JP2014056336A - Power supply device and malfunction treatment method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a power supply device which has a function as a power supply source for an external device, and in which when a failure occurs in a power supply source, an influence exerted by the failure to the entire device is small so that reliability thereof is high.SOLUTION: A power source device is constituted of a plurality of power supply parts 71, detection means 72, and first switching means 73. The power supply parts 71 are connected in series. The detection means 72 is provided for each power supply part 71 and detects the presence or absence of an abnormality of the power supply part. The first switching means 73 is connected in parallel with the power supply part 71, and is switched between the presence and absence of current conductivity depending on the presence and absence of an abnormality in the power supply part 71 having been detected by the detection means 72. The first switching means 73 is brought into a state in which current is conducted when an abnormality in the power supply part 71 is detected. The first switching means 73 sends, when it is in a state that current is conductive, current to a next power supply part 71 connected in parallel with the power supply part 71 in which the abnormality is detected by the detection part 72, or to the first switching means 73.

Description

  The present invention relates to a technology relating to a power supply device, and more particularly to a power supply device using a constant current power supply and a failure handling method thereof.

  Along with the development of the information and communication society, it is important to stably operate each component device in a communication system, a system having high social importance such as a financial system, an administrative system, and a medical field. In addition to fields that are widely and highly socially important, there is a high need for stable operation of information communication devices and devices used in offices and factories. The reliability of the power supply to each device is one of the important factors in stably operating each device, and the demand for the reliability of the power supply device is high.

  In order to improve the reliability of the power supply device, it is important that the current and voltage are stably supplied and that no failure occurs. It is also important to keep the impact as small as possible when a failure occurs. Against this background, various technical developments related to improving the reliability of power supply devices have been actively conducted. As a technique related to the power supply device used in each apparatus, there is a technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example.

  Patent Document 1 relates to a power supply device that supplies power to a light emitting diode using a constant current power supply. The power supply device of Patent Document 1 divides a light emitting diode connected in series as a power supply destination into a plurality of blocks such as two. Each block of the light emitting diodes is provided with a circuit for detecting an abnormality such as a voltage of each block and a switch element connected in parallel to each block. In the power supply device of Patent Document 1, when an abnormality occurs in one of the blocks of the light emitting diode, the switch element of the block in which the abnormality has occurred is brought into a state in which a current flows. At the same time, the switch elements of other blocks are made to be in a state where no current flows, and the light emitting diodes of the blocks in a state where no current flows are turned on or the luminance is improved. As a result, the block in which an abnormality has occurred can be supplemented by another block, and the balance of overall brightness and color temperature can be maintained.

  Patent Document 2 discloses the following power supply device. The power supply device of Patent Document 2 includes a plurality of power supplies for supply to the outside connected in series with a constant current power supply. An additional voltage source is provided in a circuit between the constant current power source and the power source in order to suppress fluctuations in the output current and voltage depending on the number of operating power sources for supply to the outside. In the power supply device of Patent Document 2, a stable output current and voltage are obtained by measuring the input voltage to the power supply and controlling the additional voltage source based on the measured value.

JP 2012-4240 A JP 2002-182754 A

  However, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 has the following problems. The technology of Patent Document 1 relates to a response when an abnormality occurs in a light emitting diode composed of a plurality of blocks connected in series. The power supply device does not flow current to the place where the abnormality has occurred, and suppresses the apparent influence by using other blocks. Patent Document 1 does not disclose a case where the device is used as a device for supplying power to an external device. Further, when a failure occurs, the blocks are mutually compensated and integrated as a whole to produce an effect, and cannot be used as a technology when used as a power supply source to an external device.

  In the power supply device of Patent Document 2, when a failure occurs in one power source, it is impossible to supply power from another power source in which no failure has occurred. Therefore, the reliability as a power supply device is not sufficient.

  An object of the present invention is to obtain a highly reliable power supply device that has a function as a power supply source to an external device and has a small influence on the whole when a failure occurs in each power supply source.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the power supply device of the present embodiment includes a plurality of power supply units, detection means, and switching means.

  The power supply units are connected so that current is supplied in series. A detection means is provided for each power supply unit, and detects whether or not the power supply unit is abnormal. The switching means is provided for each power supply section connected in parallel with the power supply section, and the presence or absence of current conduction can be switched depending on the presence or absence of abnormality of the power supply section detected by the detection means. Further, the switching means is switched to a state in which current is conducted when an abnormality of the power supply unit is detected by the detection means. When the current is in a conductive state, the switching means sends the current to the next power supply section or switching means connected in series to the power supply section in which the abnormality is detected by the detection section.

  In the present invention, the presence or absence of an abnormality is detected for each power supply unit, and when there is an abnormality, current is sent to the downstream power supply unit through a path that does not pass through the abnormal power supply unit. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the influence of the abnormal power supply unit on other power supply units. Therefore, even when a failure occurs in a certain power supply unit, another normal power supply device can supply power to the external device. As a result, in the power supply device of the present invention, when an abnormality occurs in the power supply unit, the entire power supply device does not fail, and a highly reliable power supply is possible.

It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of a structure of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of operation | movement of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of the flow of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of a structure of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of operation | movement of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of operation | movement of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of the flow of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of a structure of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of a structure of the 4th Embodiment of this invention.

  A first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 shows an outline of the configuration of the power supply device of this embodiment. The power supply device of the present embodiment includes a constant current power supply 11, a switching unit 12, a detection unit 13, and a power supply unit 14. A plurality of power supply units 14 are provided, and one switching unit 12 and one detection unit 13 are provided for each power supply unit 14. In addition, power is supplied from the power supply unit 14 to the device system 60.

  The constant current power supply 11 has a function of generating and outputting a direct current having a constant output current from an external power supply. The external power source may be an AC power source or a DC power source, but in the case of an AC power source, it is converted to DC. Moreover, the constant current power supply 11 with a variable set value of the output current may be used.

  The switching unit 12 has a switch function, and can be switched between a state in which a current flows (on state) and a state in which the current is interrupted (off state) in accordance with a signal from the detection unit 13.

  The detection unit 13 includes a detection circuit having a function of measuring the potential of the input unit of the power supply unit 14. The potential of the input unit of the power supply unit 14 is measured using a grounded state as a reference potential. When the detection unit 13 detects that an abnormality has occurred in the power supply unit 14 and the circuit of the power supply unit 14 is in an open state, that is, the impedance has become infinite, a signal to turn on the switch unit 12 is sent. . In addition, when the potential of the power supply circuit 14 is normal, the detection unit 13 sends a signal for turning off the switching unit 12.

  The power supply unit 14 has a power supply function for supplying power to the device system 60 based on the current from the constant current power supply 11. A plurality of power supply units 14 are provided, and the power supply unit 14 is configured to flow a current from the constant current power supply 11 in a state of being connected in series. In addition, the power supply unit 14 has a protective function that prevents the internal circuit of the power supply unit 14 from conducting current when an abnormality occurs. When an abnormality occurs, the internal circuit of the power supply unit 14 is in an open state, that is, an infinite impedance state. When the current does not flow due to the protection function of the internal circuit of the power supply unit 14, the potential of the input unit temporarily becomes high because of the function of maintaining the current from the constant current power supply 11. When the measured potential is out of the predetermined range, the detection unit 13 detects an abnormality in the power supply unit 14.

  The device unit 60 is an external device that operates by receiving power supply from the power supply device according to each embodiment of the present invention. The device unit 60 refers to, for example, an information device or a communication transmission device.

  An operation during normal operation of the power supply device according to the present embodiment will be described. The constant current power supply 11 that has been supplied with power from the external power supply outputs so that the output current is constant. The current output from the constant current power supply 11 passes through the circuit and is input to the first-stage power supply unit 14 shown at the top in FIG. The uppermost power supply unit 14 shown in FIG. 1 is called the first power supply unit 14, and the next power supply unit 14 connected in series to the first power supply unit 14 is called the second power supply unit 14. I will do it. The power supply units 14 connected in series in the second and subsequent stages also have the same way of increasing numbers. The switching unit 12 and the detection unit 13 are also called in the same way. For example, the switching unit 12 and the detection unit 13 provided in the first-stage power supply unit 14 are referred to as the first-stage switching unit 12 and the first-stage detection unit 13, respectively. The same reference is made in the description with reference to other drawings and the description of other embodiments.

  When current is input to the first-stage power supply unit 14, the first-stage detection unit 13 measures the potential of the first-stage power supply unit 14. When the first-stage detection unit 13 determines that the measured potential is within a predetermined range and the first-stage power supply unit 14 is normal, the first-stage detection unit 13 sends a signal to the first-stage switching unit 12 to turn off the switch function. send. The first-stage power supply unit 14 that is normally operated by inputting current supplies power to the apparatus system 60.

  The current output from the first-stage power supply unit 14 to the circuit side again is input to the second-stage power supply unit 14 shown second from the top in FIG. At that time, the second-stage detection unit 13 measures the potential input to the second-stage power supply unit 14. When the second-stage detection unit 13 determines that the measured potential is within a predetermined range and the second-stage power supply unit 14 is normal, the second-stage detection unit 13 sends a signal to the second-stage switching unit 12 to turn off the switch function. send. The second-stage power supply unit 14 to which the current is input supplies power to the device system 60. Further, a current is output to the circuit again from the power supply unit 14 at the second stage.

  When the power supply device includes n switching units 12, the detection unit 13, and the power supply unit 14, the above operation is repeated up to the nth stage. The current output from the n-th power supply unit 14 to the circuit returns to the constant current power supply 11.

  Next, an operation when an abnormality occurs in one of the power supply units 14 will be described. It is assumed that an abnormality has occurred in the first-stage power supply unit 14. When an abnormality occurs, the power supply unit 14 in the first stage is opened due to a protection function. The first detection unit 13 measures the potential of the power supply unit 14 and determines whether the potential is within a predetermined range. When detecting the abnormality from the fluctuation of the potential of the first-stage power supply unit 14, the first-stage detection unit 13 sends a signal for turning on the switch function to the first-stage switching unit 12. When receiving a signal for turning on the switch function, the first-stage switching unit 12 switches the switch function and passes the current. The switch state at this time is schematically shown in FIG. In FIG. 2, the switch of the switching unit 12 at the first stage is in an on state, that is, a current flows. When the first-stage switching unit 12 is turned on as shown in FIG. 2, the current path sent to the second-stage power supply unit 14 via the first-stage power supply unit 14 in the normal state is The route is changed to a route sent to the power supply unit 14 of the second stage via the switching unit 12 of the first stage. That is, current is supplied to the power supply units 14 after the second-stage power supply unit 14 without passing through the first-stage power supply unit 14 in which an abnormality has occurred. The operation after the second-stage power supply unit 14 is the same as when the first-stage power supply unit 14 is operating normally.

  When an abnormality occurs in another power supply unit 14, similarly to the case of the first stage, a change in potential is detected by the detection unit 13 in the stage where the abnormality has occurred, and passes through the switching unit 12 in the stage where the abnormality has occurred. . An overview of the flow at each stage is shown in FIG. The detection unit 13 at each stage measures the potential of the power supply unit 14 (step 101). When measuring the potential, the detection unit 13 determines whether the potential is within a predetermined range (step 102). When the detection unit 13 determines that the potential of the power supply unit 14 is within a predetermined range (Yes in step 102), the detection unit 13 sends a signal for turning off the switch of the switching unit 12 (step 103). When the switch of the switching unit 13 is in the OFF state, current flows through a path passing through the power supply unit 14 at that stage. At this time, power is supplied from the power supply unit 14 of the corresponding stage to the device system 60. When it is determined No in step 102, the detection unit 13 sends a signal for turning on the switch of the switching unit 12 (step 104). When the switch of the switching unit 12 is turned on, current flows through a path passing through the switching unit 12 at that stage. At this time, an abnormality has occurred in the power supply unit 14, and no current is supplied from the power supply unit 14 because current flows through the switching unit 12. As a result of the operation as described above, a current is supplied to the power supply unit 14 that operates normally after the next stage without passing through the power supply part 14 of the stage where the abnormality has occurred. By changing to a current path that passes through the switching unit 12 when an abnormality occurs in a certain power supply unit 14 and not passing the power supply unit 14, the other power supply units 14 can continue to supply power to the device system 60. . Therefore, when an abnormality occurs in a part of the plurality of power supply units 14 provided, it is possible to prevent a failure from occurring in the entire power supply apparatus.

  In the power supply device of this embodiment, the potential is measured for each power supply unit to determine whether there is an abnormality, and when there is an abnormality, current is sent to the downstream power supply unit through a path that does not pass through the abnormal power supply unit. Yes. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the influence of the abnormal power supply unit on other power supply units. Therefore, even when an abnormality occurs in a certain power supply unit, another normal power supply device can supply power to the external device. Therefore, in the power supply device according to the present embodiment, when an abnormality occurs in the power supply unit, the entire power supply device does not fail, and highly reliable power supply is possible.

  A second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 shows an outline of the configuration of the power supply device of this embodiment. In the power supply device of the first embodiment, when an abnormality occurs in the power supply unit, only the power supply in which the abnormality has occurred is excluded from the current path. In the present embodiment, management is further performed by dividing the power supply unit into groups of a plurality of units.

  The power supply device of this embodiment includes a constant current power supply 21 and a plurality of power supply groups 30. Further, power is supplied from the power supply group 30 to the device system 60.

  The power supply group 30 includes a plurality of power supply units 24, and includes the same number of first switching units 22 and detection units 23 as the power supply units 24. The power supply unit 24 is connected in series, and the most downstream power supply unit 24 of a certain power supply group 30 and the most upstream power supply unit 24 of the next power supply group 30 are also connected in series. The power supply group 30 includes a majority circuit 25 and a second switching unit 26. FIG. 4 shows an example in which each power supply group 30 includes three power supply units 24 and the same number of first switching units 22 and detection units 23 as the power supply units 24. The number of power supply units 24 included in each power supply group 30 may be two or more than three.

  The constant current power source 21 and the power source unit 24 are the same in configuration and function as those of the same name in the first embodiment. The first switching unit 22 has the same configuration and function as the switching unit of the first embodiment. A detector having the same function as the detector of the first embodiment is used as the detector 23. The detection unit 23 also has a function of sending a signal for turning on or off the switch to the majority circuit 25 simultaneously with the first switching unit 22.

  The majority circuit 25 has a function of transmitting a signal for turning on to the second switching unit 26 when a signal for turning on is sent from a predetermined number or more of the detectors 23. For example, when the power supply group 30 of the present embodiment is configured with three power supply units 24, the majority circuit 25 performs the second switching when two or more detection units 22 output a signal to turn on. A signal to turn on is sent to the unit 26. The predetermined number can be set, for example, as a number that prevents the power supply group 30 from maintaining the operation of the corresponding device system 60 when an abnormality occurs in the number of power supply units 24 equal to or greater than that number.

  Similarly to the first switching unit 22, the second switching unit 26 has a current switching function, and a state in which a current flows (on state) and a state in which the current is switched according to a signal from the majority circuit 25 (off state). ) And a function to switch to.

  A normal operation in which no abnormality has occurred in the power supply unit 24 will be described. The constant current power supply 21 that receives power supply from the external power supply outputs so that the output current is constant. The current output from the constant current power source 21 passes through the circuit and is input to the first stage power source unit 24 of one block shown at the top in FIG. The power supply group 30 shown at the top in FIG. 4 is called one block. The power supply group connected next to the first-stage power supply group 30 is referred to as two blocks, and thereafter, numbers are sequentially added.

  When a current is input to the first-stage power supply unit 24 of one block, the first-stage detection unit 23 measures the potential of the power supply unit 24. When the measured potential is within a predetermined range and the power supply unit 14 determines that the power supply unit 14 is normal, the first-stage detection unit 23 sends a signal for turning off the switch function to the first-stage first switching unit 22. . The detection unit 23 at the first stage also sends a signal for turning off the majority circuit 25 of one block. The first-stage power supply unit 24 to which the current is input supplies power to the device system 60.

  The current output from the power supply unit 24 to the circuit side is input to the second-stage power supply unit 24. At that time, the second-stage detection unit 23 measures the potential of the second-stage power supply unit 24. When the second-stage detection unit 23 determines that the measured potential is within a predetermined range and the second-stage power supply unit 24 is normal, the second-stage detection unit 23 turns the switch function off to the second-stage first switching unit 22. Send a signal to The detection unit 23 in the second stage also sends a signal for turning off the majority circuit 25 of one block. The second-stage power supply unit 24 to which the current is input supplies power to the device system 60. The current output from the second-stage power supply unit 24 to the circuit side again is input to the third-stage power supply unit 24. The third-stage power supply unit 24 performs the same operation as the first and second stages, and current is output from the third-stage power supply unit 24 to the circuit again. The current output from the third-stage power supply unit 24 of one block is input to the first-stage power supply unit 24 of the next block.

  When the power supply device is composed of m power supply groups 30 and the power supply group 30 is from 1 block to m blocks, the above operation is repeated up to the third stage of m blocks. The current from the power supply unit 24 at the third stage of the m block returns to the constant current power supply 21. When all the power supply units 24 are operating normally, all the second switching units 26 in all the power supply groups 30 are in an off state, and no current flows through a path passing through the second switching unit 26.

  A case where an abnormality occurs in one power supply unit 24 in the power supply device of the present embodiment will be described. A description will be given assuming that a failure has occurred in the second-stage power supply unit 24 of one block of the power supply group 30. The current output from the constant current power supply 21 is input to the first-stage power supply 24 in the first block. Since the first-stage power supply unit 24 of one block is normal, the potential at the first-stage detection unit 23 is within a predetermined range. Therefore, the first-stage detection unit 23 sends a signal for turning off the first-stage first switching unit 22. When the first switching unit 22 in the first stage receives a signal to turn off from the detection unit 22 in the first stage, the first switching unit 22 maintains an off state, that is, a state in which the switch is open and no current flows. Further, the detection unit at the first stage sends a signal for turning off the majority circuit 25 of one block. Since the first-stage power supply unit 24 is normal, the first-stage power supply unit 24 supplies power to the device system 60 when current is supplied.

  The current returned to the circuit from the first-stage power supply unit 24 of one block is input to the second-stage power supply unit 24. Since the abnormality occurs in the second-stage power supply unit 24, the internal circuit is open, that is, the impedance is infinite. The second-stage detection unit 23 detects that an abnormality has occurred because the potential of the second-stage power supply unit 24 is outside the range of the predetermined value. When the second-stage detection unit 23 detects an abnormality in the second-stage power supply unit 24, the second-stage detection unit 23 sends a signal for turning on the first switch 22 in the second stage. The detection unit 22 at the second stage also sends a signal for turning on the majority circuit 25. Since an abnormality has occurred in the second-stage power supply unit 24, power is not supplied from the second-stage power supply unit 24 to the device system 60.

  When the second-stage first switching unit 22 receives a signal to turn on from the second-stage detection unit 23, the second-stage first switching unit 22 is turned on, that is, the current flows. Switching takes place. When the switch of the second-stage first switching unit 22 is turned on, the current output from the first-stage power supply unit 24 passes through the second-stage first switching unit 22 and the third-stage power supply. Input to the unit 24.

  When a current is input to the third-stage power supply unit 24 of one block, the third-stage detection unit 22 detects the potential of the third-stage power supply unit 24. Assuming that the third-stage power supply unit 24 is operating normally, the third-stage detection unit 22 detects a potential within a predetermined range. When the third stage detection unit 22 detects that the potential of the third stage power supply unit 24 is within a predetermined range, the third stage detection unit 22 turns off the first switching unit 22 and the majority circuit 25 in the third stage. Send. When the first switching unit 22 at the third stage receives a signal for turning off from the detection unit 22 at the third stage, the first switching unit 22 maintains an off state, that is, a state in which no current flows. Since the third-stage power supply unit 24 is normal, the third-stage power supply unit 24 supplies power to the device system 60. The current output from the third-stage power supply unit 24 to the circuit is input to the first-stage power supply unit 24 of the next block. The state of the circuit at this time is schematically shown in FIG. In FIG. 4, the first switching unit 22 in the second stage of one block is in an on state. The first switching unit 22 and the second switching unit 26 in other stages are in an off state.

  Thereafter, as in the case where the power supply unit 24 is operating normally, current is sent to the power supply unit 24 in the third stage of the m block, and power is supplied from each power supply unit 24 to the device system 60. Further, the current output from the third stage power supply unit 24 of the m block to the circuit returns to the constant current power supply 21.

  A majority voting circuit 25 of one block receives an off state signal from the first stage detection unit 23, an on state from the second stage detection unit 23, and an off state signal from the third stage detection unit 23. In this embodiment, when an abnormality occurs in two or more power supply units 24, that is, when an on-state signal is received from two or more detection units 23, the second switch 26 is set to an on state. . Accordingly, since two of the signals from the detection unit 23 are in the off state and one is in the on state, the majority circuit 25 sends a signal for setting the off state to the second switching unit 26. When the second switching unit 22 receives a signal to turn off from the majority circuit 25, the second switching unit 22 maintains an off state, that is, a state in which no current flows. Therefore, the current input from the constant current power supply 21 to the power supply group 30 in the first block passes through the first-stage power supply unit 24, the second-stage first switching unit 22, and the third-stage power supply unit 24. The power is input to the power supply group 30 in the second block.

Next, a case where an abnormality occurs in the two power supply units 24 in the same power supply group 30 will be described. It is assumed that an abnormality has occurred in the first stage and third stage power supply units 24 of one block in the power supply group 30.
The current output from the constant current power supply 21 travels along the path to the input section of the first stage power supply section 24 in the first block. Now, because the power supply unit 24 in the first stage of one block is in an abnormal state,
The internal circuit of the first-stage power supply unit 24 is in an open state, and no current flows through the power supply unit 24. At this time, the first-stage detection unit 23 detects that an abnormality has occurred because the potential of the power supply unit 24 is outside a predetermined value range. When the first-stage detection unit 23 detects an abnormality in the first-stage power supply unit 24, the first-stage detection unit 23 sends a signal for turning on the one-block majority circuit 25 and the first-stage first switching unit 22. When the first switching unit 22 in the first stage receives a signal to turn on from the detection unit 23 in the first stage, the first switching unit 22 switches the switch so that the current passes through the first switching unit 22.

  The current that has traveled from the constant current power supply 21 to one block of the power supply group 30 passes through the first switching unit 22 and travels along the path to the input unit of the power supply unit 24 at the second stage. Since the first-stage power supply unit 24 is in an open state and the current passes through the path of the first-stage first switching unit 22, the current does not pass through the first-stage power supply unit 24. When the current travels along the path to the input unit to the second-stage power supply unit 24, the current is input to the second-stage power supply unit 24 because the second-stage power supply unit 24 is operating normally. At this time, the second-stage detection unit 23 measures the potential at the second-stage power supply unit 24. Since the second-stage power supply unit 24 is normal, the second-stage detection unit 23 detects a potential within a predetermined range. Since the detected potential is within a predetermined range, the detection unit 23 in the second stage sends a signal for turning off the majority circuit 25 in one block and the first switching unit 22 in the second stage. When the first switching unit 22 in the second stage receives a signal for turning off the detection unit 22 in the second stage, the first switching unit 22 turns the switch off, that is, does not pass a current. The current output from the second-stage power supply unit 24 to the circuit side proceeds to the third-stage power supply unit 24.

  Since an abnormality has occurred in the third-stage power supply unit 24, the third-stage detection unit 23 detects that the potential of the third-stage power supply unit 24 is outside a predetermined value range. When the third-stage detection unit 23 detects that the potential of the third-stage power supply unit 24 is outside the predetermined value range, it turns on the majority circuit 25 of one block and the first switching unit 22 of the third stage. Send a signal to state. When the first switching unit 22 in the third stage receives a signal to turn on from the detection unit 23 in the third stage, the first switching unit 22 switches the switch so that a current flows. When the switch of the first switching unit 22 in the third stage is turned on, the current input to the power supply group 30 in one block is the first switching unit 22 in the first stage, the second power supply units 24 and 3. It passes through the first switching unit 22 at the stage.

  The majority circuit 25 receives signals from the first switching unit 22 at the first stage to turn it on, from the second stage to the off state, and from the third stage to the on state. At this time, the majority circuit 25 sends a signal for turning on the second switching unit 26. When the second switching unit 26 receives a signal to turn on, the second switching unit 26 switches the switch to a state where a current flows. The states of the first switching unit 22 and the second switching unit 26 in one block at this time are schematically shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the first and third stage switches of the first switching unit 22 are in the off state, and the second switching unit 26 is in the on state. When the majority decision circuit 25 determines that the second switching unit 26 is turned on, the majority switching circuit 25 may turn off all the first switching units 22 of the respective stages via the detection units 23 of the respective stages. The current input to one block of the power supply group 30 passes through the path of the second switching unit 26 and proceeds to the next power supply group 30. That is, the current input to one block does not pass through the first switching unit 2 and the power supply unit 24 in each stage. Therefore, power is not supplied to the device system 60 from any power supply unit 24 in one block.

  The current input to the next power supply group 30 in one block is input to the first-stage power supply unit 24. When the process proceeds to the next block of the power supply group 30, the current path is switched depending on the number of power supply units 24 in which an abnormality has occurred in the next block as well as one block. An outline of the flow at this time is shown in FIG. In the power supply unit 24 at each stage of the power supply group 30, the detection unit 23 measures the potential of the power supply unit 24 (step 111). When the detection unit 23 determines that the potential is within the predetermined range (Yes in Step 112), the switch of the first switching unit 23 is set to an off state (Step 113). If it is determined No in step 112, the switch of the first switching unit is set to the on state (step 114). Next, based on the signal from each detection unit 23, the majority circuit 25 determines whether the number of power supply units 24 in which a failure has occurred is equal to or less than a predetermined number (step 115). When the number of power supply units 24 in which an abnormality has occurred is equal to or less than a predetermined number (Yes in step 115), the switch of the second switching unit 26 is set to an off state (step 116). At this time, in the power supply group 30, a current flows through the power supply unit 24 at a normal location, and a current flows through the first switching unit 22 at a location where an abnormality has occurred. Therefore, power is supplied from the normal power supply unit 24 to the device system 60. If it is determined No in step 115, the switch of the second switching unit 26 is set to the on state (step 117). When the switch of the second switching unit 26 is turned on, current flows along a path that passes through the second switching unit 26. Accordingly, power is not supplied from the power supply unit 24 including the power supply unit 24 in which no abnormality has occurred.

  When the power supply group 30 is composed of m blocks, the above operation is repeated up to the last stage of the m blocks. The current output from the last stage of the m block returns to the constant current power source 21.

  By using the first switching unit 22 provided for each power supply unit 24 and the second switching unit 26 provided for each power supply group 30 as in the present embodiment, the reliability of the power supply device 30 is further improved. To do. For example, when an abnormality occurs in a detection unit 23 provided in a power supply unit 24 in a certain power supply unit 24, it is assumed that no current flows through the subsequent power supply unit 24. At that time, the detection unit 24 in the subsequent stage detects that an abnormality has occurred and sends a signal to turn on the majority circuit 25. Since the detection unit 24 after the subsequent stage sends all signals for turning on, there is a high possibility that the majority circuit 25 determines that the second switching unit 26 is turned on. At that time, in the power supply group 30 including the power supply unit 24 in which an abnormality has occurred, a current flows through a path passing through the second switching unit 26. Therefore, even when it is not possible to detect that an abnormality has occurred at each stage, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of a failure in the entire power supply device, thereby improving the reliability of the power supply device.

  In the present embodiment, an example in which the power supply group 30 is configured by the three power supply units 24 has been described. However, the power supply group 30 is not limited to three, and may be configured by two or four or more power supply units 24. Good. At that time, the number of power supply units 24 included in each block may not be the same.

  In the power supply device of the present embodiment, the potential is measured for each power supply unit to determine whether there is an abnormality, and a plurality of power supply units are monitored as a power supply group. When the number of power supply units in which an abnormality has occurred in a single power supply group is larger than a predetermined number, current is sent to a downstream power supply unit or the like through a path that bypasses the power supply group. By adopting such a configuration, when there is a failure in the monitoring function for each power supply unit, power supply from the power supply unit of the entire power supply unit cannot be performed without bypassing the power supply unit in which the abnormality has occurred. Can be avoided. Therefore, the reliability is further improved as compared with the power supply device configured to monitor only the power supply unit.

  A third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 shows an outline of the configuration of the power supply device of the third embodiment. In the first embodiment, the handling of the abnormality of each power supply unit is performed individually. In the second embodiment, the response when an abnormality occurs is implemented by a combination of an individual response at each power supply unit and a response at each of a plurality of power supply units. In the power supply device according to the present embodiment, a power supply unit that is managed individually and a power supply unit that also manages a plurality of power supply units are provided.

  The power supply device of this embodiment includes a constant current power supply 41, a switching unit 42, a detection unit 43, a power supply unit 44, and a power supply group 50. The power supply group 50 includes a first switching unit 52, a detection unit 53, a power supply unit 54, a majority circuit 55, and a second switching unit 56. The power supply group 50 includes a plurality of power supply units 54, and each power supply unit 54 includes a first switching unit 52 and a detection unit 53. The power supply unit 44 also includes a switching unit 42 and a detection unit 43 for each power supply unit 44. Further, power is supplied to the device system 60 from the power supply unit 44 and the power supply unit 54 of the power supply group 50.

  The number of sets of the power supply unit 44, the switching unit 42, and the detection unit 43 of the power supply device of the present embodiment may be singular or plural. The number of power supply groups 50 may be singular or plural. The number of sets of the power supply unit 54, the first switching unit 52, and the detection unit 53 included in the power supply group 50 may be different for each power supply group 50, or may be the same for all the power supply groups 50. These numbers can be set according to the overall design including the device system 60 to which the power is supplied.

  The power supply unit 44 and the power supply unit 54 of the power supply group 50 are connected in series. At this time, as shown in FIG. 8, the power supply unit 50 including the power supply unit 54 is installed after the plurality of power supply units 44 are installed. It can be set as a structure. Further, the power supply unit 54 may be connected to the power supply unit 54 after the power supply unit 44 is connected to one or more, and the power supply unit 44 may be further connected. It can also be configured.

  As the constant current power supply 41, the switching unit 42, the detection unit 43, and the power supply unit 44, those having the same configuration and function as the parts having the same names in the first embodiment can be used. The first switching unit 52, the detection unit 53, the power supply unit 54, the majority circuit 55, and the second switching unit 56 have the same configuration and function as the parts having the same names in the second embodiment. Can be used.

  In the present embodiment, when the current from the constant current power supply 41 is input to the portion configured by the power supply unit 44, the switching unit 42, and the detection unit 43, the operation is performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment. That is, when the power supply unit 44 is normal, a current is sent downstream through a path passing through the power supply unit 44, and when an abnormality occurs in the power supply unit 44, a current is sent downstream through a path passing through the switching unit 42. Further, when the power supply unit 44 is normal, power is supplied to the device system 60. When a current is input to the power supply group 50, the operation is performed in the same manner as in the second embodiment. That is, when the power supply unit 54 is normal, a current flows through the power supply unit 54, and when a failure occurs in the power supply unit 54, a current is sent downstream through the first switching unit 52 through a current flow path. It is done. When an abnormality occurs in a predetermined number or more of the power supply units 54 included in one power supply group 50, the current flows through the second switching unit 56, and the power supply unit 54 and the first switching unit 52 Do not follow the route. Therefore, the power is supplied from the power supply unit 54 to the device system 60 because the power supply unit 54 is normal and the number of the power supply units 54 in which the abnormality occurs in the power supply group 50 is less than a predetermined number. It will be the time.

  In the power supply device according to the present embodiment, when a failure occurs in the abnormality detection function for each power supply unit as in the second embodiment, power supply from the entire power supply device is stopped to bypass a power supply group in a certain range. You can avoid doing that. As a result, reliability is improved. Further, by changing the number of power supply units to be managed in accordance with the supply destination device, it is possible to obtain the effect of improving reliability while efficiently managing the power supply units.

  In the first to third embodiments, a configuration including a detection unit for each power supply unit is shown. However, the detection unit is a detection unit in which inputs from a plurality of power supply units are formed by one element, and each switching unit. Or it is good also as a structure by which a signal is sent to each 1st switching part. In the second and third embodiments, the majority circuit and the detection unit are integrated, and potential detection, switch switching determination, and signal transmission to the first switching unit and the second switching unit are the same. It is good also as a structure performed by an element.

  A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 shows an outline of the configuration of the power supply device of this embodiment. The power supply device of this embodiment includes a plurality of power supply units 71, detection means 72, and first switching means 73.

  The power supply unit 71 is connected so that current is supplied in series. The detection means 72 is provided for each power supply unit 71 and detects the presence or absence of an abnormality in the power supply unit. The first switching unit 73 is provided for each power supply unit 71 connected in parallel with the power supply unit 71, and can switch the presence / absence of current conduction depending on the presence / absence of the abnormality of the power supply unit 71 detected by the detection unit 72. . The first switching unit 73 is switched to a state in which current is conducted when the detection unit 72 detects an abnormality in the power supply unit 71. When the current is in a conductive state, the first switching unit 73 sends the current to the next power supply unit 71 or the first switching unit 73 connected in series to the power supply unit 71 in which the abnormality is detected by the detection unit 72.

  In the power supply device of this embodiment, the presence or absence of abnormality is detected for each power supply unit, and when there is an abnormality, current is sent to the downstream power supply unit through a path that does not pass through the abnormal power supply unit. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the influence of the abnormal power supply unit on other power supply units. Therefore, even when a failure occurs in a certain power supply unit, another normal power supply device can supply power to the external device. As a result, in the power supply device of the present invention, when an abnormality occurs in the power supply unit, the entire power supply device does not fail, and a highly reliable power supply is possible.

  The present invention is particularly useful in a field where there is a high demand for power supply stability. For example, it can be used as a power supply device that supplies power to each device used in communication systems, public systems, medical fields, and the like.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Constant current power supply 12 Switching part 13 Detection part 14 Power supply part 21 Constant current power supply 22 1st switching part 23 Detection part 24 Power supply part 25 Majority circuit 26 2nd switching part 30 Power supply group 41 Constant current power supply 42 Switching part 43 Detection Unit 44 power source unit 50 power source group 52 first switching unit 53 detecting unit 54 power source unit 55 majority circuit 56 second switching unit 60 device system 71 power source unit 72 detecting unit 73 first switching unit 101-104 each of abnormality detection Steps 111-117 Each step of abnormality detection

Claims (10)

A plurality of power supply units connected to supply current in series;
Detecting means provided for each power supply unit for detecting presence or absence of abnormality of the power supply unit;
A first switching means provided for each power supply section connected in parallel with the power supply section, wherein the presence / absence of an abnormality of the power supply section detected by the detection means is switched.
The first switching means is switched to a state in which current is conducted when an abnormality of the power supply unit is detected by the detection means, and is connected in series to the power supply unit in which the abnormality is detected by the detection unit. A power supply apparatus that sends current to the next power supply section or the first switching means provided in the next power supply section.   2. The detection unit according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit measures the potential of the power supply unit and detects an abnormality of the power supply unit when the measured potential value is outside a predetermined value range set in advance. The power supply described A power supply group composed of a plurality of the power supply units connected in series continuously;
Second switching means connected in parallel with a path formed between the first power supply section and the last power supply section connected in series in the power supply group, and having switching means for determining whether or not current is conducted. When,
A judgment means for judging the presence or absence of abnormality of the power supply group based on the detection result of the presence or absence of abnormality by the plurality of detection means provided in the power supply unit included in the power supply group;
3. The power supply apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second switching unit is set in a conductive state when the determination unit determines that an abnormality has occurred in the power supply group. 4.   The determination means determines that an abnormality has occurred in the power supply group when an abnormality is detected by a predetermined number or more of the detection means in the plurality of detection means included in the power supply group. Item 4. The power supply device according to Item 3.   A plurality of the second switching means are provided, and the number of the power supply units included in the power supply group in parallel with the second switching means is the same in any of the power supply groups. Item 5. The power supply device according to Item 3 or 4.   The number of the said power supply parts contained in the said power supply group provided with two or more and the said 2nd switching means in parallel with the said 2nd switching means changes with said power supply groups. The power supply device described in 1. Supply current to multiple power supplies connected in series,
Detect the presence or absence of abnormality of the power supply unit for each power supply unit,
A failure response method for a power supply device that, when an abnormality of the power supply unit is detected, sets a path connected in parallel to the power supply unit determined to be abnormal to a conductive state. Supply current to multiple power supplies connected in series,
Detecting the presence or absence of abnormality of the power supply unit,
The power supply units are divided into power supply groups by a combination of a predetermined number of the power supply units connected in series continuously, and the number of the power supply units in which an abnormality is detected in the power supply units included in the power supply group is Judge whether it is more than the preset number,
A path connected in parallel to a path configured by a predetermined number of the power supply units of the power supply group when the number of power supply units determined to be abnormal in the power supply group is equal to or greater than a preset number A method for dealing with a failure of a power supply device in which a power supply is turned on.   The power supply apparatus failure handling method according to claim 8, wherein there are a plurality of the power supply groups, and the number of the power supply units included in the power supply group is the same in any of the power supply groups.   The power supply apparatus failure handling method according to claim 8, wherein a plurality of the power supply groups exist, and the number of the power supply units included in the power supply group is set for each power supply group.

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