WO2018021461A1

WO2018021461A1 - Electronic apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2018021461A1
Application number: PCT/JP2017/027199
Authority: WO
Inventors: 隼也酒見; 橋本　勝; 英亮山口
Original assignee: パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社
Priority date: 2016-07-29
Filing date: 2017-07-27
Publication date: 2018-02-01
Also published as: JP2018018414A

Abstract

The present invention improves connection port protection performance against overcurrent. An electronic apparatus (1) is provided with a connection port (2), power supply unit (3), communication unit (42), and control unit (41). The control unit (41) controls the power supply unit (3) to stop power supply when a current flowing in a device (50) via the connection port (2) exceeds a predetermined threshold value. When the device (50) is connected to the connection port (2), the control unit (41) executes setting. When performing the setting, the control unit (41) acquires device information, including at least type information, from the device (50) via the communication unit (42), and sets, as the threshold value, a setting value corresponding to the type of the type information thus acquired.

Description

Electronics

The present invention generally relates to an electronic device, and more particularly to an electronic device having a connection port to which a device is connected.

Conventionally, when the sum of current consumption of external devices (devices) connected to multiple USB interfaces (connection ports) exceeds a threshold, a signal indicating the occurrence of overcurrent is output to supply power to the connection ports. An electronic device that stops is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Depending on the type of external device, it may be necessary to supply a current that exceeds the upper limit (eg, 500 mA) of the current defined by the USB interface standard. In the electronic device of Patent Document 1, the threshold value is not set for each connection port, and the threshold value is fixed. Therefore, depending on the type of external device, the connection port may not be sufficiently protected against overcurrent.

JP 2003-216287 A

The present invention has been made in view of the above reasons, and an object thereof is to provide an electronic device that can improve the protection performance of a connection port against an overcurrent.

An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a connection port, a power supply unit, a communication unit, and a control unit. The connection port is a port to which a device is connected. The power supply unit supplies power to the device through the connection port. The communication unit communicates with the device via the connection port. The control unit controls the power supply unit to stop supplying the power when a current flowing through the device through the connection port exceeds a predetermined threshold. The control unit executes setting processing when the device is connected to the connection port. In the setting process, the control unit acquires device information including at least type information from the device via the communication unit, and sets a setting value corresponding to the type of the acquired type information as the threshold value.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic apparatus and a device connected to the electronic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an overall schematic diagram of a system including the electronic apparatus described above. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of threshold value setting processing in the electronic apparatus.

(Embodiment)
(1) Outline The configuration described below is merely an example of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the following configuration, and the technical idea according to the present invention is not limited to the following configuration. As long as it does not deviate from the above, various changes can be made according to the design and the like. Each figure is a typical figure, and the ratio of the size and thickness of each component in FIGS. 1 and 2 does not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratio.

As shown in FIG. 1, an electronic device 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as “electronic device 1”) of the present embodiment includes a plurality of connection ports 2 (first communication interface 11), a power supply unit 3, a communication unit 42, and a control unit. 41. In the present embodiment, the number of connection ports 2 is two (first connection port 2A and second connection port 2B), but is not particularly limited, and may be one or three or more. . Hereinafter, when the

connection ports

2A and 2B are not particularly distinguished, they may be simply referred to as “connection port 2”. Each connection port 2 is a port to which the device 50 is connected.

The power supply unit 3 supplies power to the device 50 via the connection port 2. The communication unit 42 communicates with the device 50 via the connection port 2. The control unit 41 controls the power supply unit 3 so as to stop the supply of power when the current flowing through the connection port 2 to the device 50 connected to the connection port 2 exceeds a predetermined threshold.

The control unit 41 executes the setting process when the device 50 is connected to the connection port 2. In this setting process, the control unit 41 acquires device information including at least type information from the device 50 via the communication unit 42, and sets a setting value corresponding to the type of the acquired type information as the threshold value.

Examples of the type of device 50 include USB devices such as a USB dongle (Universal Serial Bus dongle) 50A and a USB memory (Universal Serial Bus Bus memory) 50B (see FIG. 1).

In the following description, it is assumed that the electronic device 1 manages a plurality of devices 15A to 15F provided in, for example, a customer facility 100 (hereinafter simply referred to as “facility 100”) as shown in FIG. . That is, the electronic device 1 is assumed to have a function as a so-called HEMS (Home Energy Management System) controller as an example.

(2) Details (2.1) Entire System Hereinafter, the entire system including the electronic device 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. In addition to the electronic device 1, the system includes, for example, a plurality of devices 15A to 15F provided in the facility 100, a USB dongle 50A connected to the electronic device 1, a server 21, a router 22, a smartphone 23, Is provided. In addition to the USB dongle 50A, the electronic device 1 may be connected to a USB memory 50B (see FIG. 1). Hereinafter, when the plurality of devices 15A to 15F are not particularly distinguished, they may be simply referred to as “device 15”.

The electronic device 1 has a function as a HEMS controller as described above. The electronic device 1 controls the device 15 based on a signal from the server 21 by communicating with the server 21 via, for example, the Internet (public communication network) 20. The signal is, for example, a DR (Demand Response) signal.

Also, the electronic device 1 is configured to be able to communicate with a plurality of devices 15, for example. The electronic device 1 communicates with each device 15 to acquire data such as resource consumption in the corresponding device 15. Communication between the electronic device 1 and each device 15 is performed using radio waves as a transmission medium. The components of the electronic device 1 will be described in detail in the next column “(2.2) Electronic device”.

“Resource” here refers to resources such as electric power, gas, water, and heat supplied from the supplier to the facility 100 and consumed in the facility 100. Hereinafter, a case where the resource is electric power will be described as an example, but the resource is not limited to electric power. The facility 100 includes not only a facility that receives power supply from an electric power company such as an electric power company but also a facility that receives power supply from a private power generation facility such as a solar power generation facility.

The plurality of devices 15 are various devices provided in the facility 100, and include, for example, electric devices that consume power (resources) such as the lighting fixture 15A, the air conditioner 15B, and the water heater 15C. The plurality of devices 15 include sensor devices such as a temperature / humidity sensor 15D, an illuminance sensor, and an air quality sensor. Further, the plurality of devices 15 include a device that manages power, such as a distribution board 15E, and a device that measures power, such as a meter device 15F (so-called smart meter). In addition, the plurality of devices 15 may include devices that generate electric power, such as solar power generation facilities.

The plurality of devices 15 are not limited to devices provided inside the facility 100. The plurality of devices 15 include devices provided outside the facility 100, such as a water heater 15C and a meter device 15F. However, the server 21 is provided outside the facility 100 but is not included in the device 15. That is, the device 15 is a device attached to the facility 100.

The facility 100 in which the electronic device 1 is used is, for example, a detached house. Of course, the facility 100 is not limited to a detached house, and may be a dwelling unit of an apartment house (apartment). Hereinafter, the “user” means a person who uses the electronic device 1. In the present embodiment in which the facility 100 is a detached house, the user is a resident of the facility 100.

The USB dongle 50A incorporates a specific wireless communication module, and is configured to be able to communicate with the Internet 20 via a mobile phone network provided by a communication carrier. The mobile phone network includes, for example, a 3G (third generation) line, a 4G (fourth generation) line, a 5G (fifth generation) line, and an LTE (Long Termination Evolution) line. Further, the USB dongle 50 </ b> A is configured to be connectable to the server 21 via the Internet 20 without using the router 22. In other words, the USB dongle 50 </ b> A is a device that is allowed to communicate with the server 21 via the Internet 20.

In the present embodiment, the USB dongle 50A is classified as a “first type” device having a specific wireless communication function. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, a device that does not have a specific wireless communication function (for example, the USB memory 50B) is classified as a “second type” device. When the USB dongle 50A is connected to the first connection port 2A or the second connection port 2B, the electronic device 1 can communicate with the server 21 through the USB dongle 50A. The “specific wireless communication function” in the present embodiment means a communication function using a 3G line, 4G line, 5G line, LTE line, or the like. The USB dongle 50A of this embodiment is an LTE dongle as an example.

The router 22 is installed in the facility 100 by a user or a contractor according to a network constructed by the user. The router 22 is connected to the Internet 20 through a shared line. The shared line is used not only for communication between the electronic device 1 and the server 21 but also for connecting other devices to the Internet 20. For example, the smartphone 22 may be connected to the router 22 as shown in FIG. That is, the smartphone 23 is connected to the Internet 20 through a shared line. In addition to the portable terminal such as a tablet terminal and a personal computer, the device 15 may be connected to the router 22. That is, the router 22 is allowed to communicate with a plurality of communication destinations including the server 21.

On the other hand, the USB dongle 50A is connected to the Internet 20 through a dedicated line. Unlike the shared line, the dedicated line is a line for the purpose of communication between the electronic device 1 and the server 21 and preferably has specifications that the user cannot change freely. In the USB dongle 50A of the present embodiment, software that limits the communication destination to the server 21 is incorporated.

The server 21 is provided outside the facility 100 and is managed by a business operator (for example, an electric power company or a device manufacturer). Although the number of servers 21 illustrated in FIG. 2 is one, the number of servers that are communication destinations of the electronic device 1 may be two or more. The electronic device 1 may control the device 15 based on various data received from the server 21.

(2.2) Electronic Device Hereinafter, components of the electronic device 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic device 1 includes a first communication interface 11, a second communication interface 12, a third communication interface 13, and a fourth communication interface 14. The electronic device 1 further includes a power supply unit 3, a control circuit 4, a storage unit 7, and a display unit 8. In the following description, “communication interface” is simply referred to as “communication I / F” unless otherwise specified.

The first communication I / F 11 includes two connection ports 2 (a first connection port 2A and a second connection port 2B). Each of the first and

second connection ports

2A and 2B is a USB port. The first connection port 2A and the second connection port 2B in the present embodiment preferably conform to USB 2.0 as the USB interface standard.

In this embodiment, as an example, it is assumed that the USB dongle 50A (connector 501A) or the USB memory 50B (connector 501B) is inserted and connected to one of the connection ports 2. However, the device is not limited to these as long as it is a USB device. For example, when the electronic device 1 is installed, a dedicated USB device for setting various parameters in the electronic device 1 or writing a program may be connected. The first and second connection ports 2 </ b> A and 2 </ b> B are mounted on a substrate in the electronic device 1. The first and

second connection ports

2A and 2B are electrically connected to the control circuit 4 mounted on the board via electric wiring.

The second communication I / F 12 is configured to be able to communicate with the router 22. In the present embodiment, the second communication I / F 12 can communicate with the router 22 via a wireless communication module compliant with, for example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) communication standard obtained with Wi-Fi (registered trademark) authentication. It is configured. This wireless communication module may be built in the electronic device 1 or may be provided separately from the electronic device 1. The second communication I / F 12 may be configured to be communicable with the router 22 by wire. In this case, the second communication I / F 12 is configured by a LAN port into which a connector of a LAN cable connected to the router 22 is inserted, for example. The second communication I / F 12 is not essential in the electronic device 1.

The third communication I / F 13 is configured to be able to communicate with the lighting fixture 15A, the air conditioner 15B, the water heater 15C, the temperature / humidity sensor 15D, and the distribution board 15E among the plurality of devices 15. The third communication I / F 13 is configured to be able to communicate with the device 15 via a wireless communication module compliant with a communication standard such as ECHONET Lite (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark). In addition, the third communication I / F 13 may be configured to be able to communicate with the device 15 via a wireless communication module compliant with a communication standard such as DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications) (registered trademark). These wireless communication modules may be built in the electronic device 1 or may be provided separately from the electronic device 1. The third communication I / F 13 is not essential in the electronic device 1.

4th communication I / F14 is comprised so that communication with the meter apparatus 15F of the some apparatuses 15 is possible. The fourth communication I / F 14 is configured to be able to communicate with the meter device 15F via a wireless communication module that complies with a so-called B-route compatible communication standard of Wi-SUN (registered trademark), for example. The wireless communication module may be built in the electronic device 1 or may be provided separately from the electronic device 1. If the wireless communication module conforms to a so-called HAN (Home Area Network) route communication standard of Wi-SUN, the fourth communication I / F 14 is configured to be communicable with a device 15 other than the meter device 15F. The fourth communication I / F 14 is not essential in the electronic device 1.

Alternatively, the fourth communication I / F 14 may be configured to be able to communicate with the meter device 15F using a power line communication (PLC) technique. In this case, the fourth communication I / F 14 is configured by a LAN port into which a connector of a LAN cable connected to the PLC adapter is inserted.

In short, in the electronic device 1, the third communication I / F 13 and the fourth communication I / F 14 are both configured to be able to communicate with the device 15 without going through the Internet 20, and configured not to communicate with the server 21. ing. The first communication I / F 11 can communicate with the server 21 through the USB dongle 50A using a communication protocol different from the communication protocol used by the third communication I / F 13 and the fourth communication I / F 14.

3rd communication I / F13 and 4th communication I / F14 may be comprised by one communication I / F. In this case, the communication I / F is configured to be able to communicate with a plurality of types of devices 15 by changing the communication protocol. For example, communication with a smart meter using Wi-SUN and communication with an electric device using ECHONET Lite (registered trademark) may be performed by one wireless communication I / F using the 920 MHz band.

The power supply unit 3 is configured to supply power to the device 50 connected to the first connection port 2A and / or the second connection port 2B of the first communication I / F 11. The USB dongle 50A may need to supply a current that exceeds the upper limit value (500 mA) of the current defined in the USB 2.0 standard, for example. Therefore, the power supply unit 3 is configured to supply a current exceeding the upper limit value to the USB dongle 50A. It is desirable that the circuit constituting the power supply unit 3 is designed so as to be able to withstand circuit stress with respect to the supply of current exceeding the upper limit value.

When the device 50 is connected to the connection port 2, the power supply unit 3 starts supplying power (for example, 5 V operating voltage) to the device 50 through the power supply line (VBUS) of the connection port 2. In other words, the device 50 can operate with the electric power supplied from the electronic device 1 without requiring an external power source. Moreover, the power supply part 3 will complete | finish power supply, if the connection of the said device 50 is cancelled | released.

Further, upon receiving a “cutoff signal” from the control unit 41 (described later), the power supply unit 3 urgently stops the power supply to the corresponding connection port 2. The power supply unit 3 blocks the supply path to the corresponding device 50 by switching the switch element connected to the power supply line of the corresponding connection port 2 from the on state to the off state, for example. When the connection of the device 50 is released while the supply path is cut off, the power supply unit 3 returns the switch element to the original ON state.

The display unit 8 is composed of a light emitting element such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode). The display unit 8 may be configured with, for example, a liquid crystal display. The display unit 8 is configured to emit light with different emission colors depending on the communication I / F being used. The display unit 8 may be provided separately from the electronic device 1.

The control circuit 4 includes a monitoring unit 40, a control unit 41, and a communication unit 42. The control circuit 4 may realize various functions of the monitoring unit 40, the control unit 41, and the communication unit 42 by executing a program stored in the storage unit 7. The program may be written in the storage unit 7 in advance, but may be provided by being stored in a recording medium such as a memory card, may be provided through the USB device 50, or provided through an electric communication line. May be. In addition, at least a part of the monitoring unit 40, the control unit 41, and the communication unit 42 may be configured by hardware different from the control circuit 4.

The monitoring unit 40 of the control circuit 4 monitors the current (current consumption) flowing through the device 50 through the power supply lines of the first connection port 2A and the second connection port 2B of the first communication I / F 11, respectively. For example, the monitoring unit 40 monitors the current flowing in the shunt resistor connected in series to the power supply line. Alternatively, the monitoring unit 40 may monitor the current using CT (Current Transformer).

When the monitoring unit 40 detects the connection of the device 50, the monitoring unit 40 transmits a “connection signal” to the control unit 41. Here, the connection of the device 50 means that the device 50 is physically and electrically connected to any one of the connection ports 2. For example, the monitoring unit 40 may monitor the power supply line of each connection port 2 and determine that the device 50 is connected if there is a change in the current value.

When the monitoring unit 40 detects that the connection state between the device 50 and the connection port 2 is released (the device 50 is removed from the connection port 2), the monitoring unit 40 transmits a “release signal” to the control unit 41. The connection signal and the release signal include information for identifying the corresponding connection port 2 by the control unit 41.

The monitoring unit 40 transmits an “abnormal signal” indicating the occurrence of overcurrent to the control unit 41 when the consumption current flowing through the power supply line exceeds a predetermined threshold. The abnormal signal includes information for identifying the corresponding connection port 2 by the control unit 41. At this time, the monitoring unit 40 may further turn on an abnormal lamp provided in the display unit 8 so as to notify the occurrence of overcurrent to the outside.

The communication unit 42 of the control circuit 4 is configured to communicate with the device 50 connected to the corresponding connection port 2 through the data line (D +, D−) of each connection port 2. When the device 50 connected to the connection port 2 is the USB dongle 50A, the communication unit 42 sends device information (for example, power consumption data) acquired from the device 15 to the server 21 via the USB dongle 50A, for example. Send to.

The communication unit 42 may transmit the device information to the server 21 triggered by receiving a request signal for requesting the device information from the server 21, or periodically transmit the device information to the server 21. May be. Further, the communication unit 42 may receive a control command for controlling, for example, a specific device 15 from the server 21 via the USB dongle 50A.

The communication unit 42 may transmit the device information acquired from the device 15 to the server 21 through the second communication I / F 12. The communication unit 42 may receive device information (for example, a control command for a specific device 15) from the server 21 through the second communication I / F 12.

The communication unit 42 transmits and receives device information related to the device 15 with the device 15 via the third communication I / F 13 or the fourth communication I / F 14. The device information includes, for example, power consumption data in the device 15 or a control command for controlling the device 15. The device information also includes measurement information such as the power amount of the main circuit and / or the power amount of each branch circuit measured by the distribution board 15E.

For example, the communication unit 42 receives device information (power consumption data) from the lighting fixture 15A via the third communication I / F 13. The communication unit 42 also receives device information (power consumption data) from the meter device 15F via the fourth communication I / F 14. Moreover, the communication part 42 transmits a control command toward the air conditioner 15B via the 3rd communication I / F13.

Here, when the device 50 is connected to any one of the connection ports 2, the communication unit 42 acquires device information including type information from the device 50 via the data line of the connection port 2. The type information is information for specifying the type of the device 50. For example, the type information includes a product ID and a vendor ID of the device 50 itself. Hereinafter, the product ID is simply referred to as “PID” and the vendor ID is simply referred to as “VID”. The device information may include information related to the rated current of the device 50 itself in addition to the type information.

The control unit 41 of the control circuit 4 performs processing according to the signal received from the monitoring unit 40. Specifically, when receiving a connection signal from the monitoring unit 40, the control unit 41 determines that the device 50 is inserted and connected to the corresponding connection port 2, and executes threshold setting processing. Further, when receiving the release signal from the monitoring unit 40, the control unit 41 determines that the connection state between the corresponding device 50 and the connection port 2 has been released, and executes processing such as returning the threshold value to the original initial value, for example. To do.

Further, when receiving the abnormality signal from the monitoring unit 40, the control unit 41 determines that there is an abnormality in the device 50 connected to the corresponding connection port 2 and an overcurrent has occurred. Then, the control unit 41 instructs the power supply unit 3 to urgently stop the power supply through the power supply line of the connection port 2. That is, the control unit 41 transmits a cutoff signal to the power supply unit 3.

Hereinafter, the threshold setting process will be described in detail. When the device 50 is connected to any one of the connection ports 2, the control unit 41 according to the present embodiment executes threshold setting processing. In this setting process, the control unit 41 acquires device information including at least type information from the device 50 via the communication unit 42, and determines the type of the device 50 based on the type of the type information. That is, the control unit 41 determines whether the type of the device 50 corresponds to the first type or the second type. And in this setting process, the control part 41 sets the setting value corresponding to the kind to the said threshold value used for determination of overcurrent in the monitoring part 40. FIG.

Specifically, when receiving the type information of the device 50 connected to the connection port 2 from the communication unit 42, the control unit 41 refers to the setting data stored in advance in the storage unit 7. In the setting data, for example, as shown in Table 1, a plurality of type information (a plurality of sets of PIDs and VIDs) related to a plurality of types of devices and a plurality of setting values are associated with each other.

In the example of setting data in Table 1, one set of PID “XXX1” and VID “YYYY” corresponds to a first type device having a specific wireless communication function. Similarly, a set of PID “XXX2” and VID “YYYY” also corresponds to the first type of device. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the first type of device is an LTE dongle, but other devices may be included as long as the device has a specific wireless communication function.

The first type of device may need to supply a current exceeding the upper limit value (eg, 500 mA) of the current in the USB interface standard (eg, USB 2.0). In particular, a device having a wireless communication function such as an LTE dongle may need to supply a current exceeding this upper limit value. For this reason, the set value set for the threshold value needs to be at least larger than the upper limit value. Therefore, the first setting values “ZZZ1” and “ZZZ2” corresponding to the first type device in the setting data are both values larger than 500 mA, for example.

On the other hand, in the example of setting data in Table 1, one set of PID “AAAA” and VID “BBBB” corresponds to a second type of device that does not have a specific wireless communication function. Similarly, a set of PID “DDDD” and VID “EEEE” also corresponds to the second type of device. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the second type device is a USB memory, but other devices may be used as long as they do not have a specific wireless communication function.

The second type device does not need to supply a current exceeding the upper limit value of the current in the USB interface standard (for example, USB 2.0). For example, a device such as a USB memory does not need to supply a current exceeding the upper limit value. Therefore, for the second type device, if the set value set for the threshold is larger than the upper limit value, such as the first set value corresponding to the first type device, an overcurrent may occur. There is a possibility that it cannot be detected sufficiently. Therefore, the second setting values “CCCC” and “FFFF” corresponding to the second type device in the setting data are both 500 mA or less, for example. In short, the second set value is smaller than the first set value.

The control unit 41 searches the setting data to determine whether or not the PID and VID included in the acquired type information exist in a plurality of sets of PIDs and VIDs in the setting data. If a matching pair of PID and VID is found, the control unit 41 stores the setting value associated with the PID and VID in the storage unit 7 as a threshold corresponding to the connection port 2. If a matching pair of PID and VID is not found, it may be displayed on the display unit 8 as an error, or a predetermined initial value is stored in the storage unit 7 as a threshold corresponding to the connection port 2. Also good.

The monitoring unit 40 determines whether the consumption current flowing through the corresponding power supply line exceeds the threshold value using the threshold value set as described above. Therefore, the electronic device 1 can improve the protection performance of the connection port 2 against overcurrent for various devices 50.

The storage unit 7 can store a threshold corresponding to each connection port 2. In short, in the present embodiment, since the number of connection ports 2 is two, the storage unit 7 stores two threshold values respectively corresponding to the two connection ports 2. Needless to say, if the number of connection ports 2 is five, for example, the storage unit 7 may store five threshold values respectively corresponding to the five connection ports 2.

That is, the control unit 41 executes the threshold value setting process described above for each of the plurality of connection ports 2. Therefore, even when a plurality of connection ports 2 are provided, the protection performance against overcurrent can be improved in connection port 2 units.

Further, when the control unit 41 determines that the type of the device 50 is “specific type”, the control unit 41 may directly set the setting value included in the device information acquired from the device 50 as the threshold value. The “specific type” mentioned here is not the presence / absence of a specific wireless communication function but the presence / absence of a set value in the acquired device information. For example, when it is known in advance that the setting value of the device itself is included in the device information for all (or a part) of devices having a specific VID, all (or a part) of the specific VID is included. ) Device belongs to “specific type”. When information about the rated current of the device 50 itself is included in the acquired device information, the control unit 41 may set a threshold value after adding a predetermined value to the rated current.

In this way, by directly acquiring the set value (or rated current) from the device 50, it is possible to detect overcurrent using a threshold value that is more suitable for the device 50. Therefore, the electronic device 1 can further improve the protection performance of the connection port 2 against overcurrent.

In the setting data in Table 1, one set value is associated with one set of PID and VID. That is, PID “XXX1” and VID “YYYY” and PID “XXX2” and VID “YYYY” have different first set values “ZZZ1” and “ZZZ2” even though they belong to the same first type. It is associated. However, one set value may be associated with a plurality of sets of PIDs and VIDs. That is, a common first setting value (for example, “ZZZ1”) may be associated with a plurality of sets of PIDs and VIDs belonging to the first type. Similarly, a common second setting value (for example, “CCCC”) may be associated with a plurality of sets of PIDs and VIDs belonging to the second type.

Furthermore, the setting data may include only a plurality of sets of PIDs and VIDs belonging to the first type and a plurality of corresponding first setting values (or common first setting values). In short, the setting data may not include PID and VID data belonging to the second type.

In this case, if the PID and VID of the device 50 connected to the connection port 2 exist in the setting data, the control unit 41 determines the type of the device 50 as the first type. Then, the control unit 41 sets a corresponding first set value as a threshold value corresponding to the connection port 2 in the storage unit 7. On the other hand, if the PID and VID of the device 50 connected to the connection port 2 do not exist in the setting data, the control unit 41 determines that the type of the device 50 is the second type. Then, the control unit 41 may set a predetermined initial value as a threshold value corresponding to the connection port 2 in the storage unit 7.

This initial value is preferably a common second set value (for example, “CCCC”). The storage unit 7 may store in advance a common second set value as all threshold values corresponding to the plurality of connection ports 2. The control unit 41 sets the second setting as the threshold corresponding to the connection port 2 in the storage unit 7 only when the type of the device 50 connected to the connection port 2 is determined to be the first type. The value may be temporarily changed to the first set value. Thereafter, when the control unit 41 receives information from the monitoring unit 40 (reception of a release signal) that the connection state between the device 50 and the connection port 2 is released, the control unit 41 corresponds to the connection port 2 in the storage unit 7. As the threshold value to be used, the first set value may be returned to the original second set value.

Thus, if it is the structure which returns from a 1st setting value to the original 2nd setting value, the electronic device 1 will only hold | maintain at least 2 setting values (a 1st setting value and a 2nd setting value). The amount of data in the electronic device 1 can be reduced. Also, except when the first type device 50 is connected, the second set value is always set to the threshold value, so even if the control unit 41 fails to determine the type of the device 50, The protection performance of the connection port 2 can be ensured to some extent.

The setting data stored in the storage unit 7 may be updated using data acquired through the device 50. That is, when data related to the PID, VID, and setting value is stored in the USB memory 50B, the control unit 41 acquires the data from the USB memory 50B connected to any one of the connection ports 2 and sets the setting data. May be updated. Or when the said data is stored in the server 21, the control part 41 acquires the said data from the server 21 via the USB dongle 50A connected to one of the connection ports 2, and updates setting data May be.

As described above, by using the data in the USB memory 50B or the data in the server 21, the setting data in the storage unit 7 can be easily updated. Further, the determination accuracy of the type of the device 50 in the control unit 41 can be improved by updating the setting data.

(2.3) Operation Related to Threshold Setting Process Hereinafter, the operation related to the threshold setting process of the electronic device 1 when the device 50 is connected to any one of the connection ports 2 of the electronic device 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. While explaining.

In the following, for simplicity of explanation, only the LTE dongle is assumed as the first type of device. Therefore, the “device other than the LTE dongle” in step S8 in FIG. 3 means a second type device that does not have a specific wireless communication function such as a USB memory.

In the following, it is assumed that in the setting data stored in the storage unit 7, a common first setting value is associated with a plurality of sets of PIDs and VIDs belonging to the first type. Further, it is assumed that the setting data does not include data of type information belonging to the second type. Accordingly, the storage unit 7 stores in advance a common second set value (initial value) corresponding to the second type as two threshold values corresponding to the first and

second connection ports

2A and 2B, respectively. Yes.

First, the monitoring unit 40 constantly monitors the power supply lines (VBUS) of the first and

second connection ports

2A and 2B (step S1). If there is a change in the current value in any of the power supply lines (step S2: Yes), the monitoring unit 40 inserts the device 50 into the connection port 2 corresponding to the corresponding power supply line and It is determined that the supply has started (step S3). Then, the monitoring unit 40 transmits a connection signal to the control unit 41.

On the other hand, if there is no change in the current value of any power supply line (step S2: No), the monitoring unit 40 determines that the device 50 is not inserted (step S4), and the process returns to step S1.

When the control unit 41 receives a connection signal from the monitoring unit 40, the control unit 41 starts a threshold setting process. That is, when the insertion of the device 50 is detected, the control unit 41 acquires the type information (PID and VID) from the device 50 through the data line of the corresponding connection port 2 to the communication unit 42. Instruct. Then, the control unit 41 receives the PID and VID from the communication unit 42. The control unit 41 searches the setting data to determine whether or not the PID and VID included in the acquired type information are present in a plurality of sets of PIDs and VIDs belonging to the first type in the setting data in the storage unit 7. That is, the control unit 41 determines whether or not the acquired PID and VID match the PID and VID belonging to the LTE dongle (step S5).

If there is a matching PID and VID in the setting data (step S5: Yes), the control unit 41 determines that the device 50 inserted into the connection port 2 is an LTE dongle (step S6). And the control part 41 changes the initial value (2nd setting value) set to the threshold value corresponding to the said connection port 2 in the memory | storage part 7 to the 1st setting value larger than an initial value ( Step S7).

On the other hand, if there is no matching PID and VID in the setting data (step S5: No), the control unit 41 determines that the device 50 inserted into the connection port 2 is a “device other than the LTE dongle”. (Step S8). And the control part 41 maintains the initial value (2nd setting value) set as the threshold value corresponding to the said connection port 2 in the memory | storage part 7 (step S9).

The control unit 41 completes the threshold value setting process through step S7 (or step S9). And the monitoring part 40 monitors the consumption current which flows through a corresponding power supply line using the threshold value corresponding to the said connection port 2 in the memory | storage part 7. FIG.

Thereafter, when the monitoring unit 40 detects the release of the connection state of the device 50, the monitoring unit 40 transmits the information to the control unit 41 (transmission of a release signal). If the threshold value corresponding to the connection port 2 in the storage unit 7 is changed to the first set value through step S7, the control unit 41 changes the first set value to the original initial value (second To the set value).

As described above, the electronic device 1 determines the type of the device 50 inserted into the connection port 2 and sets a setting value corresponding to the type as a threshold value. That is, a device such as an LTE dongle needs to supply a current exceeding the upper limit value of the USB standard, and a threshold for determining an overcurrent needs to be increased. Therefore, as described above, when the electronic device 1 determines that the connected device 50 is the LTE dongle, the electronic device 1 temporarily sets the first setting value higher than the initial value (second setting value) as the threshold value. To do.

On the other hand, a device such as a USB memory does not require a current supply exceeding the upper limit value of the USB standard, and on the contrary, if a threshold value for determining an overcurrent is set high, an overcurrent is generated. It cannot be detected properly, and the detection accuracy for overcurrent decreases. Therefore, when the connection of the LTE dongle is released, the electronic device 1 returns the threshold value from the first setting value to the original low initial value (second setting value). Further, when the electronic device 1 determines that the connected device 50 is a device such as the USB memory 50B, the electronic device 1 maintains an initial value (second set value). Therefore, the electronic device 1 can prevent a decrease in detection accuracy with respect to an overcurrent.

In other words, the electronic device 1 has an overcurrent even if the connected device 50 is a device that requires a current supply exceeding the interface standard or a device that does not require such a current supply. Therefore, the protection performance of the connection port 2 can be improved.

(3) Advantages As described above, the electronic device 1 according to the first aspect includes the connection port 2, the power supply unit 3, the communication unit 42, and the control unit 41. The connection port 2 is a port to which the device 50 is connected. The power supply unit 3 supplies power to the device 50 via the connection port 2. The communication unit 42 communicates with the device 50 via the connection port 2. The control unit 41 controls the power supply unit 3 so as to stop the supply of power when the current flowing through the device 50 through the connection port 2 exceeds a predetermined threshold. When the device 50 is connected to the connection port 2, the control unit 41 executes setting processing. In the setting process, the control unit 41 acquires device information including at least type information from the device 50 via the communication unit 42, and sets a setting value corresponding to the type of the acquired type information as the threshold value.

According to this configuration, the electronic device 1 can improve the protection performance of the connection port 2 against overcurrent.

In the electronic device 1 according to the second aspect, in the first aspect, the control unit 41 determines that the type of the device is the first type having a specific wireless communication function based on the type of the type information. Then, it is preferable to set the first set value as the set value to the threshold value. Further, when the control unit 41 determines that the type is the second type different from the first type based on the type of the type information, the control unit 41 sets the second set value as the set value as the threshold value. It is preferable. The first set value is preferably larger than the second set value.

According to this configuration, the protection performance of the connection port 2 against overcurrent is improved for the first type device 50 having a specific wireless communication function that requires a current supply exceeding the interface standard. be able to. Also, the protection performance of the connection port 2 against overcurrent can be improved for the second type device 50 that does not require a current supply exceeding the interface standard and does not have a specific wireless communication function. it can.

As the electronic device 1 according to the third aspect, in the second aspect, when the connection state between the device 50 determined as the first type and the connection port 2 is released, the control unit 41 It is preferable to set the set value to the threshold value.

According to this configuration, the electronic device 1 only needs to hold at least two setting values (first setting value and second setting value), and the amount of data in the electronic device 1 can be reduced. Also, except when the first type device 50 is connected, the second set value is always set to the threshold value, so even if the control unit 41 fails to determine the type of the device 50, The protection performance of the connection port 2 can be ensured to some extent.

In any one of the first to third aspects, the electronic device 1 according to the fourth aspect further includes setting data in which a plurality of types of information regarding a plurality of types of devices 50 and a plurality of setting values are associated with each other. It is preferable to include a storage unit 7 for storing in advance. In this case, it is preferable that the control unit 41 determines a setting value corresponding to the type of the type information with reference to setting data stored in the storage unit 7.

According to this configuration, overcurrent can be detected using a more suitable threshold for various devices 50, and the protection performance of the connection port 2 against overcurrent can be further improved.

As the electronic device 1 according to the fifth aspect, in the fourth aspect, it is preferable that the control unit 41 acquires data relating to at least one set value from the device 50 connected to the connection port 2. And it is preferable that the control part 41 updates the setting data memorize | stored in the memory | storage part 7 with the acquired data.

According to this configuration, the setting data in the storage unit 7 can be easily updated, and the determination accuracy of the type of the device 50 in the control unit 41 can be increased.

The electronic device 1 according to the sixth aspect preferably includes a plurality of connection ports 2 in any one of the first to fifth aspects. In this case, the control unit 41 preferably executes the setting process for each of the plurality of connection ports 2.

According to this configuration, even when a plurality of connection ports 2 are provided, the protection performance against overcurrent can be improved in connection port units.

As the electronic apparatus 1 according to the seventh aspect, in any of the first to sixth aspects, the device information preferably includes a setting value corresponding to the device 50 itself. In this case, when the control unit 41 determines that the device type is a specific type in the setting process, the control unit 41 preferably sets the setting value included in the device information as the threshold value.

According to this configuration, by directly acquiring the set value from the device 50, it is possible to detect an overcurrent using a threshold value that is more suitable for the device 50. Therefore, the protection performance of the connection port 2 against overcurrent can be further improved.

As the electronic apparatus 1 according to the eighth aspect, in any of the first to seventh aspects, the connection port 2 is a USB port, the device 50 is a USB device, and the connection port 2 and the device 50 are USB 2.0. It is preferable to comply with.

According to this configuration, the protection performance of the USB port (connection port 2) compliant with USB 2.0 against overcurrent can be improved.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Electronic device 2 Connection port 3 Power supply part 40 Monitoring part 41 Control part 42 Communication part 50 Device 7 Memory | storage part

Claims

A connection port for the device to connect,
A power supply for supplying power to the device via the connection port;
A communication unit for communicating with the device via the connection port;
A control unit that controls the power supply unit to stop the supply of power when a current flowing through the connection port through the device exceeds a predetermined threshold; and
When the device is connected to the connection port, the control unit acquires device information including at least type information from the device via the communication unit, and sets a setting value corresponding to the type of the acquired type information. An electronic device that executes a setting process for setting the threshold value.
The control unit, based on the type of the type information,
When it is determined that the type of the device is the first type having a specific wireless communication function, the first set value is set as the set value to the threshold value,
When it is determined that the type is a second type different from the first type, a second set value is set as the set value to the threshold value,
The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the first set value is larger than the second set value.
The said control part sets the said 2nd setting value to the said threshold value when the connection state of the said device determined as said 1st type and the said connection port is cancelled | released. 2. The electronic device according to 2.
Furthermore, a storage unit is provided for storing in advance setting data in which a plurality of types of information related to a plurality of types of devices and a plurality of setting values are associated with each other,
4. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines the setting value corresponding to the type of the type information with reference to the setting data stored in the storage unit. The electronic device described.
The control unit acquires data related to at least one setting value from the device connected to the connection port, and updates the setting data stored in the storage unit with the acquired data. Item 5. The electronic device according to Item 4.
A plurality of the connection ports;
6. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit executes the setting process for each of the plurality of connection ports.
The device information includes the setting value corresponding to the device itself,
The control unit sets the setting value included in the device information as the threshold value when it is determined that the device type is a specific type in the setting process. 6. The electronic device according to any one of 6.
The connection port is a USB port, and the device is a USB device;
The electronic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the connection port and the device comply with USB 2.0.