Power supply system

Abstract

[Project] To provide a power supply system that can verify whether there are any abnormalities in the connections between power supply devices. [Solution] The present invention relates to a power supply system (PSS), which includes: a plurality of power supply devices (10) electrically connected to each other; and a detection unit (20) for detecting whether there is an electrical connection between the power supply devices (10). Each power supply device (10) includes: a first switch (34) connected between a power supply section (32) and a first connection section (30); and a second switch (35) connected between a power supply section (32) and a second connection section (31). S) When the first switch (34) of the first power supply device (10) and the second switch (35) of the second power supply device having a second connection part (31) that should be connected to the first connection part (30) of the first power supply device (10) are controlled to the ON state, and the other first switches (34) and second switches (35) are controlled to the OFF state, the detection result of the detection unit (20) is used to sense whether there is an electrical connection between the first power supply device and the second power supply device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a power feeding system. Prior Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a power feeding system comprising multiple feeders that supply power to the track. The multiple feeders are electrically connected to each other via feeder lines. Therefore, if one feeder fails abnormally, the remaining feeders can supplement the power shortage via the feeder lines. [Prior Art Literature] [Patent Document]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2022 / 074974 Summary of the Invention

[0004] (Problems that the invention aims to solve)

[0005] In the above-mentioned power feeding system, there is a possibility that the feeder lines may be miswired or disconnected. Therefore, it is necessary to check whether there are any abnormalities in the connections between the feeder units.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a power feeding system capable of confirming whether there is any abnormality in the connection between power feeding devices. (Technical means to solve the problem)

[0007] A feeding system according to an aspect of the present invention supplies power to a plurality of feeding targets. The system comprises: a plurality of feeding devices electrically connected to one another; and a detection unit for detecting whether the feeding devices are electrically connected. Each feeding device comprises: a first connection unit and a second connection unit connected to one of the other feeding devices; a feeding unit capable of transferring power to and from the feeding devices connected to the first and second connection units; a first switch connected between the feeding unit and the first connection unit; and a second switch connected between the feeding unit and the second connection unit. The feeding system detects whether the first feeding device and the second feeding device are electrically connected using detection results from the detection unit when the first switch of a first feeding device and the second switch of a second feeding device having a second connection unit to be connected to the first connection unit of the first feeding device are controlled to an ON state, and the other first and second switches are controlled to an OFF state. (Effects of the Invention)

[0008] In the power feeding system of the present invention, since the detection unit is provided to detect whether the power feeding devices are electrically connected, it is possible to check whether there is any abnormality in the connection between the power feeding devices (such as incorrect wiring or disconnection of the feeder line).

[0009] With the power feeding system described above, the detection unit may include a sensor provided in each power feeding device, the sensor measuring the voltage or current applied to the first connection portion or the second connection portion. With this configuration, the power feeding devices can be made common.

[0010] In the power feeding system of the above aspect, each power feeding device may include a communication unit for communicating with other power feeding devices, the plurality of power feeding devices may be composed of a master device and a plurality of slave devices, and the master device may execute: a first step of transmitting an OFF command to all other power feeding devices for turning off all first switches and second switches; a second step of, after the first step, transmitting an ON command to the first and second power feeding devices for turning on only the first switch of the first power feeding device and the second switch of the second power feeding device; and a third step of, after the second step, receiving information from either the first or second power feeding device indicating whether the first and second power feeding devices are electrically connected.

[0011] With the power feeding system described above, the master device can repeat the series of steps 1, 2, and 3 while sequentially changing the first and second power feeding devices among the plurality of power feeding devices until all power feeding devices are electrically connected. With this configuration, it is possible to confirm whether the plurality of power feeding devices are properly connected in the correct combination.

[0012] With the above-described power feeding system, the communication between the main device and each sub-device can also be polling communication. In addition, each feeding device can also be connected by a feeder line for sending and receiving power, and the entire connection is ring-shaped. Simple diagram description

[0013] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a power feeding system according to this embodiment. FIG2 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the power feeding device of this embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the connection relationship of the power feeding device according to this embodiment. FIG4 is a diagram illustrating the normal operation of the power feeding system of this embodiment. FIG5 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the power feeding system of this embodiment during an abnormality. [Figure 6] is a flow chart of the connection confirmation process of this embodiment. [Fig. 7] is a sequence diagram of the connection confirmation process of this embodiment. Implementation Method

[0014] The present invention is described below using embodiments. However, these embodiments do not limit the scope of the claimed invention. Furthermore, not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential to the claimed invention. In the drawings, identical or similar components are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions are omitted. The shapes and sizes of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0015] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a power feeding system PSS according to this embodiment. The power feeding system PSS supplies power to a plurality of feeding targets. The feeding targets are, for example, rails R.

[0016] Track R is a structure suspended from the ceiling that allows overhead transport vehicles to travel. For example, track R is located at a location higher than the floor, such as the ceiling of a cleanroom. Overhead transport vehicles, such as carts that transport items, move along track R. These items contain, for example, wafers or optical gratings used in semiconductor device manufacturing. For example, these items may be FOUPs (Front Opening Unified Pods), SMIF Pods, or optical grating pods within which the interior of the cleanroom can be cleaned.

[0017] The track R system is provided with a travel track for overhead transport vehicles and a power supply track for supplying power to the overhead transport vehicles while traveling on the travel track. The power supply track is located, for example, below the travel track. A feeder cable fc is located on the power supply track to supply power to the overhead transport vehicles. Power is supplied from the power supply track to the overhead transport vehicles, for example, by contactless power feeding. The contactless power feeding method can employ any of electromagnetic induction, magnetic field (electric field) resonance, electric field coupling, and electromagnetic wave methods. The track R system is, for example, a circular track. The track R system is located in each zone.

[0018] The power feeding system PSS includes a plurality of power feeders 10 and a detection unit 20. The plurality of power feeders 10 are electrically connected, forming a ring. The plurality of power feeders 10 can be classified into, for example, power feeders that constantly supply power (hereinafter referred to as "main power feeders") or backup power feeders (hereinafter referred to as "backup power feeders"). In the example shown in Figure 1, the power feeding system PSS includes four power feeders 10-A through 10-D. Power feeders 10-A through 10-C are main power feeders, and power feeder 10-D is a backup power feeder. However, this is not a limitation; all power feeders in the power feeding system PSS may be main power feeders. The symbol following the hyphen distinguishes between multiple components of the same type. If multiple components of the same type cannot be distinguished, the symbol following the hyphen may be omitted.

[0019] Each rail R is assigned to a main feeder system. A feeder cable fc connected to the rail R supplies power to the main feeder. If a main feeder system experiences an abnormality and stops supplying power, the backup feeder system can supplement the power supply provided by the main feeder.

[0020] In the example shown in Figure 1, feeder 10-A is connected to feeder cable fc1 for track R1. Feeder 10-B is connected to feeder cable fc2 for track R2. Feeder 10-C is connected to feeder cable fc3 for track R3. Feeder cable fc1, feeder cable fc2, and feeder cable fc3 are connected to different tracks R (tracks R1, R2, and R3). In other words, feeders 10-A, 10-B, and 10-C each feed power from a different track R.

[0021] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the power feeding unit 10 of this embodiment. Figure 3 shows the connection relationship between power feeding units 10-A through 10-D. As shown in Figure 2, the power feeding unit 10 includes a first connector 30, a second connector 31, a power feeding unit 32, a communication unit 33, a first switch 34, a second switch 35, and a control unit 36.

[0022] The first connection portion 30 and the second connection portion 31 are each connected to another power feeding unit 10. The first connection portion 30 is connected to the second connection portion 31 of another power feeding unit 10 via the feeder line L. Furthermore, the second connection portion 31 is connected to the first connection portion 30 of another power feeding unit 10 via the feeder line L.

[0023] For example, as shown in Figure 3, the second connection portion 31-A of the power feeding unit 10-A is connected to the first connection portion 30-D of the power feeding unit 10-D via the feeder line L1. This connection between the second connection portion 31-A and the first connection portion 30-D is sometimes referred to as the "first connection." The first connection portion 30-A of the power feeding unit 10-A is connected to the second connection portion 31-B of the power feeding unit 10-B via the feeder line L2. This connection between the first connection portion 30-A and the second connection portion 31-B is sometimes referred to as the "second connection."

[0024] The first connection portion 30-B of the power feeding unit 10-B is connected to the second connection portion 31-C of the power feeding unit 10-C via the feeder line L3. This connection between the first connection portion 30-B and the second connection portion 31-C is sometimes referred to as the "third connection." The first connection portion 30-C of the power feeding unit 10-C is connected to the second connection portion 31-D of the power feeding unit 10-D via the feeder line L4. This connection between the first connection portion 30-C and the second connection portion 31-D is sometimes referred to as the "fourth connection."

[0025] Returning to Figure 2 , the power feeder 32 can exchange power with the power feeding devices connected to the first connection portion 30 and the second connection portion 31. The power feeder 32 is connected to the first connection portion 30 via a first switch 34. Furthermore, the power feeder 32 is connected to the second connection portion 31 via a second switch 35. The power feeder 32 includes, for example, a current transformer 40 and a selector switch 41.

[0026] The converter 40 converts AC power from a commercial power source, etc., into a predetermined power level. A selector switch 41 is connected between the output of the converter 40 and the feeder cable fc. One end of the selector switch 41 is connected to the output terminal of the converter 40. The other end of the selector switch 41 is connected to the feeder cable fc. In the example shown in Figure 2, the feeder 10 is provided with a connection terminal CT for connecting to the feeder cable fc. A current path 50 is formed between the connection terminal CT and the output terminal of the converter 40.

[0027] When the switch 41 is in the ON state, the output terminal of the converter 40 is electrically connected to the feeder cable fc. When the switch 41 is in the OFF state, the electrical connection between the output terminal of the converter 40 and the feeder cable fc is disconnected. The switch 41 is, for example, an electromagnetic switch.

[0028] The communication unit 33 communicates with the communication units 33 of other feeding units 10. The communication units 33 of each feeding unit 10 are connected in a daisy chain via a communication line T. Communication line T is, for example, a serial communication line. For example, feeding units 10-A and 10-B are connected via communication line T1, feeding units 10-B and 10-C are connected via communication line T2, and feeding units 10-C and 10-D are connected via communication line T3. This allows multiple feeding units 10 to exchange information with each other.

[0029] The first switch 34 is connected between the power feeder 32 and the first connector 30. In other words, as shown in FIG2 , the first switch 34 is inserted into the current path K1 between the power feeder 32 and the first connector 30. Specifically, the first switch 34 is inserted into the current path K1 between the current path 50 and the first connector 30.

[0030] If the first switch 34 is in the ON state, the current path 50 is electrically connected to the first connecting portion 30. If the first switch 34 is in the OFF state, the electrical connection between the current path 50 and the first connecting portion 30 is disconnected.

[0031] The second switch 35 is connected between the power feeder 32 and the second connector 31. In other words, the second switch 35 is inserted into the current path K2 between the power feeder 32 and the second connector 31. Specifically, the second switch 35 is inserted into the current path K2 between the current path 50 and the second connector 31.

[0032] When the second switch 35 is in the ON state, the current path 50 is electrically connected to the second connection portion 31. When the second switch 35 is in the OFF state, the electrical connection between the current path 50 and the second connection portion 31 is disconnected. Each of the first switch 34 and the second switch 35 is, for example, an electromagnetic switch.

[0033] The control unit 36 controls the switching of the selector switch 41, the first switch 34, and the second switch 35. The control unit 36 is connected to the communication unit 33 and can exchange information with other power feeding devices 10 through the communication unit 33. Furthermore, the control unit 36 monitors the power feeding unit 32 for abnormalities. If an abnormality occurs in the power feeding unit 32, the control unit 36 switches the selector switch 41 from the ON state to the OFF state.

[0034] The control unit 36 may also include a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) and non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory (e.g., RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), or EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory). For example, the control unit 36 may also be a microcontroller such as an MCU.

[0035] The detection unit 20 detects whether electrical connections exist between the power feeding devices 10. In the example shown in FIG1 , the detection unit 20 detects whether electrical connections exist at the first, second, third, and fourth connections. The detection unit 20 may be a separate component from the power feeding device 10 or may be located within the power feeding device 10.

[0036] The detection unit 20 includes a plurality of sensors 60 for detecting, for example, the presence or absence of electrical connections between power feeding units 10. The sensors 60 are provided on each power feeding unit 10. The sensors 60 measure, for example, the voltage or current applied to the first connection portion 30 or the second connection portion 31 of the connected power feeding unit 10. For example, the sensors 60 measure, for example, the voltage or current applied to the current path K1 or the current path K2. That is, the sensors 60 can be either voltmeters or ammeters. In the example shown in FIG2 , the sensors 60 are connected to the current path K2 and measure the voltage or current applied to the current path K2 as sensor values.

[0037] The following describes the normal operation of the power feeding system PSS of this embodiment using Figure 4. The oblique lines in Figure 4 represent the paths through which power is supplied. During normal operation, the switches 41 of all feeding units 10 are controlled to the ON state, and the first switches 34 and second switches 35 of all feeding units 10 are controlled to the ON state. Feeding unit 10-A supplies power from feeding unit 32-A to feeder cable fc1 of track R1 via switch 41-A. Feeding unit 10-B supplies power from feeding unit 32-B to feeder cable fc2 of track R2 via switch 41-B. Feeding unit 10-C supplies power from feeding unit 32-C to feeder cable fc3 of track R3 via switch 41-C. In other words, during normal operation, feeding units 10 other than the backup feeding unit, i.e., the main feeding units, supply power to their respective tracks R.

[0038] During normal operation, the first switch 34 and the second switch 35 are in the ON state, but almost no current flows through the feeder lines L between the feeders 10. In other words, almost no current flows through the feeder lines L1, L2, L3, and L4, and almost no power is exchanged between the feeders 10.

[0039] Next, using Figure 5, we will explain the operation of the power feeding system PSS of this embodiment during an abnormality. The diagonal lines in Figure 5 represent the paths through which power is supplied. For example, assume that an abnormality occurs in feeder 10-C. In this case, feeder 10-C switches switch 41-C to the OFF position. When switch 41-C is OFF, power is stopped from converter 40-C to feeder cable fc3 on track R3. When power is stopped, feeder 10-C receives power from adjacent feeders 10-B and 10-D, continuing to feed track R3.

[0040] Specifically, when the selector switch 41-C is turned off, power is supplied from the feeder 32-B of the feeder 10-B to the feeder 10-C via the feeder line L3. This power is then supplied to the feeder cable fc3 via the current path K2 and the current path 50. Furthermore, power is supplied from the feeder 32-D of the feeder 10-D to the feeder 10-C via the feeder line L4. This power is then supplied to the feeder cable fc3 via the current path K1 and the current path 50. This ensures that even if a fault occurs in the feeder 10-C, power supply to the rail R3 corresponding to the feeder 10-C does not need to be stopped; power supply can continue.

[0041] Here, there are cases where an abnormality occurs in the connection between the feeders 10. This abnormality refers to, for example, a disconnection in the wiring (feeder line L) or a wiring error. If an abnormality occurs between the feeders 10, power cannot be transferred between the feeders 10. For example, in Figure 5, if an abnormality occurs in the connection between feeders 10-C and 10-D (the third connection) or the connection between feeders 10-C and 10-B (the second connection), feeder 10-C may not receive power from feeder 10-B or 10-D. In such a situation, sufficient power cannot be supplied to rail R3. Therefore, the feed system PSS performs a connection confirmation process to confirm that the proper connection relationship is maintained in order to detect such situations early.

[0042] The following describes the connection confirmation process of the power feeding system PSS of this embodiment. Figure 6 is a flowchart of the connection confirmation process. For example, among the power feeding units 10-A through 10-D, power feeding unit 10-A is set as the master unit, and the other power feeding units 10-B through 10-D are set as slave units. Power feeding unit 10-A performs polling communication with each of the other power feeding units 10-B through 10-D.

[0043] The power feeding system PSS turns off all first switches 34 and second switches 35 (step S101). For example, the power feeding unit 10-A transmits an all-off command to all power feeding units 10-A through 10-D, turning off all first switches 34 and second switches 35 (step S101). The destination of the all-off command includes, for example, information about each of the power feeding units 10-A through 10-D. Upon receiving the all-off command, each power feeding unit 10 turns off its first switches 34 and second switches 35.

[0044] Next, the feeder 10-A turns on the first switch 34 of the first feeder and the second switch 35 of the second feeder, which is the feeder to be connected to the first feeder (step S102). For example, the feeder 10-A transmits a confirmation command (hereinafter referred to as "connection confirmation polling") to the first and second feeders among the plurality of feeders 10-A, instructing them to confirm whether there is any abnormality in the connection between the first and second feeders (step S102).

[0045] Here, the first feeder is any of feeders 10-A to 10-D. Information about the first and second feeders is pre-set. The connection between the first and second feeders is the connection subject to confirmation in the connection confirmation process. The connection confirmation polling system includes the receiving destination of the first feeder, the receiving destination of the second feeder, and an instruction to turn on only the first switch 34 of the first feeder and the second switch 35 of the second feeder.

[0046] The first power feeding device controls the first switch 34 to ON state only when receiving the connection confirmation polling setting the first power feeding device as the receiving destination. The second power feeding device controls the second switch 35 to ON state only when receiving the connection confirmation polling setting the second power feeding device as the receiving destination.

[0047] Next, the first power feeding unit obtains the sensor value (detection result) of sensor 60 installed in the first power feeding unit (step S103). The sensor value of sensor 60 indicates whether the first power feeding unit and the second power feeding unit are electrically connected. The first power feeding unit transmits a connection confirmation response including the obtained sensor value to power feeding unit 10-A, the master unit (step S104). Power feeding unit 10-A receives the sensor value of sensor 60 from the first power feeding unit.

[0048] Here, the connection between the first and second feeders refers to the connection between the feeders 10. In the feed system PSS shown in Figure 1 , there are four connections between the feeders 10: the first connection, the second connection, the third connection, and the fourth connection. Therefore, the feed system PSS repeatedly executes steps S101 through S104 while sequentially changing the first and second feeders, thereby detecting the presence of each of the first, second, third, and fourth connections.

[0049] The following describes the flow of the connection confirmation process for confirming the presence or absence of each of the first connection, the second connection, the third connection, and the fourth connection using Figure 7. Figure 7 is a sequence diagram of the connection confirmation process in this embodiment.

[0050] First, the power feeding unit 10-A stores ON / OFF information indicating the current status of all first switches 34 and second switches 35 (step S201). The status of the first switches 34 and second switches 35 refers to information indicating whether the first switches 34 and second switches 35 are in the ON or OFF state, respectively. The power feeding unit 10-A communicates with each of the power feeding units 10-B through 10-D, for example, to obtain the status of the first switches 34 and second switches 35 of each of the power feeding units 10-B through 10-D.

[0051] The power feeding unit 10-A transmits an all-off command to the power feeding units 10-A to 10-D, turning off all first switches 34 and second switches 35 (step S202). The power feeding units 10-A to 10-D then turn off the first switches 34 and second switches 35 in accordance with the all-off command (step S203).

[0052] To confirm the connection status of the first connection, the feeding device 10-A transmits a connection confirmation poll including an ON command to turn on the first switch 34-A and the second switch 35-D (step S204). The feeding device 10-A and the feeding device 10-D are set as the recipients of the connection confirmation poll. Upon receiving the connection confirmation poll, the feeding device 10-A (equivalent to the second feeding device) turns on the second switch 35-A (step S205). Furthermore, upon receiving the connection confirmation poll, the feeding device 10-D (equivalent to the first feeding device) turns on the first switch 34-D (step S206). The feeding device 10-A may not include itself as the recipient of the connection confirmation poll, but may turn on its own second switch 35-A in response to the transmission of the connection confirmation poll.

[0053] When the second switch 35-A and the first switch 34-D are both in the ON state, the power feeding device 10-A obtains the sensor value of the sensor 60-A (step S207). If the sensor value of the sensor 60-A is a value indicating the applied voltage or current, it means that the connection status of the first connection is normal.

[0054] For example, if the first connection is normal, the sensor value of sensor 60-A is a voltage or current value at a first level (e.g., Hi level). On the other hand, if feeder line L1 is disconnected, the sensor value of sensor 60-A becomes a voltage or current value at a second level (e.g., Lo level), which is lower than the first level. Furthermore, even if feeder line L1 is not disconnected, if second connector 31-A and first connector 30-D are not connected via feeder line L1, that is, if a wiring error occurs, the sensor value of sensor 60-A becomes a voltage or current value at a second level. The first-level sensor value refers to, for example, a voltage or current value that is greater than a first threshold value. The second-level sensor value refers to, for example, a voltage or current value that is less than a second threshold value that is lower than the first threshold value. The first and second threshold values may also be the same value.

[0055] As described above, if second connector 31-A and first connector 30-D, which should be connected to second connector 31-A, are connected via feeder line L1, and feeder line L1 is not disconnected, the sensor value of sensor 60-A is a first-level voltage or current value representing a normal value. After obtaining the sensor value of sensor 60-A, second switch 35-A is turned OFF (step S208), and first switch 34-D is turned OFF (step S209).

[0056] After confirming the connection status of the first connection, the feeding unit 10-A transmits a connection confirmation poll including an instruction to turn on the first switch 34-A of the feeding unit 10-A and turn on only the second switch 35-B of the feeding unit 10-B in order to confirm the connection status of the second connection (step S210).

[0057] Upon receiving the connection confirmation poll, the feeding device 10-A (equivalent to the first feeding device) turns on the first switch 34-A (step S211). Furthermore, upon receiving the connection confirmation poll, the feeding device 10-B (equivalent to the second feeding device) turns on the second switch 35-B (step S212). Feeding device 10-A may not include itself as the destination of the connection confirmation poll, but may instead turn on its own first switch 34-A in response to the transmission of the connection confirmation poll.

[0058] With both first switch 34-A and second switch 35-B in the ON state, power feeding unit 10-B obtains the sensor value of sensor 60-B (step S213). Upon obtaining the sensor value of sensor 60-B, power feeding unit 10-B transmits a connection confirmation response including the obtained sensor value to power feeding unit 10-A (step S214). If the sensor value of sensor 60-B indicates an applied voltage or current, the second connection is normal.

[0059] For example, if the second connection is normal, the sensor value of sensor 60-B is a first-level voltage or current value. On the other hand, if feeder line L2 is disconnected, the sensor value of sensor 60-B becomes a second-level voltage or current value. Furthermore, even if feeder line L2 is not disconnected, if the first connection portion 30-A and the second connection portion 31-B are disconnected via feeder line L2, that is, if a wiring error occurs, the sensor value of sensor 60-B becomes a voltage or current value.

[0060] As described above, if second connector 31-B is connected to first connector 30-A, which should be connected to second connector 31-B, via feeder line L2, and feeder line L2 is not disconnected, the sensor value of sensor 60-B is a voltage or current value at the first level, indicating a normal value. After obtaining the sensor value of sensor 60-B, first switch 34-A is controlled to the OFF state (step S215), and second switch 35-B is controlled to the OFF state (step S216).

[0061] After confirming the connection status of the second connection, the feeding unit 10-A transmits a connection confirmation poll including an instruction to turn on the first switch 34-B of the feeding unit 10-B and turn on only the second switch 35-C of the feeding unit 10-C in order to confirm the connection status of the third connection (step S217).

[0062] Upon receiving the connection confirmation poll, the power feeding unit 10-B (equivalent to the first power feeding unit) switches the first switch 34-B to the ON state (step S218). Furthermore, upon receiving the connection confirmation poll, the power feeding unit 10-C (equivalent to the second power feeding unit) switches the second switch 35-C to the ON state (step S219).

[0063] With both first switch 34-B and second switch 35-C in the ON state, power feeding unit 10-C obtains the sensor value of sensor 60-C (step S220). After obtaining the sensor value of sensor 60-C, power feeding unit 10-C transmits a connection confirmation response including the obtained sensor value to power feeding unit 10-A (step S221). If the sensor value of sensor 60-C indicates an applied voltage or current, the third connection is normal.

[0064] For example, if the third connection is normal, the sensor value of sensor 60-C is a first-level voltage value. On the other hand, if feeder line L3 is disconnected, the sensor value of sensor 60-C becomes a second-level voltage value or current value. Furthermore, even if feeder line L3 is not disconnected, if the first connector 30-B and the second connector 31-C are not connected via feeder line L3, that is, if a wiring error occurs, the sensor value of sensor 60-C becomes a second-level voltage value or current value.

[0065] As described above, if second connector 31-C is connected to first connector 30-B, which should be connected to second connector 31-C, via feeder line L3, and feeder line L3 is not disconnected, the sensor value of sensor 60-C is a voltage or current value at the first level, indicating a normal value. After obtaining the sensor value of sensor 60-C, first switch 34-B is controlled to the OFF state (step S222), and second switch 35-C is controlled to the OFF state (step S223).

[0066] After confirming the connection status of the third connection, the feeding unit 10-A transmits a connection confirmation poll including an instruction to turn on the first switch 34-C of the feeding unit 10-C and turn on only the second switch 35-D of the feeding unit 10-D in order to confirm the connection status of the fourth connection (step S224).

[0067] Upon receiving the connection confirmation poll, the power feeding unit 10-C (equivalent to the first power feeding unit) switches the first switch 34-C to the ON state (step S225). Furthermore, upon receiving the connection confirmation poll, the power feeding unit 10-D (equivalent to the second power feeding unit) switches the second switch 35-D to the ON state (step S226).

[0068] With both the first switch 34-C and the second switch 35-D in the ON state, the power feeding unit 10-D obtains the sensor value of the sensor 60-D (step S227). After obtaining the sensor value of the sensor 60-D, the power feeding unit 10-D transmits a connection confirmation response including the sensor value to the power feeding unit 10-A (step S228). If the sensor value of the sensor 60-D indicates an applied voltage or current, the fourth connection is normal.

[0069] For example, if the fourth connection is normal, the sensor value of sensor 60-D is a first-level voltage or current value. On the other hand, if feeder line L4 is disconnected, the sensor value of sensor 60-D becomes a second-level voltage or current value. Furthermore, even if feeder line L4 is not disconnected, if the first connector 30-C and the second connector 31-D are not connected via feeder line L4, that is, if a wiring error occurs, the sensor value of sensor 60-D becomes a second-level voltage or current value.

[0070] As shown above, if the second connection portion 31-D and the first connection portion 30-C to be connected to the second connection portion 31-D are connected through the feeder line L4, and the feeder line L4 is not disconnected, the sensor value of the sensor 60-D becomes a first-level voltage value or current value representing a normal value.

[0071] When the feeding unit 10-A determines whether or not there are any abnormalities in each of the first, second, third, and fourth connections, it restores the ON / OFF information of all first switches 34 and second switches 35 to the previously stored state before the connection confirmation process. For example, the feeding unit 10-A transmits a reset command to all feeding units 10-A through 10-D based on the previously stored ON / OFF information (step S229). Upon receiving the reset command, each feeding unit 10 controls the ON / OFF state of the first and second switches 34, 35 in accordance with the reset command, thereby restoring the ON / OFF state of all first and second switches 34, 35 (step S230).

[0072] Even when the connection confirmation process is executed, the switch 41 remains in the ON state. That is, even when the connection confirmation process is executed, power continues to be supplied from the track R1 to the track R3. Furthermore, the connection confirmation process can be executed periodically or at a predetermined timing.

[0073] In step 202, power feeding device 10-A, acting as the master, transmits an all-off command to power feeding devices 10-A through 10-D, but this is not limiting. Power feeding device 10-A may also transmit an all-off command to power feeding devices 10-B through 10-D and control its own first switch 34-A and second switch 35-A to the OFF state.

[0074] The power feeding unit 10-A can also output information regarding the presence or absence of each of the first, second, third, and fourth connections to an external device. The external device can be a computer or portable information terminal. The external device can also include a display device, and the display device can display information regarding the presence or absence of each of the first, second, third, and fourth connections. Furthermore, the power feeding unit 10-A can also output information regarding which of the first, second, third, and fourth connections has an abnormality to the external device.

[0075] The above-mentioned embodiment discloses the following configuration. (Composition 1) A power feeding system PSS is a power feeding system PSS that supplies power to a plurality of feeding targets (R). The system has: Multiple feeding devices 10 electrically connected to each other; and A detection unit 20 for detecting whether there is electrical connection between the feeding devices 10, Each feeding device 10 includes: Respectively connected to the other one of the first connecting portion 30 and the second connecting portion 31 of the feeding device 10; The power feeding unit 32 can be connected to the first connecting portion 30 and the second connecting portion 31 of each feeding device 10 for power transfer; A first switch 34 connected between the power feeding portion 32 and the first connecting portion 30; and The second switch 35 connected between the feeding portion 32 and the second connecting portion 31, The feeding system PSS detects whether the first feeding device and the second feeding device are electrically connected using the detection result of the detection unit 20 when the first switch 34 of the first feeding device and the second switch 35 of the second feeding device having the second connecting portion 31 to be connected to the first connecting portion 30 of the first feeding device are controlled to the ON state and the other first switches 34 and second switches 35 are controlled to the OFF state. (Composition 2) In the power feeding system PSS of configuration 1, the detection unit 20 comprises: a sensor 60 provided in each power feeding device 10; The sensor 60 measures the voltage or current applied to the first connection portion 30 or the second connection portion 31 . (Composition 3) In the power feeding system PSS of configuration 1 or configuration 2, each power feeding device 10 is provided with a communication unit 33 for communicating with other power feeding devices 10. The multiple feeding device 10 is composed of a main device (10-A) and multiple sub-devices (10-B~10-D). The main device executes: The first step is to transmit the OFF command that turns all the first switches 34 and the second switches 35 to OFF to all other feeding devices 10; A second step, after the first step, transmitting an ON instruction to the first feeding device and the second feeding device to turn ON only the first switch 34 of the first feeding device and the second switch 35 of the second feeding device; and The third step is to receive information indicating whether the first feeding device and the second feeding device are electrically connected from either the first feeding device or the second feeding device after the second feeding device. (Composition 4) In the power feeding system PSS of any one of configurations 1 to 3, the master device repeatedly performs a series of operations including the first, second, and third steps while sequentially changing the first and second power feeding devices among the plurality of power feeding devices 10 until the master device detects whether or not electrical connections are established between all the power feeding devices 10. (Composition 5) In the power feeding system PSS of any one of configurations 1 to 4, the communication between the main device and each sub-device is polling communication. (Composition 6) In the power feeding system PSS of any one of configurations 1 to 5, the power feeding devices 10 are connected by feeder lines for transmitting and receiving power, and the entire connection is ring-shaped.

[0076] While the embodiments have been described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Furthermore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications or improvements may be made to the above embodiments. It will be apparent from the claims that even such modifications or improvements are encompassed by the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, one or more of the elements described in the above embodiments may be omitted. Furthermore, the elements described in the above embodiments may be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, the execution order of the various steps shown in the embodiments may be arbitrary, as long as the results of the previous steps are not used in a subsequent step. Furthermore, even if the actions in the above embodiments are described using the phrases "first," "next," or "next," for convenience, they do not necessarily need to be performed in that order. Furthermore, to the extent permitted by law, the disclosures of Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-182266 and all references cited in the above embodiments, etc., are incorporated herein by reference.

[0077] 1: Feeding system 10,10-A~10-D: Feeding device 20: Detection Department 30,30-A~30-D: 1st connection 31,31-A~31-D: Second connection 32,32-A~32-D: Power feeder 33,33-A~33-D: Communications Department 34,34-A~34-D: 1st switch 35,35-A~35-D: Second switch 36,36-A~36-D: Control Department 40,40-A~40-D: Converter 41,41-A~41-D: Switch 50: Current path 60,60-A~60-D: Perceptron CT, CT-A~CT-D: connection terminals fc,fc1,fc2,fc3: feeder cables K1, K2: current path L, L1, L2, L3, L4: feeder lines PSS: Power Supply System R, R1, R2, R3: Track T, T1, T2, T3: Communication lines

Claims

1. A power supply system for supplying power to a plurality of power supply objects, comprising: a plurality of power supply devices electrically connected to each other; and a detection unit for detecting whether there is an electrical connection between the aforementioned power supply devices, wherein each power supply device comprises: a first connection portion and a second connection portion respectively connected to another power supply device; a power supply unit capable of power transfer with each of the aforementioned power supply devices connected to the first connection portion and the second connection portion; a first switch connected between the aforementioned power supply unit and the first connection portion; and a second switch connected between the aforementioned power supply unit and the second connection portion. The aforementioned power supply system uses the detection result of the aforementioned detection unit to sense whether there is an electrical connection between the aforementioned first power supply device and the aforementioned second power supply device when the aforementioned first switch of the first power supply device and the aforementioned second switch of the second power supply device having the aforementioned second connection portion to be connected to the aforementioned first connection portion of the aforementioned first power supply device are controlled to the ON state, and the other aforementioned first switches and the aforementioned second switches are controlled to the OFF state.

2. As in the power supply system of request item 1, wherein, The aforementioned detection unit includes a sensor installed in each of the aforementioned power supply devices, the aforementioned sensor measuring the voltage or current applied to the aforementioned first connection or the aforementioned second connection.

3. As in the power supply system of request item 1, wherein, Each of the aforementioned power supply devices includes a communication unit for communicating with other aforementioned power supply devices. The plurality of aforementioned power supply devices consists of a main device and a plurality of sub-devices. The main device performs the following steps: a first step, which transmits an OFF command that sets all the aforementioned first switches and the aforementioned second switches to OFF to all other aforementioned power supply devices; a second step, which, after the aforementioned first step, transmits an ON command that sets only the aforementioned first switch of the aforementioned first power supply device and the aforementioned second switch of the aforementioned second power supply device to ON to the aforementioned first power supply device and the aforementioned second power supply device; and a third step, which, after the aforementioned second step, receives information from either the aforementioned first power supply device or the aforementioned second power supply device indicating whether the aforementioned first power supply device and the aforementioned second power supply device have an electrical connection.

4. The power supply system as described in request item 3, wherein, The aforementioned main device performs a series of actions, including step 1, step 2, and step 3, while sequentially changing the first and second power supply devices among the plurality of power supply devices until it detects whether there is an electrical connection between all the aforementioned power supply devices.

5. The power supply system as described in request item 4, wherein, The communication between the aforementioned master device and each of the aforementioned sub-devices is polling communication.

6. The power supply system as described in Request 1, wherein, The aforementioned power supply devices are connected by power supply lines for transmitting and receiving power, and the entire connection is in a loop.

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