Power supply device and power supply system

Abstract

In the present invention, a power supply device comprises: an input terminal connected to an external power supply; an output terminal connected to a load; and N power supply units (10) connected to each other in parallel between the input terminal and the output terminal. N is an integer of 2 or higher. Each power supply unit (10) includes a power supply circuit (101) that generates power supplied to the load on the basis of power supplied from the input terminal, and a control circuit that controls the starting and stopping of the power supply circuit (101). The control circuit starts the power supply circuit (101) upon receiving a start signal, and calculates the cumulative output power which is the cumulative value of the output power of the power supply circuit (1010) from the first start. The control circuit (101) stops the operation of the power supply circuit in response to the cumulative output power amount reaching a first threshold value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power supply device and a power supply system.

Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-34047 (Patent Document 1) discloses a power supply device including a plurality of power supply units connected in parallel to a load. In this power supply device, each power supply unit includes a constant current operation within its operating range. When the power supply device is started up, the first-ranked power supply unit is activated by an input signal, and the second-ranked power supply unit is activated by detecting the constant current operation of the first-ranked power supply unit. Next, the third-ranked power supply unit is activated by detecting the constant current operation of the second-ranked power supply unit. In this way, the plurality of power supply units are configured to be sequentially activated according to a preset order.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the power supply device described in Patent Document 1, since the higher-ranked power supply unit is always preferentially activated, as the operation period of the power supply device becomes longer, variations occur in the usage times of the plurality of power supply units. As a result, there is a concern that the overall life of the power supply device is influenced by the life of the top-ranked power supply unit.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve such problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to improve the life of a power supply device including a plurality of power supply units connected in parallel to a load.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A power supply device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an input terminal connected to an external power supply, an output terminal connected to a load, and N power supply units connected in parallel to each other between the input terminal and the output terminal. N is an integer of 2 or more. Each power supply unit includes a power supply circuit that generates power to be supplied to the load based on the power supplied from the input terminal, and a control circuit that controls the startup and stop of the power supply circuit. The control circuit receives a startup signal and activates the power supply circuit, and calculates a cumulative output power amount that is the cumulative value of the output power of the power supply circuit since the first startup. The control circuit stops the operation of the power supply circuit in response to the cumulative output power amount reaching a first threshold value. In the power supply unit in which the operation of the power supply circuit has been stopped, the control circuit initializes the cumulative output power amount in response to maintenance being performed, and calculates the cumulative output power amount of the power supply circuit since the startup after the initialization.

[0007] A power supply device according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes an input terminal connected to an external power supply, an output terminal connected to a load, and N power supply units connected in parallel to each other between the input terminal and the output terminal. N is an integer of 2 or more. Each power supply unit includes a power supply circuit that generates power to be supplied to the load based on the power supplied from the input terminal, and a control circuit that controls the startup and stop of the power supply circuit. The control circuit receives a startup signal and activates the power supply circuit, and calculates a cumulative output power amount that is the cumulative value of the output power of the power supply circuit since the first startup. The control circuit stops the operation of the power supply circuit in response to the cumulative output power amount reaching a first threshold value. In the power supply unit in which the operation of the power supply circuit has been stopped, when the control circuit receives a startup signal, it restarts the power supply circuit and calculates the cumulative output power amount since the first startup. The control circuit stops the operation of the power supply circuit again in response to the cumulative output power amount reaching a second threshold value that is larger than the first threshold value.

[0008] A power supply device according to still another aspect of the present disclosure includes an input terminal connected to an external power supply, an output terminal connected to a load, and N power supply units connected in parallel between the input terminal and the output terminal. N is an integer of 2 or more. Each power supply unit includes a power supply circuit that generates power to be supplied to the load based on the power supplied from the input terminal, and a control circuit that controls the startup and stop of the power supply circuit. The control circuit receives a startup signal and activates the power supply circuit, and calculates an accumulated output power amount, which is an accumulated value of the output power of the power supply circuit since the first startup. The control circuit stops the operation of the power supply circuit in response to the accumulated output power amount reaching a first threshold value. The N power supply units are composed of a first power supply unit to an Nth power supply unit, and I is an integer of 2 or more and N-1 or less. The control circuit of the first power supply unit receives a startup signal at power-on and activates the power supply circuit, and outputs a startup signal to the control circuit of the second power supply unit in response to the output current of the power supply circuit reaching a reference current. The control circuit of the Ith power supply unit receives a startup signal from the control circuit of the (I-1)th power supply unit and activates the power supply circuit, and outputs a startup signal to the control circuit of the (I+1)th power supply unit in response to the output current of the power supply circuit reaching a reference current.

Effects of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, in a power supply device including a plurality of power supply units connected in parallel to a load, each power supply unit can be maintained at an appropriate timing according to its usage state. As a result, it is possible to improve the life of the power supply device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will not be repeated.

[0012] Embodiment 1. (Configuration of the power supply device) FIG. 1 is a circuit block diagram showing the configuration of the power supply device according to Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the power supply device 1 includes an input unit 11, an output unit 12, N power supply units 10(1) to 10(N), and a communication line 13. N is an integer of 2 or more.

[0013] The N power supply units 10(1) to 10(N) are composed of the first power supply unit 10(1) to the Nth power supply unit 10(N). In the following description, the power supply units 10(1) to 10(N) may be collectively referred to as the power supply unit 10.

[0014] The startup priority is predefined from the first power supply unit 10(1) to the Nth power supply unit 10(N). The number assigned to each power supply unit 10 represents the priority of its own device. That is, the priority of the first power supply unit 10(1) is the first, and the priority of the Nth power supply unit 10(N) is the Nth.

[0015] The input unit 11 is connected to an external power supply (not shown). The external power supply may be an AC power supply or a DC power supply. The output unit 12 is connected to the load 2.

[0016] N power supply units 10(1) to 10(N) are connected in parallel to each other between the input unit 11 and the output unit 12. Each power supply unit 10 includes an input terminal T1, an output terminal T2, and communication terminals T3 and T4.

[0017] The input terminal T1 of each power supply unit 10 is connected to the input unit 11. The external power supply supplies power to the input terminal T1 via the input unit 11. Each power supply unit 10 generates the power to be supplied to the load 2 based on the power supplied to the input terminal T1, and outputs the generated power to the output terminal T2. The output terminal T2 of each power supply unit 10 is connected to the output unit 12. The load 2 is driven by the power supplied from the output terminal T2 of each power supply unit 10 via the output unit 12.

[0018] The communication terminals T3 and T4 of each power supply unit 10 are connected to the communication terminals T3 and T4 of other power supply units 10 via the communication line 13. Specifically, the communication terminal T4 of the first power supply unit 10(1) is connected to the communication terminal T3 of the second power supply unit 10(2) via the communication line 13. The communication terminal T4 of the second power supply unit 10(2) is connected to the communication terminal T3 of the third power supply unit 10(3) via the communication line 13. The communication terminal T3 of the Nth power supply unit 10(N) is connected to the communication terminal T4 (not shown) of the (N - 1)th power supply unit 10(N - 1) via the communication line 13. In this way, the communication terminal T3 of the I-th power supply unit 10(I) is connected to the communication terminal T4 of the (I - 1)th power supply unit 10(I - 1) via the communication line 13. I is an integer from 2 to N.

[0019] (Configuration of Power Supply Unit) FIG. 2 is a circuit block diagram showing the configuration of the power supply unit 10 shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the power supply unit 10 includes a power supply circuit 101, a current detection circuit 102, an accumulated output power amount detection circuit 103, and a start signal output circuit 104.

[0020] The power supply circuit 101 generates power to be supplied to the load 2 based on the power supplied from the input terminal T1. The power supply circuit 101 includes a semiconductor switching element such as an IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor) or a MOSFET (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor), and generates output power from the input power by controlling the on / off of the semiconductor switching element.

[0021] The power supply circuit 101 includes, for example, a power converter such as an AC / DC converter that converts the AC power supplied from the input terminal T1 into DC power and / or a DC / AC converter that converts the voltage value of the DC power supplied from the input terminal T1, and a control circuit for controlling the power converter. The power supply circuit 101 is activated in response to the start signal ST input to the communication terminal T3 and generates power to be supplied to the load 2.

[0022] The current detection circuit 102 is a circuit for detecting the current Io output from the power supply circuit 101 to the output unit 12. The current detection circuit 102 includes, for example, an ammeter for measuring the output current Io and a resistor (shunt resistor) connected in parallel to the ammeter. The current detection circuit 102 converts the output current Io into a voltage Vo corresponding to its magnitude using the resistor. The current detection circuit 102 outputs the generated voltage Vo to the power supply circuit 101 and the start signal output circuit 104.

[0023] The power supply circuit 101 can be configured to include a constant current operation within its operating range, similar to the power supply unit included in the power supply device described in Patent Document 1. For example, the control of the constant current operation of each power supply unit is performed by comparing the voltage Vo input from the current detection circuit 102 with a preset reference voltage. Furthermore, the constant voltage control of the output voltage from the power supply circuit 101 is, for example, performed by dividing the output voltage by a resistor connected in parallel to the circuit and comparing the divided voltage with the reference voltage to keep it constant.

[0024] The start signal output circuit 104 compares the output voltage Vo of the current detection circuit 102 with a preset reference voltage Vref. When the output voltage Vo becomes equal to or higher than the reference voltage Vref, that is, when the output current Io becomes equal to or higher than the reference current, a start signal ST is generated, and the generated start signal ST is output to the communication terminal T4. In each of the first power supply unit 10(1) to the (N - 1)th power supply unit 10(N - 1), the start signal ST output to the communication terminal T4 is input to the communication terminal T3 of the power supply unit 10 whose startup priority is one lower than that of its own device via the communication line 13.

[0025] Note that the reference voltage Vref is a voltage corresponding to the magnitude of the reference current and can be generated by a reference voltage generation circuit provided inside or outside the power supply unit 10. Alternatively, the reference voltage Vref may be pre-stored in a memory built into the power supply unit 10 or an external storage device.

[0026] The cumulative output power amount detection circuit 103 calculates a cumulative output power amount AE, which is the cumulative value of the output power of the power supply circuit 101 from the first startup after the startup of the power supply circuit 101. Specifically, the cumulative output power amount detection circuit 103 is connected to the output terminal T2 and is configured to measure the power output from the power supply circuit 101 to the output terminal T2. The cumulative output power amount detection circuit 103 obtains the cumulative output power amount AE by integrating the measured values of the output power of the power supply circuit 101 from the first startup.

[0027] The cumulative output power amount AE is 0 Wh when the usage period of the power supply unit 10 is 0 hours, that is, when the power supply unit 10 is new. As the usage period of the power supply unit 10 becomes longer, the cumulative output power amount AE becomes larger. The cumulative output power amount detection circuit 103 compares the cumulative output power amount AE with a predetermined threshold value E1. The threshold value E1 can be set according to the usage period when maintenance of the power supply unit 10 is required, taking into account, for example, the life of the power supply unit 10 and the usage environment of the power supply device 1.

[0028] Note that the threshold value E1 can be generated by a threshold value generation circuit provided inside or outside the power supply unit 10. Alternatively, the threshold value E1 may be stored in advance in a memory built into the power supply unit 10 or an external storage device.

[0029] The cumulative output power amount detection circuit 103 determines whether maintenance of the power supply unit 10 is necessary based on the comparison result between the cumulative output power amount AE and the threshold value E1. When the cumulative output power amount AE becomes equal to or greater than the threshold value E1, the cumulative output power amount detection circuit 103 determines that maintenance of the power supply unit 10 is necessary. In this case, the cumulative output power amount detection circuit 103 generates a stop signal STP and outputs it to the power supply circuit 101.

[0030] When the power supply circuit 101 receives the stop signal STP from the cumulative output power amount detection circuit 103, it stops its operation. The power supply circuit 101 stops generating the power supplied to the load 2 by stopping the built-in power converter. In this way, in the power supply device 1 according to the first embodiment, the power supply unit 10 determined to require maintenance is spontaneously stopped before a failure occurs.

[0031] Note that when stopping the operation of the power supply circuit 101, the output power (output current Io) of the power supply circuit 101 may be instantaneously decreased from 100% to 0%, or the output power (output current Io) may be gradually decreased from 100% to 0%.

[0032] When maintenance of the power supply unit 10 is performed after the power supply circuit 101 stops, the cumulative output power amount detection circuit 103 of the power supply unit 10 is initialized (reset). That is, the cumulative output power amount AE is set to 0 Wh, which is the initial value. In response to the power supply unit 10 being restarted after maintenance, the cumulative output power amount detection circuit 103 calculates the cumulative output power amount AE of the power supply circuit 101 since the restart.

[0033] In the power supply unit 10 shown in FIG. 2, the current detection circuit 102, the cumulative output power amount detection circuit 103, and the start signal output circuit 104 constitute a "control circuit" for controlling the start and stop of the power supply circuit 101. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the control circuit.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 3, the control circuit includes a processor 20, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 21, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 22, an I / F (Interface) device 23, and a storage device 24. The processor 20, the RAM 21, the ROM 22, the I / F device 23, and the storage device 24 exchange various data through a communication bus 25.

[0035] For example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) is adopted for the processor 20. The processor 20 reads a program from the storage device 24 into the ROM 22. The RAM 21 functions as a working memory and temporarily stores various data necessary for program execution. Communication terminals T3 and T4 are connected to the I / F device 23. Thereby, the power supply unit 10 exchanges data with other power supply units 10. The storage device 24 is a storage medium such as a hard disk or a flash memory, for example, and stores the program executed by the processor 20. In addition to the program, information used in the program (for example, reference voltage Vref, threshold value E1) is stored in the storage device 24.

[0036] In Embodiment 1, the processor 20 executes the program stored in the storage device 24, thereby performing various controls by the control device. However, the various controls by the control device are not limited to execution by software, and can also be executed by dedicated hardware (electronic circuit).

[0037] (Operation of the power supply device) Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the operation of the power supply device 1 according to Embodiment 1 will be described.

[0038] FIG. 4 is a time chart showing an example of the operation of the power supply device 1. FIG. 4 shows the operation of each power supply unit 10 when the power supply device 1 is started.

[0039] FIG. 4(A) shows the waveform of the power supplied from the power supply device 1 to the load 2. FIG. 4(B) shows the waveform of the output voltage Vo1 of the current detection circuit 102 in the first power supply unit 10(1). FIG. 4(C) shows the waveform of the output voltage Vo2 of the current detection circuit 102 in the second power supply unit 10(2). FIG. 4(D) shows the waveform of the output voltage Vo3 of the current detection circuit 102 in the third power supply unit 10(3). FIG. 4(E) shows the waveform of the output voltage Vo4 of the current detection circuit 102 in the fourth power supply unit 10(4). FIG. 4(F) shows the waveform of the cumulative output power amount AE1 of the first power supply unit 10(1).

[0040] At time t0, when the power supply device 1 is powered on, first, the first power supply unit 10(1) is started. The input unit 11 outputs a start signal ST to the first power supply unit 10(1) in response to the supply of power from the external power supply. In the first power supply unit 10(1), the power supply circuit 101 is started in response to the start signal ST from the input unit 11 and generates the power to be supplied to the load 2. The current detection circuit 102 converts the output current Io1 of the power supply circuit 101 into a voltage Vo1 and outputs it to the power supply circuit 101 and the start signal output circuit 104.

[0041] After time t0, as the power supplied to load 2 increases, the output current Io1 of the first power supply unit 10(1) increases, and the output voltage Vo1 of the current detection circuit 102 also increases. The start signal output circuit 104 compares the output voltage Vo1 with the reference voltage Vref.

[0042] At time t1, when the output voltage Vo1 reaches the reference voltage Vref, the start signal output circuit 104 outputs a start signal ST to the communication terminal T4. The start signal ST is input to the communication terminal T3 of the second power supply unit 10(2) via the communication line 13.

[0043] In the second power supply unit 10(2), the power supply circuit 101 is activated upon receiving the start signal ST input to the communication terminal T3, and generates the power to be supplied to load 2. That is, the total value of the output power of the first power supply unit 10(1) and the output power of the second power supply unit 10(2) is supplied to load 2.

[0044] By sharing the power supply to load 2 between the two power supply units 10(1) and 10(2), at time t1, the output current Io1 of the first power supply unit 10(1) decreases. As a result, the output voltage Vo1 also decreases. On the other hand, since the output current Io2 of the second power supply unit 10(2) increases, the output voltage Vo2 increases. Since the output current Io1 and the output current Io2 are equal to each other, the output voltage Vo1 and the output voltage Vo are also equal to each other.

[0045] After time t1, in the second power supply unit 10(2), the start signal output circuit 104 compares the output voltage Vo2 with the reference voltage Vref. At time t2, when the output voltage Vo2 reaches the reference voltage Vref, the start signal output circuit 104 outputs a start signal ST to the communication terminal T4. The start signal ST is input to the communication terminal T3 of the third power supply unit 10(3) via the communication line 13.

[0046] In the third power supply unit 10(3), the power supply circuit 101 is activated upon receiving the activation signal ST input to the communication terminal T3, and generates the power to be supplied to the load 2. As a result, the total value of the output power of the first power supply unit 10(1), the output power of the second power supply unit 10(2), and the output power of the third power supply unit 10(3) is supplied to the load 2.

[0047] Since the power supply to the load 2 is shared by the three power supply units 10(1), 10(2), and 10(3), at time t2, the output current Io1 of the first power supply unit 10(1) decreases again, so the output voltage Vo1 also decreases again. Since the output current Io2 of the second power supply unit 10(2) also decreases, the output voltage Vo2 also decreases.

[0048] On the other hand, since the output current Io3 of the third power supply unit 10(3) increases, the output voltage Vo3 increases. Since the output currents Io1, Io2, and Io3 are equal to each other, the output voltages Vo1, Vo2, and Vo3 are also equal to each other.

[0049] When the increase in the power supplied to the load 2 stops at time t3 and the power becomes a constant value, the output current Io of each of the three power supply units 10(1), 10(2), and 10(3) also becomes a constant value. Therefore, the output voltages Vo1, Vo2, and Vo3 also become constant values.

[0050] As described above, when the power supply device 1 is powered on at time t0, as the power supplied to the load 2 increases, the first power supply unit 10(1) is activated in order according to a predetermined priority. The cumulative output power amount detection circuit 103 of each power supply unit 10 calculates the cumulative output power amount AE, which is the cumulative value of the output power of the power supply circuit 101 since the first activation after the activation of the power supply circuit 101.

[0051] In the first power supply unit 10(1), the cumulative output power amount AE1, which is the cumulative value of the output power of the power supply circuit 101 from time t0, is calculated. As shown in FIG. 4(F), the cumulative output power amount AE1 gradually increases. The cumulative output power amount detection circuit 103 compares the cumulative output power amount AE1 with the threshold value E1.

[0052] When, at time t4, the cumulative output power amount AE1 reaches the threshold value E1, the cumulative output power amount detection circuit 103 determines that maintenance of the first power supply unit 10(1) is necessary, and outputs a stop signal STP to the power supply circuit 101. When receiving the stop signal STP, the power supply circuit 101 stops the built-in power converter, thereby stopping the generation of the power supplied to the load 2. Since the output current Io1 of the first power supply unit 10(1) decreases to zero due to the operation stop of the power supply circuit 101, the output voltage Vo1 also decreases to zero.

[0053] Since the number of power supply units 10 that supply power to the load 2 decreases from three to two due to the operation stop of the first power supply unit 10(1), the share of the second power supply unit 10(2) and the third power supply unit 10(3) increases. In response to the output currents Io2 and Io3 turning to increase at time t4, the output voltages Vo2 and Vo3 also turn to increase.

[0054] In the third power supply unit 10(2), the start signal output circuit 104 compares the output voltage Vo3 with the reference voltage Vref. When, at time t5, the output voltage Vo3 reaches the reference voltage Vref, the start signal output circuit 104 outputs a start signal ST to the communication terminal T4. The start signal ST is input to the communication terminal T3 of the fourth power supply unit 10(4) via the communication line 13.

[0055] In the fourth power supply unit 10(4), the power supply circuit 101 is activated upon receiving the start signal ST input to the communication terminal T3, and generates the power supplied to the load 2. As a result, the total value of the output power of the second power supply unit 10(2), the output power of the third power supply unit 10(3), and the output power of the fourth power supply unit 10(4) is supplied to the load 2.

[0056] At time t5, since the number of power supply units 10 that supply power to the load 2 returns to three, the output current Io of each of the three power supply units 10(2), 10(3), and 10(4) becomes a constant value, and the output voltages Vo2, Vo3, and Vo4 also become constant values.

[0057] In this way, with the operation of the first power supply unit 10(1) stopped due to the cumulative output power amount AE reaching the threshold value E1, the fourth power supply unit 10(4), which has a lower startup priority than the first power supply unit 10(1), is newly started to begin power supply to the load 2. According to this, while continuing the power supply to the load 2, maintenance of the first power supply unit 10(1) whose operation has been stopped can be carried out.

[0058] As described above, according to Embodiment 1, while fulfilling the function as a power supply device, maintenance of each power supply unit 10 can be carried out at an appropriate timing according to its usage state. As a result, it becomes possible to improve the overall life of the power supply device.

[0059] Note that the number N of the power supply units 10 included in the power supply device 1 is preferably more than the number required to supply the rated power to the load 2. By doing so, even while maintenance of some of the power supply units 10 is being carried out, power can continue to be stably supplied from the remaining power supply units 10 to the load 2.

[0060] Embodiment 2. FIG. 5 is a circuit block diagram of the power supply unit 10 applied to the power supply device 1 according to Embodiment 2. Since the overall configuration of the power supply device 1 according to Embodiment 2 is the same as the configuration of the power supply device 1 shown in FIG. 1, the description thereof is omitted.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 5, the power supply unit 10 according to Embodiment 2 is different from the power supply unit 10 shown in FIG. 2 in that it includes a state display circuit 105. The state display circuit 105 is connected to the cumulative output power amount detection circuit 103.

[0062] When the cumulative output power amount AE of the power supply circuit 101 becomes equal to or more than the threshold value E1, the cumulative output power amount detection circuit 103 generates a stop signal STP and outputs it to the power supply circuit 101 and the state display circuit 105.

[0063] The status display circuit 105 includes, for example, a display installed in the housing of the power supply unit 10. In response to receiving the stop signal STP, the status display circuit 105 displays on the display that the power supply unit 10 is in a stopped state. Thereby, it is possible to notify the user of the power supply device 1 that the power supply unit 10 requires maintenance.

[0064] Embodiment 3. FIG. 6 is a circuit block diagram of the power supply device 1 according to Embodiment 3. The power supply device 1 according to Embodiment 3 differs from the power supply device 1 according to Embodiment 1 shown in FIG. 1 in the connection of the communication line 13. As shown in FIG. 6, the communication terminal T4 of the Nth power supply unit 10(N) is connected to the communication terminal T3 of the first power supply unit 10(1) via the communication line 13. The configuration of each power supply unit 10 is the same as the configuration of the power supply unit 10 shown in FIG. 2.

[0065] In Embodiment 3, the first power supply unit 10(1) is configured to start up in response to the power supply device 1 being powered on or the start signal ST being input to the communication terminal T3.

[0066] In the Nth power supply unit 10(N), the power supply circuit 101 starts up upon receiving the start signal ST input from the (N - 1)th power supply unit 10(N - 1) to the communication terminal T3, and generates the electric power to be supplied to the load 2. The start signal output circuit 104 compares the output voltage Vo of the current detection circuit 102 with the reference voltage Vref.

[0067] When the output voltage Vo becomes equal to or higher than the reference voltage Vref, the start signal output circuit 104 generates the start signal ST, and outputs the generated start signal ST to the communication terminal T4. The start signal ST output to the communication terminal T4 is input to the communication terminal T3 of the first power supply unit 10(1) via the communication line 13. In the first power supply unit 10(1), the power supply circuit 101 that is in a stopped state restarts upon receiving the start signal ST input to the communication terminal T3.

[0068] Here, assume a case where the operation of the power supply unit 10(I) with the highest startup priority is stopped, and as a result, the power supply circuit 101 of the Nth power supply unit 10(N) is activated to start supplying power to the load 2. I is an integer between 1 and N - 1.

[0069] In this case, the power supply to the load 2 is continued by the (I + 1)th power supply unit 10(I + 1) to the Nth power supply unit 10(N). However, when the power supplied to the load 2 increases, in each power supply unit 10, since the output current Io of the power supply circuit 101 increases, there is a possibility that the output voltage Vo exceeds the reference voltage Vref. Therefore, there is a concern that the power supply circuit 101 of each power supply unit 10 may enter an overload state.

[0070] According to Embodiment 3, when the output voltage Vo reaches the reference voltage Vref, the startup signal output circuit 104 of the Nth power supply unit 10(N) outputs a startup signal ST to the first power supply unit 10(1) to restart the power supply circuit 101 of the first power supply unit 10(1). As a result, the number of power supply units 10 supplying power to the load 2 increases, so it is possible to avoid the power supply circuit 101 of each power supply unit 10 in operation from entering an overload state.

[0071] Note that when the power supplied to the load 2 further increases, or when the operation of the (I + 1)th power supply unit 10(I + 1) is stopped, the output voltage Vo may reach the reference voltage Vref in each power supply unit 10 again. In this case, the startup signal output circuit 104 of the first power supply unit 10(1) outputs a startup signal ST to the second power supply unit 10(2). When the second power supply unit 10(2) is in a stopped state, upon receiving the startup signal ST, the power supply circuit 101 restarts and starts supplying power to the load 2.

[0072] According to Embodiment 3 as described above, the power supply unit 10 that has been stopped for maintenance can be restarted to supply power to the load 2. According to this, it is possible to continue operating (N - 1) power supply units 10 excluding one power supply unit 10 during the execution of maintenance and supply power to the load 2. Therefore, the number N of power supply units 10 can be suppressed to a number that is one more than the number required to supply the rated power to the load 2.

[0073] Embodiment 4. In the power supply device 1 according to Embodiments 1 to 3 described above, the cumulative output power amount detection circuit 103 of each power supply unit 10 is configured to calculate the cumulative output power amount AE of the power circuit 101 from the first startup. And when maintenance of the power supply unit 10 is executed, the cumulative output power amount detection circuit 103 is initialized.

[0074] According to this, until maintenance of the power supply unit 10 is executed, the cumulative output power amount detection circuit 103 will continue to calculate the cumulative output power amount AE from the first startup. Therefore, after the operation of the power circuit 101 stops in response to the stop signal STP from the cumulative output power amount detection circuit 103, even if an attempt is made to restart the power circuit 101 without performing maintenance on the power supply unit 10, since the stop signal STP is output from the cumulative output power amount detection circuit 103, the power circuit 101 cannot be started.

[0075] This has the effect of being able to prompt the user to perform maintenance on the power supply unit 10. On the other hand, if the maintenance is delayed for some reason, there is a concern that the number of available power supply units 10 will be limited, so that it may not be possible to supply the necessary power from the power supply device 1 to the load 2. Also, there is a concern that the power supply unit 10 in operation will be in an overload state.

[0076] Therefore, in Embodiment 4, the cumulative output power amount detection circuit 103 of each power supply unit 10 is configured to have a plurality of threshold values. In the following description, it is assumed that the cumulative output power amount detection circuit 103 has two threshold values E1 and E2. Note that the threshold value E2 is greater than the threshold value E1. The threshold value E1 corresponds to an embodiment of the "first threshold value", and the threshold value E2 corresponds to an embodiment of the "second threshold value".

[0077] In each power supply unit 10, after the power supply circuit 101 is activated, the cumulative output power amount detection circuit 103 calculates the cumulative output power amount AE of the power supply circuit 101 from the first activation. The cumulative output power amount detection circuit 103 compares the cumulative output power amount AE with the threshold value E1. When the cumulative output power amount AE becomes equal to or greater than the threshold value E1, the cumulative output power amount detection circuit 103 determines that maintenance of the power supply unit 10 is necessary, generates a stop signal STP, and outputs it to the power supply circuit 101. When receiving the stop signal STP from the cumulative output power amount detection circuit 103, the power supply circuit 101 stops its operation.

[0078] After the power supply circuit 101 stops, if maintenance of the power supply unit 10 is not performed, the cumulative output power amount detection circuit 103 is not initialized. In this state, when the power supply circuit 101 receives a start signal ST input to the communication terminal T3, the power supply circuit 101 starts again and generates power to be supplied to the load 2. The cumulative output power amount detection circuit 103 continues to calculate the cumulative output power amount AE of the power supply circuit 101 from the first activation.

[0079] At this time, the cumulative output power amount detection circuit 103 compares the cumulative output power amount AE with the threshold value E2. When the cumulative output power amount AE becomes equal to or greater than the threshold value E2, the cumulative output power amount detection circuit 103 generates a stop signal STP and outputs it to the power supply circuit 101. When receiving the stop signal STP, the power supply circuit 101 stops its operation again.

[0080] In this way, the cumulative output power amount detection circuit 103 is configured to set the threshold value in two steps and gradually increase the threshold value for comparison with the cumulative output power amount AE. According to this, even when the maintenance of the power supply unit 10 that has been stopped once is delayed, the use of the power supply unit 10 can be continued until the cumulative output power amount AE reaches the threshold value E2.

[0081] For example, in the power supply device 1 according to the first embodiment, when the cumulative output power amount AE reaches the threshold value E1 in the cumulative output power amount detection circuit 103 of the Nth power supply unit 10(N), the operations of all N power supply units 10(1) to 10(N) are stopped. Thereafter, when the power supply device 1 is powered on, the first power supply unit 10(1) is restarted in order. When the maintenance of each power supply unit 10 has not been performed, in the restarted power supply unit 10, the power supply circuit 101 starts supplying power and stops operating again in response to the cumulative output power amount AE reaching the threshold value E2. According to this, the power supply device 1 can continue to supply power to the load 2 until the cumulative output power amount AE in the Nth power supply unit 10(N) reaches the threshold value E2.

[0082] Alternatively, in the power supply device 1 according to the third embodiment, in response to the start signal ST from the start signal output circuit 104 of the Nth power supply unit 10(N), the first power supply unit 10(1) is restarted again. When the maintenance of the first power supply unit 10(1) has not been performed, the power supply circuit 101 stops operating again when the cumulative output power amount AE reaches the threshold value E2 after restarting. That is, the first power supply unit 10(1) can be continuously used until the cumulative output power amount AE reaches the threshold value E2.

[0083] Note that the cumulative output power amount detection circuit 103 may have three or more thresholds. In this case, after the power supply circuit 101 restarts without waiting for initialization, the cumulative output power amount detection circuit 103 compares a threshold larger than the previously used threshold with the cumulative output power amount AE, and is configured to output a stop signal STP according to the comparison result. According to this, even when the maintenance of the power supply unit 10 is delayed, the power supply unit 10 can continue to be used until the cumulative output power amount AE reaches the largest threshold.

[0084] Embodiment 5. In Embodiments 5 to 7, the configuration of the power supply system to which the power supply device 1 according to the present embodiment is applied will be described.

[0085] (Configuration of power supply system) FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the power supply system according to Embodiment 5. As shown in FIG. 7, the power supply system includes a plurality of power supply devices 1 and a server 3.

[0086] The server 3 is a management device for managing a plurality of power supply devices 1. The server 3 is installed, for example, in a service center for maintaining the quality of a plurality of power supply devices 1 and protecting them from failures. Each power supply device 1 is communicably connected to the server 3 via a communication network 5. The communication network 5 is typically the Internet. The server 3 may be a shared server shared by a plurality of service centers, or may be a cloud server provided by a cloud server management company.

[0087] (Configuration of power supply device) FIG. 8 is a circuit block diagram showing a first configuration example of the power supply device 1 shown in FIG. 7. As shown in FIG. 8, the power supply device 1 according to the first configuration example is different from the power supply unit 10 shown in FIG. 2 in that it includes a status display circuit 105 and a communication circuit 106. The status display circuit 105 and the communication circuit 106 are connected to the cumulative output power amount detection circuit 103.

[0088] When the cumulative output power amount AE of the power supply circuit 101 becomes equal to or greater than the threshold value E1, the cumulative output power amount detection circuit 103 generates a stop signal STP and outputs it to the power supply circuit 101, the status display circuit 105, and the communication circuit 106.

[0089] In response to receiving the stop signal STP, the status display circuit 105 displays on the display that the power supply unit 10 is in the stopped state.

[0090] The communication circuit 106 generates status data indicating the status of the power supply unit 10 and transmits the generated status data to the server 3. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the communication circuit 106 in each power supply unit 10.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 9, the communication circuit 106 of each power supply unit 10 is communicatively connected to the server 3. When receiving the stop signal STP from the cumulative output power amount detection circuit 103, the communication circuit 106 generates status data including the identification information of the stopped power supply unit 10 and the identification information of the power supply device 1 including the power supply unit 10, and transmits it to the server 3.

[0092] The server 3 outputs the status data received from the power supply unit 10 from an output unit (not shown). As a result, the worker present at the service center can know the power supply unit 10 that requires maintenance from a remote location without going to the site. As a result, the worker can efficiently perform maintenance on the power supply unit 10 of each power supply device 1 at an appropriate timing.

[0093] Embodiment 6. (Configuration of Power Supply Device) FIG. 10 is a circuit block diagram showing a second configuration example of the power supply device 1 shown in FIG. 7. As shown in FIG. 10, the power supply device 1 according to the second configuration example is obtained by adding a control device 14 to the power supply device 1 according to the first configuration example shown in FIG. 8.

[0094] The control device 14 controls N power supply units 10(1) to 10(N). The control device 14 is connected to the communication circuit 106 of each power supply unit 10. The control device 14 is further configured to exchange data with the server 3.

[0095] When the communication circuit 106 of each power supply unit 10 receives a stop signal STP from the cumulative output power amount detection circuit 103, it transfers the received stop signal STP to the control device 14.

[0096] Based on the data exchanged with each communication circuit 106, the control device 14 generates status data indicating the status of each power supply unit 10, and transmits the generated status data to the server 3. Specifically, when the communication circuit 106 of any one of the N power supply units 10(1) to 10(N) receives a stop signal STP, the control device 14 generates status data including the identification information of the stopped power supply unit 10 and the identification information of the power supply device 1 to which the power supply unit 10 belongs, and transmits it to the server 3.

[0097] In the second configuration example as well, the same effects as those of the first configuration example described above can be obtained. In the second configuration example, since the control device 14 is configured to generate the status data of each power supply unit 10, the communication circuit 106 of each power supply unit 10 does not need to hold the identification information of the power supply unit 10. Therefore, the communication circuit 106 can be simplified.

[0098] Embodiment 7. In Embodiment 4, the configuration in which the cumulative output power amount detection circuit 103 has a plurality of threshold values in each power supply unit 10 of the power supply device 1 was described. When the power supply device 1 according to Embodiment 4 is applied to the power supply device 1 included in the power supply system (see FIG. 7) shown in Embodiments 5 and 6, the communication circuit 106 or the control device 14 can be configured to transmit the status data of each power supply unit 10 to the server 3 step by step.

[0099] For example, assume that the cumulative output power amount detection circuit 103 has two threshold values E1 and E2. Note that the threshold value E2 is greater than the threshold value E1.

[0100] In the power supply unit 10 shown in FIG. 8, when the cumulative output power amount AE of the power supply circuit 101 from the first startup becomes equal to or greater than the threshold value E1, the cumulative output power amount detection circuit 103 generates the first stop signal STP and outputs it to the power supply circuit 101, the status display circuit 105, and the communication circuit 106. When the cumulative output power amount AE from the first startup exceeds the threshold value E2, the cumulative output power amount detection circuit 103 further generates the second stop signal STP and outputs it to the power supply circuit 101, the status display circuit 105, and the communication circuit 106.

[0101] In the first configuration example shown in FIG. 9, in response to receiving the first stop signal STP, the communication circuit 106 generates status data and transmits it to the server 3. At this time, the communication circuit 106 includes, in the status data, the identification information of the stopped power supply unit 10 and the identification information of the power supply device 1 including the power supply unit 10, together with information indicating that the power supply unit 10 needs to be protected.

[0102] In response to receiving the second stop signal STP, the communication circuit 106 further generates status data and transmits it to the server 3. At this time, the communication circuit 106 includes, in the status data, the identification information of the stopped power supply unit 10 and the identification information of the power supply device 1 including the power supply unit 10, together with information indicating that the power supply unit 10 needs to be replaced.

[0103] According to this, the communication circuit 106 of each power supply unit 10 transmits information indicating that the power supply unit 10 needs to be protected and information indicating that the power supply unit 10 needs to be replaced to the server 3 step by step based on the comparison result between the cumulative output power amount AE and the threshold values E1 and E2. Therefore, the worker at the service center can know in detail what state the power supply unit 10 is in based on the state data of each power supply unit 10. Therefore, the worker can perform maintenance on the power supply unit 10 that needs to be replaced preferentially over the power supply unit 10 that needs to be protected, and it becomes possible to improve the efficiency of maintenance.

[0104] In the second configuration example shown in FIG. 10, when the control device 14 receives the first stop signal STP from the communication circuit 106 of any one of the N power supply units 10(1) to 10(N), it includes the identification information of the stopped power supply unit 10 and the identification information of the power supply device 1 including the power supply unit 10, and transmits the state data including the information indicating that the power supply unit 10 needs to be protected to the server 3.

[0105] Also, when the control device 14 receives the second stop signal STP from the communication circuit 106 of any one of the N power supply units 10(1) to 10(N), it includes the identification information of the stopped power supply unit 10 and the identification information of the power supply device 1 including the power supply unit 10, and transmits the state data including the information indicating that the power supply unit 10 needs to be replaced to the server 3. According to this, similar to the first configuration example, the worker at the service center can know in detail what state the power supply unit 10 is in based on the state data from each power supply unit 10. Therefore, also in the second configuration example, the same effect as the first configuration example can be obtained.

[0106] The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. As long as there is no contradiction, at least two of the embodiments disclosed this time may be combined. The technical scope disclosed by the present disclosure is indicated by the claims rather than the description of the above embodiments, and it is intended that all changes within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are included.

[0107] Hereinafter, various aspects of the present disclosure will be collectively described as appendices. (Appendix 1) An input terminal connected to an external power supply, An output terminal connected to a load, Comprising N power supply units connected in parallel to each other between the input terminal and the output terminal, where N is an integer of 2 or more, Each power supply unit, A power supply circuit that generates power to be supplied to the load based on the power supplied from the input terminal, And a control circuit that controls the startup and stop of the power supply circuit, The control circuit, Receives a startup signal to start the power supply circuit, and calculates a cumulative output power amount that is the cumulative value of the output power of the power supply circuit from the first startup, When the cumulative output power amount reaches a first threshold value, stops the operation of the power supply circuit, In the power supply unit in which the operation of the power supply circuit has been stopped, the control circuit, Initializes the cumulative output power amount in response to the execution of maintenance, A power supply device that calculates the cumulative output power amount of the power supply circuit from the startup after initialization.

[0108] (Appendix 2) An input terminal connected to an external power supply, An output terminal connected to a load, Comprising N power supply units connected in parallel to each other between the input terminal and the output terminal, where N is an integer of 2 or more, Each power supply unit, A power supply circuit that generates power to be supplied to the load based on the power supplied from the input terminal and a control circuit that controls the startup and shutdown of the power supply circuit The control circuit receives a startup signal to start the power supply circuit, calculates the cumulative output power amount which is the cumulative value of the output power of the power supply circuit from the first startup, and stops the operation of the power supply circuit in response to the cumulative output power amount reaching a first threshold value In the power supply unit where the operation of the power supply circuit is stopped, the control circuit when receiving the startup signal, restarts the power supply circuit and calculates the cumulative output power amount from the first startup, and stops the operation of the power supply circuit again in response to the cumulative output power amount reaching a second threshold value greater than the first threshold value. A power supply device

[0109] (Appendix 3) An input terminal connected to an external power supply An output terminal connected to a load and N power supply units connected in parallel to each other between the input terminal and the output terminal, where N is an integer of 2 or more Each power supply unit includes a power supply circuit that generates power to be supplied to the load based on the power supplied from the input terminal and a control circuit that controls the startup and shutdown of the power supply circuit The control circuit receives a startup signal to start the power supply circuit, calculates the cumulative output power amount which is the cumulative value of the output power of the power supply circuit from the first startup, and stops the operation of the power supply circuit in response to the cumulative output power amount reaching a first threshold value The N power supply units are composed of a first power supply unit to an Nth power supply unit, and I is an integer of 2 or more and N - 1 or less The control circuit of the first power supply unit receives the activation signal at power-on to activate the power supply circuit, and in response to the output current of the power supply circuit reaching a reference current, outputs the activation signal to the control circuit of the second power supply unit. The control circuit of the I-th power supply unit receives the activation signal from the control circuit of the (I-1)-th power supply unit to activate the power supply circuit, and in response to the output current of the power supply circuit reaching the reference current, outputs the activation signal to the control circuit of the (I+1)-th power supply unit, a power supply device.

[0110] (Appendix 4) The N power supply units are composed of the first power supply unit to the N-th power supply unit, and I is an integer greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to N-1. The control circuit of the first power supply unit receives the activation signal at power-on to activate the power supply circuit, and in response to the output current of the power supply circuit reaching a reference current, outputs the activation signal to the control circuit of the second power supply unit. The control circuit of the I-th power supply unit receives the activation signal from the control circuit of the (I-1)-th power supply unit to activate the power supply circuit, and in response to the output current of the power supply circuit reaching the reference current, outputs the activation signal to the control circuit of the (I+1)-th power supply unit, the power supply device according to Appendix 1 or 2.

[0111] (Appendix 5) The control circuit of the N-th power supply unit receives the activation signal from the control circuit of the (N-1)-th power supply unit to activate the power supply circuit, and in response to the output current of the power supply circuit reaching the reference current, outputs the activation signal to the control circuit of the first power supply unit, the power supply device according to Appendix 3 or 4.

[0112] (Appendix 6) N is a number greater than the number required to supply the rated power to the load by 1, the power supply device according to Appendix 5.

[0113] (Appendix 7) Each of the power supply units further includes a display circuit for displaying the state of the power supply unit. The power supply device according to any one of appendices 1 to 6, wherein the display circuit displays that the power supply unit is in a stopped state in response to the operation of the power supply circuit stopping.

[0114] (Appendix 8) A power supply device according to any one of appendices 1 to 7, and a management device communicatively connected to the power supply device and managing the power supply device. The power supply device is configured to transmit state data indicating the state of each power supply unit to the management device. When the operation of the power supply circuit stops in any one of the N power supply units, the power supply device generates the state data including the identification information of the power supply unit in the stopped state and the identification information of the power supply device and transmits it to the management device. A power supply system.

[0115] (Appendix 9) In the power supply unit in which the operation of the power supply circuit is stopped, the control circuit initializes the cumulative output power amount in response to maintenance being performed, while when the start signal is received before maintenance is performed, the power supply circuit is restarted, the cumulative output power amount from the first start is calculated, and when the cumulative output power amount reaches a second threshold value greater than the first threshold value, the power supply circuit is configured to stop operating again. When the operation of the power supply circuit stops in any one of the N power supply units in response to the cumulative output power amount reaching the first threshold value, the power supply device generates the state data including information indicating that the power supply unit needs to be protected and transmits it to the management device. In the power supply unit, when the operation of the power supply circuit stops again in response to the cumulative output power amount reaching the second threshold value, the power supply device transmits the state data including information indicating that the power supply unit needs to be replaced to the management device that generated the state data, according to the power supply system described in Supplementary Note 8.

[0116] (Supplementary Note 10) Each of the power supply units further includes a communication circuit communicatively connected to the management device. The communication circuit generates the state data and transmits it to the management device, according to the power supply system described in Supplementary Note 8 or 9.

[0117] (Supplementary Note 11) The power supply device further includes a control device communicatively connected to the management device. Each of the power supply units further includes a communication circuit communicatively connected to the control device. The control circuit generates the state data based on the data exchange with the communication circuits of the respective power supply units, and transmits the generated state data to the management device, according to the power supply system described in Supplementary Note 8 or 9.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0118] 1 Power supply device, 2 Load, 3 Server, 5 Communication network, 10, 10(1) to 10(N) Power supply units, 11 Input section, 12 Output section, 14 Control device, 20 Processor, 21 RAM, 22 ROM, 23 I / F device, 24 Storage device, 25 Communication bus, 101 Power supply circuit, 102 Current detection circuit, 103 Cumulative output power amount detection circuit, 104 Start signal output circuit, 105 Status display circuit, 106 Communication circuit, T1 Input terminal, T2 Output terminal, T3, T4 Communication terminals, ST Start signal, STP Stop signal.

Claims

1. an input terminal connected to an external power supply, an output terminal connected to a load, N power supply units connected in parallel between the input terminal and the output terminal, where N is an integer of 3 or more, Each power supply unit includes a power supply circuit that generates power to be supplied to the load based on the power supplied from the input terminal, and a control circuit that controls the startup and stop of the power supply circuit, The control circuit receives a startup signal to start the power supply circuit, calculates the cumulative output power amount which is the cumulative value of the output power of the power supply circuit from the first startup, stops the operation of the power supply circuit in response to the cumulative output power amount reaching a first threshold value, In the power supply unit where the operation of the power supply circuit is stopped, the control circuit initializes the cumulative output power amount in response to maintenance being performed, calculates the cumulative output power amount of the power supply circuit from the startup after initialization, The N power supply units are composed of a first power supply unit to an Nth power supply unit, and I is an integer of 2 or more and N - 1 or less, The control circuit of the first power supply unit receives the startup signal at power-on to start the power supply circuit, and outputs the startup signal to the control circuit of the second power supply unit in response to the output current of the power supply circuit reaching a reference current, The control circuit of the I-th power supply unit receives the startup signal from the control circuit of the (I - 1)-th power supply unit to start the power supply circuit, and outputs the startup signal to the control circuit of the (I + 1)-th power supply unit in response to the output current of the power supply circuit reaching the reference current, The control circuit of the Nth power supply unit receives the activation signal from the control circuit of the (N - 1)th power supply unit to activate the power supply circuit, and outputs the activation signal to the control circuit of the first power supply unit in response to the output current of the power supply circuit reaching the reference current. Claim 2 An input terminal connected to an external power supply, An output terminal connected to a load, N power supply units connected in parallel between the input terminal and the output terminal, where N is an integer of 2 or more, Each power supply unit includes A power supply circuit that generates power to be supplied to the load based on the power supplied from the input terminal, A control circuit that controls the activation and stop of the power supply circuit, The control circuit Receives an activation signal to activate the power supply circuit, calculates the cumulative output power amount, which is the cumulative value of the output power of the power supply circuit from the first activation, Stops the operation of the power supply circuit in response to the cumulative output power amount reaching a first threshold value, In the power supply unit where the operation of the power supply circuit has been stopped, the control circuit When receiving the activation signal, restarts the power supply circuit and calculates the cumulative output power amount from the first activation, Stops the operation of the power supply circuit again in response to the cumulative output power amount reaching a second threshold value greater than the first threshold value. Claim 3 An input terminal connected to an external power supply, An output terminal connected to a load, N power supply units connected in parallel between the input terminal and the output terminal, where N is an integer of 3 or more, Each power supply unit includes A power supply circuit that generates power to be supplied to the load based on the power supplied from the input terminal, including a control circuit for controlling startup and shutdown of the power supply circuit, the control circuit, receives a startup signal to start up the power supply circuit, calculates an accumulated output power amount which is the accumulated value of the output power of the power supply circuit from the first startup, and stops the operation of the power supply circuit in response to the accumulated output power amount reaching a first threshold value, the N power supply units are composed of a first power supply unit to an Nth power supply unit, I is an integer of 2 or more and N - 1 or less, the control circuit of the first power supply unit receives the startup signal at power-on to start up the power supply circuit, and outputs the startup signal to the control circuit of the second power supply unit in response to the output current of the power supply circuit reaching a reference current, the control circuit of the Ith power supply unit receives the startup signal from the control circuit of the (I - 1)th power supply unit to start up the power supply circuit, and outputs the startup signal to the control circuit of the (I + 1)th power supply unit in response to the output current of the power supply circuit reaching the reference current, the control circuit of the Nth power supply unit receives the startup signal from the control circuit of the (N - 1)th power supply unit to start up the power supply circuit, and outputs the startup signal to the control circuit of the first power supply unit in response to the output current of the power supply circuit reaching the reference current, a power supply device.

4. the N power supply units are composed of a first power supply unit to an Nth power supply unit, I is an integer of 2 or more and N - 1 or less, the control circuit of the first power supply unit receives the startup signal at power-on to start up the power supply circuit, and outputs the startup signal to the control circuit of the second power supply unit in response to the output current of the power supply circuit reaching a reference current, The control circuit of the first power supply unit receives the activation signal from the control circuit of the (I - 1)th power supply unit to activate the power supply circuit, and in response to the output current of the power supply circuit reaching the reference current, outputs the activation signal to the control circuit of the (I + 1)th power supply unit. The power supply device according to claim 2.

5. The control circuit of the Nth power supply unit receives the activation signal from the control circuit of the (N - 1)th power supply unit to activate the power supply circuit, and in response to the output current of the power supply circuit reaching the reference current, outputs the activation signal to the control circuit of the first power supply unit. The power supply device according to claim 4.

6. N is a number that is 1 greater than the number of units required to supply the rated power to the load. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1, 3, and 5.

7. Each of the power supply units further includes a display circuit for displaying the state of the power supply unit. The display circuit displays that the power supply unit is in a stopped state in response to the operation of the power supply circuit stopping. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. The power supply device according to claim 1, and a management device communicatively connected to the power supply device and managing the power supply device. The power supply device is configured to transmit state data indicating the state of each power supply unit to the management device. When the operation of the power supply circuit stops in any one of the N power supply units, the power supply device generates the state data including the identification information of the power supply unit in the stopped state and the identification information of the power supply device and transmits it to the management device. A power supply system.

9. The power supply device according to claim 2, and a management device communicatively connected to the power supply device and managing the power supply device. The power supply device is configured to transmit state data indicating the state of each power supply unit to the management device. When the operation of the power supply circuit stops in any one of the N power supply units, the power supply device generates the state data including the identification information of the power supply unit in the stopped state and the identification information of the power supply device, and transmits the state data to the management device. A power supply system.

10. The power supply device according to claim 3, A management device that is communicatively connected to the power supply device and manages the power supply device, The power supply device is configured to transmit state data indicating the state of each power supply unit to the management device. When the operation of the power supply circuit stops in any one of the N power supply units, the power supply device generates the state data including the identification information of the power supply unit in the stopped state and the identification information of the power supply device, and transmits the state data to the management device. A power supply system.

11. In the power supply unit in which the operation of the power supply circuit is stopped, the control circuit While initializing the cumulative output power amount in response to the execution of maintenance, When the start signal is received before the maintenance is executed, the power supply circuit is restarted, the cumulative output power amount from the first start is calculated, and when the cumulative output power amount reaches a second threshold value larger than the first threshold value, the power supply circuit is restarted. The operation of the power supply circuit is configured to be stopped again. When the operation of the power supply circuit stops in any one of the N power supply units in response to the cumulative output power amount reaching the first threshold value, the power supply device generates the state data including information indicating that the power supply unit needs to be protected. Transmit to the management device that has been In the power supply unit, when the operation of the power supply circuit stops again in response to the cumulative output power amount reaching the second threshold value, the power supply device transmits the state data including information indicating that the power supply unit needs to be replaced to the management device that generated the state data, according to any one of claims 8 to 10.

12. Each of the power supply units further includes a communication circuit communicatively connected to the management device. The communication circuit generates the state data and transmits it to the management device, according to any one of claims 8 to 10.

13. The power supply device further includes a control device communicatively connected to the management device. Each of the power supply units further includes a communication circuit communicatively connected to the control device. The control circuit generates the state data based on the exchange of data with the communication circuit of each power supply unit and transmits the generated state data to the management device, according to any one of claims 8 to 10.

14. A power supply device and a management device communicatively connected to the power supply device and managing the power supply device. The power supply device includes an input terminal connected to an external power supply, an output terminal connected to a load, and N power supply units connected in parallel to each other between the input terminal and the output terminal, where N is an integer of 3 or more. Each power supply unit includes a power supply circuit that generates power to be supplied to the load based on the power supplied from the input terminal, and a control circuit that controls the activation and deactivation of the power supply circuit. The control circuit receives an activation signal to activate the power supply circuit, calculates a cumulative output power amount that is the cumulative value of the output power of the power supply circuit since the first activation, In response to the cumulative output power amount reaching a first threshold value, the operation of the power supply circuit is stopped. In the power supply unit in which the operation of the power supply circuit has been stopped, the control circuit initializes the cumulative output power amount in response to maintenance being executed, calculates the cumulative output power amount of the power supply circuit from startup after initialization, The power supply device is configured to transmit state data indicating the state of each power supply unit to the management device. When the operation of the power supply circuit stops in any one of the N power supply units, the power supply device generates state data including the identification information of the power supply unit in the stopped state and the identification information of the power supply device, and transmits it to the management device. In the power supply unit in which the operation of the power supply circuit has been stopped, the control circuit while initializing the cumulative output power amount in response to maintenance being executed, when the startup signal is received before maintenance is executed, the power supply circuit is restarted, the cumulative output power amount from the first startup is calculated, and in response to the cumulative output power amount reaching a second threshold value greater than the first threshold value, the operation of the power supply circuit is configured to be stopped again. When the operation of the power supply circuit stops in any one of the N power supply units in response to the cumulative output power amount reaching the first threshold value, the power supply device transmits the state data including information indicating that the protection of the power supply unit is required to the management device that has generated the state data. When the operation of the power supply circuit stops again in the power supply unit in response to the cumulative output power amount reaching the second threshold value, the power supply device transmits the state data including information indicating that the power supply unit needs to be replaced to the management device that has generated the state data. A power supply system.

15. A power supply device, It includes a management device that is communicatively connected to the power supply device and manages the power supply device. The power supply device has an input terminal connected to an external power supply, an output terminal connected to a load, and N power supply units connected in parallel between the input terminal and the output terminal, where N is an integer of 3 or more. Each power supply unit includes a power supply circuit that generates power to be supplied to the load based on the power supplied from the input terminal, and a control circuit that controls the startup and stop of the power supply circuit. The control circuit receives a startup signal and starts the power supply circuit, and calculates a cumulative output power amount that is the cumulative value of the output power of the power supply circuit since the first startup. When the cumulative output power amount reaches a first threshold value, the operation of the power supply circuit is stopped. The N power supply units are composed of a first power supply unit to an Nth power supply unit, where I is an integer of 2 or more and N - 1 or less. The control circuit of the first power supply unit receives the startup signal at power-on and starts the power supply circuit, and outputs the startup signal to the control circuit of the second power supply unit when the output current of the power supply circuit reaches a reference current. The control circuit of the I-th power supply unit receives the startup signal from the control circuit of the (I - 1)-th power supply unit and starts the power supply circuit, and outputs the startup signal to the control circuit of the (I + 1)-th power supply unit when the output current of the power supply circuit reaches the reference current. The power supply device is configured to transmit status data indicating the status of each power supply unit to the management device. When the operation of the power supply circuit stops in any one of the N power supply units, the power supply device generates the status data including the identification information of the power supply unit in the stopped state and the identification information of the power supply device, and transmits it to the management device. In the power supply unit in which the operation of the power supply circuit has been stopped, the control circuit initializes the cumulative output power amount in response to the execution of maintenance, while when the activation signal is received before maintenance is executed, the power supply circuit is restarted, the cumulative output power amount from the first activation is calculated, and in response to the cumulative output power amount reaching a second threshold value greater than the first threshold value, the operation of the power supply circuit is configured to be stopped again, in any one of the N power supply units, when the operation of the power supply circuit stops in response to the cumulative output power amount reaching the first threshold value, the power supply device transmits the state data including information indicating that the protection of the power supply unit is necessary to the management device that has generated the state data, in the power supply unit, when the operation of the power supply circuit stops again in response to the cumulative output power amount reaching the second threshold value, the power supply device transmits the state data including information indicating that the replacement of the power supply unit is necessary to the management device that has generated the state data. A power supply system.

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