JP2019012479A - Docking station - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a docking station capable of avoiding power shutdown by a power source control function of a USB interface without being conscious of the maximum power supplied from the USB interface.SOLUTION: A docking station 100a includes a USB Type-C port 300 connectable to a USBType-C cable 130, one or more USB Type-A ports 220 for connecting device equipment, a power supply unit 240 for inputting electric power supplied via the USB Type-C port 300, a current control unit 250a for controlling the current of the electric power output from the power supply unit to be equal to or less than suppliable current and outputting the electric power to the one or more USB Type-A ports, a CPU 270a for calculating the value of suppliable current for the one or more USB Type-A ports based on the value of suppliable maximum current of the USB Type-C port, and an information notification unit 230a having an LED for notifying the value of the suppliable current.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a docking station connected to a USB interface cable to connect devices.

  Conventionally, research and development has been conducted on docking stations. Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2015-176442) discloses an information processing apparatus that balances power supply to an external device and information processing, a control method therefor, and a program.

  The information processing apparatus of Patent Document 1 creates supply power information indicating a combination of a supply voltage and a supply current of supply power that can be supplied to the peripheral device when the device state changes, and notifies the peripheral device of the supply power information. When a combination of supply voltage and supply current required by the peripheral device exists in the combination, the peripheral device is supplied with the supply voltage and supply current required by the peripheral device.

  Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-34601) discloses a power supply technique that can perform power supply suitable for a power supply target device without user effort.

  The power supply control unit of Patent Document 2 acquires USB device information from the USB device via the USB controller, refers to the USB power supply mode DB using the USB device information, and determines the USB device according to the reference result. Select the best power supply mode for the device. Then, the power supply control unit sets the value of the USB power supply flag stored in the storage unit to “1” and performs setting to enable USB power supply, and according to the selected power supply mode, the USB controller, external hardware, Set each part such as the power circuit.

JP2015-176442A JP 2011-34601 A

  However, the information processing apparatus of Patent Document 1 and the power supply control unit of Patent Document 2 are automatically powered by the power control function of the USB interface standard when the necessary power supplied to the device exceeds the supply maximum power of the supply source. There was a problem of disconnection and disconnection of the device.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a docking station that avoids power interruption due to the power control function of the USB interface standard without being aware of the maximum power supplied from the USB interface cable.

  Another object of the present invention is to avoid power shutdown by the power control function of the USB interface standard without being conscious of the maximum power supplied from the USB interface cable. Another object of the present invention is to provide a docking station capable of easily notifying a user of a value of an available port supplyable current.

(1)
A docking station according to one aspect includes a first port to which a USB interface cable can be connected, one or more second ports to which device devices are connected, and power supplied from the USB Type-C cable via the first port. A power supply unit that inputs power, a current control unit that outputs power to the second port by controlling the current of the power output from the power supply unit to be less than or equal to the supplyable current, and the value of the maximum supply current of the USB interface cable And a calculation unit that calculates a value of a suppliable current for one or a plurality of second ports based on a value of a maximum supply current, and an information notification unit that notifies the value of a suppliable current to the second port And.

  In this case, the calculation unit receives the value of the maximum supply current supplied from the USB interface cable, and calculates the value of the suppliable current based on the value of the maximum supply current. And a current control part outputs electric power to the 2nd port so that the electric current of electric power output from a power supply part may become below supplyable current.

  As a result, the calculation unit controls the current of the power output from the current control unit and the power supply unit to be equal to or less than the suppliable current and outputs it to the second port, so that the current supplied to the second port is the USB The maximum supply current of the interface cable is not exceeded. Therefore, the user can avoid the power interruption due to the power control function of the USB interface standard without being aware of the maximum power supplied from the USB interface cable.

  Moreover, an information alerting | reporting part alert | reports the value of the electric current which can be supplied to a 2nd port. As a result, it is possible to easily notify the user of the value of the suppliable current of the usable port.

(2)
A docking station according to a second aspect of the invention is a docking station according to one aspect, including a branch device that branches a signal from the first port into a plurality of ports, and a plurality of second ports are provided and connected to the branch device, The calculation unit determines a usable second port among the plurality of second ports based on the value of the maximum supply current, and the information notification unit selects a usable second port among the plurality of second ports. You may notify.

  In this case, the computing unit can determine a usable second port among the plurality of second ports based on the value of the maximum supply current of the USB interface cable. The arithmetic unit can control the electric power output from the current control unit and the power supply unit to be equal to or less than the suppliable current and output the current to the second port.

  As a result, the calculation unit controls the power current output from the current control unit and the power supply unit to be equal to or lower than the suppliable current and outputs the current to the second port, so that the current supplied to the second port is the USB The maximum supply current of the interface cable is not exceeded. Therefore, the user can avoid the power interruption due to the power control function of the USB interface standard without being aware of the maximum power supplied from the USB interface cable.

  Moreover, the information alerting | reporting part can alert | report the 2nd port which can be used among several 2nd ports. As a result, the user can easily recognize the usable port and the suppliable current of the usable port among the power supply destination ports.

(3)
A docking station according to another aspect inputs a first port to which a USB interface cable can be connected, one or a plurality of second ports to which device devices are connected, and power supplied from an AC adapter compatible with the USB interface cable. Based on the power supply unit, the current control unit that outputs power to the second port so that the current of the power output from the power supply unit is less than or equal to the supplyable current, and the value of the maximum supply current notified from the AC adapter, An arithmetic unit that calculates a value of a suppliable current and determines a usable second port, and reports a value of a suppliable current to the second port and a usable second port among the plurality of second ports. An information notification unit.

  In this case, the calculation unit calculates the value of the suppliable current based on the value of the maximum supply current notified from the AC adapter, and determines a usable second port. And a current control part outputs electric power to the 2nd port so that the electric current of electric power output from a power supply part may become below supplyable current.

  As a result, since the current control unit outputs power to the second port so that the current of the power output from the power supply unit is less than the suppliable current, the current supplied to the second port is the maximum supply of the USB interface cable. The current will not be exceeded. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the power interruption due to the power control function of the USB interface standard without being aware of the maximum power supplied from the USB Type-C cable.

  The information notification unit notifies the value of the current that can be supplied to the second port and the second port that can be used among the plurality of second ports. As a result, it is possible to easily notify the user of the usable port and the suppliable current of the usable port among the power supply destination ports of the docking station.

(4)
A docking station according to a fourth aspect of the invention is the docking station according to the third aspect of the invention, wherein when the first port is connected to the USB interface cable, the computing unit is connected to the CC line of the USB interface cable or the CC line of the AC adapter. The value of the maximum supply current is received by monitoring the value of the voltage applied to the connected resistor, and the calculation unit calculates the value of the supplyable current based on the value of the supply maximum current and can be used. A second port is determined.

  In this case, when the first port is connected to the USB interface cable, the arithmetic unit reads the value of the voltage applied to the resistor connected to the CC line of the USB interface cable or the CC line of the AC adapter to supply the maximum current. The calculation unit may calculate the value of the suppliable current based on the read value of the supplied maximum current.

(5)
A docking station according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the docking station according to any one of the fourth aspect to the fourth aspect of the present invention, wherein the calculation unit sets the power according to the standard of USB Power Delivery (hereinafter referred to as USB-PD). In this case, the value of the suppliable current supplied to the second port is calculated based on the value of the maximum supply current set by the power setting, and the usable second port is determined. -If there is no power setting according to the PD standard, the power setting may be monitored.

  In this case, when there is power setting by USB-PD, the calculation unit calculates the value of the suppliable current supplied to the second port based on the value of the maximum supply current set by the power setting. Also good.

  As a result, the current that can be supplied can be calculated correctly both when the USB interface cable does not support USB-PD and when it supports USB-PD.

  Therefore, whether or not the USB interface cable is compatible with USB-PD, avoids power interruption by the power control function of the USB interface standard without being aware of the maximum power supplied from the USB interface cable. be able to.

(6)
A docking station according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the docking station according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, wherein the second port includes at least one USB port and at least one HDMI (registered trademark) graphic port. In addition, the calculation unit may calculate the value of the current that can be supplied to the second port so that one of the USB port and the HDMI (registered trademark) graphic port can be used with priority over the other.

  In this case, the second port includes a USB port and an HDMI (registered trademark) graphic port, and one of the USB port and the HDMI (registered trademark) graphic port can be used in preference to the other, and the second port can be used. The second port may be set again.

As a result, even if many devices are connected to the second port, the second port can be appropriately reset as desired by the user.
The USB port may be a USBTYPE-A port.

(7)
A docking station according to a seventh aspect is the docking station according to the sixth aspect from the one aspect, wherein the computing unit re-establishes the value of the suppliable current based on the information from the device device connected to the second port. It may be set.

  In this case, the calculation unit can dynamically control the current that can be supplied to the second port. As a result, the user can supply an appropriate current unintentionally.

(8)
A docking station according to an eighth aspect of the invention is the docking station according to the seventh aspect of the invention, wherein the arithmetic unit is used for the information notification unit when a device device is connected to the second port that cannot be used. It may be notified that it is impossible or usable.

  In this case, even when a device device is connected to the second port that cannot be used, the information notification unit notifies that the device cannot be used or can be used, so that the user can easily recognize that the device cannot be used. can do.

(9)
A docking station according to a ninth aspect of the invention is the docking station according to the eighth aspect of the invention according to the eighth aspect, wherein the information notification unit is any one or more of LED lighting or blinking, LED emission color, or LCD and speaker. May be included.

  In this case, the information notification unit can display an inexpensive LED, a display message that can be displayed on the LCD, a user-recognizable LCD, a message output, and / or a speaker that can transmit the state of the docking station by sound intensity. Therefore, the user can easily and reliably recognize the state of the docking station.

(10)
A docking station according to a tenth aspect of the invention is the docking station according to the ninth aspect of the invention from one aspect, wherein the USB interface cable may be a USB Type-C cable.

  In this case, since the USB interface cable is a USB Type-C cable, the USB interface port of the docking station is a USB Type-C port.

It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the docking station concerning this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of the docking station of 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of CPU processing of a docking station. It is a schematic diagram which shows the relationship between the resistance of CC line, and the value of supply maximum current. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the setting by the standard of the register pull-up (Rp) of CC line. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the setting by the specification of USB-PD. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the supply current setting by USBPD. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the electric current which can be supplied of the docking station shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the docking station of this Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the electric current which can be supplied of the docking station shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the docking station of this Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the electric current which can be supplied of the docking station shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the docking station of this Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the electric current which can be supplied of the docking station shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the electric current which can be supplied of the docking station shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example in the case of detecting the kind of USB device connected to the docking station, and performing port setting. It is a flowchart which shows an example of CPU processing of a docking station. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of a docking station. It is a flowchart which shows an example of CPU processing of a docking station. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of a docking station. It is a flowchart which shows an example of CPU processing of a docking station.

  Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

(First embodiment)
<Overall configuration>
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a docking station 100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the docking station 100a according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the docking station 100 of the present embodiment includes a docking station main body 200. The docking station main body 200 has a USB Type-C port 300, one or more USB Type-A ports 220, and other interfaces 260. The interface 260 is HDMI (registered trademark) or the like.

The docking station 100 according to the present embodiment can be connected to a host device such as a PC (personal computer, hereinafter abbreviated as “PC”) via a USB Type-C port 300 using a USB Type-C cable 130, HDD, mouse And a device such as a keyboard can be connected via the USB Type-A port 220.
Accordingly, the docking station 100 according to the present embodiment is connected to a device connected to the USB Type-C port 300 using the USB Type-C cable 130 (hereinafter simply referred to as a host device) and a USB Type-A port 220. It mediates data communication with a device (hereinafter simply referred to as a device device).

  Furthermore, the docking station 100 according to the present embodiment operates with power supplied from the host device side, and can supply the power to the device device side.

  The USB Type-C compatible AC adapter cable 140 and the USB Type-C compatible AC port 400 in FIG. 1 supply power to the docking station body 200. In FIG. 1, a USB Type-C compatible AC port 400 is illustrated, but in the following embodiment, power may be supplied by the USB Type-C cable 130 and the USB Type-C port 300, and the USB Type-C compatible Power may be supplied by the AC adapter cable 140 and the USB Type-C compatible AC port 400.

<Configuration of each part>
(Docking station body 200a)
As shown in FIG. 2, the docking station 100a of the first embodiment includes a docking station main body 200a. The docking station main body 200a includes a USB Type-C port 300, one or a plurality of USB Type-A ports 220, other interfaces 260, an information notification unit 230a, a power supply unit 240, a current control unit 250a, and a CPU 270a.

  As shown in FIG. 2, power is supplied from the USB Type-C cable 130 and the USB Type-C port 300 of the docking station main body 200a to the power supply unit 240 through the VBus line 280, and from the power supply unit 240 via the current control unit 250a. The current is distributed to one or more USB Type-A ports 220 based on the current control signal of the CPU 270a.

In addition, power is supplied from the power supply unit 240 to the other interfaces 260.
On the other hand, a signal is supplied to the CPU 270a from the USB Type-C port 300 of the docking station main body 200a through a CC (Configuration Channel) line 290. The CPU 270a gives a current control signal to the above-described current control unit 250a.

  CPU270a alert | reports the information of the electric power which can be supplied to the information alerting | reporting part 230a. For example, when the information notification unit 230a is an LED, the LED is instructed to turn on, blink, or turn off.

(USB Type-C port 300)
The USB Type-C port 300 is a port connected to a host device compatible with USB Type-C via the USB Type-C cable 130. When the host device is compatible with USB-PD, power is supplied from the host device in conformity with USB-PD.

(USB Type-A port 220)
One or a plurality of USB Type-A ports 220 are provided, and one or a plurality of device devices are connected to each other. In the present embodiment, a case where a plurality of them are provided will be described.

(Other interface 260)
The other interface 260 is an interface other than the USB Type-A port, and is any other connectable interface such as an HDMI (registered trademark) graphic port for connecting a display or a television.

(Information notification unit 230a)
The information notification unit 230a notifies the current supplied to each of the one or more provided USBType-A ports 200a.

  For example, in this Embodiment, the information alerting | reporting part 230a consists of several LED. Then, display is performed by changing the number of LEDs that are turned on, blinking, turning off, or changing the issuance color according to the value of the current supplied to the USB Type-A port 200a.

  Further, the information notification unit 230a may be a liquid crystal display device, and specifically, the value of the current supplied to the USB Type-A port 200a may be displayed on the display unit as a figure, a picture, a character, or the like. Furthermore, the information notification unit 230a may be a speaker or a vibration device, specifically may notify the value of the current supplied to the USB Type-A port 200a by voice or vibration, and the state from the speaker by a message. It may be output.

(Power supply unit 240)
The power supply unit 240 receives power from the VBus of the USB Type-C port 300 and supplies power to the CPU 270a, the current control unit 250a, and other interfaces 260.

(Current controller 250a)
The current control unit 250a controls the value of the current of power supplied from the power supply unit 240. Control is performed so that the current of the power output from the power supply unit 240 is equal to or less than the supplyable current, and the power is output to the USB Type-A port 220.

  In the first embodiment, since a plurality of USB Type-A ports 220 are provided, the CPU 270a ensures that the current supplied to all the ports of the USB Type-A port 220 is less than the supplyable current. Or the current supplied to at least some of the USBType-A ports 220 is controlled to be less than the supplyable current.

(CPU (Central Processing Unit) 270a)
The CPU 270a has various functions. In the present embodiment, the CPU 270a mainly reads the supply maximum current value notified from the USB Type-C port 300, and can supply based on the read supply maximum current value. It has a function of calculating a current value.

  The CPU 270a notifies the current control unit 250a of the calculated supplyable current value and controls the information notification unit 230a to notify the information notification unit 230a of the calculated supplyable current value.

<Operation of Docking Station 100a>
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of the docking station 100a.
Hereinafter, the operation of the docking station 100a will be described.

  First, the user connects a host device such as a PC and the USB Type-C port 300 via the USB Type-C cable 130. When the USB Type-C port 300 is connected to the host device via the USB Type-C cable 130, the power from the Vbus is supplied to the power supply unit 240. The power supply unit 240 supplies power to the CPU 270a. As a result, the CPU 270a is activated.

  The CPU 270a recognizes the connection of the USB Type-C port 300 (step S101).

  Next, the CPU 270a reads the value of the voltage applied to the resistance connected to the CC line 290 of the USB Type-C port 300, and recognizes the value of the maximum Vbus supply current of the USB Type-C port 300 (step S102).

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the resistance of the CC line and the value of the supplied maximum current, and FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of setting according to the standard of the register pull-up (Rp) of the CC line.

  In FIG. 4, before a cable is connected to a DFP (Downstream Facing Port) (host device side such as a PC) or UFP (Upstreaming Facing Port) (docking station side), a pull-up resistor Rp (hereinafter simply referred to as Rp) is shown. CC1 and CC2 are both regarded as 5V. On the other hand, both CC1 and CC2 are 0V due to UFP pull-down resistor Rd (hereinafter simply referred to as Rd).

  When the cable is connected to each of the DFP and UFP, the CC1 of the DFP is connected to the CC2 by its own Rp and Rd of the UFP through the CC of the cable, and is set to a constant voltage by resistance division of Rp and Rd.

  On the other hand, CC2 of DFP is connected to VCONN of the cable, and becomes a voltage determined by dividing the Ra resistance in the cable and its own Rp resistance. The voltage at this time is defined according to the corresponding current value in the Type-C specification.

  That is, the CC line that is Rp-Rd connected is handled as a CC signal, and the CC line that is Rp-Ra is handled as Vconn.

  The DFP detects that the UFP is connected due to the presence of Rd, changes the VBus to ON, and first supplies 5V. UFP establishes a connection with DFP by the presence of Rp and the availability of VBus.

  As shown in FIG. 5, when the current source is in the range of 1.7V to 5.5V, the default USB power is 80 μA ± 20%, 1.5A@5V is 180 μA ± 8%, 3.0A@5V is 330 μA ± 8%.

  In this case, if the resistor pull-up (Rp) is in the range of 4.75V to 5.5V, the default USB power is 56k ohms ± 20% and 1.5A@5V is 22k ohms ± 5% 3.0A@5V is 10k ohms ± 5%, and if the resistor pull-up (Rp) is in the range of 4.75V to 5.5V, the default USB power is 36k ohms ± 20%. 5A @ 5V is set to 12k ohms ± 5%, and 3.0A@5V is set to 4.7k ohms ± 5%. The numerical values of these register pull-ups (Rp) will be described later.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of supply current setting by USB-PD, and FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of current and voltage regulation by USB PD.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in the case of 5V, when X of PDP (W) is 0.5 W or more and 15 W or less, X ÷ 5, which is 3A at maximum.

  In the case of 9V, if X of PDP (W) is more than 15W and not more than 27W, X ÷ 9, which is 3A at maximum. Also, in the case of 15V, if X of PDP (W) is greater than 27W and less than 45W, X ÷ 15, and the maximum is 3A. In the case of 20V, if X of PDP (W) is greater than 45W and less than 60W, X ÷ If it is 20 and exceeds 60W and 100W or less, X ÷ 20.

  That is, when the schematic diagram of FIG. 6 is graphed, it is represented as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, each change will be described in the case of 5V, 9V, 15V, and 20V.

  In the case of 5V, it changes linearly from 0W to 15W and becomes constant at the maximum current of 3A. In the case of 9V, it changes linearly from 15W to 27W and becomes constant at the maximum current of 3A. In the case of 15V, it changes linearly from 27W to 45W and becomes constant at the maximum current of 3A.

  Subsequently, returning to FIG. 3, the CPU 270a determines the setting of the docking station 100a based on the value of the maximum supply current of VBus after the process of step S102 (step S103). Here, if there is setting information in a nonvolatile memory or the like connected to the CPU 270a of the docking station 100a, it is read and set. A detailed example of the setting of the docking station 100a will be described later.

  In the process of step S103, the CPU 270a gives the obtained value of the suppliable current to the current control unit 250a, and controls the current control unit 250a to perform current control. As a result, the current control unit 250a outputs the power to one or more USB Type-A ports 220 by controlling the power output from the power supply unit 240 to be equal to or less than the suppliable current.

  Next, the CPU 270a determines whether or not there is power setting by USB-PD (step S104). When there is no power setting by USB-PD (No in step S104), setting change by USB-PD is monitored (step S107).

  On the other hand, when there is power setting by USB-PD (Yes in step S104), the process proceeds to step S105.

  The CPU 270a determines whether the power setting has been changed by the USB-PD (step S105).

  When it is determined that the power setting has not been changed by the USB-PD (No in step S105), the setting change by the USB-PD is monitored (step S107).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the power setting has been changed by USB-PD (Yes in step S105), the process proceeds to step S106.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the CPU 270a changes the power setting by USB-PD (step S106). Specifically, the CPU 270a obtains the value of the suppliable current from the changed value of the maximum supply current so as to satisfy Equation 1 described later.

  Then, the CPU 270a notifies the current control unit 250a of the obtained supplyable current value, and controls the current control unit 250a to perform current control.

  As a result, the current control unit 250a outputs the power to one or more USB Type-A ports 220 by controlling the power output from the power supply unit 240 to be equal to or less than the suppliable current.

  In the process of step S107, the setting change by USB-PD is monitored, and it is determined whether or not to end the process (step S108).

  When the process is not terminated (NO in step S108), the process returns to step S104 and the processes from step S104 to step 108 are executed. When the process is to be ended (Yes in step S108), the entire process is ended.

  In addition to the above, the CPU 270a notifies the information notification unit 230a of the calculated value of the suppliable current, and controls the information notification unit 230a to notify the suppliable current. As a result, the information notification unit 230a notifies the supplyable current.

  Specifically, as will be described later, the information notification unit 230a notifies the supplyable current by a method of turning on the LED or a method of changing the color of the LED.

(Calculation method of available current value)
Specifically, the CPU 270a calculates the value of the suppliable current based on the read value of the supplied maximum current. Here, the supplyable current is the maximum supplyable current that can be supplied to one USB Type-A port 220. The value of the suppliable current is obtained so as to satisfy the following formula 1.

Where A: current supplyable value
C: Vbus supply maximum current value
D: Current consumption value of the docking station 100a
I: Current consumption value of other interface 260

  Next, FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of current that can be supplied from the docking station 100a illustrated in FIG.

  The setting shown in FIG. 8 assumes that the supplyable current of the docking station 100a shown in FIG. 2 is common to all the USB Type-A ports 220 and that the current consumption is relatively low in the other interface ports 260. It is.

  For example, in the setting of FIG. 8, since the supplyable current is common to all the ports, the setting of the output current is determined after the determination of the supply maximum current. In other words, the output current described in this embodiment refers to a current having a value obtained by dividing the value of the maximum supply current by the number of USB Type-A ports 220.

  In addition, a method using LED lighting will be described. In this case, five LEDs are arranged in a row on the docking station main body 200a of the docking station 100a. This arrangement corresponds to the number of set values of the current that can be supplied to the USB Type-A port 220. That is, when the settable current value is five, five LEDs are arranged.

In addition, the letters “0.3A”, “0.5A”, “0.9A”, “1.5A” and “1.5A MAX” are printed in the vicinity of the LED from the leftmost LED to the rightmost LED. Has been.
Further, instead of printing the characters “0.3A”, “0.5A”, “0.9A”, “1.5A”, and “1.5A MAX”, “yellow 0.3A”, “blue 0” .5A "," green 0.9A "," red 1.5A "and" purple 3A "may be printed. In this case, the LED can be freely connected by providing a 5-color LED. Hereinafter, both cases will be described.

  Note that the setting of the output current of the USB Type-A port 220 in FIG. 8 is a basic USB standard setting value (0.5 A / 0.9 A), and the current value 1.5 A is not less than the standard value, but is portable. The setting is made assuming a device device having a large current consumption such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

  As shown in FIG. 8, from the settings according to the USB Type-C standard in FIGS. 4 and 5, when Rp is 56 kΩ, Rd is 5.1 kΩ, and the current limit is 0.5 A (in the case of USB 2.0). ), 0.9A (in the case of USB 3.x).

  In this case, the output current setting of the USB Type-A port is set to 0.3 A at 0.5 A (in the case of USB 2.0), and when 0.3 A, the LED indicating 0.3 A is lit. Further, a five-color LED may be provided and the LED may be lit yellow indicating 0.3A.

  Further, 0.9A (in the case of USB 3.x) is set to 0.5A, and in the case of 0.5A, the LED indicating 0.5A is turned on. Further, the LED may be turned on to blue indicating 0.5A.

  Next, when Rp is 22 kΩ, Rd is 5.1 kΩ and the current limit is 1.5 A. In this case, the output current setting of the USB Type-A port is set to 0.9A, and in the case of 0.9A, the LED indicating 0.9A is turned on. Further, the LED may be lit in green indicating 0.9A.

  Next, when Rp is 10 kΩ, Rd is 5.1 kΩ and the current limit is 3A. In this case, the output current setting of the USB Type-A port is set to 1.5A, and in the case of 1.5A, the LED indicating 1.5A is turned on. Further, the LED may be lit to red indicating 1.5A.

  Further, from the setting according to the USB-PD standard of FIGS. 6 and 7, when the voltage is 5V, the maximum current limit value is 3A and the power is 15W. In this case, the output current setting of the USB Type-A port is set to 1.5A, and in the case of 1.5A, the LED indicating 1.5A is turned on. Further, the LED may be lit to red indicating 1.5A.

  Subsequently, when the voltage is 9 V, the maximum current limit value is 3 A, and the power is 27 W. In this case, the output current setting of the USB Type-A port is set to 3A, and in the case of 3A, the LED indicating 3A is lit. Moreover, you may light LED in purple which shows 3A.

  As described above, in the docking station 100a according to the present invention, the user can easily recognize the current value being used.

  That is, when the information notification unit 230a turns on the LED as described above, the user can easily grasp the output current of one USB Type-A port 220.

  In the present embodiment, the information notification unit 230a is an LED, but is not limited to this, and the docking station main body 200 is provided with a small LCD (liquid crystal display, hereinafter simply abbreviated as LCD), The output current of the USB Type-A port 220 may be displayed on the LCD, or a sound for notifying the output current of the USB Type-A port 220 may be played from a speaker, and the PC is connected to the USB Type-C cable 130 via the USB Type-C cable 130. When the dedicated application software is activated on the PC connected to the C port 300, the output current may be displayed on the PC screen.

  In addition, the number of ports used for each current setting of the USB Type-A port 220 and the setting of the output current value may be changed using dedicated application software. Further, the dedicated application may be in the form of operating on a PC or in the form of firmware operating in the docking station 100.

  Furthermore, with the dedicated application software, the changed settings are stored in a non-volatile memory (such as FLASH ROM or EEPROM (not shown)) connected to the CPU 270a, and the USB Type-C cable 130 is inserted and removed from the USB Type-C port 300. When restarting, the USB Type-A port 220 that can be used by reading the setting from the nonvolatile memory and the current consumption may be set. Note that initialization may be performed using dedicated application software, or the factory default setting may be restored.

  Further, when dynamically setting the power consumption, the CPU 270a detects a port connected to the USB Type-A port 220 and a USB device device, and supplies the current with priority to the detected USB Type-A port 220. It may be set. In this case, when the number of usable ports is exceeded, the setting may be returned to the setting of FIG. 8 described above, or the information reporting unit 230a may be used to notify that the number of usable ports has been exceeded. Good.

  When the USB Type-C cable 130 is restarted by inserting or removing the USB Type-C cable 130 or returning from the sleep state, the USB device connected to the USB Type-A port 220 is detected again and the port is set. May be.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, in the second embodiment, a description will be given centering on differences from the docking stations 100 and 100a of the first embodiment.

<Overall configuration>
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the docking station 100b according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the docking station 100b of the second embodiment includes a docking station main body 200b. The docking station body 200b is different from the docking station body 200a of FIG. 2 in the following points.

  2 does not have a control line to the USB-HUB 225 (not shown), the docking station body 200b in FIG. 9 includes a control line to the USB-HUB 225.

<Structure of each part>
In the docking station main body 200b shown in FIG. 9, a signal from the USB Type-C port 300 is provided to the USB-HUB 225 in the structure of the docking station main body 200a shown in FIG.

  In addition, an instruction from the CPU 270 b is provided so as to be supplied to the USB-HUB 225, and the USB-HUB 225 is provided so that signals can be individually transmitted to the plurality of USB Type-A ports 220.

(CPU 270b)
The CPU 270b reads the value of the maximum supply current notified from the USB Type-C port 300, and calculates the value of the suppliable current based on the read value of the maximum supply current. The CPU 270 b determines a usable USB Type-A port 220 among the plurality of USB Type-A ports 220 based on the read value of the supplied maximum current.

  The CPU 270b gives usable port number information to the USB-HUB 225, and gives current setting information for the usable port number to the current control unit 250b. The USB-HUB 225 provides a signal to the USB Type-A port 220 based on the port number information.

  On the other hand, the current control unit 250b sets a current to the USB Type-A port 220 based on the current setting information.

  In the present embodiment, the following description will be given on the assumption that there are four USB Type-A ports 220.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of current that can be supplied to the docking station 100b shown in FIG.

  The setting in FIG. 10 assumes that the supplyable current of the docking station 100a shown in FIG. 9 can be set individually for each port, and the other interface ports 260 assume a relatively low current consumption.

  For example, in the setting shown in FIG. 10, the suppliable current can be set individually for each port. Therefore, the setting of the output current is determined after the maximum supply current is determined.

  In addition, a method using LED lighting will be described. In this case, LEDs are arranged in the vicinity of the four USB Type-A ports 220 of the docking station main body 200b of the docking station 100b, and the LEDs are LEDs that can emit three or more colors.

  The setting of the output current of the USB Type-A port 220 in FIG. 10 is set to the basic USB standard setting value (0.5 A / 0.9 A) as in FIG. 8, and the standard value for the current value 1.5 A is used. As described above, the setting is made on the assumption of a device device that consumes a large amount of current, such as a portable HDD (hard disk drive).

  However, when the supplyable current is set to 0.5 A, the power consumption in the internal circuit or other interface is taken into consideration and the current is set to 0.5 A or less.

  As shown in FIG. 10, from the settings according to the USB Type-C standard in FIGS. 4 and 5, when Rp is 56 kΩ, Rd is 5.1 kΩ, and the current limit is 0.5 A (in the case of USB 2.0). ), 0.9A (in the case of USB 3.x).

  In this case, the usable port number is “1”, and the output current setting of the USB Type-A port is set to 0.3 A at 0.5 A (in the case of USB 2.0). The yellow LED indicating 0.3A of port 1 is turned on.

  Further, 0.9A (in the case of USB 3.x) is set to 0.5A, and in the case of 0.5A, a blue LED indicating 0.5A is turned on.

  Next, when Rp is 22 kΩ, Rd is 5.1 kΩ and the current limit is 1.5 A. In this case, the usable port numbers are “1” and “2”, and the output current setting of the USB Type-A port is set to 0.5 A for both port 1 and port 2. That is, the total output current is set to 1A.

  In this case, the blue LED indicating 0.5A of port 1 is turned on in the case of 0.5A, and the blue LED indicating 0.5A of port 2 is turned on in the case of 0.5A.

  Next, when Rp is 10 kΩ, Rd is 5.1 kΩ and the current limit is 3A. In this case, the usable port numbers are “1”, “2”, and “3”. In this embodiment, the output current of the USB Type-A port is set to 1.5A for port 1 and 0.5A for both port 2 and port 3. That is, the total output current is set to 2.5A.

  In this case, the red LED indicating 1.5A of port 1 is turned on in the case of 1.5A, and the blue LED indicating 0.5A of port 2 is turned on in the case of 0.5A. In this case, the blue LED indicating 0.5A of port 3 is turned on.

  Further, from the setting according to the USB-PD standard of FIGS. 6 and 7, when the voltage is 5V, the maximum current limit value is 3A and the power is 15W. Available port numbers are “1”, “2”, and “3”. In this embodiment, the output current of the USB Type-A port is set to 1.5A for port 1 and 0.5A for both port 2 and port 3. That is, the total output current is set to 2.5A.

  In this case, the red LED indicating 1.5A of port 1 is turned on in the case of 1.5A, and the blue LED indicating 0.5A of port 2 is turned on in the case of 0.5A. In this case, the blue LED indicating 0.5A of port 3 is turned on.

  Subsequently, when the voltage is 9 V, the maximum current limit value is 3 A, and the power is 27 W.

  In this case, the usable port numbers are “1”, “2”, “3”, and “4”. In the present embodiment, the output current setting of the USB Type-A port is set to 1.5 A for both port 1 and port 2 and 0.9 A for both port 3 and port 4. That is, the total output current is set to 4.8A.

  In this case, the red LED indicating 1.5A of port 1 is turned on in the case of 1.5A, the red LED indicating 1.5A of port 2 is turned on, and in the case of 0.9A, the red LED of port 3 is turned on. The green LED indicating 0.9A is turned on, and the green LED indicating 0.9A of port 4 is turned on.

  As described above, in the docking station 100b according to the present invention, the user can easily recognize the usable USB Type-A port 220.

  In the present embodiment, the information notification unit 230b is an LED. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a small LCD is provided in the docking station body 200, and the output current of the USB Type-A port 220 is provided in the LCD. May be displayed, a sound for notifying the output current of the USB Type-A port 220 may be played from the speaker, and the PC is connected to the USB Type-C port 300 via the USB Type-C cable 130. When the dedicated application software is activated, the output current may be displayed on the PC screen.

In addition, the number of ports used for each current setting of the USB Type-A port 220 and the setting of the output current value may be changed using dedicated application software.

Further, the changed settings are stored in a non-volatile memory (such as FLASH ROM or EEPROM (not shown)) connected to the CPU 270b with the dedicated application software, and the USB Type-C cable 130 is inserted and removed from the USB Type-C port 300. When the computer is restarted, the USB Type-A port 220 that can be used by reading the setting from the nonvolatile memory and the current consumption may be set. Note that initialization may be performed using dedicated application software, or the factory default setting may be restored.

  When the USB Type-C cable 130 is restarted by inserting or removing the USB Type-C cable 130 or returning from the sleep state, the USB device connected to the USB Type-A port 220 is detected again and the port is set. May be.

(Third embodiment)
Next, in the third embodiment, the difference from the docking stations 100, 100a, 100b of the first and second embodiments will be mainly described.

<Overall configuration>
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the docking station 100c of the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 11, a docking station 100c according to the third embodiment includes a docking station main body 200c. The docking station main body 200c is different from the docking station main body 200b of FIG. 9 in the following points.

  The docking station main body 200c is provided with an interface 260 made up of a plurality of HDMI (registered trademark) graphic ports instead of the USB Type-A port 220 of the docking station main body 200b of FIG. 9, and the USB Type-A port instead of the interface 260. 220 is provided.

  In the present embodiment, the following description will be made assuming that there are six interfaces 260 made up of HDMI (registered trademark) graphic ports.

  FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of current that can be supplied to the docking station 100c illustrated in FIG.

  12 is set in a state in which current consumption to the product internal circuit or other interface 260 and the USB Type-A port 220 is secured from the suppliable current of the docking station 100c shown in FIG.

  However, when the supplyable current is set to 0.5 A, the number of ports is set to be 0.5 A or less in consideration of power consumption in the internal circuit or other interface.

  In addition, a method using LED lighting will be described. In this case, individual LEDs are arranged in the vicinity of the interface 260 including six HDMI (registered trademark) graphic ports of the docking station main body 200c of the docking station 100c.

  As shown in FIG. 12, from the settings according to the USB Type-C standard of FIGS. 4 and 5, when Rp is 56 kΩ, Rd is 5.1 kΩ, and the current limit is 0.5 A (in the case of USB 2.0). ), 0.9A (in the case of USB 3.x).

  The interface 260 comprising an HDMI (registered trademark) graphic port can be used in the case of USB 2.0 in consideration of power consumption used in a circuit such as a graphic core chip set for realizing an HDMI (registered trademark) graphic. The number of ports is “1”, and the LED of the port 1 is turned on when the output current setting is 0.4 A in the HDMI (registered trademark) graphic port setting.

  USB3. In the case of x, the number of usable ports is “2”, and the output current setting of the HDMI (registered trademark) graphic port setting is set to 0.8 A (in the case of USB 3.x). The LEDs of port 1 and port 2 are turned on.

  Next, when Rp is 22 kΩ, Rd is 5.1 kΩ and the current limit is 1.5 A. In this case, the number of usable ports is “3”, the output current setting of the HDMI (registered trademark) graphic port setting is set to 1.2 A, and in the case of 1.2 A, port 1, port 2, and port 3 LED is turned on.

  Next, when Rp is 10 kΩ, Rd is 5.1 kΩ and the current limit is 3A. In this case, the number of usable ports is “6”. The output current setting of the HDMI (registered trademark) graphic port setting is set to 2.4A, and in the case of 2.4A, the LEDs of port 1 to port 6 are turned on.

  Further, from the setting according to the USB-PD standard of FIGS. 6 and 7, when the voltage is 5V, the maximum current limit value is 3A and the power is 15W. In this case, the number of usable ports is “6”. The output current setting of the HDMI (registered trademark) graphic port setting is set to 2.4A, and in the case of 2.4A, the LEDs of port 1 to port 6 are turned on.

Subsequently, when the voltage is 9 V, the current limit value is 3 A and the power is 27 W.
In this case, the number of usable ports is “6”. The output current setting of the HDMI (registered trademark) graphic port setting is set to 2.4A, and in the case of 2.4A, the LEDs of port 1 to port 6 are turned on.

Subsequently, when the voltage is 15 V, the current limit value is 3 A and the power is 45 W.
In this case, the number of usable ports is “6”. The output current setting of the HDMI (registered trademark) graphic port setting is set to 2.4A, and in the case of 2.4A, the LEDs of port 1 to port 6 are turned on.

  In the case where the setting in FIG. 12 is dynamically performed, a port in which the connection of a display unit such as a monitor connected to the interface 260 including an HDMI (registered trademark) graphic port is confirmed is used. When the USB Type-C cable 130 is restarted by inserting / removing the USB Type-C cable 130 from the USB Type-C port 300 or returning from sleep mode, the USB device connected to the USB Type-A port 220 is detected again, and the port is set. . In addition, when the number of ports connected to the monitor exceeds the number of usable ports, the setting in FIG. 12 described above may be prioritized. Note that the USB Type-A port 220 set by the application software may be prioritized, and the monitor or the like is notified that the number of usable ports has been exceeded, and the USB Type-A port 220 selected by the user by the application software is set. You may give priority.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, in the fourth embodiment, a description will be given focusing on differences from the docking stations 100, 100a, 100b, and 100c of the first, second, and third embodiments.

<Overall configuration>
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the docking station 100d of the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the docking station 100d of the fourth embodiment includes a docking station main body 200d. The docking station body 200d is different from the docking station body 200c of FIG. 11 in the following points.

  The docking station main body 200d is further provided with a plurality of USB Type-A ports 220 in addition to an interface 260 made up of a plurality of HDMI (registered trademark) graphic ports of the docking station main body 200c of FIG.

(CPU 270d)
The CPU 270d reads the value of the maximum supply current notified from the USB Type-C port 300, and calculates the value of the suppliable current based on the read value of the maximum supply current.

  Here, the CPU 270d determines which of the interface 260 including the USB Type-A port 220 and the HDMI (registered trademark) graphic port has priority. Note that the CPU 270d may not only automatically perform the determination, but the user may select a priority using application software.

  The CPU 270 b determines a usable USB Type-A port 220 among the plurality of USB Type-A ports 220 based on the read value of the supplied maximum current.

  The CPU 270d gives usable port number information to the USB-HUB 225, and gives current setting information for the usable port number to the current control unit 250d. The USB-HUB 225 provides a signal to the USB Type-A port 220 based on the port number information.

  On the other hand, the current control unit 250d sets a current to the USB Type-A port 220 based on the current setting information.

  Further, the CPU 270d determines an interface 260 composed of usable HDMI (registered trademark) graphic ports from among the interfaces 260 composed of a plurality of HDMI (registered trademark) graphic ports, based on the read value of the supplied maximum current. .

  The CPU 270d gives usable port number information to the USB-HUB 225, and gives current setting information for the usable port number to the current control unit 250d. The USB-HUB 225 provides a signal to the interface 260 including an HDMI (registered trademark) graphic port based on the port number information.

  On the other hand, the current control unit 250d sets a current to the interface 260 including an HDMI (registered trademark) graphic port based on the current setting information.

  In the present embodiment, a product having a USB Type-A port 220, an interface 260 including an HDMI (registered trademark) graphic port, and other ports is assumed. In the present embodiment, the interface 260 including the HDMI (registered trademark) graphic port is assumed to be a USB HDMI (registered trademark) graphic connected via the USB-HUB 225 inside the product. The number of ports and the output current were set in a state in which the current of the internal circuit of the product or other interface was secured from the supply current set in the USB Type-C standard or the USB-PD standard.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the output current setting of the USB Type-A port 220 is set to the basic USB standard setting value (0.5 A / 0.9 A), and the current value 1.5 A is not less than the standard value but portable. It was set assuming HDD (hard disk drive).

(In the case of the interface 260 including the HDMI (registered trademark) graphic port)
FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of current that can be supplied to the docking station 100d illustrated in FIG. In the setting of FIG. 14, the interface 260 including the HDMI (registered trademark) graphic port is set to have priority. In addition, the maximum number of ports of the USB Type-A port 220 is “3”, and the maximum number of ports of the interface 260 including the HDMI (registered trademark) graphic port is “2”.

  14 is set in a state in which current consumption to the internal circuit of the product or other interface and the USB Type-A port 220 is secured from the supplyable current of the docking station 100d shown in FIG.

  However, when the supplyable current is set to 0.5 A, the number of ports is set to be 0.5 A or less in consideration of power consumption in the internal circuit or other interface.

  In addition, a method using LED lighting will be described. In this case, LEDs are arranged in the vicinity of the three USB Type-A ports 220 of the docking station main body 200d of the docking station 100d, respectively, and in the vicinity of the interface 260 including two HDMI (registered trademark) graphics ports. LEDs are arranged.

  As shown in FIG. 14, from the settings according to the USB Type-C standard of FIGS. 4 and 5, when Rp is 56 kΩ, Rd is 5.1 kΩ, and the current limit is 0.5 A (in the case of USB 2.0). ), 0.9A (in the case of USB 3.x).

  In the case of USB 2.0, the usable port number of USB Type-A is “0”, the usable port of the HDMI (registered trademark) graphic is “1”, and the output of the HDMI (registered trademark) graphic port setting is output. The current setting is 0.4A.

  In this case, the LED of the HDMI (registered trademark) usable port 1 is turned on (indicated by a symbol “O” in the figure).

  USB3. In the case of x, the usable port number of USBType-A is “0”, the usable port of the HDMI (registered trademark) graphic is “1”, and the output current setting of the HDMI (registered trademark) graphic port setting Is 0.4A.

  In this case, the LED (O symbol in the figure) of the HDMI 1 usable port 1 is turned on.

  Next, when Rp is 22 kΩ, Rd is 5.1 kΩ and the current limit is 1.5 A. In this case, the number of usable ports of USBType-A is “1”, the current consumption setting of USBType-A is 0.9 A, and the number of usable ports of the HDMI (registered trademark) graphic port is “1”. The output current setting of the HDMI (registered trademark) graphic port setting is 0.4 A. In this case, the port 1 of USBType-A is turned on in green indicating 0.9A (◎ symbol in the figure), and the LED of the HDMI (registered trademark) graphic port 1 is lit up (O symbol in the figure).

  Next, when Rp is 10 kΩ, Rd is 5.1 kΩ and the current limit is 3A. In this case, the number of usable ports of USB Type-A is “2”, the current consumption setting of USB Type-A is 0.9A × 2, and the number of usable ports of the HDMI (registered trademark) graphic port is “ 2 ”and the output current setting of the HDMI (registered trademark) graphic port setting is 0.8 A. In this case, the USB Type-A port 1 and port 2 are lit in green indicating 0.9A (０．９ symbol in the figure), and the HDMI (registered trademark) graphic port 1 and port 2 LEDs are lit (indicated by symbol “O” in the figure). )

  Further, from the setting according to the USB-PD standard of FIGS. 6 and 7, when the voltage is 5 V, the current limit value is 3 A and the power is 15 W.

  In this case, the number of usable ports of USB Type-A is “2”, the current consumption setting of USB Type-A is 0.9A × 2, and the number of usable ports of the HDMI (registered trademark) graphic port is “ 2 ”and the output current setting of the HDMI (registered trademark) graphic port setting is 0.8 A. In this case, the USB Type-A port 1 and port 2 are lit in green (◎ symbol in the figure) indicating 0.9A, and the HDMI (registered trademark) port 1 and port 2 LEDs (symbol ◯ symbol in the figure) are lit. Let

Subsequently, when the voltage is 9 V, the current limit value is 3 A and the power is 27 W.
In this case, the number of usable ports of USB Type-A is “3”, the current consumption setting of USB Type-A is 1.5 A × 2, 0.9 A × 1, and the HDMI (registered trademark) graphic port The number of usable ports is “2”, and the output current setting of the HDMI (registered trademark) graphic port setting is 0.8 A. In this case, port 1 and port 2 of USBType-A light the LED in red (● symbol in the figure), and port 3 turns the LED in green (◎ symbol in the figure) indicating 0.9A. The LED of the HDMI (registered trademark) graphic port 1 and port 2 (symbol O in the figure) is lit.

Subsequently, when the voltage is 15 V, the current limit value is 3 A and the power is 45 W.
In this case, the number of usable ports of USB Type-A is “3”, the current consumption setting of USB Type-A is 1.5 A × 3, and the number of usable ports of the HDMI (registered trademark) graphic port is “3”. 2 ”and the output current setting of the HDMI (registered trademark) graphic port setting is 0.8 A. In this case, the port 1, port 2 and port 3 of USBType-A are lit in red (indicated by a symbol ● in the figure) indicating 1.5A, and the LEDs of HDMI (registered trademark) port 1 and port 2 (see FIG. Turn on the middle symbol.

(When USBType-A port 220 has priority)
FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the suppliable current of the docking station 100d shown in FIG. In the setting shown in FIG. 15, the USB Type-A port 220 is set to have priority. In addition, the maximum number of ports of the USB Type-A port 220 is “3”, and the maximum number of ports of the interface 260 including the HDMI (registered trademark) graphic port is “2”.

FIG. 15 is set in a state in which the current consumption to the internal circuit of the product or other interface and the USB Type-A port 220 is secured from the supplyable current of the docking station 100d shown in FIG.
However, when the supplyable current is set to 0.5 A, the number of ports is set to be 0.5 A or less in consideration of power consumption in the internal circuit or other interface.

  In addition, a method using LED lighting will be described. In this case, LEDs are arranged in the vicinity of the three USB Type-A ports 220 of the docking station main body 200d of the docking station 100d, respectively, and in the vicinity of the interface 260 including two HDMI (registered trademark) graphics ports. LEDs are arranged.

  As shown in FIG. 15, from the setting according to the USB Type-C standard of FIGS. 4 and 5, when Rp is 56 kΩ, Rd is 5.1 kΩ, and the current limit is 0.5 A (in the case of USB 2.0). ), 0.9A (in the case of USB 3.x).

  In the case of USB 2.0, the number of usable ports of USB Type-A is “1”, the output current setting of the USB Type-A setting is 0.3 A, and the usable ports of HDMI (registered trademark) are “0”.

  In this case, the LED of the USB Type-A usable port 1 is lit yellow (indicated by a symbol “★”).

  USB3. In the case of x, the number of usable ports of USB Type-A is “1”, and the output current setting of the USB Type-A setting is 0.5 A. The usable port of the HDMI (registered trademark) graphic is “0”.

  In this case, the LED of the USB Type-A usable port 1 is turned on blue (indicated by a symbol “☆”).

  Next, when Rp is 22 kΩ, Rd is 5.1 kΩ and the current limit is 1.5 A. In this case, the number of usable ports of USBType-A is “1”, the current consumption setting of USBType-A is 0.9 A, and the number of usable ports of the HDMI (registered trademark) graphic port is “1”. The output current setting of the HDMI (registered trademark) graphic port setting is 0.4 A. In this case, the port 1 of USBType-A is turned on in green indicating 0.9A (◎ symbol in the figure), and the LED of the HDMI (registered trademark) graphic port 1 is lit up (O symbol in the figure).

  Next, when Rp is 10 kΩ, Rd is 5.1 kΩ and the current limit is 3A. In this case, the number of usable ports of USB Type-A is “2”, the current consumption setting of USB Type-A is 0.9A × 2, and the number of usable ports of the HDMI (registered trademark) graphic port is “ 2 ”and the output current setting of the HDMI (registered trademark) graphic port setting is 0.8 A. In this case, the USB Type-A port 1 and port 2 are lit in green indicating 0.9A (０．９ symbol in the figure), and the HDMI (registered trademark) graphic port 1 and port 2 LEDs are lit (indicated by symbol “O” in the figure). )

  Further, from the setting according to the USB-PD standard of FIGS. 6 and 7, when the voltage is 5 V, the current limit value is 3 A and the power is 15 W.

  In this case, the number of usable ports of USB Type-A is “2”, the current consumption setting of USB Type-A is 0.9A × 2, and the number of usable ports of the HDMI (registered trademark) graphic port is “ 2 ”and the output current setting of the HDMI (registered trademark) graphic port setting is 0.8 A. In this case, the USB Type-A port 1 and port 2 are lit in green (◎ symbol) indicating 0.9A, and the HDMI (registered trademark) graphic port 1 and port 2 LEDs are lit (点灯 symbol in the diagram). Let

  Subsequently, when the voltage is 9 V, the current limit value is 3 A and the power is 27 W.

  In this case, the number of usable ports of USB Type-A is “3”, the current consumption setting of USB Type-A is 1.5 A × 2, 0.9 A × 1, and the HDMI (registered trademark) graphic port The number of usable ports is “2”, and the output current setting of the HDMI (registered trademark) graphic port setting is 0.8 A. In this case, port 1 and port 2 of USBType-A light the LED in red (● symbol in the figure), and port 3 turns the LED in green (◎ symbol in the figure) indicating 0.9A. The LED of the HDMI (registered trademark) graphic port 1 and port 2 is lit (a symbol in the figure).

  Subsequently, when the voltage is 15 V, the current limit value is 3 A and the power is 45 W.

  In this case, the number of usable ports of USB Type-A is “3”, the current consumption setting of USB Type-A is 1.5 A × 3, and the number of usable ports of the HDMI (registered trademark) graphic port is “3”. 2 ”and the output current setting of the HDMI (registered trademark) graphic port setting is 0.8 A. In this case, the USB Type-A port 1, port 2 and port 3 LEDs are lit in red indicating the 1.5A (● symbol in the figure), and the HDMI (registered trademark) graphic port 1 and port 2 LEDs are lit. (○ symbol in the figure).

  In this embodiment, the use of LEDs is described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A small LCD is provided in the docking station main body 200, and the output current of the USB Type-A port 220 is displayed on the LCD. Alternatively, a sound for notifying the output current of the USB Type-A port 220 may be played from the speaker, and the PC is connected to the USB Type-C port 300 via the USB Type-C cable 130, and the dedicated application is executed on the PC. When the software is activated, the output current may be displayed on the PC screen.

  In addition, setting of the port type, the number of ports, and the output current value used for each current setting of the USB Type-A port 220 may be changed using dedicated application software.

Furthermore, with the dedicated application software, the changed settings are stored in a non-volatile memory (such as FLASH ROM or EEPROM (not shown)) connected to the CPU 270d, and the USB Type-C cable 130 is inserted and removed from the USB Type-C port 300. When the computer is restarted, the USB Type-A port 220 that can be used by reading the setting from the nonvolatile memory and the current consumption may be set. Note that initialization may be performed using dedicated application software, or the factory default setting may be restored.

(Fifth embodiment)
FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example when the port setting is performed by detecting the type of the USB device connected to the docking station 100e.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the docking station 100e includes a USB Type-C port 300 and a docking station main body 200e. The docking station body 200e has one or more USB Type-A ports 220.

  The docking station 100e according to the present embodiment can be connected to a host device such as a PC by a USB Type-C cable 130 and a USB Type-C port 300, and can be connected to a USB device by a USB Type-A port 220. Therefore, the docking station 100e according to the present embodiment can perform data communication between the host device connected to the USB Type-C cable 130 and the USB Type-C port 300 and the device device connected to the USB Type-A port 220. So as to mediate.

  Furthermore, the docking station 100e according to the present embodiment operates with power supplied from the host device side and can supply the power to the device device side.

(Docking station body 200e)
<Configuration of each part>
As shown in FIG. 16, a docking station 100e of the fifth embodiment includes a USB Type-C port 300 and a docking station main body 200e. The docking station body 200e includes one or more USB Type-A ports 220, LEDs 231, speakers 232, a power supply unit 240, a current control unit 250e, a current measurement sensor ("sensor" in the figure) 251, USB-HUB 225, and a BUS switch. 226 and CPU 270e.

<Structure of each part>
As shown in FIG. 16, power is supplied from the USB Type-C port 300 of the docking station main body 200 e to the power supply unit 240 through the VBus line 280, and is supplied from the power supply unit 240 to the current measurement sensor 251. The current measuring sensor 251 is made of, for example, a resistor.

  The current measuring sensor 251 outputs to the USB Type-A port 220 based on the current control signal from the CPU 270e.

  Further, a signal from the USB Type-C port 300 is supplied to the USB-HUB 225. A signal is supplied from the USB-HUB 225 to the BUS switch 226.

  The CPU 270e is provided so that the BUS switch 226 can be switched via the BUS switch control line 229. The CPU 270e is provided so as to be able to transmit a signal to the BUS switch 226.

  The BUS switch 226 outputs to the USB Type-A port 220 via the USB bus line. Further, the CPU 270 e is connected to the LED 231 and the speaker 232.

<Operation of Docking Station 100>
FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the CPU 270 e of the docking station 100.

  As an initial state, when no device device is connected to the USB Type-A port 200 of the docking station 100, the USB bus of the USB Type-A port 220 is connected to the CPU 270 e side of the docking station main body 220 by the BUS switch 226.

  Next, when a device device is connected to the USB Type-A port 220 of the docking station 100 (step S201), the CPU 270e reads the descriptor information of the USB device device connected to the docking station main body 200e (step S202).

  Next, the CPU 270e determines whether the device device of the USB device is “Bus Power” or “self Power” based on the descriptor information of the USB device (step S203).

  When the CPU 270e determines that it is “self power” (Yes in step S203), the supplyable current is set to a necessary minimum (for example, about 300 mA) (step S204), and the BUS switch 226 is set to the USB Type-C port 300 side. To connect to a PC or the like (step S205). In this case, when the set current value is smaller than the current value initially set for the target port, the setting may be changed to increase the current value of the other port.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 270e determines that it is “Bus Power” (No in step S203), it determines whether it is smaller than Max Power in the USB device class (step S206).

  Specifically, for a port connected to a device device that can be recognized as having a small current consumption by the USB device class such as Human Interface Devices and Max Power (Yes in step S206), the output current setting can be reduced because it can be reduced by Max Power. The setting is changed so as to increase the current value of the other port (step S207). The CPU 270e displays the changed setting by reflecting the changed contents on the notification LED in the docking station body 200 or the application software (step S208).

  For the device device that the CPU 270e can recognize that the current consumption is larger than the USB device class and Max Power, such as Mass Storage Class (No in step S206), the maximum current value is set in a possible range (step S209). .

  On the other hand, when the CPU 270e determines that the settable current value is clearly lower than the current value required for the device device of the USB device, the CPU 270e sets the target port as “unusable” (step S210). For example, in the case of “unusable”, the CPU 270e blinks and notifies the LED corresponding to the port (step S211).

  Note that the CPU 270e may notify the user by displaying on a small LCD, or may use a speaker to play an audio warning that there is an unusable port, and the docking station 100e may use the USB Type-C port 300 and the USB Type- When the dedicated application software is activated by connecting to the PC with the C cable 130, a warning may be displayed on the PC screen.

  If the CPU 270e determines that a device device that can recognize that the current consumption is smaller than the Max Power even in the Mass Storage Class such as a USB memory is connected, the port can be reduced from the Max Power, so that the output current setting can be made. And the setting may be changed to increase the current value of other ports. Also in this case, the CPU 270e may display the changed setting by reflecting the changed content on the notification LED in the docking station main body 200 or the application software.

  Further, when the CPU 270e cannot determine the current consumption, the maximum current value may be set within a possible range.

  Further, the CPU 270e monitors the current value consumed by the USB device by the current measurement sensor 251 inserted in the VBus on the docking station 100e side for a certain period of time by the CPU 270e of the docking station 100 (step S220).

  When it is determined that the current consumption of the USB device device is smaller than the set current value, the CPU 270 e changes the output current setting and changes the setting to increase the current value of the other USB Type-A port 220 ( Step S221). The CPU 270e displays the changed setting by reflecting the changed contents on the notification LED in the docking station main body 200 or the application software (step S222).

(Sixth embodiment)
Next, FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the docking station 100f.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the docking station 100f includes a USB Type-C port 300 and a docking station main body 200f. A television 600 that can be connected to an HDMI (registered trademark) graphic is connected to the docking station main body 200f.

  The docking station body 200f includes a CPU 270f, an LED 231, a speaker 232, and an HDMI (registered trademark) graphic port 230f.

  The CPU 270f is provided so as to be able to monitor the level of HPD (hot plug detection) of the HDMI (registered trademark) graphic port 230f. The CPU 270f is connected to the DDC line of the HDMI (registered trademark) graphic port 230f.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the docking station 100f.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the CPU 270f monitors the HPD signal of the HDMI (registered trademark) graphic port 230f (step S301).

  When a television is not connected to the HDMI (registered trademark) graphic port 230F, the HPD signal is LOW, and when connected, the HPD signal is HIGH.

  The CPU 270f detects the connection and warns the user if the port is set to “unusable” (step S302).

  Specifically, the CPU 270f notifies a port (USB, HDMI (registered trademark)) that cannot be used, for example, by turning on an LED corresponding to “unusable”.

  If the docking station 100 has a small LCD, it may be displayed on the small LCD. If a PC or the like is connected to the USB Type-A port 220 of the docking station 100, a warning is displayed on the display screen by dedicated application software. May be displayed, an LED corresponding to the unusable port may be flashed and notified, and a sound may be played using a speaker to warn that there is an unusable port.

  In addition, when an LCD monitor compatible with the docking station 100 is connected, a message notifying the LCD monitor that it cannot be used is transmitted from the docking station 100 side using the DDC line of the HDMI (registered trademark) graphic port 230f. Then, a message may be received on the LCD monitor side, and an indication that the port is “unusable” may be displayed on the LCD monitor screen by the FW built in the LCD monitor.

  Note that the CPU 270f may set the HDMI (registered trademark) transmitter block of the unused port of the docking station 100 to the power-off state in order to save power. The CPU 270f confirms the connection of the television, An OFF port may be changed to ON, and a warning may be given when more TVs are connected than the number of usable ports.

(Seventh embodiment)
FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the docking station 100g.

  A docking station 100g shown in FIG. 20 includes a docking station main body 200g and a USB Type-C port 300.

  The docking station main body 200g includes a USB Type-A port 220, a power supply unit 240, a current control unit 250g, a VBus switch 279, a CPU 270g, a VBus resistance value monitoring unit 278, an LED 231 and a speaker 232.

  The VBus input from the USB Type-C port 300 is input to the power supply unit 240. Power is supplied from the power supply unit 240 to the VBus switch 279 via the power supply control unit 250g. The CPU 270g monitors the VBus level and supplies power to the VBus switch 279 via the VBus resistance value monitoring unit 278.

  The CPU 270g is connected to the VBus switch 279 and controls the VBus switch 279. The CPU 270 g is connected to the LED 231 and the speaker 232.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing of the docking station 100g.

  First, in the present embodiment, the docking station 100g is connected to the PC via the USB Type-C port 300 and the USB Type-C cable 130 (step S401). In the PC, the dedicated application software is activated, and the device class information of the device device connected to the USB Type-A port 220 of the docking station 100g is acquired from the device information of the PC (step S402).

Next, the CPU 270g performs ranking according to the importance based on the device class information connected to the docking station 100g (step S403).
Specifically, Rank 1 is in the form of Mass Storage Class, Rank 2 is in the form of Human Interface Devices, Rank 3 is in the form of Printer, Rank 4 is in the form of USB Video Class, and Rank 5 is in the form of Audio.

  Note that the ranking may be set by default, or may be a system setting that can be changed by the user.

  Next, the CPU 270g monitors a change in power supply power (step S404).

  When the CPU 270g determines that the power supplied from the USB Type-C port 300 has decreased, the CPU 270g disconnects (turns off) the VBus from the lower-ranked device devices among the ranked device devices, and the rank is higher. The setting of the docking station 100g is changed so as to continue the operation of the device device (step S405).

  Subsequently, the CPU 270g displays the setting changed in step S404 on the display unit of the PC (step S406). As a result, the user can recognize the change in setting.

  In addition, the CPU 270g monitors the current consumption of the USB device connected to the USB Type-A port 220 of the docking station 100g (step S407).

  When the CPU 270g determines that the current consumption of the USB device connected to the USB Type-A port 220 of the docking station 100g is greater than or equal to a preset current value, the CPU 270g determines that the current control unit of the docking station main body 200g An instruction is given to cut VBus to 250 g (step S408).

  Subsequently, the CPU 270g blinks the LED 231 corresponding to the USB Type-A port 220 (step S409). The user can recognize the USB Type-A port 220 in which the VBus is cut by blinking the LED 231.

  In this embodiment, the LED 231 is used for notification. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a USB Type-A port 220 in which a small LCD is provided on the docking station main body 200g and Vbus is cut is displayed on the LCD. Alternatively, a sound warning that the VBus of the USB Type-A port 220 has been cut may be played from the speaker 232, and the PC is connected to the USB Type-C port 300 via the USB Type-C cable 130, and the PC In the above, when dedicated application software is activated, a warning may be displayed on the PC screen.

  When the USB Type-A port 220 of the docking station 100 is set to “unusable”, the CPU 270g instructs the VBus switch 279 to disconnect the VBus of the USB Type-A port 220 from the power supply control unit 250g. (Step S410). As a result, the VBus of the USB Type-A port 220 is connected to the VBus resistance value monitoring unit 278.

  When the USB device device is connected to the USB Type-A port 220, the CPU 270g changes the resistance value of the resistance value monitoring unit 278 because the resistance value of the VBus changes (step S411).

  Further, when a USB device device is connected to the USB Type-A port 220 which is set to be unusable, the LED 231 corresponding to the USB Type-A port 220 is blinked (step S412). The user can recognize the USB Type-A port 220 that cannot be used by blinking.

  In this embodiment, the LED 231 is used for notification. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the USB Type-A port 220 is configured so that a small LCD is provided in the docking station body 200 and cannot be used for the LCD. May be displayed, and a voice warning that the USB Type-A port 220 is set to be unusable from the speaker 232 may be played, and the PC is connected to the USB Type-C via the USB Type-C cable 130. When dedicated application software is activated on the PC connected to the port 300, a warning may be displayed on the PC screen.

  The CPU 270g sets the VBus current of the unused port of the docking station 100g to cut (OFF), and when it is connected to the USB Type-A port 220, confirms the connection and then turns to cut (OFF). The USB Type-A port 220 can be turned on.

  As described above, in the docking stations 100, 100a,..., 100g according to the present embodiment, the CPUs 270a,..., CPU 270g use the currents output from the current control units 250a,. Since the current is controlled to be less than the supplyable current and output to the USB Type-A port 220, the current supplied to the USB Type-A port 220 does not exceed the maximum supply current of the USB Type-C port 300. Therefore, the user can avoid the power cutoff due to the power control function of the USB Type-C standard without being aware of the maximum power supplied from the USB Type-C port 300.

  In addition, the user can easily be notified of the value of the port suppliable current that can be used by the LED 231.

  In addition, the LED 231 allows the user to easily recognize the usable USB Type-A port 220 of the power supply destination USB Type-A port 220 and the suppliable current value of the usable port.

  In addition, a USB Type-A port 220 and an HDMI (registered trademark) graphic port interface 260 are included, and one of the USB Type-A port 200 and the HDMI (registered trademark) graphic port interface 260 is given priority over the other. The second usable port may be set again among the A port 220 and the interface 260 of the HDMI (registered trademark) graphic port.

  Further, the CPUs 270a to 270g can dynamically control the current that can be supplied to the interface 260 of the USB Type-A port 220 and the HDMI (registered trademark) graphic port. As a result, the user can supply an appropriate current unintentionally.

  In the present invention, the USB Type-C port 300 corresponds to “first port”, the USB Type-C cable 130 corresponds to “USB interface cable, USB Type-C cable”, and the USB Type-A port 220 or interface 260 corresponds to “1”. Or a plurality of second ports ”, the power supply unit 240 corresponds to“ power supply unit ”, the current control units 250a to 250g correspond to“ current control unit ”, and the CPUs 270a to 270g“ The information notifying unit 230a, the LED 231 and the speaker 232 correspond to the “information notifying unit, LED, speaker”, the docking stations 100, 100a, to 100g correspond to the “docking station”, and the USB. -HUB 225 corresponds to a “branch device”.

  A preferred embodiment of the present invention is as described above, but the present invention is not limited thereto. It will be understood that various other embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, in this Embodiment, although the effect | action and effect by the structure of this invention are described, these effect | actions and effects are examples and do not limit this invention.

100, 100a, ..., 100g: Docking station 130: USB Type-C cable 220: USB Type-A port 225: USB-HUB
230a: Information notification unit 231: LED
232: Speaker 240: Power supply unit 250a,..., 250g Current control unit 260: Interface 270a,.
300: USB Type-C port

Claims (10)

A first port to which a USB interface cable can be connected;
One or more second ports for connecting device devices;
A power supply unit for inputting power supplied from the USB interface cable via the first port;
A current control unit that outputs the power to the second port by controlling the current of the power output from the power supply unit to be equal to or less than a supplyable current;
A calculation unit that receives the value of the maximum supply current of the USB interface cable and calculates the value of the supplyable current for one or a plurality of second ports based on the value of the maximum supply current;
A docking station comprising: an information reporting unit that reports a value of a current that can be supplied to the second port. A branching device for branching a signal from the first port into a plurality;
A plurality of the second ports are provided and connected to the branch device;
The calculation unit determines the usable second port among the plurality of second ports based on the value of the maximum supply current,
The docking station according to claim 1, wherein the information notification unit notifies the usable second port among the plurality of second ports. A first port to which a USB interface cable can be connected;
One or more second ports for connecting device devices;
A power supply unit for inputting power supplied from the USB interface cable compatible AC adapter;
A current control unit that outputs the power to the second port by controlling the current of the power output from the power supply unit to be equal to or less than a supplyable current;
An arithmetic unit that receives the value of the maximum supply current supplied from the AC adapter, calculates the value of the supplyable current based on the value of the supply maximum current, and determines the usable second port When,
A docking station comprising: a value of a current that can be supplied to the second port; and an information notification unit that notifies the usable second port among the plurality of second ports. When the first port is connected to the USB interface cable, the arithmetic unit monitors the value of the resistor connected to the CC line of the USB interface cable or the CC line of the AC adapter to supply the maximum Receive the current value,
4. The docking station according to claim 3, wherein the calculation unit calculates the value of the suppliable current based on the value of the maximum supply current and determines the usable second port. 5. The calculation unit calculates the value of the suppliable current supplied to the second port based on the value of the maximum supply current set by the power setting in the case of the power setting according to the USB Power Delivery standard. And determining the usable second port,
5. The docking station according to claim 1, wherein, when there is no power setting according to the USB Power Delivery standard, the arithmetic unit monitors the power setting. 6. The second port includes at least one or more USB ports and at least one or more HDMI (registered trademark) graphic ports;
The calculation unit calculates a value of a current that can be supplied to the second port so that one of the USB port and the HDMI (registered trademark) graphic port can be used with priority over the other. The docking station according to claim 5.   7. The docking station according to claim 1, wherein the calculation unit resets the value of the suppliable current based on information from a device device connected to the second port.   8. The method according to claim 2, wherein when the device device is connected to the second port that cannot be used, the arithmetic unit causes the information notification unit to notify that the information is not usable or usable. The docking station according to claim 1.   The docking station according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the information notification unit includes one or more of lighting or blinking of an LED, an emission color of the LED, an LCD, and a speaker. The docking station according to claim 1, wherein the USB interface cable includes the USB Type-C cable.