JP2008134794A - Power supply device, connection unit and electronic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a power supply device for supplying a power according to the driving voltage of a connection unit, a connection unit corresponding to the power supply device and an electronic device equipped with them. <P>SOLUTION: A printer 3 is provided with a communication part 21 for communicating with a connected scanner 5; an information analysis part 23 for analyzing driving voltage information relating to the driving voltage of the scanner 5 transmitted from the scanner 5 through the communication part 21 and a power source part 19 for supplying a driving voltage to the scanner 5 based on the analysis result of driving voltage information in the information analysis part 23. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a power supply device, a connection unit, and an electronic device using them.

  Conventionally, in an electronic device that drives a connection unit by connecting the connection unit to the power supply device with a USB cable and feeding power from the power supply device to the connection unit, the power supplied from the power supply device to the connection unit is constant. The voltage was fixed. And, for example, when a voltage different from the power supplied from the power supply device is required to operate the connection unit normally, connect the connection unit to another power source and power from the separately connected power source. Was getting. As described above, Patent Document 1 discloses an electronic device that performs communication using a certain amount of power between the power supply device and the connection unit.

JP 2006-127085 A

  However, since the power supplied from the power supply device to the connection unit is fixed in the device as described above, it is impossible to supply power from the power supply device to the connection unit depending on the driving power of the connection unit. There was a problem.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and a power supply device that can supply power in accordance with the drive voltage of the connection unit, a connection unit corresponding to the power supply device, and these An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device provided.

  In order to solve the above problems, a power supply apparatus according to the present invention relates to a communication unit that communicates with a connected connection unit, and a drive voltage of the connection unit transmitted from the connection unit via the communication unit. An analysis unit that analyzes drive voltage information, and a voltage supply unit that supplies the drive voltage to the connection unit based on an analysis result of the drive voltage information in the analysis unit are provided.

  According to this configuration, the power supply apparatus can change the drive voltage supplied to the connection unit according to the drive voltage information acquired from the connection unit.

  Further, the connection unit according to the present invention is a connection unit that is driven based on the power supplied from the connected power supply device, and is more than the first voltage supplied from the power supply device and the first voltage. Based on the second voltage having a high voltage value, the voltage receiving unit supplies the first voltage to the low-voltage power supply driving unit and supplies the second voltage to the high-voltage power supply driving unit, and is supplied from the voltage receiving unit. And a control unit that is driven by the first voltage and transmits drive voltage information related to the voltage value of the second voltage to the power supply device in response to a request from the power supply device. The driving is started by one voltage and the driving voltage information is transmitted to the power supply device, and the voltage receiving unit uses the second voltage supplied from the power supply device according to the driving voltage information as the high power. It is characterized by supplying to the power drive unit.

  According to this configuration, the connection unit transmits the drive voltage information to the power supply device in a state where the first voltage is supplied from the power supply device, and further, the second supplied according to the drive voltage information. The high voltage power supply driving unit can be driven by the voltage.

  The electronic device according to the present invention is an electronic device including a power supply device and a connection unit that is driven based on the power supplied from the power supply device, wherein the power supply device is connected to the connection device. A communication unit that communicates with the unit, and requests information related to the drive voltage of the connection unit to the connection unit via the communication unit, and drive voltage information related to the drive voltage of the connection unit transmitted from the connection unit. An analysis unit for analyzing, and a voltage supply unit for supplying a first voltage and a second voltage having a voltage value higher than the first voltage to the connection unit based on an analysis result of the drive voltage information in the analysis unit. The connection unit supplies the first voltage to the low-voltage power supply driving unit based on the first voltage and the second voltage supplied from the voltage supply unit. And a voltage receiving unit for supplying the second voltage to the high voltage power supply driving unit, and the power supply device driven by the first voltage supplied from the voltage receiving unit and in response to a request from the power supply device And a control unit that transmits the drive voltage information, and the control unit starts driving with the first voltage and transmits drive voltage information including information on the voltage value of the second voltage to the power supply device. The voltage receiving unit supplies the second voltage supplied from the power supply device to the high voltage power supply driving unit according to the driving voltage information transmitted from the control unit.

  According to this configuration, the power supply apparatus can drive the connection unit and acquire drive voltage information by supplying the first voltage to the connection unit. And an electric power supply apparatus can provide the 2nd voltage according to a connection unit based on the drive voltage information acquired by driving a connection unit with a 1st voltage.

  Thus, according to the power supply device, the connection unit, and the electronic device according to the present invention, power can be supplied in accordance with the drive voltage of the connection unit.

  Hereinafter, specific embodiments to which the present invention is applied will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  An MFP (Multi Function Peripherals) as an electronic device according to the first embodiment supplies driving power from a printer as a power supply device to a scanner as a connection unit to drive the scanner. In such an MFP, the power supplied from the power supply device to the connection unit is changed according to the type of the connection unit connected to the power supply device.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the MFP 1 is configured by connecting a printer 3 and a scanner 5 via a USB cable L. When the scanner 5 is driven, the MFP 1 causes the printer 3 to supply the scanner 5 with a driving voltage for the scanner 5.

  The printer 3 supplies a drive voltage to the scanner 5 and prints an image transmitted from the scanner 5 and an image transmitted from an external device via a LAN (Local Area Network) or the like. Such a printer 3 includes a printer control unit 7 that controls the operation of each unit constituting the printer 3, a connection unit 9 that connects the printer 3 to the scanner 5 via the USB cable L, and various information to the user. A display unit 11 for displaying, an operation unit 13 for inputting various information by a user, a LAN communication unit 15 for communicating with an external device (not shown) via a LAN, and a printing unit for printing an image on a predetermined sheet 17, a power supply unit 19 that supplies a voltage to the scanner 5, and a communication unit 21 that communicates with the scanner 5. The printer control unit 7 includes an information analysis unit 23 that analyzes information transmitted from the scanner 5.

  The printer 3 having such a configuration acquires drive voltage information regarding the drive voltage of the scanner 5 from the scanner 5 via the communication unit 21. Then, the information analysis unit 23 analyzes the acquired drive voltage information and notifies the power supply unit 19 of the voltage to be supplied to the scanner 5 based on the analyzed drive voltage information. Then, the power supply unit 19 supplies a drive voltage to the scanner 5 via the USB cable L in response to a notification from the information analysis unit 23. The printer 3 acquires power from a commercial power source (not shown) and performs a printing operation and a power feeding operation to the scanner 5.

  The printer control unit 7 controls various operations of the display unit 11, the operation unit 13, the LAN communication unit 15, and the printing unit 17, and uses the information analysis unit 23 to supply power supplied from the power supply unit 19 to the scanner 5. Control.

  The connection unit 9 is a USB port formed in the printer 3, for example, and is connected to the USB cable L. Information input to the connection unit 9 via the USB cable L is supplied to the communication unit 21. Further, the connection unit 9 supplies the power supplied from the power supply unit 19 to the scanner 5 via the USB cable L.

  The display unit 11 displays the status of the printer 3 to the user under the control of the printer control unit 7. Then, the display unit 11 prompts the user to perform an operation by displaying various types of information to the user.

  The operation unit 13 is an operation panel formed on the printer 3, and supplies an instruction input by the user to the printer control unit 7.

  The LAN communication unit 15 establishes communication between the printer 3 and an external device installed in a LAN environment (not shown). For example, image data created by a host device is input to such a LAN communication unit 15. When the printer 3 transmits various information such as an error notification to the external device, the printer 3 transmits the information to the external device via the LAN communication unit 15.

  Under the control of the printer control unit 7, the printing unit 17 prints an image transmitted from an external device via the LAN communication unit 15 or an image read by the scanner 5 on a predetermined sheet. Then, the paper on which the image is printed in the printing unit 17 is discharged to the outside of the printer 3 and provided to the user.

  The power supply unit 19 generates power to be supplied to the scanner 5 in response to an instruction from the information analysis unit 23 and supplies the power to the scanner 5 via the connection unit 9 and the USB cable L. The power supplied from the power supply unit 19 through the USB cable is supplied to the scanner 5.

  The communication unit 21 communicates with the scanner 5 under the instruction of the printer control unit 7. Specifically, the communication unit 21 acquires drive voltage information regarding the drive voltage of the scanner 5 under the instruction of the printer control unit 7. In addition, the communication unit 21 supplies the drive voltage information acquired from the scanner 5 to the information analysis unit 23.

  The information analysis unit 23 analyzes the drive voltage information and instructs the power supply unit 19 to supply power to the scanner 5.

  Further, the scanner 5 reads an image formed on a sheet, for example, and transmits the read image to the printer 3. Such a scanner 5 is not directly connected to a commercial power source or the like, but is driven only by the power supplied from the printer 3. Such a scanner 5 includes a scanner control unit 25 that controls the operation of each unit constituting the scanner 5, a connection unit 27 that connects the scanner 5 to the printer 3 via the USB cable L, and various information for the user. A display unit 29 that displays various information by the user, a CCD module 33 that reads an image under the control of the scanner control unit 25, and generates CCD output data based on the read image. An image processing unit 35 that performs processing for converting CCD output data into image data, a voltage receiving unit 37 that receives power from the printer 3, a conveyance control unit 39 that controls a motor that supplies driving force to each unit, and a printer 3, and a first motor 43 and a second motor 45 that are driven under the control of the conveyance control unit 39.

  The scanner control unit 25 controls various operations of the display unit 29, the operation unit 31, the image processing unit 35, the voltage receiving unit 37, the transport control unit 39, and the communication unit 41.

  The connection unit 27 is, for example, a USB port formed in the scanner 5, and a USB cable L is connected to the connection unit 27. Information input to the connection unit 27 via the USB cable L is supplied to the communication unit 41. The connection unit 27 supplies power supplied from the printer 3 via the USB cable L to the voltage receiving unit 37.

  The display unit 29 displays the state of the scanner 5 to the user under the control of the scanner control unit 25. Specifically, the display unit 29 displays a scan result, an error display, a guidance display, and the like. The display unit 29 prompts the user to perform an operation by displaying various types of information to the user.

  The operation unit 31 is an operation panel formed on the scanner 5, and supplies an instruction input by the user to the scanner control unit 25.

  The CCD module 33 reads an image set by a user in a predetermined reading unit under the instruction of the scanner control unit 25 and generates CCD output data. The CCD module 33 supplies the CCD output data to the image processing unit 35 under the instruction of the scanner control unit 25. Such a CCD module 33 is driven by a driving force supplied from the first motor 43 driven by the transport control unit 39.

  The image processing unit 35 converts the CCD output data supplied from the CCD module 33 into image data that can be recognized by the printer 3 under the instruction of the scanner control unit 25. Then, the image processing unit 35 supplies the converted image data to the scanner control unit 25 for transmission to the printer 3.

  The voltage receiving unit 37 receives electric power supplied from the printer 3 and supplies electric power necessary for the scanner 5 to perform various operations to each unit constituting the scanner 5. Specifically, when the power supplied from the printer 3 is a low voltage, the voltage receiving unit 37 includes a scanner control unit 25 that is driven at a low voltage, a display unit 29, an operation unit 31, an image processing unit 35, and Power is supplied to the communication unit 41. On the other hand, when the power supplied from the printer 3 is a high voltage, the voltage receiving unit 37 supplies power to the CCD module 33 and the transport control unit 39 that are driven at a high voltage.

  The conveyance control unit 39 drives the first motor 43 under the instruction of the scanner control unit 25 to drive the CCD module 33 and also drives the second motor 45 to automatically feed a sheet on which an image to be read is formed. I do.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the power supply unit 19 includes a PWM controller 47 that changes a voltage output from the power supply unit 19 in accordance with a signal input from the printer control unit 7, and a VCC power supply that supplies power to the PWM controller 47. 49, FETs (Field Effect Transistors) 51 and 53 connected to the PWM controller 47, a VDD power supply 55 for supplying power to the FETs 51 and 53, a capacitor 57 connected to the VDD power supply 55, and the FETs 51 and 53. Inductor 59 and capacitor 61 connected to inductor 59 are provided.

  The PWM controller 47 changes the output power supply POW-A from the power supply unit 19 in accordance with the data signal Ctrl-A input from the printer control unit 7 to the data input terminal. Such a PWM controller 47 is a PWM (pulse width modulation) type power supply controller IC, and switches the FETs 51 and 53 via the gate drive terminals in accordance with the data signal Ctrl-A to output power POW-A. To change. The PWM controller 47 includes two gate drive terminals, and each gate drive terminal is connected to the gate terminals of the FETs 51 and 53. The PWM controller 47 also includes a feedback terminal to which the output power supply POW-A is input, and monitors the output power supply POW-A input to the feedback terminal.

  The FETs 51 and 53 are connected to the first terminal of the FET 51 and the second terminal of the FET 53. Further, the first terminal of the FET 51 and the second terminal of the FET 53 are connected to the inductor 59. The second terminal of the FET 51 is connected to the capacitor 57 and the VDD power source 55. Such FETs 51 and 53 are driven by the power supplied from the VDD power supply 55 and are switched by the PWM controller 47.

  The capacitor 57 is connected to the second terminal of the FET 51 and the ground, and takes out electric charge necessary for stepping down when the voltage of the VDD power supply 55 is stepped down.

  The inductor 59 discharges charges in the inductor during the switching operation of the FETs 51 and 53. Specifically, the inductor 59 discharges internal charges when the FET 51 is in an off state and the FET 53 is in an on state.

  The capacitor 61 is connected to the output terminal of the inductor 59, and makes the output power supply POW-A constant.

  Such a power supply unit 19 changes the output power supply POW-A by referring to a table as shown in FIG. 3 according to the data signal Ctrl-A and controlling the on / off states of the FETs 51 and 53, and outputs it. To do. The output power POW-A output from the power supply unit 19 is supplied with power to the scanner 5 via the connection unit 9 and the USB cable L. The scanner 5 receives the output power supply POW-A at the connection unit 27 and supplies power to the voltage receiving unit 37 as the input voltage POW-B.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the voltage receiving unit 37 includes a PWM controller 63 that outputs a low-voltage power supply POW-C based on the input power supply POW-B, FETs 65 and 67 controlled by the PWM controller 63, 67, an inductor 69 connected to the inductor 67, a capacitor 71 connected to the inductor 69, an input protection diode 73 that protects the voltage receiving portion 37, a printer protection diode 75 that protects the printer 3, and an input power supply POW-B. And a power supply monitoring unit 79 that monitors the input power supply POW-B. Such a voltage receiving unit 37 includes a low voltage power source POW-C supplied to a location driven by a low voltage and a high voltage power source POW supplied to a location driven by a high voltage in accordance with the input power source POW-B. -D is output.

  The PWM controller 63 changes the low voltage power supply POW-C according to the input power supply POW-B. The PWM controller 63 includes two gate drive terminals, and each gate drive terminal is connected to the gate terminals of the FETs 65 and 67. The PWM controller 63 includes a feedback terminal to which the low voltage power supply POW-C is input, and monitors the low voltage power supply POW-C input to the feedback terminal.

  The FETs 65 and 67 are connected to the first terminal of the FET 65 and the second terminal of the FET 67. Further, the first terminal of the FET 65 and the second terminal of the FET 67 are connected to the inductor 69. The input power supply POW-B is input to the second terminal of the FET 65. Such FETs 65 and 67 are switched by the PWM controller 63.

  The inductor 69 discharges charges in the inductor during the switching operation of the FETs 65 and 67. Specifically, the inductor 69 discharges internal charges when the FET 65 is off and the FET 67 is on.

  The capacitor 71 is connected to the output terminal of the inductor 69 and makes the low voltage power supply POW-C constant.

  The input power supply POW-B is input to the input protection diode 73. The input protection diode 73 is short-circuited when the input power supply POW-B exceeds a certain value and protects the voltage receiving unit 37.

  The printer protection diode 75 is formed on a path through which the input power supply POW-B is input to the PWM controller 63, and is charged when the connection between the printer 3 and the scanner 5 is disconnected in a state where charges remain in the scanner 5. Prevents the printer 3 from being damaged by reverse flow.

  The capacitor 77 has one terminal to which the input power supply POW-B is input and the other terminal connected to the ground. The capacitor 77 takes out the charge necessary for stepping down when the input power supply POW-B is stepped down.

  The power supply monitoring unit 79 monitors the high voltage power supply POW-D and supplies the monitoring result to the scanner control unit 25 as a data signal Ctrl-B.

  Next, the operation of the MFP 1 having the above configuration will be described in detail.

  First, a method for increasing the power supplied from the printer 3 to the scanner 5 will be described in detail with reference to flowcharts shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 and a time chart shown in FIG.

  When a series of operations starts, in step S1, the printer 3 determines whether or not the connection unit is connected. Such processing is performed when the printer control unit 7 causes the communication unit 21 to determine the level of the signal line connected to the connection unit 9. The communication unit 21 determines the level of the signal line connected to the connection unit 9, and the determination result is supplied to the printer control unit 7. This process is repeated until the printer control unit 7 determines that the connection unit is connected to the printer 3.

  Next, in step S <b> 2, the printer 3 supplies an initial voltage to the scanner 5. Specifically, this processing is performed by the printer 3 supplying “001” as the data signal Ctrl-A to the PWM controller 47 of the power supply unit 19. When the data signal Ctrl-A is supplied to the PWM controller 47, the PWM controller 47 refers to a table as shown in FIG. 3 and raises the output power supply POW-A to 3.3V. When the output power supply POW-A rises, a voltage of 3.3V is supplied from the printer 3 to the scanner 5, and the high voltage power supply POW-D rises to 3.3V.

  Next, in step S3, the printer 3 stands by using a timer (not shown) until a predetermined time elapses.

  Next, in step S4, the printer 3 starts communication with the scanner 5. Such processing is performed by the information analysis unit 23 supplying a communication start command to the communication unit 21.

  Next, in step S5, the printer 3 determines whether or not communication with the scanner 5 has been established. Such processing is performed under the control of the printer control unit 7 when the communication unit 21 polls the scanner 5 and determines whether or not there is a response as shown in the C1 unit. If there is no response from the scanner 5, the printer control unit 7 executes the processing from step S 6 onward in order to increase the voltage currently supplied to the scanner 5.

  In step S6, the printer 3 determines whether or not the output power supply POW-A currently output to the scanner 5 exceeds a certain reference voltage. Such processing is performed by the printer control unit 7 comparing the value of the output power supply POW-A that is currently supplied with power to the scanner 5 with a preset reference voltage. For example, when the voltage supplied from the printer 3 to the scanner 5 is 3.3V as the initial voltage and the reference voltage is 5V, the printer control unit 7 does not exceed the reference voltage of the output power supply POW-A. And the process of step S7 is executed. On the other hand, if the output power source POW-A exceeds the reference voltage, it is determined that the scanner 5 is inappropriate as a connection unit. In step S8, the printer control unit 7 stops the power supply of the output power source POW-A, and the display unit 11 displays an error and ends the series of processes.

  In step S7, the printer 3 raises the output power supply POW-A by one step. For example, when the output power source POW-A is the initial voltage of 3.3V, the printer control unit 7 supplies the data signal Ctrl-A to the power source unit 19 at time t2, and the output power source POW-A is set to 5V. Pull up. Then, the printer 3 executes the process of step S5 again, and performs polling again in the C2 section. In the present embodiment, for convenience of explanation, detailed description will be given assuming that communication between the printer 3 and the scanner 5 can be established when the output power source POW-A is 5V.

  If it is determined in step S5 that communication with the scanner 5 has been established, the printer 3 executes processing in step S9 and subsequent steps.

  In step S <b> 9, the printer 3 requests drive voltage information from the scanner 5. The drive voltage information is information indicating information related to voltage and current necessary for the scanner 5 to drive. Such processing is performed when the information analysis unit 23 transmits a drive voltage information request to the scanner 5 via the communication unit 21 in the C3 unit.

  Next, in step S <b> 10, the printer 3 determines whether drive voltage information has been received from the scanner 5. If it is determined that the drive voltage information has not been received, the printer 3 determines in step S11 whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the drive voltage information request was output. If it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed, the printer 3 executes the process of step S10 again. On the other hand, if the predetermined time has elapsed, the printer 3 determines that the scanner 5 is a connection unit that does not support high voltage. In this case, the printer 3 finishes the series of processes assuming that the scanner 5 can operate with the current output power supply POW-A.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S10 that the drive voltage information has been received, in step S12, the printer 3 determines whether the drive voltage information returned from the scanner 5 is a voltage that can be output. Such processing is performed by the information analysis unit 23 determining the content of the response to the drive voltage information request. When the information analysis unit 23 determines that the drive voltage information is a voltage that can be output, the process of step S13 is executed. On the other hand, if the information analysis unit 23 determines that the drive voltage information is not a voltage that can be output, the printer 3 executes the processing from step S14.

  In step S <b> 13, the printer 3 determines whether the drive voltage information returned from the scanner 5 is a current that can be output. Similarly, this processing is performed by the information analysis unit 23 determining the content of the response to the drive voltage information request. If the information analysis unit 23 determines that the driving voltage information is not a current that can be output, the printer 3 executes the processing from step S14. On the other hand, if the information analysis unit 23 determines that the drive voltage information is a current that can be output, the process from step S15 is executed.

  In step S <b> 14, the printer 3 sends an error notification to the scanner 5 that the scanner 5 cannot be driven by the printer 3 because the drive voltage information includes a voltage and current that cannot be output by the printer 3. Then, a series of processing ends.

  Next, in step S15, the printer 3 determines whether or not a voltage change instruction has been issued. The voltage change instruction is an instruction supplied to the printer controller 7 when the printer 3 determines that the power of the scanner 5 is turned on or when the scanner 5 returns from the power supply stop state. The return from the power supply stop state is an instruction from a timer that controls the automatic power on / off of the scanner 5, an instruction input by the user via the operation unit 13 of the printer 3, and a user operating the operation unit 31 of the scanner 5. This is performed when there is an instruction input via the LAN communication unit 15 from an external device. The printer 3 repeats the same process until a voltage change instruction is issued.

  In step S <b> 16, the printer 3 transmits a voltage change notification to the scanner 5. Such processing is performed by the information analysis unit 23 transmitting a voltage change notification to the scanner 5 in the C4 unit. Upon receiving the voltage change notification, the scanner 5 transmits drive voltage information to the printer 3 in response to the notification.

  Next, in step S <b> 17, the printer 3 changes the output power supply POW-A based on the drive voltage information received from the scanner 5. For example, when the drive voltage information transmitted from the scanner 5 is 24 V, the information analysis unit 23 supplies the data signal Ctrl-A of “110” to the power supply unit 19 at time t2. As a result, the output power POW-A output from the power supply unit 19 transitions to 24V.

  Next, in step S <b> 18, the printer 3 requests the scanner 5 for a voltage change result. Such processing is performed when the information analysis unit 23 transmits a request for a voltage change result to the scanner 5 in the C5 unit.

  Next, in step S <b> 19, the printer 3 determines whether or not a voltage change result has been received from the scanner 5. Such processing is repeated until the voltage change result is transmitted from the scanner 5.

  Next, in step S20, the printer 3 determines whether or not the voltage change of the scanner 5 is successful. Such processing is performed by the information analysis unit 23 analyzing the voltage change result transmitted from the scanner 5. When the information analysis unit 23 determines that the voltage change of the scanner 5 has been successful, the printer 3 ends the series of processes.

  On the other hand, if the information analysis unit 23 determines that the voltage change of the scanner 5 has not been successful, the printer 3 changes the output power supply POW-A to the voltage at the time of establishing communication in step S21. Such processing is performed by the information analysis unit 23 supplying the data signal Ctrl-A to the power supply unit 19. As described above, in this embodiment, since the output power POW-A at the time of establishing communication is 5V, the information analysis unit 23 supplies the data signal Ctrl-A of “010” to the power supply unit 19. To do.

  Next, in step S22, the printer 3 adds 1 to the retry count number of the voltage change process. In step S23, the printer 3 determines whether the retry count has exceeded a certain threshold value n. When the printer 3 determines that the retry count number exceeds the threshold value n, the printer 3 determines that accurate power supply cannot be performed to the scanner 5 and displays an error message on the display unit 11 in step S24. Terminate the process. On the other hand, if it is determined that the retry count number does not exceed the threshold value n, the printer 3 repeats the processing from step S4 onward.

  In this way, the printer 3 performs an initial operation of acquiring the drive voltage information of the scanner 5 below the reference voltage, and changes the output power supply POW-A based on the acquired drive voltage information. Accordingly, the printer 3 can supply the output power POW-A corresponding to the drive voltage of the scanner 5 to the scanner 5.

  Next, a series of operations of the printer 3 when the printer 3 stops supplying power to the scanner 5 will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 and the time chart shown in FIG.

  When a series of processing starts, the printer 3 determines whether or not there is an instruction to disconnect the scanner 5 in step S30. The disconnection instruction of the scanner 5 refers to an instruction to physically disconnect the scanner 5 from the printer 3 without turning off the main power of the printer 3. The user may, for example, operate the operation unit 13, the operation unit 31, or an external device. Entered. Such processing is repeated until a disconnection instruction is input to the printer 3.

  Next, in step S <b> 31, the printer 3 transmits a power supply stop notice to the scanner 5. Such processing is performed by the printer control unit 7 in C10 transmitting a power supply stop notice to the scanner 5 via the communication unit 15.

  Next, in step S <b> 32, the printer 3 determines whether or not a notification of completion of power supply stop has been received from the scanner 5.

  Next, in step S <b> 33, the printer 3 executes preparation for ending communication with the scanner 5.

  Next, in step S <b> 34, the printer 3 stops power supply to the scanner 5. Such processing is performed by the information analysis unit 23 supplying the data signal Ctrl-A of “000” to the power supply unit 19. Receiving the data signal Ctrl-A of “000”, the power supply unit 19 changes the output power supply POW-A to 0V at time t10 in response to the data signal Ctrl-A.

  Next, in step S35, the printer 3 displays on the display unit 11 that the scanner 5 has been normally disconnected and that the USB cable L can be disconnected, and ends the series of processing.

  Next, a series of operations of the printer 3 when the power supply voltage supplied from the printer 3 to the scanner 5 is lowered will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 10 and the time chart shown in FIG.

  When a series of processing starts, in step S40, the printer 3 determines whether or not an instruction to lower the output power supply POW-A has been input. The instruction to lower the output power supply POW-A is issued when shifting to the power saving mode, that is, when the non-drive time of the printer 3 or the scanner 5 exceeds a certain time, or via the operation unit 13 or the operation unit 31. Or when the printer 3 receives an instruction to lower the output power POW-A when any of the conditions is satisfied. to decide. Such processing is repeated until an instruction to lower the output power supply POW-A is input.

  Next, in step S <b> 41, the printer 3 transmits a drop notice of the output power source POW-A to the scanner 5. Such processing is performed when the information analysis unit 23 transmits a descent notice to the scanner 5 via the communication unit 15 in the C20 unit.

  Next, in step S42, the printer 3 determines whether or not a descent preparation completion notification has been received. Such processing is performed by determining whether or not the information analysis unit 23 has received a notification from the scanner 5 that preparation for the voltage drop has been completed. Then, the printer 3 repeats the same process until it receives a descent preparation completion notification from the scanner 5.

  Next, in step S <b> 43, the printer 3 lowers the voltage power supplied to the scanner 5. Such processing is performed by the information analysis unit 23 supplying the data signal Ctrl-A of “010” to the power supply unit 19. When the power supply unit 19 receives the data signal Ctrl-A of “010”, the power supply unit 19 changes the output power supply POW-A to 5 V when communication is established at time t20. As a result, the printer 3 shifts the scanner 5 to the power save mode and ends the series of processes. Then, the printer 3 causes the scanner 5 to wait until an instruction from the user is input in a state where communication with the scanner 5 is established. When the user inputs an instruction to cancel the power save mode, the printer 3 executes the processing after step S15 shown in FIG.

  Next, a series of operations of the scanner 5 when the power supply voltage supplied to the scanner 5 rises will be described in detail with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  When a series of operations starts, the scanner 5 receives the initial voltage supplied from the printer 3 in step S50. Such processing is performed when the voltage receiving unit 37 receives the initial voltage via the connection unit 27.

  Next, in step S51, the scanner 5 establishes communication with the printer 3. Such processing is performed when the voltage receiving unit 37 supplies the low voltage power supply POW-C to the communication unit 41 to drive the communication unit 41.

  Next, in step S52, the scanner 5 determines whether communication with the printer 3 has been established. Such processing is performed by the scanner control unit 25 monitoring the communication unit 41. Such processing is repeatedly executed until the scanner control unit 25 determines that communication with the printer 3 has been established.

  Next, in step S <b> 53, the scanner 5 determines whether or not there is a request for drive power information from the printer 3. If the scanner 5 determines that there is no request for driving power supply information from the printer 3, it determines that the printer 3 is not a power supply device that can output a high voltage, and displays an error message on the display unit 29 in step S54. At the same time, the printer 3 is notified to that effect, and a series of processing ends.

  If it is determined in step S53 that drive power information has been requested, the scanner 5 transmits the drive power information stored in advance to the printer 3 in step S55. Such processing is performed by the scanner control unit 25 transmitting drive power supply information to the printer 3 via the communication unit 41.

  Next, in step S56, the scanner 5 determines whether or not an error notification indicating that the scanner 5 cannot be driven by the printer 3 has been received. Such processing is performed by the scanner control unit 25 monitoring information received by the communication unit 41. If the scanner control unit 41 determines that an error notification has been received, the scanner 5 ends a series of processes with communication established. On the other hand, when the scanner 5 determines that the error notification has not been received, the scanner 5 executes the processing from step S57.

  In step S <b> 57, the scanner 5 determines whether a voltage change notification is received from the printer 3. Such processing is repeated until the scanner 5 determines that it has received a voltage change notification.

  Next, in step S58, the scanner 5 starts counting the elapsed time after receiving the voltage change notification by a timer (not shown). The timer is a means for counting the elapsed time necessary for the voltage to rise.

  In step S <b> 59, the scanner 5 determines whether a request for a voltage change result has been received from the printer 3. Such processing is repeatedly executed until the scanner control unit 25 determines that a request for a voltage change result has been received.

  Next, in step S60, the scanner 5 determines whether or not the time counted by the timer has passed a certain time x. If the time counted by the timer has not passed the time x, the time required for the voltage to rise has not passed, so the scanner 5 repeatedly executes the same processing.

  Next, in step S61, the scanner 5 detects the value of the high voltage power supply POW-D. Such processing is performed by detecting the value of the high voltage power supply POW-D by the power supply monitoring unit 79 and supplying the detection result to the scanner control unit 25 as the data signal Ctrl-B. The detection result at this time indicates whether the value of the high voltage power supply POW-D is within the operating range of the scanner 5, higher than the operating range, or lower than the operating range. Results are included.

  Next, in step S62, the scanner 5 determines whether or not the high voltage power supply POW-D is at a voltage level within the operable range. Such processing is performed by the scanner control unit 25 analyzing the content of the data signal Ctrl-B. For example, when the high voltage power supply POW-D is higher than the operation range or lower than the operation range, the scanner control unit 25 sets the high voltage power supply POW-D to a voltage level within the operable range. It is determined that there is not, and the process of step S63 is executed.

  In step S <b> 63, the scanner 5 transmits the voltage change result to the printer 3. The voltage change result transmitted at this time includes information indicating that the voltage change has failed. Thereafter, the scanner 5 executes the process of step S51 again.

  On the other hand, if the high voltage power supply POW-D is within the operable range, the scanner 5 transmits the voltage change result to the printer 3 in step S64, and the scanner 5 ends the series of processes. The voltage change result transmitted at this time includes information indicating that the voltage change was successful.

  Next, a series of operations of the scanner 5 when the power supply from the printer 3 is stopped will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  When a series of processes starts, the scanner 5 determines in step S70 whether or not a notice of power supply stop from the printer 3 has been received. Such processing is repeatedly executed until a power supply stop notice is received.

  Next, in step S71, the scanner 5 prepares for communication termination. The communication end preparation refers to a process for ending all processes other than the communication related part of the scanner 5. The scanner 5 transmits a communication end preparation completion notification to the printer 3 in step S72 after the communication end preparation is completed.

  Thereafter, in step S73, the scanner 5 ends the communication with the printer 3. Such processing is performed by ending the processing of the communication management unit of the scanner 5. Thereafter, the scanner 5 ends a series of processes and waits for the power supply from the printer 3 to stop.

  Next, a series of operations of the scanner 5 when the power supply voltage supplied from the printer 3 is lowered will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  When a series of operations starts, in step S75, the scanner 5 determines whether or not an advance notice of the output power supply POW-A has been received from the printer 3. Such processing is repeated until a drop notice of the output power supply POW-A is received.

  Next, in step S76, the scanner 5 performs a drive stop process for the high voltage unit. Such processing is performed by stopping the driving of the high voltage unit such as the CCD module 33 and returning the device to the home position or the like with respect to the moving device.

  Next, in step S77, the scanner 5 transmits a descent preparation completion notification to the printer 3 and ends the series of processes. When such notification is transmitted to the printer 3, the printer 3 recognizes this and lowers the output power supply POW-A to the reference voltage.

  According to such an MFP 1, the printer 3 as the power supply device can acquire the drive voltage information of the scanner 5 as the connection unit and supply the drive voltage according to the information. The drive voltage to be optimized can be optimized. In addition, even when connection units having different drive voltages are connected, the printer 3 can supply an optimum drive voltage according to the drive voltage of the connection unit. Can function.

  Further, according to the MFP 1, since the initial communication between the printer 3 and the scanner 5 is executed at a low voltage, the power consumption can be suppressed.

  Hereinafter, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. Since the MFP according to the second embodiment includes a part having the same configuration as that of the MFP 1, the part is denoted by the same reference numeral and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the MFP 101 is configured by connecting a printer 103 and a scanner 105 using a USB cable L.

  The printer 103 includes a printer control unit 107 instead of the printer control unit 7 of the printer 3.

  The printer control unit 107 requests information regarding the minimum voltage value, the maximum voltage value, and the power consumption value that can be driven by the scanner 105 to the scanner 105 via the communication unit 21. In addition, the printer control unit 107 includes an information analysis unit 109.

  The information analysis unit 109 analyzes the information regarding the lowest voltage value, the highest voltage value, and the power consumption value transmitted from the scanner 105, and the data signal Ctrl− indicating the voltage value of the output power source POW-A to the power source unit 19. Supply A.

  The scanner 105 includes a scanner control unit 111 and a voltage receiving unit 113 instead of the scanner control unit 25 and the voltage receiving unit 37.

  In response to a request for information regarding the minimum voltage value, maximum voltage value, and power consumption value transmitted from the printer 103, the scanner control unit 111 sends information regarding the minimum voltage value, maximum voltage value, and power consumption value to the printer 103. Send.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 17, the voltage receiving unit 113 includes a PWM controller 117 that outputs a high voltage power supply POW-D based on the input power supply POW-B, and FETs 119, 121, and 123 controlled by the PWM controller 117. And an inductor 125 connected to the FETs 119, 121, and 123, a diode 127 connected to the output terminal of the inductor 125, and a capacitor 129 connected to the output terminal of the diode 127.

  The PWM controller 115 changes the high voltage power supply POW-D between 5V and 24V in accordance with the input power supply POW-B. The PWM controller 115 switches the FETs 119, 121, and 123 via the gate drive terminal. The PWM controller 115 includes a feedback terminal and monitors the high voltage power supply POW-D input to the feedback terminal.

  The inductor 125 causes a current to flow in the direction of the diode 127 when the FETs 119, 121, and 123 are switched by the PWM controller 115.

  The diode 127 is connected to the inductor 125 and causes the capacitor 129 to hold a voltage when the passing voltage is boosted.

  The capacitor 129 is connected to the output terminal of the diode 127, and makes the high voltage power supply POW-D constant.

  Next, the operation of the MFP 101 having the above configuration will be described in detail.

  First, a method for increasing the power supplied from the printer 103 to the scanner 105 will be described in detail with reference to flowcharts shown in FIGS.

  When a series of operations starts, in step S81, the printer 103 determines whether or not the connection unit is connected. Such processing is repeated until the printer control unit 107 determines that the connection unit is connected to the printer 103.

  Next, in step S <b> 82, the printer 103 supplies an initial voltage of 3.3 V to the scanner 105.

  Next, in step S83, the printer 103 waits until a predetermined time elapses using a timer (not shown).

  Next, in step S <b> 84, the printer 103 starts communication with the scanner 105.

  In step S85, the printer 103 determines whether communication with the scanner 105 has been established. If there is no response from the scanner 105, the printer control unit 107 executes the processing from step S86 onward in order to raise the voltage currently supplied to the scanner 105.

  In step S86, the printer 103 determines whether or not the output power supply POW-A currently output to the scanner 105 exceeds a certain reference voltage. For example, when the voltage supplied from the printer 103 to the scanner 105 is 3.3V as the initial voltage and the reference voltage is 5V, the printer control unit 107 does not exceed the reference voltage of the output power supply POW-A. And the process of step S87 is executed. On the other hand, if the output power source POW-A exceeds the reference voltage, it is determined that the scanner 105 is inappropriate as a connection unit, and in step S88, the printer control unit 7 stops supplying power to the output power source POW-A. An error is displayed on the display unit 11, and the series of processes is terminated.

  In step S87, the printer 103 raises the output power supply POW-A by one level, and executes the process of step S85 again.

  In step S89, the printer 103 requests voltage power consumption information from the scanner 105. The voltage power consumption information refers to information on the minimum voltage value necessary for the operation of the scanner 105, the maximum voltage value that can be operated, and the power consumption.

  In step S <b> 90, the printer 103 determines whether voltage power consumption information has been received from the scanner 105. If it is determined that the voltage power consumption information has not been received, in step S91, the printer 103 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the drive voltage information request was output. If it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed, the printer 103 executes the process of step S90 again. On the other hand, if the predetermined time has elapsed, the printer 103 determines that the scanner 105 is a connection unit that does not support high voltage. In this case, the printer 103 terminates the series of processes assuming that the scanner 105 can operate with the current output power supply POW-A being 5V.

  In step S <b> 92, the printer 103 determines whether the voltage power consumption information returned from the scanner 105 is a voltage that can be output. Such processing is performed by the information analysis unit 109 determining the content of a response to the drive voltage information request. If the information analysis unit 109 determines that the drive voltage information is a voltage that can be output, the process of step S93 is executed. On the other hand, when the printer 103 determines that the voltage power consumption information is not a voltage that can be output, the printer 103 executes the processing from step S94. In the following description, for the sake of convenience of explanation, detailed description will be given assuming that the minimum voltage of the printer 103 is 3.3 V, the maximum voltage is 12 V, and the maximum power is 50 W.

  In step S <b> 93, the printer 103 determines whether the voltage power consumption information returned from the scanner 105 is power that can be output. Similarly, this processing is performed by the information analysis unit 109 determining the content of the response to the voltage power consumption information request. When the information analysis unit 109 determines that the voltage power consumption information is not the power that can be output, the printer 103 executes the processing from step S94. On the other hand, if the information analysis unit 109 determines that the voltage power consumption information can be output, the process from step S95 is executed.

  For example, when the minimum voltage included in the voltage power consumption information is 5 V, the maximum voltage is 24 V, and the power consumption is 10 W, the information analysis unit 109 determines that power can be supplied to the scanner 105.

  In step S <b> 94, the printer 103 notifies the scanner 105 of an error notification that the scanner 105 cannot be driven by the printer 103 because the voltage power consumption information includes voltage and power that cannot be output by the printer 103. Transmit, and the series of processing ends.

  Next, in step S95, the printer 103 determines whether or not a voltage change instruction has been issued. The printer 103 repeats the same process until a voltage change instruction is issued.

  In step S <b> 96, the printer 103 transmits a voltage change notification to the scanner 105. Upon receiving the voltage change notification, the scanner 105 transmits drive voltage information to the printer 103 in response to the notification.

  Next, in step S97, the printer 103 changes the output power supply POW-A based on the voltage power consumption information received from the scanner 105.

  In step S <b> 98, the printer 103 requests the scanner 105 for a voltage change result.

  Next, in step S <b> 99, the printer 103 determines whether a voltage change result has been received from the scanner 105. Such processing is repeated until the voltage change result is transmitted from the scanner 105.

  Next, in step S100, the printer 103 determines whether the voltage change of the scanner 105 is successful. Such processing is performed by the information analysis unit 109 analyzing the voltage change result transmitted from the scanner 105. When the information analysis unit 109 determines that the voltage change of the scanner 105 has been successful, the printer 103 ends a series of processing.

  On the other hand, if the information analysis unit 109 determines that the voltage change of the scanner 105 has not been successful, the printer 103 changes the output power supply POW-A to the voltage at the time of establishing communication in step S101.

  In step S102, the printer 103 adds 1 to the retry count number of the voltage change process. In step S103, the printer 103 determines whether the retry count has exceeded a certain threshold n. If the printer 103 determines that the retry count has exceeded the threshold value n, the printer 103 determines that accurate power supply cannot be performed to the scanner 105, and displays an error message on the display unit 11 in step S104. Terminate the process. On the other hand, if it is determined that the retry count number does not exceed the threshold value n, the printer 103 repeats the processing from step S84 onward.

  Next, a detailed description will be given of a series of operations of the scanner 105 when the power supply voltage increased by the scanner 105 rises with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  When a series of operations starts, the scanner 105 receives the initial voltage supplied from the printer 103 in step S110.

  In step S <b> 111, the scanner 105 establishes communication with the printer 103.

  In step S <b> 112, the scanner 105 determines whether communication with the printer 103 has been established. Such processing is repeatedly executed until the scanner control unit 111 determines that communication with the printer 103 has been established.

  In step S <b> 113, the scanner 105 determines whether there is a request for voltage power consumption information from the printer 103. When the scanner 105 determines that there is no request for voltage power consumption information from the printer 103, the scanner 103 determines that the printer 103 is not a power supply device that can output a high voltage, and displays an error message on the display unit 29 in step S114. At the same time, the printer 103 is notified to that effect, and a series of processing ends.

  If it is determined in step S113 that there is a request for voltage power consumption information, in step S115, the scanner 105 transmits the previously stored voltage power consumption information to the printer 103. At this time, for example, the scanner 105 transmits information indicating that the voltage power consumption information is the minimum voltage 5 V, the maximum voltage 24 V, and the power consumption 10 W to the printer 103.

  Next, in step S <b> 116, the scanner 105 determines whether an error notification indicating that the scanner 5 cannot be driven by the printer 3 has been received. If the scanner control unit 111 determines that an error notification has been received, the scanner 105 ends a series of processes with communication established. On the other hand, when the scanner 105 determines that the error notification has not been received, the scanner 105 executes the processing after step S117.

  In step S <b> 117, the scanner 105 determines whether a voltage change notification is received from the printer 103.

  Next, in step S <b> 118, the scanner 105 starts counting the elapsed time after receiving the voltage change notification by a timer (not shown).

  In step S <b> 119, the scanner 105 determines whether a request for a voltage change result has been received from the printer 103.

  Next, in step S120, the scanner 105 determines whether or not the time counted by the timer has passed a certain time x. If the time counted by the timer has not passed the time x, the time required for the voltage to rise has not passed, so the scanner 105 repeatedly executes the same processing.

  Next, in step S121, the scanner 105 detects the value of the high voltage power supply POW-D. The detection result at this time includes a detection result indicating that the value of the high voltage power supply POW-D is within the operating range of the scanner 105, higher than the operating range, or lower than the operating range. included.

  Next, in step S122, the scanner 105 determines whether or not the high voltage power supply POW-D is at a voltage level within the operable range. For example, when the high voltage power supply POW-D is higher than the operation range or lower than the operation range, the scanner control unit 111 sets the high voltage power supply POW-D to a voltage level within the operable range. It is determined that there is not, and the process of step S123 is executed.

  In step S <b> 123, the scanner 105 transmits the voltage change result to the printer 103. The voltage change result transmitted at this time includes information indicating that the voltage change has failed. Thereafter, the scanner 105 executes the process of step S111 again.

  On the other hand, if the high voltage power supply POW-D is within the operable range, the scanner 105 transmits the voltage change result to the printer 103 in step S124, and the scanner 105 ends the series of processing.

  As described above, according to the MFP 101, in addition to the effects of the MFP 1, the scanner 105 can be adjusted to a voltage that can be output by the printer 103, so that the degree of freedom of the combination of the printer 103 and the scanner 105 can be improved. it can.

  Hereinafter, the third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. Since the MFP according to the third embodiment includes a part having the same configuration as that of the MFP 1, the part is denoted by the same reference numeral and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 22, the MFP 201 is configured by connecting a printer 203 and a scanner 205 using a USB cable L.

  The printer 203 includes a printer control unit 207 instead of the printer control unit 7 of the printer 3. The printer control unit 207 requests drive voltage information from the scanner 205. The printer control unit 207 includes an information analysis unit 209 that analyzes drive voltage information transmitted from the scanner 205.

  The information analysis unit 209 supplies the data signal Ctrl-A for controlling the high voltage output power source and the data signal Ctrl-C for controlling the low voltage output power source to the power source unit 211.

  The power supply unit 211 supplies a high voltage output power source and a low voltage output power source to the scanner 205 in accordance with the data signal Ctrl-A and the data signal Ctrl-C supplied from the information analysis unit 209. As shown in FIG. 23, the power supply unit 211 includes a PWM controller 47 that outputs a high voltage output power supply and an output control switch 213 that outputs a low voltage output power supply.

  The output control switch 213 outputs a low voltage output power supply POW-E to the scanner 205 in accordance with the data signal Ctrl-C input from the information analysis unit 209.

  Such a power supply unit 211 includes two of the high voltage output power supply POW-F and the low voltage output power supply POW-E according to the data signal Ctrl-A and the data signal Ctrl-C supplied from the information analysis unit 209. Various types of output power are output to the scanner 205.

  The scanner 205 supplies a high voltage power source POW-G to a portion driven by a high voltage in accordance with the high voltage output power source POW-F and the low voltage output power source POW-E fed from the printer 203, and also provides a low voltage The voltage receiving unit 215 that supplies the low-voltage power supply POW-H to the location driven by is provided.

  The voltage receiving unit 215 supplies a low voltage power source POW-G of 5 V, for example, to a portion driven at a low voltage in accordance with the low voltage power source POW-E supplied from the printer 203. And as shown in FIG. 24, the voltage reception part 215 is provided with the low voltage power supply monitoring part 217 which monitors the low voltage power supply POW-G.

The low voltage power supply monitoring unit 217 monitors the low voltage power supply POW-G input through a circuit configured by the input protection diode 219, the printer protection diode 221, and the capacitor 223, and the monitoring result is The data signal Ctrl-D is supplied to the scanner controller 225.

  The voltage receiving unit 215 includes a high voltage power supply monitoring unit 227 that monitors the high voltage power supply POW-G. The high voltage power supply monitoring unit 227 monitors the high voltage power supply POW-H input through a circuit configured by the input protection diode 229, the printer protection diode 231 and the capacitor 233, and the monitoring result is The data signal Ctrl-E is supplied to the scanner control unit 225.

  Next, the operation of the printer 203 having the above-described configuration will be described in detail with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 25 and 26 and the time chart shown in FIG.

  When a series of operations starts, in step S131, the printer 203 determines whether a connection unit is connected. Such processing is repeated until the printer control unit 207 determines that the connection unit is connected to the printer 203.

  Next, in step S <b> 132, the printer 203 supplies an initial voltage of 5 V to the scanner 205. Such processing is performed by the information analysis unit 209 supplying the data signal Ctrl-C to the power supply unit 211. When the data signal Ctrl-C is supplied from the information analysis unit 209 to the power supply unit 211, the output control switch 213 is turned on, and the printer 203 supplies the low-voltage output power supply POW-E to the scanner 205 at time t30. Power.

  Next, in step S133, the printer 203 waits until a predetermined time elapses using a timer (not shown).

  In step S <b> 134, the printer 203 starts communication with the scanner 205. Such processing is executed when the communication unit 21 polls the scanner 205 in the C30 unit.

  Next, in step S135, the printer 203 determines whether or not communication with the scanner 205 has been established. If there is no response from the scanner 205, in step S136, the printer control unit 207 turns off the data signal Ctrl-C supplied to the power supply unit 211, stops the power supply to the scanner 205, and displays the display unit. 11 displays an error, and the series of processing ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that communication with the scanner 205 has been established, the printer 203 requests drive voltage information from the scanner 205 in step S137. Such processing is performed when the information analysis unit 209 transmits a drive voltage information request to the scanner 205 via the communication unit 21 in the C31 unit.

  In step S <b> 138, the printer 203 determines whether drive voltage information has been received from the scanner 205. If it is determined that the drive voltage information has not been received, the printer 203 determines in step S139 whether or not a fixed time has elapsed since the drive voltage information request was output. If it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed, the printer 203 executes the process of step S138 again. On the other hand, if the predetermined time has elapsed, the printer 203 determines that the scanner 205 is a connection unit that does not support high voltage. In this case, the printer 203 finishes the series of processes assuming that the scanner 205 can operate with the current output power supply POW-E.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S138 that the driving voltage information has been received, in step S140, the printer 103 determines whether the driving voltage information returned from the scanner 105 is a voltage that can be output. If the information analysis unit 209 determines that the drive voltage information is a voltage that can be output, the process of step S141 is executed. On the other hand, when the information analysis unit 209 determines that the drive voltage information is not a voltage that can be output, the printer 203 executes the processing from step S142 onward.

  In step S <b> 141, the printer 203 determines whether the drive voltage information returned from the scanner 205 is a current that can be output. If the information analysis unit 209 determines that the drive voltage information is not a current that can be output, the printer 203 executes the processing from step S142 onward. On the other hand, if the information analysis unit 209 determines that the drive voltage information is a current that can be output, the process from step S143 is executed.

  In step S <b> 142, the printer 3 sends an error notification to the scanner 205 that the scanner 205 cannot be driven by the printer 203 because the drive voltage information includes a voltage and current that cannot be output by the printer 203. Then, a series of processing ends.

  Next, in step S143, the printer 203 determines whether a voltage change instruction has been issued. The printer 203 repeats the same process until a voltage change instruction is issued.

  Next, in step S <b> 144, the printer 3 transmits a voltage change notification to the scanner 5. Such processing is performed when the information analysis unit 209 transmits a voltage change notification to the scanner 205 in the C32 unit.

  In step S <b> 145, the printer 3 changes the voltage supplied to the scanner 205 based on the drive voltage information received from the scanner 205. Such processing is performed when the information analysis unit 209 analyzes the drive voltage information, and the information analysis unit 209 supplies the data signal Ctrl-A to the power supply unit 211 at time t31. For example, if the drive voltage information of the scanner 205 is 24 V as a result of analyzing the drive voltage information, the information analysis unit 209 supplies the data signal Ctrl-A “110” to the power supply unit 211 and the high voltage power supply POW. 24V is supplied to the scanner 205 as -F. At this time, in order to maintain communication between the printer 203 and the scanner 205, the data signal Ctrl-C is continuously turned on.

  Next, in step S146, the printer 203 requests the scanner 205 for a voltage change result. Such processing is performed when the information analysis unit 209 transmits a request for a voltage change result to the scanner 205 in the C33 unit.

  In step S147, the printer 203 determines whether a voltage change result has been received from the scanner 205. Such processing is repeated until the voltage change result is transmitted from the scanner 205.

  Next, in step S148, the printer 3 determines whether or not the voltage change of the scanner 5 is successful. If the information analysis unit 209 determines that the voltage change of the scanner 205 has been successful, the printer 203 ends the series of processing.

  On the other hand, if the information analysis unit 209 determines that the voltage change of the scanner 205 has not been successful, the printer 3 stops the power supply of the high voltage power supply POW-F in step S149. Such processing is performed by the information analysis unit 209 supplying “000” as the data signal Ctrl-A to the power supply unit 211. At this time, since the data signal Ctrl-C is in the on state, communication between the printer 203 and the scanner 205 is maintained.

  In step S150, the printer 203 adds 1 to the retry count number of the voltage change process. In step S151, the printer 203 determines whether the retry count has exceeded a certain threshold value n. If the printer 203 determines that the retry count has exceeded the threshold value n, the printer 203 determines that accurate power supply cannot be performed to the scanner 205, and displays an error message on the display unit 11 in step S152. Terminate the process. On the other hand, if it is determined that the retry count number does not exceed the threshold value n, the printer 203 repeats the processes after step S143 again.

  As described above, according to the MFP 201 according to the third embodiment, the voltage receiving unit 215 supplies the high voltage power source POW-H to each unit and the low voltage power source POW-G to each unit. Therefore, it is possible to optimize the drive voltage supplied to the scanner 205 while simplifying the circuit configuration of the voltage receiving unit 215 as compared with the circuit configuration of the voltage receiving unit 113 by separating the circuit into the circuit for the purpose.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and each configuration can be changed as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the printer is used as the power supply device and the scanner is used as the connection unit. However, other electronic devices can be used as the power supply device and the connection unit. is there. For example, as the power supply device, a device that acquires power from a commercial power source such as a personal computer, a copier, a facsimile machine, a home server, or the like and drives it can be used. As the connection unit, a device that obtains power from a connected device such as a storage device, a wireless communication device, a card reader, a card reader / writer, a biological information reader, a display, a camera, a mobile phone, a print server, or the like is used. It is possible.

1 is a block diagram of an MFP shown as a first embodiment. 2 is a circuit diagram of a power supply unit of a printer constituting the MFP. FIG. It is an example of the table used when an information analysis part supplies a data signal to the power supply part. 2 is a circuit diagram of a voltage receiving unit of a scanner constituting the MFP. FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the printer. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the printer. 3 is a time chart for explaining the operation of the printer. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the printer. 3 is a time chart for explaining the operation of the printer. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the printer. 3 is a time chart for explaining the operation of the printer. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the scanner. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the scanner. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the scanner. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the scanner. 6 is a block diagram of an MFP shown as a second embodiment. FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of a voltage receiving unit of a scanner constituting the MFP. FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the printer. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the printer. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the scanner constituting the MFP. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the scanner. FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an MFP shown as a third embodiment. 2 is a circuit diagram of a power supply unit of a printer constituting the MFP. FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of a voltage receiving unit of a scanner constituting the MFP. FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the printer. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the printer. 3 is a time chart for explaining the operation of the printer.

Explanation of symbols

1 MFP
3 Printer 5 Scanner 7 Printer Control Unit 9 Connection Unit 11 Display Unit 13 Operation Unit 15 Communication Unit 19 Power Supply Unit 21 Communication Unit 23 Information Analysis Unit 25 Scanner Control Unit 29 Display Unit 33 CCD Module 37 Voltage Receiving Unit 41 Scanner Control Unit 49 VCC Power supply 55 VDD power supply 63 PWM controller 79 Power supply monitoring unit 101 MFP
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 103 Printer 105 Scanner 107 Printer control part 109 Information analysis part 111 Scanner control part 113 Voltage reception part 115 PWM controller 117 PWM controller 201 MFP
203 Printer 205 Scanner 207 Printer Control Unit 209 Information Analysis Unit 211 Power Supply Unit 213 Output Control Switch 215 Voltage Acceptance Unit 217 Low Voltage Power Supply Monitor Unit 225 Scanner Control Unit 227 High Voltage Power Supply Monitor Unit 233 Capacitor L USB Cable

Claims (9)

A communication unit for communicating with the connected connection unit;
An analysis unit for analyzing drive voltage information related to the drive voltage of the connection unit transmitted from the connection unit via the communication unit;
A voltage supply unit that supplies the drive voltage to the connection unit based on an analysis result of the drive voltage information in the analysis unit;
A power supply device characterized by the above. The voltage supply unit establishes connection with the connection unit by supplying an initial voltage to the connection unit and requests the drive voltage information, and based on an analysis result of the drive voltage information in the analysis unit Supplying the connection unit with the driving voltage higher than the initial voltage;
The power supply device according to claim 1. The voltage supply unit supplies the initial voltage to the connection unit and causes the connection unit to transmit the drive voltage information, and then based on the analysis result of the transmitted drive voltage information by the analysis unit Supplying the drive voltage to the connection unit by transitioning a voltage;
The power supply device according to claim 2. The voltage supply unit supplies the initial voltage to the connection unit and causes the connection unit to transmit the drive voltage information, and then based on the analysis result of the transmitted drive voltage information by the analysis unit Supplying the drive voltage to the connection unit in parallel with the voltage;
The power supply device according to claim 2. The voltage supply unit supplies the drive voltage to the connection unit via a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable;
The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein the power supply device is a power supply device. In the connection unit that is driven based on the power supplied from the connected power supply device,
Based on the first voltage supplied from the power supply device and the second voltage having a voltage value higher than the first voltage, the first voltage is supplied to the low voltage power driver and the high voltage power driver is A voltage receiving portion for supplying a second voltage;
A control unit that is driven by the first voltage supplied from the voltage receiving unit and transmits drive voltage information related to the voltage value of the second voltage to the power supply device in response to a request from the power supply device;
The control unit starts driving with the first voltage and transmits the driving voltage information to the power supply device,
The voltage receiving unit supplies the second voltage supplied from the power supply device according to the driving voltage information to the high voltage power source driving unit;
Connection unit characterized by. The first voltage and the second voltage supplied to the voltage receiving unit are supplied via a USB cable;
The connection unit according to claim 6. In an electronic device comprising a power supply device and a connection unit that is driven based on the power supplied from the power supply device.
The power supply device
A communication unit for communicating with the connected connection unit;
An analysis unit that requests information related to the drive voltage of the connection unit to the connection unit via the communication unit, and analyzes drive voltage information related to the drive voltage of the connection unit transmitted from the connection unit;
A voltage supply unit configured to supply a first voltage and a second voltage having a voltage value higher than the first voltage to the connection unit based on an analysis result of the drive voltage information in the analysis unit;
The connection unit is
Based on the first voltage and the second voltage supplied from the voltage supply unit, the voltage reception unit supplies the first voltage to the low voltage power supply driving unit and supplies the second voltage to the high voltage power supply driving unit. And
A control unit that is driven by the first voltage supplied from the voltage receiving unit and transmits the drive voltage information to the power supply device in response to a request from the power supply device;
The control unit starts driving with the first voltage and transmits drive voltage information including information on a voltage value of the second voltage to the power supply device,
The voltage receiving unit supplies the second voltage supplied from the power supply device to the high-voltage power supply driving unit according to the driving voltage information transmitted by the control unit;
An electronic device characterized by the above. The first voltage and the second voltage supplied from the voltage supply unit to the voltage receiving unit are supplied via a USB cable;
The electronic device according to claim 8.