JP2022011935A - Printer - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a printer capable of performing power supply and data communication while enabling connection including a device (a terminal) that is compatible with three modes relating to power supply and communication and is incompatible with power delivery (PD).SOLUTION: A printer 100 includes: a connector 302 compliant with a USB type C compatible with power delivery; a power supply unit 180 that supplies power to a terminal of the connector 302; a USB control unit 152; and a mode storage unit 158. The USB control unit 152 determines whether a device connected to the connector 302 is a device compliant with the USB type C compatible with power delivery or not and executes control of power supply and/or data communication, based on a determined result and a set value in the mode storage unit 158.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

The present invention relates to a printer or the like, for example, a kitchen printer, a relatively small thermal printer such as a POS printer that can be used by connecting to a POS system, and the like. Both USB (Universal Serial Bus) and USB Type-C (or USB-C) are registered trademarks.

Since the USB Type-C (registered trademark) connector has a vertically and horizontally symmetrical shape, the connector insertion port is reversible and has the convenience of being able to be inserted in either direction. In addition, its size has been reduced to the same size as micro USB (about 8.4 mm x about 2.6 mm), and it can also be used for portable devices such as tablets and smartphones (sometimes simply called devices or terminals). It can be installed.

On the other hand, the USB-PD (Power Delivery) standard is, for example, in the range of voltage 5V to 12V to 20V and current 1.5A to 2A to 3A to 5A in order to enable charging and power supply with a large power capacity. The charging current and voltage can be selected, and for example, USB charging and power supply up to 10W, 18W, 36W, 65W, and a maximum of 100W are possible.

In addition, the USB-PD standard is compatible with conventional cables and connectors, and is USB2.0 (maximum power 2.5W), USB3.1 (maximum power 4.5W), and USB battery charging standard BC1.2. It is an independent standard that coexists with (maximum power 7.5W).

By fusing USB-C and USB-PD standards, it is possible to charge and supply high power over a wide range via a small USB connector and USB cable. In recent years, this technology has been applied to various devices. It is expected to be applied.

Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus that is compliant with PD (Power Peripheral) compatible USB type C and supplies electric power to an external device. For example, in [0013] of Patent Document 1, "a screen indicating that power supply is temporarily stopped when printing is executed is displayed, and when power supply permission is received from the user, power supply to an external device is supplied. Starts, stops power supply when printing is executed during power supply, prints when power supply is stopped, and resumes power supply to external devices when printing is completed, so printing and charging to external devices Can be compatible with each other. "

Further, in [0018] and [0019] of Patent Document 1, "The image forming apparatus 100 is an external device, is connected to a peripheral device 112 which is an information processing device by a USB cable 117, and is connected to a PC 116 by a network 115. ing. The image forming apparatus 100 receives the image data from the PC 116 and prints the image indicated by the image data on a recording medium such as a recording paper. Further, the image forming apparatus 100 can supply power to peripheral devices that can receive power by using the USB cable 117. The image forming apparatus 100, the peripheral device 112, and the USB cable 117 are compatible with the PD-USB standard. ] Is described. Since this image forming apparatus is used by being connected to a PC 116, it is considered to be a printer as a peripheral device such as a desktop personal computer, and the type of printer is "recording paper" as a recording medium. Therefore, it is considered that the printer is a photoconductor drum type or an inkjet type printer.

JP-A-2015-174373A

The present inventor mounts a USB type C connector compatible with power delivery on a relatively small thermal printer (printer using thermal paper) such as a kitchen printer and a POS printer, and is compliant with USB type C, for example, a smartphone. It was considered to carry out charging (power supply) and data communication (for example, communication of print data) via a USB cable with a device (terminal) such as a printer or a tablet (however, the scope of application of the present invention is: Not limited to thermal printers).

Here, in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, the printer does not have both power supply and printing at the same time, and when one is performed, it is necessary to stop the other. On the other hand, the present inventor conducted a study on the premise that printing can be performed at the same time as power supply (charging). As a result, the following issues have been clarified.

(1) When power supply and data communication can be executed at the same time, it is necessary to balance each of them. Appropriate distribution of power and appropriate settings such as the power capacity that can be used for power supply (charging) are required, which makes the design difficult.

(2) Communication of print data means that print processing is performed at the same time. Since a certain amount of large-capacity power transmission to the device (terminal) and power supply to the print head are performed at the same time, the power consumption tends to increase, and the temperature of the circuit board rises due to the heat generated by the power supply circuit or the like. there is a possibility. If the degree of the increase is large, for example, there is a concern about deterioration of circuit parts, and in the worst case, the power rating of the printer may be exceeded and the power of the printer may be turned off.

(3) Some devices (terminals) connected to the printer are compliant with USB type C but not with the power delivery (PD) standard. If the connection of these devices (terminals) to the printer is uniformly prohibited, the usability of the user will deteriorate. Therefore, it is preferable to connect a device (terminal) that does not support PD to a printer so that it can be used.

However, in this case, the USB standard is inconsistent, and there arises a difficulty in accurately performing the desired operation on the device (terminal) side on the printer side. For example, it may be assumed that the printer recognizes the connected device but cannot accept the device's request, and the device does not perform the desired operation.

(4) When the present inventor focused on power supply to the device and communication of print data, it was found that there are the following three modes related to power supply and communication as modes that can be provided to the user. The first mode is a "power supply + communication" mode, the second mode is a "power supply only mode", and the third mode is a "communication only mode".

The printer is equipped with a USB connector (or USB adapter) that conforms to USB type C (and also supports PD), but the actual operation performed between the printer and the device is the device that connects to this USB connector. Depending on the specifications of the USB, the type of cable used for connection, the timing of connection, etc., it will be randomly determined without the user's recognition. Considering this point, in the printer, the mode when a device compliant with USB type C is connected to the USB connector can be individually switched and set to the above three modes (in other words, the user can set the USB type of the printer. It is preferable to be able to select the function of C individually).

By appropriately switching the printer mode to the first mode in which "power supply + communication" is possible, the second mode in which "power supply only mode", and the third mode in which "communication only mode" is possible, USB It is possible to improve the usability of the user.

However, in this case, for example, when the printer is set to the second mode, which is the "power supply-only mode", and the device (terminal) side requests data transfer for printing, the printer side. Since it does not support data communication, printing cannot be executed.

Further, for example, when the printer is set to the third mode, which is the "communication-only mode", and the device (terminal) side requests power supply for charging, the printer side supplies power. Cannot be powered because it is not compatible with.

(5) Further, in the case of the inconsistency of the USB standard of the above (3), there may be a case where the mode of the printer of the above (4) and the request on the device (terminal) side are inconsistent. In this case, since it is difficult to negotiate between the printer and the device (terminal), it is more difficult to let the printer perform the processing as desired by the device (terminal) side.

For example, when the printer is set to the first mode of "power supply + communication", a device (terminal) that does not support power delivery is connected, but the negotiation does not work and the device (terminal) side is It can be assumed that, for example, only power is supplied, printing is ignored, and the user's intention is not reflected, even though both charging and printing are desired.

(6) In line with these trends, considering that kitchen printers, POS printers, etc. are small, lightweight, and low-cost products when taking measures against the above problems (1) to (5). Such measures are required. For example, it is difficult to adopt a method of using an expensive and multifunctional power supply circuit.

Patent Document 1 does not describe the above-mentioned problems and does not mention countermeasures thereof.

One object of the present invention is to provide a printer that supports three operation modes related to power supply and communication, enables connection including devices (terminals) that do not support power delivery, and enables power supply and data communication. To provide.

Other objects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art by reference to the embodiments exemplified below and the best embodiments, as well as the accompanying drawings.

Hereinafter, in order to easily understand the outline of the present invention, embodiments according to the present invention will be illustrated.

In the first aspect, the printer is
With a USB type C compliant connector that supports power delivery,
A power supply unit that supplies power to the terminals of the connector,
Regarding power supply and communication, it supports the first mode that can perform power supply and data communication, the second mode that is dedicated to power supply, and the third mode that is dedicated to data communication, including devices that do not support power delivery. USB control unit that performs control that enables power supply and data communication while enabling connection with
A mode storage unit in which any one of the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode is stored as a set value, and
Equipped with
The USB control unit is
It is determined whether or not the device connected to the connector is a USB type C compliant device compatible with power delivery.
Power supply and / or data communication control is performed based on the determination result and the set value of the mode storage unit.

In the first aspect, the printer is equipped with a USB Type C (USB Type-C or USB-C) connector and is compatible with USB Power Delivery (USB PD). It also has the following three modes related to power supply and communication.
First mode: power supply + communication mode (default)
Second mode: Power supply-only mode Third mode: Communication-only mode Between the printer and the device (terminal) depending on the specifications of the device (terminal) connected to the printer, the type of cable used for connection, the timing of connection, etc. In this embodiment, the mode related to the power supply and communication of the printer is selected in advance according to the specifications and applications of the device so that the operation actually performed in is not randomly determined without the user's recognition. I will do it.
This makes it possible for the user to perform the desired operation for power supply and bidirectional communication between the printer and the device (terminal).

In the second aspect, the printer is
With a USB type C compliant connector that supports power delivery,
A power supply unit that supplies power to the terminals of the connector,
Regarding power supply and communication, it supports the first mode that can perform power supply and data communication, the second mode that is dedicated to power supply, and the third mode that is dedicated to data communication, including devices that do not support power delivery. USB control unit that performs control that enables power supply and data communication while enabling connection with
A mode storage unit in which any one of the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode is stored as a set value, and
Equipped with
The USB control unit is
When the device connected to the connector is a USB type C compliant device compatible with power delivery and the set value of the mode storage unit is the first mode, power supply and data communication can be performed. ,
When the device connected to the connector is a USB type C compliant device compatible with power delivery, and the set value of the mode storage unit is the second mode, power is supplied, and when the mode is the third mode. Data communication can be carried out in
When the device connected to the connector is a device that does not support power delivery and the set value of the mode storage unit is the first mode, either power supply or data communication can be performed. age,
When the device connected to the connector is a device that does not support power delivery and the set value of the mode storage unit is the second mode, power is supplied, and when the third mode is used. Implements control that enables data communication.

In the second aspect, as in the first aspect, the mode related to the power supply and communication of the printer is selected in advance according to the specifications and applications of the device, and the power supply between the printer and the terminal is bidirectional. Make the user perform the desired operation for communication.
At this time, it is determined whether the device is a device compliant with USB type C compatible with power delivery (PD) or a device compliant with USB type C but not compatible with power delivery. , Control is carried out according to the determination result.
If the device also supports PD, since it is consistent with the USB standard of the printer, power supply and data communication can be performed in the first mode according to the setting of the mode storage unit, and the second mode. Will enable power supply and the third mode will enable data communication.
On the other hand, if the device does not support PD, it will be inconsistent with the USB standard of the printer. When inconsistency occurs, for example, a situation may occur in which sufficient negotiation between the printer and the device (terminal) cannot be performed. Therefore, in this case, when the set value of the mode storage unit is the first mode, either power supply or data communication can be performed, and when the second mode is set, power supply can be performed, and the third mode. In the mode of, data communication can be performed.
This makes it possible to connect both PD-compatible and non-PD-compatible devices (terminals) to the printer and perform the operation desired by the user. Therefore, it is possible to improve the usability of the printer provided with the connector conforming to the USB type C standard.

In the third aspect, the printer is
With a USB type C compliant connector that supports power delivery,
A power supply unit that supplies power to the terminals of the connector,
Regarding power supply and communication, it supports the first mode that can perform power supply and data communication, the second mode that is dedicated to power supply, and the third mode that is dedicated to data communication, including devices that do not support power delivery. USB control unit that performs control that enables power supply and data communication while enabling connection with
For devices that are planned to be used by being connected to the connector, a mode storage unit in which whether the intended use is charging or data communication is set in advance, and
Equipped with
The USB control unit is
When the device connected to the connector is a USB type C compliant device compatible with power delivery, the first mode is adopted to enable power supply and data communication.
When the device connected to the connector is a device that does not support power delivery, the mode storage unit is referred to to determine either power supply only or data communication only.
and,
If the mode when the device is connected to the connector is the second mode of power supply only and the determination is only data communication, the second mode can be used for data communication. Control to change to 3 modes,
If the mode when the device is connected to the connector is the third mode of data communication only and the determination is only power supply, the third mode can be powered by the second mode. Control to change to the mode of.

In the third aspect, when the connected device (terminal) supports power delivery (PD), the printer operates in the first mode in which "power supply + data communication" is possible, and does not support PD. In the case of a device (terminal), either "power supply only" or "data communication only" shall be selected for operation. This is the basic design policy.

For PD-compatible devices, it will be possible to carry out power supply and data communication by utilizing the PD standard. On the other hand, for devices that do not support PD, if there is a USB standard inconsistency between the printer and the device, only one of the operations is executed.

Further, in the third aspect, the mode of the USB type C in the printer is matched with the mode of the USB type C standard, the first mode (power supply + data communication), the second mode (power supply only), and the third mode. It can be a mode (data communication only). In other words, each mode can be set individually. This point is also one of the basic design policies. This improves usability for USB users.

However, in this case, in addition to the mismatch of correspondence / non-correspondence to PD, a new problem of mismatch between the printer mode and the request on the device side arises. Therefore, in this embodiment, a preset method using a mode storage unit is introduced.

Small printers such as kitchen printers and POS printers are basically mainly used on a commercial basis such as order reception and accounting processing at stores. For example, when a printer of this aspect is newly installed in a store, It is assumed that the system administrator, etc. will specify or limit the types and uses of devices that can be connected to the printer in advance, and allow users (for example, store employees) to use them. Will be done. For example, a smartphone can be connected to the printer of this embodiment in a limited manner, and its use can be specifically defined as printing only or charging only. In other words, it is possible to identify in advance the device to be used and its intended use.

Focusing on this point, the mode storage unit stores usage information (information indicating "charging" or "printing") in association with specific information (for example, device name) of the device to be used (in other words). For example, it is possible to register in advance). The mode storage unit can be easily realized by, for example, executing a utility program attached to the OS (operating system) on the CPU or MPU, and the cost increase can be suppressed.

In this way, if the printer can recognize the connected device, the user wants to execute it according to the content of the request on the device side (in other words, the specifications and usage of the device, etc.) without going through complicated negotiations thereafter. Operation) can be easily and quickly detected (detected).

As a result of the detection (detection), for example, as an operation on the printer side for a device that does not support PD, either power supply only or data communication only is determined. At this time, if the current mode of the printer is inconsistent with the determination, the mode of the printer is automatically changed to match.

For example, if the current mode of the printer is a second mode of power supply only and the determination is only data communication, control for changing the second mode to a third mode capable of data communication. Is carried out. Similarly, if the current mode is a third mode of data communication only and the determination is only power supply, control is performed to change the third mode to a second mode capable of supplying power. Will be done.

According to the printer of this aspect, it is possible to achieve both power supply and printing while connecting various devices conforming to a wide variety of USB standards. In addition, it is possible to eliminate the mismatch between the printer side and the device side by reducing the negotiation as much as possible, reducing the burden, and at low cost. Therefore, the usability of the user who wants to utilize the printer as a USB device compliant with the USB type C standard is improved, and the printer can be widely used for a purpose other than the conventional one. Therefore, the variety and convenience of the printer are improved.

In the fourth aspect, which is subordinate to any one of the first to third aspects,
In each of the first and second modes of the printer, a plurality of sets of feed voltage and maximum current that can be selected are prepared according to the support / non-support of power delivery of the device connected to the connector, and the plurality thereof. The pairs include at least two pairs with the same feed voltage but different maximum currents.
The USB control unit may select a set of a feed voltage and a maximum current to be actually used, and perform control to switch the feed power to the connector according to the selection.

In the fourth aspect, the set of the power supply voltage and the maximum current is selected from a plurality of sets prepared in advance according to the specifications (for example, the type of communication protocol to be adopted) and the application of the device connected to the printer. Determine the power rating mainly by switching, such as selecting.

In other words, the device connected in each mode so that the printer can handle both the first mode (power supply + data communication) and the second mode (power supply only). USB power supply that prepares multiple sets of power supply voltage and maximum current according to PD compatible / non-PD compatible, selects the appropriate one from the power sets, and switches the power rating to supply power. Control is enforced.

Since the power rating (power capacity) is changed by selective switching, the burden is less and high-speed processing is possible compared to the case of performing complicated processing such as variably generating voltage and current according to the situation. It is possible and has the advantage that the processing load is small.

In addition, a plurality of power sets that can be selected according to the printer mode and PD compatibility / non-support of the device are prepared, and the plurality of power sets include at least two sets having the same voltage but different currents (maximum current value, etc.). included.

Thereby, regardless of the situation, the power supply power can be changed by changing the current without changing the voltage, depending on which power set is selected. Further, the method of changing the current to reduce the power supply power (power supply power) can also be used as power reduction (power save power supply) when the temperature of the circuit board on the printer side rises.

In the fifth aspect, which is subordinate to any one of the first to fourth aspects,
The power capacity of the power supply unit is divided into power supply to the outside of the printer via the connector and operation including printing inside the printer.
In the first mode, when the device connected to the connector requests power supply and printing, the USB control unit may perform power supply and printing within the range of each divided power supply capacity. good.

In the fifth aspect, a configuration is adopted in which the power supply capacity is divided into those for supplying to an externally connected device and those for printer operation such as printing. In other words, at least two power supply lines are provided, and one power supply line may be used for power supply or the other power supply line may be used for printer operation such as printing. For example, when converting a 100V AC (alternating current) voltage to a DC (direct current) voltage, by using a multi-output type with two output transformers as an AC / DC converter, there are two systems with little mutual influence. A power supply line can be realized (but not limited to this). Then, for example, by performing power supply and printing within the range of the divided power supply capacity (electric power amount) (without fixing and changing the power amount), the printing operation is performed even if the power supply operation status changes. It is possible to prevent the power supply operation from being affected even if the printing condition changes, and stable operation is always possible.

Further, in this embodiment, advanced power supply management such as variably controlling the power that can be used for each operation according to the power supply status and the printing status is unnecessary, and the burden on the USB control unit is reduced. This also contributes to cost reduction.

In the sixth aspect, which is subordinate to the first to fifth aspects,
The USB control unit is
When the device connected to the connector is a USB type C compliant device that supports power delivery,
The printer
When you become the power supply side for power supply and the data transmission side for data communication,
According to the USB power delivery standard, perform data roll swap, change the printer to the side that receives data, supply power from the printer to the device, and communicate data from the device to the printer.
When you become the power receiving side for power supply and the data receiving side for data communication,
In accordance with the USB power delivery standard, power roll swap may be performed to change the printer to the power supply side to supply power from the printer to the device and to communicate data from the device to the printer.

In the USB Power Delivery (USB PD) standard, power supply and data communication are basically two-way communication. However, when the printer is equipped with a PD-compatible USB type C connector, the power supply is power supply from the printer to the device (unidirectional power supply), and the data communication is communication from the printer to the device. Although it is not said that the main communication is the communication (transfer) of print data from the device to the printer, this main communication is also a unidirectional data communication.

It can be said that it is inefficient to carry out power supply and data communication in one direction only by bidirectional communication, which is the default function of the PD standard, without any ingenuity. Therefore, in this embodiment, the power roll swap and data roll swap functions of the PD standard are used to realize the above-mentioned unidirectional power supply and data communication.

The power roll swap is a function of exchanging the power supply side (source) and the power receiving side (sink), and the data roll swap is a function of exchanging the data transmitting side (host) and the data receiving side (device). By appropriately implementing this swap function, bidirectional power supply and bidirectional data communication are the basics, while substantially (temporarily) unidirectional power supply from the printer to the device and device to the printer. It is possible to realize (combine) unidirectional data communication.

In the seventh aspect, which is subordinate to the fourth to sixth aspects,
The USB control unit is
When the temperature of the circuit board provided with the USB control unit becomes equal to or higher than the first temperature threshold value, the feeding voltage is not changed and the maximum current is lowered in each of the first and second modes. To switch and change,
When the temperature of the circuit board becomes equal to or lower than the second temperature threshold value lower than the first temperature threshold value, the feeding voltage is not changed and the maximum current is set in each of the first and second modes. It may be changed by switching to the maximum current before the change.

In the seventh aspect, the temperature of the circuit board (printed circuit board, etc.) is controlled on the printer side, and when the temperature becomes equal to or higher than the first temperature threshold value and a high temperature is detected, a process of suppressing the temperature rise is performed. do.

The process of suppressing the temperature rise is to switch so that the maximum current is low without changing the power supply voltage when the printer is in the first mode (power supply + data communication) or the second mode (power supply only). It is realized by reducing the electric power and suppressing the heat generation from the circuit or the like.

As a simple method for realizing this, for example, in the fourth aspect, "a plurality of power sets that can be selected according to the mode of the printer and the PD support / non-support of the device are prepared, and the voltage is used in the plurality of sets. At least two sets that are the same but have different currents (maximum current values, etc.) are included. "

In other words, under certain circumstances, when power is being supplied at a predetermined voltage and a predetermined maximum current, the circuit generates a large amount of heat due to the large amount of power, and the substrate temperature exceeds the first temperature threshold. You can switch to the other set of power supplies that have the same voltage and a lower maximum current value. As a result, the feeding power is reduced and heat generation can be suppressed. The method of changing the current to reduce the power supply power (power supply power) is used as power reduction (power save power supply) when the temperature of the circuit board on the printer side rises, and the configuration may be simple. , Has the advantage of being easy to realize.

Further, in this embodiment, even if the temperature of the substrate that has risen above the first temperature threshold gradually decreases and falls below the first temperature threshold, the power supply at low power is maintained, and then the first Only when the temperature becomes equal to or less than the second temperature threshold value smaller than the temperature threshold value, the low power supply is returned to the original power supply. In other words, the switching of the feeding power has a hysteresis characteristic. This reliably prevents problems such as deterioration of circuit parts due to high temperature and power-off of the printer.

Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the embodiments according to the invention exemplified may be further modified without departing from the spirit of the invention.

FIG. 1A is a diagram for explaining the advantages of connecting a smartphone compatible with USB type C to a printer provided with a USB type C connector compatible with power delivery to perform power supply and printing. (B) and (C) are diagrams for explaining the cause of inconsistency (mismatch) between the printer and the smartphone. FIG. 2 shows a printer that supports three modes related to power supply and communication, and enables connection to devices (terminals) that do not support power delivery (PD), while enabling power supply and data communication. It is a figure which shows the setting example of the printer in a mode in a table format. It is a figure which shows the operation example in tabular form when a printer has a connector conforming to a standard other than type C, and a device conforming to a standard which is not compatible with power delivery is connected to the connector. It is a figure which shows an example of the system configuration of a printer. It is a figure which shows an example of the internal structure of a printer. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example which determines whether the connected device is a USB type C corresponding to power delivery, and controls the operation of a printer based on the determination result and the setting information of a mode storage part. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of the preset process of a mode storage part. It is a flowchart which shows the outline of the processing procedure example when the device conforming to USB type C is connected to the connector conforming to USB type C corresponding to power delivery. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of the process for the device which does not support power delivery corresponding to step S13 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of the process which suppresses the temperature rise of a substrate. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process at the time of preparation for use of a printer, and an example of the process in use.

The best embodiments described below have been used to facilitate understanding of the present invention. Accordingly, one of ordinary skill in the art should note that the invention is not unreasonably limited by the embodiments described below.

(First Embodiment)
FIG. 1A is a diagram for explaining the advantages of connecting a smartphone compatible with USB type C to a printer equipped with a USB type C connector compatible with power delivery to perform power supply and printing. (B) and (C) are diagrams for explaining the cause of inconsistency (mismatch) between the printer and the smartphone.

In FIG. 1A, a printer 100 having a USB type C connector compatible with power delivery (PD) and a smartphone (mobile terminal: a device or an electronic device in a broad sense) 200 are connected by a USB cable 300. .. Power transmission (power supply or charging) from the printer 100 to the smartphone 200 and bidirectional data communication are possible via the USB cable 300.

The smartphone is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be an information terminal such as a camera, a video camera, a POS terminal, a tablet terminal, or other portable communication device.

Wired communication via a USB cable reduces the possibility of poor connection and erroneous communication as compared with communication using, for example, short-range wireless communication. In addition, the types of devices (electronic devices) that can be connected to the printer 100 will increase. Further, the difference in the operating system (OS) between the printer 100 and the smartphone 200 can be eliminated by utilizing the USB type C function that both have in common. In FIG. 1A, the printer 100 is equipped with OS1, and the smartphone 200 can be connected even when OS2 (a type different from OS1) is installed, for example.

However, due to the inconsistency (mismatch) between the printer 100 and the smartphone 200, there is a possibility that the operation desired by the user may not be performed, so countermeasures are required. 1 (B) and 1 (C) show an example of the cause of the above-mentioned inconsistency (mismatch).

See FIG. 1 (B). One of the causes of the mismatch on the smartphone 200 side is whether or not it complies with the power delivery (PD) standard. If PD is not supported, a standard inconsistency will occur with the PD-compatible printer 100.

Further, there are three types of user's requests, charging only, printing only, charging and printing, but the user desires that the printer 100 cannot recognize the request or erroneously recognizes the request. No action will be taken.

Further, the smartphone 200 has a predetermined power rating, and the communication protocol and the degree of power that can be used at the time of charging may differ depending on the smartphone model and the like. If power is supplied from the printer side while ignoring the power rating, problems such as heat generation will occur, so it is necessary to fully consider the power rating on the smartphone side.

See FIG. 1 (C). In the example of FIG. 1C, there is a factor that causes inconsistency on the printer side as well. In the printer of the present invention, the modes related to the power supply and communication of the printer can be individually set. In the first mode related to power supply and communication, "power supply and data communication" is possible, in the second mode, "power supply only" is possible, and in the third mode, "data communication only" is possible.

Here, for example, when the printer is set to the "second mode of power supply only", the printer loses its original printing function for processing via USB and operates as a power supply device.

The mode of the printer 100 can be set individually because it is designed in consideration of the user's needs to comfortably use not only the printing function of the printer but also the USB function.

However, according to this design, for example, when the printer 100 is "power supply only (second mode)" and there is a print request from the smartphone 200 side, the function on the printer side and the request on the smartphone side. Inconsistency occurs between and. The same applies when the smartphone 200 requests charging when the printer 100 is "data communication only (third mode)".

The present invention eliminates various inconsistencies between the printer and the device (terminal) connected to the printer as described above, and has a simple configuration, high speed, safety, and stability. , Achieve the processing desired by the user. Hereinafter, the explanation will be given step by step.

See FIG. FIG. 2 corresponds to three modes related to power supply and communication, and it is possible to perform power supply and data communication while enabling connection including devices (terminals) that do not support power delivery (PD). It is a figure which shows the setting example of the printer function in each mode of a printer in a table format.

In the printer setting example of FIG. 2, the printer corresponds to each of the first to third modes related to power supply and communication described above (in other words, the mode related to power supply and communication of the printer can be set individually. Is) is a prerequisite. In the leftmost column of the table in FIG. 2, the modes related to printer power supply and communication are "power supply + communication (first mode)", "power supply only (second mode)", and "communication only (third mode)". The fact that it is classified into "mode)" indicates this.

Here, an example of a method of individually setting the modes related to the power supply and communication of the printer will be described. Each mode can be individually set by a mode storage unit setting command (which will be described later) and, for example, an operation of a paper feed button or the like.

A specific example will be described. For example, with the power turned on, the printer cover is opened and the feed button is pressed for 5 seconds or longer. Release the button when the red LED flashes. The blinking red LED indicates that the "communication-only mode" has been selected.

Next, when the button is pressed, the blue LED blinks and the "power supply only mode" is set. Next, when the button is pressed, the purple LED blinks and the mode is set to "power supply + communication". After that, the same operation is repeated each time the button is pressed.

Next, when the LED display of the function to be set is displayed and the printer cover is closed, the setting is saved and the hardware reset is automatically executed. In addition, setting information and the like are automatically printed so that the contents of the registered settings and the like can be confirmed.

In this way, by selecting the mode related to power supply and communication in the printer in advance according to the specifications and applications of the device (terminal) connected to the printer, the processing via USB can be performed with the printer. It is possible to selectively execute the operation desired by the user for power supply and bidirectional communication between devices (terminals).

For example, if the user wants to connect a device (terminal) compatible with power delivery (PD) and perform bidirectional communication with power supply from the printer to the device, select "power supply + communication (first mode)". select. If you want to connect a device that does not support PD and supply power from the printer to the device, select "Power supply only mode (second mode)". If you want to connect a device that does not support PD and perform bidirectional communication, select "Communication-only mode (third mode)".

The explanation will be continued by returning to FIG. In FIG. 2, in each of the first to third modes described above, the devices connected to the printer are classified according to whether they support PD or not, and in each classification, the type of USB protocol is used. A plurality of sets of voltage and maximum current (power sets) that can be used are defined according to the above.

For example, in "power supply + communication (first mode)", four sets of 9V and 2A, 9V and 1A, 5V and 3A, 5V and 1.5A are defined for the device corresponding to PD. There is.

As can be seen from this example, there are two sets (at least two sets) in which the maximum current is different from 2A / 1A even if the voltage is the same at 9V. Further, in this example, the maximum current of one set is 2A, while the maximum current of the other set is 1A, the amount of current is halved, and the electric power is also halved accordingly.

Here, the first mode is applied only to the device corresponding to PD, and is not applied to the device not compatible with PD.

Further, in the first mode, it is not possible to perform power supply and communication to a device that does not support PD, and only "power supply only" or "communication only" can be executed.

For devices that do not support PD, apply to the set of voltage 5V and maximum current 3A, the set of 5V and 1.5A, and the devices that do not support the above mode, which correspond to the "USB type C currant standard". A set of 5V and 0.5A called the default USB power is defined. There is also a standard called BC1.2 that supplies 7.5 W, but in the first mode, this BC1.2 is not adopted, and when the device side requests charging by BC1.2, the default USB Correspond with power.

As can be seen from this example, there are two sets (at least two sets) in which the maximum current is different from 3A / 1.5A even if the voltage is the same at 5V. Further, in this example, the maximum current of one set is 3A, while the maximum current of the other set is 1.5A, the amount of current is halved, and the electric power is also halved accordingly. There is.

Next, "dedicated power supply (second mode)" will be described. When the USB type C function on the printer side is dedicated to power supply, the only function that can be used is power supply, regardless of whether the connected device supports PD or not. Further, the set of voltage and maximum current that can be used for supplying power to the device corresponding to PD is the same as that of the first mode. Regarding the voltage and maximum current pairs that can be used to supply power to devices that do not support PD, 5V and 1.5A pairs that comply with the BC1.2 standard have been added to the example of the first mode. Considering that it is a power supply-only mode, it is possible to support the BC1.2 standard to improve convenience.

In "communication only (third mode)", regardless of whether the connected device supports / does not support PD, only communication (bidirectional data communication) is possible, and power supply (charging) is not possible.

In this way, the printer is connected for each mode so that it can handle both the first mode (power supply + data communication) and the second mode (power supply only). USB that prepares multiple sets of power supply voltage and maximum current according to PD support / non-PD support of the device, selects the appropriate one from the power sets, and switches the power rating to supply power. Power supply control is carried out.

Since the power rating (power capacity) is changed by selective switching, the burden is less and high-speed processing is possible compared to the case of performing complicated processing such as variably generating voltage and current according to the situation. It is possible and has the advantage that the processing load is small.

In addition, a plurality of power sets that can be selected according to the printer mode and PD compatibility / non-support of the device are prepared, and the plurality of power sets include at least two sets having the same voltage but different currents (maximum current value, etc.). included.

Thereby, regardless of the situation, the power supply power can be changed by changing the current without changing the voltage, depending on which power set is selected. Further, the method of changing the current to reduce the power supply power (power supply power) can also be used as a power reduction (power save power supply) when the temperature of the circuit board on the printer side rises (this point will be described later). do).

Next, refer to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing in a table format an operation example when a printer has a connector conforming to a standard other than Type C and a device conforming to a standard not compatible with power delivery is connected to the connector. Is.

For example, it may be assumed that the printer has a plurality of USB connectors, one of which is not compatible with power delivery (PD). FIG. 3 shows an example of setting the operation when a device (terminal) that does not support PD is connected to the connector that does not support PD of the printer.

As the connector of the printer, USB types A and B can be assumed. For the USB type A connector, the cable (connection type) is assumed to be a connection cable between "Type A" and "Type Micro-B", and a connection cable between "Type A" and "Type C". obtain.
For USB type B connectors, "Type B to type A male conversion cable (USB on the go: OTG compatible)" and "Type A female to Micro-B conversion cable (OTG)" A cable connecting "correspondence)" and a "cable for connecting type B and type C" can be assumed.

When the connector of the printer is "Type A" or "Type B", "Type Micro-B" and "Type C (not compatible with PD)" can be assumed as the connector on the device (terminal) side.

The available operations for each setting are as described in the right column of the table in FIG. When the connector of the printer is "Type A", the operation can be performed only in the direction from the printer to the device (terminal) (indicated as "from the printer to the device" in FIG. 3). When the printer connector is "Type B" and the cable is "OTG specification using a conversion cable", only bidirectional communication is possible. The printer connector is "Type B" and If the cable is a "type B to type C connector", it can only supply power in the direction from the device to the printer (indicated as "device to printer direction" in FIG. 3), or , It can be assumed that the power supply and bidirectional communication are possible. However, it can be said that the power supply in the direction from the device to the printer is not particularly necessary when the printer is supplied with power from the AC power adapter. However, for example, a case where power is supplied to the mobile printer from a USB mobile battery or the like can be assumed. In this case, power supply in the direction from the device to the printer is effective.

Next, refer to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a printer system configuration. The printer 100 according to the present invention shown in FIG. 1 includes an MPU (CPU) 110, a user interface (user I / F) 120, a ROM 130, a RAM 140, a USB interface (USB I / F) 150, an EEPROM 170, and the like. It has a USB type C compliant connector 302 that supports power delivery (PD).

Further, the user I / F 120 has a display controller 122, a display unit 124, a touch panel controller 126, and a touch panel 128. The touch panel 128 includes a paper feed button and the like described above. Further, the display unit 124 includes a display such as a liquid crystal panel, and the red, blue, and purple LEDs described above.

The EEPROM 170 includes a USB (USB-C compatible USB-C) I / F management program 172, a utility program 174 for the mode storage unit, a GUI program 176, and a basic OS (for example, OS1 shown in FIG. 1) 178. Has.

The MPU (CPU) 110 operates according to the utility program 174 for the mode storage unit, whereby the mode storage unit (reference numeral 158 in FIG. 5) as a functional block is constructed. The details of the mode storage unit will be described later.

Next, refer to FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the printer. In FIG. 5, the same reference numerals are given to the parts common to the above-mentioned drawings. The printer 100 includes a user I / F 120, a USB I / F (circuit board) 150, a power supply unit 180, a printing unit 192, and a USB type C compliant connector 302 compatible with power delivery. The connector 302 has a VBUS terminal T1 for power transmission, CC1 and CC2 terminals (T2, T3) for data communication, and a GND terminal T4. Each terminal of T2 and T3 is connected to a voltage of 5V via pull-up resistors R1 and R2.

The USB I / F (circuit board) 150 includes a USB control unit 152 (which includes a power supply control unit 154), a PD communication control unit 156, a mode storage unit 158, a temperature sensor 160 for measuring the temperature of the circuit board, and power supply. It has a power receiving changeover switch 162, a battery 164, and an abnormality monitoring unit 166 for monitoring an abnormality notification or the like from a connected device. The switch 162 is switched to the a terminal side when the USB power is supplied, and is switched to the b terminal side when the power is received. The received power can be used, for example, to charge the battery 164 (however, it is an example and can be sent to the ground via a load resistance).

The power supply unit 180 generates and outputs a power supply voltage other than the AC adapter 181 (including a 2-output AC / DC converter 182) that receives an AC voltage supplied from a 100 V AC power supply (external power supply) AC1 and a printing unit. It has a DC-DC converter 184, a voltage variable DC-DC converter 186 for USB power supply, and an output current value (upper limit current value) variable buffer circuit (voltage follower) 188. The AC adapter 181 may be located outside the printer 100.

The printing unit 192 includes a printing power supply I / F 194, a thermal printer control unit 196, and a thermal printer head 198.

First, prepare multiple sets of power supply voltage and maximum current according to PD support / non-PD support of the connected device for each mode, select the appropriate power set from the power sets, and power. Although the point of switching the rating and supplying power has been described, a DC-DC converter 186 having a variable output voltage is provided in the power supply unit 180 in order to generate different voltages (9V and 5V in the example of FIG. 2). ing.

In addition, a plurality of power sets that can be selected according to the mode of the printer and the PD compatibility / non-support of the device are prepared in advance, and the plurality of sets have at least the same voltage but different current (maximum current value, etc.). Two sets are included, and at this time, it was explained that the feeding power can be changed by changing the current without changing the voltage, but in order to change this output current (maximum current value), In the power supply unit 180, an output current value variable buffer circuit (voltage follower) 188 is provided. Since it is a voltage follower, the output voltage is the same as the input voltage, but for example, by variably controlling the resistance value of the current limiting resistance (for example, switching control), the current amount of the output current after impedance conversion (upper limit current). It is possible to variably control (for example, switching control) the amount). In the example of FIG. 2, 9V and 2A can be 9V and 1A, and 5V and 3A can be 5V and 1.5A.

Each operation of the voltage variable DC-DC converter 186 and the output current value variable buffer circuit 188 is controlled by the power supply control unit 154 provided in the USB control unit 152. Further, when the power supply control unit 154 determines that the circuit board has become hot based on the temperature information from the temperature sensor 160, the output current value is variable in order to suppress the temperature rise (further lower the temperature). Instruct the buffer circuit 188 to switch the output current value (upper limit current value) to, for example, half the value (implementation of power save power supply). Further, the USB control unit 152 has device specific information obtained by negotiation with the connected device (terminal) from the PD communication control unit 156, information such as device specifications, or an abnormality issued from the device side. Each part is controlled in order to receive the detection information of the notification and perform appropriate response processing as appropriate.

Further, the point that the power supply for USB power supply and the power supply for printer operation such as printing is divided into two systems has been described above, but in order to realize this, in FIG. 5, the power supply unit 180 has a multi-output (here, 2). Output) An AC / DC converter 182 is used. The two-output AC / DC converter 182 can, for example, have two output transformers and generate two independent (no mutual influence) power outputs with individually set voltage values. can.

Next, refer to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for determining whether the connected device is compatible with power delivery and controlling the operation of the printer based on the determination result and the setting information of the mode storage unit.

First, any of the first to third modes is set in the mode storage unit of the printer (step S100). Here, the first mode is a mode in which power supply and communication are possible (default), the second mode is a power supply-only mode, and the third mode is a communication-only mode. Next, the device is connected to the USB type C terminal (connector) of the printer (step S101).

Subsequently, the setting content of the mode storage unit is determined (step S102). When the setting content is the first mode, the process proceeds to step S103. In step S103, it is determined whether or not the device supports power delivery (PD). If it corresponds, the process proceeds to step S104, and the printer status is determined. If it is not supported, the process proceeds to step S108 (this point will be described later).

The status of the printer in step S104 is, for example, a state in which only power is supplied from the printer to the terminal temporarily (power roll = source (power supply side), data roll = host (data), depending on the specifications of the terminal and the timing of connection. (Sending side)), or bidirectional communication only (power roll = sink (power receiving side), data roll = device). Here, when the printer becomes a source / host, power is supplied from the printer to the device (terminal) by using a data roll swap (Data Roll Swap) that replaces the host and the device as a data roll according to the USB PD standard. , Enables bidirectional communication (step S105). Also, when the printer becomes a sink / device, the power roll swap (Power Role Swap) that swaps the source (power supply side) and sink (power receiving side) according to the USB PD standard is used from the printer. It enables power supply in the device (terminal) direction and bidirectional communication (step S106).

In step S107, power supply from the printer toward the terminal and bidirectional communication are executed. Regarding power supply, as described above, there is a 9V x 2A (or 1A) power supply method or a 5V x 3A (or 1.5A) power supply method. For example, which power supply method is used by communicating with a device. It will be decided as appropriate whether to adopt it. Further, regarding data communication, both communication from the printer to the device and communication from the device to the printer are possible.

As a result of the determination in step S103, if the connected device does not support the PD standard, the process proceeds to step S108. In step S108, either power supply from the printer to the device (terminal) direction or bidirectional communication is executed. When power is supplied, as described above, if the device complies with the USB Type-C Curent standard, 5V x 3A (or 1.5A) power is supplied. If the device does not support the USB Type C Currant standard, 5V x 0.5A power is supplied from the printer to the device. Further, when data communication is performed, both communication from the printer to the device and communication from the device to the printer are possible.

When the result of the determination in step S102 is the second mode, the process proceeds to step S109. In step S109, it is determined whether or not the device supports power delivery (PD). If it corresponds, the process proceeds to step S110, and if it does not correspond, the process proceeds to step S111.

In step S110, power is supplied from the printer (power supply only) to the device corresponding to the power delivery (PD). As a power feeding method, there is a power supply of 9V × 2A (or 1A) or a power supply of 5V × 3A (or 1.5A).

In step S111, power is supplied (power supply only) from the printer to the device that does not support power delivery (PD). Here, if the device supports the USB type C Currant standard, 5V × 3A (or 1.5A) power supply is performed. When the device does not support the USB type C Currant standard and supports the BC1.2 standard, the power supply of 5V × 1.5A is performed. When the device does not support the USB type C Currant standard and does not support the BC1.2 standard, 5V × 0.5A power supply (in other words, power supply with the default USB power) is performed.

When the result of the determination in step S102 is the third mode, the process proceeds to step S112. In step S112, bidirectional communication (communication only) is performed between the printer and the device.

(Second embodiment)
In the second embodiment, a preferable operation control example of the printer will be described in detail while assuming the actual use of the printer.
Next, refer to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the preset processing of the mode storage unit. First, the administrator of the system that uses the printer has a USB type C connector that is permitted or will be connected to a POS printer or kitchen printer equipped with a PD-compatible USB type C. Check if there is a device (smartphone, POS terminal, tablet terminal, etc.) that does not support PD (step S1).

When N in step S1, the setting of the mode storage unit ends. When it is Y, the above-mentioned administrator or the like determines whether to use each device exclusively for printing or for charging (step S2).

Next, based on the determination in step S2, the mode storage unit is set for each device (step S3). The mode storage unit is set by using the user I / F of the printer (for example, operation buttons, numeric keypad, communication command, etc.). For example, when 0 is set in the mode storage unit, it is dedicated to power supply, and when 1 is set, it is dedicated to printing.

Next, check that it has been set for all devices. If it is N, the process returns to step S2. When it is Y, the setting of the mode storage unit is terminated.

The setting to this mode storage unit (reference numeral 158 in FIG. 5) is performed by, for example, an administrator or the like who operates the POS system of the store, and the administrator or the like actually uses the printer (employee or the like). By thoroughly disseminating the devices that can be used and the uses (charging or printing) that can be used with each device in advance, the settings for the mode storage unit 158 can be set by the person who actually uses the printer (employees, etc.). ) Will match the expected behavior, and no particular problem will occur.

Next, refer to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an outline of a processing procedure example when a device compliant with USB type C is connected to a connector compliant with USB type C compatible with power delivery.

Information on the connected device is acquired (step S10), and then it is determined whether the device is PD (power delivery) compatible (step S11). If it is Y, the process proceeds to step S12. In the case of N, processing is performed for a device that does not support PD (step S13). The details of the processing for the non-PD compatible device will be described later.

In step S12, for example, the other device is inquired as to whether to select 9V and 2A (Max18W) or 5V and 3A, and a response from the other device is obtained. However, the printer may make a determination based on the information already acquired without inquiring to the other party.

Next, in step S14, a mode related to power supply and communication of the current printer is determined. When it is the first mode (default), the process proceeds to step S16. When it is the second or third mode, the process proceeds to step S15 and the mode is switched to the first mode. In step S15, the basic policy for switching to the first mode is to support both power supply and communication when the connected device supports PD, as described above. Therefore, it follows this policy.

In step S16, power supply from the printer to the device and printing processing by communication of print data from the device to the printer are simultaneously performed. Further, as described above, in the power supply unit of the printer, the power supply capacity is divided into those for external supply and those for operation such as printing in advance, and the operations such as power supply and printing are simultaneously executed within each capacity. In other words, the power capacity of the power supply unit 180 is divided into power supply to the outside of the printer via the connector 302 and operation including printing inside the printer, and the USB control unit 152 supplies power and communicates. When there is a request for power supply and printing from the device connected to the connector 302 in the first mode for executing the above, power supply and printing are performed within the range of each divided power supply capacity. In the above description, it is described in the first mode, but the present invention is not limited to this. Not only in the first mode, but also in the second mode dedicated to power supply or the third mode dedicated to communication, power supply and printing are executed within the range of each divided power supply capacity. In addition, power roll swap and data roll swap are performed to switch the power supply and communication directions as needed.

Here, power roll swap and data roll swap will be described. In the USB Power Delivery (USB PD) standard, power supply and data communication are basically two-way communication. However, when the printer is equipped with a PD-compatible USB type C connector, the power supply is power supply from the printer to the device (unidirectional power supply), and the data communication is communication from the printer to the device. Although it is not said that the main communication is the communication (transfer) of print data from the device to the printer, this main communication is also a unidirectional data communication.

It can be said that it is inefficient to carry out power supply and data communication in one direction only by bidirectional communication, which is the default function of the PD standard, without any ingenuity. Therefore, in this embodiment, the power roll swap and data roll swap functions of the PD standard are used to realize the above-mentioned unidirectional power supply and data communication.

The power roll swap is a function of exchanging the power supply side (source) and the power receiving side (sink), and the data roll swap is a function of exchanging the data transmitting side (host) and the data receiving side (device). By appropriately implementing this swap function, bidirectional power supply and bidirectional data communication are the basics, while substantially (temporarily) unidirectional power supply from the printer to the device and device to the printer. It is possible to realize (combine) unidirectional data communication.

After step S16, if the substrate temperature becomes equal to or higher than the first temperature threshold value and there is a concern about deterioration of circuit components or power failure, step S17 is appropriately performed. Step S17 is a power supply suppression process (or temperature rise suppression process) based on the circuit board temperature.

Next, refer to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of processing for a device that does not support power delivery, which corresponds to step S13 of FIG. As described above, in the mode storage unit (reference numeral 158 in FIG. 5), information indicating the usage is registered in advance for each device that does not support PD. Therefore, in step S20, reference processing of the mode storage unit based on the information of the connected device (for example, the registered name) is performed. For example, the "registered name" can be freely registered in each device by the user of each device. For example, the mode storage unit 158 can store in advance the same registered name as the registered registered name.

In step S21, it is determined whether the reference result of the mode storage unit is "0" or "1". "0" means that the use is charging. "1" means that the use is printing. Here, when it is "0 (charge)", the process proceeds to step S22, and when it is "1 (print)", the process proceeds to step S26.

In step S22, the mode related to the power supply and communication of the printer is changed as necessary. In the first and second modes, there is no problem because power can be supplied. However, in the third mode (communication only), power cannot be supplied, so that the charging request from the device cannot be met. Therefore, in this case, the third mode is changed to the second mode. This enables power supply.

In step S23, for example, the other device is inquired about the charging mode (specifications, etc.). However, if the printer can specify the charging specifications from the already obtained information, the process of this step S23 is unnecessary.

In step S24, the operation described above with reference to FIG. 2 is executed. When the printer side is in the first mode, it does not support the BC1.2 standard. Therefore, if the device does not support the USB type C Current standard, the default USB power is selected.
When the printer side is in the second mode, BC1.2 is supported (supported), so that power can be supplied based on the specifications of the BC1.2 standard. If any of the modes shown in step S24 is not applicable, the power is supplied by the default USB power.

In step S25, the actual power feeding process is started. It is possible to charge with a maximum power of 15W (5V x 3A).

If it is "1 (printing)" in step S21, the process proceeds to step S26. In step S26, the mode related to the power supply and communication of the printer is changed as necessary. When the printer mode is the first or third mode, there is no problem because printing is possible, but when the printer mode is the second mode (power supply only), print data is accepted and printing processing is performed. I can't. Therefore, in this case, the second mode is changed to the third [0] mode.

In step S27, data communication processing via the USB connector and printing processing inside the printer are performed.

In this way, by referencing the mode storage unit, the printer mode can be automatically changed to the mode required to fulfill the request on the device side without going through complicated negotiation, and high-speed processing can be performed. Will be realized. Also, as explained earlier, the settings in the mode storage unit match (can be considered to match) the actual user's request, so the printer functions and the printer are actually used. There will be no inconsistency with the functions requested by the user. Therefore, the operation of the printer as desired by the user is always ensured.

Next, refer to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the process of suppressing the temperature rise of the substrate. Here, the description will be made on the premise that the processing based on the operation setting example shown in FIG. 2 is performed.

In step S30, it is determined whether 9V / 2A or 5V / 3A is being supplied based on the PD-compatible USB type C standard. If it is Y, the process proceeds to step S31, and if it is N, the process proceeds to step S35.

In step S31, the temperature of the circuit board is monitored, and it is determined whether the temperature of the circuit board is equal to or higher than the first temperature threshold value (here, 71 ° C.). The first temperature threshold may be referred to as the first threshold. When N, the monitoring of the temperature of the circuit board is continued. If it is Y, the process proceeds to step S32.

In step S32, when the current power supply is 9V / 2A power supply based on the PD-compatible USB type C standard, the power supply is changed to 9V / 1A power supply. When the current power supply is 5V / 3A power supply, the power supply is 5V / 1.5V. In other words, the current is changed without changing the voltage, the power is halved, and the power is supplied in the power save mode. As a result, by suppressing the electric power, it is possible to suppress heat generation of the circuit and wiring, suppress the temperature rise of the circuit board, and further reduce the temperature.

In step S33, it is determined whether the temperature of the circuit board is equal to or lower than the second temperature threshold value (here, 64 ° C.). The second temperature threshold may be referred to as a second threshold. When N, the same determination is continued, and the power save power supply is maintained during this period. If it is Y, the process proceeds to step S34, the power save power supply is canceled, and the original power supply is restored.

Here, the second temperature threshold value (64 ° C.) is 7 degrees lower than the first temperature threshold value (71 ° C.). Therefore, even if the temperature of the circuit board falls below the first temperature threshold value (71 ° C.) after the power save power supply is started, the power save power supply is not immediately released. Only when the temperature falls below the second temperature threshold value (64 ° C.), which is a sufficiently low temperature, the power save power supply is canceled and the original power supply is restored. Since the temperature rise suppression process having such a hysteresis characteristic is performed, heat generation of the circuit board is surely suppressed.

If it is N in step S30, the process proceeds to step S35. In step S35, it is determined whether or not the power supply of 5V / 3A based on the USB type C Current standard is being supplied. If it is Y, the process proceeds to step S36, and if it is N, the process ends.

In step S36, the temperature of the circuit board is monitored, and it is determined whether the temperature of the circuit board is equal to or higher than the first temperature threshold value (71 ° C.). When it is Y, the process proceeds to step S37, and when it is N, the monitoring of the temperature of the circuit board is continued.

In step S37, the power is switched to the USB type C Current standard 5V / 1.5A power supply to perform power save power supply. Again, the power is halved by changing the current without changing the voltage.

In step S38, it is determined whether the temperature of the circuit board is equal to or less than the second temperature threshold value (64 ° C.). When N, the same determination is continued, and the power save power supply is maintained during this period. If it is Y, the process proceeds to step S39, the power save power supply is canceled, and the original power supply is restored. Here, too, the temperature rise suppression process having the hysterical characteristic is carried out, so that the temperature rise of the circuit board is surely prevented. Therefore, safety is ensured.

Next, refer to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of processing at the time of preparation for use of the printer and an example of processing during use. In FIG. 11, the outline of the whole procedure summarizing each process described above will be described.

In step S40, for example, either charging or printing is individually charged to the mode storage unit of the printer based on the specifications and applications of the device (terminal) that conforms to USB type C but does not support PD. To be preset.

In step S41, a device (terminal) compatible with USB type C is connected to the PD-compatible connector of the printer. In step S42, it is determined whether the connected device supports PD (power delivery). If it is Y, the process proceeds to step S43. If it is N, the process proceeds to step S44.

In step S43, the mode related to power supply and communication of the printer is changed (changes from the second and third modes to the first mode), and power is supplied from the printer to the device (terminal) (changes from the second and third modes to the first mode), if necessary. (Maximum 18W / 9V x 2A) and processing of a print request from the device (terminal) to the printer (communication of printing data and the like, and printing) are simultaneously performed. In other words, the processing of the printer in the first mode in which power supply and communication can be performed at the same time is performed. Further, in the printer, the power supply capacity is divided into the external supply and the operation such as printing in advance (two-system power supply configuration), and the power supply and the operation such as printing are simultaneously performed within each capacity. Further, in order to change the feeding direction from the printer to the device (terminal), power roll swap is appropriately performed. In order to change the data communication direction from the device (terminal) to the printer, data roll swap is performed as appropriate. In addition, the substrate temperature rise suppression process is carried out by temperature monitoring. In other words, a process having a hysteresis characteristic that switches the feeding current when the temperature exceeds the first threshold value and returns to the original feeding current when the temperature falls below the second threshold value (<first threshold value). implement.

If N in step S42, the process proceeds to step S44. In step S44, the contents of the mode storage unit of the printer are read out. In step S45, it is determined whether the setting content of the mode storage unit is charging or printing. When charging, the process proceeds to step S46, and when printing, the process proceeds to step S47.

In step S46, the mode related to the power supply and communication of the printer is changed (the third mode is changed to the second mode), and the power supply from the printer to the device (terminal) is executed (maximum). 15W / 5V3A). Further, in order to change the feeding direction from the printer to the device (terminal), power roll swap is appropriately performed. In addition, a substrate temperature rise suppression process (having a hysteresis characteristic) is carried out by temperature monitoring.

In step S47, data communication (transfer of print data, etc.) and printing are performed. Further, in order to change the data communication direction from the device (terminal) to the printer, data roll swap is appropriately performed.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to perform power supply and data communication while supporting three modes related to power supply and communication and enabling connection including devices (terminals) that do not support power delivery. A printer can be provided.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made. For example, not only the application of the device but also the voltage and current value of the power supply may be registered in the mode storage unit, and the start of power supply may be accelerated by utilizing this. Further, in the second embodiment described above, the information of the device conforming to the USB type C but not the PD is registered in the mode storage unit, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the types and specifications of devices that can be connected to the printer increase, information about power supply (and / or data communication) of PD-compatible USB type C compliant devices is registered in the mode storage unit, and the printer side. You may try to reduce the processing load and speed up the processing.

The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned exemplary embodiments, and those skilled in the art will be able to easily modify the above-mentioned exemplary embodiments to the extent included in the claims. ..

100 ... Printer, 110 ... MPU (CPU), 120 ... User I / F, 122 ... Display controller, 124 ... Display unit, 126 ... Touch panel controller, 128 ... Touch panel , 130 ... ROM, 140 ... RAM, 150 ... USB I / F, 152 ... USB control unit, 154 ... power supply control unit, 156 ... PD communication control unit, 158 ... Mode storage unit, 160 ... Temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the circuit board, 162 ... Power supply / power receiving changeover switch, 164 ... Battery, 166 ... Abnormality monitoring unit, 170 ... EEPROM, 172.・ ・ USB (USB-C for PD) I / F management program, 174 ・ ・ ・ Utility program for mode storage unit, 176 ・ ・ ・ GUI program, 178 ・ ・ ・ Basic OS, 180 ・ ・ ・ Power supply unit, 181 ... AC adapter, 182 ... 2 output AC / DC converter, 184 ... DC-DC converter for power supply other than the printing unit 184, 186 ... Voltage variable DC-DC conversion for USB power supply Instrument, 188 ... Output current value (upper limit current value) Variable buffer circuit (voltage follower), 192 ... Printing unit, 194 ... Printing power supply I / F, 196 ... Thermal printer control unit, 198.・ ・ Thermal printer head, 200 ・ ・ ・ Smartphone as a device connected to the printer, 302 ・ ・ ・ USB type C compliant connector compatible with power delivery (PD).

Claims (7)

With a USB type C compliant connector that supports power delivery,
A power supply unit that supplies power to the terminals of the connector,
Regarding power supply and communication, it supports the first mode that can perform power supply and data communication, the second mode that is dedicated to power supply, and the third mode that is dedicated to data communication, including devices that do not support power delivery. USB control unit that performs control that enables power supply and data communication while enabling connection with
A mode storage unit in which any one of the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode is stored as a set value, and
Equipped with
The USB control unit is
It is determined whether or not the device connected to the connector is a USB type C compliant device compatible with power delivery.
Power supply and / or data communication control is performed based on the determination result and the set value of the mode storage unit.
A printer that features that. With a USB type C compliant connector that supports power delivery,
A power supply unit that supplies power to the terminals of the connector,
Regarding power supply and communication, it supports the first mode that can perform power supply and data communication, the second mode that is dedicated to power supply, and the third mode that is dedicated to data communication, including devices that do not support power delivery. USB control unit that performs control that enables power supply and data communication while enabling connection with
A mode storage unit in which any one of the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode is stored as a set value, and
Equipped with
The USB control unit is
When the device connected to the connector is a USB type C compliant device compatible with power delivery and the set value of the mode storage unit is the first mode, power supply and data communication can be performed. ,
When the device connected to the connector is a USB type C compliant device compatible with power delivery, and the set value of the mode storage unit is the second mode, power is supplied, and when the mode is the third mode. Data communication can be carried out in
When the device connected to the connector is a device that does not support power delivery and the set value of the mode storage unit is the first mode, either power supply or data communication can be performed. age,
When the device connected to the connector is a device that does not support power delivery and the set value of the mode storage unit is the second mode, power is supplied, and when the third mode is used. Implements controls that enable data communication,
A printer that features that. With a USB type C compliant connector that supports power delivery,
A power supply unit that supplies power to the terminals of the connector,
Regarding power supply and communication, it supports the first mode that can perform power supply and data communication, the second mode that is dedicated to power supply, and the third mode that is dedicated to data communication, including devices that do not support power delivery. USB control unit that performs control that enables power supply and data communication while enabling connection with
For devices that are planned to be used by being connected to the connector, a mode storage unit in which whether the intended use is charging or data communication is set in advance, and
Equipped with
The USB control unit is
When the device connected to the connector is a USB type C compliant device compatible with power delivery, the first mode is adopted to enable power supply and data communication.
When the device connected to the connector is a device that does not support power delivery, the mode storage unit is referred to to determine either power supply only or data communication only.
and,
If the mode when the device is connected to the connector is the second mode of power supply only and the determination is only data communication, the second mode can be used for data communication. Control to change to 3 modes,
If the mode when the device is connected to the connector is the third mode of data communication only and the determination is only power supply, the third mode can be powered by the second mode. Implement control to change to the mode of
A printer that features that. In each of the first and second modes of the printer, a plurality of sets of feed voltage and maximum current that can be selected are prepared according to the support / non-support of power delivery of the device connected to the connector, and the plurality thereof. The pairs include at least two pairs with the same feed voltage but different maximum currents.
The USB control unit selects a set of a feed voltage and a maximum current to be actually used, and controls to switch the feed power to the connector according to the selection.
The printer provided with the USB type C connector corresponding to the power delivery according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the printer is characterized by the above. The power capacity of the power supply unit is divided into power supply to the outside of the printer via the connector and operation including printing inside the printer.
In the first mode, when there is a request for power supply and printing from the device connected to the connector, the USB control unit causes power supply and printing to be performed within the range of each divided power supply capacity.
The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the printer is characterized by the above. The USB control unit is
When the device connected to the connector is a USB type C compliant device that supports power delivery,
The printer
When you become the power supply side for power supply and the data transmission side for data communication,
According to the USB power delivery standard, perform data roll swap, change the printer to the side that receives data, supply power from the printer to the device, and communicate data from the device to the printer.
When you become the power receiving side for power supply and the data receiving side for data communication,
According to the USB power delivery standard, power roll swap is performed, the printer is changed to the power supply side, power is supplied from the printer to the device, and data is communicated from the device to the printer.
The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the printer is characterized by the above. The USB control unit is
When the temperature of the circuit board provided with the USB control unit becomes equal to or higher than the first temperature threshold value, the feeding voltage is not changed and the maximum current is lowered in each of the first and second modes. To switch and change,
When the temperature of the circuit board becomes equal to or lower than the second temperature threshold value lower than the first temperature threshold value, the feeding voltage is not changed and the maximum current is set in each of the first and second modes. Switch to the maximum current before the change and change,
The printer according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the printer is characterized by the above.

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