JP2017135795A - Charged power interchange method and electronic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide electronic equipment capable of interchanging an electric amount with each other while properly maintaining a residual capacity of a battery.SOLUTION: Portable electronic equipment 100a and 100b each mounted with a battery, constitutes an electric power interchange system by being communicated with each other through an electric power transmission path 101, a control data transmission path 103, and a network data transmission path. The electric power transmission path 101 may constitute any one of a non-contact charging and a contact charging. A reference value for electric power interchange is set in each of the portable electronic equipment 100a and 100b. The portable electronic equipment 100a in which a residual capacity decreases than the reference value transmits a charging request to the portable electronic equipment 100b. The portable electronic equipment 100b supplies the charged power to the portable electronic equipment 100a in response to the charging request until the residual capacity increases to the reference value. The portable electronic equipment 100b stops to charge the power when the residual capacity decreases to the reference value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique in which a plurality of electronic devices each equipped with a battery interchange charge power.

  A portable electronic device that operates with a rechargeable battery such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal needs to be charged with another power source in order to secure an operation time. When the power source is connected to the outlet of the AC power source, there remains an inconvenience that it cannot be freely charged at the destination. Portable chargers with batteries are inconvenient to carry. Charging power can be supplied from one to the other between portable electronic devices connected by a USB standard cable.

  In the international standard Qi related to wireless charging established by WPC (Wireless Power Consortium), when power is supplied by electromagnetic induction generated between two adjacent coils using a frequency band in the range of 100 to 205 KHz. The specifications are specified. There is already a Qi standard charging system on the market for charging smartphones on a charging pad. In addition, a method of wireless transmission with a separation distance of about 10 meters using an electromagnetic wave in the 2.4 GHz band, which is the same frequency band as WiFi and Bluetooth (registered trademark), has been developed.

  Patent Literature 1 discloses a wireless power distribution system that supplies power to a remote device such as a smartphone or a mobile phone using electromagnetic induction. The document describes that when a consumer with a remote device enters the wireless charging area, the remote device automatically starts receiving wireless power. Patent Document 2 discloses a wireless charging system that charges a laptop with microwaves in a frequency band of 5.8 GHz. Patent Document 3 discloses a portable wireless charging device that can charge a mobile electronic device with a USB cable and electromagnetic induction. The document describes that the portable wireless charging device does not need to be connected to the outlet of a commercial power source during charging.

JP 2013-502875 A US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0022022 Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2015-204743

  Charging of portable electronic devices is generally equipped with an AC power source that does not need to consider the amount of power supplied by the charging source, a DC power source or battery that has sufficient amount of electricity for the amount of electricity required by the charging destination It is done with a dedicated charger. The chargeable portable electronic device is supplied with an amount of electricity up to a full charge capacity or until the user stops charging halfway. Here, it is assumed that when a single user has a plurality of portable electronic devices, the remaining capacity of the battery of the specific portable electronic device decreases. Alternatively, it is assumed that a plurality of portable electronic devices each operating on a battery cooperate to execute a coherent job.

  For example, it is assumed that a laptop computer (laptop) that operates on a battery is executing a job for transferring data to a tablet terminal and a smartphone and printing on a printer. At this time, even if the remaining battery level of the other portable electronic device is sufficient, if the remaining battery level of the printer is reduced, the execution of the print job is hindered. In such a case, it would be convenient if the printer could be charged using a large amount of remaining capacity, for example, the amount of electricity in the laptop. However, the amount of electricity supplied is limited because the laptop also needs to execute the job. is there.

  In addition, when the amount of electricity of the battery is interchanged between the two portable electronic devices, the interchange source may want to continue operation with the battery. Therefore, it is necessary to rationally determine the amount of electricity to be interchanged between portable electronic devices having the same importance of operation time. At this time, it is difficult for the user to check the amount of electricity held by each portable electronic device and to monitor the state during charging to control charging.

  Moreover, when the user holds portable terminals such as a laptop, a tablet terminal, and a smartphone at the destination, the remaining capacity of the smartphone may be reduced. At this time, it is convenient if the amount of electricity can be accommodated by a simple operation from a laptop, tablet terminal or smartphone having sufficient remaining capacity to the smartphone. In this case as well, it is desirable that the amount of electricity at the charging source and the amount of electricity at the charging destination are reasonably harmonized when charging is completed.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device and a charging power interchange method that can interchange the amount of electricity while appropriately maintaining the remaining capacity of the battery. A further object of the present invention is to provide a portable electronic device and a power interchange method that can perform non-contact charging from another portable electronic device with a simple operation.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method in which a plurality of electronic devices each equipped with a battery and capable of communicating with each other through a power transmission path can accommodate charging power. A reference value related to the remaining capacity is set in a plurality of electronic devices, the first electronic device makes a charging request to another electronic device, and the second electronic device in response to the charging request is the first electronic device. The charging power is supplied until the remaining capacity of the battery reaches the reference value.

  According to the above-described configuration, when both the accommodation source and accommodation destination electronic devices need to maintain a predetermined remaining capacity after completion of charging, the amount of electricity can be distributed based on the reference value. The reference value can be a constant ratio with respect to the total value of the full charge capacities of the batteries of the plurality of electronic devices. If the remaining capacity is managed based on such a reference value, the remaining capacity ratio of all the electronic devices can be made constant, so that the amount of electricity can be distributed fairly between the electronic devices. If the reference value is gradually decreased as the total remaining battery capacity of each electronic device decreases, the charging power can be supplied to the capacity that can be accommodated as a system at the time when the charging request is made.

  Therefore, when the electronic device that has requested charging performs a battery operation independently of the system after the completion of charging, it is possible to secure the amount of electricity determined by the capacity of the system. Before the remaining capacity of the first electronic device increases to the reference value, the remaining capacity of the second electronic device may decrease to the reference value. At that time, if the supply of the charging power is stopped when the remaining capacity of the second electronic device is reduced to the reference value, the subsequent operation of the second electronic device by the battery can be continued. The first electronic device can be charged up to the reference value as long as the system has the capacity to accommodate the charging power from the third electronic device in response to the charging request.

  A plurality of electronic devices can perform a linked operation for performing a linked job while exchanging data through a network / data transmission path. In this case, if the remaining capacity is managed based on the reference value, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the cooperation job cannot be completed due to a decrease in the remaining capacity of one of the electronic devices. If the second electronic device can supply charging power to the first electronic device via another electronic device, the power transmission path can be configured flexibly to reduce restrictions on the physical location of the electronic device. it can.

  In the charging power accommodation method according to the second aspect of the present invention, an electronic device that requires charging makes a request for charging to a plurality of other electronic devices, and the electronic devices that require charging by the plurality of electronic devices. Make a chargeable response. Furthermore, an electronic device that is compatible is selected from among electronic devices that have a response that can be charged by an electronic device that requires charging, and the electronic device selected as the flexible source sends charging power to the electronic device that requires charging. .

  According to said structure, even if the master which manages the whole system | strain does not exist, the electronic device which requires charge can receive charge electric power from either of several other electronic devices. If the remaining capacity rate of the battery installed in each electronic device is included in the chargeable response at this time, the electronic device with the largest remaining capacity rate is selected as the interchange source, and charging is always performed from an electronic device with a large remaining capacity rate. be able to.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for accommodating charging power, in which, when a plurality of electronic devices are operated by batteries, the remaining capacity of the batteries is obtained from each electronic device, and the electronic devices exceed a predetermined remaining capacity. Charging power is supplied to other electronic devices, and power interchange is stopped when there is no electronic device exceeding a predetermined remaining capacity. Since charging power is supplied from an electronic device exceeding a predetermined remaining capacity, power interchange can be performed so that the remaining capacity of each electronic device is balanced.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first electronic device including a first interface surface for performing contactless power transmission and a first battery unit, and a second interface for performing contactless power transmission. A second electronic device comprising a surface and a second battery unit provides a method for accommodating power. The first electronic device transits to a power transmission mode for discharging the first battery unit, the second electronic device transits to a power reception mode for charging the second battery unit, and the first interface surface and the second In response to contact with the interface surface, charging power is supplied from the first electronic device to the second electronic device to charge the second battery unit.

  According to the above configuration, the amount of electricity of the battery unit can be easily interchanged between electronic devices simply by bringing the interface surface into contact. When the user transits to the power transmission mode and the power reception mode in accordance with the postures of the first interface surface and the second interface surface, respectively, electricity can be interchanged without the user performing an input operation with a touch screen or a button. The orientation of the interface surface can be in the vertical direction.

  When the up-down direction is reversed while the first interface surface and the second interface surface are in contact, the first electronic device transitions to the power receiving mode, the second electronic device transitions to the power transmission mode, The first battery unit can be charged by sending charging power from the second electronic device to the first electronic device. When the remaining capacity ratios of the first battery unit and the second battery unit become equal, the first electronic device and / or the second electronic device can stop charging.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an electronic apparatus and a charging power interchange method that can interchange the amount of electricity while appropriately maintaining the remaining capacity of the battery. Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a portable electronic device and a power interchange method that can perform non-contact charging from another portable electronic device with a simple operation.

1 is a diagram for explaining an outline of a power interchange system 10. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a physical transmission path that constitutes the power interchange system 10. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram for explaining a configuration of a portable electronic device 100. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram for explaining a configuration of a fixed electronic device 150. FIG. It is a figure which shows the logical topology of the centralized management type electric power interchange system 10a. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the charging parameter recorded on the management data recording part. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure of the centralized management type electric power interchange system 10a. It is a figure explaining a mode that remaining capacity falls in balance. It is a figure which shows the logical topology of the dispersion | distribution management type power interchange system 10b. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure of the electric power interchange system 10b. It is a figure for demonstrating the outline | summary of the smart phone 500 which performs non-contact charge. 3 is a schematic functional block diagram of a smartphone 500. FIG. It is a figure which shows a mode when charging power mutually interchanges between the smart phones 500a and 500b. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure when the smart phones 500a and 500b mutually interchange charge power.

[Definition]
Special terms used in this specification will be explained. A portable electronic device may operate while receiving power supply from an AC power source in addition to an operation using only a battery as a power source. However, at least when charging power is accommodated, it operates using only a battery as a power source. Say what you do. The fixed electronic device may be equipped with a battery, but means an apparatus using an AC power source as a power source at least while accumulating charging power.

  Contact power transmission refers to a system that transmits power via electrical contacts, connectors, or cables, and non-contact power transmission refers to a system that transmits power via electromagnetic waves. Non-contact charging refers to supplying charging power to an electronic device equipped with a rechargeable battery by non-contact power transmission. The charging power refers to power for charging a battery mounted on a portable electronic device, and further includes power supplied to the system simultaneously with charging of the battery.

  Cooperative operation means that a plurality of portable electronic devices or a plurality of electronic devices including a plurality of portable electronic devices and a fixed electronic device are cooperating to execute a coherent job (cooperation job). State. The linked job and the linked operation are related in that the portable electronic device that performs the linked operation until the linked job is completed needs to continue the operation with the battery. The full charge capacity of the battery refers to the maximum amount of electricity that can be stored when deterioration starts after starting use, and the full charge capacity at the start of use corresponds to the rated capacity.

  The remaining capacity rate means the ratio of the amount of electricity (remaining capacity) stored in the battery to the full charge capacity at that time. Although the amount of electricity and the amount of charged power indicate the same physical amount, the former is mainly used to mean a physical amount stored in a battery, and the latter is used to mean a physical amount passing through a power transmission path. The mutual interchange of charging power means that an electronic device that needs to operate with a battery even after supplying charging power supplies charging power to another electronic device by a predetermined amount of electricity.

[Components of the power interchange system]
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an outline of a power interchange system 10 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 1 shows a plurality of portable electronic devices 100 and a plurality of fixed electronic devices 150 constituting the power interchange system 10. Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the portable electronic device 100 and the fixed electronic device 150, they are simply referred to as electronic devices. The operation time of the portable electronic device 100 depends on the remaining capacity of the battery. The fixed electronic device 150 is not limited by the operation time due to the power source. In the power interchange system 10, each of the plurality of portable electronic devices 100 can be supplied with charging power from the fixed electronic device 150, but charging power interchange occurs between the plurality of portable electronic devices 100. .

  As an example, the portable electronic device 100 can be a laptop, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, a mobile phone, an external storage device, an external keyboard, an external mouse, an audio device, a game player, or the like. The fixed electronic device 150 may be, for example, a desktop computer, a function expansion device (a docking station) such as a laptop or a tablet terminal, a projector, a printer, and a large screen.

  Each electronic device constituting the power interchange system 10 communicates with other electronic devices via a power transmission path, a control data transmission path, and a network transmission path configured by either wired and / or wireless. In FIG. 2, portable electronic devices 100 a to 100 c representing the portable electronic device 100 communicate with each other via a physical power transmission path 101, a control data transmission path 103, and a network data transmission path 105. Is shown.

  The portable electronic devices 100a to 100c do not need to communicate directly with each other, and may communicate with each other via other portable electronic devices. For example, the portable electronic device 100a and the portable electronic device 100c may communicate via the portable electronic device 100b. A wired power transmission path 101 that performs contact power transmission is mainly represented by cable connection. The wireless power transmission path 101 that performs non-contact power transmission is represented by a power transmission method such as an electromagnetic induction method, an electromagnetic resonance method, or a radio wave method (microwave method).

  The control data transmission path 103 transfers control data for charging request or negotiation when charging power is accommodated, and charging parameters such as charging voltage or charging current. For the network data transmission path 105, a currently available wireless communication standard such as WiGig, wireless LAN, WiMax, wireless WAN, or Bluetooth (trademark) and a wireless communication standard developed in the future can be applied.

  The wireless control data transmission path 103 can be shared with the wireless power transmission path 101 or the wireless network / data transmission path 105. The wired control data transmission path 103 can be constructed in a cable constituting the wired power transmission path 101 or the wired network / data transmission path 105. The portable electronic device 100 can communicate with the fixed electronic device 150 via the power transmission path 101, the control data transmission path 103, and the network / data transmission path 105.

  FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram for explaining the configuration of the portable electronic device 100. In the figure, a thick line connecting elements indicates a power flow, and a thin line indicates a signal flow. The host system 201 is a composite of hardware and software that exhibits the original functions of each portable electronic device such as a laptop or a tablet terminal. The management data recording unit 205 and the power management unit 203 can be configured by the cooperation of hardware such as a CPU and system memory constituting the host system 201, the OS, and the program according to the present embodiment.

  The power management unit 203 and the management data recording unit 205 are a portable electronic device that serves as a master or slave of the centralized management power interchange system 10a described with reference to FIG. 5, and a distributed management type described with reference to FIG. Each of the portable electronic devices constituting the power interchange system 10b includes different functions, which will be comprehensively described here, and the differences will be clarified in the description of FIGS.

  The power management unit 203 periodically acquires the remaining capacity of the battery unit 209 from the host system 201. The power management unit 203 can acquire charging parameters from other portable electronic devices 100 through the network interface 207 or the power interface 213. The charging parameters are the full charge capacity, the charging voltage, the charging current, the remaining capacity necessary for accommodating the charging power of the battery unit 209 based on the accommodation policy of the power accommodation system 10, and the accommodation described with reference to FIG. Includes the reference value (%) and the required amount of charge power. The power management unit 203 records its own charging parameters and charging parameters of other portable electronic devices in the management data recording unit 205.

  When the remaining capacity or the remaining capacity rate falls below a predetermined value, the power management unit 203 communicates with another portable electronic device 100 and the fixed electronic device 150 to make a charging request. The power management unit 203 controls the power control unit 211 to charge the battery unit 209 with the charging power received through the power interface 213. The power management unit 203 that has received a charge request from another portable electronic device controls the power control unit 211 so that the power of the battery unit 209 is interchanged with the other portable electronic device through the power interface 213.

  The power control unit 211 controls charging or discharging of the battery unit 209 according to an instruction from the power management unit 203. The power control unit 211 can relay the power transmission path 101 in accordance with an instruction from the power management unit 203 when accommodating charging power between portable electronic devices that are not in direct communication with each other through the power transmission path 101. When there is only one power interface 213, the power control unit 211 charges the battery unit 209 once with the charging power received from one portable electronic device, and then sends it to the other portable electronic device. When there are a plurality of power interfaces 213, the power control unit 211 simultaneously outputs the charging power received by one power interface from the other power interface.

  In the management data recording unit 205, the power management unit 203 stores the charging parameter and refers to it when conducting power interchange. The network interface 207 includes a wired or wireless network controller that controls data transfer to the network data transmission path 105. The power interface 213 corresponds to a module for performing contact power transmission and / or non-contact power transmission through the power transmission path 101. The power interface 213 constructs the power transmission path 101, exchanges charging power with other portable electronic devices 100, and receives charging power from the fixed electronic device 150. Here, an example is shown in which the control data transmission path 103 is connected to the power interface 213, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  The battery unit 209 is not particularly limited as long as it is equipped with a rechargeable battery. The battery unit 209 supplies power to each element including the host system 201 of the portable electronic device 100. The external power source 215 is a DC power source or an AC power source having a large capacity for supplying charging power to the battery unit 209 instead of the power interface 213. However, the external power source 215 does not supply charging power while the portable electronic device 100 is in power interchange.

  FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram for explaining the configuration of the fixed electronic device 150. The fixed electronic device 150 includes a host system 251, a power management unit 253, a power control unit 257, an external power source 261, a network interface 255, and a power interface 259. Since the fixed electronic device 150 operates by receiving power supplied from the external power source 261, the battery unit need not necessarily be mounted. Since the fixed electronic device 150 has no restriction on the charging power supply capability, when the power interchange system 10 includes the fixed electronic device 150, the portable electronic device 100 charges to the full charge capacity through the power transmission path 101. be able to. Since each element of the fixed electronic device 150 corresponds to an element of the portable electronic device 100, description thereof is omitted.

[Centralized power interchange system]
FIG. 5 illustrates a logical topology of a centralized power accommodation system 10a that is an example of the power accommodation system 10. The power interchange system 10a includes a network data transmission path 105 or a control data transmission path 103 between the portable electronic device 100a serving as a master and the portable electronic devices 100b to 100d serving as slaves and the fixed electronic device 150a. Form a logical channel of the type. In the present embodiment, the portable electronic device 100a will be described as an example in which the function as a master and the function as a slave are demonstrated. Therefore, in the following, the portable electronic device 100a is appropriately referred to as a master 100a, The electronic devices 100b to 100d and the fixed electronic device 150a are referred to as slaves 100b to 100d and 150a.

  FIG. 5 shows logical channels of the network data transmission path 105, and the physical connection of the power transmission path 101, the control data transmission path 103, and the network data transmission path 105 is not necessarily a star type. Other network topologies such as bus, ring, etc. can be employed. The slaves 100b to 100d manage the remaining capacity of the battery unit 209, and make a charging request to the master 100a when charging becomes necessary.

  When the power interchange system 10a performs a linked operation, it is desirable that the operation times of the battery units 209 of the portable electronic devices 100a to 100d coincide. Therefore, the master 100a manages the remaining capacity or the remaining capacity rate of each of the portable electronic devices 100a to 100d so as to be balanced based on a predetermined accommodation policy when charging power is accommodated.

  The accommodation policy defines the amount of electricity supplied to the portable electronic devices 100a to 100d that have requested charging. The accommodation policy also defines a method for selecting the portable electronic devices 100a to 100d that accommodate charging power in response to a charging request. In the charging power interchange, when the amount of electricity held by the accommodation source is less than the amount of electricity required by the accommodation destination, the two may not match. Therefore, the accommodation policy further defines the amount of electricity that the portable electronic devices 100a to 100d that accommodate charging power can accommodate.

  In one example, the master 100a sets the same remaining capacity or reference value of the remaining capacity rate for the portable electronic devices 100a to 100d. In another example, the master 100a may prioritize the portable electronic devices 100a to 100d that request charging, and set a larger remaining capacity or remaining capacity rate reference value in order of priority. In one example, the portable electronic devices 100a to 100d that have requested charging can receive an amount of electricity until it rises to a set reference value. Further, the portable electronic devices 100a to 100d that are the interchange sources can transmit power until the set reference value is lowered.

  As an example of a method of selecting portable electronic devices 100a to 100d that supply charging power, the master 100a selects a portable electronic device having the highest remaining capacity or the remaining capacity rate as a supply source at the time when a charging request is made. Can do. In another example, the master 100a can select a portable electronic device having the maximum amount of electricity that can be accommodated up to a set reference value. Alternatively, the master 100a may select the portable electronic device having the longest operation time predicted from the power consumption and the remaining capacity at the time when the charging request is made.

  The master 100a periodically acquires the remaining capacity of all the portable electronic devices 100a to 100d participating in the power accommodation system 10a to realize the accommodation policy. The master 100a can carry out mutual interchange of charging power with the slaves 100b to 100d by installing the battery unit 209. However, in order to manage mutual interchange of charging power in the slaves 100b to 100d, the master 100a It does not have to be installed.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of the charging parameter recorded in the management data recording unit 205. The portable electronic devices 100a to 100d are equipped with battery units 209 having full charge capacities 209a to 209d, respectively. The power management unit 203 of the portable electronic devices 100a to 100d periodically records the remaining capacities 351a to 351d in the management data recording unit 205, respectively. The master 100a acquires the identifier and the full charge capacities 209a to 209d from the slaves 100b to 100d participating in the power interchange system 10a.

  Master 100a sets interchange standard value (%) 356 to electric power interchange system 10a. The master 100a notifies the slaves 100b to 100d of the accommodation reference value (%) 356 through the network data transmission path 105 or the control data transmission path 103. The interchangeable reference value (%) 356 corresponds to the ratio of the total amount of electricity to be held at that time to the total full charge capacity of the portable electronic devices 100a to 100d.

  Each portable electronic device 100a to 100d calculates interchangeable reference values 353a to 353d corresponding to the amount of electricity obtained by multiplying the full charge capacities 209a to 209d by the interchangeable reference value (%) 356, and records them in the management data recording unit 205. To do. The interchangeable reference values 353a to 353d can be used to determine the amount of electricity to be accommodated for both the portable electronic device that supplies charging power and the portable electronic device that receives charging power.

  The master 100a may set the accommodation reference value (%) 356 as one fixed value in advance, but in this embodiment, the master 100a dynamically sets the accommodation reference value (%) 356 based on the total remaining capacity of the power accommodation system 10a. For this purpose, the slaves 100b to 100d regularly notify the master 100a of the remaining capacities 351b to 351d.

  The master 100a periodically calculates the ratio of the remaining capacity 351a to 351d to the total of the full charge capacities 209a to 209d (the remaining capacity ratio of the system). The master 100 a multiplies the remaining capacity rate of the system by a predetermined charging factor α (α <1) to calculate the accommodation reference value (%) 356 and records it in the management data recording unit 205. The shutdown values 357a to 357d correspond to the remaining capacities 351a to 351d in which the portable electronic devices 100a to 100d transition to the sleep state or the soft-off state.

  The portable electronic devices 100a to 100d have charging request values 355a to 355d that are larger than the shutdown values 357a to 357d and smaller than the interchangeability reference values 353a to 353d for preventing the remaining capacities 351a to 351d from reaching the shutdown values 357a to 357d. Is recorded in the management data recording unit 205. The remaining capacities 351a to 351d, the interchangeable reference values 353a to 353d, and the charge request values 355a to 355d can be substituted with other physical quantities such as battery temperature and terminal voltage.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the power interchange system 10a. In block 301, the portable electronic devices 100a to 100d operate on batteries, and the remaining capacities 351a to 351d decrease according to the power consumption. The fixed electronic device 150a operates with an external power source 261. Master 100a and slaves 100b to 100d constitute a group for power interchange.

  A group can consist of a plurality of portable electronic devices belonging to an individual or a specific organization that can allow power accommodation. The power management unit 203 of the master 100a can permit participation in the group after acquiring and authenticating the identifiers of the slaves 100b to 100d and 150a. When the slaves 100b to 100d join the group, the slaves 100b to 100d notify the master 100a of charging parameters including the full charge capacities 209b to 209d.

  When the linkage operation is performed, at least the master 100a and the slaves 100b to 100d exchange data through the network data transmission path 105 or the control data transmission path 103, and the master 100a and the slaves 100b to 100d complete the linkage operation. Assume that all need to continue to operate for the same amount of time. In the management data recording unit 205 of the master 100a, the full charge capacities 209a to 209d associated with the identifiers, the current remaining capacities 351a to 351d, the current interchange standard value (%) 356, and the physicality of the power transmission path 101 are stored. Information indicating the linkage state is registered.

  In block 303, the slaves 100b to 100d periodically send the remaining capacities 351b to 351d of the battery unit 209 to the master 100a. The master 100a periodically acquires the remaining capacity 351a of the battery unit 209 and records the remaining capacity 351a to 351d in the management data recording unit 205. In block 305, the master 100a periodically calculates a new accommodation reference value (%) 356 from the remaining capacity rate of the system, records it in the management data recording unit 205, and notifies the slaves 100b to 100d.

  The master 100 a and the slaves 100 b to 100 d calculate new accommodation reference values 353 a to 353 d from the new accommodation reference value (%) 356 and record them in the management data recording unit 205. For example, when the remaining capacity 351b of the slave 100b becomes less than the charge request value 355b in the block 307, the slave 100b makes a charge request to the master 100a. At this time, the slave 100b can include a charge amount corresponding to the difference between the charge request value 355b and the accommodation reference value 353b in the charge request.

  In block 309, the master 100a proceeds to block 341 when the power interchange system 10a includes the fixed electronic device 150a, and proceeds to block 311 when it does not include the fixed electronic device 150a. In block 311, the master 100a determines whether the power accommodation system 10a can meet the request of the slave 100b. The master 100a can determine that charging is possible when the remaining capacity rate of the current system exceeds the accommodation standard value (%) 356.

  When it is determined that charging is possible, the process proceeds to block 313, and when it is determined that charging is not possible with the current interchange standard value (%) 356, the process proceeds to block 343. In block 313, the master 100a determines an accommodation source that supplies charging power to the slave 100b and an electric power transmission path 101 from the accommodation source to the slave 100b. The master 100a can certify a portable electronic device whose remaining capacity exceeds the accommodation reference value as a portable electronic device capable of power accommodation.

  In addition, the master 100a can select the portable electronic device 100c having the largest remaining capacity rate as an interchange source. Alternatively, the master 100a can select the portable electronic device 100c having the largest difference between the remaining capacity and the accommodation reference value as the accommodation source. Next, the master 100a determines the power transmission path 101 for transmitting charging power between the portable electronic device 100c of the interchange source and the portable electronic device 100b that has requested charging. When the direct power transmission path 101 is constructed between the portable electronic device 100c and the portable electronic device 100b, the power transmission path between the two is uniformly determined. However, when the direct power transmission path 101 is not constructed between them, the master 100a can specify the power transmission path 101 to be used. For example, the master 100a can construct the power transmission path 101 through the portable electronic device 100d.

  In block 315, the master 100a requests the portable electronic device 100c to supply charging power to the portable electronic device 100b. The request for power interchange can include the amount of charging power required by the portable electronic device 100b. Further, the master 100a requests the portable electronic device 100d to relay the charging power supplied by the portable electronic device 100c to the portable electronic device 100b as necessary. Thereafter, the portable electronic device 100c starts charging the portable electronic device 100b.

  In block 317, when the remaining capacity 351b reaches the accommodation reference value 353b, the portable electronic device 100b makes a charge stop request to the master 100a or the portable electronic device 100c in block 347. When the master 100a receives a charge stop request, the master 100a requests the portable electronic device 100c to stop power transmission. In another example, the portable electronic device 100c notifies the master 100a of the end of charging and stops power transmission when it is determined that the amount of charging power required by the portable electronic device 100b has been transmitted. Good.

  When charging is completed before the remaining capacity 351c of the portable electronic device 100c reaches the accommodation reference value 353c, and before the charging is completed, the remaining capacity 351c decreases to the accommodation reference value 353c. 100c may forcibly stop power transmission. When the charging is finished, the accommodation operation is finished in block 347. When charging is not terminated due to the forced stoppage of power transmission, the procedure returns to block 303 and the procedure is repeated. When the portable electronic device 100c forcibly stops charging and returns to the block 303, the master 100a can select another portable electronic device capable of power interchange in the block 313.

  While the charging is continued, the remaining capacity rate of the system is reduced in the power accommodation system 10a that is performing the linkage operation. When the master 100a determines in block 311 that the remaining capacity ratio of the system has decreased below the current interchangeability reference value (%) 356, the master 100a proceeds to block 343. In block 343, the master 100a records the new accommodation reference value (%) 358 (FIG. 8) calculated by multiplying the remaining capacity ratio of the system by the charging factor α in the management data recording unit 205 and notifies the slaves 100b to 100d. To do. As the remaining capacity ratio of the system decreases, the master 100a gradually decreases the accommodation reference value (%) to a value that can be accommodated as a system.

  When the lowest interchangeable standard value (%) that can be accommodated as a system is reached at block 345, the process proceeds to block 347, and when charging is possible with the newly set interchangeable standard value (%) 358, the process proceeds to block 313. In block 341, the master 100a designates the power transmission path 101 between the fixed electronic device 150a and the portable electronic device 100b in the same procedure as in block 313. In block 342, the fixed electronic device 150a specifies the portable electronic device 100b. Charge.

  When the charging power is repeatedly interchanged, the remaining capacity ratio of the portable electronic devices 100a to 100d decreases while converging to the new interchange standard value (%) 358 set by the master 100a. FIG. 8 shows the situation at this time. In FIG. 8A, the remaining capacity 351a of the portable electronic device 100a is lower than the accommodation reference value 353a, and the remaining capacity 351b of the portable electronic device 100b is decreased to the required charging value 355b. The remaining capacities 351c and 351d of the portable electronic devices 100c and 100d exceed the accommodation standard values 353c and 353d.

  The master 100a selects, for example, the portable electronic device 100c having the largest remaining capacity rate as a source of accommodation. FIG. 8B illustrates a state where charging from the portable electronic device 100c to the portable electronic device 100b is completed. The remaining capacity 351b of the portable electronic device 100b that has requested charging has increased to the accommodation reference value 353b. During this time, the portable electronic devices 100a and 100d consume power and the remaining capacities 351a and 351d decrease.

  FIG. 8C shows that the remaining capacities 351a, 351b, and 351d of the portable electronic devices 100a, 100b, and 100d are lower than the interchangeable reference values 353a, 353b, and 353d, and the remaining capacity 351c of the portable electronic device 100c is the required charging value. It has dropped to 355c. At this point, the master 100a determines that none of the portable electronic devices 100a, 100b, and 100d can exchange power. FIG. 8D shows a state in which the master 100a reduces the accommodation reference value (%) 356 to the accommodation reference value (%) 358 and sets the portable electronic devices 100a to 100d.

  Here, since the remaining capacities 351a and 351b of the portable electronic devices 100a and 100b exceed the accommodation reference values 353a and 353b, the master 100a can select one as the accommodation source. The master 100a may reduce the accommodation reference value (%) in accordance with a reduction in the total value of the remaining capacities 351a to 351d while there is a portable electronic device capable of power accommodation.

  The accommodation reference value (%) 356 can be set to a fixed value that can be minimized in advance. In this case, since the interchangeable reference value becomes the upper limit for the amount of electricity of the battery that has requested charging, even if there is a surplus in the remaining capacity of the system, it is not possible to accommodate sufficient power. In the present embodiment, since the master 100a gradually decreases the accommodation reference value (%) 356, when the portable electronic device 100b that has requested charging is detached from the electricity accommodation system 100a and performs battery operation alone, The battery unit 209 can hold an amount of electricity corresponding to the accommodation reference value (%).

[Distributed management power interchange system]
FIG. 9 shows a logical topology of a power accommodation system 10 b that is another example of the power accommodation system 10. The portable electronic devices 100 a to 100 d are configured to communicate with each other through the control data transmission path 103 or the network data transmission path 105. The power interchange system 10b may include a fixed electronic device 150a. In the power interchange system 10b, the portable electronic devices 100a to 100d are in an equal relationship with each other.

  For the physical connection of the power transmission path 101, the control data transmission path 103, and the network data transmission path 105, any network topology such as a star type, a bus type, or a ring type may be adopted. In the power interchange system 10b, since there is no master for managing the remaining capacity of the entire system, power interchange is performed by peer-to-peer negotiation. Each of the portable electronic devices 100a to 100d manages the remaining capacity of the battery, and sends a charge request to another portable electronic device as a requester when charging becomes necessary. Then, any other becomes a responder that supplies charging power accordingly. The procedure at this time will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the power interchange system 10b. In block 401, the portable electronic devices 100 a to 100 d exchange data through the network data transmission path 105 or the control data transmission path 103. The cooperative operation may or may not be performed. The portable electronic devices 100a to 100d construct a group for the power management unit 203 to allow power interchange. First, for example, another portable electronic device to which the portable electronic device 100a is connected via the network / data transmission path 103 is called to establish a group. A system 10b is constructed.

  In order to form a new group or join an existing group, confirm the qualification to join the group and confirm the type and charging parameters of the power transmission path 101 necessary for power interchange. Pair. The portable electronic devices 100a and 100b that have completed pairing record the identifiers of counterparties with which power is interchanged in the management data recording unit 205, respectively.

  The newly participating portable electronic device 100c performs pairing sequentially in the same procedure as each of the portable electronic devices 100a and 100b that already configure the group, and records the identifier of the other party in the management data recording unit 205. When new portable electronic devices join the group in order, all the portable electronic devices 100a to 100d participating in the group record the identifiers of other portable electronic devices in the management data recording unit 205. It will be. While the portable electronic devices 100a to 100d operate on batteries, the remaining capacities 351a to 351d decrease according to the power consumption.

  In block 403, for example, the remaining capacity 351a of the portable electronic device 100a is reduced to the charge request value 355a. In block 405, the portable electronic device 100a sends a charge request to the other portable electronic devices 100b to 100d. Hereinafter, the portable electronic device 100a is appropriately referred to as a requester 100a. The charge request can include a request level indicating the difference between the interchangeable reference value 353a and the charge request value 355a corresponding to the amount of electricity required for charging and the strength of the charge request.

  The requester 100a minimizes the request level set at the time of the first charge request. The requester 100a sequentially sends a charge request to the other portable electronic devices 100b to 100d and waits for a response. The interchangeable reference values 353a to 353d described with reference to FIG. 6 are uniquely set in each example by the portable electronic devices 100a to 100d. The portable electronic devices 100a to 100d can dynamically change the accommodation reference values 353a to 353d according to the strength of the required level.

  In block 407, a portable electronic device having a remaining capacity larger than the accommodation reference value returns a response indicating that the accommodation is possible, and a portable electronic device having a remaining capacity smaller than the accommodation reference value returns a response indicating that the accommodation is not possible. The interchangeable response may include a difference between the interchangeable reference values 353b to 353d and the remaining capacities 351b to 351d corresponding to the interchangeable electricity amount (charging power amount) and the remaining capacity ratio. When any one of the portable electronic devices 100b to 100d has a compatible response in block 409, the process proceeds to block 411, and when any portable electronic device 100b to 100d has a response indicating that the portable electronic devices 100b to 100d are not compatible, block 451 is performed. Migrate to

  In block 451, the requester 100a increases the request level and returns to block 405. The portable electronic devices 100b to 100d that have received the charge request whose request level is enhanced return a response with the interchangeable reference values 353b to 353d lower than the previous time. Lowering the accommodation reference values 353b to 353d increases the possibility that any one of the portable electronic devices 100b to 100d can be accommodated. When there are a plurality of responses that can be accommodated in block 411, the requester 100a selects a responder. For example, the requester 100a can select the portable electronic device 100b having the largest remaining capacity or the remaining capacity ratio as the responder 100b.

  In block 413, power transmission from the responder 100b to the requester 100a is started. When the power transmission path 101 from the responder 100b to the requester 100a is wireless, the power transmission path 101 is constructed by negotiating with each other. When the remaining capacity 351a of the requester 100a reaches the accommodation reference value 353a in block 415, the requester 100a determines that the charging is completed, moves to block 453, and notifies the responder 100b of the end of charging. When charging is not completed, the process proceeds to block 417.

  The responder 100b may not be able to supply charging power because the remaining capacity 351b reaches the accommodation reference value 353b before the end of charging. At this time, in block 417, the responder 100b can notify the requester 100a and forcibly stop power transmission. In that case, returning to block 405, the requester 100a looks for another portable electronic device that can be a source of accommodation. When the portable electronic devices 100a to 100d participating in the group perform power interchange according to the above rules, the remaining capacity ratio of each of the portable electronic devices 100a to 100d decreases in a balanced manner.

[Example of power transmission method]
FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an overview of a smartphone 500 that performs non-contact charging. The smartphone 500 has a liquid crystal or organic EL flat panel display (FPD) 501 mounted on the surface of the housing, a circuit board 507, a shield 508 for shielding the magnetic flux of the primary coil, and a primary for power transmission. A coil 503 and a secondary coil 505 for receiving power are mounted. The primary coil 503 and the secondary coil 505 may be shared by switching one coil with a changeover switch. The back surface of the housing constitutes an interface surface 509 for transmitting and receiving charging power by the primary coil 503 and the secondary coil 505.

  FIG. 12 is a schematic functional block diagram of the smartphone 500. The smartphone 500 includes a system unit 521, a power transmitter 525, a power receiver 535, a charging circuit 541, and a battery unit 543. The system unit 521 includes an FPD 501, an acceleration sensor 545, and a user interface 547 in addition to hardware and software for realizing the smartphone 500.

  The power transmitter 525 includes an inverter 525a, a primary coil 503, a current detection circuit 525b, and a communication control unit 525c, and operates when power is transmitted. The inverter 525a converts the DC voltage received from the charging circuit 541 into an AC voltage having a predetermined range of frequency and duty ratio in accordance with an instruction from the communication control unit 525c, and applies the AC voltage to the primary coil 503. The primary coil 503 forms a resonance circuit for a predetermined range of frequencies together with a capacitor (not shown), and generates an alternating magnetic field that passes through the interface surface 509. The primary coil 503 supplies electric power to other smartphones by electromagnetic induction using an alternating magnetic field.

  The current flowing through the primary coil 503 changes according to the modulation signal sent by the power receiver 535 of another smartphone that receives power while changing the load. The current detection circuit 525b detects the current flowing through the primary coil 503. The communication control unit 525c decodes the current detected by the current detection circuit 525b, communicates with other smartphones that receive power, and further communicates with the system unit 521 to control the power transmission operation.

  The power receiver 535 includes a secondary coil 505, a rectifier circuit 535a, a switch circuit 535b, a modulation circuit 535c, and a communication control unit 535d. The rectifier circuit 535a converts the AC voltage induced in the secondary coil 505 by electromagnetic induction into a DC voltage. The switch circuit 535b controls the supply of power received from another smartphone through the secondary coil to the charging circuit 541. The modulation circuit 535c modulates the current flowing through the primary coil of another smartphone that transmits power and sends a modulation signal.

  The communication control unit 535d communicates by transmitting a modulation signal to another smartphone through the modulation circuit 535c, and further communicates with the system unit 521 to control the power receiving operation. The communication control unit 535d detects a voltage on the primary side and the secondary side of the rectifier circuit 535a and sends a modulation signal to the smartphone that transmits power. The charging circuit 541 includes a charger and charges the battery unit 543 with the power received from the power receiver 535. The acceleration sensor 545 detects the posture of the casing of the smartphone 500 with respect to gravity. The user interface 547 can be configured by a touch screen or operation buttons of the FPD 501 accessed by the user.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a state in which charging power is interchanged between the smartphones 500a and 500b. When describing the smartphones 500a and 500b, the reference numbers in FIGS. 11 and 12 are applied to both. In FIG. 13A, the smartphone 500b with the interface surface 509 facing up and the smartphone 500a with the interface surface 509 facing down are in contact with each other on the interface surfaces. In this state, power is supplied from the smartphone 500b to the smartphone 500a.

  In FIG. 13B, the vertical postures of the smartphones 500a and 500b are reversed. In this state, power is supplied from the smartphone 500a to the smartphone 500b. The acceleration sensor 545 can detect the orientation of the interface surface 509 of the smartphones 500a and 500b with respect to gravity. Further, by changing the vertical direction with the interface surfaces 509 in contact with each other, the transmission direction of the charging power can be automatically changed.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a procedure when the smart phones 500a and 500b interchange charging power. Here, as shown in FIG. 13B, a procedure when the smartphone 500a is on the power transmission side and the smartphone 500b is on the power reception side to accommodate charging power will be described. Note that reference numerals in FIGS. 11 and 12 are used for the description of the configurations of the smartphones 500a and 500b. Blocks 601 to 617 show the operation of the smartphone 500a (power transmission side), and blocks 651 to 665 show the operation of the smartphone 500b (power reception side).

  In blocks 601 and 651, the power transmitter 525 and the power receiver 535 of the smartphones 500a and 500b transition to the sleep state. In blocks 603 and 653, the communication control units 525c and 535d wake up. At this time, the user can operate the user interface 547 to wake up the communication control units 525c and 535d. Alternatively, the communication control units 525c and 535d can periodically wake up with a timer.

  The communication control unit 525c on the power transmission side that has detected that the interface surface 509 is upward in block 605 operates in the power transmission mode, and the communication control unit 535d on the power reception side that has detected that the interface surface 509 is downward in block 655. Operates in power receiving mode. In the power transmission mode, the power transmitter 525 operates, and in the power reception mode, the power receiver 535 operates.

  In blocks 607 and 657, the user brings both interface surfaces 509 into contact as shown in FIG. Within a predetermined time after the transition to the power transmission mode at block 609, the power transmission side communication control unit 525c operates the inverter 525a to radiate an electromagnetic wave having a predetermined frequency from the primary coil 503. If the communication control unit 535d on the power receiving side detects a predetermined frequency from the voltage induced in the secondary coil 505 within a predetermined time after transitioning to the power receiving mode in block 659, the process proceeds to block 661, and if not detected The power receiver 535 transitions to the low power mode and returns to block 653.

  In block 661, the communication control unit 535d on the power receiving side controls the modulation circuit 535c and returns a response packet indicating that the power signal is detected to the communication control unit 525c on the power transmission side. The response packet corresponds to a charging request from the power receiving side smartphone 500b to the power transmitting side smartphone 500a. When the communication control unit 525c on the power transmission side detects a response packet within a predetermined time in block 611, the process proceeds to block 613.

  If the response packet is not detected within the predetermined time, the power transmission side communication control unit 525c shifts the power transmitter 525 to the low power mode in block 617 and returns to block 603. In block 663, the communication control unit 535d on the power receiving side sends the charging parameter to the communication control unit 525c on the power transmission side within a predetermined time after transmitting the response packet.

  Here, in the smartphones 500a and 500b, when the importance of the remaining capacity or the battery operation time is in an equal relationship, the amount of charge power to be accommodated becomes a problem. Although not intended to limit, it is fair and reasonable for the smartphones 500a and 500b that are in an equal relationship to have the remaining capacity ratios coincide when the charging from the smartphone 500a to the smartphone 500b is completed.

  Since each of the smartphones 500a and 500b includes the power transmitter 525 and the power receiver 535, the operation data can be switched to transfer control data in both directions to determine the charging power amount and negotiate in detail. Therefore, the charge power amount that the smartphone 500a can accommodate can be set so that the full charge capacity and the current remaining capacity of the smartphone 500b are acquired and the remaining capacity ratios of both are the same before starting transmission.

  Alternatively, the minimum remaining capacity to be secured in the battery unit 543 is set through the user interface 547 on the power transmission side, and the current remaining capacity on the power transmission side and the minimum capacity when a charge request is received from the smartphone 500b on the power receiving side. It can also be declared to the power receiving side that only the difference in remaining capacity can be accommodated.

  The communication control unit 525 c on the power transmission side that has received the charging parameter starts power transmission in block 613. The power transmission system unit 521 instructs the inverter 525a to supply power. The communication control unit 535d on the power receiving side closes the switch circuit 535b and supplies charging power to the charging circuit 541. The power receiving system unit 521 instructs the charging circuit 541 to charge the battery unit 543.

  During charging, the communication control unit 535d on the power receiving side monitors the charging voltage, the charging current, and the charging power amount, and requests a change in the charging current and the charging voltage as necessary. In block 665, the communication control unit 535d on the power receiving side stops charging by requesting the communication control unit 525c on the power transmission side to stop power transmission when a predetermined amount of charging power is charged or when the remaining capacity rate becomes the same. To do. Alternatively, the power transmission side communication control unit 525c notifies the power reception side of power transmission stop when a predetermined amount of charging power is transmitted or when the remaining capacity rate becomes the same, and stops power transmission.

  In any method, the power transmission side communication control unit 525c stops power transmission in block 615. The operation when the vertical direction is reversed as shown in FIG. 13A while power is being supplied from the smartphones 500a to 500b is as follows. When the output of the acceleration sensor 545 indicates a reversal of the posture, the communication control units 525c and 535d determine that the event that caused the previous operation mode has changed, and temporarily stop transmission of the charging power. Transition to a new operation mode.

  The communication control unit 525c that has detected that the interface surface 509 is upward in block 605 operates in the power transmission mode, and the communication control unit 535d that has detected that the interface surface 509 is downward in block 655 operates in the power reception mode. To do. When the communication control unit 525c of the smartphone 500b on the power transmission side operates in the inverted operation mode and receives a response packet within a predetermined time, power can be transmitted from the smartphone 500b to 500a. When the interface surfaces 509 are separated from each other and a power signal cannot be detected at block 659 or when a response packet cannot be received at block 611, the same procedure is repeated from blocks 603 and 653.

  Although the present invention has been described with the specific embodiments shown in the drawings, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown in the drawings, and is known so far as long as the effects of the present invention are achieved. It goes without saying that any configuration can be adopted.

10, 10a, 10b Power interchange system 100, 100a-100d Portable electronic device 101 Power transmission path 103 Control data transmission path 105 Network data transmission path 150, 150a Fixed electronic equipment 209a-209d Fully charged capacity 351a-351d Remaining capacity 353a-353d Interchange standard value 355a-355d Charge request value 357a-357d Shutdown value 356, 358 Interchange standard value (%)
500, 500a, 500b Smartphone 501 Flat panel display (FPD)
503 Primary coil (power transmission coil)
505 Secondary coil (receiving coil)
509 Interface surface 525 Power transmitter 535 Power receiver

Claims (20)

A plurality of electronic devices, each of which is equipped with a battery and can be contacted by a power transmission path, is a method of accommodating charging power,
The electronic device operating on a battery;
Setting a reference value related to the remaining capacity in the electronic device;
A step in which the first electronic device makes a charge request to another electronic device;
A method in which a second electronic device in response to the charging request supplies charging power until a remaining capacity of the first electronic device reaches the reference value.   The method according to claim 1, wherein the reference value is a constant ratio with respect to a total value of a full charge capacity of a battery mounted on the electronic device.   3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising a step of gradually decreasing the reference value as the total remaining capacity of the batteries of the plurality of electronic devices decreases. Reducing the remaining capacity of the second electronic device to the reference value before the remaining capacity of the first electronic device reaches the reference value;
The method according to claim 1, further comprising a step of stopping the supply of charging power by the second electronic device in response to a decrease in the remaining capacity.   The method according to claim 4, further comprising the step of receiving charging power from a third electronic device in response to a charging request when the second electronic device stops supplying charging power.   The method according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of electronic devices perform a cooperative operation for performing a cooperative job while exchanging data through a network data transmission path. A plurality of electronic devices, each of which is equipped with a battery and can be contacted by a power transmission path, is a method of accommodating charging power,
The plurality of electronic devices operating on a battery;
An electronic device requiring charging makes a charging request to other electronic devices;
A step of charging each of the other electronic devices to the electronic device that needs to be charged;
Selecting an interchangeable electronic device from among a plurality of electronic devices that have the chargeable response from the electronic device that requires the charging; and
A method in which the electronic device selected as the accommodation source supplies charging power to the electronic device that requires the charging.   The method according to claim 7, wherein the chargeable response includes a remaining capacity rate of a battery mounted on each electronic device, and the selecting step includes a step of selecting an electronic device having the maximum remaining capacity rate. A plurality of electronic devices, each of which is equipped with a battery and can be contacted by a power transmission path, is a method of accommodating charging power,
The plurality of electronic devices operating on a battery;
Obtaining the remaining capacity of the battery from each electronic device;
Supplying charging power from an electronic device exceeding a predetermined remaining capacity to another electronic device;
Stopping power interchange when no electronic device exceeds a predetermined remaining capacity. An electronic device capable of allowing charging power to be accommodated in a plurality of electronic devices each equipped with a battery unit and capable of communicating via a power transmission path,
An interface for communicating with the plurality of electronic devices;
A management data recording unit for recording a full charge capacity and a remaining capacity of the plurality of electronic devices;
A reference value calculated from the full charge capacity and the remaining capacity is set in the plurality of electronic devices, and when a charge request is received from a predetermined electronic device whose remaining capacity has decreased, the remaining amount is referred to the management data recording unit. An electronic device having an electric power management unit that selects an electronic device having a large capacity as an interchange source. An electronic device capable of supplying charging power to a plurality of electronic devices each equipped with a battery unit and capable of communicating via a power transmission path,
A battery unit;
A power control unit for controlling charging or discharging of the battery unit through the power transmission path;
A management data recording unit for recording a reference value for maintaining the amount of electricity of the battery unit;
A power management unit that instructs the power control unit to supply charging power to the electronic device that has requested the charging until a remaining capacity reaches the reference value when a charging request is received from any of the electronic devices; Electronic equipment having First electronic device including a first interface surface for performing non-contact power transmission and a first battery unit, and a second interface surface and second battery unit for performing non-contact power transmission A second electronic device comprising: a method for accommodating charging power,
Transitioning to a power transmission mode in which the first electronic device discharges the first battery unit;
Transitioning to a power receiving mode in which the second electronic device charges the second battery unit;
Charging the second battery unit by supplying charging power from the first electronic device to the second electronic device in response to contacting the first interface surface and the second interface surface. And a step comprising:   The step of transitioning to the power transmission mode and the step of transitioning to the power reception mode respectively transition to the power transmission mode or the power reception mode according to the postures of the first interface surface and the second interface surface. The method described.   The method according to claim 13, wherein the mode transitions to the power transmission mode when the first interface surface faces upward, and the mode transitions to a power reception mode when the second interface surface faces downward. Reversing the vertical direction with the first interface surface and the second interface surface in contact with each other;
The first electronic device transitioning to the power reception mode;
The second electronic device transitions to the power transmission mode;
The method of claim 14, further comprising: charging power from the second electronic device to the first electronic device to charge the first battery unit.   The first electronic device and / or the second electronic device stop charging when the remaining capacity ratios of the first battery unit and the second battery unit become equal. The method of claim 12. A portable electronic device capable of non-contact power transmission with other portable electronic devices,
A power transmission unit that sends power using electromagnetic waves;
A power receiving unit that receives power by electromagnetic waves;
A battery unit;
A power module that discharges the amount of electricity of the battery unit through the power transmission unit in a power transmission mode, and charges the battery unit with the charging power received through the power reception unit in a power reception mode;
A portable electronic device comprising: a switching unit that switches the power module to the power transmission mode or the power reception mode.   A flat panel display mounted on the surface of the housing, and an interface surface for exchanging power with the other portable electronic device is formed on the back surface of the housing facing the flat panel display. Item 18. A portable electronic device according to Item 17.   The portable electronic device according to claim 18, further comprising an attitude sensor that detects an attitude of the housing, wherein the switching unit switches the power module to the power transmission mode or the power reception mode according to an orientation of the interface surface.   A communication control unit configured to acquire a full charge capacity and a remaining capacity of the other portable electronic device from a modulation signal received through the power reception unit, and set an amount of power to be accommodated in the other portable electronic device. The portable electronic device according to 17.

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