diagnostic unit determines that the voltage value of the backup power supply unit has become equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold value. A vehicle power supply device.

8. The vehicle has a plurality of vehicle doors, the auxiliary power supply unit is provided for each door latch device of each vehicle door, and the auxiliary power supply unit is provided for at least one of the predetermined vehicle doors. The vehicle power supply device according to Claim 7.

9. The control unit starts charging the capacitor unit with the secondary battery according to the determination of the diagnosis unit when the voltage value is decreasing. The vehicle power supply device according to Claim 8.

10. The vehicle further includes an operation unit that detects an operation of an internal and external operation handle provided on the vehicle door. The diagnosis unit determines the voltage value of the auxiliary power supply unit corresponding to the door latch device for which the operation of the operation unit is detected. When it is determined that the voltage value of the auxiliary power supply unit is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold value, charging control from the auxiliary power supply unit to the auxiliary power supply unit is performed. The vehicle power supply device according to Claims 7 to 9.

11. The auxiliary power supply unit supplies power to the control unit or a predetermined one of the electrical and electronic devices in place of the main power supply unit when a vehicle failure occurs. The vehicle power supply device according to Claims 1 to 6.

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