Power supply circuit

Abstract

A power supply circuit (1) comprises: a first switching unit (11) that, when a power supply signal (SUP) is input to a third terminal (T3), connects a first terminal (T1) that is connected to a power source (3) and a second terminal (T2) that is connected to a load (5); a second switching unit (12) that, when a cut-off signal CUT is input to a sixth terminal (T6), cuts off a fourth terminal (T4) that is connected to the second terminal (T2) and a fifth terminal (T5) that is connected to the third terminal (T3); a third switching unit (13) that, after inputting a power supply signal (SUP) to the third terminal (T3) through a first bypass path (BP1) that bypasses the first switching unit (11), cuts off the first bypass path (BP1); and a fourth switching unit (14) that connects or cuts off a second bypass path (BP2) that bypasses the third switching unit (13). The second bypass path (BP2) is cut off while driving power is supplied from the power source (3) to the load (5).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a power supply circuit for supplying drive power from a power source to a load.

Background Art

[0002] In a system including a power source and a load, a power supply circuit for controlling the power supply from the power source to the load is provided. For example, a power supply circuit using a non-locking switch is known (for example, Patent Document 1). Note that a non-locking switch refers to a switch that, after connecting the switch to an on terminal or an off terminal, enters a state where the switch is not connected to either the on terminal or the off terminal (referred to as a neutral state).

[0003] In a power supply circuit using a non-locking switch, the power supply from the power source to the load is started by connecting the non-locking switch to the on terminal, and thereafter, even when the non-locking switch enters the neutral state, the power supply from the power source to the load continues. This is because when the non-locking switch is connected to the on terminal, a self-holding circuit for maintaining the power supply from the power source to the load starts operating, and thereafter, even when the non-locking switch enters the neutral state, the self-holding circuit maintains the power supply from the power source to the load.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the power supply circuit as described above, there are cases where not only the start and end of power supply by a switch but also the start and end of power supply by external control are desired. However, depending on the state of the switch, there are cases where the start and end of power supply cannot be performed according to external control. That is, in the conventional power supply circuit, it has not been possible to appropriately balance the start and end of power supply by a switch and the start and end of power supply by external control.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to appropriately balance the start and end of power supply by a switch and the start and end of power supply by external control in a power supply circuit that supplies power from a power source to a load.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A plurality of aspects will be described below as means for solving the problems. These aspects can be arbitrarily combined as necessary. A power supply circuit according to an aspect of the present invention is a circuit that supplies drive power from a power source to a load in a system having a power source, a load, and a control device that controls the load. The power supply circuit includes a first switching unit, a second switching unit, a third switching unit, and a fourth switching unit. The first switching unit has a first terminal connected to the power source, a second terminal connected to the load, and a third terminal to which a power supply signal is input. The first switching unit connects the first terminal and the second terminal when a power supply signal is input to the third terminal. The second switching unit has a fourth terminal connected to the second terminal, a fifth terminal connected to the third terminal, and a sixth terminal to which a cutoff signal is input. The second switching unit cuts off the fourth terminal and the fifth terminal when a cutoff signal is input to the sixth terminal.

[0008] The third switching unit is arranged in a first bypass path that bypasses the first switching unit from the power supply and is connected to the fourth terminal. The third switching unit enables the first bypass path to be conductive with the first terminal and the second terminal being disconnected and the fourth terminal and the fifth terminal being connected, inputs a power supply signal from the power supply to the third terminal after that, and then cuts off the first bypass path. The fourth switching unit is arranged in a second bypass path that bypasses the third switching unit in the first bypass path. The fourth switching unit connects or disconnects the second bypass path under the control of the control device.

[0009] In the above power supply circuit, while the first terminal and the second terminal are connected and driving power is supplied from the power supply to the load, the second bypass path is cut off.

[0010] In the above power supply circuit, with the first terminal and the second terminal of the first switching unit being disconnected and the fourth terminal and the fifth terminal of the second switching unit being connected, that is, in a state where driving power is not being supplied from the power supply to the load, by operating the third switching unit to connect the first bypass path, a power supply signal is input from the power supply to the fourth terminal via the first bypass path. As a result, the first terminal and the second terminal are connected, and the supply of driving power from the power supply to the load is started. When driving power is being supplied from the power supply to the load, since the first terminal and the second terminal of the first switching unit are connected and the fourth terminal and the fifth terminal of the second switching unit are connected, a power supply signal continues to be input from the power supply to the third terminal of the first switching unit via the first switching unit and the second switching unit. As a result, the supply of driving power from the power supply to the load is maintained.

[0011] On the other hand, when driving power is being supplied from the power supply to the load, by inputting a cut-off signal to the sixth terminal of the second switching unit, the fourth terminal and the fifth terminal of the second switching unit are cut off. Accordingly, the power supply signal is no longer input from the power supply to the third terminal, and the first terminal and the second terminal are cut off. As a result, the supply of driving power from the power supply to the load is stopped.

[0012] Also, in the above power supply circuit, a second bypass path that bypasses the third switching unit in the first bypass path is provided, and a fourth switching path that connects or disconnects the second bypass path under the control of the control device is provided in this second bypass path. Thereby, the supply of driving power from the power source to the load can be controlled under the control of the control device.

[0013] Furthermore, while the first terminal and the second terminal of the first switching unit are connected and driving power is supplied from the power source to the load, the second bypass path is disconnected. Thereby, after inputting a cutoff signal to the sixth terminal of the second switching unit to stop the supply of driving power from the power source to the load, it is possible to prevent the supply of driving power from the power source to the load from restarting unintentionally. Thus, in the above power supply circuit, the supply control of driving power by the third switching unit and the supply control of driving power by the control of the control device can be appropriately made compatible.

[0014] In the above power supply circuit, when restarting the supply of driving power from the power source to the load after stopping the supply of driving power from the power source to the load under the control of the control device, the control device may control the fourth switching unit to connect the second bypass path. Thereby, under the control of the control device, the supply stop and supply restart of driving power from the power source to the load can be appropriately executed. Because, by keeping the second bypass path in a connected state, regardless of the state of the third switching unit, after inputting a cutoff signal to the sixth terminal of the second switching unit to stop the supply of driving power from the power source to the load, power is supplied from the power source, bypassing the third switching unit, and a power supply signal is automatically input to the third terminal of the first switching unit.

[0015] In the above power supply circuit, the third switching unit may output a startup completion signal after the supply of driving power from the power source to the load is started. In this case, the above power supply circuit may further include a notification unit. The notification unit outputs a notification signal for notifying that driving power is being supplied from the power source to the load when the startup completion signal is input. Also, when the notification signal is output, the second bypass path may be cut off. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the supply of driving power from the power source to the load from being restarted unintentionally by cutting off the second bypass path at an appropriate timing when the supply of driving power from the power source to the load is started.

Effect of the Invention

[0016] The start and end of power supply by the third switching unit and the start and end of power supply according to the command of the control device can be appropriately compatible.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] 1. First Embodiment (1) Overview of the System Hereinafter, the power supply circuit 1 of the present disclosure will be described. First, a system 100 including the power supply circuit 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the system and the power supply circuit. The system 100 is a system that receives power supply and performs a predetermined operation, such as an autonomous mobile body or an autonomous mobile robot. The system 100 includes a power supply circuit 1, a power source 3, a load 5, and a control device 7.

[0019] The power supply circuit 1 is a circuit that controls the supply of driving power from the power source 3 to the load 5. The power source 3 generates the driving power to be supplied to the load 5. The power source 3 is, for example, a battery. The load 5 performs a predetermined operation upon receiving the supply of driving power. The load 5 is, for example, an autonomous mobile body, a motor for moving an autonomous mobile robot and its control device, various devices provided in an autonomous mobile body or the like (for example, a light, a camera, etc. and their control devices). Note that the power supply from the power source 3 to the load 5 is performed via the power control device 9. The power control device 9 converts the power from the power source 3 into power optimal for driving the load 5. The power control device 9 is, for example, a DC / DC converter, a DC / AC inverter, or the like.

[0020] The control device 7 is an external device isolated from the system having the power supply circuit 1, the power source 3, the load 5, and the power control device 9. The control device 7 is a server, a personal computer, a tablet terminal, etc. provided with a CPU, a storage device (RAM, ROM, hard disk, SSD, etc.), and various interfaces. The control device 7 may realize the following control by software stored in the storage device. The control device 7 is connected to the above system by wire or wirelessly, and controls the load 5 from outside the above system. Further, the control device 7 transmits a predetermined signal to the power supply circuit 1 from outside the above system and controls the power supply circuit 1. That is, the control device 7 controls the start and end of the power supply of the above system by external control.

[0021] (2) Configuration of the power supply circuit Next, the configuration of the power supply circuit 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. The power supply circuit 1 includes a first switching unit 11, a second switching unit 12, a third switching unit 13, a fourth switching unit 14, and a notification unit 15. The first switching unit 11 is an electromagnetic relay that switches whether to supply or stop the driving power from the power source 3 to the load 5. Specifically, the first switching unit 11 has a first opening / closing unit 11a and a first opening / closing driving unit 11b.

[0022] The first opening / closing part 11a has a first terminal T1 connected to the power supply 3 and a second terminal T2 connected to the load 5, and opens and closes the first terminal T1 and the second terminal T2. The first opening / closing part 11a electrically disconnects the first terminal T1 and the second terminal T2 by setting the first terminal T1 and the second terminal T2 to the "open" state. On the other hand, the first opening / closing part 11a electrically connects the first terminal T1 and the second terminal T2 by setting the first terminal T1 and the second terminal T2 to the "closed" state.

[0023] The first opening / closing driving part 11b is an electromagnet that generates an electromagnetic force for opening and closing the first opening / closing part 11a. The first opening / closing driving part 11b has a pair of third terminals T3. One of the pair of third terminals T3 is connected to the fifth terminal T5 of the second switching part 12, and the other is connected to the negative electrode side of the power supply 3. When a power supply signal SUP (Fig. 2) is input to the third terminal T3, the first opening / closing driving part 11b uses this signal as a driving force to set the first terminal T1 and the second terminal T2 of the first opening / closing part 11a to the "closed" state. That is, when a power supply signal SUP is input to the third terminal T3, the first terminal T1 and the second terminal T2 are electrically connected. On the other hand, when a power supply signal SUP is not input to the third terminal T3, the first terminal T1 and the second terminal T2 are in the "open" state and are electrically disconnected.

[0024] The second switching part 12 is an electromagnetic relay that switches whether to input a power supply signal SUP from the power supply 3 to the third terminal T3 of the first switching part 11. Specifically, the second switching part 12 has a second opening / closing part 12a and a second opening / closing driving part 12b.

[0025] The second opening / closing part 12a has a fourth terminal T4 connected to the second terminal T2 of the first switching part 11 and a fifth terminal T5 connected to the third terminal T3 of the first switching part 11, and opens and closes the fourth terminal T4 and the fifth terminal T5. As shown in FIG. 1, the fourth terminal T4 is connected to the second terminal T2 via the first rectifying element D1. The first rectifying element D1 has its anode side connected to the second terminal T2 and its cathode side connected to the fourth terminal T4. The first rectifying element D1 restricts the flow of signals in the direction from the second terminal T2 to the fourth terminal T4 and inhibits the flow of signals from the third switching part 13 to the second terminal T2.

[0026] The second opening / closing part 12a electrically disconnects the fourth terminal T4 and the fifth terminal T5 by setting the fourth terminal T4 and the fifth terminal T5 to the "open" state. On the other hand, the first opening / closing part 11a electrically connects the fourth terminal T4 and the fifth terminal T5 by setting the fourth terminal T4 and the fifth terminal T5 to the "closed" state.

[0027] The second opening / closing driving part 12b is an electromagnet that generates an electromagnetic force for opening and closing the second opening / closing part 12a. The second opening / closing driving part 12b has a pair of sixth terminals T6. A cut-off signal CUT is input to one of the pair of sixth terminals T6. The cut-off signal CUT is output from the load 5. That is, one of the pair of sixth terminals T6 is connected to the output terminal of the cut-off signal CUT of the load 5. For example, when an operation to stop the supply of driving power is performed in the load 5 or when a command to stop the supply of driving power is issued from the control device 7, the load 5 outputs the cut-off signal CUT.

[0028] The other of the pair of sixth terminals T6 is connected to the output terminal of the output voltage Vcc of the power control device 9. The output voltage Vcc is output when the first opening / closing part 11a of the first switching part 11 is in the "closed" state and the power control device 9 is operating with the power from the power supply 3.

[0029] When a signal (i.e., the cut-off signal CUT) with a voltage (potential) smaller than the output voltage Vcc is input to one of the sixth terminals T6 of the second opening / closing driving unit 12b, power is supplied from the power control device 9 to the sixth terminal T6. Using this power as the driving force, the fourth terminal T4 and the fifth terminal T5 of the second opening / closing unit 12a are set to the "open" state. That is, when the cut-off signal CUT is input to the sixth terminal T6, the fourth terminal T4 and the fifth terminal T5 are electrically cut off, and the input of the power supply signal SUP to the third terminal T3 of the first switching unit 11 is cut off. On the other hand, when a signal having a voltage (potential) equal to the output voltage Vcc is input to the sixth terminal T6, or when the output voltage Vcc is not output from the power control device 9, the fourth terminal T4 and the fifth terminal T5 are in the "closed" state and are electrically connected, and the input of the power supply signal SUP to the third terminal T3 of the first switching unit 11 becomes possible.

[0030] The third switching unit 13 is a switch for starting the supply of driving power from the power supply 3 to the load 5. The third switching unit 13 is, for example, a three-notch selector switch having a knob 13a, a third opening / closing unit 13b, and a fourth opening / closing unit 13c. The knob 13a can take three positions: the first position, the second position, and the third position. The second position is, for example, the neutral position of the knob 13a. The first position is, for example, the position when the knob 13a is rotated a predetermined angle to the right from the neutral position. The third position is, for example, the position when the knob 13a is rotated a predetermined angle to the left from the neutral position. After the knob 13a is manually positioned at the first position and the hand is released, it returns to the second position. After being manually positioned at the third position, it does not return to the second position.

[0031] The third switching part 13b is arranged in the first bypass path BP1 and switches the connection and disconnection of the first bypass path BP1. The first bypass path BP1 bypasses the first switching part 11 from the power supply 3 and reaches the third switching part 13b, and is a path from the third switching part 13b to the fourth terminal T4 of the second switching part 12. A second rectifying element D2 is provided in the path from the third switching part 13b to the fourth terminal T4 of the first bypass path BP1. The second rectifying element D2 has its anode side connected to the third switching part 13b and its cathode side connected to the fourth terminal T4. The second rectifying element D2 restricts the flow of signals in the direction from the third switching part 13b to the fourth terminal T4 and inhibits the flow of signals from the second terminal T2 of the first switching part 11 to the third switching part 13b.

[0032] The fourth switching part 13c is arranged in the path from the output terminal of the output voltage Vcc of the power control device 9 to the notification part 15 and switches the connection and disconnection of the path.

[0033] In the third switching part 13, when the knob 13a is in the second position, the first bypass path BP1 is blocked by the third switching part 13b, while the path from the output terminal of the output voltage Vcc of the power control device 9 to the notification part 15 is connected by the fourth switching part 13c.

[0034] When the knob 13a is in the first position, the first bypass path BP1 is connected by the third switching part 13b to be in a conducting state, and the path from the output terminal of the output voltage Vcc of the power control device 9 to the notification part 15 is connected by the fourth switching part 13c. Also, when the knob 13a is in the third position, the first bypass path BP1 is blocked by the third switching part 13b, and the path from the output terminal of the output voltage Vcc of the power control device 9 to the notification part 15 is blocked by the fourth switching part 13c.

[0035] The fourth switching unit 14 is an electromagnetic relay that switches between connecting a second bypass path BP2 that bypasses the third switching unit 13 in the first bypass path BP1 to a conducting state or blocking the second bypass path BP2. Specifically, the fourth switching unit 14 includes a fifth switching unit 14a, a third switching drive unit 14b, and a fourth switching drive unit 14c.

[0036] The fifth switching unit 14a has a seventh terminal T7 connected to one side of the second bypass path BP2, an eighth terminal T8 connected to the other side of the second bypass path BP2, and a ninth terminal T9 not connected to any element, and switches between connecting the seventh terminal T7 and the eighth terminal T8 or connecting the eighth terminal T8 and the ninth terminal T9.

[0037] The fifth switching unit 14a connects the second bypass path BP2 to a conducting state by connecting the seventh terminal T7 and the eighth terminal T8. On the other hand, the fifth switching unit 14a blocks the second bypass path BP2 by connecting the eighth terminal T8 and the ninth terminal T9.

[0038] The third switching drive unit 14b is an electromagnet that generates an electromagnetic force to connect the seventh terminal T7 and the eighth terminal T8 of the fifth switching unit 14a. The third switching drive unit 14b has a pair of tenth terminals T10. A restart set signal SET is input to one of the pair of tenth terminals T10. The restart set signal SET is output from the load 5. That is, one of the pair of tenth terminals T10 is connected to the output terminal of the restart set signal SET of the load 5. When commanded by the control device 7 to enable remote control restart, the load 5 outputs the restart set signal SET. The other of the pair of tenth terminals T10 is connected to the output terminal of the output voltage Vcc of the power control device 9.

[0039] When a signal (i.e., a restart set signal SET) with a voltage (potential) smaller than the output voltage Vcc is input to one of the tenth terminals T10 of the third opening / closing drive unit 14b, power is supplied from the power control device 9 to the tenth terminal T10. Using this power as a driving force, the seventh terminal T7 and the eighth terminal T8 of the fifth opening / closing unit 14a are connected. That is, when the restart set signal SET is input to the tenth terminal T10, the second bypass path BP2 is connected and becomes conductive. Once the seventh terminal T7 and the eighth terminal T8 are connected, the connection between the seventh terminal T7 and the eighth terminal T8 is maintained unless a signal having a voltage (potential) equivalent to the output voltage Vcc is input to one of the tenth terminals T10 or the output voltage Vcc is no longer output from the power control device 9, until a restart reset signal RST is input to one of the eleventh terminals T11.

[0040] The fourth opening / closing drive unit 14c is an electromagnet that generates an electromagnetic force for connecting the eighth terminal T8 and the ninth terminal T9 of the fifth opening / closing unit 14a. The fourth opening / closing drive unit 14c has a pair of eleventh terminals T11. The restart reset signal RST is input to one of the pair of eleventh terminals T11. The restart reset signal RST is output from the load 5. That is, one of the pair of eleventh terminals T11 is connected to the output terminal of the restart reset signal RST of the load 5. When the control device 7 commands that restart by remote control is not to be performed, the load 5 outputs the restart reset signal RST. The other of the pair of eleventh terminals T11 is connected to the output terminal of the output voltage Vcc of the power control device 9.

[0041] When a signal (i.e., restart reset signal RST) with a voltage (potential) smaller than the output voltage Vcc is input to one side of the 11th terminal T11, power is supplied from the power control device 9 to the 11th terminal T11. Using this power as a driving force, the 8th terminal T8 and the 9th terminal T9 of the 5th switching unit 14a are connected. That is, when the restart reset signal RST is input to the 11th terminal T11, the second bypass path BP2 is cut off. Note that once the 8th terminal T8 and the 9th terminal T9 are connected, the connection between the 8th terminal T8 and the 9th terminal T9 is maintained unless a signal having a voltage (potential) equal to the output voltage Vcc is input to one side of the 11th terminal T11, or the output voltage Vcc is not output from the power control device 9, and unless the restart set signal SET is input to one side of the 10th terminal T10.

[0042] The notification unit 15 outputs a notification signal NT for notifying the outside such as the load 5 and the control device 7 that driving power is being supplied from the power supply 3 to the load 5. In the present embodiment, the notification unit 15 is an electromagnetic relay having a 6th switching unit 15a and a 5th switching drive unit 15b. The 6th switching unit 15a switches the opening and closing between a 12th terminal T12 connected to the ground potential and a 13th terminal T13 which is the output end of the notification signal NT.

[0043] The 6th switching unit 15a electrically disconnects the 12th terminal T12 and the 13th terminal T13 by setting the 12th terminal T12 and the 13th terminal T13 to the "open" state. On the other hand, the 6th switching unit 15a electrically connects the 12th terminal T12 and the 13th terminal T13 by setting the 12th terminal T12 and the 13th terminal T13 to the "closed" state.

[0044] The 5th switching drive unit 15b is an electromagnet that generates an electromagnetic force for opening and closing the 6th switching unit 15a. The 5th switching drive unit 15b has a pair of 14th terminals T14. One of the pair of 14th terminals T14 is connected to one side of the 4th switching unit 13c of the 3rd switching unit 13. Note that the other side of the 4th switching unit 13c is connected to the output terminal of the output voltage Vcc of the power control device 9. The ground potential is connected to the other of the pair of 14th terminals T14.

[0045] In the fifth opening / closing driving unit 15b, when the knob 13a of the third switching unit 13 is in the first position or the second position and the fourth opening / closing unit 13c is in the connected state, a signal having an output voltage Vcc on one of the 14th terminals T14 (referred to as a startup completion signal ED) is input. Thereby, power is supplied from the power control device 9 to the 14th terminal T14, and the fifth opening / closing driving unit 15b uses this power as a driving force to set the 12th terminal T12 and the 13th terminal T13 of the sixth opening / closing unit 15a to the "closed" state. That is, while the knob 13a is in the first position or the second position and driving power is being supplied from the power supply 3 to the load 5, the 12th terminal T12 and the 13th terminal T13 of the sixth opening / closing unit 15a are in the "closed" state. When the 12th terminal T12 and the 13th terminal T13 of the sixth opening / closing unit 15a are in the "closed" state, a notification signal NT is output as a signal of zero potential.

[0046] (3) Operation of the power supply circuit (3-1) Startup operation by the third switching unit Hereinafter, the operation of the power supply circuit 1 in the system 100 will be described. First, the operation of starting the supply of driving power from the power supply 3 to the load 5 using the third switching unit 13 (startup operation by the third switching unit 13) will be described.

[0047] When driving power is not being supplied from the power supply 3 to the load 5, the first opening / closing unit 11a of the first switching unit 11 is in the "open" state, that is, the power supply 3 and the load 5 (power control device 9) are in a disconnected state, and the second opening / closing unit 12a of the second switching unit 12 is in the "closed" state, that is, a power supply signal SUP can be input to the third terminal T3 of the first switching unit 11. In the third switching unit 13, the knob 13a is in the third position, and both the third opening / closing unit 13b and the fourth opening / closing unit 13c are in a disconnected state. In the fourth switching unit 14, the eighth terminal T8 and the ninth terminal T9 are connected. That is, the second bypass path BP2 is in a disconnected state.

[0048] In the above state, when the user manually moves the knob 13a of the third switching unit 13 from the third position to the first position, the first bypass path BP1 is connected by the third switching unit 13b and becomes conductive. As a result, as shown in FIG. 2, a signal path indicated by a thick line is formed in the power supply circuit 1, and a power supply signal SUP is input to the third terminal T3 of the first switching unit 11 from the positive electrode side of the power supply 3 through the first bypass path BP1 and the second switching unit 12. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the signal path at startup.

[0049] When the power supply signal SUP is input to the third terminal T3, the first switching drive unit 11b of the first switching unit 11 connects the first terminal T1 and the second terminal T2 of the first switching unit 11a. As a result, as shown in FIG. 3, a drive power path indicated by a thick line is formed in the power supply circuit 1, and drive power is supplied from the power supply 3 to the load 5 via the power control device 9. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the drive power and signal paths during the supply of drive power.

[0050] When the drive power is supplied, an output voltage Vcc is output from the power control device 9. Since the fourth switching unit 13c of the third switching unit 13 is in a connected state, a startup completion signal ED is input to the fourteenth terminal T14 of the notification unit 15. As a result, the twelfth terminal T12 and the thirteenth terminal T13 of the sixth switching unit 15a become the "closed" state, and a notification signal NT is output from the thirteenth terminal T13. When the output of the notification signal NT is confirmed, the user releases the hand from the knob 13a of the third switching unit 13, and the knob 13a moves from the first position to the second position. Whether or not the notification signal NT is output can be confirmed, for example, by the state of a lamp indicating that the notification signal NT is output (for example, whether the lamp is lit or not).

[0051] When the knob 13a moves from the first position to the second position, the first bypass path BP1 is blocked, but the supply of driving power from the power source 3 to the load 5 continues. This is because once the first switching unit 11's first opening / closing unit 11a is in the "closed" state, as shown in FIG. 3, a path is formed from the positive electrode side of the power source 3, through the first switching unit 11, the first rectifying element D1, and the second switching unit 12, to the third terminal T3 of the first switching unit 11. Through this path, a power supply signal is input from the power source 3 to the third terminal T3, maintaining the "closed" state of the first opening / closing unit 11a. Even when the knob 13a moves from the first position to the second position, the fourth opening / closing unit 13c remains connected, so the notification signal NT continues to be output during the supply of driving power. Therefore, by checking the notification signal NT, it is possible to confirm whether the driving power is being supplied from the power source 3 to the load 5.

[0052] (3-2) Driving Power Supply Stop Operation Next, the operation of stopping the supply of driving power from the power source 3 to the load 5 will be described. For example, when an operation to stop the supply of driving power is performed on the load 5, or when a command to stop the supply of driving power is received from the control device 7, the load 5 outputs a cutoff signal CUT.

[0053] When the driving power is being supplied, the output voltage Vcc is output. So, when the cutoff signal CUT output from the load 5 is input to the sixth terminal T6 of the second switching unit 12, the fourth terminal T4 and the fifth terminal T5 of the second opening / closing unit 12a become the "open" state, blocking the input of the power supply signal SUP to the third terminal T3 of the first switching unit 11. When the input of the power supply signal SUP to the third terminal T3 is blocked, the first terminal T1 and the second terminal T2 of the first opening / closing unit 11a are disconnected, stopping the supply of driving power from the power source 3 to the load 5.

[0054] During the supply of driving power, since the knob 13a of the third switching unit 13 is in the second position, the third switching part 13b is in the off state. That is, during the supply of driving power, the first bypass path BP1 is in the off state. Therefore, after the input of the power supply signal SUP to the third terminal T3 is cut off by the second switching unit 12, after the supply of driving power from the power supply 3 to the load 5 is stopped, the supply of driving power will not be restarted unintentionally.

[0055] Also, the second switching part 12a of the second switching unit 12 is in a state where the fourth terminal T4 and the fifth terminal T5 are connected after the supply of driving power is stopped. Thereby, the supply of driving power can be restarted by the above-described startup operation.

[0056] When the supply of driving power stops, the knob 13a of the third switching unit 13 is in the second position (that is, the fourth switching part 13c of the third switching unit 13 is in the connected state), but since the output voltage Vcc is no longer output due to the stop of the supply of driving power, the twelfth terminal T12 and the thirteenth terminal T13 of the sixth switching part 15a are cut off, and the output of the notification signal NT stops.

[0057] (3-3) Operation of Stopping and Restarting the Supply of Driving Power by Remote Control of the Control Device Hereinafter, an operation of restarting the supply of driving power from the power supply 3 to the load 5 after stopping the supply of driving power from the power supply 3 to the load 5 by remote control of the control device 7 will be described. This operation is executed, for example, when performing firmware / software update or the like on the load 5.

[0058] During the supply of driving power, when the control device 7 commands the load 5 to restart the supply of driving power after stopping it, the load 5 outputs a restart set signal SET. The restart set signal SET output from the load 5 is input to the tenth terminal T10 of the fourth switching unit 14. When the restart set signal SET is input to the tenth terminal T10, the third switching drive unit 14b connects the seventh terminal T7 and the eighth terminal T8 of the fifth switching part 14a, and the second bypass path BP2 becomes conductive.

[0059] After that, after executing the necessary processing, the load 5 outputs a cutoff signal CUT. As a result, as described above, the supply of driving power from the power supply 3 to the load 5 is stopped.

[0060] After the supply of driving power from the power supply 3 to the load 5 is stopped, the second opening / closing part 12a of the second switching part 12 is in the "closed" state, and the second bypass path BP2 is in the conductive state. Therefore, after the supply of driving power is stopped, as shown in FIG. 4, a path as indicated by the thick line is formed in the power supply circuit 1. That is, from the positive electrode side of the power supply 3, the third switching part 13 is bypassed in the first bypass path BP1 (that is, through the second bypass path BP2), and a path leading to the third terminal T3 of the first switching part 11 is formed through the second rectifying element D2 and the second switching part 12. Through this path, a power supply signal SUP is input from the power supply 3 to the third terminal T3. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the signal path in the operation of restarting the supply of driving power by remote control of the control device.

[0061] When a power supply signal SUP is input from the power supply 3 to the third terminal T3 through the above path, the first terminal T1 and the second terminal T2 of the first opening / closing part 11a are connected, and the supply of driving power from the power supply 3 to the load 5 is automatically started. Even when the supply of driving power from the power supply 3 to the load 5 is automatically started, a path as shown in FIG. 3 is formed, and a notification signal NT is output from the 13th terminal T13 to the outside.

[0062] After the supply of driving power from the power supply 3 to the load 5 is started and the notification signal NT is output, the load 5 outputs a restart reset signal RST. The restart reset signal RST output from the load 5 is input to the 11th terminal T11 of the fourth switching part 14. When the restart reset signal RST is input to the 11th terminal T11, the fourth opening / closing driving part 14c connects the eighth terminal T8 and the ninth terminal T9 of the fifth opening / closing part 14a, and the second bypass path BP2 becomes in the cut-off state.

[0063] After the supply of driving power from the power source 3 to the load 5 is automatically started, by keeping the second bypass path BP2 in a cut-off state, it is possible to prevent the supply of driving power from restarting unintentionally after the supply of driving power from the power source to the load is stopped again.

[0064] As described above, by providing a second bypass path BP2 that bypasses the third switching unit 13 in the first bypass path BP1, and providing a fourth switching unit 14 in this second bypass path BP2 that connects or disconnects the second bypass path BP2 under the control of the control device 7, the supply start and supply stop of driving power from the power source 3 to the load 5 can be controlled by remote control of the control device 7. For example, control such as automatically starting the supply of driving power after automatically stopping the supply of driving power can be executed.

[0065] 2. Other Embodiments Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the invention. In particular, the plurality of embodiments and modification examples described in this specification can be arbitrarily combined as necessary. (A) The system 100 including the power supply circuit 1 is not limited to an autonomous mobile body or an autonomous mobile robot, and can be any system that operates by being supplied with power.

[0066] (B) In the above first embodiment, the first switching unit 11, the second switching unit 12, the fourth switching unit 14, and the notification unit 15 were electromagnetic relays. However, it is not limited to this, and a semiconductor switching element that performs the same operation as described above, or a circuit including a semiconductor switching element, can also be used as the first switching unit 11, the second switching unit 12, the fourth switching unit 14, and the notification unit 15.

[0067] (C) In the above-described first embodiment, the third switching unit 13 was a three-notch selector switch. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a switch, electromagnetic relay, semiconductor switching element, or a circuit including these that performs the same operation as described above may be used as the third switching unit 13.

[0068] (D) The above-described restart set signal SET and / or restart reset signal RST may be input directly from the control device 7 to the fourth switching unit 14. Thereby, regardless of whether driving power is being supplied to the load 5, control of the supply of driving power by remote control by the control device 7 can be executed. For example, in a state where the supply of driving power has been stopped, by directly inputting the restart set signal SET from the control device 7 to the fourth switching unit 14, the supply of driving power can be automatically started by remote control.

[0069] 3. Features of the Embodiment The above embodiment can also be described as follows. (1) The power supply circuit (for example, the power supply circuit 1) includes a first switching unit (for example, the first switching unit 11), a second switching unit (for example, the second switching unit 12), a third switching unit (for example, the third switching unit 13), and a fourth switching unit (for example, the fourth switching unit 14). The first switching unit has a first terminal (for example, the first terminal T1) connected to a power source (for example, the power source 3), a second terminal (for example, the second terminal T2) connected to a load (for example, the load 5), and a third terminal (for example, the third terminal T3) to which a power supply signal (for example, the power supply signal SUP) is input. The first switching unit connects the first terminal and the second terminal when a power supply signal is input to the third terminal. The second switching unit has a fourth terminal (for example, the fourth terminal T4) connected to the second terminal, a fifth terminal (for example, the fifth terminal T5) connected to the third terminal, and a sixth terminal (for example, the sixth terminal T6) to which a cut-off signal (for example, the cut-off signal CUT) is input. The second switching unit cuts off the fourth terminal and the fifth terminal when a cut-off signal is input to the sixth terminal.

[0070] The third switching unit is disposed in a first bypass path (for example, the first bypass path BP1) that bypasses the first switching unit from the power supply and is connected to the fourth terminal. The third switching unit enables the first bypass path to conduct and inputs a power supply signal from the power supply to the third terminal after the first terminal and the second terminal are disconnected and the fourth terminal and the fifth terminal are connected, and then cuts off the first bypass path. The fourth switching unit is disposed in a second bypass path (for example, the second bypass path BP2) that bypasses the third switching unit in the first bypass path. The fourth switching unit connects or disconnects the second bypass path under the control of a control device (for example, the control device 7).

[0071] In the above power supply circuit, while the first terminal and the second terminal are connected and driving power is supplied from the power supply to the load, the second bypass path is cut off.

[0072] In the above power supply circuit, in a state where the first terminal and the second terminal of the first switching unit are disconnected and the fourth terminal and the fifth terminal of the second switching unit are connected, that is, in a state where driving power is not supplied from the power supply to the load, by operating the third switching unit to connect the first bypass path, a power supply signal is input from the power supply to the fourth terminal via the first bypass path. As a result, the first terminal and the second terminal are connected, and the supply of driving power from the power supply to the load is started. When driving power is being supplied from the power supply to the load, since the first terminal and the second terminal of the first switching unit are connected and the fourth terminal and the fifth terminal of the second switching unit are connected, a power supply signal continues to be input from the power supply to the third terminal of the first switching unit via the first switching unit and the second switching unit. As a result, the supply of driving power from the power supply to the load is maintained.

[0073] When driving power is supplied from a power source to a load, by inputting a cut-off signal to the sixth terminal of the second switching unit, the fourth terminal and the fifth terminal of the second switching unit are cut off. Accordingly, the power supply signal stops being input from the power source to the third terminal, and the first terminal and the second terminal are cut off. As a result, the supply of driving power from the power source to the load stops.

[0074] Also, in the above-described power supply circuit, a second bypass path that bypasses the third switching unit in the first bypass path is provided, and a fourth switching path that connects or disconnects the second bypass path under the control of the control device is provided in the second bypass path. Thereby, under the control of the control device, the start and stop of the supply of driving power from the power source to the load can be controlled.

[0075] Furthermore, while the first terminal and the second terminal of the first switching unit are connected and driving power is supplied from the power source to the load, the second bypass path is cut off. Thereby, after inputting a cut-off signal to the sixth terminal of the second switching unit to stop the supply of driving power from the power source to the load, it is possible to prevent the supply of driving power from the power source to the load from restarting unintentionally. As described above, in the above-described power supply circuit, the supply control of driving power by the third switching unit and the supply control of driving power by the control of the control device can be appropriately made compatible.

[0076] (2) In the power supply circuit of (1) above, when restarting the supply of driving power from the power source to the load after stopping the supply of driving power from the power source to the load under the control of the control device, the control device may control the fourth switching unit to connect the second bypass path. Thereby, under the control of the control device, the stop and restart of the supply of driving power from the power source to the load can be appropriately executed. This is because, by keeping the second bypass path in a connected state, regardless of the state of the third switching unit, after inputting a cut-off signal to the sixth terminal of the second switching unit to stop the supply of driving power from the power source to the load, the power supply signal is automatically input from the power source to the third terminal of the first switching unit by bypassing the third switching unit.

[0077] (3) In the power supply circuit of (1) to (2) above, the third switching unit may output a startup completion signal (for example, startup completion signal ED) after the supply of driving power from the power source to the load is started. In this case, the above power supply circuit may further include a notification unit. The notification unit outputs a notification signal for notifying that driving power is being supplied from the power source to the load when the startup completion signal is input. Also, when the notification signal is output, the second bypass path may be interrupted. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the supply of driving power from the power source to the load from being restarted unintentionally by interrupting the second bypass path at an appropriate timing when the supply of driving power from the power source to the load is started.

Industrial Applicability

[0078] The present invention can be widely applied to a power supply circuit for supplying driving power from a power source to a load.

Explanation of Signs

[0079] 100: System 1: Power supply circuit 11: First switching unit 11a: First opening / closing unit 11b: First opening / closing drive unit 12: Second switching unit 12a: Second opening / closing unit 12b: Second opening / closing drive unit 13: Third switching unit 13a: Knob 13b: Third opening / closing unit 13c: Fourth opening / closing unit 14: Fourth switching unit 14a: Fifth opening / closing unit 14b: Third opening / closing drive unit 14c: Fourth opening / closing drive unit 15: Notification unit 15a: Sixth opening / closing unit 15b: Fifth opening / closing drive unit BP1: First bypass path BP2: Second bypass path D1: First rectifying element D2: Second rectifying element T1: First terminal T2: Second terminal T3: Third terminal T4: Fourth terminal T5: Fifth terminal T6: Sixth terminal T7: Seventh terminal T8: Eighth terminal T9: Ninth terminal T10: Tenth terminal T11: Eleventh terminal T12: Twelfth terminal T13: Thirteenth terminal T14: Fourteenth terminal 3: Power supply 5: Load 7: Control device 9: Power control device CUT: Cut-off signal ED: Start completion signal NT: Notification signal RST: Restart reset signal SET: Restart set signal SUP: Power supply signal Vcc: Output voltage

Claims

1. In a system having a power source, a load, and a control device for controlling the load, a power supply circuit for supplying driving power from the power source to the load, comprising a first terminal connected to the power source, a second terminal connected to the load, and a third terminal to which a power supply signal is input, and a first switching unit for connecting the first terminal and the second terminal when the power supply signal is input to the third terminal; a fourth terminal connected to the second terminal, a fifth terminal connected to the third terminal, and a sixth terminal to which a cut-off signal is input, and a second switching unit for cutting off the fourth terminal and the fifth terminal when the cut-off signal is input to the sixth terminal; a third switching unit disposed in a first bypass path that bypasses the first switching unit from the power source and is connected to the fourth terminal, enabling the first bypass path to be conductive after inputting the power supply signal from the power source to the third terminal with the first terminal and the second terminal cut off and the fourth terminal and the fifth terminal connected, and then cutting off the first bypass path; a fourth switching unit disposed in a second bypass path that bypasses the third switching unit in the first bypass path, and for connecting or cutting off the second bypass path under the control of the control device; characterized in that while the first terminal and the second terminal are connected and the driving power is supplied from the power source to the load, the second bypass path is cut off. Power supply circuit.

2. The power supply circuit according to claim 1, wherein when the control device resumes supplying the driving power from the power source to the load after stopping the supply of the driving power from the power source to the load under the control of the control device, the control device controls the fourth switching unit to connect the second bypass path.

3. The third switching unit outputs a startup completion signal after the supply of the driving power from the power source to the load is started, further comprising a notification unit that outputs a notification signal for notifying that the driving power is being supplied from the power source to the load when the startup completion signal is input, and cutting off the second bypass path when the notification signal is output. The power supply circuit according to claim 1.

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