Electronically controlled device and control method for electronically controlled device

Abstract

The electronic control device (1) includes a voltage generation circuit (3) that generates a drive voltage for driving the control device (5) and applies the drive voltage to the control device (5), and a notification circuit (4) that notifies the control device (5) of a detection signal (12) indicating whether a power supply voltage (18) output from an external power supply satisfies a minimum operating voltage that ensures operation of the electronic control device (1). The voltage generation circuit (3) includes a boost circuit (7) that boosts a DC voltage output from the DC power supply when the power supply input is DC, a rectifier circuit (6) that rectifies an AC voltage output from the AC power supply when the power supply input is AC, and a step-down circuit (8) that generates a drive voltage based on the output of either the rectifier circuit (6) or the boost circuit (7). The boost circuit (7) is configured to receive a boost circuit on signal to perform a boost operation when the power supply input is DC, and to receive a boost circuit off signal to stop the boost operation when the power supply input is AC.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic control device that can accommodate both DC (Direct Current) and AC (Alternating Current) power inputs, and a control method for the electronic control device. [Background technology]

[0002] An electronic control device is equipped with a control device for controlling the operation of an external device. A low-voltage DC power supply is required for the operation of the control device. For this reason, the electronic control device is equipped with a voltage generation circuit that receives power from an external power supply and generates a drive voltage for driving the control device. Furthermore, to accommodate the power supply methods of two types of external power supplies, DC power supplies and AC power supplies, and the differences in voltage values ​​between the two, a voltage detection circuit is required to detect the power supply voltage, which is the output voltage of the external power supply. Patent Document 1 listed below discloses a technology that includes a rectifier circuit, a boost converter, a voltage type determination circuit, and a control circuit, and distinguishes between DC-48V and AC 100V voltage inputs to control the operation of the boost converter. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-284646 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the technology in Patent Document 1 has the problem that it cannot handle a wide range of voltage values, only supporting power supply voltages of DC-48 V and AC100 V. Also, the voltage type determination circuit described in Patent Document 1 only controls the boost converter, and is unable to notify the control device of the detection result.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide an electronic control device that can accommodate both DC and AC power inputs, can accommodate a wide range of power supply voltage values, and can notify a control device of detection results. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the present disclosure provides an electronic control device including a control device for controlling the operation of an external device. The electronic control device includes a voltage generation circuit that generates a drive voltage for driving the control device using power received from an external power source, which is a DC power source or an AC power source, and applies the drive voltage to the control device. The electronic control device also includes a notification circuit that notifies the control device of a detection signal indicating whether the power supply voltage output from the external power source satisfies a minimum operating voltage that ensures operation of the electronic control device, regardless of whether the power supply input is DC or AC. The voltage generation circuit includes a boost circuit that boosts a DC voltage output from the DC power source when the power supply input is DC, a rectifier circuit that rectifies an AC voltage output from the AC power source when the power supply input is AC, and a step-down circuit that generates a drive voltage based on the output of either the rectifier circuit or the boost circuit. The boost circuit is configured to receive a boost circuit on signal to perform a boost operation when the power supply input is DC, and to receive a boost circuit off signal to stop the boost operation when the power supply input is AC. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The electronic control device according to the present disclosure has the advantages of being able to accommodate both DC and AC power inputs, being able to accommodate a wide range of power supply voltage values, and being able to notify the control device of the detection results. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of an electronic control device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a part of an electronic control device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram showing an example of a specific circuit configuration for realizing the voltage generating circuit and the notification circuit shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a part of an electronic control device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram showing an example of a specific circuit configuration for realizing the voltage generating circuit and the notification circuit shown in FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a control flow using an electronic control device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an electronic control device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a determination standard for a power supply input and a power supply voltage in the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an electronic control device and a control method in the electronic control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0010] Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an electronic control device 1 according to a first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic control device 1 according to the first embodiment includes a power receiving unit 2, a voltage generating circuit 3, a notification circuit 4, and a control device 5. The electronic control device 1 is a control device used in a factory production line, a plant, or the like, and controls the operation of external devices (not shown). Examples of external devices include an inverter that supplies power to a drive motor, and a servo amplifier that controls a servo motor. Another example of the electronic control device 1 is a programmable logic controller (PLC) that controls these inverters and servo amplifiers.

[0011] The power receiving unit 2 receives power from an external power source, which is a DC power source or an AC power source. That is, DC or AC is input to the power receiving unit 2 as a power input from the external power source. The power supply voltage 18 received by the power receiving unit 2 is assumed to be, for example, 16 V or more for DC, or 80 V to 264 V for AC. Note that the values ​​shown here are merely examples, and the electronic control device 1 according to the present disclosure is not limited to these voltage ranges.

[0012] The voltage generating circuit 3 uses the power received by the power receiving unit 2 to generate a driving voltage for driving the control device 5 and applies the generated driving voltage to the control device 5. In this document, the driving voltage applied to the control device 5 is referred to as a "control device driving voltage 19."

[0013] The notification circuit 4 notifies the control device 5 of a detection signal 12 indicating the detection result of whether the power supply voltage 18 output by the external power supply satisfies the minimum operating voltage that ensures operation of the electronic control device 1, regardless of whether the power supply input is DC or AC. To achieve this function, the notification circuit 4 is provided with a voltage detection circuit 10. The power supply voltage 18 is applied to the voltage detection circuit 10, and a level adjustment signal 11 is input to the voltage detection circuit 10. The level adjustment signal 11 enables the voltage detection circuit 10 to operate in a wider range of input voltages for DC and AC power inputs. The operation of the voltage detection circuit 10 in response to the level adjustment signal 11 will be described later.

[0014] The voltage generating circuit 3 includes a rectifier circuit 6, a boost circuit 7, and a step-down circuit 8. When the power input is DC, the boost circuit 7 boosts the DC voltage output by the DC power supply and applies the boosted voltage to the step-down circuit 8. When the power input is AC, the rectifier circuit 6 rectifies the AC voltage output by the AC power supply and applies the rectified voltage to the step-down circuit 8. The step-down circuit 8 generates a control device driving voltage 19 based on the output of either the rectifier circuit 6 or the step-up circuit 7 and applies the generated voltage to the control device 5.

[0015] A boost circuit activate signal 9 is input to the boost circuit 7. The boost circuit activate signal 9 is a collective term for a boost circuit on signal and a boost circuit off signal, and either the boost circuit on signal or the boost circuit off signal is input to the boost circuit 7. Specifically, the boost circuit 7 is configured to receive the boost circuit on signal and perform boost operation when the power input is DC, and to receive the boost circuit off signal and stop the boost operation when the power input is AC. In other words, the boost circuit 7 can switch whether to perform boost operation or not by the boost circuit activate signal 9.

[0016] As described above, the control device 5 is applied with the control device driving voltage 19 generated by the voltage generating circuit 3. The control device 5 includes a processor 5a and a memory 5b. The processor 5a and the memory 5b operate on power from the control device driving voltage 19. The processor 5a performs various arithmetic processing and signal processing for controlling the external device to be controlled. Examples of the processor 5a include a central processing unit (CPU), a processing device, an arithmetic device, a microprocessor, a microcomputer, and a digital signal processor (DSP). The memory 5b stores programs read by the processor 5a. The memory 5b is also used as a working area when the processor 5a performs arithmetic processing and signal processing. Examples of the memory 5b include non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memories such as random access memory (RAM), flash memory, erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), and electrically EEPROM (registered trademark).

[0017] The operations of the voltage generating circuit 3, the notification circuit 4, and the control device 5 will be further explained.

[0018] In the voltage generating circuit 3, a power supply voltage 18 is applied to the rectifier circuit 6. When the power supply input is DC, a current flows through the rectifier circuit 6, but rectification is not performed for the DC voltage. Also, when the power supply input is DC, as described above, the boost circuit 7 receives a boost circuit on signal and performs a boost operation, boosting the output voltage of the rectifier circuit 6 to a specified voltage. The step-down circuit 8 uses the output voltage of the boost circuit 7 to generate a control device drive voltage 19, which is the operating voltage of the control device 5, and applies it to the control device 5. Also, when the power supply input is AC, as described above, the boost circuit 7 receives a boost circuit off signal and stops the boost operation. Meanwhile, the rectifier circuit 6 performs a rectification operation and applies the rectified voltage to the step-down circuit 8. The step-down circuit 8 uses the rectified voltage of the rectifier circuit 6 to generate a control device drive voltage 19, which is the operating voltage of the control device 5, and applies it to the control device 5.

[0019] As described above, the notification circuit 4 generates the detection signal 12 indicating the detection result of whether or not the power supply voltage 18 satisfies the minimum operating voltage that ensures the operation of the electronic control device 1, and notifies the control device 5. The voltage detection circuit 10 is configured to issue the detection signal 12 indicating the detection result of whether or not the power supply voltage 18 satisfies the minimum operating voltage according to the characteristics of the voltage detection circuit 10.

[0020] As a specific example, let us assume that the minimum operating voltage for DC is 16 V and the minimum operating voltage for AC is 80 V. The voltage detection circuit 10 is configured to have at least two mutually exclusive characteristics: a characteristic for issuing a detection signal 12 indicating that a voltage of 16 V or higher has been applied when the power supply input is DC, and a characteristic for issuing a detection signal 12 indicating that a voltage of 80 V or higher has been applied when the power supply input is AC. Furthermore, to accommodate a wide range of voltage values ​​for the power supply voltage 18, a level adjustment signal 11 is input to the voltage detection circuit 10. The level adjustment signal 11 is a signal for switching or adjusting the characteristics of the voltage detection circuit 10. This configuration of the voltage detection circuit 10 makes it possible to instantaneously issue a detection signal 12 indicating whether the power supply voltage 18 satisfies the minimum operating voltage, even when the power supply voltage 18 has a wide range of voltage values.

[0021] Based on the detection signal 12, the control device 5 can check whether the power input to the electronic control device 1 satisfies the minimum operating voltage. Furthermore, the control device 5 can determine whether the electronic control device 1 is operable, using the detection signal 12 as one of the criteria. Note that the minimum operating voltages of DC 16V and AC 80V shown here are just examples, and may increase or decrease depending on variations due to tolerances and considerations regarding design margins.

[0022] As described above, the electronic control device according to the first embodiment includes a control device for controlling the operation of an external device, as well as a voltage generation circuit and a notification circuit. The voltage generation circuit uses power received from an external power source, which may be a DC power source or an AC power source, to generate a drive voltage for driving the control device and apply it to the control device. The notification circuit notifies the control device of a detection signal indicating whether the power supply voltage output by the external power source satisfies a minimum operating voltage that ensures operation of the electronic control device, regardless of whether the power supply input is DC or AC. The voltage generation circuit includes a boost circuit that boosts the DC voltage output by the DC power source when the power supply input is DC, a rectifier circuit that rectifies the AC voltage output by the AC power source when the power supply input is AC, and a step-down circuit that generates a drive voltage based on the output of either the rectifier circuit or the boost circuit. The boost circuit is configured to receive a boost circuit on signal to perform a boost operation when the power supply input is DC, and to receive a boost circuit off signal to stop the boost operation when the power supply input is AC. An electronic control device configured in this manner can accommodate both DC and AC power inputs, and can also accommodate a wide range of power supply voltage values.

[0023] In the electronic control device according to the first embodiment, the notification circuit may include a voltage detection circuit that detects the power supply voltage, and the voltage detection circuit may be configured to switch or adjust the characteristics of the voltage detection circuit based on a level adjustment signal. With an electronic control device configured in this manner, a single circuit can determine whether the power supply voltage meets the minimum operating voltage, regardless of whether the power supply input is DC or AC, making it possible to miniaturize the electronic control device. Furthermore, with the electronic control device according to the first embodiment, there is no need to distinguish between DC and AC power input, which also has the advantage of eliminating the need to consider incorrect connection.

[0024] Embodiment 2 Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a portion of an electronic control device 1 according to embodiment 2. Fig. 2 shows a configuration in which the level adjustment signal 11 and the boost circuit activation signal 9 described in embodiment 1 are realized by an AC / DC changeover switch 13.

[0025] The AC-DC selector switch 13 is a manual switch operated by a user. When the power input is DC, the user sets the selection position of the AC-DC selector switch 13 to DC, and when the power input is AC, the user sets the selection position of the AC-DC selector switch 13 to AC. In other words, the AC-DC selector switch 13 is a manual switch that can select whether the power input is DC or AC. The boost circuit 7 is configured to operate in response to a boost circuit activate signal 9 that is output as a boost circuit on signal when the selection position of the AC-DC selector switch 13 is DC, and to operate in response to a boost circuit activate signal 9 that is output as a boost circuit off signal when the selection position of the AC-DC selector switch 13 is AC.

[0026] Furthermore, in electronic control device 1 according to the second embodiment, boost circuit activation signal 9 is also used as level adjustment signal 11. Voltage detection circuit 10 is configured so that when AC / DC selector switch 13 is in the DC position, the characteristics of voltage detection circuit 10 become those for DC input in accordance with level adjustment signal 11, and when AC / DC selector switch 13 is in the AC position, the characteristics of voltage detection circuit 10 become those for AC input in accordance with level adjustment signal 11.

[0027] The above functions of the boost circuit 7 and the voltage detection circuit 10 may be configured such that the signal levels of the boost circuit activation signal 9 and the level adjustment signal 11 change depending on whether the selected position of the AC / DC selector switch 13 is DC or AC. A specific circuit configuration is shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram showing an example of a specific circuit configuration for realizing the voltage generation circuit 3 and the notification circuit 4 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In FIG. 3, components having the same or equivalent functions as the components of the electronic control device 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Note that the configuration of FIG. 3 is only an example, and it goes without saying that the circuit configuration for realizing the voltage generation circuit 3 and the notification circuit 4 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 3.

[0028] 3, the voltage generating circuit 3 includes the rectifier circuit 6, the voltage boost circuit 7, and the voltage drop circuit 8 described in the first and second embodiments, as well as a rapid startup circuit 21 disposed between the voltage boost circuit 7 and the voltage drop circuit 8. The rapid startup circuit 21 is, as the name suggests, a circuit that speeds up the startup of the voltage generating circuit 3. FIG. 3 shows, as an example, that the voltage drop circuit 8 generates a 24V DC voltage, and that this 24V DC voltage is used by the DC / DC power supply 23 to generate a 5V DC voltage, and the DC / DC power supply 24 to generate a 3.3V DC voltage. The 3.3V DC voltage output by the DC / DC power supply 24 corresponds to the control device driving voltage 19 described above.

[0029] One end of the AC-DC selector switch 13 is connected to the DC / DC power supply 24, and the other end of the AC-DC selector switch 13 is connected to the notification circuit 4 and also to the boost circuit 7 via the notification circuit 4. Although the AC-DC selector switch 13 is shown in FIG. 3 as being inside the voltage generating circuit 3, it may be located anywhere as long as it can be operated by the user.

[0030] The voltage detection circuit 10 also includes a detection signal issuing unit 41 that issues a detection signal 12, a voltage divider circuit 42 that generates a voltage to be applied to the detection signal issuing unit 41, and a level adjustment unit 43 that adjusts the level of the voltage applied to the voltage divider circuit 42. As shown in FIG. 3, the detection signal issuing unit 41 can be configured using a photocoupler, the voltage divider circuit 42 can be configured with three resistors 42a, and the level adjustment unit 43 can be configured with a constant voltage element 43a made up of two Zener diodes connected in reverse in series, and a switching element 43b connected in parallel across the constant voltage element 43a.

[0031] When the power supply input is DC, the AC-DC selector switch 13 is operated to the closed side. At this time, the level adjustment signal 11 of 3.3 V is input to the switching element 43b via the AC-DC selector switch 13, so the switching element 43b is conductive and the voltage applied to the voltage divider circuit 42 is applied without passing through the constant voltage element 43a. This causes the voltage detection circuit 10 to be set for DC, i.e., to have the characteristics for DC input. On the other hand, when the power supply input is AC, the AC-DC selector switch 13 is operated to the open side. At this time, the level adjustment signal 11 is not input to the switching element 43b, so the switching element 43b is non-conductive and the voltage applied to the voltage divider circuit 42 is applied via the constant voltage element 43a. This causes the voltage detection circuit 10 to be set for AC, i.e., to have the characteristics for AC input.

[0032] The boost circuit 7 also includes switching elements 71 and 72 and a controller 73. When the power input is DC, a 3.3V boost circuit activate signal 9, which is output as a boost circuit on signal, is input to the switching element 71 via the AC / DC selector switch 13 and the notification circuit 4, so that the switching element 71 becomes conductive. When the switching element 71 becomes conductive, the output voltage from the step-down circuit 8 is applied to the enable terminal EN of the controller 73, so that the controller 73 operates and outputs an on / off signal to the switching element 72. This causes the boost circuit 7 to perform a boost operation.

[0033] Furthermore, when the power input is AC, AC / DC selector switch 13 is open, so a voltage of 3.3 V is not applied to switching element 71, and switching element 71 is not conductive. As a result, boost circuit activate signal 9, which is output as a boost circuit off signal, is input to switching element 71. Because switching element 71 is not conductive, the output voltage from step-down circuit 8 is not applied to enable terminal EN of controller 73, and controller 73 does not operate. As a result, boost circuit 7 stops its boost operation.

[0034] As described above, the electronic control device according to the second embodiment has a manual switch that can select whether the power input is DC or AC, and the level-adjusted signal is input via the manual switch, and the signal level of the level-adjusted signal changes depending on whether the selected position of the manual switch is DC or AC. Also, in the electronic control device according to the second embodiment, the boost circuit is configured to receive a boost circuit-on signal and operate when the selected position of the manual switch is DC, and to receive a boost circuit-off signal and operate when the selected position of the manual switch is AC. An electronic control device configured in this manner can easily and inexpensively achieve the functions described in the first and second embodiments.

[0035] Embodiment 3 Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a portion of the electronic control device 1 according to embodiment 3. Fig. 4 shows a configuration in which the control device 5 notifies the level adjustment signal 11 and the boost circuit activation signal 9 described in embodiments 1 and 2.

[0036] By receiving the detection signal 12 from the notification circuit 4, the control device 5 can determine whether the power input to the electronic control device 1 is DC or AC. If the control device 5 determines that the power input is DC, it sets the boost circuit activate signal 9 to a boost circuit on signal and sends it to the boost circuit 7. If the control device 5 determines that the power input is AC, it sets the boost circuit activate signal 9 to a boost circuit off signal and sends it to the boost circuit 7. The boost circuit 7 performs a boost operation when it receives the boost circuit on signal, and stops the boost operation when it receives the boost circuit off signal.

[0037] When the control device 5 determines that the power input is DC based on the detection signal 12 from the notification circuit 4, it transmits to the voltage detection circuit 10 a level adjustment signal 11 that changes the characteristics of the voltage detection circuit 10 to the characteristics for DC input. When the control device 5 determines that the power input is AC based on the detection signal 12 from the notification circuit 4, it transmits to the voltage detection circuit 10 a level adjustment signal 11 that changes the characteristics of the voltage detection circuit 10 to the characteristics for AC input. The voltage detection circuit 10 operates in accordance with the level adjustment signal 11 so that the characteristics of the voltage detection circuit 10 become the characteristics for DC or AC input.

[0038] Fig. 5 is a circuit diagram showing an example of a specific circuit configuration for realizing the voltage generating circuit 3 and the notification circuit 4 shown in Fig. 4. In Fig. 5, components having the same or equivalent functions as those of the electronic control device 1 shown in Fig. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals. In Fig. 5, the AC-DC selector switch 13 shown in Fig. 3 has been deleted, and the boost circuit activation signal 9 and level adjustment signal 11 that were output from the AC-DC selector switch 13 have been changed to be output from the control device 5. The other configurations are the same as or equivalent to those in Fig. 3, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0039] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a control flow using the electronic control device 1 according to the third embodiment. First, in an initial state, when power is input, the voltage detection circuit 10 is set for DC (step S100). Therefore, in the initial state, the voltage detection circuit 10 issues the detection signal 12 in the DC setting (step S101). The control device 5 receives the detection signal 12 notified from the voltage detection circuit 10 and determines whether the duty of the detection signal 12 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold A (step S102). If the duty of the detection signal 12 is equal to or greater than the threshold A (step S102, Yes), the control device 5 determines that the power input is DC and maintains the DC setting of the voltage detection circuit 10 (step S103). The control device 5 continues to monitor the detection signal 12 (step S104) and determines whether the signal level of the detection signal 12 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold B (step S105). If the signal level of the detection signal 12 is equal to or higher than the threshold B (step S105, Yes), the control device 5 determines that the voltage of the DC power supply is equal to or higher than the minimum operating voltage, and continues the operation of the device (step S110). On the other hand, if the signal level of the detection signal 12 is lower than the threshold B (step S105, No), the control device 5 determines that the voltage of the DC power supply does not satisfy the minimum operating voltage, and ends the operation of the device (step S111).

[0040] Furthermore, when the power input is AC, the voltage detection circuit 10 issues a detection signal 12 to notify the control device 5, even when the voltage detection circuit 10 is set to DC, which is the initial state. On the other hand, when the power input is AC, the determination in step S102 returns "No." Therefore, the control device 5 generates a level adjustment signal 11 that switches the characteristics of the voltage detection circuit 10 (step S106) and changes the voltage detection circuit 10 to AC settings (step S107). The control device 5 continues to monitor the detection signal 12 (step S108) and further determines whether the duty of the detection signal 12 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold C (step S109). If the duty of the detection signal 12 is equal to or greater than threshold C (step S109, Yes), the control device 5 determines that the voltage of the AC power supply is equal to or greater than the minimum operating voltage, and continues operation of the device (step S110). On the other hand, if the signal level of the detection signal 12 is less than the threshold C (step S109, No), the control device 5 determines that the AC power supply has momentarily lost power or that the voltage of the AC power supply does not satisfy the minimum operating voltage, and terminates the operation of the equipment (step S111).

[0041] A supplementary note will be made regarding the processing of the flowchart in Fig. 6. In the processing of step S102 in Fig. 6, the case where the duty of the detection signal 12 is equal to the threshold A is determined as "Yes", but the determination may also be "No". In other words, the control device 5 may determine that the power input is DC when the duty of the detection signal 12 exceeds the threshold A.

[0042] 6, the case where the signal level of the detection signal 12 is equal to the threshold B is determined as "Yes," but the determination may be "No." That is, the control device 5 may determine that the voltage of the DC power supply is equal to or higher than the minimum operating voltage when the signal level of the detection signal 12 exceeds the threshold B. In this document, the threshold B may be referred to as the "first threshold."

[0043] 6, the determination in step S109 is "Yes" when the duty of the detection signal 12 is equal to the threshold C, but the determination may be "No." That is, the control device 5 may determine that the voltage of the AC power supply is equal to or higher than the minimum operating voltage when the duty of the detection signal 12 exceeds the threshold C. In this document, the threshold C may be referred to as a "second threshold."

[0044] As described above, in the electronic control device according to the third embodiment, the control device determines whether the power input is DC or AC based on the detection signal transmitted from the notification circuit. The voltage detection circuit is initially set to detect DC, and the detection signal transmitted from the notification circuit indicates that the power input is DC in the initial state. The control device determines that the power input is AC based on the duty cycle of the detection signal. If the control device determines that the power input is AC, it sets the signal level of the level adjustment signal to AC and switches the voltage detection circuit to AC detection. The boost circuit is initially configured to perform boost operation, and is configured to stop boost operation if the control device determines that the power input is AC. The control device also changes the signal level of the level adjustment signal based on the determination result of whether the power input is DC or AC, and outputs the result to the notification circuit. Based on the determination result, the control device also outputs either a boost circuit on signal or a boost circuit off signal to the boost circuit. In the electronic control device according to the third embodiment, the initial state of the voltage detection circuit is set for DC, which has a lower minimum operating voltage than AC, and when it is determined that the power input is AC based on the duty of the detection signal, the setting of the voltage detection circuit is switched to AC. Therefore, even if the range of voltage values ​​of the power supply voltage is wide, one voltage detection circuit can handle both DC and AC power inputs.

[0045] Furthermore, a control method for an electronic control device according to the third embodiment can be used in the electronic control device according to the third embodiment described above, and can be a process including a receiving step and first to third determination steps described below. In the receiving step, a detection signal is received from a notification circuit. In the first determination step, it is determined whether the power input is DC or AC based on the duty of the detection signal. In the second determination step, if the power input is DC, it is determined whether the level of the detection signal is equal to or greater than a first threshold, and if the power input is AC, it is determined whether the duty of the detection signal is equal to or greater than a second threshold. In the third determination step, if the determination result of the second determination step is affirmative, it is determined that the power supply voltage meets the minimum operating voltage that ensures operation of the electronic control device, and if the determination result of the second determination step is negative, it is determined that the external power supply has experienced an instantaneous power outage or does not meet the minimum operating voltage. According to the control method in the electronic control device of embodiment 3, even if the range of voltage values ​​of the power supply voltage is wide, it becomes possible to handle both DC and AC power supply inputs with one voltage detection circuit, and it also becomes possible to determine momentary power outages and voltage drops in the external power supply based on the signal level or duty of the detection signal.

[0046] Embodiment 4 FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an electronic control device 1A according to a fourth embodiment. In FIG. 7, components having the same or equivalent functions as those of the electronic control device 1 shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Comparing the configuration of FIG. 7 with that of FIG. 1, the notification circuit 4 has been replaced with a notification circuit 4A. The notification circuit 4A includes two voltage detection circuits: a DC voltage detection circuit 14 for detecting DC voltages and an AC voltage detection circuit 16 for detecting AC voltages. The DC voltage detection circuit 14 outputs a detection signal 15, and the AC voltage detection circuit 16 outputs a detection signal 17, which are then notified to the control device 5. The level-adjusted signal 11 input to the notification circuit 4 has been removed from the configuration of FIG. 7. The remaining components are the same as or equivalent to those of FIG. 1, and redundant description will be omitted. In this document, the DC voltage detection circuit 14 may be referred to as the “first detection circuit,” and the detection signal 15 output from the DC voltage detection circuit 14 may be referred to as the “first detection signal.” In this document, the AC voltage detection circuit 16 may be referred to as a "second detection circuit," and the detection signal 17 output from the AC voltage detection circuit 16 may be referred to as a "second detection signal."

[0047] For example, the minimum operating voltage for DC is 16 V, and the minimum operating voltage for AC is 80 V. DC voltage detection circuit 14 is configured to have a characteristic of issuing detection signal 15 indicating the detection result that a voltage of DC 16 V or more has been applied as power supply voltage 18. AC voltage detection circuit 16 is configured to have a characteristic of issuing detection signal 17 indicating the detection result that a voltage of AC 80 V or more has been applied as power supply voltage 18.

[0048] The control device 5 receives a detection signal 15 from the DC voltage detection circuit 14 and a detection signal 17 from the AC voltage detection circuit 16, and can determine from the output destination whether the power input is DC or AC, and can also determine whether the power supply voltage 18 meets the minimum operating voltage.

[0049] Furthermore, the control device 5 may determine the power input based on the determination criteria shown in Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the determination criteria for the power input and the power supply voltage in the fourth embodiment. In Fig. 8, the signal level of the detection signal 15 is determined based on a threshold, and the signal duty of the detection signal 17 is determined based on a threshold. "L" indicates that the signal is less than the threshold, and "H" indicates that the signal is equal to or greater than the threshold. Although the thresholds B and C used in the description of the third embodiment are used as the respective thresholds, any other thresholds may be used. Furthermore, although the detection signal 15 is determined based on the level, it may also be determined based on the duty.

[0050] 8, when the signal level of detection signal 15 is "L" and the duty of detection signal 17 is "L", it is determined that there is "no power input", "momentary power outage", or "voltage drop". A "voltage drop" is determined to be when power supply voltage 18 does not meet the minimum operating voltage.

[0051] When the signal level of detection signal 15 is "H" and the duty of detection signal 17 is "L", it is determined that the power input is DC and power supply voltage 18 is normal. A normal power supply voltage means that power supply voltage 18 meets the minimum operating voltage.

[0052] When the signal level of detection signal 15 is "L" and the duty of detection signal 17 is "H", it is determined that the power input is AC and the power supply voltage 18 is normal. On the other hand, when the signal level of detection signal 15 and the duty of detection signal 17 are both "H", the determination result of detection signal 17 takes priority, and it is determined that the power input is AC and the power supply voltage 18 is normal. In this case, the determination result of detection signal 17 takes priority, and it is determined that the power input is AC.

[0053] The control device 5 determines whether to start, continue, or end the operation of the device based on the criteria in Fig. 8. Furthermore, when the control device 5 controls the output of the boost circuit activate signal 9 to the boost circuit 7, it switches the operation of the boost circuit 7 based on these criteria.

[0054] As described above, in the electronic control device according to the fourth embodiment, the voltage detection circuit includes a first detection circuit for detecting DC and a second detection circuit for detecting AC. The notification circuit notifies the control device of a first detection signal from the first detection circuit when the power input is DC and the power supply voltage satisfies the minimum operating voltage that ensures operation of the electronic control device. The notification circuit notifies the control device of a second detection signal from the second detection circuit when the power input is AC and the power supply voltage satisfies the minimum operating voltage that ensures operation of the electronic control device. The control device determines whether the power input is DC or AC based on the first and second detection signals transmitted from the notification circuit. The electronic control device according to the fourth embodiment includes separate detection circuits, a first detection circuit for detecting DC and a second detection circuit for detecting AC. Therefore, each voltage detection circuit can be configured specifically for DC or AC. This allows the configuration of each voltage detection circuit to be simplified and not complicated. Furthermore, since each voltage detection circuit can be configured specifically for DC or AC, the determination accuracy of each voltage detection circuit can be improved.

[0055] The configurations shown in the above embodiments are merely examples, and may be combined with other known technologies, or different embodiments may be combined with each other. It is also possible to omit or modify parts of the configurations as long as they do not deviate from the gist of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] 1,1A electronic control device, 2 power receiving unit, 3 voltage generation circuit, 4,4A notification circuit, 5 control device, 5a processor, 5b memory, 6 rectifier circuit, 7 boost circuit, 8 step-down circuit, 9 boost circuit activation signal, 10 voltage detection circuit, 11 level adjustment signal, 12,15,17 detection signal, 13 AC / DC selector switch, 14 DC voltage detection circuit, 16 AC voltage detection circuit, 18 power supply voltage, 19 control device drive voltage, 21 fast start circuit, 23,24 DC / DC power supply, 41 detection signal issuing unit, 42 voltage divider circuit, 42a resistor, 43 level adjustment unit, 43a constant voltage element, 43b,71,72 switching elements, 73 controller.

Claims

1. An electronic control device having a control device for controlling the operation of an external device, a voltage generating circuit that generates a driving voltage for driving the control device using power received from an external power source, which is a DC power source or an AC power source, and applies the driving voltage to the control device; a notification circuit that notifies the control device of a detection signal indicating a detection result as to whether or not a power supply voltage output from the external power supply satisfies a minimum operating voltage that ensures operation of the electronic control device, regardless of whether the power supply input is DC or AC; The voltage generating circuit a boost circuit that boosts a DC voltage output from the DC power supply when the power supply input is DC; a rectifier circuit that rectifies an AC voltage output from the AC power supply when the power supply input is AC; a step-down circuit that generates the drive voltage based on an output of either the rectifier circuit or the step-up circuit, The boost circuit is configured to receive a boost circuit ON signal and perform a boost operation when the power supply input is DC, and to receive a boost circuit OFF signal and stop the boost operation when the power supply input is AC. An electronic control device characterized by:

2. the notification circuit includes a voltage detection circuit that detects the power supply voltage; The voltage detection circuit is configured so that the characteristics of the voltage detection circuit are switched or adjusted based on a level adjustment signal.

2. The electronic control device according to claim 1.

3. A manual switch is provided to select whether the power input is DC or AC, The level adjustment signal is input via the manual switch, The signal level of the level-adjusted signal is changed depending on whether the selected position of the manual switch is DC or AC.

3. The electronic control device according to claim 2.

4. A manual switch is provided to select whether the power input is DC or AC, The boost circuit is configured to operate upon receiving the boost circuit ON signal when the manual switch is in the DC position, and to operate upon receiving the boost circuit OFF signal when the manual switch is in the AC position.

3. The electronic control device according to claim 2.

5. The control device determines whether the power supply input is DC or AC based on the detection signal transmitted from the notification circuit.

3. The electronic control device according to claim 2.

6. The voltage detection circuit is initially set to detect DC; the detection signal transmitted from the notification circuit is a signal indicating that the power supply input is DC in an initial state; The control device determines that the power supply input is AC based on the duty of the detection signal, and when it is determined that the power supply input is AC, sets the signal level of the level-adjusted signal to AC and switches the setting of the voltage detection circuit to AC detection.

6. The electronic control device according to claim 5.

7. the boost circuit is configured to perform a boost operation in an initial state, The control device changes the signal level of the level adjustment signal based on a determination result of whether the power supply input is DC or AC, and outputs the level adjustment signal to the notification circuit, and also outputs either the boost circuit on signal or the boost circuit off signal to the boost circuit based on the determination result.

7. The electronic control device according to claim 5 or 6.

8. The boost circuit is configured to stop boosting operation when the control device determines that the power supply input is AC.

8. The electronic control device according to claim 7.

9. the voltage detection circuit includes a first detection circuit for detecting direct current and a second detection circuit for detecting alternating current; The notification circuit When the power supply input is DC and the power supply voltage satisfies a minimum operating voltage that ensures operation of the electronic control device, the first detection circuit notifies the control device of a first detection signal; When the power supply input is AC and the power supply voltage satisfies a minimum operating voltage that ensures operation of the electronic control device, the second detection circuit notifies the control device of a second detection signal; The control device determines whether the power supply input is DC or AC based on the first and second detection signals transmitted from the notification circuit.

3. The electronic control device according to claim 2.

10. A control method for an electronic control device that is used in an electronic control device that has a control device for controlling the operation of an external device, the electronic control device having a voltage generation circuit that uses power received from an external power source that is a DC power source or an AC power source to generate a drive voltage for driving the control device and apply the drive voltage to the control device, and a notification circuit that notifies the control device of a detection signal that indicates a detection result as to whether or not the power supply voltage output from the external power source satisfies a minimum operating voltage that ensures operation of the electronic control device, regardless of whether the power supply input is DC or AC, and the notification circuit has a voltage detection circuit that detects the power supply voltage, The control device a receiving step of receiving the detection signal from the notification circuit; a first determination step of determining whether the power supply input is DC or AC based on the duty cycle of the detection signal; a second determination step of determining whether or not a level of the detection signal is equal to or greater than a first threshold when the power supply input is DC, and determining whether or not a duty cycle of the detection signal is equal to or greater than a second threshold when the power supply input is AC; a third determination step of determining, when the determination result of the second determination step is affirmative, that the power supply voltage satisfies a minimum operating voltage that ensures operation of the electronic control device, and, when the determination result of the second determination step is negative, that the external power supply has experienced an instantaneous power outage or does not satisfy the minimum operating voltage; A control method for an electronic control device, comprising:

11. 11. A control method for an electronic control device according to claim 10, characterized in that the control device includes a step of outputting a signal to the voltage generation circuit to cause the voltage generation circuit to perform a boost operation if it is determined in the first determination step that the power supply input is DC, and outputting a signal to the voltage generation circuit to stop the boost operation of the voltage generation circuit if it is determined that the power supply input is AC.

12. The control method for an electronic control device described in claim 11, characterized in that, in the first determination step, the control device outputs a signal to the notification circuit to set the voltage detection circuit for DC if it determines that the power supply input is DC, and outputs a signal to the notification circuit to set the voltage detection circuit for AC if it determines that the power supply input is AC.

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