JPH10271671A - Vehicle feeding device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a highly reliable vehicle feeding device which needs a reduced number of feeders, is durable against a fault, can exclude the fault and can continue feeding. SOLUTION: A vehicle feeding device has a main power supply distributor 1 and sub power supply distributors 3, 4 and 5 which are connected to the main power supply distributor 1 with feeding lines 100 and transmission lines 200. For instance, the sub power supply distributor 3 is operated by the power fed through a feeder 101, and has a control unit 30 which drives relay switches 32 and 33. Normally, the power is fed to the loads L and control units 30, 40 and 50 of the sub power supply distributors 3, 4 and 5 from a battery 18. If a fault point X is detected by current monitors 34, 44 and 54, a relay switch 53 and a relay switch 42 are opened to exclude the fault point X. On the other hand, a relay switch 43 is closed to establish the detour of the feeding lines 100.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a power supply device for a vehicle for supplying power to various electric components, devices, and devices mounted on a vehicle. The present invention relates to a power supply device for a vehicle, which is capable of quickly removing a failure and capable of continuing to supply power to electrical components even if a failure occurs.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Recently, computerization of vehicles has been rapidly progressing. Vehicles, for example, various types of passenger cars, are required to improve the fuel efficiency of main equipment (hereinafter referred to as main engine) essential for operation such as an internal combustion engine and an automatic transmission, reduce exhaust gas, run smoothly, and drive safely. Electronic control using electronic circuits and devices including computers has been promoted. In addition, the instrumentation of the front panel is replaced with an electronic display device, for example, a color liquid crystal display device, so that the operation state of the vehicle can be more easily recognized and various information of the vehicle can be provided in various forms. Have also been tried.
Furthermore, further improvement of the ride comfort of vehicles as a means of transportation,
There has been a high demand for not only a mere means of transportation but also the use of a vehicle as a living space, aiming to improve convenience, and not only the main engine, but also air conditioners, position assessment and operation guidance devices using GPSS, automatic seat adjustment devices, Power windows, wipers, door locks, various lamps, radio, C
The mounting of auxiliary devices and devices (hereinafter, auxiliary devices) such as D, TV devices, and entertainment facilities is increasing, and their electronic control is progressing.

As described above, as the electrical components, the main engine, and the auxiliary equipment mounted on the vehicle are electronically controlled, the electric components, the main engine, and the auxiliary equipment themselves are electrically driven, and the main engine is increased. Various electronic devices are mounted on a vehicle for electronic control of auxiliary equipment. Therefore, for the above devices and devices mounted on the main engine, power transmission in a vehicle and signal transmission for operating an electronic control device have become important.

However, in power supply and signal transmission in a vehicle, a power supply line and a signal line (wire harness) pass through a rotating part such as a door, pass through a moving part, fit into a narrow part, or are screwed. Because it may stop at a location or pass through a high-temperature and high-humidity area, the possibility of disconnection or short-circuit due to deterioration, breakage, or the like is higher than that of ordinary indoor wiring. Since it is a problem that the main engine or the auxiliary machine does not operate normally due to breakage or short circuit of the power supply line or the signal line, various measures have been proposed.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. Sho 60-193746 discloses that a current sensor and a circuit breaker are provided in a wire harness between a power supply and a load of a vehicle, and a unit current flowing from the power supply to a load such as an electrical component when the vehicle is stopped. It is disclosed that an abnormal state is detected by detecting a load, and when it is determined that the load is abnormal, the circuit breaker is driven to disconnect the load from the power supply. However, this method has a disadvantage that it is applied only to an abnormal state when the vehicle is stopped, and cannot be applied while the vehicle is running. It is relatively easy to detect an abnormality while the vehicle is stopped, but since the state of the load changes according to the traveling state, there is a limit in applying this technique to a traveling vehicle. Even if this technology is applied to a running vehicle, it is not always necessary to disconnect the load from the power supply.

As an example of a conventional vehicle power supply device, a power supply line protected by a fuse or fusible link power supply (power supply) line protection element according to a subsystem is connected to an electrical component, and the power supply line is connected to the power supply line. In the case where a short circuit or the like has occurred, a technique has been proposed in which the influence is limited only to the subsystem and is not affected to other subsystems. However, this method has a disadvantage that a large number of power supply lines must be laid. In particular, it is not easy in terms of mounting to arrange a large number of power supply lines in a limited space in a vehicle.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 57-80239 discloses that a power supply line is formed in a loop shape, a current sensor is provided at at least one position of the power supply line, and when a current sensor detects an abnormal state, the central control unit detects the abnormal state. The state is reported, and the central control unit sequentially activates and deactivates the plurality of power supply controllers, evaluates (specifies) the location of the abnormality, and, when the location of the abnormality is identified, turns off the power loop. It discloses a technique for disconnecting from the network.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-64361 discloses that two power supply lines are laid, and power is supplied via a diode, so that power is supplied from a power supply line which does not cause a failure even if one of the power supply lines is disconnected or short-circuited. To disclose the technology.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-275408 discloses that two power supply lines are laid in parallel between a power supply and a load, and two relays for switching between these two power supply lines are provided. A power supply line backup method is disclosed in which when a failure such as a short circuit occurs in one of the power supply lines, the other relay connects the other power supply line to a load.

[0010]

Problems to be Solved by the Invention
In the method disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-209, although the configuration of the power supply line avoids the complexity, there is a problem that it takes a long time to detect a fault, and it takes too much time to isolate a faulty part.

In the method disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-64361, the wiring harness becomes thicker because two power supply lines are laid. It is difficult to lay a wire harness in a limited space. Also, a large current diode is required.

According to the method disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 8-275408, two power supply lines are laid for each load group switched by one relay, so that the vehicle has a thick wire harness and a limited space. It is difficult to wire a thick wire harness inside. In particular, since two power supply lines are provided for the purpose of improving reliability, it is preferable that the two power supply lines be separated from each other in position. Applying a good design philosophy encounters various implementation problems. This method is almost ineffective for obstacles such as disconnection.

As mentioned above, the power supply line (feeding line) has been mainly described. However, the same problem as described above has been encountered also with respect to a signal transmission line such as a control signal. As described above, in vehicles that are spatially constrained and have many practical mounting problems, power can be effectively and reliably supplied to loads and electronic devices such as electrical components, main engines, auxiliary machines, and electronic control units. Or to establish and maintain a signal path.

An object of the present invention is to reduce the number of power supply lines,
An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle power supply device that is highly durable against failures and highly reliable.

[0015]

According to the present invention, there is provided a power supply, a main power distribution device directly receiving power from the power supply,
A power supply line connecting a power supply unit between the above-described auxiliary power distribution device, the adjacent main power distribution device and the sub power distribution device for supplying power from the power source, the main power distribution device and one or more of the sub power distribution devices. An information transmission signal line for performing information transmission between the power distribution devices, and a power supply device for a vehicle for supplying power from the power supply to a load connected to the slave power distribution device via the power supply line; The power distribution device includes: a control unit;
Signal transmission means for performing information transmission with the slave power distribution device via the information transmission signal line in cooperation with the control means, two or more power supply lines for feeding power from the power source to the slave power distribution device, It has two or more interruption means for killing two or more power supply lines, and a failure detection means for detecting a failure of a power supply system outside the interruption means.
Control means, signal transmission means for performing information transmission with the other power distribution device through the information transmission signal line in cooperation with the control means, and failure of the power supply line connected to its own power distribution device And at least one interrupting means for interrupting power supply to a power supply line connected to its own power distribution device, wherein the main power distribution device and the sub power distribution device The control means refers to the detection result of the failure detection means in its own power distribution device and the failure detection result in another power distribution device received via the information transmission signal line, and shuts off its own power distribution device. And a vehicle power supply device for controlling the power supply.

Preferably, in the initial state of the power supply device for a vehicle, the control means of the main power distribution device transmits to the control means of the sub power distribution device via the signal transmission means and the information transmission signal line. The breaking means in the slave power distribution device is driven such that the main power distribution device and one or more slave power distribution devices are connected in a loop through the power supply line.

Preferably, when any one of the failure detection means detects a failure, the control means in the main power distribution device receives the failure information from the control means in the slave power distribution device which has detected the failure. Evaluating the position, sending a breaking means drive signal to the control means of the slave power distribution device near the evaluated fault location, and receiving the breaking means drive signal, the control means sets the breaking means in the slave power distribution device to Control so that the power supply line is electrically cut off.

Preferably, the slave power distribution device has a rectifying element for providing operating power to the control unit and the signal transmission unit from both side power supply lines connected to the slave power distribution device.

[0019] Preferably, the power supply has two or more control power supply lines for providing a control power supply for driving the control unit and the signal transmission unit from the power supply, and the control unit and the signal in the slave power distribution device. The transmission unit receives drive power from the control power line via a current element.

More preferably, a sensor for detecting an impact is provided in the vehicle, and the control unit in the main power distribution device opens a shutoff means in the main power distribution device in response to the detection of the impact by the sensor. I do.

Preferably, the fault detecting means in the main power distribution device and the fault detecting means in the sub power distribution device are:
A current detecting means for detecting a short-circuit of the connected power supply line, and when the power supply line is short-circuited, the common control means and the control means cooperate to drive the switching means to eliminate a short-circuit position. , Controlling the switching means to establish a new power supply path.

Preferably, the fault detecting means in the main power distribution device and the fault detecting means in the sub power distribution device include voltage detecting means for detecting disconnection of a connected power supply line, At the time of disconnection, the common control means and the control means cooperate with each other to control the switching means and establish a new power supply path bypassing the disconnection position.

Preferably, the power supply and the main power distribution device are integrally formed without using external wiring.

Specifically, the power source is a secondary battery.

Preferably, a semiconductor switching element is provided in each of the two or more control power supply lines in the main power distribution device, and the control means of the main power distribution device is configured such that the control means of the slave power distribution device is A first state in which the cutoff means of the power supply line in the main power distribution device is deactivated according to a use state of the load to be recognized, and the control means is provided when the first state continues for a predetermined time. A vehicle in a second state in which a semiconductor switching element for killing a control power supply applied to the vehicle is deactivated, and a third state in which the shutoff means and the semiconductor switching element are in an energized state in a normal operation state. To control the power supply device.

[0026]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a vehicle power supply device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 1 to 4 are a configuration diagram and an operation explanatory diagram of a first embodiment of a vehicle power supply device according to the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the power supply device for a vehicle according to the present embodiment includes a power supply line 101 in which one main power distribution device 1 and three sub power distribution devices 3, 4, and 5 are indicated by bold lines.
To 104, and information transmission signal lines 201 to 2 shown by thin lines.
04. Power supply lines 101 to 104
And the main power distribution device 1 to the sub power distribution devices 3 to 5 are referred to as a power supply line 100. Similarly, a connection between the information transmission signal lines 201 to 204 and the main power distribution devices 1 to 3 to 5 is called a signal transmission line 200. As described above, in the present embodiment, substantially one power supply line 101 to 104 constitutes a power supply line. Similarly, one signal line 201 to 204 substantially constitutes a signal transmission line.

Although a detailed connection relationship will be described later, in the present embodiment, since there are two power supply systems in the main power distribution device 1, the sub power distribution device can be operated in a normal state or in an abnormal state such as a failure. Note that any one of the relay switches 3, 4, and 5 is open, and neither the power supply line 100 nor the signal transmission line 200 takes a closed loop configuration. With such a configuration, it is easy to evaluate a failure position, which will be described later. However, the vehicle power supply device of the present invention may have various configurations. Such other configurations include, for example,
(1) A loop configuration may be made up to the relay switch circuit 12 of the main power distribution device 1, the sub power distribution devices 3, 4, 5, and the relay switch circuit 13 of the main power distribution device 1.
(2) Even if two power supply systems including the relay switch circuit 12 and the sub power distribution device 3 of the main power distribution device 1 and the relay switch circuit 13 and the sub power distribution devices 5 and 4 of the main power distribution device 1 are formed. Good. Hereinafter, the present embodiment describes a case where the illustrated loop configuration is adopted.

An example of arrangement of the main power distribution device 1 and the sub power distribution devices 3, 4, and 5 will be described. Main power distribution device 1 is disposed, for example, in an engine room of a vehicle, and sub power distribution device 3 is disposed on the right side of the instrument panel.
Is located on the left side of the instrument panel, and
Is arranged at the rearmost position farthest from the main power distribution device 1. Therefore, the power supply line 101 and the signal line 201
Are wired (routed) from the main power distribution device 1 in the engine room to the sub power distribution device 3 on the right side of the instrument panel, and the power supply line 104 and the signal line 204 are connected from the main power distribution device 1 in the engine room to the left side of the instrument panel. The power supply line 102 and the signal line 202 are laid to the slave power distribution device 5, and the power supply line 103 and the signal line 203 are arranged on the left side of the instrument panel from the slave power distribution device 3 on the right side of the instrument panel to the slave power distribution device 4 at the rear. From the sub power distribution device 5 at the rear to the sub power distribution device 4 at the rear. Connector plugs 91 and 92 are connected to both ends of the power supply line 101 and the signal line 201, and the receptacle 19 attached to the main power distribution device 1 and the receptacle 38 attached to the sub power distribution device 3 and these plugs are connected to each other. Just fit
A power supply line and a signal transmission line between the main power distribution device 1 and the sub power distribution device 3 are easily established. Similarly, a power supply line and a signal transmission line between the sub power distribution device 3 and the sub power distribution device 4 are established,
A power supply line and a signal transmission line between the sub power distribution device 5 and the main power distribution device 1 and a power supply line and a signal transmission line between the main power distribution device 1 and the sub power distribution device 5 are also connected to the respective plugs. It can be easily performed only by fitting each corresponding receptacle.

The internal configuration of the main power distribution device 1 will be described. The main power distribution device 1 includes a secondary battery (battery) 18.
And a control unit 10 incorporating a microcomputer
, A signal transmission unit 11, and an input / output (I
/ O) unit, and a relay-type switch circuit (hereinafter, referred to as a switch circuit) which is composed of a coil L and a contact C, and which are arranged in parallel.
Relay switches) 12 and 13 and current monitors 14 and 15 for monitoring the current flowing from the secondary battery (battery) 18 to the outside. Although the I / O unit is not shown in the drawing for the sake of illustration, the I / O unit is a sub power distribution device 3.
Control unit 10 as well as the I / O unit 37
The control unit 10 actually drives the relay switches 12 and 13 via the I / O unit. Further, for example, reading of an ignition key switch (not shown) is also read by the control unit 10 via the I / O unit. However, in the illustrated main power distribution device 1, it is illustrated that the relay switches 12 and 13 are directly driven from the control unit 10 in the illustrated relationship. This is the same in the sub power distribution apparatuses 3 to 5.

The battery 18 is connected to the alternator 6 and can charge the battery 18 from the alternator 6. Each of the current monitor 14 and the current monitor 15 uses a current detector with a shunt resistor, amplifies the voltage at both ends of the shunt resistor with a differential amplifier, and amplifies the amplified voltage with a comparison circuit using an operation amplifier. A circuit configuration for comparing with a value can be adopted. In addition, a non-contact type current detector such as a Hall effect element can be used as the current monitor 14 and the current monitor 15. The current monitor 14 detects that the power supply line 101 between the main power distribution device 1 and the sub power distribution device 3 has a fault such as a short circuit. When a fault occurs, the control unit 10 reads the fault detection signal of the current monitor 14 and
And the power supply from the battery 18 to the outside is stopped. Similarly, the current monitor 15 detects that the power supply line 104 between the main power distribution device 1 and the sub power distribution device 5 has a fault such as a short circuit. When a failure occurs, the control unit 10 reads the failure detection signal from the current monitor 15, and the relay switch 12 is deenergized to stop supplying power from the battery 18 to the outside.

The control unit 10 incorporates a microcomputer, and performs a signal transmission process described below in cooperation with the signal transmission unit 11 and a relay switch 1.
2 and the relay switch 13 to control the loop of the power supply line 100 and the signal transmission line 200. Further, the control unit 10 monitors the power supply line 100 by reading the detection values of the current monitors 14 and 15. These detailed control operations will be described later. Note that the battery 18 is not included in the main power distribution device 1 and can be considered to be installed outside the main power distribution device 1 like the alternator 6.

The sub power distribution devices 3, 4, and 5 have basically the same configuration as the main power distribution device. Although an example in which the current monitor 44 is provided inside the sub power distribution device 4 located at the center is shown, as described below, the current monitor 44 is not necessarily required for detecting a failure. However, in the following example, it is assumed that the current monitor 44 is provided.

As a representative example, the configuration and operation of the sub power distribution device 3 will be described. The slave power distribution device 3 includes a control unit 30, a signal transmission unit 31, and a coil L.
And switch C (hereinafter, relay switch) 32, 33, one current monitor 34, and two rectifier diodes 35, 36
And an input / output unit (I / O unit) 37.
The two rectifier diodes 35 and 36 are connected in opposite directions across the node NA. The contacts C of the relay switch 32 and the relay switch 33 are connected in series with the node NC interposed therebetween, and the load L is connected to the node NC through the switching element 301. Since the sub power distribution device 3 is disposed on the right side of the instrument panel, the load L is a headlight, a door driving electric component, or the like near the right side of the instrument panel. The coil L of the relay switch 32 and the coil L of the relay switch 33 are connected in series across the node NB. The control unit 30 incorporates a microcomputer and performs a signal transmission process described below in cooperation with the signal transmission unit 31 and controls the driving of the relay switch 32 and the relay switch 33 so that the power supply line 100 and the signal The transmission line 200 is managed.
The control unit 30 monitors the power supply line 100 by reading the detection value of the current monitor 34. These detailed control operations will be described later.

The voltage or current of the battery 18 from the main power distribution device 1 at the node NC of the sub power distribution device 3 is applied to the load L in accordance with the switching operation of the switching element 301. The switching element 301 is performed by the control unit 30 via the I / O unit 37. However, for simplicity of illustration, in the other sub power distribution devices 4 and 5, I
The drive lines for the / O unit and the switching element have been omitted. As described in the description of the main power distribution device 1, the relay switch 32 and the relay switch 33 are energized or deactivated according to a command of the control unit 30 via the I / O unit 37, but are directly It is illustrated as being de-energized / energized from the control unit 30. The same applies to the other sub power distribution devices 4 and 5. For example, an ignition key switch, a power window operation switch, and the like are typically shown as a switch 311 as an I / O switch.
It is input to the control unit 30 via the O unit 37. It should be noted that switch inputs may be present in the other power distribution devices 4 and 5 as well, but are omitted for illustrative purposes. Further, the I / O unit, the switching element that activates and deactivates the load L, and the switching input are not the subject of the present invention, and therefore, the illustration is omitted from FIGS.

The current monitor 34 detects that there is a fault such as a short circuit downstream of the power supply line 202 between the slave power distribution devices 3 and 4 including the power supply line 202. When a failure occurs, the relay switch 33 is deenergized to stop the power supply from the battery 18 and eliminate the failure. It should be noted that the meaning of “downstream” in the present invention changes depending on the loop configuration of the vehicle power supply device. For example, the slave power distribution device 3
When power is supplied directly from the main power distribution device 1, the power supply line 102 is downstream. Conversely, when power is supplied from the sub power distribution device 4 to the sub power distribution device 3, the power supply line 101 is supplied. Is downstream. That is, “downstream” means downstream in the direction in which current flows.

In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 1, the current monitor 14 in the main power distribution device 1 is used for detecting a fault between the main power distribution device 1 and the sub power distribution device 3 and downstream thereof. The current monitor 15 is used for detecting a fault between the main power distribution device 1 and the sub power distribution device 5 and downstream thereof. Similarly, the current monitor 34 in the sub power distribution device 3 is used for detecting a fault between the sub power distribution device 3 and the sub power distribution device 4 and downstream thereof. Further, the current monitor 54 in the sub power distribution device 5 is used for detecting a fault between the sub power distribution device 5 and the sub power distribution device 4 and the downstream thereof. Therefore, as described above, the current monitor 44 in the sub power distribution device 4 may not be provided. Hereinafter, the path establishment state of the power supply line 100 and the signal transmission line 200 of the vehicle power supply device will be described.

Vehicle locked (non-operating) state When the vehicle is stopped (non-operating), power is supplied from the battery 18 via the power supply line 19 in the main power distribution device 1 and the control unit 10 can operate. . However, in this state, the control unit 10 does nothing, and the microcomputer, the memory, and the like in the control unit 10 are in the sleep mode and in the minimum power consumption state. In this stopped state, the signal transmission unit 11
Does not operate, and the control unit 10 keeps the coil L of the relay switch 12 and the coil L of the relay switch 13 deactivated (the state shown by the broken line in FIG. 1). 13, the contact C is open (open) as shown in the figure, and power is not supplied from the battery 18 to the sub power distribution devices 3, 4, and 5 via the main power distribution device 1. As described above, in the stopped state, the control unit 10 only stands by with the minimum power, and is not supplied with power to the sub power distribution devices 3, 4, 5 and the load L connected thereto. Power consumption is kept to a minimum.

The battery 18 and the main power distribution device 1
And can be integrated. For example, a battery 18 is built in the main power distribution device 1, and
8 supplies power directly to the control unit 10 via a bus or the like. As described above, when the main power distribution device 1 with a built-in battery is configured, the battery 18 and the main power distribution device 1
The possibility of failure of the power supply system with
Usually, there is an advantage in mounting that a power supply line is easily routed in an engine room of a vehicle in which the battery 18 is provided.

Activation state When an ignition key switch indicating activation of the vehicle is operated (not shown), wiring (not shown) directly laid from the ignition key switch to the main power distribution device 1.
, The control unit 10 detects the state, and energizes the coil L of the relay switch 12 and the relay switch 13 to bring their contacts C to the position indicated by the solid line in the figure. As a result, the battery 18, the contact C of the relay switch 12,
The path of the current monitor 14 is established, and power is supplied to the sub power distribution device 3 via the power supply line 101. Similarly, a path for the battery 18, the contact C of the relay switch 13, and the current monitor 15 is established, and power is supplied to the sub power distribution device 5 via the power supply line 104. Since the signal transmission line 200 is not provided with a circuit for cutting the path, the signal transmission lines 200 of the signal transmission unit 11, the signal line 201, and the signal transmission unit 31 are always established without being interrupted. I have.

When power is supplied to the sub power distribution device 3, the voltage of the battery 18 is applied to the control unit 30 via the rectifier diode 35 of the sub power distribution device 3, and the control unit 30 becomes operable. Similarly, the sub power distribution device 5
When the power is supplied to the control unit 4 via the rectifier diode 55 of the sub power distribution device 5
It is applied to 0 to enable the control unit 40 to operate. At this time, from the signal transmission unit 11 to the signal transmission unit 3
The control unit 30 reads the signal indicating that the “ignition key is operated” signal is sent to 1 and switches the load to a load that can be driven in that state, for example, a load L such as a radio. I do. That is, the control unit 30 energizes the coil L of the relay switch 32 to close the contact C of the relay switch 32 as shown by the solid line in the figure. As a result, a potential is generated at the node NC, and power can be supplied to the load L. Similarly, since the signal "Ignition key is inserted" is reported from the signal transmission unit 11 to the signal transmission unit 51, the control unit 5
0 reads the signal and makes it possible to supply power to a load L such as a radio which can be driven in that state. That is,
The control unit 50 energizes the coil L of the relay switch 52 to close the contact C as shown by the solid line in the figure. as a result,
A potential is generated at the node NC, and power can be supplied to the load L. As described above, power can be supplied to the load L to be operated in the “state in which the ignition key is inserted”, and power consumption of the battery 18 is suppressed.

Normal state As described above, when the ignition key switch is turned to be in the activated state, the control unit 10 of the main power distribution device 1 detects the state and distributes the sub power via the signal transmission unit 11. Signal transmission unit 3 of devices 3 and 5
1 and 51 are notified of the status signal. Hereinafter, the starting state and the normal state will be described with reference to FIG. The configuration of the vehicle power supply device of FIG. 2 is the same as that of the vehicle power supply device illustrated in FIG. The control unit 30 of the slave power distribution device 3 urges the coil L of the relay switch 33 to close the contact C from the broken line in the drawing to the solid line in the drawing. As a result, a path including the contact C of the relay switch 32, the contact C of the relay switch 33, and the current monitor 34 is established, and power is supplied from the battery 18 to the sub power distribution device 4 via the sub power distribution device 3. Will be Further, an “active state” signal is transmitted from the signal transmission unit 31 to the signal transmission unit 41 of the slave power distribution device 4. Similarly, the control unit 50 of the sub power distribution device 5 energizes the coil L of the relay switch 53, and changes the contact C from the state shown by the broken line to the state shown by the solid line in the figure. As a result, the contact C of the relay switch 52 and the relay switch 5
A path including the contact C of No. 3 and the current monitor 54 is established, and power is supplied from the battery 18 to the sub power distribution device 4 via the sub power distribution device 5. Further, the signal transmission unit 41 of the slave power distribution device 4
The "wake-up state" signal is transmitted.

In the sub power distribution device 4, the current monitor 4
4. Power is supplied from the battery 18 to the control unit 40 via the rectifier diode 46 and the node NA and the rectifier diode 46 and the node N, the control unit 40 operates, and the “start-up” transmitted to the signal transmission unit 41 is performed. Read the "status" signal. In this example, the “activation state” signal is transmitted to the signal transmission unit 41 from both sides of the signal transmission unit 31 and the signal transmission unit 51, and the same signal is likely to collide. The slave power distribution device where the same signal collides is also the terminal slave power distribution device. In the case where not only the three sub power distribution devices 3, 4, and 5 but also a large number of sub power distribution devices are provided as in the illustrated example, when the same control unit collides with the same information, the path is not changed. Above, it can be detected that the terminal is located. In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, the control unit 40 of the terminal
Urges the coil L of one of the relay switches 43 and 42, in this example, the relay switch 42 so that the contact C
From the state shown by the broken line to the state shown by the solid line. As a result, power can be supplied from the node NC to the load L. However, the relay switch 43 remains deenergized, and its contact C is in an open state (open state). The reason is that the current monitor 14 of the main power distribution device 1 passes through the sub power distribution device 3 in a clockwise direction, and the current monitor 15 of the main power distribution device 1 passes through the sub power distribution device 5 to the left. If the fault is separated into surrounding power supply paths, the fault location can be easily evaluated when a fault occurs. In that sense, as described above, the power supply line 100 includes an open portion and does not have a complete loop configuration. However, as described above, the vehicle power supply device of the present invention can employ various power supply systems.

As described above, the power supply line 100 is established, and the control unit 3 inside the sub power distribution devices 3, 4, and 5 is established.
In addition to power supply to 0, 40, and 50, power supply to the load L from each device becomes possible. As described above, the signal transmission line 200 including the signal transmission units 11, 31, 41, and 51 is also substantially established.

Evaluation of Fault Occurrence (Short Circuit) and Fault Location From the normal state described above, the sub power distribution device 4 shown in FIG.
Assume that a short circuit accident has occurred for some reason at point X between and. The short circuit causes a large short-circuit current to flow to the failure point X. As a result, the current monitor 54 in the sub power distribution device 5 detects an excessive current. Accordingly, the current monitor 14 inside the main power distribution device 1 also detects an excessive current. However, the current monitor 3 in the slave power distribution device 3
4 indicates a normal current value. In the slave power distribution device 4, normal power supply from the diode 45 is stopped, but power supply to the control unit 40 and the signal transmission unit 41 is maintained from the path of the diode 46. Note that the control unit 50 in the sub power distribution device 5 in which an excessive current flows
Is configured not to be damaged by excessive current.
Similarly, means for preventing an excessive current from flowing to the load L of the sub power distribution device 5, for example, an excessive current limiting element is provided. The excessive current detected by the current monitor 54 is read by the control unit 50 and reported to the signal transmission unit 11 and the control unit 10 of the main power distribution device 1 via the signal transmission unit 51. The control unit 10 also reads an overcurrent detection value from the current monitor 14. The reading of the current monitor 34 indicating a normal detection value is read by the control unit 30,
The notification is sent to the control unit 10 via the signal transmission unit 31 and the signal transmission unit 11. From the above-mentioned fault situation, the control unit 10 infers that the fault point X exists between the sub power distribution device 5 and the sub power distribution device 4.

The fault position exclusion control unit 10 instructs the control unit 50 via the signal transmission unit 11 to de-energize the relay switch 53. Further, the control unit 10 instructs the sub power distribution device 40 via the signal transmission unit 11 to deactivate the relay switch 32 and activate the relay switch 33. The control unit 50 deactivates the relay switch 53. The control unit 40 deactivates the relay switch 32 and activates the relay switch 33. The result is shown in FIG. As illustrated, the fault point X is disconnected, and the load L of the sub power distribution device 4 is continuously supplied with power via the contact C of the relay switch 43 on the current monitor 44 side. As described above, according to the present embodiment, identification (evaluation) of the trouble spot X and elimination of the trouble spot X are quickly and automatically performed.

The control unit 10 stores the fault location X and the configuration of the control unit 10. When the stored information is output to, for example, a liquid crystal display unit of the instrument panel, replacement and restoration of the power supply line 103 corresponding to the failure point can be performed quickly.

The restoration work normally, because replacement of the feed line 103 including the fault point X is performed in the stop state of the vehicle, after replacing the normal feed line 103,
The above-described control processing in the “stopped state”, the “initial state”, and the “activated state” is repeated. If the fault point X has been restored to normal at that time, the normal power supply line 10
0 is re-established. At this time, if the trouble point X is not eliminated, the control processing is performed to the state shown in FIG.

When a trouble point X occurs between the sub power distribution device 3 and the sub power distribution device 4, the trouble point X is detected and eliminated as described above.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the main power distribution device 1
If the fault point X exists in the power supply line 104 between the power distribution device 5 and the sub power distribution device 5, the fault has not been detected by the control unit of the other power distribution device, and an excessive current has flowed through the current monitor 15. Is detected by the control unit 10 of the main power distribution device 1, and the fault point X can be evaluated (estimated). in this case,
The control unit 10 changes from the path state illustrated in FIG.
Is controlled to the state illustrated in FIG. That is, an instruction to deactivate the relay switch 13, an instruction to activate the relay switch 43 via the signal transmission line 200 to the control unit 40 of the slave power distribution device 4, and an instruction to deactivate the relay switch 52 to the control unit 50. Put out. When the control unit 40 energizes the coil L of the relay switch 43 and closes the contact C, the contact C of the relay switch 13 opens and the power supply path to the sub power distribution device 5 is lost. 3-
Power can be supplied through the route 4-5. Further, the failure point X is eliminated by opening the contact C due to the deenergization of the coil L of the relay switch 43.

As described above, in this embodiment,
If there is only one fault, no matter where the fault occurs, the fault location can be accurately and quickly evaluated, and the fault location can be quickly eliminated and a new power supply line 100 can be established. Therefore, the power supply device for a vehicle according to the present embodiment minimizes the adverse effect caused by the failure and can continuously supply power even after the failure occurs, so that the reliability is high. In addition, in this embodiment, since each of the power supply line 100 and the signal transmission line 200 is substantially one, there is no need to take a place when wiring in a narrow vehicle.

Modification of the first embodiment: The case where the current monitors 14, 15, the current monitor 34 and the like are provided in the main power distribution device 1 and the sub power distribution devices 3, 4, and 5 has been described. These current monitors 34 are effective for detecting a short circuit or the like, but are not suitable for detecting a disconnection.
For disconnection detection, a voltage monitor that monitors voltage is preferable.
Therefore, when disconnection detection is also performed, it is desirable to provide a voltage monitor together with the current monitor 34 and the like. The elimination of the fault point after the disconnection is detected by the voltage monitor and the establishment of a new power supply line are the same as the short-circuit fault described above. When priority is given to disconnection detection over short-circuit detection, a voltage monitor may be provided instead of the current monitor 34. In the case of disconnection, for example, in the vicinity of the temporary disconnection, for example, the sub power distribution device 30
Power supply to the control unit 30 and the signal transmission unit 31 separately from the power supply line 100 for the load L in order to prevent the power supply to the control unit 30 and the signal transmission unit 31 from temporarily stopping. A secondary feed line can also be provided. It is desirable to provide a current monitoring means for detecting a short circuit in the secondary power supply line. As such a current monitoring means, a semiconductor switch with a current monitoring function is known.

Second Embodiment FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a vehicle power supply device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The power supply device for a vehicle illustrated in FIG. 5 includes a main power distribution device 1A and sub power distribution devices 3A, 4A, and 5A, and the vehicle power supply device according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. Similar to the power supply device. Hereinafter, differences between the vehicle power supply device of FIG. 5 and the vehicle power supply device illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4 will be described. Note that, for simplicity of illustration, FIG. 5 omits the receptacle and the plug, but is the same as these FIGS. 1 to 4. In FIG. 5, in addition to the power supply line 100, a power supply line 110 and a power supply line 120 are added. In the main power distribution device 1A, a power supply line 17 from a battery 18 is added to the main power distribution device 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, and current monitors 16A and 16B monitor the current of the power supply line 19. Is added. Current monitor 16
Reference numerals A and 16B denote ammeters with shunt resistors or semiconductor elements with a current monitoring function, similarly to the current monitors 14 and 15.
The slave power distribution devices 3A, 4A and 5A are
A has the same configuration except that A is not provided with a current monitor. For example, the sub power distribution device 3A and FIGS.
As compared with the slave power distribution device 3 illustrated in FIG. 4, the other ends of the rectifier diodes 35A and 36A that are opposed to each other at the node NA and are connected in opposite polarities are connected to the power supply line 110 and the power supply line 1 respectively.
20 is directly connected.

As is apparent from the above difference in configuration,
The vehicle power supply device illustrated in FIG.
Control unit 30 and signal transmission unit 3
1. The control unit 40 and the signal transmission unit 41 in the sub power distribution device 4A, and the control unit 50 and the signal transmission unit 51 in the sub power distribution device 5A are connected via switching elements such as relay switches 12, 13, and relay switches 32 and 33. Without the battery 18
Power is supplied from the That is, independently of the power supply line to the load L, the control unit 3
0, since the power is supplied to the electronic device such as the signal transmission unit 31, the power supply line 100 is not affected. In addition, for example, the rectifier diodes 35A and 36A in the sub power distribution device 3A have different feed lines 110 and 1
For example, even if a failure such as disconnection occurs in one power supply line 110, the other power supply line 1
Power is supplied from 20. In this sense, the reliability of the power supply system to the control unit 30, the signal transmission unit 31, and the like is increased. The control operation at the time of stopping the vehicle, the control operation in the initial state, the control operation in the start state, the control operation in the normal state, the short-circuit fault point evaluation method, the fault point elimination method described with reference to FIGS. The return method and the like are almost the same as in the first embodiment. However, the second illustrated in FIG.
In the embodiment, since the power is always supplied to the control unit 30, the signal transmission unit 31, and the like, there is an advantage that the recovery time from the failure can be reduced.

Modification of Second Embodiment: Detection of Disconnection The vehicle power supply device illustrated in FIG. 5 has a circuit configuration for a short-circuit failure, similarly to the vehicle power supply device illustrated in FIGS. Also in the vehicle power supply device illustrated in FIG. 5, it is desirable to provide a voltage monitor for monitoring a voltage in order to detect a disconnection as a modified example of the first embodiment.

Third Embodiment FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a vehicle power supply device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In the vehicle power supply device illustrated in FIG. 6, the auxiliary power distribution device 3A in the vehicle power supply device illustrated in FIG. 5 is changed to a mere load connection circuit 7 that does not have a path breaking unit such as the relay switch 32 and the relay switch 33. Circuit. In the load connection circuit 7, as an overcurrent sensitive element,
The fuses 71 to 73 are provided, and a load L is connected to the ends of the fuses 71 to 73. That is, in the load connection circuit 7, 3
This means that the power is distributed inside the load connection circuit 7. These loads L are
1, these loads L when the relay switch 12 in the main power distribution device 1A is activated.
Is supplied with power. When an excessive current flows on the load L side, the fuse 71 and the like are blown to prevent the excessive current from flowing to the load L any more. The other components are the same as those of the vehicle power supply device illustrated in FIG.

Fourth Embodiment FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a vehicle power supply device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle power supply device illustrated in FIG. 7 is a circuit in which a power distribution device 8 is added to the vehicle power supply device illustrated in FIG. The slave power distribution device 8 includes a control unit 80, a signal transmission unit 81, a relay switch 82, and rectifier diodes 85 and 86 connected to opposite polarities. The rectifier diode 85 is connected to the power supply line 120, and the rectifier diode 86 is connected to the power supply line 110. Since the connection node NA of the rectifier diodes 85 and 86 is connected to the control unit 80, the control unit 80 and the signal transmission unit 81 are not affected by the operation of the switching elements of the relay switches 12 and 13. Power is supplied directly. Power is supplied to one terminal of the coil L of the relay switch 82 in the same manner as in the control unit 80.
One of the contacts C of the relay switch 82 is connected to the power supply line 101, the other is connected to the power supply line 104, and the common contact of the contact C is connected to the load L. That is,
Depending on the state of the contact C of the relay switch 82 which is energized or deactivated by the control unit 80, the load L connected to the output terminal of the relay switch 82 is supplied from the power supply line 101 or from the power supply line 104. Powered. In other words, the power supply line of the load L is selectively switched according to the operation of the relay switch 82. Others are Fig.5
This is the same as the vehicle power supply device illustrated in FIG.

Fifth Embodiment The vehicle power supply device illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6 shows an example mounted on a vehicle. The vehicle is in an accident, such as a collision,
Rear-end collision can occur. In such a case, a short circuit accident or the like occurs, and the control unit 10 and the control unit 30
For example, it is expected that the above-mentioned operation becomes inoperable and it becomes difficult to perform a proper operation of the above-described embodiment. In such a case, it may be difficult not only to detect the faulty point X causing the short circuit but also to eliminate the faulty point X. If only the power supply from the battery 18 is continued in such a situation, various secondary problems may occur. In order to cope with such a situation, as a fifth embodiment of the present invention, an acceleration sensor for detecting an impact in a collision or a rear-end collision is added to the main power distribution devices 1 and 1A, and when the acceleration sensor detects the impact, In the main power distribution device 1 (1A), it is possible to add an impact disconnecting means for cutting off all the power supply from the battery 18 and preventing a secondary problem from occurring even if a short circuit occurs. An acceleration sensor for detecting an impact in a vehicle collision, a rear-end collision, or the like may be provided outside the main power distribution devices 1 and 1A, and a detection signal of the acceleration sensor may be guided to the main power distribution devices 1 and 1A by wiring. .

The embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can take various modifications. For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the battery 18 is included in the main power distribution device 1 and the battery 18 is integrated. When the battery 18 is included in the main power distribution device 1 in this manner, the wiring that is not protected by the housing between the battery 18 and the main power distribution device 1 can be shortened, or such a wiring can be reduced. There is an advantage that it disappears.

As described above, mainly the highly reliable power supply to the electric components, the main engine, and the auxiliary machines mounted on the vehicle has been described.
The application of the above-described vehicle power supply device is not limited to a vehicle, and can be applied to various applications that require a highly reliable power supply system.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where DC current and voltage are supplied from the battery 18 has been described.
In practicing the present invention, the present invention can be applied not only to the supply of DC current and voltage from the battery 18 but also to the supply of AC.
However, the detection circuits such as the current monitor 14 are changed to those for AC, and the switching elements such as the relay switches 12 and 13 are changed from relays to AC switching elements such as triacs.

[0061]

According to the present invention, it is possible to minimize the number of power supply lines which can supply even one power supply line.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to realize a vehicle power supply device having high reliability against failures such as short circuit and disconnection.

Further, according to the present invention, power can be supplied to the load in various modes.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a vehicle power supply device as a power supply device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and in particular, is a configuration diagram of a vehicle in a stopped state.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a vehicle power supply device as a power supply device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and particularly a configuration diagram when a short circuit accident occurs from a normal state of the vehicle.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a vehicle power supply device as a first embodiment of the power supply device of the present invention, and is a form diagram particularly illustrating a failure point X exclusion process.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a vehicle power supply device as a power supply device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and in particular, is a diagram of a form of a failure recovery process.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a vehicle power supply device as a power supply device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of a vehicle power supply device as a third embodiment of the power supply device of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a vehicle power supply device as a fourth embodiment of the power supply device of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1. Main power distribution device 10. Control unit 11. Signal transmission unit 12, 13, Relay switch 14, 15, Current monitor 18. Battery 3, 4, 5 ... Secondary power distribution device 30. Control unit 31, signal transmission unit 32, 33, relay switch 34, current monitor 35, 36, rectifier diode 37, input / output unit 100, power supply line 200, signal transmission line

────────────────────────────────────────────────── ───

[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] April 14, 1997

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Drawing

[Correction target item name] All figures

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

FIG.

FIG. 2

FIG. 3

FIG. 4

FIG. 5

FIG. 6

FIG. 7

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A power supply, a main power distribution device directly receiving power from the power source, one or more sub power distribution devices, and the main power distribution device and the sub power distribution device adjacent to each other for supplying power from the power source And a data transmission signal line for transmitting information between the main power distribution device and the one or more sub power distribution devices. The power supply line connects the main power distribution device and the one or more sub power distribution devices. A power supply device for a vehicle for supplying power to a load connected to a sub power distribution device, wherein the main power distribution device includes a control unit, and the sub power supply via the information transmission signal line in cooperation with the control unit. Signal transmission means for transmitting information to and from the distribution device; two or more power supply lines for supplying power from the power supply to the sub power distribution device; two or more cutoff means for killing the two or more power supply lines; External power supply system A fault detection unit for detecting harm, wherein the slave power distribution device includes a control unit, and a signal for performing information transmission with another power distribution device via the information transmission signal line in cooperation with the control unit. Transmission means, fault detection means for detecting a fault in the power supply line connected to the own power distribution device, and at least one interruption means for interrupting power supply to the power supply line connected to the own power distribution device The control means in the main power distribution device and the sub power distribution device is configured to detect a detection result of the failure detection means in its own power distribution device and another power source received via the information transmission signal line. A power supply device for a vehicle that controls a shut-off means of its own power distribution device with reference to a failure detection result in the distribution device. 2. In the initial state of the vehicle power supply device,
The control means of the main power distribution device supplies the main power distribution device and one or more sub power distribution devices with the control power of the sub power distribution device via the signal transmission means and the information transmission signal line. The power supply device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the breaking means in the slave power distribution device is driven so as to be connected in a loop via an electric wire. 3. When any one of the fault detecting means detects a fault, the control means in the main power distribution device evaluates a fault location based on transmission information from the control means in the slave power distribution device which has detected the fault. And transmitting a breaking means drive signal to the control means of the slave power distribution device in the vicinity of the evaluated fault location, and receiving the breaking means drive signal, the control means sets the breaking means in the slave power distribution device to the power supply line. The vehicle power supply device according to claim 1, wherein the power supply device is controlled so as to be electrically cut off. 4. The slave power distribution device includes a rectifying element for providing operating power to the control unit and the signal transmission unit from both power supply lines connected to the slave power distribution device. The vehicle power supply device according to any one of the above. 5. The control unit and the signal transmission unit in the slave power distribution device, comprising two or more control power lines for providing a control power source for driving the control unit and the signal transmission unit from the power source. The vehicle power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the power supply device receives drive power from the control power supply line via a current element. 6. A sensor for detecting an impact in a vehicle, wherein a control unit in the main power distribution device opens a shut-off means in the main power distribution device in response to detection of the impact by the sensor. The vehicle power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. 7. The fault detecting means in the main power distribution device and the fault detecting means in the sub power distribution device include current detecting means for detecting a short circuit of a connected power supply line, and a short circuit of the power supply line. 7. In this case, the common control means and the control means cooperate to drive the switching means to eliminate a short-circuit position, and control the switching means to establish a new power supply path. The power supply device for a vehicle according to claim 1. 8. The fault detecting means in the main power distribution device and the fault detecting means in the slave power distribution device include a voltage detecting means for detecting a disconnection of a connected power supply line. The vehicle power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the common control unit and the control unit cooperate with each other to control the switching unit to establish a new power supply path bypassing a disconnection position. 9. The vehicle power supply device according to claim 1, wherein said power supply and said main power distribution device are integrally formed without using external wiring. 10. The vehicle power supply device according to claim 9, wherein said power supply is a secondary battery. 11. The main power distribution device is provided with a semiconductor switching element in each of the two or more control power lines, and the control means of the main power distribution device recognizes the control means of the sub power distribution device. A first state in which the interruption means of the power supply line in the main power distribution device is deactivated according to a use condition of a load; and a first state is applied to the control means when the first state continues for a predetermined time. The vehicle power supply is switched between a second state in which the semiconductor switching element that extinguishes the control power supply to be deactivated and a third state in which the shutoff means and the semiconductor switching element that are in the normal operation state are energized. The power supply device for a vehicle according to claim 1 or 5, which controls the device.