Power supply device and in-vehicle power supply system

Abstract

A power supply device (10) is an in-vehicle power supply device that superimposes a data signal and electric power and transmits the superimposed signal to a power reception device (50) via a cable (80). The power reception device (50) stores correspondence information indicating the maximum power consumption. The power supply device (10) receives the correspondence information from the power reception device (50) via the cable (80) and performs correspondence processing corresponding to the correspondence information.

Description

Power supply device and in-vehicle power supply system

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power supply device and an in-vehicle power supply system.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which a power supply device superimposes power on a twisted pair wire used for data communication and supplies it to a power receiving device.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-148943

[0004] In the technique of superimposing power on a data signal transmitted from a power supply device to a power receiving device as in Patent Document 1, it is desirable for the power supply device to perform processing corresponding to the maximum power consumption of the power receiving device. Therefore, it is conceivable to previously store information indicating the maximum power consumption of the power receiving device in the power supply device and cause the power supply device to perform processing according to the information. However, it is also conceivable that the maximum power consumption of the power receiving device connected to the power supply device may be changed due to a change in vehicle specifications or the like, and in this case, there is a concern that it may become impossible to cope.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a technique capable of performing processing corresponding to the maximum power consumption on the power receiving device side in the power supply device even when the maximum power consumption on the power receiving device side is changed.

[0006] The power supply device of the present disclosure is an in-vehicle power supply device that superimposes a data signal and power via a cable and transmits it to a power receiving device, receives correspondence information indicating the maximum power consumption stored in the power receiving device via the cable, and performs correspondence processing corresponding to the correspondence information.

[0007] According to the technique according to the present disclosure, even when the maximum power consumption on the power receiving device side is changed, the power supply device can perform processing corresponding to the maximum power consumption on the power receiving device side.

[0008] Figure 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the in-vehicle power supply system of the first embodiment. Figure 2 is a conceptual explanatory diagram showing how data signals and power are transmitted superimposed when only one power receiving device is connected to the power supply device of the first embodiment. Figure 3 is a conceptual explanatory diagram showing how data signals and power are transmitted superimposed when two power receiving devices are connected in series to the power supply device of the first embodiment. Figure 4 is a table showing the maximum power consumption for each power class. Figure 5 is a sequence diagram showing the processing flow when only one power receiving device is connected to the power supply device of the first embodiment. Figure 6 is a sequence diagram showing the processing flow when two power receiving devices are connected in series to the power supply device of the first embodiment. Figure 7 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the power supply device of the second embodiment. Figure 8 is a conceptual explanatory diagram showing the state in which current flows when the switch unit is ON and the parallel switch unit is OFF in the power supply device of the second embodiment. Figure 9 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the state in which current flows when the switch unit and the parallel switch unit are ON in the power supply device of the second embodiment. Figure 10 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating the power supply device of the third embodiment. Figure 11 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the state in which power is supplied from the power input unit and the second power input unit in the power supply device of the third embodiment. Figure 12 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating the power receiving device of the fourth embodiment. Figure 13 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the state in which power is supplied directly from the power supply unit to the power receiving device of the fourth embodiment. Figure 14 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating the in-vehicle power supply system of the fifth embodiment. Figure 15 is a diagram illustrating how the type of power receiving device connected to the power supply device has been changed in the in-vehicle power supply system of the fifth embodiment.

[0009] [Description of Embodiments of the Disclosure] First, embodiments of the Disclosure will be listed and described.

[0010] [1] An in-vehicle power supply device that transmits data signals and power superimposed on each other to a power receiving device via a cable, the power supply device receiving corresponding information indicating the maximum power consumption stored in the power receiving device via the cable, and performing corresponding processing corresponding to the corresponding information.

[0011] The power supply device can superimpose data signals and power onto the power receiving device via a cable. Furthermore, the power supply device can receive corresponding information indicating the maximum power consumption from the power receiving device and perform corresponding processing according to that information. In other words, even if the maximum power consumption on the power receiving device side changes, the power supply device can perform processing corresponding to the maximum power consumption on the power receiving device side.

[0012] [2] The power supply device according to [1], wherein PoDL (Power over Data Line) or PoE (Power over Ethernet) is used to supply power from the power supply device to the power receiving device, the corresponding information is class information indicating the power class of the power receiving device, and the corresponding processing updates its own power class based on the class information received from the power receiving device.

[0013] With this configuration, the power supply unit can update its own power class to one that is suitable for the power class of the power receiving unit.

[0014] [3] The power supply device according to [2], comprising: a power input unit into which power is input from an external source; a power path provided between the power input unit and the cable; a switch unit provided in the power path; a parallel power path provided in parallel with the power path between the power input unit and the cable; a parallel switch unit provided in the parallel power path; and a control unit that controls the switch unit and the parallel switch unit, wherein the control unit performs, as the corresponding processing, a first control that controls only one of the switch unit and the parallel switch unit to be in the ON state based on the corresponding information, and a second control that controls both the switch unit and the parallel switch unit to be in the ON state.

[0015] When the second control is in operation, the power supply capacity of the power supply device increases compared to when the first control is in operation. In other words, the control unit can adjust the power supply capacity of the power supply device by selectively performing the first control and the second control based on corresponding information.

[0016] [4] The power supply device according to [2], comprising a first power input unit into which power is input from an external source, and a second power input unit separate from the first power input unit.

[0017] With this configuration, power can be supplied from the first power input to the power supply device by connecting the power supply unit to the first power input, and power can be supplied from the second power input to the power supply device by connecting the power supply unit to the second power input. In other words, the power supply capacity of the power supply device is adjusted by switching the connection state of the first power input and the second power input to the power supply unit.

[0018] [5] A power supply device according to any one of [1] to [4], which determines that an abnormality is present when the current consumption or power consumption of the power receiving device exceeds a threshold, and sets the threshold based on the corresponding information as the corresponding process.

[0019] This configuration allows for more accurate detection of anomalies by taking corresponding information into account.

[0020] An in-vehicle power supply system comprising: a power supply device as described in any of [1] to [5]; a plurality of cables; a direct power receiving device as a power receiving device connected to the power supply device via the cables; and an indirect power receiving device as a power receiving device connected to the direct power receiving device via another cable, wherein the direct power receiving device has in advance stored a table that associates a plurality of maximum power consumptions with corresponding information indicating each maximum power consumption, and when the indirect power receiving device is connected to it, it acquires the corresponding information stored by the indirect power receiving device and updates the corresponding information stored by itself based on the acquired corresponding information and the table; and the power supply device performs the corresponding processing corresponding to the corresponding information acquired from the direct power receiving device connected to it.

[0021] With this configuration, the power supply device can obtain correspondence information that reflects the correspondence information stored in the indirect power receiving device from the direct power receiving device, without having to obtain correspondence information from the indirect power receiving device.

[0022] [7] The in-vehicle power supply system according to [6], wherein the power supply device requests the corresponding information from the direct power receiving device, the direct power receiving device, when the corresponding information is requested while the indirect power receiving device is not connected, sends a signal to the power supply device indicating the corresponding information it stores, and when the corresponding information is requested while the indirect power receiving device is connected, the direct power receiving device acquires the corresponding information stored by the indirect power receiving device, updates the corresponding information it stores, and sends a signal to the power supply device indicating the updated corresponding information.

[0023] In this configuration, when the power supply device requests correspondence information, the correspondence information stored in the direct power receiving device is updated. Therefore, the power supply device can obtain correspondence information that reflects the connection status of the indirect power receiving device at the time the correspondence information was requested.

[0024] An in-vehicle power supply system comprising the power supply device described in [8] [2], the cable, and the power receiving device, wherein the power receiving device has a power receiving side input section.

[0025] This configuration allows power to be supplied directly to the power receiving device via the power receiving input. Therefore, the power supply capacity to the power receiving device can be increased.

[0026] [Details of Embodiments of the Disclosure] 1. First Embodiment 1-1. Configuration of the In-Vehicle Power Supply System 1 The in-vehicle power supply system 1 shown in Figure 1 comprises a power supply device 10, power receiving devices 50, 70, cables 80, 83, a power supply unit 90, and a load 91. The power supply device 10 is connected to the power supply unit 90.

[0027] The power supply device 10 has a connection part 10A that is connected to the cable 80. The connection part 50A of the power receiving device 50 is connected to the connection part 10A via the cable 80. A load 91 is connected to the power receiving device 50. As shown in Figure 2, the power supply device 10 transmits data signals and power superimposed on each other to the power receiving device 50 via the cable 80.

[0028] The power receiving device 50 has a connection part 50B separate from the connection part 50A. The connection part 70A of the power receiving device 70 is connected to the connection part 50B via a cable 83. As shown in Figure 3, when the power receiving device 70 is connected to the power receiving device 50, the power supply device 10 transmits data signals and power superimposed to the power receiving device 70 via the power receiving device 50. The power receiving device 50 is an example of a direct power receiving device, and the power receiving device 70 is an example of an indirect power receiving device.

[0029] The power supply device 10 is a device that supplies power to the power receiving devices 50 and 70. The power supply device 10 is, for example, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit). The power supply device 10 includes a first communication unit 11, a first transmission line 12, capacitors 13 and 14, a power input unit 21, a first power line 22, inductors 23 and 24, a current detection unit 25, a switch unit 26, a DC-DC converter 27, a first control unit 28, and a first display unit 29.

[0030] The first communication unit 11 transmits and receives data signals. The first communication unit 11 is, for example, a transceiver. The first communication unit 11 transmits data signals to the power receiving device 50 via the first transmission line 12 and the cable 80. The first communication unit 11 receives signals transmitted from the power receiving device 50 via the first transmission line 12 and the cable 80.

[0031] The first transmission line 12 is provided between the first communication unit 11 and the connection unit 10A, and is connected to the first communication unit 11 and the connection unit 10A. The first transmission line 12 includes a first positive side transmission line 12A and a first negative side transmission line 12B.

[0032] Cable 80 connects the power supply device 10 and the power receiving device 50. Cable 80 is a twisted pair cable containing a pair of wires 81 and 82. Wire 81 is connected to the first positive side transmission line 12A. Wire 82 is connected to the first negative side transmission line 12B.

[0033] Capacitor 13 is provided in the first positive side transmission line 12A. Capacitor 14 is provided in the first negative side transmission line 12B. Capacitors 13 and 14 insulate the first communication unit 11 from the connection unit 10A.

[0034] A terminal 90A can be connected to the power input unit 21. The power input unit 21 is connected to the power supply unit 90 via terminal 90A. Power is input to the power input unit 21 from the power supply unit 90. The power input unit 21 is configured, for example, by a connector.

[0035] The first power line 22 is an example of a power line. The first power line 22 is provided between the power input unit 21 and the first transmission line 12 and is connected to the power input unit 21 and the first transmission line 12. The first power line 22 branches off from the first transmission line 12 on the connection unit 10A side of the capacitors 13 and 14. The first power line 22 includes a first positive-side power line 22A and a first negative-side power line 22B. The first positive-side power line 22A is connected to the first positive-side transmission line 12A. The first negative-side power line 22B is connected to the first negative-side transmission line 12B.

[0036] Inductor 23 is provided in the first positive-side power line 22A. Inductor 24 is provided in the first negative-side power line 22B.

[0037] The current detection unit 25 detects the current flowing through the first power line 22. The current detection unit 25 detects the current flowing through the first power line 22 on the power input unit 21 side of the inductors 23 and 24. In Figure 1, the current detection unit 25 detects the current flowing through the first positive-side power line 22A, but it may also detect the current flowing through the first negative-side power line 22B. The current detection unit 25 includes a resistor 25A and a detection unit 25B. The resistor 25A is provided in the first power line 22 (specifically, the first positive-side power line 22A). The detection unit 25B detects the voltage across the resistor 25A. The detection unit 25B may include, for example, a control circuit such as a microcomputer, or it may include a differential amplifier circuit. Note that the current detection unit 25 is not limited to a configuration using a resistor 25A, but may also include, for example, a magnetic sensor.

[0038] The switch unit 26 is provided in the first power line 22. In Figure 1, the switch unit 26 is provided in the first positive power line 22A, but it may also be provided in the first negative power line 22B. When the switch unit 26 is ON, power is supplied from the first power line 22 to the power receiving device 50 via the cable 80. When the switch unit 26 is OFF, the power supplied from the power supply device 10 to the power receiving device 50 is cut off.

[0039] The DC-DC converter 27 is installed in the first power line 22. The DC-DC converter 27 is installed between the power input unit 21 and the inductors 23 and 24. The DC-DC converter 27 is controlled by the first control unit 28 to adjust the voltage applied from the first power line 22 to the cable 80. In other words, the DC-DC converter 27 adjusts the output voltage of the power supply device 10.

[0040] The first control unit 28 is an example of a control unit. The first control unit 28 controls the switch unit 26, the DC-DC converter 27, and the first display unit 29. The first control unit 28 is configured by, for example, a microcomputer. The microcomputer is configured to include a CPU, memory, etc. The first control unit 28 and the detection unit 25B described above may be configured by the same microcomputer.

[0041] The first display unit 29 displays predetermined information under the control of the first control unit 28. The first display unit 29 may be, for example, an LED, a 7-segment LED, or a display.

[0042] The power receiving device 50 is a device that receives power supplied from the power supply device 10. The power receiving device 50 is, for example, an ECU. The power receiving device 50 includes a second communication unit 51, a second transmission line 52, capacitors 53 and 54, a load connection unit 61, a second power line 62, inductors 63 and 64, a second control unit 68, and a second display unit 69.

[0043] The second communication unit 51 transmits and receives data signals. The second communication unit 51 is, for example, a transceiver. The second communication unit 51 transmits and receives data signals to and from the first communication unit 11 of the power supply device 10 via the second transmission line 52 and the cable 80.

[0044] The second transmission line 52 is provided between the second communication unit 51 and the connection unit 50A and is connected to the second communication unit 51 and the connection unit 50A. The second transmission line 52 includes a second positive-side transmission line 52A and a second negative-side transmission line 52B. The second positive-side transmission line 52A is connected to the electric wire 81. The second negative-side transmission line 52B is connected to the electric wire 82.

[0045] The capacitor 53 is provided on the second positive-side transmission line 52A. The capacitor 54 is provided on the second negative-side transmission line 52B. The capacitors 53 and 54 insulate between the second communication unit 51 and the connection unit 50A.

[0046] A load-side terminal 91A can be connected to the load connection unit 61. The load connection unit 61 is connected to the load 91 via the load-side terminal 91A. The power receiving device 50 supplies the power supplied from the power feeding device 10 to the load 91. The load connection unit 61 is constituted by, for example, a connector.

[0047] The second power path 62 is provided between the load connection unit 61 and the second transmission line 52 and is connected to the load connection unit 61 and the second transmission line 52. The second power path 62 branches from the second transmission line 52 on the connection unit 50A side rather than the capacitors 53 and 54. The second power path 62 includes a second positive-side power path 62A and a second negative-side power path 62B. The second positive-side power path 62A is connected to the second positive-side transmission line 52A. The second negative-side power path 62B is connected to the second negative-side transmission line 52B.

[0048] The inductor 63 is provided on the second positive-side power path 62A. The inductor 64 is provided on the second negative-side power path 62B.

[0049] The second control unit 68 controls the second display unit 69. The second control unit 68 is constituted by, for example, a microcomputer.

[0050] The second display unit 69 displays predetermined information by being controlled by the second control unit 68. The second display unit 69 may be, for example, an LED, a 7-segment LED, or a display.

[0051] Furthermore, the power receiving device 50 includes a third transmission line 55, capacitors 56 and 57, a third power line 65, and inductors 66 and 67.

[0052] The third transmission line 55 is provided between the second communication unit 51 and the connection unit 50B, and is connected to the second communication unit 51 and the connection unit 50B. The third transmission line 55 includes a third positive side transmission line 55A and a third negative side transmission line 55B. A cable 83 is connected to the third positive side transmission line 55A and the third negative side transmission line 55B. The cable 83 is a twisted pair cable including a pair of electric wires 84 and 85. The third positive side transmission line 55A is connected to electric wire 84. The third negative side transmission line 55B is connected to electric wire 85.

[0053] Capacitor 56 is provided in the third positive side transmission line 55A. Capacitor 57 is provided in the third negative side transmission line 55B. Capacitors 56 and 57 insulate the second communication unit 51 from the connection unit 50B.

[0054] The third power line 65 is provided between the second power line 62 and the third transmission line 55, and is connected to both the second power line 62 and the third transmission line 55. One end of the third power line 65 is connected to the second power line 62 on the load connection section 61 side of the inductors 63 and 64. The other end of the third power line 65 is connected to the third transmission line 55 on the connection section 50B side of the capacitors 56 and 57. The third power line 65 includes a third positive-side power line 65A and a third negative-side power line 65B. The third positive-side power line 65A is connected to the third positive-side transmission line 55A and the second positive-side power line 62A. The third negative-side power line 65B is connected to the third negative-side transmission line 55B and the second negative-side power line 62B.

[0055] Inductor 66 is provided in the third positive-side power line 65A. Inductor 67 is provided in the third negative-side power line 65B.

[0056] The power receiving device 70 is a device that receives power supplied from the power supply device 10 via the power receiving device 50. The power receiving device 70 is, for example, an ECU. The power receiving device 70 includes a third communication unit 71, a fourth transmission line 72, capacitors 73 and 74, a fourth power line 75, inductors 76 and 77, and a third control unit 78.

[0057] The third communication unit 71 transmits and receives data signals. The third communication unit 71 is, for example, a transceiver. The third communication unit 71 transmits and receives data signals to and from the second communication unit 51 of the power receiving device 50 via the fourth transmission line 72 and the cable 83.

[0058] The fourth transmission line 72 is provided between the third communication unit 71 and the connection unit 70A, and is connected to the third communication unit 71 and the connection unit 70A. The fourth transmission line 72 includes a fourth positive side transmission line 72A and a fourth negative side transmission line 72B. The fourth positive side transmission line 72A is connected to the electric wire 84. The fourth negative side transmission line 72B is connected to the electric wire 85.

[0059] Capacitor 73 is provided in the fourth positive side transmission line 72A. Capacitor 74 is provided in the fourth negative side transmission line 72B. Capacitors 73 and 74 insulate the third communication unit 71 from the connection unit 70A.

[0060] The fourth power line 75 is connected to the fourth transmission line 72. The fourth power line 75 branches off from the fourth transmission line 72 on the connection point 70A side of the capacitors 73 and 74. The fourth power line 75 includes the fourth positive-side power line 75A and the fourth negative-side power line 75B. The fourth positive-side power line 75A is connected to the fourth positive-side transmission line 72A. The fourth negative-side power line 75B is connected to the fourth negative-side transmission line 72B.

[0061] Inductor 76 is provided in the fourth positive-side power line 75A. Inductor 77 is provided in the fourth negative-side power line 75B.

[0062] The third control unit 78 is configured, for example, by a microcomputer.

[0063] 1-2. Operation of the in-vehicle power supply system 1: As shown in Figure 2, the first communication unit 11 of the power supply device 10 transmits and receives data signals to and from the second communication unit 51 of the power receiving device 50 via cable 80. The power supply device 10 also supplies power to the power receiving device 50 via the first power line 22 and cable 80. Furthermore, the power supply device 10 transmits data signals and power superimposed on each other to the power receiving device 50 via cable 80. The power supply device 10 also sends data signals and current superimposed on each other to the power receiving device 50 via wire 81, and receives the current supplied from the power receiving device 50 via wire 82 after it is returned to the power receiving device 50. Specifically, a power supply technology called PoDL (Power over Data Line) is used.

[0064] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the second communication unit 51 of the power receiving device 50 transmits and receives data signals to and from the third communication unit 71 of the power receiving device 70 via cable 83 when the power receiving device 70 is connected. The power receiving device 50 also supplies power from the power supply device 10 to the power receiving device 70. Moreover, the power receiving device 50 transmits data signals and power superimposed to the power receiving device 70 via cable 83. The power receiving device 50 also sends data signals and current superimposed to the power receiving device 70 via wire 84, and the power receiving device 70 receives the current supplied from the power receiving device 70 via wire 85 after the signal is returned to the power receiving device 70. PoDL is also used here.

[0065] The power receiving devices 50 and 70 pre-store corresponding information for their maximum power consumption. This corresponding information is information indicating the power class of the PoDL (hereinafter also referred to as "class information"). PoDL defines power classes from 0 to 15, and for each power class, the minimum power supply of the power supply device and the maximum power consumption of the power receiving device are defined. Specifically, as shown in Figure 4, the minimum power supply of the power supply device is 0.566W when the power class is 0 and 1.31W when the power class is 1. The maximum power consumption of the power receiving device is 0.5W when the power class is 0 and 1W when the power class is 1. In this embodiment, the power classes of the power receiving devices 50 and 70 are set to 0. The power class of the power supply device 10 is also set to 0, assuming that only the power receiving device 50 is connected to the power supply device 10.

[0066] The power supply device 10 acquires correspondence information from the power receiving device 50 via the cable 80. The power supply device 10 performs correspondence processing corresponding to the correspondence information acquired from the power receiving device 50 to which it is connected. The specifics of the correspondence processing will be explained below.

[0067] When predetermined execution conditions are met, the power supply device 10 communicates with the power receiving device 50, which is directly connected to it, using SCCP (Serial Communication Classification Protocol) to request class information stored in the power receiving device 50. The execution conditions may be, for example, when the vehicle's start switch is turned ON, or other conditions. The start switch may be, for example, an ignition switch or a power switch. SCCP is a protocol used to determine the type and class to be used between the power supply device and the power receiving device.

[0068] When power receiving device 50 is requested to provide class information, it determines whether or not power receiving device 70 is connected to it. If power receiving device 50 determines that power receiving device 70 is not connected, it transmits the class information it stores to power supply device 10 via SCCP communication. Specifically, power receiving device 50 transmits class information to power supply device 10 indicating that the power class is 0.

[0069] The power supply device 10 stores the table shown in Figure 4 above. Based on the class information received from the power receiving device 50 and the table, the power supply device 10 determines whether or not it needs to update its own power class. The power supply device 10 determines that its own power class is 0 and its minimum supply power is 0.566W, so it can supply power to the power receiving device 50, which has a maximum power consumption of 0.5W. For this reason, the power supply device 10 determines that it does not need to update its own power class and maintains its own power class as 0.

[0070] When the power receiving device 50 determines that the power receiving device 70 is connected, it requests class information stored by the power receiving device 70 via SCCP communication. Upon receiving the request for class information, the power receiving device 70 transmits the class information it stores to the power receiving device 50. The power receiving device 50 stores the table shown in Figure 4. The power receiving device 50 updates its stored class information based on the class information received from the power receiving device 70, the class information it stores, and the table. Specifically, the power receiving device 50 updates the class information to correspond to the maximum power consumption, which is the sum of the maximum power consumption of the power receiving device 70 and its own maximum power consumption. Specifically, since the maximum power consumption of each of the power receiving devices 50 and 70 is 0.5W, and the sum of the maximum power consumption is 1W, the power receiving device 50 updates the class information to power class 1, which corresponds to 1W. After that, the power receiving device 50 transmits the updated class information to the power supply device 10. The power supply device 10 determines whether it needs to update its power class based on the class information received from the power receiving device 50 and the table. The power supply device 10 determines that it needs to update its power class because its minimum supply power is 0.566W and the maximum power consumption corresponding to the class information received from the power receiving device 50 is 1W. The power supply device 10 then updates its power class to 1, which corresponds to a minimum supply power of 1.31W. This process of updating the power class of the power supply device 10 based on the class information received from the power receiving device 50 is an example of a corresponding process. When the power supply device 10 updates its class information, it resets the first control unit 28 and requests class information from the power receiving device 50 again to reconfirm that the power class indicated by the class information received from the power receiving device 50 is 1. When the power supply device 10 updates its power class from 0 to 1, it may increase the output voltage of the DC-DC converter 27 as a corresponding process to increase its power supply capacity.

[0071] For example, if the execution condition is met while the power receiving device 70 is not connected to the power receiving device 50, the process shown in Figure 5 is performed. That is, when the start switch is turned ON, the power supply device 10 communicates with the power receiving device 50 via SCCP communication to request class information (T11). When the power receiving device 50 determines that the power receiving device 70 is not connected (T12), it transmits the class information it stores to the power supply device 10 via SCCP communication (T13). When the power supply device 10 receives the class information it stores (T14), it determines that it does not need to update its own power class (T15).

[0072] Furthermore, if the execution conditions are met after the power receiving device 50 is switched to a state where the power receiving device 70 is connected, the process shown in Figure 6, for example, is performed. That is, when the start switch is switched to the ON state, the power supply device 10 communicates with the power receiving device 50 via SCCP communication to request class information (T21). When the power receiving device 50 determines that the power receiving device 70 is connected (T22), it requests class information from the power receiving device 70 via SCCP communication (T23). When the power receiving device 70 is requested to provide class information, it transmits the class information it stores to the power receiving device 50 (T24). Specifically, the power receiving device 70 transmits class information to the power receiving device 50 indicating that the power class is 0. When the power receiving device 50 receives class information from the power receiving device 70, it updates the class information it stores (T25). Specifically, the power receiving device 70 updates the class information it stores to class information indicating that the power class is 1. After updating the class information, the power receiving device 50 transmits the updated class information to the power supply device 10 via SCCP communication (T26). When the power supply device 10 receives the class information from the power receiving device 50, it updates its own class information to class information indicating that the power class is 1 (T27) and resets the first control unit 28 (T28).

[0073] After resetting, the power supply device 10 requests class information again from the power receiving device 50 via SCCP communication (T29). If the power receiving device 50 determines that the power receiving device 70 is connected, it requests class information from the power receiving device 70 via SCCP communication (T30). When the power receiving device 70 is requested to provide class information, it transmits the class information it stores to the power receiving device 50 (T31). After receiving the class information from the power receiving device 70, the power receiving device 50 confirms that there are no changes to the class information it stores, and then transmits the updated class information to the power supply device 10 via SCCP communication (T32). When the power supply device 10 receives the updated class information, it reaffirms that there are no errors in the updated class information (T33).

[0074] Furthermore, if the power supply device 10 is in a power class of 1 and receives class information from the power receiving device 50 indicating that the power class is 0, it updates its own power class to 0.

[0075] Furthermore, the power supply device 10 determines that there is an abnormality if the current consumption or power consumption of the power receiving device 50 exceeds a threshold. The power supply device 10 obtains information indicating the current consumption and power consumption of the power receiving device 50 from the power receiving device 50, for example, by SCCP communication. When the power supply device 10 receives class information from the power receiving device 50, it performs a corresponding process to set a threshold based on the class information. For example, the higher the maximum power consumption of the power receiving device 50, the higher the threshold set. With this configuration, abnormalities can be determined more appropriately by taking the class information into account.

[0076] 1-3. Effects of the In-Vehicle Power Supply System 1 The power supply device 10 can supply data signals and power to the power receiving device 50 by superimposing them via the cable 80. Furthermore, the power supply device 10 can receive corresponding information indicating the maximum power consumption from the power receiving device 50 and perform corresponding processing corresponding to the corresponding information. In other words, even if the maximum power consumption on the power receiving device 50 side changes, the power supply device 10 can perform processing corresponding to the maximum power consumption on the power receiving device 50 side.

[0077] The power supply device 10 can update its own power class to a power class that is suitable for the power classes of the power receiving devices 50 and 70.

[0078] The power supply device 10 sets a threshold based on the correspondence information received from the power receiving device 50. Therefore, the power supply device 10 can more appropriately determine abnormalities by taking the correspondence information into account.

[0079] The power supply device 10 can obtain correspondence information from the power receiving device 50 that reflects the correspondence information stored in the power receiving device 70, without having to obtain correspondence information from the power receiving device 70 itself.

[0080] When the power supply device 10 requests correspondence information, the correspondence information stored in the power receiving device 50 is updated. Therefore, the power supply device 10 can obtain correspondence information that reflects the connection status of the power receiving device 70 at the time the correspondence information was requested.

[0081] 2. Second Embodiment In the second embodiment, a configuration in which a parallel power path is provided in parallel with the first power path of the power supply device is described as a configuration to increase the power supply capacity of the power supply device. Since the configuration of the power receiving device is the same as in the first embodiment, the configuration of the power supply device will be described mainly in the second embodiment.

[0082] The power supply device 210 of the second embodiment shown in Figure 7 has, in addition to the configuration of the power supply device 10 described in the first embodiment, a parallel power line 32, inductors 33 and 34, a parallel current detection unit 35, and a parallel switch unit 36.

[0083] The parallel power path 32 is provided in parallel with the first power path 22 between the power input unit 21 and the first transmission path 12. One end of the parallel power path 32 is connected to the first transmission path 12 on the side of the connection unit 10A, which is closer to the capacitors 13 and 14. The other end of the parallel power path 32 is connected to the first power path 22 on the side of the power input unit 21, which is closer to the inductors 23 and 24, the current sensing unit 25, and the switch unit 26, and on the side of the first transmission path 12, which is closer to the DC-DC converter 27. The parallel power path 32 includes a positive-side parallel power path 32A and a negative-side parallel power path 32B. The positive-side parallel power path 32A is connected to the first positive-side transmission path 12A and the first positive-side power path 22A. The negative-side parallel power path 32B is connected to the first negative-side transmission path 12B and the first negative-side power path 22B.

[0084] Inductor 33 is provided in the positive-side parallel power path 32A. Inductor 34 is provided in the negative-side parallel power path 32B.

[0085] The parallel current detection unit 35 detects the current flowing through the parallel power path 32. The parallel current detection unit 35 detects the current flowing through the parallel power path 32 on the power input side 21 of the inductors 33 and 34. In Figure 7, the parallel current detection unit 35 detects the current flowing through the positive side parallel power path 32A, but it may also detect the current flowing through the negative side parallel power path 32B. The parallel current detection unit 35 includes a resistor 35A and a detection unit 35B. The resistor 35A is provided in the parallel power path 32 (specifically, the positive side parallel power path 32A). The detection unit 35B detects the voltage across the resistor 35A. The detection unit 35B may be configured by a control circuit such as a microcomputer, or by a differential amplifier circuit. Note that the parallel current detection unit 35 is not limited to a configuration using a resistor 35A, but may also be a magnetic sensor, for example.

[0086] The parallel switch unit 36 ​​is provided in the parallel power path 32. In Figure 7, the parallel switch unit 36 ​​is provided in the positive-side parallel power path 32A, but it may also be provided in the negative-side parallel power path 32B. When the switch unit 26 and the parallel switch unit 36 ​​are in the off state, the power supplied from the power supply device 210 to the power receiving device 50 is interrupted. When the switch unit 26 is in the on state and the parallel switch unit 36 ​​is in the off state, as shown in Figure 8, power is supplied to the power receiving device 50 via the first power path 22 and the cable 80. When the switch unit 26 and the parallel switch unit 36 ​​are in the on state, as shown in Figure 9, power is supplied from the first power path 22 and the parallel power path 32 to the cable 80, and power is supplied to the power receiving device 50 via the cable 80.

[0087] In the second embodiment, the first control unit 28 performs, as a corresponding process, a first control that controls only one of the switch unit 26 and the parallel switch unit 36 ​​to the ON state based on the corresponding information received from the power receiving device 50, and a second control that controls both the switch unit 26 and the parallel switch unit 36 ​​to the ON state. When the second control is performed, the power supply capacity of the power supply device increases compared to when the first control is performed. If the power class indicated by the class information received from the power receiving device 50 is 0, the first control unit 28 performs the first control because its own power class is 0. If the power class indicated by the class information received from the power receiving device 50 is 1, the first control unit 28 performs the second control because its own power class is 1. In this way, the first control unit 28 can adjust the power supply capacity of the power supply device 210 by selectively performing the first control and the second control based on the corresponding information.

[0088] 3. Third Embodiment In the third embodiment, a configuration in which the power supply device has a second power input section will be described as another configuration for increasing the power supply capacity of the power supply device. Since the configuration of the power receiving device is the same as in the first embodiment, the configuration of the power supply device will be mainly described in the third embodiment.

[0089] The power supply device 310 of the third embodiment shown in Figure 10 has, in addition to the configuration of the power supply device 10 described in the first embodiment, a second power input unit 31 and a branch line 38.

[0090] A terminal 90B can be connected to the second power input section 31. The second power input section 31 is connected to the power supply section 90 via terminal 90B. Power from the power supply section 90 is input to the second power input section 31. The second power input section 31 is configured, for example, by a connector.

[0091] The branch line 38 branches off from the first power line 22 and is connected to the second power input section 31 on the power input section 21 side of the inductors 23, 24, current sensing unit 25, switch unit 26, and DC-DC converter 27. The branch line 38 includes a positive-side branch line 38A and a negative-side branch line 38B. The positive-side branch line 38A branches off from the first positive-side power line 22A. The negative-side branch line 38B branches off from the first negative-side power line 22B.

[0092] As shown in Figure 11, by connecting terminal 90B to the second power input unit 31, when the switch unit 26 is ON, power supplied from the power supply unit 90 can be supplied to the first power line 22 from both the power input unit 21 and the second power input unit 31. In other words, the power supply capacity of the power supply device 310 can be increased.

[0093] For example, in a configuration where only the power receiving device 50 is connected to the power supply device 310, the power supply capacity can be kept low by connecting only the power input unit 21 to the power supply unit 90. Also, in a configuration where the power receiving devices 50 and 70 are connected in series to the power supply device 310, the power supply capacity can be increased by connecting the power input unit 21 and the second power input unit 31 to the power supply unit 90.

[0094] 4. Fourth Embodiment In the fourth embodiment, a configuration in which the power receiving device has a power receiving side power input section will be described as a configuration to increase the power supply capacity to the power receiving device. Since the configuration of the power supply device is the same as in the first embodiment, the configuration of the power receiving device will be mainly described in the fourth embodiment.

[0095] The power receiving device 450 of the fourth embodiment shown in Figure 12 has, in addition to the configuration of the power receiving device 50 described in the first embodiment, a power receiving side input section 58 and a branch line 59.

[0096] A terminal 90C can be connected to the power receiving input section 58. The power receiving input section 58 is connected to the power supply unit 90 via terminal 90C. Power from the power supply unit 90 is input to the power receiving input section 58. The power receiving input section 58 is configured, for example, by a connector.

[0097] The branch line 59 branches off from the second power line 62 on the load connection section 61 side of the inductors 63 and 64 and is connected to the power receiving side input section 58. The branch line 59 includes a positive side branch line 59A and a negative side branch line 59B. The positive side branch line 59A branches off from the second positive side power line 62A. The negative side branch line 59B branches off from the second negative side power line 62B.

[0098] As shown in Figure 13, by connecting terminal 90C to the power receiving input section 58, power can be supplied directly to the power receiving device 450 via the power receiving input section 58, in addition to power supply via the cable 80. In other words, the power supply capacity to the power receiving device 450 can be increased.

[0099] For example, in a configuration where only the power receiving device 450 is connected to the power supply device 10, the power supply capacity to the power receiving device 450 can be kept low by not connecting terminal 90C to the power receiving side input section 58. Also, in a configuration where power receiving devices 450 and 70 are connected in series to the power supply device 10, the power supply capacity to the power receiving device 450 can be increased by connecting terminal 90C to the power receiving side input section 58.

[0100] 5. Fifth Embodiment In the fifth embodiment, an example is described in which the type of power receiving device connected to the power supply device is changed due to a change in the vehicle specifications. In the fifth embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for the same components as in the first embodiment, and detailed explanations are omitted.

[0101] The in-vehicle power supply system 501 shown in Figure 14 comprises a power supply device 10, a plurality of power receiving devices 50 (power receiving devices 50X, 50Y), a cable 80, and a power supply unit 90.

[0102] The connection port 10A of the power supply device 10 allows for selective connection of power receiving devices 50X and 50Y. Power receiving device 50X has a power class of 0, and power receiving device 50Y has a power class of 1. In the example shown in Figure 14, power receiving device 50X is connected to the power supply device 10. Therefore, the power class of the power supply device 10 is 0. In contrast, if the vehicle specifications are changed and power receiving device 50Y is connected to the power supply device 10 as shown in Figure 15, the power supply device 10 updates its own power class to 1 based on the class information received from power receiving device 50.

[0103] Furthermore, if the power supply device 10 is in a power class of 1 and receives class information from the power receiving device 50 indicating that the power class is 0, it updates its own power class to 0.

[0104] The power supply device 10 can update its own power class based on class information received from the power receiving device 50 when the type of power receiving device connected to it changes due to a change in the vehicle's specifications. This process of updating its own power class based on class information received from the power receiving device 50 is an example of a corresponding process.

[0105] <Other Embodiments> This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above and in the drawings. For example, any combination of the features of the embodiments described above or below is possible as long as it does not contradict the original. Furthermore, any feature of the embodiments described above or below may be omitted unless explicitly stated as essential. In addition, the embodiments described above may be modified as follows.

[0106] In the second embodiment described above, only one parallel power path was provided in parallel with the power path, but a configuration in which multiple parallel power paths are provided is also possible.

[0107] The configurations described in the second to fourth embodiments may also be applied to the fifth embodiment.

[0108] In the embodiments described above, the load was provided outside the power receiving device, but the load may also be provided inside the power receiving device.

[0109] In the embodiments described above, examples using PoDL as the power supply technology were explained, but any technology other than PoDL may be used as long as it transmits data signals and power superimposed. For example, PoE (Power over Ethernet) or PoC (Power over Coaxial) may be used.

[0110] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed herein, but is indicated by the claims, and all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims are intended to be included.

[0111] 1...In-vehicle power supply system 10...Power supply device 10A...Connection section 11...First communication section 12...First transmission line 12A...First positive side transmission line 12B...First negative side transmission line 13...Capacitor 14...Capacitor 21...Power input section 22...First power line (power line) 22A...First positive side power line 22B...First negative side power line 23...Inductor 24...Inductor 25...Current detection section 25A...Resistor section 25B...Detection section 26...Switch section 27...DC-DC converter 28...First control section (control unit) 29...First display section (display section) 31...Second power input section 32...Parallel power line 32A...Positive side parallel power line 32B...Negative side parallel power line 33...Inductor 34...Inductor 35...Parallel current detection section 35A...Resistor section 35B...Detection unit 36...Parallel switch unit 38...Branch line 38A...Positive side branch line 38B...Negative side branch line 50...Power receiving device 50A...Connection unit 50B...Connection unit 50X...Power receiving device 50Y...Power receiving device 51...Second communication unit 52...Second transmission line 52A...Second positive side transmission line 52B...Second negative side transmission line 53...Capacitor 54...Capacitor 55...Third transmission line 55A...Third positive side transmission line 55B...Third negative side transmission line 56...Capacitor 57...Capacitor 58...Power receiving side input unit 59...Branch line 59A...Positive side branch line 59B...Negative side branch line 61...Load connection unit 62...Second power line 62A...Second positive side power line 62B...Second negative side power line 63...Inductor 64...Inductor 65...Third power line 65A...Third positive power line 65B...Third negative power line 66...Inductor 67...Inductor 68...Second control unit 69...Second display unit 70...Power receiving device 70A...Connection unit 71...Third communication unit 72...Fourth transmission line 72A...Fourth positive transmission line 72B...Fourth negative transmission line 73...Capacitor 74...Capacitor 75...Fourth power line 75A...Fourth positive power line 75B...Fourth negative power line 76...Inductor 77...Inductor 78...Third control unit 80...Cable 81...Wire 82...Wire 83...Cable 84...Wire 85...Wire 90...Power supply unit 90A...Terminal 90B...Terminal 90C...Terminal 91...Load 91A...Load-side terminal 210...Power supply device 310...Power supply device 450...Power receiving device 501...In-vehicle power supply system

Claims

1. An in-vehicle power supply device that transmits data signals and power superimposed on each other to a power receiving device via a cable, the power supply device receiving corresponding information indicating the maximum power consumption stored in the power receiving device via the cable, and performing corresponding processing corresponding to the corresponding information.

2. The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein PoDL (Power over Data Line) or PoE (Power over Ethernet) is used to supply power from the power supply device to the power receiving device, the corresponding information is class information indicating the power class of the power receiving device, and the corresponding process updates its own power class based on the class information received from the power receiving device.

3. The power supply device according to claim 2, comprising: a power input unit into which power is input from an external source; a power path provided between the power input unit and the cable; a switch unit provided in the power path; a parallel power path provided in parallel with respect to the power path between the power input unit and the cable; a parallel switch unit provided in the parallel power path; and a control unit that controls the switch unit and the parallel switch unit, wherein the control unit performs, as the corresponding processing, a first control that controls only one of the switch unit and the parallel switch unit to be in the ON state based on the corresponding information, and a second control that controls both the switch unit and the parallel switch unit to be in the ON state.

4. The power supply device according to claim 2, further comprising a first power input unit into which power is input from an external source, and a second power input unit separate from the first power input unit.

5. A power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein an abnormality is determined when the current consumption or power consumption of the power receiving device exceeds a threshold, and the corresponding process involves setting the threshold based on the corresponding information.

6. An in-vehicle power supply system comprising: a power supply device according to claim 1; a plurality of cables; a direct power receiving device as a power receiving device connected to the power supply device via the cables; and an indirect power receiving device as a power receiving device connected to the direct power receiving device via another cable, wherein the direct power receiving device pre-stores a table associating a plurality of maximum power consumptions with corresponding information indicating each maximum power consumption, and when the indirect power receiving device is connected to it, it acquires the corresponding information stored by the indirect power receiving device, updates the corresponding information stored by itself based on the acquired corresponding information and the table; and the power supply device performs the corresponding processing corresponding to the corresponding information acquired from the direct power receiving device connected to it.

7. The in-vehicle power supply system according to claim 6, wherein the power supply device requests the corresponding information from the direct power receiving device, the direct power receiving device, when the corresponding information is requested while the indirect power receiving device is not connected, sends a signal to the power supply device indicating the corresponding information it stores, and when the corresponding information is requested while the indirect power receiving device is connected, the direct power receiving device acquires the corresponding information stored by the indirect power receiving device, updates the corresponding information it stores, and sends a signal to the power supply device indicating the updated corresponding information.

8. An in-vehicle power supply system comprising the power supply device described in claim 2, the cable, and the power receiving device, wherein the power receiving device has a power receiving side input section.

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