JP6073611B2

JP6073611B2 - Power supply device and failure handling method thereof

Info

Publication number: JP6073611B2
Application number: JP2012199711A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 金明国見; 智幸金子
Original assignee: NEC Communication Systems Ltd
Current assignee: NEC Communication Systems Ltd
Priority date: 2012-09-11
Filing date: 2012-09-11
Publication date: 2017-02-01
Anticipated expiration: 2032-09-11
Also published as: JP2014056336A

Description

本発明は、電源装置に関する技術であり、特に定電流電源を用いた電源装置およびその障害対応方法に関するものである。 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.

情報通信社会の発展とともに通信システムや、金融や行政システム、医療分野など社会的に重要性の高いシステムにおいて、構成する各装置を安定して稼働させることが重要となっている。また、広く社会的に重要性の高い分野だけでなく、オフィスや工場などで用いられる情報通信機器や各装置についても安定稼働させる必要性は高い。各装置を安定して稼働させる上で各装置への電源供給の信頼性も重要な要素の１つであり、電源装置の信頼性への要求が高くなっている。 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.

電源装置の信頼性を向上させるためには、電流や電圧を安定的に供給することや障害の発生がないことが重要である。また、障害が発生したときにその影響をできる限り小さく抑えることも重要である。このような背景もあり、電源装置の信頼性の向上に関する様々な技術開発が盛んに行われている。各装置に用いられる電源装置に関する技術としては、例えば、特許文献１で開示されているような技術がある。 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.

特許文献１は定電流電源を用いて発光ダイオードに電源を供給する電源装置に関するものである。特許文献１の電源装置は、電源供給先となる直列に接続された発光ダイオードを、例えば２つなどの複数のブロックに分けている。発光ダイオードの各々のブロックには、各ブロックの電圧等の異常を検出する回路と、各ブロックに並列に接続されたスイッチ素子が備えられている。特許文献１の電源装置では発光ダイオードの各ブロックのうちある１つで異常が発生したとき、異常の発生したブロックのスイッチ素子を電流が流れる状態にする。また、同時に他のブロックのスイッチ素子を電流が流れない状態とし、電流が流れない状態としたブロックの発光ダイオードの点灯または輝度の向上を行っている。その結果、異常が発生したブロックの分を他のブロックで補うことができ全体の明るさや色温度のバランスを維持できるとしている。 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.

また、特許文献２には次のような電源装置が開示されている。特許文献２の電源装置は定電流電源と直列に接続された複数の外部への供給用の電源とを備えている。外部への供給用の電源の運転台数により、出力電流や電圧が変動するのを抑えるため、定電流電源と電源との間の回路に付加電圧源を備えている。特許文献２の電源装置では、電源への入力電圧を測定しその値を基に付加電圧源を制御することにより安定した出力電流や電圧が得られるとしている。 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.

特開２０１２−４２４０号公報JP 2012-4240 A 特開２００２−１８２７５４号公報JP 2002-182754 A

しかしながら、特許文献１に開示された技術には次のような課題がある。特許文献１の技術は直列に接続した複数ブロックからなる発光ダイオードに異常が発生したときの対応に関するものである。電源装置は異常が発生した発生した箇所に電流を流さず、他のブロックを利用して見た目としての影響を抑制している。特許文献１では、外部の装置に対して電源を供給するための装置として使用する場合などについては開示されていない。また、障害が発生した際に各ブロック間で相互に補い全体で一体化して効果を出す技術であり、外部の装置への電源供給源として使用するときの技術として用いることはできない。 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.

特許文献２の電源装置は１台の電源に障害が発生した際に、障害の発生していない他の電源からの電源供給も行えなくなる。よって、電源装置としての信頼性が十分ではない。 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.

本発明では、外部装置への電源供給源としての機能を有し、各電源供給源に障害が発生した際の全体への影響が小さく信頼性の高い電源装置を得ることを目的としている。 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.

上記の課題を解決するため、本実施形態の電源装置は、複数の電源部と、検出手段と、切替手段とを備えている。 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.

電源部は直列に電流が供給されるように接続されている。検出手段は電源部ごとに備えられ、電源部の異常の有無を検出する。切替手段は、電源部ごとに電源部と並列に接続されて備えられており、検出手段により検出された電源部の異常の有無により電流の導通の有無を切り替えられる。また、切替手段は、検出手段によって電源部の異常が検出された場合に、電流が導通する状態に切り替えられる。切替手段は電流が導通状態であるとき、検出部により異常が検出された電源部に直列に接続された次の電源部または切替手段へ電流を送る。 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.

本発明では、電源部ごとに異常の有無を検出し、異常がある場合には異常のある電源部を通らない経路で下流の電源部へと電流を送っている。よって、異常のある電源部が他の電源部に及ぼす影響を低く抑えることができる。そのため、ある電源部に障害が生じた際も、他の正常な電源装置は外部装置への電源供給を行うことができる。その結果、本発明の電源装置では電源部に異常が発生した際に、電源装置全体として障害が発生することはなく、信頼性の高い電源供給が可能となる。 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.

本発明の第１の実施形態の構成の概要を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of a structure of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 本発明の第１の実施形態の動作の例を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the example of operation | movement of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 本発明の第１の実施形態のフローの概要を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of the flow of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 本発明の第２の実施形態の構成の概要を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of a structure of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. 本発明の第２の実施形態の動作の例を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the example of operation | movement of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. 本発明の第２の実施形態の動作の例を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the example of operation | movement of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. 本発明の第２の実施形態のフローの概要を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of the flow of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. 本発明の第３の実施形態の構成の概要を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of a structure of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. 本発明の第４の実施形態の構成の概要を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of a structure of the 4th Embodiment of this invention.

本発明の第１の実施形態について図１を参照して詳細に説明する。図１は本実施形態の電源装置の構成の概要を示したものである。本実施形態の電源装置は、定電流電源１１と、切替部１２と、検出部１３と、電源部１４とを備えている。電源部１４は複数備えられており、電源部１４ごとに切替部１２と検出部１３が１つずつ備えられている。また、電源部１４から装置システム６０へ電源が供給されている。 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.

定電流電源１１は、外部電源から出力電流が一定の直流電流を生成して出力する機能を有する。外部電源は交流電源と直流電源との場合があるが、交流電源の場合には直流に変換される。また、出力電流の設定値が可変の定電流電源１１が用いられることもある。 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.

切替部１２はスイッチ機能を有しており、検出部１３からの信号に応じて電流を流す状態（オン状態）と遮断する状態（オフ状態）とに切り替えることができる。 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.

検出部１３は電源部１４の入力部の電位を計測する機能を有する検出回路を備えている。電源部１４の入力部の電位は接地された状態を基準電位として測定される。検出部１３は電源部１４に異常が発生し、電源部１４の回路がオープン状態、すなわちインピーダンスが無限大となったことを検出したときに、切替部１２に対してオン状態とする信号を送る。また、検出部１３は、電源回路１４の電位が正常であるときは、切替部１２に対してオフ状態とする信号を送る。 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.

電源部１４は定電流電源１１からの電流を元に、装置システム６０に電源を供給する電源機能を有している。電源部１４は複数備えられおり、電源部１４は直列接続された状態で定電流電源１１からの電流が流れる構成となっている。また、電源部１４は異常が発生した際に、電源部１４の内部回路を電流が導通しない状態にする保護機能を有している。電源部１４の内部回路は異常が発生した際にはオープン状態、すなわちインピーダンス無限大の状態となる。電源部１４の内部回路の保護機能により電流が流れない状態となったとき、定電流電源１１による電流を維持しようとする働きのため、入力部の電位が一時的に高い状態となる。計測した電位が所定の範囲から外れた場合に、検出部１３は電源部１４の異常を検出する。 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.

装置ユニット６０は本発明の各実施形態の電源装置から電源の供給を受けて稼働する外部の装置である。装置ユニット６０は、例えば情報装置や通信用の伝送装置などのことをいう。 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.

本実施形態の電源装置の通常運用時の動作について説明する。外部電源から電力の供給を受けた定電流電源１１は出力電流が一定となるように出力を行う。定電流電源１１から出力された電流は回路を通り、図１で最上部に示した１段目の電源部１４へと入力される。図１で示した最上段の電源部１４を１段目の電源部１４とよび、１段目の電源部１４に直列に接続された次の電源部１４を２段目の電源部１４とよぶこととする。２段目以降に直列に接続された電源部１４も、順次、数字を増やして同様のよび方とする。また、切替部１２および検出部１３についても、同様のよび方とする。例えば、１段目の電源部１４に備えられた切替部１２、検出部１３は、それぞれ１段目の切替部１２、１段目の検出部１３とよぶこととする。また、他の図面を参照した説明や、他の実施形態の説明においても同様のよび方をする。 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.

１段目の電源部１４へ電流が入力されると、１段目の検出部１３は、１段目の電源部１４の電位の測定を行う。１段目の検出部１３は測定した電位が所定の範囲内であり１段目の電源部１４が正常と判断したときは、１段目の切替部１２へスイッチ機能をオフ状態とする信号を送る。電流が入力され正常に動作している１段目の電源部１４は装置システム６０へ電源を供給する。 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.

１段目の電源部１４から再び回路側へと出力された電流は図１の上部から２番目に示す２段目の電源部１４へと入力される。その際に、２段目の検出部１３は２段目の電源部１４に入力される電位の測定を行う。２段目の検出部１３は測定した電位が所定の範囲内であり２段目の電源部１４が正常と判断したときは、２段目の切替部１２へスイッチ機能をオフ状態とする信号を送る。電流が入力された２段目の電源部１４は装置システム６０へ電力を供給する。また、２段目の電源部１４からは再び、回路へ電流が出力される。 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.

電源装置がｎ個の切替部１２、検出部１３および電源部１４とで構成されている場合は、ｎ段目まで上記の動作が繰り返される。ｎ段目の電源部１４から回路へ出力される電流は定電流電源１１へと戻る。 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.

次に電源部１４のうちの１台に異常が発生した場合の動作について説明する。１段目の電源部１４で異常が発生したとする。１段目の電源部１４は異常が発生すると保護機能により、オープン状態となる。１段目の検出部１３は電源部１４の電位の計測を行い、電位が所定の範囲内かを判断する。１段目の検出部１３は１段目の電源部１４の電位の変動から異常を検知すると、１段目の切替部１２にスイッチ機能をオン状態とする信号を送る。１段目の切替部１２は、スイッチ機能をオン状態とする信号を受信すると、スイッチ機能を切り替えて電流を通す設定とする。このときの、スイッチ状態を図２に模式的に示した。図２では１段目の切替部１２のスイッチがオン状態、すなわち電流が流れる状態となっている。図２のように１段目の切替部１２がオン状態となると、通常時は１段目の電源部１４を経由して、２段目の電源部１４へと送られていた電流の経路が、１段目の切替部１２を経由して、２段目の電源部１４へと送られる経路へと変わる。すなわち、異常の発生している１段目の電源部１４を通らずに、２段目の電源部１４以降の電源部１４に対して電流が供給される。２段目の電源部１４以降の動作は１段目の電源部１４が正常に動作しているときと同様である。 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.

他の電源部１４で異常が発生した際も、１段目の場合と同様に異常が発生した段の検出部１３で電位の変動が検出され、異常が発生した段の切替部１２を経由する。各段でのフローの概要を図３に示した。各段の検出部１３は電源部１４の電位を計測する（ステップ１０１）。検出部１３は電位の計測を行うと、電位が所定の範囲内か判断する（ステップ１０２）。検出部１３は電源部１４の電位が所定の範囲内と判断すると（ステップ１０２でＹｅｓ）、切替部１２のスイッチをオフ状態とする信号を送る（ステップ１０３）。切替部１３のスイッチがオフ状態のとき、その段において電流は電源部１４を通る経路で流れる。このとき、該当する段の電源部１４から装置システム６０へ電源が供給される。また、ステップ１０２でＮｏと判断されたとき、検出部１３は切替部１２のスイッチをオン状態とする信号を送る（ステップ１０４）。切替部１２のスイッチがオン状態になると、その段では切替部１２を通る経路で電流が流れる。このとき、電源部１４に異常が発生しており、また、電流が切替部１２を流れるので電源部１４から電源は供給されない。以上のように動作する結果、異常が発生した段の電源部１４を通らずに、次の段以降の正常動作をしている電源部１４に電流が供給される。ある電源部１４で異常が発生したときに切替部１２を通る電流経路に変更して電源部１４を通さないことにより、他の電源部１４では装置システム６０への電源供給を継続することができる。よって、複数台備えられた電源部１４の一部に異常が発生した際に、電源装置全体で障害が発生することをさけることができる。 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 since current flows through the switching unit 12, no power is supplied from the power supply unit 14. 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.

本実施形態の電源装置では、電源部ごとに電位を測定して異常の有無を判断し、異常がある場合には異常のある電源部を通らない経路で下流の電源部へと電流を送っている。よって、異常のある電源部が他の電源部に及ぼす影響を低く抑えることができる。そのため、ある電源部に異常が生じた際も、他の正常な電源装置は外部装置への電源供給を行うことができる。よって、本実施形態の電源装置では電源部に異常が発生した際に電源装置全体として障害が発生することはなく、信頼性の高い電源供給が可能となる。 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.

本発明の第２の実施形態について図４を参照して詳細に説明する。図４は本実施形態の電源装置の構成の概要を示したものである。第１の実施形態の電源装置では電源部で異常が生じた際に、異常が生じた電源のみを電流の経路から除外した。本実施形態では、さらに電源部を複数台ごとのグループに分けて管理を行う。 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.

本実施形態の電源装置は定電流電源２１と、複数の電源群３０とからなる。また、電源群３０から装置システム６０へと電源が供給される。 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.

電源群３０は複数の電源部２４を備え、電源部２４と同数の第１の切替部２２および検出部２３を備える。電源部２４は直列に接続されており、ある電源群３０の最下流の電源部２４と次の電源群３０の最上流の電源部２４も直列に接続されている。また、電源群３０は多数決回路２５と第２の切替部２６とを備える。図４は各電源群３０が３台の電源部２４と、電源部２４と同数の第１の切替部２２と検出部２３とを備えている例を示した。各電源群３０が備える電源部２４の数は２台でもよく、また、３台よりも多くてもよい。 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.

定電流電源２１および電源部２４には第１の実施形態の同一名称の部位と構成および機能が同様のものを用いる。第１の切替部２２には、第１の実施形態の切替部と同様の構成および機能のものを用いる。検出部２３には第１の実施形態の検出部と同様の機能を有するものを用いる。また、検出部２３は第１の切替部２２と同時に多数決回路２５へもスイッチをオン状態またはオフ状態とする信号を送る機能を有する。 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.

多数決回路２５は、所定の数以上の検出部２３からオン状態とする信号が送られてきたときに、第２の切替部２６にオン状態とする信号を送信する機能を有する。例えば、本実施形態の電源群３０を３台の電源部２４で構成した場合には２つ以上の検出部２２からオン状態とする信号が出力されたときに、多数決回路２５は第２の切替部２６へオン状態とする信号を送る。所定の数は、例えば、その数以上の台数の電源部２４に異常が発生すると電源群３０が対応する装置システム６０の稼働を維持できない数として設定することができる。 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.

第２の切替部２６は第１の切替部２２と同様に電流のスイッチ機能を有しており、多数決回路２５からの信号に応じて電流を流す状態（オン状態）と遮断する状態（オフ状態）とに切り替える機能を有する。 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.

電源部２４に異常が発生していない通常時の動作について説明する。外部電源から電力の供給を受けた定電流電源２１は出力電流が一定となるように出力を行う。定電流電源２１から出力された電流は回路を通り、図４で最上部に示した１ブロックの１段目の電源部２４へと入力される。図４で最上部に示した電源群３０を１ブロックとよぶこととする。また、１段目の電源群３０の次に接続されている電源群を２ブロックとよび、以降は順次、数字をつけてよぶこととする。 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.

１ブロックの１段目の電源部２４に電流が入力されると、１段目の検出部２３は、電源部２４の電位の測定を行う。１段目の検出部２３は測定した電位が所定の範囲内であり電源部１４が正常と判断したときは、１段目の第１の切替部２２へスイッチ機能をオフ状態とする信号を送る。また、１段目の検出部２３は１ブロックの多数決回路２５へもオフ状態とする信号を送る。電流が入力された１段目の電源部２４は装置システム６０へ電力を供給する。 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.

電源部２４から再び回路側へと出力された電流は２段目の電源部２４へと入力される。その際に、２段目の検出部２３は２段目の電源部２４の電位の測定を行う。２段目の検出部２３は測定した電位が所定の範囲内であり２段目の電源部２４が正常と判断したときは、２段目の第１の切替部２２へスイッチ機能をオフ状態とする信号を送る。また、２段目の検出部２３は１ブロックの多数決回路２５へもオフ状態とする信号を送る。電流が入力された２段目の電源部２４は装置システム６０へ電源を供給する。２段目の電源部２４から再び回路側へと出力された電流は、３段目の電源部２４へと入力される。３段目の電源部２４でも１段目や２段目と同様の動作が行われ、３段目の電源部２４から電流が回路に再び出力される。１ブロックの３段目の電源部２４から出力された電流は、次のブロックの１段目の電源部２４に入力される。 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.

電源装置がｍ個の電源群３０で構成されていて、電源群３０が１ブロックからｍブロックまでであるとき、上記の動作がｍブロックの３段目まで繰り返される。ｍブロックの３段目の電源部２４からの電流は定電流電源２１へと戻る。電源部２４が全て正常動作をしている場合には、全ての電源群３０において第２の切替部２６は全てオフ状態であり、第２の切替部２６を通る経路には電流は流れない。 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.

本実施形態の電源装置において１台の電源部２４に異常が発生した場合について説明する。電源群３０の１ブロックの２段目の電源部２４で障害が発生したとして説明する。定電流電源２１から出力された電流は１ブロック目の１段目の電源２４へと入力される。１ブロックの１段目の電源部２４は正常であるから、１段目の検出部２３での電位は所定の範囲内となる。よって、１段目の検出部２３は１段目の第１の切替部２２に対してオフ状態とする信号を送る。１段目の第１の切替部２２は１段目の検出部２２からオフ状態とする信号を受けると、オフ状態、すなわちスイッチが開いていて電流が流れない状態を維持する。また、１段目の検出部は１ブロックの多数決回路２５へオフ状態とする信号を送る。１段目の電源部２４は正常であるので、電流が供給されている場合には、１段目の電源部２４は装置システム６０に電源の供給を行う。 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.

１ブロックの１段目の電源部２４から回路に戻った電流は、２段目の電源部２４へと入力される。２段目の電源部２４は異常が発生しているため内部回路はオープン状態、すなわちインピーダンスは無限大となっている。２段目の検出部２３は、２段目の電源部２４の電位が所定の値の範囲外となっていて異常が発生していることを検出する。２段目の検出部２３は２段目の電源部２４での異常を検出すると、２段目の第１の切替器２２をオン状態にする信号を送る。また、２段目の検出部２２は多数決回路２５に対しても、オン状態にする信号を送る。２段目の電源部２４では異常が発生しているので、２段目の電源部２４から装置システム６０への電源の供給は行われない。 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.

２段目の第１の切替部２２が２段目の検出部２３からオン状態にする信号を受けると、２段目の第１の切替部２２はオン状態、すなわち電流が流れる状態にスイッチの切り替えが行われる。２段目の第１の切替部２２のスイッチがオン状態になると、１段目の電源部２４から出力された電流は、２段目の第１の切替部２２を通り、３段目の電源部２４へと入力される。 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.

１ブロックの３段目の電源部２４に電流が入力され際に、３段目の検出部２２は３段目の電源部２４の電位の検出を行う。３段目の電源部２４が正常に稼働しているとすると、３段目の検出部２２は所定の範囲内の電位を検出する。３段目の検出部２２は、３段目の電源部２４の電位が所定の範囲内であることを検出すると、３段目の第１の切替部２２および多数決回路２５にオフ状態とする信号を送る。３段目の第１の切替部２２はオフ状態とする信号を３段目の検出部２２から受信すると、オフ状態、すなわち電流が流れない状態を維持する。３段目の電源部２４は正常であるので、３段目の電源部２４は装置システム６０に電力供給を行う。３段目の電源部２４から回路へ出力される電流は、次のブロックの１段目の電源部２４へと入力される。このときの回路の状態を図５に模式的に示した。図４では１ブロックの２段目の第１の切替部２２がオン状態となっている。他の段の第１の切替部２２および第２の切替部２６はオフ状態である。 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.

以降、電源部２４が正常に動作している場合と同様にｍブロックの３段目の電源部２４まで電流が送られ、各々の電源部２４から装置システム６０に電源が供給される。また、ｍブロックの３段目の電源部２４から回路へ出力される電流は定電流電源２１へと戻る。 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.

１ブロックの多数決回路２５は１段目の検出部２３からオフ状態、２段目の検出部２３からオン状態、３段目の検出部２３からオフ状態の信号を受信する。本実施形態では２つ以上の電源部２４で異常が発生したとき、すなわち２つ以上の検出部２３からオン状態の信号を受けた時に、第２の切替器２６をオン状態とする設定とした。よって、検出部２３からの信号は２つがオフ状態、１つがオン状態なので、多数決回路２５は第２の切替部２６にオフ状態とする信号を送る。第２の切替部２２は、多数決回路２５からオフ状態とする信号を受けると、オフ状態、すなわち電流が流れない状態を維持する。よって、定電流電源２１から１ブロック目の電源群３０に入力された電流は、１段目の電源部２４、２段目の第１の切替部２２および３段目の電源部２４を通って、２ブロック目の電源群３０に入力される。 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.

次に同じ電源群３０において２台の電源部２４に異常が発生した場合について説明する。電源群３０のうち１ブロックの１段目および３段目の電源部２４に異常が発生したとする。
定電流電源２１から出力された電流は１ブロック目の１段目の電源部２４の入力部への経路を進む。いま、１ブロックの１段目の電源部２４は異常が発生している状態であるから、
１段目の電源部２４の内部回路はオープン状態となっており、電源部２４には電流が流れない。このとき、１段目の検出部２３は電源部２４の電位が所定の値の範囲外にあり異常が発生していることを検出する。１段目の検出部２３は１段目の電源部２４の異常を検出すると、１ブロックの多数決回路２５および１段目の第１の切替部２２にオン状態とする信号を送る。１段目の第１の切替部２２はオン状態とする信号を１段目の検出部２３から受けると、スイッチを切り替えて第１の切替部２２を電流が通過する状態とする。 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.

定電流電源２１から電源群３０の１ブロックへと進んだ電流は第１の切替部２２を通り、２段目の電源部２４の入力部への経路を進む。１段目の電源部２４がオープン状態であり、電流は１段目の第１の切替部２２の経路と通るため、電流は１段目の電源部２４は経由しない。電流は２段目の電源部２４への入力部への経路を進むと、２段目の電源部２４が正常稼働しているので、電流は２段目の電源部２４へと入力される。このとき、２段目の検出部２３は、２段目の電源部２４での電位を計測する。２段目の電源部２４は正常であるので、２段目の検出部２３は所定の範囲の電位を検出する。検出した電位が所定の範囲内であるので、２段目の検出部２３は１ブロックの多数決回路２５および２段目の第１の切替部２２にオフ状態とする信号を送る。２段目の第１の切替部２２は２段目の検出部２２からオフ状態とする信号を受信すると、スイッチをオフ状態、すなわち電流を流さない状態とする。２段目の電源部２４から回路側へ出力された電流は３段目の電源部２４へと進む。 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.

３段目の電源部２４は異常が発生しているので、３段目の検出部２３は３段目の電源部２４の電位が所定の値の範囲外であることを検出する。３段目の検出部２３は３段目の電源部２４の電位が所定の値の範囲外であることを検出すると、１ブロックの多数決回路２５および３段目の第１の切替部２２にオン状態とする信号を送る。３段目の第１の切替部２２は３段目の検出部２３からオン状態とする信号を受けると、スイッチを切り替えて電流が流れる状態とする。３段目の第１の切替部２２のスイッチがオン状態となると、１ブロックの電源群３０に入力された電流は１段目の第１の切替部２２、２段目の電源部２４および３段目の第１の切替部２２を通るようになる。 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.

多数決回路２５は１段目の第１の切替部２２からオン状態、２段目からオフ状態、３段目からオン状態とする信号を受ける。このとき多数決回路２５は第２の切替部２６に対しオン状態とする信号を送る。第２の切替部２６はオン状態とする信号を受けると、スイッチを切り替えて電流が流れる状態とする。このときの、１ブロックの第１の切替部２２、第２の切替部２６の状態を図６に模式的に示した。図６に示したように、第１の切替部２２の１段目と３段目のスイッチがオフ状態、第２の切替部２６がオン状態となっている。多数決回路２５は第２の切替部２６をオン状態とすると判断したとき、各段の検出部２３を介して、各段の第１の切替部２２を全てオフ状態することもある。電源群３０の1ブロックに入力された電流は第２の切替部２６の経路を通って、次の電源群３０へと進む。すなわち、1ブロックに入力された電流は、各段の第1の切替部２や電源部２４を通過しない。よって、1ブロックのいずれの電源部２４からも装置システム６０へ電源は供給されない。 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.

1ブロックの次の電源群３０に入力された電流は1段目の電源部２４へと入力される。電源群３０の次のブロックへと進んだときも、１ブロックと同様に次のブロックでも、異常が発生した電源部２４の数により電流の経路が切り替えられる。このときのフローの概略を図７に示した。電源群３０の各段の電源部２４において、検出部２３は電源部２４の電位を測定する（ステップ１１１）。検出部２３により電位が所定の範囲と判断されると（ステップ１１２でＹｅｓ）、第１の切替部２３のスイッチはオフ状態に設定される（ステップ１１３）。また、ステップ１１２でＮｏと判断されると、第１の切替部のスイッチはオン状態に設定される（ステップ１１４）。次に多数決回路２５において各検出部２３からの信号に基づいて、障害の発生した電源部２４が所定の数以下かの判断が行われる（ステップ１１５）。異常の発生した電源部２４の数が所定の数以下であるとき（ステップ１１５でＹｅｓ）、第２の切替部２６のスイッチはオフ状態として設定される（ステップ１１６）。このとき、この電源群３０では正常箇所では電源部２４を電流が流れ、異常発生個所では第１の切替部２２を電流が流れる。そのため、正常な電源部２４から装置システム６０へ電源の供給が行われる。ステップ１１５でＮｏと判断されると、第２の切替部２６のスイッチはオン状態として設定される（ステップ１１７）。第２の切替部２６のスイッチがオン状態になると、電流は第２の切替部２６を通る経路で流れる。よって、異常が発生していない電源部２４を含め、電源部２４から電源は供給されない。 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 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.

電源群３０がｍ個のブロックで構成されているとき、上記の動作がｍブロックの最後の段まで繰り返される。ｍブロックの最後の段から出力される電流は定電流電源２１へと戻る。 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.

本実施形態のように電源部２４ごとに備えられた第１の切替部２２と電源群３０ごとに備えられた第２の切替部２６とを用いることにより、電源装置３０の信頼性がより向上する。例えば、ある電源部２４でその電源部２４に備えられた検出部２３に異常が発生した際に、後段の電源部２４に電流が流れなくなったとする。そのとき、後段の検出部２４が異常が発生したと検知し多数決回路２５へとオン状態とする信号を送る。後段以降の検出部２４からは全てオン状態とする信号が送られてくるため、多数決回路２５において第２の切替部２６をオン状態とする判断される可能性が高い。そのとき、異常が発生した電源部２４が含まれる電源群３０では第２の切替部２６を通る経路で電流が流れる。よって、各段ごとに異常が発生したことが検知できなかった場合においても、電源装置全体として障害が発生することを避けることができるため、電源装置の信頼性が向上する。 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.

本実施形態では電源群３０が３つの電源部２４で構成されている例を示したが、３つに限定されるわけではなく、２つまたは4つ以上の電源部２４で構成されていてもよい。そのとき、各ブロックに含まれる電源部２４の数が同数でなくてもよい。 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.

本実施形態の電源装置では、電源部ごとに電位を測定して異常の有無を判断し、さらに複数の電源部を電源群として監視している。１つの電源群の中で所定の数よりも異常の発生した電源部の数が多くなったときは、電源群を迂回する経路で電流が下流の電源部等へと送られる。このような構成とすることにより、電源部ごとの監視機能に障害があった際に、異常のあった電源部を迂回できずに電源装置全体の電源部からの電源供給が行われなくなることを避けることができる。そのため、電源部ごとのみを監視する構成の電源装置に比べてより信頼性が向上している。 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.

本発明の第３の実施形態について図８を参照して詳細に説明する。図８は第３の実施形態の電源装置の構成の概要を示したものである。第1の実施形態では各電源部の異常の対応は個別に実施された。また、第２の実施形態では異常の発生した際の対応は各電源部での個別の対応と複数の電源部ごとでの対応との組み合せにより実施された。本実施形態の電源装置では、個別に管理される電源部と複数での管理も行われる電源部とが併存する形で備えられている。 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.

本実施形態の電源装置は定電流電源４１と、切替部４２と、検出部４３と、電源部４４と、電源群５０とを備えている。電源群５０は第１の切替部５２と、検出部５３と、電源部５４と、多数決回路５５と、第２の切替部５６とを備えている。電源群５０には複数の電源部５４が備えられていて、電源部５４ごとに第１の切替部５２と検出部５３が備えられている。電源部４４についても、電源部４４ごとに切替部４２と検出部４３が備えられている。また、電源部４４および電源群５０の電源部５４から、装置システム６０へ電源が供給される。 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.

本実施形態の電源装置の電源部４４、切替部４２および検出部４３の組の数は単数でもよく、また複数でもよい。電源群５０の数も単数でもよく、複数でもよい。電源群５０に含まれる電源部５４、第１の切替部５２および検出部５３の組の数は電源群５０ごとに異なっていてもよく、すべての電源群５０で同数でもよい。これらの数は電源の供給先の装置システム６０を含めた全体の設計に応じて設定することができる。 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.

電源部４４と電源群５０の電源部５４は直列に接続されているが、このとき、図８に示すように電源部４４が複数設置されたあとに電源部５４を含む電源群５０が設置される構成とすることができる。また、電源部４４が単数または複数接続された後に、電源群５０の電源部５４が接続され、さらに電源部４４が接続される形としてもよく、電源装置や装置システム６０などの設計に応じた構成とすることもできる。 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.

定電流電源４１、切替部４２、検出部４３、電源部４４は第１の実施形態の同一名称の部位と同様の構成および機能を有するものを用いることができる。また、第１の切替部５２と、検出部５３と、電源部５４と、多数決回路５５及び第２の切替部５６は、第２の実施形態の同一名称の部位と同様の構成および機能のものを用いることができる。 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.

本実施形態では定電流電源４１からの電流が電源部４４、切替部４２および検出部４３で構成されている部分に入力されたときには、第１の実施形態と同様の方法で動作する。すなわち、電源部４４が正常である場合は電源部４４を通る経路で、電源部４４に異常が発生している場合は切替部４２を通る経路で下流へと電流が送られる。また、電源部４４が正常であるところでは、装置システム６０への電源の供給が行われる。電流が電源群５０へと入力されたときには、第２の実施形態と同様の方法で動作する。すなわち、電源部５４が正常であるときには電源部５４を電流が流る経路で、電源部５４に障害が発生しているときには第１の切替部５２を電流が流れる経路で下流へと電流が送られる。また、１つの電源群５０の中に含まれる電源部５４のうち所定の数以上で異常が発生したときには、電流は第２の切替部５６を流れ、電源部５４や第１の切替部５２の経路を通らない。よって、ある電源部５４から装置システム６０に電源が供給されるのは、その電源部５４が正常で、かつ、電源群５０内で異常の発生している電源部５４の数が所定の数未満のときとなる。 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.

本実施形態の電源装置では、第２の実施形態と同様に電源部ごとの異常の検出機能に障害が発生したときに、一定範囲の電源群を迂回するため電源装置全体からの電源供給が停止することを避けることができる。その結果、信頼性が向上している。また、供給先の装置に応じて、管理する電源部の数を変えることにより、効率的に電源部の管理を行いつつ信頼性の向上の効果を得ることができる。 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.

第１から第３の実施形態において、電源部ごとに検出部を備える構成を示したが検出部は複数の電源部からの入力が１つの素子で形成された検出部で行われ、各切替部または各第１の切替部に信号が送られる構成としてもよい。また、第２および第３の実施形態においては多数決回路と検出部を一体のものとし、電位の検出、スイッチ切り替えの判断、第１の切替部および第２の切替部への信号の送信を同一素子で行う構成としてもよい。 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.

本発明の第４の実施形態について図９を参照して詳細に説明する。図９は本実施形態の電源装置の構成の概要を示したものである。本実施形態の電源装置は、複数の電源部７１と、検出手段７２と、第１の切替手段７３とを備えている。 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.

電源部７１は直列に電流が供給されるように接続されている。検出手段７２は電源部７１ごとに備えられ、電源部の異常の有無を検出する。第１の切替手段７３は、電源部７１ごとに電源部７１と並列に接続されて備えられており、検出手段７２により検出された電源部７１の異常の有無により電流の導通の有無を切り替えられる。また、第１の切替手段７３は、検出手段７２によって電源部７１の異常が検出された場合に、電流が導通する状態に切り替えられる。第１の切替手段７３は電流が導通状態であるとき、検出部７２により異常が検出された電源部７１に直列に接続された次の電源部７１または第１の切替手段７３へ電流を送る。 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.

本実施形態の電源装置では、電源部ごとに異常の有無を検出し、異常がある場合には異常のある電源部を通らない経路で下流の電源部へと電流を送っている。よって、異常のある電源部が他の電源部に及ぼす影響を低く抑えることができる。そのため、ある電源部に障害が生じた際も、他の正常な電源装置は外部装置への電源供給を行うことができる。その結果、本発明の電源装置では電源部に異常が発生した際に、電源装置全体として障害が発生することはなく、信頼性の高い電源供給が可能となる。 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.

本発明は、電源供給の安定性の要求が高い分野において特に有用である。例えば、通信システム、公共システム、医療分野などで用いられる各装置へ電源を供給する電源装置として利用することができる。 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.

１１定電流電源
１２切替部
１３検出部
１４電源部
２１定電流電源
２２第１の切替部
２３検出部
２４電源部
２５多数決回路
２６第２の切替部
３０電源群
４１定電流電源
４２切替部
４３検出部
４４電源部
５０電源群
５２第１の切替部
５３検出部
５４電源部
５５多数決回路
５６第２の切替部
６０装置システム
７１電源部
７２検出手段
７３第１の切替手段
１０１−１０４異常検出の各ステップ
１１１−１１７異常検出の各ステップ 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

A plurality of power supply units that are connected so that current is supplied in series, and that are open when an abnormality occurs,
A detection unit provided for each power supply unit, measuring the potential of the power supply unit, and detecting an abnormality of the power supply unit when the value of the measured potential is outside a predetermined value range set in advance;
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 unit is switched to a state in which a current is conducted when an abnormality of the power supply unit is detected by the detection unit , 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.

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;
2. The power supply device 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.

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 3. The power supply device according to Item 2.

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 4. The power supply device according to Item 2 or 3.

The number of the said power supply parts contained in the said power supply group provided with two or more said 2nd switching means and paralleling with the said 2nd switching means changes with said power supply groups. The power supply device described in 1.

Supply current to multiple power supply units that are connected in series and open when an abnormality occurs.
Measure the potential for each power supply unit, detect the abnormality of the power supply unit when the value of the measured potential is outside a predetermined value range,
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 supply units that are connected in series and open when an abnormality occurs.
Measure the potential for each power supply unit, detect the abnormality of the power supply unit when the value of the measured potential is outside a predetermined value range,
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 7, 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 7, 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.