Power supply system, control device, power supply line protection method, and power supply line protection program

Abstract

To protect a power supply line with a configuration of low cost.SOLUTION: A first controller is connected with a plurality of second controllers by a communication line. The plurality of second controllers correspond to a plurality of first power supply lines by one to one. Each of the plurality of second controllers is connected with the first controller by the first power supply line corresponding to the second controller. The first controller determines whether or not an acquisition state of each current carrying signal of the first power supply line is abnormal and cutoffs power supply via the first power supply line in which the acquisition state of the current carrying signal is abnormal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a power supply system, a control device, a power supply line protection method, and a power supply line protection program.

Background Art

[0002] Recent automobiles have become increasingly electronically controlled, and the number of electrical components mounted on automobiles has been increasing. Accordingly, a primary-secondary system has been used to suppress increases in wiring and cost. In the primary-secondary system, a primary device that collectively controls a plurality of secondary devices is provided separately from the secondary devices that control individual electrical components. For this reason, in the primary-secondary system, the functions of the secondary devices can be kept at a low level, and by adopting the primary-secondary system, it is possible to mitigate the cost increase caused by the increase in electrical components.

[0003] In the primary-secondary system, power is supplied from the primary device to the secondary devices, and power is supplied from the secondary devices to loads. In order to protect the loads and the secondary devices from overcurrent, when an overcurrent occurs, it is necessary to interrupt the power supply lines between the primary device and the secondary devices and the power supply lines between the secondary devices and the loads. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for protecting power supply lines. In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, the value of the current flowing through the power supply line is detected, the temperature of the power supply line is calculated based on the detected current value, and when the calculated temperature of the power supply line reaches the allowable temperature of the power supply line, the power supply via the power supply line is interrupted.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] As described above, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 requires a process to calculate the temperature of the power supply line. However, in a primary-secondary system, if each secondary device is equipped with a function to calculate the temperature of this power supply line, the cost increases significantly.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention aims to protect power supply lines with a low-cost configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, a power supply system according to one embodiment of the present invention is a power supply system comprising: a first control device; a plurality of second control devices connected to the first control device by a communication line; and a plurality of first power supply lines corresponding one-to-one with the plurality of second control devices, wherein each of the plurality of second control devices is connected to the first control device by a first power supply line corresponding to the second control device; the first control device has a first control unit that controls the supply of power to the second control devices via the first power supply lines; the first control unit has a power supply signal acquisition status determination unit that determines whether or not the acquisition status of the power supply signal of each of the first power supply lines is abnormal; and a first power supply control unit that shuts off the supply of power via the first power supply line in which the acquisition status of the power supply signal is abnormal.

[0008] A first control device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a first control device connected to a plurality of second control devices by communication lines, wherein the plurality of second control devices correspond one-to-one with a plurality of first power supply lines, each of the plurality of second control devices is connected to the first control device by a first power supply line corresponding to the second control device, the first control device has a first control unit that controls the supply of power to the second control devices via the first power supply lines, the first control unit has a power supply signal acquisition status determination unit that determines whether or not the acquisition status of the power supply signal of each of the first power supply lines is abnormal, and a first power supply control unit that shuts off the supply of power via the first power supply line in which the acquisition status of the power supply signal is abnormal.

[0009] A power supply line protection method according to one embodiment of the present invention is a power supply line protection method executed by a first control device, wherein the first control device is connected to a plurality of second control devices by communication lines, the plurality of second control devices correspond one-to-one with a plurality of first power supply lines, and each of the plurality of second control devices is connected to the first control device by a first power supply line corresponding to the second control device, and the method comprises: a power supply signal acquisition status determination step of determining whether the acquisition status of the power supply signal of each of the first power supply lines is abnormal; and a first power supply control step of shutting off the supply of power through the first power supply line in which the acquisition status of the power supply signal is abnormal.

[0010] A power supply line protection program according to one embodiment of the present invention causes the first control device to execute the power supply line protection method described above.

[0011] A second control device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a second control device connected to a first control device by a communication line and supplying power to a plurality of loads, wherein the plurality of loads correspond one-to-one with a plurality of second power supply lines, each of the plurality of loads is connected to the second control device by a second power supply line corresponding to the load, the second control device has a second control unit that controls the supply of power to the loads via the second power supply lines, the second control unit has a power supply signal acquisition status determination unit that determines whether or not the acquisition status of the power supply signal of each of the second power supply lines is abnormal, and a power supply control unit that shuts off the supply of power via the second power supply line in which the acquisition status of the power supply signal is abnormal.

[0012] A power supply line protection method according to one embodiment of the present invention is a power supply line protection method executed by a second control device, wherein the second control device is connected to a first control device by a communication line and supplies power to a plurality of loads, the plurality of loads correspond one-to-one with a plurality of second power supply lines, and each of the plurality of loads is connected to one of the second control devices by a second power supply line corresponding to the load, and the method comprises: a power supply signal acquisition status determination step of determining whether the acquisition status of the power supply signal of each of the second power supply lines is abnormal; and a power supply control step of shutting off the supply of power through the second power supply line in which the acquisition status of the power supply signal is abnormal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, it becomes possible to protect power supply lines with a low-cost configuration. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This figure shows a power supply system 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a diagram showing the first control device 110. [Figure 3] This figure shows the second control device 120. [Figure 4]It is a diagram showing the first control unit 111 of the first control device 110. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing the second control unit 121 of the second control device 120. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing an example of processing operations executed in the first control unit 111 of the first control device 110 for protecting the first power supply line PL1. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing an example of processing operations executed in the first control unit 111 of the first control device 110 for protecting the second power supply line PL2. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing an example of processing operations in the second control unit 121 of the second control device 120. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing another example of processing operations executed in the first control unit 111 of the first control device 110 for protecting the second power supply line PL2. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing an example of the determination processing in step S901 of Fig.9. [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0015] <Power Supply System 100> Fig.1 is a diagram showing a power supply system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The power supply system 100 includes a plurality of first control devices 110 and a plurality of second control devices 120. The power supply system 100 supplies power supplied from a power supply source such as a battery 200 to a load 300. In the example shown in Fig.1, the battery 200 is described as the power supply source, but the power supply system 100 may also include other power supply sources such as a generator that generates electric power.

[0016] Each of the plurality of first control devices 110 is connected to the battery 200 via a battery power supply line PLB, and receives power supply from the battery 200 via this battery power supply line PLB.

[0017] The plurality of first control devices 110 are connected to a communication line CL, and communicate with each other via this communication line CL. The communication line CL is, for example, a communication line for protocols such as CAN (Controller Area Network), MOST (Media Oriented System Transport), and FlexRay.

[0018] Further, each of the first control devices 110 is connected to the plurality of second control devices 120 via a first power supply line PL1, and supplies power to the second control devices 120 via this first power supply line PL1. Each of the first control devices 110 forms one subnetwork together with the plurality of second control devices 120 to which the first control device 110 supplies power. The first control device 110 is, for example, a primary device of a primary-secondary system, and the second control device 120 is, for example, a secondary device of a primary-secondary system.

[0019] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the number of the first power supply lines PL1 is the same as the number of the plurality of second control devices 120, and the plurality of second control devices 120 and the plurality of first power supply lines PL1 are in one-to-one correspondence. Therefore, in the present embodiment, by cutting off the power supply via the first power supply line PL1, it is possible to cut off the power supply to the second control device 120 corresponding to this first power supply line PL1.

[0020] Each of the plurality of second control devices 120 is connected to at least one load 300 via a second power supply line PL2, and supplies power to the at least one load 300 via this second power supply line PL2. That is, each of the plurality of loads 300 is connected to any one of the plurality of second control devices 120 via the second power supply line PL2, and receives power supply from the connected second control device 120 via the second power supply line PL2.

[0021] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the number of second power supply lines PL2 is the same as the number of loads 300, and there is a one-to-one correspondence between the second power supply lines PL2 and the loads 300. Therefore, in this embodiment, by interrupting the power supply from the second power supply lines PL2, it is possible to interrupt the power supply to the loads 300 corresponding to these second power supply lines PL2.

[0022] Each of the second control devices 120 is connected to a communication line CL, and the first control device 110 uses the communication line CL for communication to control multiple second control devices 120 within its subnetwork. Based on this communication, the second control devices 120 control the load 300 connected by the second power supply line PL2.

[0023] Figure 2 shows the first control device 110. The first control device 110 has a first control unit 111. The first control unit 111 is configured by a computer and controls the supply of power to the second control device 120 in the subnetwork of the first control device 110 via the first power supply line PL1. For example, as shown in Figure 2, a first switch 112 is provided for each first power supply line PL1, and the first control unit 111 controls the supply of power via the first power supply line PL1 to which the first switch 112 is provided by controlling the on / off state of this first switch 112. The first control unit 111 supplies power to the second control device 120 connected to the first power supply line PL1 on which the first switch 112 is provided by turning on the first switch 112, and cuts off the power supply to the second control device 120 connected to the first power supply line PL1 on which the first switch 112 is provided by turning off the first switch 112.

[0024] Figure 3 shows a second control device 120. The second control device 120 has a second control unit 121. The second control unit 121 is configured by a computer and controls the supply of power to the load 300 connected to the second control device 120 via the second power supply line PL2. For example, as shown in Figure 3, a second switch 122 is provided for each second power supply line PL2, and the second control unit 121 controls the supply of power via the corresponding second power supply line PL2 by controlling the on / off state of this second switch 122. By turning on the second switch 122, the second control unit 121 supplies power to the load 300 connected to the second power supply line PL2 on which the second switch 122 is provided, and by turning off the second switch 122, it cuts off the supply of power to the load 300 connected to the second power supply line PL2 on which the second switch 122 is provided.

[0025] For example, if the first control device 110 or the second control device 120 has a load 300 that it wants to turn on, it outputs a load control signal to the second control device 120 that controls the load 300, indicating that it wants to turn on the load 300. This load control signal includes the ID of the second control device 120 that controls the load 300 that it wants to turn on, and the first control device 110 uses this ID to determine whether this load control signal belongs to the second control device 120 included in its subnetwork. If it does belong to the second device 120 included in its subnetwork, it turns on the first switch 112 corresponding to the first power supply line PL1 that supplies power to the second control device 120, thereby supplying power to the second control device 120 and turning on the second device 120. The second device 120, now switched on, receives a load control signal from the first control device 110 via the communication line CL. Based on this load control signal, it switches on the second switch 122, which corresponds to the second power supply line PL2 that supplies power to the load 300 to be switched on. As a result, power is supplied to the load 300, and the load 300 is switched on.

[0026] If an overcurrent occurs in the circuit due to a short circuit or the like, the first control device 110, the second control device 120, the load 300, the power supply lines PL1 and PL2, etc. may be damaged. For this reason, it is necessary to be able to shut off the power supply lines PL1 and PL2 when an overcurrent occurs. Accordingly, the power supply system 100 according to this embodiment has a function to calculate the temperature of the power supply line and shut off the power supply via the power supply line when the calculated temperature exceeds a predetermined value.

[0027] Figure 4 shows the first control unit 111 of the first control device 110, and Figure 5 shows the second control unit 121 of the second control device 120. The first control unit 111 includes a temperature calculation unit 1111, a first power supply control unit 1113, and a second power supply control unit 1114. The second control unit 121 includes a power supply control unit 1211.

[0028] The temperature calculation unit 1111 calculates the temperature of the first power supply line PL1 and the temperature of the second power supply line PL2. For example, the temperature calculation unit 1111 calculates the temperature of the first power supply line PL1 based on the value of the current flowing through the first power supply line PL1, and calculates the temperature of the second power supply line PL2 based on the value of the current flowing through the second power supply line PL2. In this case, it is preferable that the first control unit 111 further includes a current value acquisition unit 1112 that acquires the value of the current flowing through the first power supply line PL1 and the value of the current flowing through the second power supply line PL2.

[0029] The values ​​of the current flowing through the first power supply line PL1 and the second power supply line PL2 can be measured, for example, by installing ammeters on each of the first power supply line PL1 and each of the second power supply line PL2. In this case, the current value acquisition unit 1112 may acquire the value of the current in the second power supply line PL2 measured by the ammeters by communication via the communication line CL, or it may acquire it by communication that does not go through the communication line CL (for example, by communication via a dedicated communication line).

[0030] Furthermore, the first switch 112 and the second switch 122 may be, for example, IPDs (Intelligent Power Devices), shunt resistors + MOSFETs, or sense MOSFETs with current detection capabilities, which have a function to measure the value of the current flowing through the power supply line in addition to their switching function. In this way, it becomes possible to obtain the value of the current flowing through the power supply line without providing a separate ammeter. In this case, it is preferable that the second control unit 121 of the second control device 120 acquires the value of the current flowing through the second power supply line PL2 from the second switch 122, and the current value acquisition unit 1112 acquires the value of the current flowing through the second power supply line PL2 from the second control unit 121 of the second control device 120 via communication through the communication line CL.

[0031] The first power supply control unit 1113 compares the calculated temperature of the first power supply line PL1 with a first cutoff threshold, and if the calculated temperature of the first power supply line PL1 is greater than the first cutoff threshold, it cuts off the power supply through the first power supply line PL1. For example, if the calculated temperature of the first power supply line PL1 is greater than the first cutoff threshold, the first power supply control unit 1113 turns off the first switch 112 provided on the first power supply line PL1, thereby cutting off the power supply through the first power supply line PL1. In this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the first power supply line PL1 from becoming hot, and thus protect the first power supply line PL1. In this case, the first cutoff threshold may be determined, for example, based on the smoke emission temperature of the first power supply line PL1. In this way, it is possible to prevent the first power supply line PL1 from heating up to the point of emitting smoke.

[0032] Furthermore, the second power supply control unit 1114 compares the calculated temperature of the second power supply line PL2 with a second cutoff threshold, and if the calculated temperature of the second power supply line PL2 is greater than the second cutoff threshold, it sends a cutoff request to the control unit 121 of the second control device 120 connected to the second power supply line PL2, requesting that the power supply through the second power supply line PL2 be cut off.

[0033] If the power supply control unit 1211 of the second control unit 121 of the second control device 120 receives the above-mentioned cutoff request from the second power supply control unit 1114 of the control unit 111 of the first control device 110, it will cut off the power supply via the second power supply line PL2 corresponding to the cutoff request. For example, if the power supply control unit 1211 of the control unit 121 of the second control device 120 receives the above-mentioned cutoff request, it will turn off the second switch 122 provided on the second power supply line PL2 corresponding to the cutoff request, thereby cutting off the power supply via the second power supply line PL2 corresponding to the cutoff request. In this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the second power supply line PL2 from becoming hot and to protect the second power supply line PL2. In this case, the second cutoff threshold may be determined, for example, based on the smoke emission temperature of the second power supply line PL2. In this way, it is possible to prevent the second power supply line PL2 from heating up to the point of emitting smoke.

[0034] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the control unit 111 of the first control device 110 calculates the temperature of the second power supply line PL2, each of the multiple second control devices 120 does not need to have a function to calculate the temperature of the second power supply line PL2. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to protect the power supply line without increasing the functionality of the second control device 120. Thus, in this embodiment, it is possible to protect the power supply line with a low-cost configuration.

[0035] <Power supply control based on the power supply signal of the power supply line> The first control unit 111 of the first control device 110 may further include a power supply signal acquisition status determination unit 1115. The power supply signal acquisition status determination unit 1115 determines whether or not the acquisition status of each power supply signal of the first power supply line PL1 is abnormal.

[0036] The power supply signal acquisition status determination unit 1115 periodically receives power supply signals for each of the first power supply lines PL1 from switches 112 provided on each of the first power supply lines PL1. At this time, if there is a first power supply line PL1 for which a power supply signal could not be received within a predetermined time, the power supply signal acquisition status of that first power supply line PL1 is determined to be abnormal.

[0037] At this time, the temperature calculation unit 1111 calculates the temperature of the first power supply line PL1 for which the power supply signal acquisition status is normal, and does not calculate the temperature of the first power supply line PL1 for which the power supply signal acquisition status is abnormal. Then, the power supply control unit 1111 of the first control unit 111 cuts off the power supply through the first power supply line PL1 for which the power supply signal acquisition status is abnormal.

[0038] In this way, it becomes possible to interrupt the power supply to the first power supply line PL1, which is abnormally receiving the power supply signal, thereby protecting the first power supply line PL1.

[0039] The second control unit 121 of the second control device 120 may further include a power supply signal acquisition status determination unit 1212. The power supply signal acquisition status determination unit 1212 of the second control unit 121 determines whether the acquisition status of each power supply signal of the second power supply line PL2 is abnormal or not.

[0040] The power supply signal acquisition status determination unit 1212 periodically receives power supply signals for each of the second power supply lines PL2 from switches 122 provided on each of the second power supply lines PL2. At this time, if there is a second power supply line PL2 for which a power supply signal could not be received within a predetermined time, the power supply signal acquisition status of that second power supply line PL2 is determined to be abnormal.

[0041] At this time, the power supply control unit 1211 of the second control unit 121 cuts off the power supply via the second power supply line PL2, which has an abnormal status in acquiring the power supply signal.

[0042] By doing so, it becomes possible to interrupt the power supply to the second power supply line PL2, which is experiencing abnormal power supply signal acquisition, thereby protecting the second power supply line PL2.

[0043] Furthermore, the power supply signal acquisition status determination unit 1212 of the second control unit 121 transmits power supply signal status information, indicating whether or not the acquisition status of the power supply signal of the second power supply line PL2 is abnormal, to the power supply signal acquisition status determination unit 1115 of the first control unit 111 via the communication line CL. The power supply signal acquisition status determination unit 1115 of the first control unit 111 receives the power supply signal status information transmitted from the power supply signal acquisition status determination unit 1212 of the second control unit 121, and determines whether or not communication with the second control device 120 equipped with the second control unit 121 is abnormal based on the status of receipt of this power supply signal status information.

[0044] The energization signal acquisition status determination unit 1212 of the second control unit 121 and the energization signal acquisition status determination unit 1115 of the first control unit 111 periodically transmit and receive energization signal status information. At this time, if the energization signal status determination unit 1115 of the first control unit 111 fails to receive energization signal status information from the energization signal acquisition status determination unit 1212 of the second control unit 121 within a predetermined time, it determines that communication with the second control device 120 equipped with the second control unit 121 is abnormal.

[0045] In this case, the temperature calculation unit 1111 calculates the temperature of the second power supply line PL2 connected to the second control device 120 where communication is not abnormal, and does not calculate the temperature of the second power supply line PL2 connected to the second control device 120 where communication is abnormal.

[0046] The energization status determination unit 1212 of the second control unit 121 determines whether or not communication with the first control device 110 equipped with the first control unit 111 is abnormal, based on the status of transmission of energization signal status information to the first control unit 111. For example, if the transmission of energization signal status information to the energization signal acquisition status determination unit 1115 of the first control unit 111 is not completed within a predetermined time, the energization signal status determination unit 1212 of the second control unit 121 determines that communication with the first control device 110 equipped with the first control unit 111 is abnormal.

[0047] If communication with the first control device 110 is abnormal, the power supply control unit 1211 of the second control unit 121 compares the temperature of the second power supply line PL2 with a second cutoff threshold. If there is a second power supply line PL2 whose temperature is higher than the second cutoff threshold, the power supply control unit 1211 of the second control unit 121 cuts off the power supply through that second power supply line PL2. At this time, for example, a switch 122 provided on the second power supply line PL2 may have a function to estimate the temperature of the second power supply line PL2, and the power supply control unit 1211 of the second control unit 121 may acquire the temperature estimated by this switch 122 as the temperature of the second power supply line PL2. At this time, the temperature estimated by this switch 122 may have lower accuracy than the temperature calculated by the temperature calculation unit 1111 of the first control unit 111 of the first control device 110.

[0048] In this way, even when communication between the first control device 110 and the second control device 120 is abnormal, the second power supply line PL2 can be protected.

[0049] <Resumption of power supply> In this embodiment, as described above, the power supply via the first power supply line PL1 is cut off when its temperature is greater than the first cutoff temperature. The temperature of the first power supply line PL1, from which the power supply has been cut off, decreases.

[0050] Therefore, the first power supply control unit 1113 may restart the power supply through the first power supply line PL1 if the temperature of the first power supply line PL1, which has been cut off, falls below the first cutoff release threshold. For example, if the temperature of the first power supply line PL1 falls below the first cutoff release threshold, the first power supply control unit 1113 turns on the first switch 112 provided on the first power supply line PL1 and restarts the power supply through the first power supply line PL1.

[0051] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the power supply via the second power supply line PL2 is cut off when its temperature is higher than the second cutoff temperature. The temperature of the second power supply line PL2, from which the power supply has been cut off, decreases.

[0052] Therefore, the first power supply control unit 1113 may send a restart request to the control unit 121 of the second control device 120 connected to the second power supply line PL2 if the temperature of the second power supply line PL2, whose power supply has been interrupted, falls below the first interruption release threshold. In this case, the power supply control unit 1211 of the second control device 120's second control unit 121 should, upon receiving the restart request from the second power supply control unit 1114 of the control unit 111 of the first control device 110, restart the power supply via the second power supply line PL2 corresponding to the restart request. For example, upon receiving the restart request, the power supply control unit 1211 of the second control device 120's control unit 121 turns on the second switch 122 provided on the second power supply line corresponding to the restart request, and restarts the power supply via the second power supply line PL2 corresponding to the restart request.

[0053] <Processing operations in the power supply system 100> Figure 6 shows an example of a processing operation performed in the first control unit 111 of the first control device 110 to protect the first power supply line PL1. The processing operation shown in Figure 6 is performed for each of the multiple first power supply lines PL1, and is performed, for example, at predetermined time intervals.

[0054] If the acquisition status of the energization signal for the target first power supply line PL1 is abnormal (step S601, YES), the first power supply control unit 1113 cuts off the power supply through the first power supply line PL1 (step S602).

[0055] If the acquisition status of the energization signal for the target first power supply line PL1 is not abnormal (step S601, NO), the temperature calculation unit 1111 calculates the temperature of the first power supply line PL1 (step S603). The first power supply control unit 1113 checks whether or not the power supply through the first power supply line PL1 has been cut off (step S604).

[0056] If the power supply via the first power supply line PL1 is not interrupted (step S604, NO), the first power supply control unit 1113 checks whether the calculated temperature of the first power supply line PL1 is greater than the first interruption threshold (step S605). If the calculated temperature of the first power supply line PL1 is greater than the first interruption threshold (step S605, YES), the first power supply control unit 1113 determines that the power supply via the first power supply line PL1 should be interrupted, stores that the first power supply line PL1 is in an interrupted state (step S606), and interrupts the power supply via the first power supply line PL1 (step S602). If the calculated temperature of the first power supply line PL1 is not greater than the first cutoff threshold (step S605, NO), and if there is a cutoff request from another first control device 110 or second control device 120 requesting the cutoff of the power supply through the first power supply line PL1 (step S607, YES), the first power supply control unit 1113 cuts off the power supply through the first power supply line PL1 (step S602). If there is no cutoff request (step S607, NO), the process ends.

[0057] If the power supply via the first power supply line PL1 is interrupted (step S604, YES), the first power supply control unit 1113 checks whether an interruption determination has been made for the first power supply line PL1 (step S608). Here, an interruption determination has been made means that, up to the time of the previous processing operation, the temperature of the first power supply line PL1 calculated to be greater than the first interruption threshold, and therefore an interruption determination to interrupt the power supply via the first power supply line PL1 was made, but up to the time of the previous processing operation, the temperature of the first power supply line PL1 calculated to be less than the first interruption release threshold, and therefore the interruption determination to release the power supply via the first power supply line PL1 has not been released.

[0058] If a shutdown determination has been made for the first power supply line PL1 (step S608, YES), the first power supply control unit 1113 checks whether the calculated temperature of the first power supply line PL1 is less than the first shutdown release threshold (step S609). If the calculated temperature of the first power supply line PL1 is less than the first shutdown release threshold (step S609, YES), the first power supply control unit 1113 releases the shutdown determination, stores that the first power supply line PL1 is not in a shutdown state (step S610), and checks whether there are any supply requests from other first control devices 110 or second control devices 120 requesting power to be supplied through the first power supply line PL1 (step S611). If the calculated temperature of the first power supply line PL1 is not less than the first shutdown threshold (step S609, NO), the process ends.

[0059] If the first power supply line PL1 is not in a state of interruption (step S608, NO), the first power supply control unit 1113 checks whether there is a supply request from the other first control device 110 or the second control device 120 requesting the supply of power through the first power supply line PL1 (step S611).

[0060] In step S611, if there is a supply request (step S611, YES), the first power supply control unit 1113 resumes supplying power via the first power supply line PL1 (step S612). If there is no supply request (step S611, NO), the process ends.

[0061] Figure 7 shows an example of a processing operation performed in the first control unit 111 of the first control device 110 to protect the second power supply line PL2. The processing operation shown in Figure 7 is performed for each of the multiple second power supply lines PL2, and is performed, for example, at predetermined time intervals.

[0062] If communication between the target second power supply line PL2 and the second control device 120 is abnormal (step S701, YES), the process is terminated. If communication between the target second power supply line PL2 and the second control device 120 is not abnormal (step S701, NO), the temperature calculation unit 1111 calculates the temperature of the second power supply line PL2 (step S702). The second power supply control unit 1114 checks whether the power supply via the second power supply line PL2 has been cut off (step S703).

[0063] If the power supply via the second power supply line PL2 is not interrupted (step S703, NO), the second power supply control unit 1114 checks whether the calculated temperature of the second power supply line PL2 is greater than the second interruption threshold (step S704). If the calculated temperature of the second power supply line PL2 is greater than the second interruption threshold (step S704, YES), the second power supply control unit 1114 determines that the power supply via the second power supply line PL2 should be interrupted, stores that the second power supply line PL2 is in an interrupted state (step S705), and sends an interruption request to the control unit 121 of the second control device 120 connected to the second power supply line PL2, requesting that the power supply via the second power supply line PL2 be interrupted (step S706). If the calculated temperature of the second power supply line PL2 is not greater than the first cutoff threshold (step S704, NO), and if there is a cutoff request from another first control device 110 or second control device 120 to cut off the power supply through the second power supply line PL2 (step S707, YES), the second power supply control unit 1114 sends a cutoff request to the control unit 121 of the second control device 120 connected to the second power supply line PL2 to cut off the power supply through the second power supply line PL2 (step S706). If there is no cutoff request (step S707, NO), the process ends.

[0064] If the power supply via the second power supply line PL2 is interrupted (step S703, YES), the second power supply control unit 1114 checks whether or not an interruption determination has been made for the second power supply line PL2 (step S708).

[0065] If a shutdown determination has been made for the second power supply line PL2 (step S708, YES), the second power supply control unit 1114 checks whether the calculated temperature of the second power supply line PL2 is less than the second shutdown release threshold (step S709). If the calculated temperature of the second power supply line PL2 is less than the second shutdown release threshold (step S709, YES), the second power supply control unit 1114 releases the shutdown determination, stores that the second power supply line PL2 is not in a shutdown determination state (step S710), and checks whether there is a supply request from the first control device 110 or the second control device 120 requesting the supply of power via the second power supply line PL2 (step S711). If the calculated temperature of the second power supply line PL2 is not less than the second shutdown threshold (step S709, NO), the process ends.

[0066] If the second power supply line PL2 is not in a state of interruption (step S708, NO), the second power supply control unit 1114 checks whether there is a supply request from the first control device 110 or the second control device 120 requesting the supply of power via the second power supply line PL2 (step S711).

[0067] In step S711, if there is a supply request (step S711, YES), the second power supply control unit 1114 sends a supply request to the control unit 121 of the second control device 120 connected to the second power supply line PL2, requesting that power be supplied via the second power supply line PL2 (step S712). If there is no supply request (step S711, NO), the process ends.

[0068] Figure 8 shows an example of processing operations in the second control unit 121 of the second control device 120. The processing operations shown in Figure 8 are performed for each of the multiple second power supply lines PL2, and are performed, for example, at predetermined time intervals.

[0069] If communication with the first control device 110 is not abnormal (step S801, NO), the power supply control unit 1211 of the second control unit 121 checks whether the acquisition status of the energization signal of the target second power supply line PL2 is abnormal or not (step S802).

[0070] If the acquisition status of the energization signal for the target second power supply line PL2 is abnormal (step S802, YES), the power supply control unit 1211 of the second control unit 121 cuts off the power supply through this second power supply line PL2 (step S803). If the acquisition status of the energization signal for the target second power supply line PL2 is not abnormal (step S802, NO), the power supply control unit 1211 of the second control unit 121 checks whether or not the power supply through this second power supply line PL2 has been cut off (step S804).

[0071] If the power supply via the second power supply line PL2 is not interrupted (step S804, NO), and there is an interruption request from the first control device 110 or other second control device 120 requesting the interruption of the power supply via the second power supply line PL2 (step 805, YES), the power supply control unit 1211 interrupts the power supply via the second power supply line PL2 (step S803). If there is no interruption request (step S805, NO), the process ends. If the power supply via the second power supply line PL2 is interrupted (step S804, YES), and there is a supply request from the first control device 110 or other second control device 120 requesting the supply of power via the second power supply line PL2 (step 806, YES), the power supply control unit 1211 resumes the power supply via the second power supply line PL2 (step S807). If there is no supply request (step S806, NO), the process ends.

[0072] If communication with the first control device 110 is abnormal (step S801, NO), the power supply control unit 1211 checks whether the temperature of the second power supply line PL2 is greater than the second cutoff threshold (step S808). If the temperature of the second power supply line PL2 is greater than the second cutoff threshold (step S808, YES), the power supply control unit 1211 cuts off the power supply through the second power supply line PL2 (step S803). If the temperature of the second power supply line PL2 is not greater than the second cutoff threshold (step S808, NO), the process ends.

[0073] <Another example of processing operations for protecting the second power supply line PL2> Figure 9 shows another example of a processing operation performed in the first control unit 111 of the first control device 110 to protect the second power supply line PL2. In the processing operation shown in Figure 7 above, when switching from a state where power is supplied via the second power supply line PL2 to a state where power is shut off via the second power supply line PL2, a shutdown request is sent to the second control device 120, and when switching from a state where power is shut off via the second power supply line PL2 to a state where power is supplied via the second power supply line PL2, a supply request is sent to the second control device 120. On the other hand, in the processing operation shown in Figure 9, it is determined at predetermined time intervals whether or not to supply power via the second power supply line PL2, and based on that determination, a supply request or shutdown request is sent to the second control device 120 at predetermined time intervals. The processing operation shown in Figure 9 is a processing operation performed for each of the multiple second power supply lines PL2, and is performed at predetermined time intervals.

[0074] It is determined whether or not to supply power via the target second power supply line PL2 (step S901). If it is determined that power should be supplied via the second power supply line PL2 (step S902, YES), a supply request is sent to the second control unit 121 of the second control device 120 requesting that power be supplied via the second power supply line PL2 (step S903). If it is determined that power should not be supplied via the second power supply line PL2 (step S902, NO), a shutdown request is sent to the second control unit 121 of the second control device 120 requesting that the power supply via the second power supply line PL2 be shut off (step S904).

[0075] Figure 10 shows an example of the determination process in step S901 of Figure 9.

[0076] If communication between the target second power supply line PL2 and the second control device 120 is abnormal (step S1001, YES), the previous determination is maintained in the determination of whether or not to supply power via the second power supply line PL2 (step S1002). In other words, if the previous determination was to supply power via the second power supply line PL2, then the determination to supply power via the second power supply line PL2 is made again this time, and if the previous determination was to not supply power via the second power supply line PL2, then the determination to not supply power via the second power supply line PL2 is made again this time.

[0077] If communication between the target second power supply line PL2 and the second control device 120 is normal (step S1001, NO), the temperature calculation unit 1111 calculates the temperature of the second power supply line PL2 (step S1003). The second power supply control unit 1114 checks whether the power supply via the second power supply line PL2 has been cut off (step S1004).

[0078] If the power supply via the second power supply line PL2 is not interrupted (step S1004, NO), the second power supply control unit 1114 checks whether the calculated temperature of the second power supply line PL2 is greater than the second interruption threshold (step S1005). If the calculated temperature of the second power supply line PL2 is greater than the second interruption threshold (step S1005, YES), the second power supply control unit 1114 determines that the power supply via the second power supply line PL2 is interrupted, stores that the second power supply line PL2 is in an interrupted state (step S1006), and determines that power will not be supplied via the second power supply line PL2 (step S1007). If the calculated temperature of the second power supply line PL2 is not greater than the first cutoff threshold (step S1005, NO), and if there is a cutoff request from another first control device 110 or second control device 120 to cut off the power supply via the second power supply line PL2 (step S1008, YES), the second power supply control unit 1114 determines not to supply power via the second power supply line PL2 (step S1007). If there is no cutoff request (step S1008, NO), the second power supply control unit 1114 determines to supply power via the second power supply line PL2 (step S1009).

[0079] If the power supply via the second power supply line PL2 is interrupted (step S1004, YES), the second power supply control unit 1114 checks whether or not the second power supply line PL2 is in an interrupted state (step S1010).

[0080] If a shutdown determination has been made for the second power supply line PL2 (step S1010, YES), the second power supply control unit 1114 checks whether the calculated temperature of the second power supply line PL2 is less than the second shutdown release threshold (step S1011). If the calculated temperature of the second power supply line PL2 is less than the second shutdown release threshold (step S1011, YES), the second power supply control unit 1114 releases the shutdown determination, stores that the second power supply line PL2 is not in a shutdown determination state (step S1012), and checks whether there is a supply request from the first control device 110 or the second control device 120 requesting the supply of power via the second power supply line PL2 (step S1013). If the calculated temperature of the second power supply line PL2 is not less than the second cutoff threshold (step S1011, NO), the second power supply control unit 1114 determines that it will not supply power through the second power supply line PL2 (step S1007).

[0081] If the second power supply line PL2 is not in a state of interruption (step S1010, NO), the second power supply control unit 1114 checks whether there is a supply request from the first control device 110 or the second control device 120 requesting the supply of power via the second power supply line PL2 (step S1013).

[0082] In step S1013, if there is a supply request (step S1013, YES), the second power supply control unit 1114 determines to supply power via the second power supply line PL2 (step S1009), and if there is no supply request (step S711, NO), the second power supply control unit 1114 determines not to supply power via the second power supply line PL2 (step S1007).

[0083] The present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments. Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific examples, various modifications and changes can be made to these examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as described in the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0084] 100 Power supply systems 110 First control device 111 First control unit 1111 Temperature calculation section 1112 Current Value Acquisition Unit 1113 First power supply control unit 1114 Second power supply control unit 1115 Power supply signal acquisition status determination unit 112 First switch 120 Second control device 121 Second control unit 1211 Power supply control unit 1212 Power supply signal acquisition status determination unit 122 Second switch 200 batteries 300 load PL1 First power supply line PL2 Second Power Supply Line CL communication line

Claims

1. The first control device and A plurality of second control devices connected to the first control device by a communication line, A power supply system having a plurality of first power supply lines that correspond one-to-one with the plurality of second control devices, Each of the plurality of second control devices is connected to the first control device by a first power supply line corresponding to the second control device. The first control device has a first control unit that controls the supply of power to the second control device via the first power supply line, The first control unit is, A power supply signal acquisition status determination unit that determines whether or not the acquisition status of the power supply signal for each of the first power supply lines is abnormal, It includes a first power supply control unit that shuts off the power supply via a first power supply line where the acquisition status of the power supply signal is abnormal, Each of the energization signals of the first power supply line is a signal indicating information about the energization of the first power supply line, including the value of the current flowing through the first power supply line. The first control unit further includes a temperature calculation unit that calculates the temperature of a first power supply line in which the acquisition status of the energization signal is not abnormal. A power supply system comprising: the first power supply control unit, which, if a first power supply line exists whose temperature is greater than a first cutoff threshold, cuts off the supply of power through the first power supply line.

2. It further has multiple second power supply lines that correspond one-to-one with multiple loads, Each of the aforementioned plurality of loads is connected to one of the second control devices by a second power supply line corresponding to the load. Each of the plurality of second control devices has a second control unit that controls the supply of power to the load via a second power supply line connected to the second control device. The second control unit is, A power supply signal acquisition status determination unit that determines whether or not the acquisition status of the power supply signal for each of the second power supply lines is abnormal, It includes a power supply control unit that shuts off the power supply via a second power supply line where the acquisition status of the power supply signal is abnormal, Each of the energization signals of the second power supply line is a signal indicating information about the energization of the second power supply line, including the value of the current flowing through the second power supply line. The power supply signal acquisition status determination unit of the second control unit transmits power supply signal status information indicating whether or not the power supply signal acquisition status of the second power supply line is abnormal to the power supply signal acquisition status determination unit of the first control unit. The power supply signal acquisition status determination unit of the first control unit receives power supply signal status information transmitted from the power supply signal acquisition status determination unit of the second control unit, and determines whether or not communication with the second control device equipped with the second control unit is abnormal based on the status of receipt of said power supply signal status information. The temperature calculation unit calculates the temperature of the second power supply line connected to the second control device, which is not experiencing any communication abnormalities. The first control unit further includes a second power supply control unit that sends a shutdown request to the second control device to shut off the power supply through the second power supply line if there is a second power supply line whose temperature is greater than a second shutdown threshold, The power supply system according to claim 1, wherein the power supply control unit of the second control unit, upon receiving the interruption request from the first control unit, interrupts the supply of power via the second power supply line corresponding to the interruption request.

3. The second power supply control unit determines at predetermined time intervals whether or not to supply power through the second power supply line, and if it determines to supply power through the second power supply line, it sends a supply request to the second control device requesting that power be supplied through the second power supply line, and if it determines not to supply power through the second power supply line, it sends a shutoff request to the second control device requesting that the power supply through the second power supply line be shut off. When the power supply control unit of the second control unit receives the supply request from the first control unit, it supplies power via the second power supply line corresponding to the supply request. The power supply system according to claim 2, wherein the second power supply control unit maintains the previous determination when determining whether or not to supply power via the second power supply line if there is a second power supply line connected to the second control device whose communication is abnormal.

4. The power supply signal acquisition status determination unit of the second control unit determines, based on the status of transmission of the power supply signal status information to the first control unit, whether or not communication with the first control device equipped with the first control unit is abnormal. The power supply control unit of the second control unit is: If communication with the first control device is abnormal, compare the temperature of the second power supply line with the second cutoff threshold, The power supply system according to claim 2, wherein if there is a second power supply line whose temperature is greater than the second cutoff threshold, the power supply through the second power supply line is cut off.

5. A first control device connected to a plurality of second control devices by communication lines, The plurality of second control devices correspond one-to-one with the plurality of first power supply lines. Each of the plurality of second control devices is connected to the first control device by a first power supply line corresponding to the second control device. The first control device has a first control unit that controls the supply of power to the second control device via the first power supply line, The first control unit is, A power supply signal acquisition status determination unit that determines whether or not the acquisition status of the power supply signal for each of the first power supply lines is abnormal, It includes a first power supply control unit that shuts off the power supply via a first power supply line where the acquisition status of the power supply signal is abnormal, Each of the energization signals of the first power supply line is a signal indicating information about the energization of the first power supply line, including the value of the current flowing through the first power supply line. The first control unit further includes a temperature calculation unit that calculates the temperature of a first power supply line in which the acquisition status of the energization signal is not abnormal. The first power supply control unit is a first control device that, if there is a first power supply line whose temperature is greater than a first cutoff threshold, cuts off the supply of power through the first power supply line.

6. A power supply line protection method performed by a first control device, comprising a first control device connected to a plurality of second control devices by communication lines, wherein the plurality of second control devices correspond one-to-one with a plurality of first power supply lines, and each of the plurality of second control devices is connected to the first control device by a first power supply line corresponding to the second control device, A power supply signal acquisition status determination step for determining whether the acquisition status of the power supply signals for each of the first power supply lines is abnormal, It includes a first power supply control step that shuts off the power supply via a first power supply line where the acquisition status of the power supply signal is abnormal, Each of the energization signals of the first power supply line is a signal indicating information about the energization of the first power supply line, including the value of the current flowing through the first power supply line. The power supply line protection method further includes a temperature calculation step for calculating the temperature of a first power supply line in which the acquisition status of the energization signal is not abnormal, The first power supply control step is a power supply line protection method that, if there is a first power supply line whose temperature is higher than a first interruption threshold, interrupts the supply of power through the first power supply line.

7. A second control device connected to a first control device by a communication line, which supplies power to multiple loads, The aforementioned multiple loads correspond one-to-one with multiple second power supply lines. Each of the aforementioned plurality of loads is connected to the second control device by a second power supply line corresponding to the load. The second control device has a second control unit that controls the supply of power to the load via the second power supply line, The second control unit is, A power supply signal acquisition status determination unit that determines whether or not the acquisition status of the power supply signal for each of the second power supply lines is abnormal, It includes a power supply control unit that shuts off the power supply via a second power supply line where the acquisition status of the power supply signal is abnormal, Each of the energization signals of the second power supply line is a signal indicating information about the energization of the second power supply line, including the value of the current flowing through the second power supply line. The power supply signal acquisition status determination unit transmits power supply signal status information to the first control device indicating whether or not the power supply signal acquisition status of the second power supply line is abnormal. The first control device is The system receives the energization signal status information transmitted from the second control device, and determines whether or not communication with the second control device is abnormal based on the status of receipt of the energization signal status information. The temperature of the second power supply line connected to the second control device, which is not experiencing any communication abnormalities, is calculated. If there is a second power supply line whose temperature is higher than the second cutoff threshold, a cutoff request is sent to the second control device to cut off the power supply through the second power supply line. The power supply control unit is a second control device that, upon receiving the interruption request from the first control device, interrupts the supply of power via the second power supply line corresponding to the interruption request.

8. A power supply line protection method performed by a second control device, wherein the second control device is connected to a first control device by a communication line and supplies power to a plurality of loads, the plurality of loads correspond one-to-one with a plurality of second power supply lines, and each of the plurality of loads is connected to one of the second control devices by a second power supply line corresponding to the load, A power supply signal acquisition status determination step for determining whether the acquisition status of the power supply signals for each of the second power supply lines is abnormal, The system includes a power supply control step that shuts off the power supply via a second power supply line where the power supply signal acquisition status is abnormal, Each of the energization signals of the second power supply line is a signal indicating information about the energization of the second power supply line, including the value of the current flowing through the second power supply line. The power supply signal acquisition status determination step transmits power supply signal status information to the first control device indicating whether or not the power supply signal acquisition status of the second power supply line is abnormal. The first control device is The system receives the energization signal status information transmitted from the second control device, and determines whether or not communication with the second control device is abnormal based on the status of receipt of the energization signal status information. The temperature of the second power supply line connected to the second control device, which is not experiencing any communication abnormalities, is calculated. If there is a second power supply line whose temperature is higher than the second cutoff threshold, a cutoff request is sent to the second control device to cut off the power supply through the second power supply line. The power supply control step is a power supply line protection method that, when it receives the interruption request from the first control device, interrupts the supply of power through the second power supply line corresponding to the interruption request.

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