JP2011198543A - Table tap - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce power consumption of a power supply device by cutting off an unnecessary AC line.SOLUTION: A table tap includes AC outlets 3, 3a, 3b, 3c for AC output from a commercial power supply, DC input jacks 5, 5a, 5b, 5c to which the DC output plugs of AC adapters are connected, the AC adapters having AC plugs to be connected to the AC outlets 3, 3a, 3b, 3c, and DC output jacks 8, 8a, 8b, 8c to which the DC input plugs of equipment are connected via the DC input jacks 5, 5a, 5b, 5c for DC output from the AC adapter. DC currents flowing from the DC input jacks 5, 5a, 5b, 5c to the DC output jacks 8, 8a, 8b, 8c are individually detected by current detecting parts 6, 6a, 6b, 6c. In accordance with the detection results, a DC output control part 7 controls DC power to be output to the DC output jacks 8, 8a, 8b, 8c and a relay control circuit part 4 uses relay circuits 9a, 9b, 9c for controlling AC supply and interruption to/from the AC output outlets 3a, 3b, 3c.

Description

  The present invention relates to a table tap that supplies electric power to various electronic devices such as an MFP (digital multifunction peripheral), a digital copying machine, and an image forming apparatus such as a printer.

For example, an IT-BOX (MFP control apparatus) that handles image data or the like in cooperation with an MFP (Digital Multifunction Device) performs time-consuming data processing by itself and distributedly by a plurality of IT-BOXs connected via a network. It is possible.
This IT-BOX does not have a dedicated display device or operation unit, and uses the display unit and operation unit of the MFP as a user interface via a network, so it is generally installed on the back or side of the MFP. Thus, the power is normally turned on (ON) / off (OFF) in conjunction with the MFP.

The IT-BOX has its own AC adapter (AC / DC power supply unit) separately from the MFP, and is supplied with power from an AC outlet (AC power output terminal) of a commercial power supply. Etc. will be used. From the viewpoint of energy saving, not only turning off the power supply of the peripheral device IT-BOX in conjunction with turning off the power supply of the MFP, which is the main device, but also cutting off the supply itself to the AC / DC power supply unit. Thus, it is ideal to reduce the power that was wasted in the AC / DC power supply unit when the power was turned off.
In the table tap, a method of cutting off the power supply to the peripheral device in conjunction with the power supply of the main device is already known.

  However, with such a conventional main device power supply interlocking type table tap, the power on the peripheral device side is completely cut off, so that all the power cannot be turned off in preparation for waiting for e-mail or FAX reception, for example. , Standby mode (standby mode) such as energy-saving mode that keeps all main power sources such as CPU and hard disk device off and keeps it to the minimum required power, and suspend state that is common in information processing devices such as PC (personal computer) In a system with multiple AC adapters for electronic devices that are in a standby state, a number of AC adapters operate due to the small amount of DC power consumption during standby. Therefore, there is a problem that a wasteful power loss required for AC / DC power conversion occurs.

Therefore, in order to solve such a problem, for example, it is conceivable to use a technique found in Patent Document 1.
In Patent Document 1, for the purpose of controlling the on / off operations of a plurality of external devices in conjunction with each other, by controlling the output from the AC voltage output means based on the current value output from the DC voltage output means. A configuration of an AC adapter that can save the user from having to manage each power state is disclosed.

However, even the device described in Patent Document 1 cannot connect an electronic device that needs to be in the standby state as described above, and cannot solve the problem of suppressing AC consumption during standby.
The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and each of the AC power input terminals (AC input plugs) of a plurality of power supply devices that output the same DC voltage from the DC power output terminal (DC output plug). An object of the present invention is to cut an unnecessary AC line in a connectable table tap and reduce the power consumed in the power supply apparatus.

  The present invention is a table tap that can supply alternating current power to a plurality of power supply devices that convert alternating current (AC) power into direct current (DC) power, and the AC power can be input to a commercial power source to achieve the above object. AC input connection means for connecting to the AC power input terminal, and AC power input terminals of each of the plurality of power supply devices, a plurality of AC outputs for connecting the AC power supplied via the AC input connection means so as to be output respectively A plurality of DC input connection means capable of connecting the DC power output terminals of each of the plurality of power supply devices, each of which has an AC power input terminal connected to each AC output connection means; A plurality of DC power inputs for connecting each DC power input terminal of the electronic device so that the DC power supplied from each of the plurality of power supply devices can be output via the plurality of DC input connection means. Force connecting means, a plurality of current detecting means for individually detecting DC currents flowing from the plurality of DC input connecting means to the plurality of DC output connecting means, and DC detected by the current detecting means, respectively. Based on the value of the current, based on the direct current output control means for controlling the direct current power output to each of the plurality of direct current output connection means, respectively, and on the value of the direct current detected by each of the plurality of current detection means, AC output control means for controlling supply and shut-off of AC power to each of the plurality of AC output connection means is provided.

  In addition, a plurality of connection presence / absence detection means for detecting the presence / absence of connection of the DC power input terminal of the power supply device to the plurality of DC input connection means are provided, and the AC output control means includes the plurality of connection existence / non-existences. The supply and shut-off of AC power to each of the plurality of AC output connecting means may be controlled also by the detection result of the detecting means. For example, when no connection of the DC power input terminal of the power supply device is detected by each of the plurality of connection presence / absence detection means, AC power can be supplied to the AC output connection means to which the AC power input terminal of the power supply device can be connected It is desirable to control.

In addition, a plurality of voltage detection means for detecting a DC voltage input from each of the plurality of DC input connection means is provided, and the AC output control means sets in advance the DC voltage detected by the plurality of voltage detection means. When the abnormal voltage is different from the applied voltage level, the AC power to the AC output connecting means connected to the power supply device to which the abnormal voltage is input may be cut off.
Furthermore, the AC input connection means and the AC output connection means may be directly connected to each other.

  Furthermore, when a plurality of voltage detection means are provided as described above, a plurality of operation means are provided between the voltage detection means adjacent to the plurality of voltage detection means, and the AC output control means includes the plurality of voltage detection means. The operation of each operation means is discriminated through each of the plurality of voltage detection means, and based on the result of the discrimination, the supply and interruption of AC power to each AC output connection means adjacent to the plurality of AC output connection means May be synchronized as necessary.

The DC output control means may be provided in each DC output line from each of the plurality of DC input connection means to each of the plurality of DC output connection means.
In this case, when only one of the current values detected by each of the plurality of current detection means shifts to the start mode exceeding the first predetermined value, the DC power input terminal of the electronic device in operation A DC line discriminating unit that discriminates a DC line of the DC output connecting unit to which the A is connected, and a storage unit that stores information indicating a state of each of the plurality of current detecting units. Immediately after the transition to the start-up mode in which only one of the current values detected by each of the plurality of current detection means exceeds the first predetermined value, all of the plurality of AC output connection means is temporarily supplied with AC power. Means for controlling the supply of power, information indicating the state of each of the plurality of current detection means in the storage means immediately before the control, and all of the plurality of AC output connection means. After the AC power is controlled to be supplied, a means for controlling the AC power to be supplied only to the AC output connection means corresponding to the DC line determined by the DC line determining means, and after the control, The state of each of the plurality of current detection means is stored immediately before shifting to a standby mode in which all of the current values detected by the current detection means are less than or equal to a second predetermined value smaller than the first predetermined value. The AC power can be supplied only to the AC output connection means different from the AC output connection means corresponding to the determined DC line only when both states coincide with the state indicated by the information stored in the means. It is good to provide the means to control.

Furthermore, it is preferable to provide a space for accommodating the power supply device connected to the plurality of AC output connection means in the table tap described above.
Moreover, it is good to provide the switch means for interrupting | blocking all the alternating current power from the said alternating current input connection means to the said several alternating current output connection means.

  In the table tap according to the present invention, AC input connecting means for connecting AC power to a commercial power supply so that input can be performed, and AC power input terminals of each of the plurality of power supply devices are supplied via the AC input connecting means. A plurality of AC output connection means for connecting AC power so that each output can be output, and a DC power output terminal of each of the plurality of power supply devices, each having an AC power input terminal connected to each AC output connection means, can be connected A plurality of DC input connection means, and each DC power input terminal of a plurality of electronic devices operated by DC power, respectively, DC power supplied from each of the plurality of power supply devices via the plurality of DC input connection means, respectively. A plurality of DC output connection means for enabling output connection, and direct current flowing from each of the plurality of DC input connection means to each of the plurality of DC output connection means. Separately detecting and controlling the DC power output to each of the plurality of DC output connection means based on the value of each DC current, and supplying and shutting off AC power to the plurality of AC output connection means Control. For example, if supply of AC power to one AC output connection means is always possible, when an electronic device whose DC power input terminal is connected to the DC output connection means operates, the current flowing to the DC output connection means , And enabling the supply of AC power to each of the plurality of AC output connection means and enabling the output of DC power to each of the plurality of DC output connection means. AC power can be supplied only to the AC output connection means corresponding to the DC output connection means (cutting unnecessary AC lines).

  According to the present invention, the table tap can cut an unnecessary AC line (AC line), and can reduce the power consumed in the power supply device.

It is a figure which shows the typical example of a connection of the information processing system which uses the table tap which is 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a circuit diagram which shows the circuit structural example of the table tap 100 of FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the circuit shown in FIG. 2 when AC supply is on. It is a flowchart which similarly shows the operation example at the time of AC supply OFF. It is a figure which shows the typical example of a connection of the information processing system which uses the table tap which is 2nd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram illustrating a circuit configuration example of the table tap 100 ′ in FIG. 5.

It is a flowchart which shows an example of AC supply processing by DC jack detection by the relay control circuit unit 4 of FIG. 6, and a interlocking switch. It is a circuit diagram which shows the other circuit structural example of table tap 100 'of FIG. FIG. 9 is a block diagram functionally illustrating a configuration example of a DC power supply control circuit unit including a DC output control unit 7 ′ in FIG. 8. FIG. 9 is a block diagram functionally illustrating a configuration example of a relay control circuit unit 4 ′ in FIG. 8. It is a perspective view which shows the example of an external appearance of table tap 100 'of FIG.

Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.
In the following embodiments, the table tap that controls the power supply in conjunction with the power state of the main device (electronic device) has the following characteristics. That is, when there are a plurality of electronic devices that are in a standby state (standby mode) in conjunction with the off / on state of the main device, control is performed on the DC output side of those AC adapters, and the electronic devices in the standby state By supplying DC power to the device, the supply of AC power is separated while leaving one AC adapter as a supply source. “AC” refers to “AC” and “DC” refers to “DC”.
Therefore, the feature will be specifically described with reference to FIGS.

[First Embodiment]
First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.
First, a typical connection example of the information processing system using the table tap according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a typical connection example of the information processing system.
In the table tap 100 of this embodiment, when an AC input plug (hereinafter also referred to as “AC outlet plug” or “AC plug”) 2 that is an AC input connecting means of the tap body 1 is connected to a commercial power source, an AC output is obtained. Power is distributed to AC output outlets (hereinafter also simply referred to as “output outlets” or “AC outlets”) 3, 3a, 3b, and 3c as connection means.

  AC adapters 201, 301, 401, and 501 which are power supply devices of MFP control devices (IT-BOX) 200, 300, 400, and 500 are electronic devices that operate by DC power, and are AC power input terminals. Plugs 201a, 301a, 401a, 501a are connected to the output outlets 3, 3a, 3b, 3c of the tap body 1. In the example of FIG. 1, the number of output outlets is four, but the maximum number depends on the total AC consumption current of the MFP control device (hereinafter also simply referred to as “control device”) and the allowable current value of the AC outlet plug of the commercial power supply. However, this is not a limitation.

  DC power plugs (hereinafter also referred to as “DC plugs”) 201b, 301b, 401b, and 501b that are DC power output terminals of the AC adapters 201, 301, 401, and 501 can be connected to the tap body 1 respectively. DC input jacks (hereinafter also simply referred to as “input jacks” or “DC jacks”) 5, 5a, 5b, 5c as input connection means, and DC output cables to the MFP control devices 200, 300, 400, 500 DC output connection means for connecting DC input plugs 601a, 602a, 603a, 604a which are DC power input terminals of 601 602 603 604 (hereinafter also simply referred to as “DC cable”) Jack (hereinafter also simply referred to as “output jack”) 8, 8a, 8b, 8c. Therefore, a DC power source is once taken into the tap body 1 and DC output control can be performed. In the example of FIG. 1, the bottom MFP control device 500 and the AC adapter 501 show a state before being connected to the tap body 1.

Each control device 200, 300, 400, 500 is a local area network (LAN) via an information processing device 801 to 803 such as an MFP main body 700, a PC, or a server, and a LAN hub (hereinafter simply referred to as “hub”) 610. They are connected by cables 621 to 628. Note that other network cables may be used instead of these LAN cables.
When each control device 200, 300, 400, 500 receives job data from the MFP main body 700, it processes the data and returns it to the MFP main body 700 for printing or storage, or file data. And selectively transferred to the information processing devices 801 to 803. Further, by performing processing for obtaining the power state of the MFP main body 700 via the LAN cables 621, 622, 623, 624, and 625, the operation state of the MFP main body 700 is changed to a start state (start mode) or a standby state (standby). Mode).

Next, the circuit configuration of the table tap 100 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram showing a circuit configuration example of the table tap 100.
In this table tap 100, when the AC plug 2 is connected to a commercial power source, the tap body 1 receives supply of AC power from the commercial power source.
The AC output outlet 3 is directly connected to the AC plug 2. Therefore, the supply of AC power to the AC output outlet 3 (hereinafter also referred to as “AC supply”) is not interrupted. An AC outlet plug 201 a of an AC adapter 201 of the MFP control apparatus 200 is connected to the AC output outlet 3.

The DC input jack 5 is an input jack to which the DC plug 201b at the tip of the DC output cable of the AC adapter 201 connected to the output outlet 3 is connected. Since the DC power of the AC adapter 201 connected here is always supplied, it can be used as the driving power for each control circuit.
The output outlets 3a, 3b, 3c can be controlled by relay circuits 9a, 9b, 9c, respectively.

The DC input jacks 5a, 5b, 5c are input jacks for connecting DC plugs 301b, 401b, 501b at the tips of the DC output cables of the AC adapters 301, 401, 501, respectively connected to the output outlets 3a, 3b, 3c. It is.
The current detectors 6, 6 a, 6 b, 6 c are current detectors, and are used for the respective DC outputs from the current consumption of the AC adapters 201, 301, 401, 501, that is, the DC input jacks 5, 5 a, 5 b, 5 c. This is a circuit that individually detects (measures) the DC currents flowing to the jacks 8, 8a, 8b, and 8c. For example, a current detection resistor is inserted in series on the wiring, and a voltage difference between both ends thereof is converted into a current value, compared with a reference potential, and detection signals K, Ka, Kb and Kc are generated.

The DC output jacks 8, 8a, 8b, and 8c are used to supply the DC output power of the AC adapters 201, 301, 401, and 501 connected to the DC input jacks 5, 5a, 5b, and 5c to external devices (each of FIG. 1). This is an output jack for supplying to the MFP control apparatus 200, 300, 400, 500).
The DC output control unit 7 is a DC output control means, and the DC output jacks 8, 8 a, 8 b, 8 c are connected to the DC output jacks 8, 8 a, 8 b, 8 c based on the DC current values detected by the current detection units 6, 6 a, 6 b, 6 c, respectively. The DC power to be output is controlled. That is, even if the AC power to the AC outlets 3a, 3b, 3c is cut off, if the AC power is supplied to the AC outlet 3, the DC current in the start-up mode can be detected by the current detection unit 6. Control is performed so that the input power from the jack 5 can be supplied to the DC output jacks 8a, 8b, and 8c. In FIG. 2, as an example showing the function, connection is made by a MOSFET (hereinafter also simply referred to as “FET”) 71 and a plurality of diodes 72 to 74. Note that other FETs can be used instead of the MOSFET 71.

  The relay control circuit unit 4 is an AC output control means, and uses three AND circuits, and based on the values of DC currents detected by the current detection units 6, 6a, 6b, 6c, respectively, the AC outlets 3a, 3b , 3c is controlled to supply and cut off AC power. That is, based on detection signals (current detection information) from the current detection units 6, 6a, 6b, and 6c, it is controlled whether or not the contacts 91a, 91b, and 91c of the relay circuits 9a, 9b, and 9c are made conductive (closed). . In FIG. 2, AND of the detection signal K output from the current detection unit 6c and the detection signals Ka, Kb, and Kc output from the current detection units 6a, 6b, and 6c is taken. However, the function includes a drive circuit (drive circuit) for operating the relay circuits 9a, 9b, and 9c. In the drive circuit, a photocoupler is used to insulate AC and DC, and a protection circuit from noise is required for product design. However, the explanation of the circuit to stabilize such circuit operation is as follows. Omitted.

  The generation of the control signal of the relay control circuit unit 4 and the detection signal (control signal) from the current detection units 6, 6a, 6b, 6c is generated by a microcomputer (microcomputer) including a CPU, ROM, RAM, and the like. It is possible to replace it with. This is because the number of components to be controlled increases as the number of outlets to be controlled increases, so that program control by a microcomputer may be cheaper in some cases. In addition, by using a microcomputer, for example, it becomes easy to change the judgment criteria of the current values of the current detection units 6, 6a, 6b, 6c by the system. By rewriting the program at the time of assembly at the factory, it is possible to easily realize compatibility with various systems. Note that a microcomputer can also be used in a second embodiment described later.

Next, the operation of the circuit of the table tap 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 (AC supply cutoff processing) will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the circuit of the table tap 100 when the AC supply is turned on.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation example when the AC supply of the circuit of the table tap 100 is turned off.

  Here, for convenience of explanation, the three MFP control devices (C-BOX, C-BOX-a, C-BOX-b) 200, 300, and 400 shown in FIG. Assume that the system uses a table tap 100 having three output outlets 3a, 3b, and 3c for connecting 301 and 401, respectively. In addition, although the current consumption value varies depending on the control device used in the system, for the convenience of explanation, the current consumption of each of the control devices 200, 300, and 400 is 0.5A to 3A during operation (including idle time), standby. Sometimes 0.05A to 0.01A. When each control device 200, 300, 400 detects (detects) that the power of the MFP main body 700 is off via the LAN cables 621-625, etc., the control device 200, 300, 400 shifts to a standby state if there is no job given to itself. .

First, the state in which the electronic device connected to the table tap 100 is operating will be described as an initial state (step S1 in FIG. 3).
The fact that the MFP control apparatus 200 (C-BOX) is in a standby state is detected by the current detection unit 6 when the consumption current becomes 0.05 A or less. This state corresponds to step S2 in FIG.
As a result of the detection, in the DC output control unit 7, the MFP control device 200 enters a standby state, and when the detection signal (signal K in FIG. 2) from the current detection unit 6 is received, the FET 71 is turned on (DC output control ON). The AC adapters 301 and 401 other than the AC adapter 201 are also in a state where DC power can be supplied (step S3 in FIG. 3).

  Here, for example, in the DC output control unit 7, the original DC output line of the output jacks 8a and 8b and the DC output line of the output jack 8 are connected by the diodes 72 and 73 as shown in FIG. Due to the forward voltage difference between the diodes 72 and 73, the DC output of the AC adapters 301 and 401 connected to the DC jacks 5a and 5b is given priority while the DC power is supplied from the DC jacks 5a and 5b. Will be.

  The fact that the MFP control apparatus 300 (C-BOX-a) is in a standby state (actually, a current of 0.05 A to 0.01 A) is detected by the current detection unit 6a. This state corresponds to step S4 in FIG. By the detection, the relay circuit control unit 4 receives the detection signal Ka from the current detection unit 6a and the detection signal K when the MFP control device 200 (C-BOX) is in a standby state, and receives the relay circuit 9a. By opening the contact 91a, AC power supply to the AC adapter 301 of the MFP control apparatus 300 (AC supply of the device a) can be cut off (step S5 in FIG. 3).

  The operation when the MFP control apparatus 400 (C-BOX-b) shifts to the standby state is the same as the operation when the MFP control apparatus 300 (C-BOX-a) shifts to the standby state. By repeating steps S4 to S6 in step 3, AC power supply to the MFP control apparatus 400 (AC supply from the device b) can also be cut off.

  While the MFP main body 700 is powered off, only the AC adapter 201 of the MFP control apparatus 200 (C-BOX) operates to operate the MFP control apparatus 300 (C-BOX-a) and the MFP control apparatus 400 (C-BOX-b). Since AC power to the AC adapters 301 and 401 is cut off by the relay circuits 9a and 9b, it is possible to eliminate the power loss due to AC / DC conversion for two AC adapters.

Next, an operation when the MFP main body 700 is turned on from the standby state will be described.
The fact that the MFP main body 700 is turned on is notified to all the MFP control devices 200 to 400 via the LAN cables 621 to 625 and the like.
When each of the control devices 200 to 400 receives the notification, the control devices 200 to 400 shift to an activated state, which is detected by the current detection unit 6 (step S6 in FIG. 3).

  As a result, the state of the detection signal K of the current detection unit 6 returns (switches) to the normal mode (startup mode), so that the relay circuit control unit 4 brings the contacts 91a and 91b of the relay circuits 9a and 9b into a conductive state. Thereby, the states of the detection signals Ka and Kb from the current detectors 6a and 6b are also switched to the normal mode. Thus, AC power supply (AC supply of equipment) to all AC adapters 201 to 401 can be started. This state corresponds to step S7 in FIG.

Next, the MFP main body 700 is turned off and all the MFP controller devices 200 to 400 are in a standby state (step S11 in FIG. 4), and only the MFP controller device 400 (C-BOX-b) operates by receiving a mail. The operation when transitioning to a state will be described.
As in the case where the power source of the MFP main body 700 is turned on, the fact that any of the MFP controller devices 200 to 400 has shifted to the activated state is that the current detection unit 6 detects a current of 0.5 A or more. This is understood (step S12 in FIG. 4).

  When the state of the detection signal K of the current detection unit 6 returns from the standby mode to the normal mode, the relay circuit control unit 4 brings the contacts 91a and 91b of the relay circuits 9a and 9b into a conductive state. As a result, the AC supply to the AC adapters 301 and 401 returns (step S13 in FIG. 4), but the DC output of the AC adapter 401 connected to the DC jack 5b is prioritized and detected by the current detection units 6 and 6a. The value of the current to be changed from 0.05 A to 0.01 A and the detection signals K and Ka of the current detection units 6 and 6 a are in the standby mode state (steps S 14 and S 16 in FIG. 4). The circuit control unit 4 again shuts off the contact 91a of the relay circuit 9a, and the AC adapter 301 of the MFP controller device 300 (C-BOX-a) is in a non-energized state (AC supply cutoff of the device n) (step in FIG. 4). S17).

  Since the current detector 6b can detect the current flowing from the DC jack 5b to the output jack 8b, for example, when the current value exceeds the current value 0.5 to 3A in the start mode, the output It can also be controlled by determining whether the device connected to the jack 8 is an MFP control device or another electronic device. In this case, the current detection unit 6b can detect that the current value in the start mode has been exceeded, and a corresponding signal can be output to the relay control circuit unit 4 so that AC cutoff control is not performed. Also, for example, if the current value exceeds 4 A, it is an abnormality of the electronic device, and the current detection unit 6b detects that the current value has been exceeded and outputs a corresponding signal to the relay control circuit unit as described above. As a result, the AC supply can be cut off. Thereby, it is possible to avoid a dangerous state in which AC power is supplied in an abnormal state of the electronic device.

[Second Embodiment]
Next explained is the second embodiment of the invention.
First, a typical connection example of an information processing system in which devices other than the MFP control apparatus are connected to the table tap according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a typical connection example of the information processing system. The same parts as those in FIG.

  In the table tap 100 ′ of this embodiment, two MFP control devices 200, 300 are connected to the tap body 1 ′ and connected to the USB cable (USB port) 310 of the MFP control device 300 (C-BOX-a). The power supply cable 611 of the hub 610 ′ for connecting the LAN adapters 621 to 623 and 626 to 628 used for communication is connected to the AC adapter 901 of the peripheral device 900 used in the above.

Here, as a precondition, since the peripheral device 900 is used by the MFP control apparatus 300 (C-BOX-a), the hub 610 ′ is not only connected to the information processing apparatuses 801 to 803 but also the MFP control. In order to transmit information related to the power supply of the MFP main body 700 to the MFP control apparatus 300 in synchronization with the power supply of the apparatus 300, it is necessary to always supply power.
In addition, interlock on / off switch 11a, 11b, 11c (see FIG. 6), which will be described later, which is a switch means, is added to the tap body 1 '.

Next, the circuit configuration of the table tap 100 ′ shown in FIG. 5 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of the table tap 100 ′, and the same parts as those in FIG.

The circuit of the table tap 100 'has a plurality of voltages for detecting DC voltages respectively input from the DC jacks 5, 5a, 5b, and 5c with respect to the circuit of the table tap 100 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. Voltage detection units 10, 10a, 10b, and 10c as detection means are added.
The voltage detection unit 10 can detect that the AC adapter 201 is connected to the DC jack 5 by detecting the DC voltage (the power supply voltage of the DC jack 5) input from the DC jack 5. If the DC voltage cannot be detected, it means that no device is connected. Similarly, the voltage detection units 10a, 10b, and 10c can detect the presence or absence of connection of an AC adapter or the like to the DC jacks 5a, 5b, and 5c, respectively. Therefore, the voltage detection units 10, 10a, 10b, and 10c also function as connection presence / absence detection means.

  Thereby, for example, when the voltage detection unit 10a detects that the device (the AC adapter or the like) is not connected to the DC jack 5a, the relay circuit control unit 4 responds by a signal from the voltage detection unit 10a. The relay circuit 9a to be turned on can be turned on (contact 91a is closed) so that AC power can be supplied to the output outlet 3a. Then, since it becomes possible to exclude from power supply monitoring and control targets such as current detection, the surplus output outlet 3a can be provided as a service outlet to other devices.

  Here, the simplest example of a circuit constituting each of the voltage detection units 10, 10a, 10b, and 10c is a three-core type having DC jack connectors of DC jacks 5, 5a, 5b, and 5c, each having an insertion detection pin. Thus, it is possible to determine whether or not the DC jacks 5, 5a, 5b, and 5c are inserted (connected) as the GND level or the DC output level. A signal (detection signal) indicating the determination result is reflected in detection signals (current detection result output signals) K, Ka, Kb, and Kc from the current detection units 6, 6a, 6b, and 6c to detect the detection signals R, Ra, and Rb. , Rc signals are output to the relay control circuit unit 4. In addition, by detecting the presence / absence of input of the DC power source, it is possible to add the presence / absence of energization as a condition to the detection signals R, Ra, Rb, and Rc.

By providing the voltage detectors 10, 10a, 10b, and 10c with a function of determining a voltage level, when an abnormal voltage different from a preset voltage level is input, a signal indicating the abnormal voltage is relay-controlled. By outputting to the circuit unit 4 and shutting off the AC supply of the line corresponding to the relay circuit control unit 4, damage to the device can be avoided.
Interlocking on / off switching switches (hereinafter also referred to as “interlocking switches”) 11a, 11b, and 11c are operating means, and are respectively inserted between adjacent voltage detection units among the voltage detection units 10, 10a, 10b, and 10c. Has been. These interlock switches 11a, 11b, and 11c switch whether to synchronize (interlock) switching control (on / off control) between supply (on) and shutoff (off) of AC power to adjacent AC output outlets. And outputs a different signal for each different operation (on / off).

  For example, when an ON signal instructing interlocking is output by the interlock switch 11a, DC power is supplied from the AC adapter 201 connected to one of the adjacent output outlets 3 and 3a. Further, switching control of the contact 91a of the relay circuit 9 can be performed so that the DC power can be supplied in conjunction with the AC adapter 301 connected to the other output outlet 3a.

The circuit of the table tap 100 ′ will be described according to the connection example of FIG.
In the two MFP control devices 200 and 300, the AC adapters 201 and 301 have AC input plugs 201a and 301a connected to AC output outlets 3 and 3a of the tap body 1 ', respectively. 301b is connected to the DC input jacks 5 and 5a of the tap body 1 '. MFP control devices 200 and 300 are connected to corresponding DC output jacks 8 and 8a via DC cables 601 and 602, respectively.

The AC plug 901a of the AC adapter 901 of the peripheral device 900 is connected to the AC output outlet 3b of the tap body 1 ', and the AC plug 611a of the power cable 611 of the hub 610' is connected to the AC output outlet 3c of the tap body 1 '. Since the DC output side is directly connected to each device, the DC input jacks 5b and 5c are not connected.
When the tap body 1 ′ receives a DC input, there is a connection to the DC input jacks 5 and 5 a, and the output to the relay control circuit unit 4 by those connections is the same as in the first embodiment.

The peripheral device 900 and the hub 610 ′ without DC input are detected by the voltage detection units 10b and 10c and output to the relay control circuit unit 4 as detection signals Rb and Rc, and the contacts 91b and 91c of the relay circuits 9b and 9c are This can be realized by controlling the closed state (conductive state).
The power source of the hub 610 'is not particularly in a standby mode as in the MFP control apparatus, and needs to be always energized, so there is no problem with the connection in this state.

  Since peripheral device 900 is connected to MFP control device 300 (C-BOX-a) via USB, an energy saving effect can be obtained by turning off the supply on the AC side in synchronization with the power state of MFP control device 300. I can give you. For this, the interlocking switch 11b is set to a synchronous on state. The interlock switch 11b (B) in FIG. 5 is a symbol that directly connects the voltage detection units 10a and 10b in order to synchronize. For example, when the interlock switch 11b is off, the pull-down resistor is set to the GND level, and the on state is set. By setting the DC input power level of the DC input jack 5b, it is possible to detect (determine) the on / off of the interlock switch 11b from this voltage level. An example of the DC jack detection by the relay control circuit unit 4 of the table tap 100 'and the AC supply processing flow by the interlocking switch is shown in FIG.

The AC supply processing flow will be described assuming that the outlet A in FIG. 7 is for the MFP control apparatus 300 (C-BOX-a) and the outlet B is for the peripheral device 900.
(1) Step S21
Since the AC adapter 301 of the MFP control apparatus 300 (C-BOX-a) is connected to the outlet A (AC output outlet 3a) and there is a DC input, the process proceeds to step S21.

(2) Step S22
Since the peripheral device 900 is interlocked with the power state of the MFP control apparatus 300 (C-BOX-a), when the interlock switch 11b is turned on, the process proceeds to step S23.
(3) Step S23
Since the AC plug 901a of the AC adapter 901 of the peripheral device 900 is connected to the outlet B (AC output outlet 3b) and there is no DC input, the process proceeds to step S29.

(4) Step S29
Control of the AC power supply of the outlet A (AC output outlet 3a) and the outlet B (AC output outlet 3b) are linked. That is, the AC supply control of the AC adapter 901 of the peripheral device 900 is performed by turning on the interlock switch 11b between the MFP adapter 300 and the AC adapter 301 of the MFP controller 300 (C-BOX-a). In conjunction with the AC power control, the AC power supply of the peripheral device 900 is turned off / on.

Next, another circuit configuration of the table tap 100 ′ shown in FIG. 5 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram showing another circuit configuration example of the table tap 100 ′, and the same reference numerals are given to the same portions as those in FIG.
The circuit of the table tap 100 'has a plurality of DC current supply paths.

The DC output control unit 7 ′ includes a circuit corresponding to the DC output control unit 7 shown in FIG. 6 in all DC output lines.
The relay control circuit unit 4 'outputs detection signals K, Ka, Kb, and Kc from the voltage detection units 10, 10a, 10b, and 10c (output from the current detection units 6, 6a, 6b, and 6c). And the control signal indicating the result of each DC line is output to the relay circuits 9, 9a, 9b, 9c, respectively, and the contact points 91, The opening / closing (on / off) of 91a, 91b, 91c is controlled.

  With this configuration, the AC output outlet 3 and the DC input jack 5 are required to be connected to the AC adapter of the MFP control apparatus in the circuit of FIG. 2, but which outlet is used in the circuit of FIG. Since AC power supply control of the AC output outlets 3, 3a, 3b, and 3c can be performed, the devices can be replaced even when other devices are in operation.

Next, the configuration of the DC power supply control circuit unit including the DC output control unit 7 'provided in the tap body 1' shown in FIG. 8 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram functionally illustrating a configuration example of the DC power supply control circuit unit.
This DC power supply control circuit unit 20 is provided in the DC line between the DC input jack 5 and the DC output jack 8 of FIG. 8, and includes a voltage detection circuit unit 21, a current detection circuit unit 22, and an FET 71. , A DC supply unit 23 to other devices, and a DC output control circuit unit 24. Although the other three DC lines are each provided with a DC power supply control circuit unit, the illustration and description are omitted because of the same configuration as the DC power supply control circuit unit 20.

The voltage detection circuit unit 21 is a part corresponding to the function of performing voltage detection of the voltage detection unit 10 of FIG.
The current detection circuit unit 22 is a part corresponding to the function of performing current detection of the current detection unit 6 of FIG.
The DC supply unit 23 to another device is a part corresponding to the diodes 72 to 74 in FIG. 8, and when the FET 71 is on, another DC line adjacent to the DC line on the source terminal S side of the FET 71. That is, DC is supplied to another device (equipment) connected via the DC line on the drain terminal D side of the FET 71.

  The DC supply unit 30 from the other adapter is a part corresponding to the diodes 72a to 74a, 72b to 74b, 72c to 74c on the other three DC lines in FIG. 8, and is connected to the other output outlets 3a, 3b, 3c. When DC supply (DC output) is performed from any one of the connected AC adapters 201, 301, 401, the DC supply can be received.

  The DC output control circuit unit 24 corresponds to a part corresponding to the function of controlling the output of the control signal (control signal) to the relay control circuit unit 4 of the voltage detection unit 10 in FIG. 8 and to the FET 71 of the current detection unit 6 in FIG. And a portion corresponding to a function of current detection from another DC line of the current detection unit 6, and a detection signal (control) from the voltage detection circuit unit 21. Signal), a detection signal from the current detection circuit unit 22, and a detection signal from the DC supply unit 30 from another adapter (DC supply information from another AC adapter), the following control is performed.

  That is, by controlling the output of the control signal to the FET 71, DC output control (DC power supply control) to the DC output jack 8 is performed. That is, by outputting a corresponding DC supply control signal for a DC line to the gate terminal G of the FET 71, it is possible to control whether or not to perform DC supply (power supply) from another DC line. Further, a control signal for controlling the relay control circuit 4 'is output to the relay control circuit 4'.

  Here, an operation from a state in which DC supply (DC input) is performed to a standby state will be described. Here, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the AC adapter is not connected to the output outlets 3b and 3c of the tap body 1 ', and the MFP control corresponding to the AC adapters 201 and 301 connected to the output outlets 3 and 3a, respectively. Of the devices 200 (C-BOX) and 300 (C-BOX-a), only the operation for the MFP control device 200 (C-BOX) will be described. The preconditions are the same in other operation descriptions to be described later. Note that the DC supply state and the supply operation are turned on, and conversely, the DC supply is cut off and the operation that shuts off is turned off.

(A1) In the initial state, the two MFP control apparatuses 200 (C-BOX) and 300 (C-BOX-a) are also in an operating state.
(A2) At this time, the state of each control signal of the MFP control apparatus 200 (C-BOX) is changed to a signal Sa: ON, a signal Sb: 0.5 to 3A (a start mode exceeding the first predetermined value) Signal Sc: on, signal Sd: on, and signal Se: on.

(A3) After that, when the MFP main body 700 is turned off and the MFP control apparatus 300 (C-BOX-a) first enters the standby state, the DC supply from the AC adapter 301 of the MFP control apparatus 300 is not performed. Since the control signal is cut off, the state of each control signal of the MFP control apparatus 200 (C-BOX) is as follows: signal Sa: on, signal Sb: 0.5 to 3A, signal Sc: on, signal Sd: off, signal Se: on Thus, the DC supply unit 30 from the other adapter outputs a signal Sd (off signal) indicating that the DC supply from the other AC adapter 301 is turned off to the DC output control circuit unit 24.

(A4) When the MFP control apparatus 200 (C-BOX) also shifts to the standby state, the current value of the corresponding DC line changes, so the state of each control signal of the MFP control apparatus 200 (C-BOX) is the signal Sa : ON, signal Sb: 0.05 to 0.1 A (indicating transition to the standby mode where the second predetermined value or less), signal Sc: ON, signal Sd: OFF, signal Se: ON. The signal Sc (DC supply control signal) output to the FET 71 and the signal Se to the relay control circuit unit 4 are turned on because the signal Sd is off. Therefore, the contact point 91 of the relay circuit 9 maintains the conductive state, so that when the MFP main body 700 is turned on again, the MFP control apparatus 200 can immediately shift to the operating state.

Next, an operation until the MFP control apparatus 300 (C-BOX-a) once enters the activated state and returns to the standby state while the power of the MFP main body 700 remains off will be described.
(B1) Since the current flows to the MFP control apparatus 300 (C-BOX-a) at the moment when the activation state is established, the state of each control signal of the MFP control apparatus 200 (C-BOX) is the signal Sa: ON, Signal Sb: 0.5 to 3A, signal Sc: on, signal Sd: off, signal Se: on.

(B2) Since the relay control circuit unit 4 ′ of FIG. 8 once turns on all the relay circuits 91, 91a, 91b, 91c, the state of each control signal of the MFP control device 200 (C-BOX) is the signal Sa : ON, signal Sb: 0.05 to 0.1 A, signal Sc: ON, signal Sd: ON, signal Se: ON.
(B3) Since the MFP control apparatus 200 (C-BOX) is in a standby state, the state of each control signal is as follows: signal Sa: on, signal Sb: 0.05 to 0.1 A, signal Sc: off, signal Sd: on , Signal Se: Turns off.

(B4) Since the DC input of the MFP control apparatus 200 (C-BOX) is cut off by the relay control circuit unit 4 ′, the state of each control signal is as follows: signal Sa: off, signal Sb: 0A, signal Sc: off , Signal Sd: on, signal Se: off.
In this way, the DC supply will be supplied from the adapter of the last operating device, reducing the risk that only the unique AC adapter will always operate and shorten the lifetime.

Next, the configuration of the relay control circuit unit 4 ′ and its peripheral circuit unit provided in the tap body 1 ′ shown in FIG. 8 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 10 is a block diagram functionally showing a configuration example of the relay control circuit unit 4 ′.
This relay control circuit unit 4 'functions as a DC line discriminating means. In addition to the relay control circuit 41 that controls ON / OFF of the relay circuits 9, 9a, 9b, 9c, a current during standby A current detection storage circuit 42 corresponding to storage means for storing information indicating the detection state (corresponding to the state of the relay circuit) is provided.

  Connected to the relay control circuit 41 are relay circuits 9, 9a, 9b, 9c, DC output control circuit units 24, 24a, 24b, 24c, current detection circuit units 22, 22a, 22b, 22c, and a current detection storage circuit 42. Has been. The DC output control circuit units 24a, 24b, and 24c have the same configuration as that of the DC output control circuit unit 24 of FIG. 9, and are provided in three DC lines different from the DC line including the DC output control circuit unit 24, respectively. It has been. The current detection circuit units 22a, 22b, and 22c have the same configuration as that of the current detection circuit unit 22 in FIG. 9 and are respectively provided in three DC lines that are different from the DC line including the current detection circuit unit 22. .

The latch signal Sh is a signal that is output when the relay control circuit 41 turns on all the relay circuits 9, 9a, 9b, 9c.
The current detection storage circuit 42 stores (latches) the current detection state information of the current detection circuit units 22, 22a, 22b, and 22c using the signal Sh as a trigger. The output signal Si at this time is input to the relay control circuit 41. As the current detection state information, a detection signal when a current of 0.5 to 3 A is detected in the startup state (startup mode) and a current of 0.05 to 0.1 A in the standby state (standby mode) are detected. Here, for the convenience of explanation, the former detection signal is assumed to be current detection presence information and the latter detection signal is assumed to be no current detection information. Moreover, the current detection shown below is a current detection of 0.5 to 3A.

  Here, the AC adapters 201, 301, 401, 501 of the MFP control devices 200, 300, 400, 500 shown in FIG. 1 are connected to the output outlets 3, 3a, 3b, 3c of the tap body 1 ′. Shall. As an initial state, it is assumed that the relay circuit 9 is on, the relay circuits 9a, 9b, and 9c are off, and the four MFP control devices 200 to 500 are in a standby state.

(A) Operation including current detection by current detection circuit unit 22 Thereafter, MFP control device 300 is activated, and other MFP control devices 200, 400, 500 remain in a standby state, and MFP control device 300 is in a standby state again. As for the operation when entering, first, the current detection circuit unit 22 detects the current, and the relay control circuit 41 once turns on all the relay circuits 9, 9a, 9b, 9c. At this time, since the latch signal Sh is output, the current detection storage circuit 42 has a current detection presence signal (corresponding to the relay circuit 9 ON) of the current detection circuit unit 22 and no current detection of the current detection circuit units 22a, 22b, and 22c. A signal (corresponding to the relay circuits 9a, 9b, 9c off) is stored.
The signal Si is output to the relay control circuit 41 because the current detection storage circuit 42 has current detection state information.

At this time, since only the MFP control device 300 is operating, the relay control circuit 41 leaves the relay circuit 9a in response to a signal from the DC output control circuit unit 24, and other relay circuits 9, 9b, 9c. Turn off.
Thereafter, the MFP control apparatus 300 also enters a standby state, but the relay circuits 9, 9b, 9c are turned off, so that the relay control circuit 41 keeps the relay circuit 9a on as it is. Here, the state of each current detection circuit unit 22, 22a, 22b, 22c at this time (corresponding to the state of each relay circuit 9, 9a, 9b, 9c) is compared with the current detection information indicated by the signal Si. Since the states are not the same, the relay circuit 9a is turned on as it is.

(B) Operation including current detection by current detection circuit unit 22a Next, when the MFP control apparatus 300 shifts from the activated state to the standby state, the current detection circuit unit 22a detects the current, and the relay control circuit 41 temporarily turns on all the relay circuits 9, 9a, 9b, 9c. At this time, since the latch signal Sh is output, the current detection memory circuit 42 has a current detection presence signal (corresponding to ON of the relay circuit 9a) of the current detection circuit portion 22a and no current detection of the current detection circuit portions 22, 22b, 22c. A signal (corresponding to relay circuits 9, 9b, 9c off) is stored.
The signal Si is output to the relay control circuit 41 because the current detection storage circuit 42 has current detection state information.

At this time, since it is the MFP control device 300 that is operating, the relay control circuit 41 leaves the relay circuit 9a and other relay circuits 9, 9b, and 9c in response to a signal from the DC output control circuit unit 24. Turn off.
Thereafter, the MFP control apparatus 300 also enters a standby state, but the relay circuits 9, 9b, 9c are turned off, so that the relay control circuit 41 keeps the relay circuit 9a on as it is. Here, the state of each current detection circuit unit 22, 22a, 22b, 22c at this time (corresponding to the state of each relay circuit 9, 9a, 9b, 9c) is compared with the current detection information indicated by the signal Si. Since the states are the same, the relay circuit 9b is turned on and the relay circuit 9a is turned off.

(C) Operation including current detection by the current detection circuit unit 22b After that, when the MFP control apparatus 300 shifts again from the activated state to the standby state, the current detection circuit unit 22b detects the current, and the relay control circuit 41 Turns on all the relay circuits 9, 9a, 9b, 9c once. At this time, since the latch signal Sh is output, the current detection storage circuit 42 has a current detection presence signal (corresponding to the relay circuit 9b ON) of the current detection circuit portion 22b and no current detection of the current detection circuit portions 22, 22a, 22c. A signal (corresponding to relay circuits 9, 9a, 9c off) is stored.
The signal Si is output to the relay control circuit 41 because the current detection storage circuit 42 has current detection state information.

At this time, since it is the MFP control device 300 that is operating, the relay control circuit 41 leaves the relay circuit 9a and other relay circuits 9, 9b, and 9c in response to a signal from the DC output control circuit unit 24. Turn off.
Thereafter, the MFP control apparatus 300 also enters a standby state, but the relay circuits 9, 9b, 9c are turned off, so that the relay control circuit 41 keeps the relay circuit 9a on as it is. Here, the state of each current detection circuit unit 22, 22a, 22b, 22c at this time (corresponding to the state of each relay circuit 9, 9a, 9b, 9c) is compared with the current detection information indicated by the signal Si. Since the states are not the same, the relay circuit 9a is turned on as it is.

  Here, the operation when the MFP control apparatus 300 repeats start-up → standby is (C) → (B) → (C) → (B) → (C)... If information for the past three times is stored in a non-illustrated non-volatile memory (flash memory or the like) as information indicated by the output signal from the circuit 42 (C) → ( B) → (D) → (B) → (A) → (B) → (C)... For example, when the signal Si is output three times, the second can be dealt with by returning the first signal Si for the second time and returning the signal Si for the second time.

  In this case, the first signal Si is a signal with current detection of the current detection circuit unit 22b (corresponding to ON of the relay circuit 9b) and a signal with no current detection of the current detection circuit units 22, 22a, 22c (relay circuits 9, 9a). , 9c off), the second signal Si is a signal with current detection of the current detection circuit unit 22a (corresponding to ON of the relay circuit 9a) and a signal without current detection of the current detection circuit units 22, 22b, 22c. The third signal Si (corresponding to the relay circuit 9, 9b, 9c off) is a current detection presence signal (corresponding to the relay circuit 9c on) of the current detection circuit unit 22c and the current detection circuit unit 22, 22a, 22b. No current detection signals (corresponding to relay circuits 9, 9a, 9b off) are respectively shown.

(D) Operation including current detection by current detection circuit unit 22c For example, when the operation immediately before (D) is the operation of (B), the relay circuit 9c is kept on, and the current detection storage circuit 42 is the current detection circuit. Since the current detection presence signal of the unit 22c (corresponding to the relay circuit 9c being on) and the current detection non-detection signal of the current detection circuit units 22, 22a, 22b (corresponding to the relay circuits 9, 9a, 9b being off) are stored. When the MFP control apparatus 300 shifts from the activated state to the standby state again, the current detection circuit unit 22c detects the current, and the relay control circuit 41 temporarily turns on all the relay circuits 9, 9a, 9b, 9c. . At this time, since the latch signal Sh is output, the current detection memory circuit 42 does not detect the current of the current detection circuit unit 22c (corresponding to ON of the relay circuit 9c) and the current detection circuit unit 22, 22a, 22b. The signal (corresponding to the relay circuits 9, 9a, 9b off) is stored.

The signal Si is output to the relay control circuit 41 because the current detection storage circuit 42 has current detection state information.
At this time, since it is the MFP control device 300 that is operating, the relay control circuit 41 leaves the relay circuit 9a and other relay circuits 9, 9b, and 9c in response to a signal from the DC output control circuit unit 24. Turn off.
Thereafter, the MFP control apparatus 300 also enters a standby state, but the relay circuits 9, 9b, 9c are turned off, so that the relay control circuit 41 keeps the relay circuit 9a on as it is. Here, the state of each current detection circuit unit 22, 22a, 22b, 22c at this time (corresponding to the state of each relay circuit 9, 9a, 9b, 9c) is compared with the current detection information indicated by the signal Si. Since the states are not the same, the relay circuit 9a is turned on as it is based on the information for the past three times in the nonvolatile memory.

  As a result, when the MFP control apparatus 300 subsequently shifts from the activated state to the standby state again, the operation (B) is performed. However, when the MFP control apparatus 300 next shifts from the activated state to the standby state again, in order to shift to the operation (A), at the end of the operation (B), the relay is performed from the information for the past three times in the nonvolatile memory. Turn circuit 9 on.

  The above-described control makes it possible to operate without concentrating on one AC adapter when there is a device equipped with an application that frequently repeats standby and startup, for example. It will not wear out. As a whole system, the lifetime of each AC adapter can be estimated long. This is because when the AC adapter is selected, the operation period is shortened, so it can be expected that a smaller and less expensive AC adapter can be employed.

Next, the appearance of the table tap 100 ′ shown in FIG. 5 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an appearance example of the table tap 100 ′. Since the table tap 100 shown in FIG. 1 also has a substantially similar appearance, its illustration and description are omitted.

Even when a plurality of devices such as the MFP control apparatus 200 of FIG. 5 that cannot completely shut off the power supply are connected to the table tap 100 ′, a part of the AC power supply is cut off so that the table tap 100 ′ is wasted in a standby state. It is possible to obtain an effect of reducing the power consumption.
Conventionally, when multiple devices are connected to the table tap, the current situation is that the cables around the AC outlet on the back of the device are tangled, and there is no place to place the AC adapter. However, as shown in FIG. 11A, a cable is provided by providing an adapter tray 101 (space for storing the power supply device) so that the AC adapter 201, 301 of FIG. 5 can be stored in the table tap 100 ′. Accidents such as disconnection or disconnection of equipment underlays can be prevented.

The DC cable 601 connected to the MFP control apparatus 200 and the USB cable 310 of the peripheral device 900 can be turned to the back surface of the table tap 100 ′ as shown in FIG. Is provided.
The AC cut-off switch 103 on the back is designed to cut off the entire AC because it takes time to remove the AC adapter 201 etc. from all the AC output outlets 3, 3a, 3b, 3c when not used for a long time. Switch means. Such a switch means is generally easy to understand near the AC output outlets 3, 3a, 3b, 3c, but it is desirable to dispose the switch means on the back of the table tap 100 'to prevent erroneous operation. In addition, when the access to the back surface is expected to be difficult, it may be possible to arrange the AC cutoff switch 103 at another position.

Further, the table tap 100 ′ has the same shape as the devices such as the MFP control apparatus 200 to be connected, and has a rack structure on which these devices can be mounted, so that space saving is achieved.
Furthermore, a moving wheel 104 is provided below the table tap 100 '. Accordingly, the movement of the device is facilitated, and the table tap 100 'can be installed even in a narrow space where the installation conditions are limited such that there is an opening of the MFP main body 700 or there is a hinged door. It becomes possible.

  Since a plurality of AC adapters are placed, the problem of heat generation is taken into consideration, and in the example of FIG. 11, the side wall of the table tap 100 ′ is eliminated, but the side face may be blocked due to, for example, a safety problem. . In this case, when the DC power of the AC adapter is already input to the tap body 1 ', the DC power can be used as the power of the cooling fan for driving DC, so a new power supply device is prepared for the fan. Therefore, the fan can be easily attached with less power consumption.

  The table taps shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 can be connected to an MFP control apparatus and its peripherals that are part of the MFP, but control other image forming apparatuses such as a digital copying machine and a printer. Of course, various electronic devices such as an image forming apparatus main body or an information processing apparatus such as a PC can be connected to the control apparatus.

  As is clear from the above description, according to the table tap of the present invention, unnecessary AC lines can be cut, and the power consumed in the power supply apparatus can be reduced. Therefore, the table tap which responds to a user's energy saving requirement can be provided.

1, 1 ': Tap body 2, 201a, 301a, 401a, 501a: AC input plug 3, 3a, 3b, 3c: AC output outlet 4, 4': Relay control circuit units 5, 5a, 5b, 5c: DC input jacks 6, 6a, 6b, 6c: current detection units 7, 7 ': DC output control units 8, 8a, 8b, 8c: DC output jacks 9, 9a, 9b, 9c: relay circuits 10, 10a, 10b, 10c: Voltage detection units 11a, 11b, 11c: Interlocking on / off switch 20: DC power supply control circuit unit 21: Voltage detection circuit units 22, 22a, 22b, 22c: Current detection circuit unit 23: To other devices DC supply unit 24: DC output control circuit unit 30: DC supply unit 41 from other adapter: Relay control circuit 42: Current detection memory circuits 71, 71a, 71b, 71c: MOSF T
72-74, 72a-74a, 72a-74a: Diode 100, 100 ′: Table tap 101: Adapter tray 102: Cable outlet 103: AC disconnect switch 104: Wheel 200, 300, 400, 500: MFP control apparatus 201 , 301, 401, 501: AC adapters 201a, 301a, 401a, 501a: AC input plugs 201b, 301b, 401b, 501b: DC output plugs 601, 602, 603, 604: DC output cables 610, 610 ′: Hub 611: Power cable 621-628: LAN cable 700: MFP main body 801-803: Information processing device 900: Peripheral device

JP 2004-179035 A

Claims (10)

A table tap capable of supplying AC power to a plurality of power supply devices that convert AC power into DC power,
AC input connection means for connecting AC power to a commercial power source so that input is possible;
A plurality of AC output connection means for connecting the AC power input ends of each of the plurality of power supply devices so that AC power supplied via the AC input connection means can be output, respectively.
A plurality of DC input connection means capable of connecting a DC power output terminal of each of the plurality of power supply devices, each having an AC power input terminal connected to each of the plurality of AC output connection means;
A plurality of DC power input terminals of a plurality of electronic devices operated by DC power are connected to each other so that the DC power supplied from each of the plurality of power supply devices can be output via each of the plurality of DC input connection means. DC output connection means of
A plurality of current detection means for individually detecting a direct current flowing from each of the plurality of DC input connection means to the plurality of DC output connection means;
DC output control means for controlling the DC power output to each of the plurality of DC output connection means based on the value of the DC current detected by each of the plurality of current detection means,
AC output control means for controlling supply and interruption of AC power to each of the plurality of AC output connection means based on the values of DC currents respectively detected by the plurality of current detection means. And a table tap. The table tap according to claim 1,
A plurality of connection presence / absence detection means for detecting presence / absence of connection of the DC power input end of the power supply device to the plurality of DC input connection means;
The AC output control means controls the supply and cut-off of AC power to each of the plurality of AC output connection means based on the detection result of each of the plurality of connection presence / absence detection means.   The AC output control means is an AC output connection means to which the AC power input terminal of the power supply device can be connected when the plurality of connection presence / absence detection means detects that the DC power input terminal of the power supply apparatus is not connected. It controls so that alternating current power can be supplied, The table tap of Claim 2 characterized by the above-mentioned. In the table tap as described in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 3,
A plurality of voltage detection means for detecting a DC voltage input from each of the plurality of DC input connection means is provided,
The AC output control means is connected to a power supply device to which the abnormal voltage is input when the DC voltage detected by the plurality of voltage detecting means is an abnormal voltage different from a preset voltage level. The table tap characterized by interrupting the alternating current power to the alternating current output connection means. In the table tap as described in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 4,
A table tap characterized in that the AC input connection means and any one of the plurality of AC output connection means are directly connected. The table tap according to claim 4,
A plurality of operation means are provided between each voltage detection means adjacent to the plurality of voltage detection means,
The AC output control means discriminates the operation of each of the plurality of operation means via the plurality of voltage detection means, and based on the result of the discrimination, each AC output adjacent to the plurality of AC output connection means A table tap characterized in that the supply and interruption of AC power to the connection means are synchronized as necessary. In the table tap as described in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 6,
A table tap comprising the DC output control means in each DC output line from each of the plurality of DC input connection means to each of the plurality of DC output connection means. The table tap according to claim 7,
The DC power input terminal of the operating electronic device is connected when only one of the current values detected by each of the plurality of current detection means shifts to a startup mode in which the current value exceeds the first predetermined value. DC line discriminating means for discriminating the DC line of the direct current output connecting means,
Storage means for storing information indicating the state of each of the plurality of current detection means,
The AC output control means immediately after the transition to the start-up mode in which only one of the current values detected by the plurality of current detection means exceeds the first predetermined value, respectively. Means for temporarily controlling supply of AC power to all of the connection means, means for storing information indicating the states of the plurality of current detection means in the storage means immediately before control by the means, Means for controlling to be able to supply AC power only to the AC output connection means corresponding to the DC line determined by the DC line determination means after the AC power is once controlled to be supplied to all of the AC output connection means; After the control by the means, a transition is made to a standby mode in which all of the current values detected by each of the plurality of current detection means are less than or equal to a second predetermined value smaller than the first predetermined value. Immediately before the output, the state of each of the plurality of current detection means is compared with the state indicated by the information stored in the storage means, and the AC output corresponding to the determined DC line only when both the states match. A table tap comprising: means for controlling so that AC power can be supplied only to AC output connecting means different from the connecting means. In the table tap as described in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 8,
A table tap comprising a space for storing the power supply device connected to the plurality of AC output connection means. In the table tap as described in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 9,
A table tap comprising switch means for cutting off all AC power from the AC input connection means to the plurality of AC output connection means.