Patent ID: 12230995

MODE OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, an auxiliary power supply device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail, with reference to the drawings.

<Auxiliary Power Supply Device1>

FIG.1is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an auxiliary power supply device1according to the present embodiment. In recent years, in a latch mechanism that is a mechanical lock mechanism of an automobile door, a system that operates a lock portion of a latch by a motor is adopted as an electric latch system. The automobile door is required to unlock even in case of an emergency, such as an accident or the like. For this reason, even in a case where a battery power supply fails due to breakage or the like caused by the accident, the electric latch system is required to continue operating for a certain period of time. The auxiliary power supply device1according to the present embodiment is used as a backup power supply for the electric latch system.

The auxiliary power supply device1stores electric power supplied from a power supply100. In addition, the auxiliary power supply device1supplies electric power to a load device200when the electric power from the power supply100is cut off. The power supply100is also directly connected to the load device200. The power supply100is connected to the load device200via a diode71, in order to prevent a reverse current.

The power supply100is an in-vehicle battery, for example. The load device200includes a load210, and a load driving circuit220that drives the load210. The load210is a motor in an electric latch system of a motor vehicle door, for example.

The auxiliary power supply device1includes a storage circuit10, a charging circuit20, a boosting circuit30, an equalization and discharge circuit40, and a measurement controller50. Each constituent element of the auxiliary power supply device1will be described.

[Storage Circuit10]

The storage circuit10is a circuit configured to store electric power. The storage circuit10includes at least one electrical double layer capacitor, that is, a so-called super capacitor. The storage circuit10of the auxiliary power supply device1according to the present embodiment includes an electrical double layer capacitor11and an electrical double layer capacitor12that are connected in series.

[Charging Circuit20]

The charging circuit20charges the storage circuit10with the electric power supplied from the power supply100. The charging circuit20performs a charging process based on a charging control signal CTL1of the measurement controller50.

[Boosting Circuit30]

The boosting circuit30boosts the electric power supplied from the storage circuit10, and supplies the boosted electric power to the load device200. The boosting circuit30supplies the electric power based on a boosting control signal CTL2of the measurement controller50. The boosting circuit30is connected to the load device200via a diode72, in order to prevent a reverse current. The diode72may be omitted.

[Equalization and Discharge Circuit40]

The equalization and discharge circuit40performs an equalization process on the storage circuit10. In addition, the equalization and discharge circuit40performs a discharge process on the storage circuit10.FIG.2is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the equalization and discharge circuit40of the auxiliary power supply device1according to the present embodiment.

In a case where the electrical double layer capacitors, such as the super capacitors or the like, are connected in series, an imbalance may occur in voltage sharing of the capacitors due to variations in individual leakage currents or the like. When the imbalance occurs in the voltage sharing of the capacitors, there is a possibility that a voltage exceeding a rated value or a set value will be applied to one of the capacitors, even if a voltage of the series-connected capacitors as a whole, obtained by adding the rated voltages of the individual capacitors, falls within a rated voltage. In order to prevent the voltage exceeding the rated value or the set value from being applied to the electrical double layer capacitor11or the electrical double layer capacitor12, the equalization and discharge circuit40performs the equalization process to eliminate a voltage sharing imbalance and equalize voltages applied to the respective capacitors.

The equalization and discharge circuit40performs the equalization process on the storage circuit10based on an equalization control signal CTL3. In addition, the equalization and discharge circuit40performs the discharge process based on a discharge control signal CTL4. Further, the equalization and discharge circuit40outputs a voltage signal SIGV1of the electrical double layer capacitor11and a voltage signal SIGV2of the electrical double layer capacitor12to the measurement controller50.

The equalization and discharge circuit40includes switches41and42, and resistors45and46. The storage circuit10includes the electrical double layer capacitor11between a node N1and a node N3. The storage circuit10includes the electrical double layer capacitor12between the node N3and a node N2. The node N1is connected to the power supply100and the load device200. The node N2is grounded.

The switch41has a first terminal41aand a second terminal41b. The switch41makes a connection or disconnection between the first terminal41aand the second terminal41b. The switch41is provided between the node N1and the resistor45. The switch41is opened and closed based on the equalization control signal CTL3and the discharge control signal CTL4. In the following description, the switch41may also be referred to as a switch SW1.

The resistor45is provided between the switch41and the node N4. The resistor45and the resistor46are connected in series at a node N4. The resistor45has a resistance value R1.

The switch42has a first terminal42aand a second terminal42b. The switch42makes a connection or disconnection between the first terminal42aand the second terminal42b. The switch42is provided between the node N3and the node N4. The switch42is opened and closed based on the equalization control signal CTL3and the discharge control signal CTL4. In the following description, the switch42may also be referred to as a switch SW2.

The resistor46is provided between the node N4and the node N2. The resistor46has a resistance value R2. The resistance value R2may be equal to the resistance value R1. A case where the resistance values are equal to each other is not limited to the case where the resistance values perfectly match each other, and includes the case where the resistance values are the same within a range including a manufacturing error, for example.

The equalization and discharge circuit40outputs a voltage value Vsc1at the node N1to the measurement controller50, as the voltage signal SIGV1. Moreover, the equalization and discharge circuit40outputs a voltage value Vsc2at the node N3to the measurement controller50, as the voltage signal SIGV2. The voltage at the node N1may also be referred to as a terminal voltage Vsc of the storage circuit10.

The first terminal42aof the switch42is an example of a third terminal, and the second terminal42bof the switch42is an example of a fourth terminal. In addition, the node N1is an example of a first node, the node N2is an example of a second node, the node N3is an example of a third node, and the node N4is an example of a fourth node.

[Measurement Controller50]

The measurement controller50controls the charging, electric power supplying, and discharging of the storage circuit10. The measurement controller50measures characteristics of the storage circuit10. The measurement controller50is formed by an electronic control unit (ECU), for example.

The measurement controller50controls the charging of the storage circuit10by the charging circuit20based on the charging control signal CTL1. In addition, the measurement controller50controls the electric power supplying to the load device200of the boosting circuit30, based on the boosting control signal CTL2. The measurement controller50controls the equalization process of the equalization and discharge circuit40, based on the equalization control signal CTL3.

Further, the measurement controller50controls the discharge process of the equalization and discharge circuit40, based on the discharge control signal CTL4. The measurement controller50controls the load driving circuit220, based on the drive control signal CTL5.

The measurement controller50includes a timer for measuring the time. The measurement controller50computes the time, using a number of counts from start to stop of the timer count by the timer.

<Measurement of Characteristics of Storage Circuit10by Measurement Controller50>

The measurement of the characteristics of the storage circuit10by the measurement controller50of the auxiliary power supply device1according to the present embodiment will be described. The characteristics of the storage circuit10are determined from a capacitance value and an equivalent series resistance value of the storage circuit10.

[Capacitance Value and Equivalent Series Resistance Value of Storage Circuit10]

The characteristics of the storage circuit10in the auxiliary power supply device1according to the present embodiment will be described.FIG.3is an equivalent circuit diagram for measuring a capacitance value and an equivalent series resistance value of the storage circuit in the auxiliary power supply device1according to the present embodiment.

In the storage circuit10according to the present embodiment, the electrical double layer capacitor11and the electrical double layer capacitor12that are connected in series, are equivalently regarded as one capacitor having a capacitance value Csc and one resistor having a resistance value ESRsc and connected in series to the one capacitor. Further, the characteristics of the storage circuit10are evaluated using the capacitance value Csc and the resistance value ESRsc.

In addition, the evaluation is performed by regarding the resistor45and the resistor46that are connected in series, as a discharging resistor R_discharge having a resistance value R (=resistance value R1+resistance value R2). That is, the resistance value R, obtained by adding the resistance value R1of the resistor45and the resistance value R2of the resistor46, is set as the resistance value of the discharging resistor R_discharge.

[Measurement of Capacitance Value of Storage Circuit10]

Characteristic degradation of the electrical double layer capacitor progresses with the use thereof. In a case where the degradation of the electrical double layer capacitor progresses and the capacitance value decreases, a hindrance of the supply of current to the motor may occur, for example, and the time during which the electrical double layer capacitor is usable as the backup power supply may become short, or unlatching of the latch may not become possible. Accordingly, in the auxiliary power supply device1according to the present embodiment, the capacitance value of the electrical double layer capacitor is measured, as required, to monitor the capacitance value.

FIG.4is a flow chart for measuring the capacitance value of the storage circuit10in the auxiliary power supply device1according to the present embodiment. When performing this process, the charging circuit20and the boosting circuit30stop operating. That is, in this state, the storage circuit10is not charged by the power supply100. In addition, in this state, the storage circuit10does not supply electric power to the load device200. Moreover, when performing this process, the storage circuit10is in a state charged to a certain extent, such as a state where the charge is greater than or equal to 50% of a full charge, or more preferably greater than or equal to 80% of the full charge.

A processing procedure of the measurement controller50of the auxiliary power supply device1according to the present embodiment, and steps of a control method of the auxiliary power supply device1, will be described in conjunction with the flow chart ofFIG.4.

(Step S10)

First, the measurement controller50turns on (closes) the switch SW1. When the switch SW1is turned on (closed), the discharging resistor R_discharge is connected to the storage circuit10. When the discharging resistor R_discharge is connected to the storage circuit10, the electric power stored in the storage circuit10flows to the ground with a current I_R via the discharging resistor R_discharge. When the electric power stored in the storage circuit10flows to the ground with the current I_R, the terminal voltage Vsc of the storage circuit10gradually decreases.

(Step S20)

Next, the measurement controller50measures the terminal voltage Vsc of the storage circuit10. Further, the measurement controller50records (acquires) the measured voltage value of the terminal voltage Vsc, as a start voltage value V1. In addition, the timer count is started.

(Step S30)

Next, the measurement controller50determines whether or not the voltage value of the terminal voltage Vsc of the storage circuit10is lower than or equal to an end voltage value V2that is set to a predetermined value. In a case where the voltage value of the terminal voltage Vsc of the storage circuit10is higher than the predetermined end voltage value V2(NO in step S30), step S30is repeated again. In a case where the voltage value of the terminal voltage Vsc of the storage circuit10is lower than or equal to the predetermined end voltage value V2(YES in step S30), the measurement controller50advances the process to step S40. The end voltage value V2is set to a value lower than the start voltage value V1.

(Step S40)

Next, the measurement controller50stops the timer count, and records the counted value. Further, the measurement controller50computes a time T from the start of the timer count from the counted value to the stop of the timer count. The process of step S40is desirably performed simultaneously as step S30, or as quickly as possible within a range executable by the measurement controller50after performing step S30.

(Step S50)

Next, the measurement controller50turns off (opens) the switch SW1. When the switch SW1is turned off (opened), the discharging resistor R_discharge is disconnected from the storage circuit10.

(Step S60)

Next, the measurement controller50computes the capacitance value Csc according to Formula 1, using the measured start voltage value V1and end voltage value V2, and the time T. The resistance value R is the resistance value of the discharge resistance R_discharge.

In denotes a natural logarithm.

[Formula 1]
Csc=−T/(R×Ln(V2/V1))  (Formula 1)
(Step S70)

Next, based on the computed capacitance value Csc, the measurement controller50determines whether or not the storage circuit10is normal (whether or not the storage circuit10is degraded). For example, in a case where the capacitance value Csc is smaller than a predetermined capacitance value, the measurement controller50determines that the storage circuit10is abnormal (degraded).

For example, in step S30, when the voltage value of the terminal voltage Vsc of the storage circuit10becomes lower than or equal to the end voltage value V2, the terminal voltage Vsc of the storage circuit10may be measured again and set as the end voltage value V2. Alternatively, a set time Ts may be set first, and the voltage value of the terminal voltage Vsc of the storage circuit10after the time Ts elapses after the switch SW1is turned on may be measured as the end voltage value V2.

The auxiliary power supply device1according to the present embodiment can measure the capacitance value of the storage circuit10during a discharge in which a current is discharged from the storage circuit10. In addition, the auxiliary power supply device1according to the present embodiment can monitor the characteristic degradation of the electrical double layer capacitor included in the storage circuit10, by measuring the capacitance value of the storage circuit10.

The equalization and discharge circuit40of the auxiliary power supply device1according to the present embodiment also operates as a discharging circuit that discharges the energy stored in the storage circuit10. Accordingly, the auxiliary power supply device1according to the present embodiment can check the operation of the discharging circuit by measuring the capacitance value of the storage circuit10.

The start voltage value V1is an example of a first voltage value, and the end voltage value V2is an example of a second voltage value.

[Measurement of Equivalent Series Resistance Value of Storage Circuit10]

The characteristic degradation of the electrical double layer capacitor progresses with the use thereof. In the case where the degradation of the electrical double layer capacitors progresses and the equivalent series resistance value increases, a hindrance of the supply of current to the motor may occur, for example, and the time during which the electrical double layer capacitors are usable as the backup power supply may become short, or unlatching of the latch may not become possible. Accordingly, in the auxiliary power supply device1according to the present embodiment, the equivalent series resistance value of the electrical double layer capacitors is measured, as required, to monitor the equivalent series resistance value.

FIG.5is a flow chart for measuring the equivalent series resistance value of the storage circuit10in the auxiliary power supply device1according to the present embodiment. In a case where this process is performed, the charging circuit20and the boosting circuit30stop operating. That is, in this state, the storage circuit10is not charged by the power supply100. In addition, in this state, the storage circuit10does not supply electric power to the load device200. Moreover, when performing this process, the storage circuit10is in a state charged to a certain extent, such as a state where the charge is greater than or equal to 50% of a full charge, or more preferably greater than or equal to 80% of the full charge.

The processing procedure of the measurement controller50of the auxiliary power supply device1according to the present embodiment, and steps of the control method of the auxiliary power supply device1, will be described in conjunction with the flow chart ofFIG.5.

(Step S110)

First, the measurement controller50turns on (closes) the switch SW1. When the switch SW1is turned on (closed), the discharging resistor R_discharge is connected to the storage circuit10. When the discharging resistor R_discharge is connected to the storage circuit10, the electric power stored in the storage circuit10flows to the ground with the current I_R via the discharging resistor R_discharge. When the electric power stored in the storage circuit10flows to the ground with the current I_R, the terminal voltage Vsc of the storage circuit10gradually decreases.

(Step S120)

Next, the measurement controller50stands by for a certain period of time. For example, the measurement controller50stands by for the certain period of time until the current I_R stabilizes.

(Step S130)

Next, the measurement controller50measures the terminal voltage Vsc of the storage circuit10. Further, the measurement controller50stores (acquires) the measured voltage value of the terminal voltage Vsc, as an on-time voltage value Vsc_on.

(Step S140)

Next, the measurement controller50turns off (opens) the switch SW1, immediately after measuring the terminal voltage Vsc of the storage circuit10in step S130. When the switch SW1is turned off (opened), the discharging resistor R_discharge is disconnected from the storage circuit10. The process of step S140is desirably performed simultaneously as step S130, or as quickly as possible within a range executable by the measurement controller50after performing step S130.

(Step S150)

Next, after the switch SW1is turned off (opened), the measurement controller50measures the terminal voltage Vsc of the storage circuit10. Further, the measurement controller50stores (acquires) the measured voltage value of the terminal voltage Vsc, as an off-time voltage value Vsc_off.

(Step S160)

Next, the measurement controller50computes an equivalent series resistance value ESR according to Formula 2, using the measured on-time voltage value Vsc_on and off-time voltage value Vsc_off. The resistance value R is the resistance value of the discharge resistance R_discharge.

[Formula 2]
ESR=(Vsc_off−Vsc_on)R/Vsc_on=R(Vsc_off/Vsc_on−1)  (Formula 2)
(Step S170)

Next, based on the computed equivalent series resistance value ESR, the measurement controller50determines whether or not the storage circuit10is normal (whether or not the storage circuit10is degraded). For example, in a case where the equivalent series resistance value ESR is larger than a predetermined resistance value, the measurement controller50determines that the storage circuit10is abnormal (degraded).

The auxiliary power supply device1according to the present embodiment can measure the equivalent series resistance value of the storage circuit10, during the discharge in which the current is discharged from the storage circuit10. In addition, the auxiliary power supply device1according to the present embodiment can monitor the characteristic degradation of the electrical double layer capacitor included in the storage circuit10, by measuring the equivalent series resistance value of the storage circuit10.

Moreover, the equalization and discharge circuit40of the auxiliary power supply device1according to the present embodiment operates as the discharging circuit that discharges the energy stored in the storage circuit10. Hence, the auxiliary power supply device1according to the present embodiment can check the operation of the discharging circuit, by measuring the equivalent series resistance value of the storage circuit10.

The on-time voltage value Vsc_on is an example of the first voltage value, and the off-time voltage value Vsc_off is an example of the second voltage value.

[Simultaneous Measurement of Capacitance Value and Equivalent Series Resistance Value of Storage Circuit10]

The auxiliary power supply device1according to the present embodiment can simultaneously monitor the capacitance value and the equivalent series resistance value, by simultaneously measuring the capacitance value and the equivalent series resistance value of the electrical double layer capacitor, as required.

FIG.6is a flow chart for simultaneously measuring the capacitance value and the equivalent series resistance value of the storage circuit10in the auxiliary power supply device1according to the present embodiment. When performing this process, the charging circuit20and the boosting circuit30stop operating. That is, in this state, the storage circuit10is not charged by the power supply100. In addition, in this state, the storage circuit10does not supply electric power to the load device200. When the present process is performed, the storage circuit10is in a state charged to a certain extent, such as a state where the charge is greater than or equal to 50% of a full charge, or more preferably greater than or equal to 80% of the full charge.

The processing procedure of the measurement controller50of the auxiliary power supply device1and the steps of the control method of the auxiliary power supply device1according to the present embodiment, will be described in conjunction with the flow chart ofFIG.6.

(Step S210)

First, the measurement controller50turns on (closes) the switch SW1. When the switch SW1is turned on (closed), the discharging resistor R_discharge is connected to the storage circuit10. When the discharging resistor R_discharge is connected to the storage circuit10, the electric power stored in the storage circuit10flows to the ground with the current I_R via the discharging resistor R_discharge. When the electric power stored in the storage circuit10flows to the ground with the current I_R, the terminal voltage Vsc of the storage circuit10gradually decreases.

(Step S220)

Next, the measurement controller50measures the terminal voltage Vsc of the storage circuit10. Further, the measurement controller50records (acquires) the measured voltage value of the terminal voltage Vsc, as the start voltage value V1. In addition, timer count is started.

(Step S230)

Next, the measurement controller50determines whether or not the voltage value of the terminal voltage Vsc of the storage circuit10is lower than or equal to the end voltage value V2that is set to a predetermined value. In a case where the voltage value of the terminal voltage Vsc of the storage circuit10is higher than the predetermined end voltage value V2(NO in step S230), step S230is repeated again. In a case where the voltage value of the terminal voltage Vsc of the storage circuit10is lower than or equal to the predetermined end voltage value V2(YES in step S230), the measurement controller50advances the process to step S240. The end voltage value V2is set to a value lower than the start voltage value V1.

(Step S240)

Next, the measurement controller50stops the timer count, and records the counted value. Further, the measurement controller50computes the time T from the start of the timer count from the counted value to the stop of the timer count. The process of step S240is desirably performed simultaneously as step S230, or as quickly as possible within a range executable by the measurement controller50after performing step S230.

(Step S250)

Next, the measurement controller50turns off (opens) the switch SW1immediately after step S240. When the switch SW1is turned off (opened), the discharging resistor R_discharge is disconnected from the storage circuit10. The process of step S250is desirably performed simultaneously as step S240, or as quickly as possible within a range executable by the measurement controller50after performing step S240.

(Step S260)

Next, after the switch SW1is turned off (opened), the measurement controller50measures the voltage value of the terminal voltage Vsc of the storage circuit10. Further, the measurement controller50stores the measured voltage value of the terminal voltage Vsc, as an off-time voltage value V3.

(Step S270)

Next, the measurement controller50computes the capacitance value Csc according to Formula 1, using the measured start voltage value V1and end voltage value V2, and the time T. The resistance value R is the resistance value of the discharge resistance R_discharge.

(Step S280)

Next, the measurement controller50computes the equivalent series resistance value ESR according to Formula 3, using the end voltage value V2and the measured off-time voltage value V3. The resistance value R is the resistance value of the discharge resistance R_discharge.

[Formula 3]
ESR=(V3−V2)R/V2=R(V3/V2−1)  (Formula 3)
(Step S290)

Next, based on the computed capacitance value Csc, the measurement controller50determines whether or not the storage circuit10is normal (whether or not the storage circuit10degraded). For example, in a case where the capacitance value Csc is smaller than a predetermined capacitance value, the measurement controller50determines that the storage circuit10is abnormal (degraded).

In addition, based on the computed equivalent series resistance value ESR, the measurement controller50determines whether or not the storage circuit10is normal (whether or not the storage circuit10is degraded). For example, in a case where the equivalent series resistance value ESR is larger than a predetermined resistance value, the measurement controller50determines that the storage circuit10is abnormal (degraded).

The auxiliary power supply device1according to the present embodiment can measure the capacitance value and the equivalent series resistance value of the storage circuit10, during the discharge in which current is discharged from the storage circuit10. In addition, the auxiliary power supply device1according to the present embodiment can monitor the characteristic degradation of the electrical double layer capacitor included in the storage circuit10, by measuring the capacitance value and the equivalent series resistance value of the storage circuit10.

The start voltage value V1is an example of the first voltage value, the end voltage value V2is an example of the second voltage value, and the off-time voltage value V3is an example of a third voltage value.

<Equalization Process of Storage Circuit in Auxiliary Power Supply Device and Measurement of Capacitance Value and Equivalent Series Resistance Value>

Next, the equalization process and the measurement of the capacitance value and the equivalent series resistance value of the storage circuit10in the auxiliary power supply device1will be described.

As described above, in the case where the electrical double layer capacitor is used as the backup energy source of the automobile system, it is necessary to monitor the capacitance value and the equivalent series resistance value in order to manage the degradation of the electrical double layer capacitor in an actual state of use. Hence, a circuit for measuring the capacitance value and the equivalent series resistance value in a vehicle mounted state is required.

In addition, in the circuit in which electrical double layer capacitors are connected in series, an equalization circuit is required to eliminate the voltage sharing imbalance. In the auxiliary power supply device1according to the present embodiment, the equalization and discharge circuit40performs the measurement of the capacitance value and the equivalent series resistance value, and the equalization process on the electrical double layer capacitor.

FIG.7is a circuit diagram of a circuit that performs the equalization process and the measurement of the capacitance value and the equivalent series resistance value of the storage circuit in the auxiliary power supply device according to the present embodiment.FIG.8is a flow chart for performing the equalization process and the measurement of the capacitance value and the equivalent series resistance value of the storage circuit10in the auxiliary power supply device1according to the present embodiment.

The processing procedure of the measurement controller50of the auxiliary power supply device1and the steps of the control method of the auxiliary power supply device1according to the present embodiment, will be described in conjunction with the flow chart ofFIG.8.

The measurement controller50determines whether or not a normal operation is being performed (step S310). In a case where the measurement controller50determines that the normal operation is being performed (YES in step S310), the measurement controller50turns off (opens) the switch SW1and the switch SW2.

In step S10, in the case where the measurement controller50determines that the normal operation is not being performed (NO in step S310), the measurement controller50determines whether or not the equivalent series resistance value or the capacitance value is being measured (step S330).

In the case where the measurement controller50determines that the equivalent series resistance value or the capacitance value is being measured (YES in step S330), the measurement controller50performs the measurement of the equivalent series resistance value or the capacitance value by turning off (opening)/on (closing) only the switch SW1(step S340). The measurement of the equivalent series resistance value or the capacitance value is performed, based on the procedure described above. After the measurement in step S340ends, the switch SW1is turned off (opened) (step S350).

In step S340, the capacitance value of the storage circuit10may be measured, or the equivalent series resistance value of the storage circuit10may be measured. In step S340, the capacitance value and the equivalent series resistance value of the storage circuit10may be measured simultaneously.

The process of measuring the equivalent series resistance value or the capacitance value in step S340is an example of a first process.

On the other hand, when the measurement controller50determines that the equivalent series resistance value or the capacitance value is not being measured (NO in step S330), the measurement controller50turns on (closes) the switch SW1and the switch SW2simultaneously, to perform the equalization operation (step S360). After the equalization operation in step S360ends, the switches SW1and SW2are turned off (opened) (step S370).

The process of the equalization operation in step S360is an example of a second process.

The auxiliary power supply device1according to the present embodiment can perform the measurement of the capacitance value and the equivalent series resistance value and the equalization process on the electrical double layer capacitor, using a single circuit configuration. In the auxiliary power supply device1according to the present embodiment, because the measurement of the capacitance value and the equivalent series resistance value and the equalization process on the electrical double layer capacitor are performed by the single circuit configuration, the auxiliary power supply device1can be simplified by reducing a complexity thereof.

The switch41is an example of a switch element. In addition, the switch41is an example of a first switch element, and the switch42is an example of a second switch element. The electrical double layer capacitor11is an example of a first electrical double layer capacitor, and the electrical double layer capacitor12is an example of a second electrical double layer capacitor. The resistor45is an example of a first discharging resistor, and the resistor46is an example of a second discharging resistor.

Although the auxiliary power supply device is described above by way of the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Various modifications and improvements, such as a combination or a replacement of a part or entirety of other embodiments are possible, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The present application is based on and claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-056570, filed on Mar. 30, 2021, and the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

1Auxiliary power supply device10Storage circuit11Electrical double layer capacitor12Electrical double layer capacitor20Charging circuit30Boosting circuit40Discharging circuit41,42Switch41aFirst terminal41bSecond terminal45,46Resistor50Measurement controller100Power supply200Load device210Load220Load driving circuitN1NodeN2NodeN3Node