JP6756256B2 - Power circuit device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a power supply circuit device applied to a power supply system having a plurality of storage batteries.

Conventionally, for example, as an in-vehicle power supply system mounted on a vehicle, two storage batteries (for example, a lead storage battery and a lithium ion storage battery) connected in parallel to a generator and an electric load are used, and various types of in-vehicle electricity are used while using each of these storage batteries properly. A configuration that supplies power to a load is known. In this case, switches are provided in the electric path between the electric load and the lead storage battery and in the electric path between the electric load and the lithium ion storage battery, and the discharge of each storage battery is controlled by opening and closing each switch. ..

Further, there is known a technique in which a bypass path is provided so as to bypass a switch in an electric path between an electric load and a lead storage battery, and a normally closed bypass relay is provided in the bypass path (see, for example, Patent Document 1). .. In such a technique, even when each switch is turned off (opened) while the vehicle is stopped, a dark current can be supplied from the lead storage battery to the electric load by closing the bypass relay.

Further, when a failure related to charging / discharging of the lithium ion storage battery occurs, each switch is opened and the bypass relay is closed as a fail-safe process. As a result, even when the lithium ion storage battery is shut off, the electric load can be continuously operated by the power supply from the lead storage battery.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-130108

By the way, a bypass relay is a mechanical relay (contact relay) that operates a movable contact by the magnetic force of an electromagnetic coil and the elastic force of a spring so that it can be closed even when a failure related to a power source occurs, that is, even if power is not stably supplied. It is said that.

However, when the mechanical relay is closed, the movable contact and the fixed contact come into contact with each other to generate a contact sound, and when the mechanical relay is opened, the movable contact and the iron core of the electromagnetic coil are brought into contact with each other to generate a contact sound. Such contact noise was particularly noticeable when the surrounding environment was quiet, such as when the engine was stopped.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a power supply circuit device capable of making the contact sound of a mechanical relay provided in a bypass path inconspicuous.

In order to solve the above problems, the first invention is in a power supply circuit device applied to a power supply system in which a first storage battery and a second storage battery are connected in parallel, and power of the first storage battery is supplied in the power supply system. A control switch provided in the power supply path to be energized or cut off, and a bypass switch provided in the bypass path bypassing the control switch to turn the bypass path into a power supply or power cutoff state. The bypass opening / closing unit includes a unit and a control unit that controls the bypass opening / closing unit, the bypass opening / closing unit has a plurality of relay switches made of mechanical relays, and the control unit is any one of the plurality of relay switches. The gist is to control the opening or closing timing of one relay switch differently from the opening or closing timing of other relay switches.

Since the bypass opening / closing part is composed of a mechanical relay, the bypass path is surely provided even when some abnormality occurs, for example, even when fail-safe processing is performed based on the occurrence of some abnormality in the power supply. It can be energized. The first storage battery can be charged and discharged through this bypass path. However, due to the use of the mechanical relay, a contact noise is generated at the time of opening and closing. Further, since the first storage battery is charged and discharged via the bypass path, the allowable amount of the current passing through the bypass opening / closing portion is increased, and the mechanical relay is also increased in size. That is, the contact sound itself tends to be loud.

Therefore, the bypass opening / closing unit is composed of a plurality of relay switches, and the control unit determines that the opening / closing timing of one of the plurality of relay switches is different from the opening / closing timing of the other relay switch. I tried to control it. As a result, the contact sound generated at the opening or closing timing of any of the relay switches and the contact sound generated at the opening or closing timing of the other relay switch are deviated from each other. Therefore, each contact sound can be made inconspicuous as compared with the case where the contact sounds are generated at the same time.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the plurality of relay switches include two or more relay switches provided in parallel with each other, and the control unit may open or close the relay switches in a parallel relationship at different timings. It is a summary.

By providing a plurality of relay switches in parallel, when the bypass path is energized, the current flowing through the bypass path is distributed to the plurality of relay switches, and the current flowing through each relay switch can be reduced. Therefore, each relay switch can be miniaturized as compared with a relay switch having a large current allowance, and the contact noise itself can be reduced.

A third aspect of the invention is gist of the control unit opening or closing the plurality of relay switches when the power supply path is energized by the control switch.

As a result, when the power supply path is energized, a current flows through each relay switch. Therefore, even if the opening or closing timing of each relay switch is not the same, the current does not concentrate and flow to any of the relay switches. Therefore, each relay switch can be miniaturized.

The fourth invention includes a failure determination unit that determines a failure of the power supply system, and the control unit has the plurality of units so that the bypass path is energized when a failure of the power supply system is determined. The gist is to control the operation of the relay switch of.

As a result, the bypass path can be quickly turned on and the power from the first storage battery can be supplied. This makes it useful in fail-safe processing.

In the fifth invention, the power supply path includes a first power supply path to which the first storage battery and the generator are connected, and a second power supply path to which the first storage battery and the electric load are connected. The control switch includes a first control switch provided in the first power supply path and a second control switch provided in the second power supply path, and the first control switch is provided in the bypass path. There is a first bypass path that bypasses and a second bypass path that bypasses the second control switch, and the bypass opening / closing section has a first bypass opening / closing that energizes or shuts off the first bypass path. There is a unit and a second bypass opening / closing unit that energizes or shuts off the second bypass path, and the first bypass opening / closing unit and the second bypass opening / closing unit each have the relay switch. The gist of the control unit is to control the opening or closing timing of the relay switch of the first bypass opening / closing unit to be different from the opening / closing timing of the relay switch of the second bypass opening / closing unit.

The control unit controls the opening or closing timing of the relay switch of the first bypass opening / closing part differently from the opening / closing timing of the relay switch of the second bypass opening / closing part. As a result, the contact sound generated at the opening or closing timing of the relay switch of the first bypass opening / closing part and the contact sound generated at the opening / closing timing of the relay switch of the second bypass opening / closing part are deviated from each other. Therefore, each contact sound can be made inconspicuous as compared with the case where the contact sounds are generated at the same time.

In the sixth invention, the first bypass opening / closing section has a plurality of relay switches provided in parallel with each other, and the second bypass opening / closing section has a plurality of relay switches provided in parallel with each other. The gist of the section is to make the opening or closing timing of each of the relay switches different.

It is more efficient to allow a large current to flow through the first power supply path connected to the generator. Along with this, a large current may flow in the first bypass path that bypasses the first power supply path. However, since the first bypass opening / closing portion is a mechanical relay, when the allowable current amount becomes large, the size becomes large and the contact noise may become loud. The second bypass opening / closing portion is also the same depending on the type of electric load. Therefore, the first bypass opening / closing section and the second bypass opening / closing section are provided with a plurality of relay switches provided in parallel with each other, and the control section is set to have different opening or closing timings of each relay switch. By providing them in parallel, the current flowing through each relay switch can be reduced. Therefore, each relay switch can be miniaturized to reduce the contact noise itself.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, after the control unit inputs an activation signal, the plurality of relays included in the first bypass opening / closing unit are before the first power supply path is energized by the first control switch. After the switch is opened or closed, the operation of the first bypass opening / closing unit is confirmed, and the second power feeding path is energized by the second control switch, the plurality of the second bypass opening / closing units have. The gist is to open or close the relay switch of the above and check the operation of the second bypass opening / closing part.

Since the first storage battery and the generator are connected to the first power supply path, there is no problem even if the current is interrupted, unlike the case where the electric load is connected. Therefore, it was decided to open or close the relay switch of the first bypass opening / closing part before turning on the first power feeding path. As a result, the first power supply path can be opened or closed earlier than the case where the first power supply path is opened or closed after being energized. Further, a time for opening and closing the relay switch of the first bypass opening / closing portion can be provided before the first power feeding path is turned on. On the other hand, after the second power feeding path is energized, it is decided to open or close a plurality of relay switches included in the second bypass opening / closing part. As a result, the current does not concentrate and flow to any of the relay switches. Therefore, each relay switch can be miniaturized.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, when the relay switch is opened or closed, the control unit opens or closes another relay switch after a predetermined time set according to the chattering time of the relay switch has elapsed. It is a summary.

As a result, it is possible to suppress the overlap of the contact sounds and make the contact sounds inconspicuous.

An electrical circuit diagram showing a power supply system. The figure which shows the specific structure of the bypass relay. (A) is a diagram showing an energized state in an IG on state, (b) is a diagram showing an energized state in an IG off state, and (c) is a diagram showing an energized state in a fail-safe process. The flowchart which shows the energization control process. A timing chart showing the opening / closing timing of the bypass relay. An electrical circuit diagram showing another example power supply system.

Hereinafter, embodiments embodying the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, in a vehicle traveling with an engine (internal combustion engine) as a drive source, an in-vehicle power supply system that supplies electric power to various devices of the vehicle is embodied.

As shown in FIG. 1, this power supply system is a two power supply system having a lead storage battery 11 as a first storage battery and a lithium ion storage battery 12 as a second storage battery, and the starters 13 from the storage batteries 11 and 12 respectively. And, it is possible to supply power to the electric load 15. Further, each of the storage batteries 11 and 12 can be charged by the rotary electric machine 14. In this system, the lead storage battery 11 and the lithium ion storage battery 12 are connected in parallel to the rotary electric machine 14, and the lead storage battery 11 and the lithium ion storage battery 12 are connected in parallel to the electric load 15.

The lead storage battery 11 is a well-known general-purpose storage battery. On the other hand, the lithium ion storage battery 12 is a high-density storage battery having a smaller power loss during charging / discharging, a higher output density, and a higher energy density than the lead storage battery 11. The lithium ion storage battery 12 is preferably a storage battery having higher energy efficiency during charging / discharging than the lead storage battery 11. Further, the lithium ion storage battery 12 is configured as an assembled battery each having a plurality of cell cells. The rated voltage of each of these storage batteries 11 and 12 is the same, for example, 12V.

Although a specific description by illustration is omitted, the lithium ion storage battery 12 is housed in a storage case and is configured as a battery unit U integrated with a substrate. In this embodiment, the battery unit U constitutes a "power supply circuit device". In FIG. 1, the battery unit U is shown surrounded by a broken line. The battery unit U has output terminals P0, P1 and P2, of which a lead storage battery 11 and a starter 13 are connected to the output terminal P0, a rotary electric machine 14 is connected to the output terminal P1, and electricity is connected to the output terminal P2. The load 15 is connected.

The rotary electric machine 14 is a generator with a motor function having a three-phase AC motor and an inverter as a power conversion device, and is configured as an ISG (Integrated Starter Generator) integrated with mechanical and electrical power. The rotary electric machine 14 has a power generation function of generating power (regenerative power generation) by rotating the engine output shaft and the axle, and a power running function of applying a rotational force to the engine output shaft. The rotary electric machine 14 supplies the generated electric power to the storage batteries 11 and 12 and the electric load 15.

The electric load 15 includes a constant voltage required load in which the voltage of the supplied power is required to be constant or fluctuate within a predetermined range. The electric load 15 can be said to be a protected load. Further, it can be said that the electric load 15 is a load to which a power failure is not allowed.

Specific examples of the electric load 15 which is a constant voltage required load include various ECUs such as a navigation device, an audio device, a meter device, and an engine ECU. In this case, by suppressing the voltage fluctuation of the supplied power, unnecessary resets and the like are suppressed in each of the above devices, and stable operation can be realized. The electric load 15 may include a traveling system actuator such as an electric steering device or a braking device.

Next, the battery unit U will be described. The battery unit U is provided with an electric path L1 connecting the output terminals P0 and P1 and an electric path L2 connecting the connection point N1 on the electric path L1 and the lithium ion storage battery 12 as an electric path in the unit. .. Of these, the switch 21 is provided in the electric path L1 and the switch 22 is provided in the electric path L2. The generated power of the rotary electric machine 14 is supplied to the lead storage battery 11 and the lithium ion storage battery 12 via the electric paths L1 and L2. In terms of the electric path from the lead storage battery 11 to the lithium ion storage battery 12, a switch 21 is provided between the output terminal P0 and the connection point N1 of the rotary electric machine 14, and the lithium ion storage battery 12 is more than the connection point N1. A switch 22 is provided on the side. The switch 21 corresponds to the "control switch" and the "first control switch". The electric path L1 corresponds to the "power supply path" and the "first power supply path".

Further, in the battery unit U of the present embodiment, in addition to the electric paths L1 and L2, electricity that connects the connection point N2 (the point between the output terminal P0 and the switch 21) on the electric path L1 and the output terminal P2. It has a path L3. The electric path L3 forms a path that enables power to be supplied from the lead-acid battery 11 to the electric load 15. A switch 23 is provided in the electric path L3 (specifically, between the connection point N2-connection point N4). The switch 23 corresponds to the "control switch" and the "second control switch". The electric path L3 corresponds to the "power supply path" and the "second power supply path".

Further, in the battery unit U, the connection point N3 of the electric path L2 (the point between the switch 22 and the lithium ion storage battery 12) and the connection point N4 on the electric path L3 (the point between the switch 23 and the output terminal P2) , Is provided with an electric path L4 for connecting the. The electric path L4 forms a path that enables power to be supplied from the lithium ion storage battery 12 to the electric load 15. A switch 24 is provided in the electric path L4 (specifically, between the connection points N3- and the connection points N4).

Each of these switches 21 to 24 includes, for example, a pair of MOSFETs (semiconductor switching elements), and the parasitic diodes of the pair of MOSFETs are connected in series so as to be opposite to each other. By this parasitic diode, when each switch 21 to 24 is turned off, the current flowing through the path provided with the switch is completely cut off. As the switches 21 to 24, it is also possible to use an IGBT, a bipolar transistor, or the like instead of the MOSFET. When an IGBT or a bipolar transistor is used as the switches 21 to 24, a diode in the opposite direction may be connected in parallel to each of the switches 21 to 24 instead of the above-mentioned parasitic diode. Further, each of the switches 21 to 24 may include a plurality of MOSFETs in a set of two and be connected in parallel.

Further, the battery unit U is provided with bypass paths B1 and B2 that enable the lead storage battery 11 to be connected to the rotary electric machine 14 and the electric load 15 without going through the switches 21 and 23 in the unit.

One end of the bypass path B1 is connected to the connection point N2 on the electric path L1 inside the unit, and the other end is connected to the connection point N1 on the electric path L1 inside the unit. The bypass path B1 is provided with a bypass opening / closing circuit RE1 that turns the bypass path B1 into a state of energization or energization cutoff. If the bypass path B1 is energized by the bypass opening / closing circuit RE1, the generated power is supplied from the rotary electric machine 14 to the lead-acid battery 11 via the bypass path B1 even when the switch 21 is turned off. Is possible. The bypass opening / closing circuit RE1 corresponds to the "bypass opening / closing part" and the "first bypass opening / closing part". Further, the bypass route B1 corresponds to the "first bypass route".

One end of the bypass path B2 is connected to the connection point N2 on the electric path L1 inside the unit, and the other end is connected to the connection point N4 on the electric path L3 inside the unit. The bypass path B2 is provided with a bypass opening / closing circuit RE2 that turns the bypass path B2 into a state of energization or interruption of energization. If the bypass path B2 is energized by the bypass switching circuit RE2, power can be supplied from the lead storage battery 11 to the electric load 15 via the bypass path B2 even when the switch 23 is turned off. It is possible. Therefore, the bypass path B2 can be said to be a dark current path that supplies a dark current to the electric load 15 while the in-vehicle power supply system is stopped. The bypass opening / closing circuit RE2 corresponds to the "bypass opening / closing part" and the "second bypass opening / closing part". Further, the bypass route B2 corresponds to the "second bypass route".

The bypass paths B1 and B2 are provided so as to bypass the switches 21 and 23 on the electric paths L1 and L3. Therefore, the bypass paths B1 and B2 can be said to be paths for supplying the generated power of the rotary electric machine 14 to the electric load 15 when the fail-safe process is performed.

The bypass opening / closing circuit RE1 has a plurality of bypass relays 31 and 32 including, for example, normally closed mechanical relays. These bypass relays 31 and 32 are provided on the bypass path B1 in a state of being connected in parallel with each other. Similarly, the bypass opening / closing circuit RE2 has bypass relays 33, 34 including, for example, a normally closed mechanical relay. These bypass relays 33 and 34 are provided on the bypass path B2 in a state of being connected in parallel with each other. Bypass relays 31 to 34 correspond to "relay switches".

Bypass relays 31 to 34 are relay modules having coils 31a to 34a excited by energization and switch portions 31b to 34b opened and closed by movable contacts that move in response to excitation of the coils 31a to 34a.

One end side of the coils 31a to 34a is connected to the power supply, and the other end side of the coils 31a to 34a is grounded. As the power source, for example, a lead storage battery 11 and a lithium ion storage battery 12 are used. A relay drive switch (not shown) is provided in each of the energization paths of the coils 31a to 34a. When the relay drive switch is turned on, the coils 31a to 34a corresponding to the turned on relay drive switch are energized. Then, the switches 31b to 34b are opened by energizing the coils 31a to 34a.

Further, the output terminal P0 is connected to the lead storage battery 11 via a fuse 35. Further, the output terminal P2 is connected to the electric load 15 via a fuse 36. Further, the connection point N2 is connected to the bypass switching circuit RE1 via a fuse 37.

Here, a specific configuration of the bypass relays 31 to 34, which are mechanical relays (contact relays), will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, since the bypass relays 31 to 34 have the same configuration, the bypass relay 31 will be described as an example. FIG. 2 shows a state in which the bypass relay 31 is mounted on the substrate K.

The bypass relay 31 has a fixed contact 41 and a movable contact 43 provided at the tip of the movable iron piece 42. The movable iron piece 42 is urged by the return spring 44 in the lower part of the drawing, that is, in the direction in which the movable contact 43 is pressed against the fixed contact 41. A coil 45 is provided at a position close to the movable iron piece 42. Speaking in relation to the substrate K, the fixed contact 41 and the movable contact 43 are arranged side by side in the direction orthogonal to the substrate surface, and the movable contact 43 approaches the substrate K due to the rotational displacement of the movable iron piece 42. Or it is displaced in the direction away from it. Speaking of the correspondence with the bypass relay 31 shown in FIG. 1, the switch portion 31b of FIG. 1 is formed by the contacts 41 and 43, and the coil 31a is formed by the coil 45.

When the coil 45 is in the power cutoff state, the state in which the movable contact 43 is pressed against the fixed contact 41 is maintained by the urging force of the return spring 44. This is the state in which the bypass relay 31 is closed. When the coil 45 is energized, the movable iron piece 42 is displaced upward in the figure against the urging force of the return spring 44 due to the electromagnetic force generated in the coil 45, and the movable contact 43 is a fixed contact accordingly. Move away from 41. This is the state in which the bypass relay 31 is open.

When the coil 45 is changed from the energized state to the energized state, the movable contact 43 moves to the fixed contact 41 side due to the urging force of the return spring 44 and comes into contact with the fixed contact 41 to generate a contact sound. .. On the other hand, when the coil 45 changes from the energized state to the energized state, the movable contact 43 moves to the coil 45 side due to the electromagnetic force generated in the coil 45 and comes into contact with the iron core 45a of the coil 45, and a contact sound is generated. To do.

Returning to the description of FIG. 1, the battery unit U includes a control unit 51 that controls on / off (opening / closing) of each switch 21 to 24 and driving of bypass relays 31 to 34. The control unit 51 is composed of a microcomputer including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an input / output interface, and the like.

The control unit 51 controls the on / off of the switches 21 to 24 and the bypass relays 31 to 34 based on the storage state of the storage batteries 11 and 12 and the like. For example, the control unit 51 controls the bypass relays 31 to 34 to be turned off (closed) and the switches 21 to 24 to be turned off (opened) when the vehicle-mounted power supply system is stopped (that is, the ignition switch is off). .. In the following, the stopped state of the in-vehicle power supply system is referred to as an IG off state. Further, the operating state of the in-vehicle power supply system (that is, the ignition switch on state) is indicated as the IG on state.

On the other hand, the control unit 51 controls the bypass relays 31 to 34 to be turned on (open) and the switches 21 to 24 to be turned on (closed) in the IG on state. At that time, the control unit 51 appropriately controls the on / off of each of the switches 21 to 24 so that at least one of the switch 23 and the switch 24 is turned on (closed). That is, the control unit 51 appropriately controls the on / off of each switch 21 to 24 so that the electric power continues to be supplied to the electric load 15.

Specifically, the control unit 51 calculates the SOC (residual capacity: State Of Charge) of the lithium ion storage battery 12. Then, the control unit 51 controls the on / off of each switch 21 to 24 so that the SOC is maintained within a predetermined range of use, and controls the charging and discharging of the lead storage battery 11 and the lithium ion storage battery 12. That is, the control unit 51 selectively uses the lead storage battery 11 and the lithium ion storage battery 12 to charge and discharge.

In addition, the control unit 51 determines an abnormality regarding charging / discharging of the lithium ion storage battery 12. Then, the control unit 51 forcibly turns off (opens) the switches 21 to 24 and turns off (closes) the bypass relays 31 to 34 as a fail-safe process when an abnormality occurs. For example, the control unit 51 uses a current sensor or a temperature sensor to detect that an overcurrent is flowing in the lithium ion storage battery 12 or that the temperature of the lithium ion storage battery 12 is excessively rising, and when such an abnormality occurs, Perform fail-safe processing. In short, each bypass relay 31 to 34 is closed when switches 21 to 24 are opened. It should be noted that the abnormality determination of the lithium ion storage battery 12 may be performed by detecting the output voltage of the lithium ion storage battery 12 when the switch 22 is opened, for example. As a result, the control unit 51 also functions as a failure determination unit for determining a failure of the power supply system.

An ECU 52 including, for example, an engine ECU is connected to the control unit 51. The ECU 52 is composed of a microcomputer including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an input / output interface, and the like, and controls the operation of the engine based on the engine operating state and the vehicle running state each time. The control unit 51 and the ECU 52 are connected by a communication network such as CAN so that they can communicate with each other, and various data stored in the control unit 51 and the ECU 52 can be shared with each other. The ECU 52 may detect a failure of the power supply system, and the ECU 52 may notify the control unit 51 of the failure (abnormality).

Next, the state of the battery unit U in the IG on state will be described. As shown in FIG. 3A, switches 21 to 24 are on (closed) and bypass relays 31 to 34 are on (open). If the rotary electric machine 14 is generating power in such a state, the generated power is supplied to the lead storage battery 11 and the lithium ion storage battery 12, and the generated power is supplied to the electric load 15. Further, even if power generation is not performed, power is supplied to the electric load 15 from the lead storage battery 11 or the lithium ion storage battery 12.

In the IG on state, the on / off of each switch 21 to 24 is appropriately controlled so that at least one of the switch 23 and the switch 24 is turned on (closed). Therefore, it is possible to supply electric power to the electric load 15 from at least one of the lead storage battery 11 and the lithium ion storage battery 12.

Next, the state of the battery unit U in the IG off state will be described. In the IG off state, as shown in FIG. 3B, the switches 21 to 24 are off (open) and the bypass relays 31 to 34 are off (closed). In such a state, a dark current is supplied from the lead storage battery 11 to the electric load 15 via the bypass path B2.

Next, the state of the battery unit U when the fail-safe process is executed in the IG on state will be described. As shown in FIG. 3C, switches 21 to 24 are off (open) and bypass relays 31 to 34 are off (closed). If the rotary electric machine 14 is generating power in such a state, the generated power is supplied to the lead storage battery 11 via the bypass path B1, and the generated power is supplied to the electric load 15 via the bypass paths B1 and B2. Be supplied. Further, even if power generation is not performed, electric power (dark current or operating current) is supplied from the lead storage battery 11 to the electric load 15 via the bypass path B2.

By the way, since the bypass relays 31 to 34 are mechanical relays, they are closed by the urging force of the return spring 44 even if the electric power is not stably supplied from the power source. Therefore, in the fail-safe process based on the abnormality related to charging / discharging of the lithium ion storage battery 12, the bypass paths B1 and B2 can be reliably closed. On the other hand, since the bypass relays 31 to 34 are mechanical relays, a contact sound is generated when they are opened or closed. That is, when the movable contact 43 is pressed against the fixed contact 41, a contact sound is generated between the movable contact 43 and the fixed contact 41. Further, when the movable iron piece 42 is displaced against the urging force of the return spring 44 due to the electromagnetic force generated in the coil 45, the movable iron piece 42 abuts on the iron core 45a of the coil 45, and a contact sound is generated.

These contact sounds are noticeable in a quiet environment. In particular, when the operation check (open / close check) of the bypass relay is executed while the engine is stopped, it may be conspicuous. Therefore, when opening and closing the bypass relays 31 to 34, the following processing is performed to make the contact sound inconspicuous. The details will be described below.

When the control unit 51 inputs a start signal indicating that the IG is on (when the start signal is input), the start process shown in FIG. 4 is executed. That is, the start process is executed when shifting from the IG off state to the IG on state. In the start process, the control unit 51 confirms the operation of the switches 21 to 24 and the like while the bypass relays 31 to 34 are closed (step S101). For example, the control unit 51 opens each of the switches 21 to 24 one by one, and confirms whether the switches 21 to 24 are normally turned on and off based on the current or voltage of the electric paths L1 to L4. Further, the control unit 51 confirms whether each switch 21 to 24 is normally turned off (closed) based on the current or voltage of the bypass paths B1 and B2 while the bypass relays 31 to 34 are kept closed. ..

Then, the control unit 51 determines whether or not the operation confirmation in step S101 has been performed normally (step S102). That is, the control unit 51 determines whether or not the switches 21 to 24 are normally turned on and off and the bypass relays 31 to 34 are normally turned off based on the result of the operation check in step S101.

When the operation confirmation in step S101 is normally performed (step S102: YES), the control unit 51 controls to turn on (close) each switch 21 to 24 (step S103). That is, when each switch 21 to 24 is normally turned on and off and each bypass relay 31 to 34 is normally turned off, each switch 21 to 24 is turned on (closed). As a result, the electric paths L1 to L4 are energized.

Next, the control unit 51 checks the operation of each of the bypass relays 31 to 34 one by one. Specifically, the control unit 51 determines one of the bypass relays 31 to 34 whose operation is to be confirmed from the bypass relays 31 to 34 (step S104). For example, the order of operation confirmation is determined in advance, and one bypass relay 31 to 34 for operation confirmation is determined according to the order. In the present embodiment, one bypass relay 31 to 34 whose operation is to be confirmed is determined in the order of bypass relay 31 → bypass relay 32 → bypass relay 33 → bypass relay 34.

The control unit 51 controls to turn on (open) the determined bypass relays 31 to 34 (step S105). The control unit 51 waits until a predetermined time (for example, 100 ms) elapses after controlling the bypass relay 31 to be turned on (step S106). Using this time, the control unit 51 is configured to be able to confirm whether or not the bypass relays 31 to 34 are normally opened.

Here, a configuration for confirming the opening of each bypass relay 31 to 34 will be described. Each bypass relay 31 to 34 is provided with a check terminal (not shown) on the coil 45 side. If it is opened normally (if the movable iron piece 42 moves to the coil 45 side), the movable iron piece 42 is connected to the check terminal. A detection circuit (current detection circuit or voltage detection circuit) is connected to the check terminal, and whether or not the detection circuit is normally opened based on the current or voltage input via the check terminal is checked. To detect. When the bypass relays 31 to 34 are normally opened (when the movable iron piece 42 is connected to the check terminal), the detection circuit outputs a detection signal for notifying the detection result to the control unit 51. The predetermined time in step S106 is set longer than the chattering time. That is, the movable contact 43 is set longer than the time until the mechanical vibration due to the contact with the iron core 45a of the coil 45 or the check terminal disappears.

Here, the description of the flowchart of FIG. 4 returns. The control unit 51 controls the opened bypass relays 31 to 34 to be turned off (closed) after a lapse of a predetermined time (step S107). Then, the control unit 51 determines whether or not the bypass relays 31 to 34 are normally opened based on the detection signal input during the process of step S106 (step S108).

If it is determined that the door has been normally released (step S108: YES), the control unit 51 waits until a predetermined time elapses (step S109). This predetermined time is set longer than the chattering time. That is, the movable contact 43 is set longer than the time until the mechanical vibration due to the contact with the fixed contact 41 disappears.

Then, the control unit 51 determines whether or not the operation checks of all the bypass relays 31 to 34 have been completed (step S110). When the operation confirmation of all the bypass relays 31 to 34 has not been completed (step S110: NO), the control unit 51 shifts to the process of step S104.

On the other hand, when the operation confirmation of all the bypass relays 31 to 34 is completed (step S110: YES), the control unit 51 controls to open the bypass relays 31 to 34 in order. Specifically, the control unit 51 determines one of the bypass relays 31 to 34 to be opened from the bypass relays 31 to 34 (step S111). For example, the order of opening is determined in advance, and one bypass relay 31 to 34 to be opened is determined according to the order. Specifically, one bypass relay 31 to 34 to be opened is determined in the order of bypass relay 31 → bypass relay 32 → bypass relay 33 → bypass relay 34.

The control unit 51 controls the determined bypass relays 31 to 34 to be turned on (open) (step S112). The control unit 51 waits until a predetermined time elapses after controlling the bypass relay 31 to be turned on (step S113). This predetermined time is set longer than the chattering time.

Then, the control unit 51 determines whether or not all the bypass relays 31 to 34 have been opened (step S114). When all the bypass relays 31 to 34 are not opened (step S114: NO), the control unit 51 shifts to the process of step S111. When all the bypass relays 31 to 34 are opened (step S114: YES), the control unit 51 ends the start process.

When the start process is completed without detecting an abnormality (that is, without shifting to the process of step S115), the control unit 51 executes various processes in the normal (not fail-safe process) IG-on state. The on / off of each switch 21 to 24 is appropriately controlled. As a result, for example, the control unit 51 supplies electric power to the starter 13 to bring the engine into an operating state. Further, for example, the generated power of the rotary electric machine 14 is charged to the lead storage battery 11 and the lithium ion storage battery 12. Further, for example, when the control unit 51 determines an abnormality, the control unit 51 shifts to the fail-safe process.

On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not normal (step S102 or step S108: NO), the control unit 51 decides to shift to the fail-safe process (step S115). At this time, the control unit 51 controls so as to keep all the bypass relays 31 to 34 off (closed). After that, the control unit 51 ends the start process and executes the fail-safe process.

In the present embodiment, the operation check of each switch 21 to 24 and the operation check of each bypass relay 31 to 34 are executed when the IG on state starts, but the IG on state ends and the IG is turned off. It may be executed at the time of transition to the state.

Next, the closing timing of the bypass relays 31 to 34 when shifting to the fail-safe process in the IG on state will be described.

The control unit 51 controls all bypass relays 31 to 34 to be turned off (closed) at the same time when an abnormality is determined while the IG is on. As a result, the bypass paths B1 and B2 can be quickly energized.

Next, the opening / closing timing of the bypass relays 31 to 34 will be described with reference to the timing chart shown in FIG.

When a start signal is input during the IG off state (time point T0), the control unit 51 controls the switches 21 to 24 to be turned on (closed) after confirming the operation of the switches 21 to 24 and the like (time point T1).

Next, the control unit 51 controls to turn on (open) the bypass relay 31 whose operation is confirmed (time point T2). After the lapse of a predetermined time, the control unit 51 controls the bypass relay 31 to be turned off (closed) (time point T3). If the bypass relay 31 is normally opened, the control unit 51 controls the bypass relay 32 to be turned on (opened) after a lapse of a predetermined time (time point T4). After a lapse of a predetermined time, the control unit 51 controls the bypass relay 32 to be turned off (closed) (time point T5).

If the bypass relay 32 is normally opened, the control unit 51 controls the bypass relay 33 to be turned on (opened) after a lapse of a predetermined time (time point T6). After a lapse of a predetermined time, the control unit 51 controls the bypass relay 33 to be turned off (closed) (time point T7). If the bypass relay 33 is normally opened, the control unit 51 controls the bypass relay 34 to be turned on (opened) after a lapse of a predetermined time (time point T8). After a lapse of a predetermined time, the control unit 51 controls the bypass relay 34 to be turned off (closed) (time point T9).

If each of the bypass relays 31 to 34 is normally opened, the control unit 51 controls to turn on (open) the bypass relay 31 after a lapse of a predetermined time (time point T10). Next, the control unit 51 controls to turn on (open) the bypass relay 32 after a lapse of a predetermined time (time point T11). Next, the control unit 51 controls to turn on (open) the bypass relay 33 after a lapse of a predetermined time (time point T12). Next, the control unit 51 controls to turn on (open) the bypass relay 34 after a lapse of a predetermined time (time point T13).

After that, the control unit 51 controls the on / off of each switch 21 to 24 while the IG is on. When shifting to the fail-safe process while the IG is on, the control unit 51 controls to turn off (close) all the bypass relays 31 to 34 at the same time (time point T20).

In this way, the control unit 51 sets the opening or closing timing of any of the bypass relays 31 to 34 among the plurality of bypass relays 31 to 34 different from the opening or closing timing of the other bypass relays 31 to 34. Control. More specifically, when the control unit 51 opens any of the bypass relays 31 to 34 among the bypass relays 31 to 34, the control unit 51 does not overlap with the opening timing of the other bypass relays 31 to 34 and the other bypass. It is controlled so as not to overlap with the closing timing of the relays 31 to 34. Similarly, when closing any of the bypass relays 31 to 34 of the bypass relays 31 to 34, the control unit 51 does not overlap with the opening timing of the other bypass relays 31 to 34 and the other bypass relays. It is controlled so as not to overlap with the closing timing of 31 to 34.

The opening timing is specifically a period from opening to the elapse of a predetermined time. The predetermined time at the time of opening is determined by the chattering time at the time of opening. For example, it is the time from when the movable contact 43 comes into contact with the check terminal until the mechanical vibration disappears. Specifically, the closing timing is a period from closing to the elapse of a predetermined time. The predetermined time at the time of closing is determined by the chattering time at the time of closing. For example, it is the time from when the movable contact 43 comes into contact with the fixed contact 41 until the mechanical vibration disappears.

According to the present embodiment described in detail above, the following excellent effects can be obtained.

The bypass switching circuits RE1 and RE2 are composed of a normally closed mechanical relay. Therefore, when some abnormality occurs, for example, even when fail-safe processing is performed based on the occurrence of some abnormality in the power supply, the bypass relays 31 to 34 are closed by the urging force of the return spring 44. The bypass paths B1 and B2 are surely energized. In the fail-safe process in the IG-on state, the lead-acid battery 11 can be charged and discharged via the bypass paths B1 and B2, and a dark current can be supplied to the electric load 15.

However, by using a mechanical relay as the bypass relays 31 to 34, a contact noise is generated at the time of opening and closing. Further, since the lead storage battery 11 is charged and discharged via the bypass paths B1 and B2, the permissible amount of the current passing through the bypass switching circuits RE1 and RE2 becomes large, and the mechanical relay also becomes large. That is, the movable contact 43, the fixed contact 41, the coil 45, and the iron core 45a become large, and the contact sound itself tends to be large.

Therefore, the bypass switching circuits RE1 and RE2 are configured by a plurality of bypass relays 31 to 34. At the same time, the control unit 51 controls the opening or closing timing of any of the bypass relays 31 to 34 among the plurality of bypass relays 31 to 34 so as to be different from the opening or closing timing of the other bypass relays 31 to 34. I tried to do it. As a result, the contact sound generated at the opening or closing timing of any of the bypass relays 31 to 34 and the contact sound generated at the opening or closing timing of the other bypass relays 31 to 34 are deviated from each other. Therefore, each contact sound can be made inconspicuous as compared with the case where the contact sounds are generated at the same time.

Further, by providing the bypass relays 31 to 34 in parallel, when the bypass paths B1 and B2 are energized, the current flowing through the bypass paths B1 and B2 is distributed to the plurality of bypass relays 31 to 34, and each bypass is used. The current flowing through the relays 31 to 34 can be reduced. Therefore, each of the bypass relays 31 to 34 can be miniaturized as compared with the bypass relay having a large current allowable amount, and the contact noise itself can be reduced.

In the start process, the control unit 51 turns on (closes) each of the switches 21 to 24 to energize the electric paths L1 to L4, and then opens and closes a plurality of bypass relays 31 to 34 to check the operation. Let me. As a result, a current flows through the bypass relays 31 to 34 while the electric paths L1 to L4 are energized. Therefore, even if the opening or closing timings of the bypass relays 31 to 34 are not simultaneous, the current flows through the electric paths L1 to L4 via the switches 21 to 24, so that the current flows through any of the bypass relays 31 to 34. Does not flow in a concentrated manner. Therefore, each bypass relay 31 to 34 can be miniaturized, and the contact noise itself can be reduced.

The control unit 51 simultaneously turns off (closes) a plurality of bypass relays 31 to 34 so that the bypass paths B1 and B2 are energized when an abnormality is determined, that is, when the fail-safe process is started. To control. As a result, the bypass paths B1 and B2 can be quickly energized and the electric power (dark current) from the lead storage battery 11 can be supplied. This makes it useful in fail-safe processing.

Considering efficiency, it is desirable that the electric path L1 connected to the rotary electric machine 14 has a large allowable current amount. Along with this, a large current may flow in the bypass path B1 that bypasses the electric path L1. However, since the bypass switching circuit RE1 is a mechanical relay, the size of the bypass switching circuit RE1 may increase and the contact noise may increase as the allowable current amount increases. The bypass switching circuit RE2 is also the same depending on the type of the electric load 15. Therefore, the bypass switching circuits RE1 and RE2 are provided with a plurality of bypass relays 31 to 34 provided in parallel with each other, and the control unit 51 makes the opening or closing timings of the bypass relays 31 to 34 different. .. By providing them in parallel, the amount of current of each bypass relay 31 to 34 can be dispersed and reduced. Therefore, each bypass relay 31 to 34 can be miniaturized to reduce the contact noise itself.

The control unit 51 opens or closes one of the bypass relays 31 to 34, and after a predetermined time set according to the chattering time of the bypass relays 31 to 34 elapses, opens the other bypass relays 31 to 34. Or close it. As a result, it is possible to suppress the overlap of the contact sounds and make the contact sounds inconspicuous.

(Other embodiments)
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and may be implemented as follows, for example. In the following, the parts that are the same or equal to each other in each embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be incorporated for the parts having the same reference numerals.

-In the above embodiment, unlike the electric load 15, the rotary electric machine 14 as a generator does not always need to be connected to the storage battery. That is, it is possible to shift the timing at which the bypass path B1 is energized and the timing at which the bypass path B2 is energized. Further, even when the electric paths L1 to L4 are not energized, the bypass path B1 can be de-energized. Therefore, in the start process, the control unit 51 opens and closes the bypass relays 31 and 32 of the bypass switching circuit RE1 after the IG is turned on (after the start signal is input) and before the switches 21 to 24 are turned on (closed). You may check the operation. As a result, the operation of the bypass relays 31 and 32 of the bypass switching circuit RE1 can be confirmed without affecting the dark current supply to the electric load 15. Further, the operation check of the bypass relays 31 and 32 can be started before the switches 21 to 24 are turned on (closed).

In the above embodiment, the lead-acid battery 11 and the starter 13 are connected to the output terminal P0, the rotary electric machine 14 is connected to the output terminal P1, and the electric load 15 is connected to the output terminal P2. It may be applied to other power supply systems. For example, it may be applied to a power supply system in which the storage batteries 11 and 12 are connected in parallel to the alternator 70 as a generator and the storage batteries 11 and 12 are connected in parallel to the electric load 15.

This power supply system will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 6, the lead storage battery 11, the alternator 70 as a generator, the starter 13, and the like are connected to the output terminal P0 of the battery unit U, and the electric load 15 and the like are connected to the output terminal P1. In the battery unit U, a switch 21 is provided in the electric path L1 between the output terminals P0 and P1, and a switch 22 is provided in the electric path L2 between the lithium ion storage battery 12 and the output terminal P1. Further, the battery unit U is provided with a bypass path B1 that bypasses the switch 21, and a bypass opening / closing circuit RE1 is provided in the bypass path B1. Bypass relays 31 and 32 are connected in parallel to the bypass switching circuit RE1.

Even in such a power supply system, contact is performed by controlling the opening or closing timing of one bypass relay 31 or 32 differently from the opening or closing timing of the other bypass relays 31 or 32 in the opening / closing process or the like. You can shift the sound. That is, the contact noise of the bypass relays 31 and 32 can be made inconspicuous.

-When performing the fail-safe process, the operation timing (closing timing) of the bypass relays 31 to 34 may be different individually. Specifically, for example, bypass relays 31 to 34 having different allowable currents (relay capacities) are used, and at the beginning of fail-safe processing, the bypass relay having the larger allowable current is closed as a response to the inrush current. You may try to do so. After that, the bypass relay having the smaller allowable current amount may be closed as the energizing current increases. As a result, even in the fail-safe process, the contact sound can be shifted and made inconspicuous.

Further, when performing the fail-safe process, in order to energize the bypass path B2 that supplies the dark current, the bypass relays 33 and 34 of the bypass switching circuit RE2 are controlled to be closed (off) first, and then. , The bypass relays 31 and 32 of the bypass switching circuit RE1 may be closed (off). At that time, the closing timings of the bypass relays 31 and 32 may be different. That is, the bypass relays 33 and 34 may be closed at the same time, and then the bypass relays 31 and 32 may be closed separately. As a result, even in the fail-safe process, the contact sound can be shifted and made inconspicuous.

-As the bypass opening / closing circuits RE1 and RE2, it is also possible to use a normally open type bypass relay instead of the normally closed type bypass relay.
One end of the bypass path B2 is connected to the connection point N1 (or output terminal P1) on the electric path L1 inside the unit, and the other end is connected to the connection point N4 (or output terminal P2) on the electric path L3 inside the unit. It may have been done.

-A mechanical relay may be adopted as the switches 21 to 24. In this case, it is desirable to control the opening or closing timing of the switches 21 to 24 and the opening or closing timing of the bypass relays 31 to 34 differently. As a result, the contact sound can be shifted and the contact sound can be made inconspicuous.

-In the above embodiment, the lead storage battery 11 is provided as the first storage battery and the lithium ion storage battery 12 is provided as the second storage battery, but this may be changed. As the second storage battery, a high-density storage battery other than the lithium ion storage battery 12, for example, a nickel-hydrogen battery may be used. In addition, the same storage battery (for example, lead storage battery, lithium ion storage battery, etc.) can be used as the first storage battery and the second storage battery.

-It is also possible to provide three or more relay switches (for example, bypass relays) in parallel in the bypass opening / closing portion. When each relay switch is configured by a mechanical bypass relay, the on / off timing of each of these relay switches may be different from each other.

-It is also possible to use the power supply system for purposes other than vehicles.
If the opening / closing timing of the relay switch of the bypass switching circuit RE1 and the opening / closing timing of the relay switch of the bypass switching circuit RE2 are different, the relay switches of the bypass switching circuit RE1 and the bypass switching circuit RE2 are set to one each. May be good.

-A general electric load (load that allows power failure) other than the constant voltage required load may be connected together with the starter 13. Specific examples of this electric load include a seat heater, a heater for a defroster of a rear window, a headlight, a wiper of a front window, a blower fan of an air conditioner, and the like.

11 ... Lead storage battery, 12 ... Lithium ion storage battery, 21-24 ... Switch, 31-34 ... Bypass relay, 51 ... Control unit, B1, B2 ... Bypass path, L1 to L4 ... Electric path, RE1, PE2 ... Bypass switching circuit , U ... Battery unit.

Claims (5)

In the power supply circuit device (U) applied to a power supply system in which the first storage battery (11) and the second storage battery (12) are connected in parallel,
A control switch (21, 23) provided in the power supply path (L1, L3) to which the power of the first storage battery is supplied in the power supply system to energize or cut off the power supply path.
Bypass opening / closing portions (RE1, RE2) provided in bypass paths (B1, B2) bypassing the control switch to energize or shut off the bypass path.
A control unit (51) that controls the bypass opening / closing unit is provided.
The bypass opening / closing portion has a plurality of relay switches (31 to 34) made of mechanical relays.
The power supply path includes a first power supply path (L1) to which the first storage battery and the generator (14) are connected, and a second power supply path (L3) connected to the first storage battery and the electric load (15). And there is
The control switch includes a first control switch (21) provided in the first power supply path and a second control switch (23) provided in the second power supply path.
The bypass route includes a first bypass route (B1) that bypasses the first control switch and a second bypass route (B2) that bypasses the second control switch.
The bypass opening / closing part includes a first bypass opening / closing part (RE1) that makes the first bypass path energized or cut off, and a second bypass opening / closing part that makes the second bypass path energized or cut off. There is (RE2),
The first bypass opening / closing part and the second bypass opening / closing part each have the relay switch.
The first bypass switching unit has a plurality of relay switches provided in parallel with each other, and the second bypass switching unit has a plurality of relay switches provided in parallel with each other.
The control unit controls the opening or closing timing of the relay switch of the first bypass opening / closing unit to be different from the opening / closing timing of the relay switch of the second bypass opening / closing unit, and the bypass opening / closing unit controls the opening / closing timing of the relay switch. It is configured so that the opening or closing timing of each of the relay switches having the same is different.
After inputting the start signal, the control unit opens or closes the plurality of relay switches included in the first bypass opening / closing unit before the first power supply path is energized by the first control switch. After confirming the operation of the first bypass opening / closing unit and energizing the second power supply path by the second control switch, the plurality of relay switches included in the second bypass opening / closing unit are opened or opened. A power supply circuit device that is closed to check the operation of the second bypass opening / closing portion. The plurality of relay switches include two or more relay switches provided in parallel with each other.
The power supply circuit device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit has different opening or closing timings of the relay switches in a parallel relationship. The power supply circuit device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit opens or closes the plurality of relay switches when the power supply path is energized by the control switch. A failure determination unit (51) for determining a failure of the power supply system is provided.
One of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit simultaneously controls the operation of the plurality of relay switches so that the bypass path is energized when a failure of the power supply system is determined. The power supply circuit device described in. Any of claims 1 to 4, wherein when the relay switch is opened or closed, the control unit opens or closes another relay switch after a predetermined time set according to the chattering time of the relay switch has elapsed. The power supply circuit device according to item 1.

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