JP2022181798A - printer - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a printer that can switch a ratio between a first power for charging a printer battery and a second power for charging an apparatus battery according to the maximum power that can be supplied by a power supply device.SOLUTION: A printer has: a power receiving unit 56 that receives power transmitted in a non-contact manner from a power supply device; a printer battery 5B that can be charged with the power received by the power receiving unit 56; a printing unit that is driven by the power charged in the printer battery 5B and performs printing on a medium to be printed; and a power transmission unit 57 that transmits, in a non-contact manner, the power received by the power receiving unit 56 to an electronic apparatus that has an apparatus battery being a rechargeable battery. The printer acquires the maximum power that is the maximum power that can be supplied by the power supply device. The printer determines, based on the acquired maximum power, a distribution ratio for distributing the power received by the power receiving unit 56 into a first power for charging the printer battery 5B and a second power for transmitting power from the power transmission unit 57.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

The present invention relates to printers.

Patent Literature 1 discloses a printer that includes a power receiving unit and a power transmitting unit. The power receiving unit wirelessly receives power from the power supply device. The printer charges a rechargeable battery (hereinafter referred to as "printer battery") provided in the printer with the received power. The power transmission unit transmits power obtained by converting alternating current input from a commercial power source into direct current to the electronic device in a contactless manner. The electric power transmitted to the electronic device charges a rechargeable battery (hereinafter referred to as "device battery") included in the electronic device. In addition, the printer exclusively executes drive signal generation processing that is performed during a printing operation, and power transmission processing that drives the power receiving unit and the power transmitting unit. The printer preferentially executes either the drive signal generation process or the power transmission process according to the print mode, the charging capacity of the printer battery, and the like.

JP 2017-81079 A

In the above, a configuration is also conceivable in which the power received by the power receiving unit is transmitted to the electronic device by the power transmitting unit instead of the power obtained from the commercial power source. In this case, the power received by the power receiving unit is divided into power for charging the printer battery (hereinafter referred to as "first power") and power transmitted by the power transmitting unit for charging the device battery (hereinafter referred to as "first power"). (referred to as "second power"). Here, the ratio between the first power and the second power is preferably switched according to the maximum power that can be supplied by the power supply device.

An object of the present invention is to switch the ratio between the first power for charging the printer battery and the second power for charging the device battery according to the maximum power that can be supplied by the power supply device. It is to provide a printer.

A printer according to the present invention includes: a power receiving unit that receives power wirelessly transmitted from a power supply device; a printer battery that can be charged with the power received by the power receiving unit; A printing unit that is driven by electric power and prints on a printing medium; a power transmitting unit that wirelessly transmits the power received by the power receiving unit to an electronic device having a device battery that is a rechargeable battery; a first acquisition unit for acquiring maximum power that is the maximum power that can be transmitted by the apparatus; and charging the printer battery with the power received by the power receiving unit based on the maximum power acquired by the first acquisition unit. and determining means for determining a distribution ratio to be distributed to the first power for transmission from the power transmission unit and the second power for transmission from the power transmission unit.

According to the present invention, the printer outputs the first power (power for charging the printer battery) and the second power (power for charging the device battery) based on the maximum power that can be transmitted by the power supply device. power) can be determined.

In the present invention, there is provided determination means for determining the state of the printing operation by the printing unit, and the determination means determines whether the maximum power acquired by the first acquisition means is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold and the determination means is printing. if it is determined that the first power is higher than the second power, and the maximum power acquired by the first acquiring means is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold and a first determining means for determining a second distribution ratio in which the second power is higher than the first power when the determining means determines that the printing operation is not in progress. In this case, the printer relatively increases the first power for charging the printer battery when printing is in progress, and relatively increases the second power for charging the device battery when printing is stopped. can. Therefore, the printer can efficiently charge the device battery while printing is stopped, while appropriately executing the printing operation with the power charged in the printer battery.

In the present invention, receiving means for receiving the first distribution rate and the second distribution rate is provided, and the first determining means determines the first distribution rate or the second distribution rate received by the receiving means. good too. In this case, the user can set the first distribution rate and the second distribution rate to desired values.

In the present invention, a second acquiring unit for acquiring the remaining capacity of the printer battery is provided, and the determining unit determines the distribution ratio according to the remaining capacity of the printer battery acquired by the second acquiring unit. A determining means may be provided. In this case, the printer can determine the appropriate distribution ratio based on the remaining capacity of the printer battery.

In the present invention, a third obtaining means for obtaining the remaining capacity of the device battery is provided, and the determining means determines the distribution ratio according to the remaining capacity of the device battery obtained by the third obtaining means. A determining means may be provided. In this case, the printer can determine the appropriate distribution ratio based on the remaining capacity of the device battery.

In the present invention, setting means is provided for selectively setting a first mode in which charging of the printer battery is prioritized or a second mode in which charging of the device battery is prioritized, wherein the determination means is the first acquisition means. is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value and the setting means sets the first mode, a first distribution ratio is determined in which the first power is greater than the second power. the second power is greater than the first power when the maximum power obtained by the first obtaining means is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold and the second mode is set by the setting means; A fourth determining means for determining the second distribution ratio may be provided. In this case, the user can set whether to charge the printer battery with priority or charge the device battery with priority.

In the present invention, the power transmission unit can transmit the power charged in the printer battery in addition to the power received by the power reception unit, and the maximum power acquired by the first acquisition unit is less than a predetermined threshold. In this case, the printer may further include first control means for transmitting power charged in the printer battery by the power transmission unit. The printer can charge the device battery with the power of the printer battery when the maximum power that can be supplied by the power supply device is insufficient.

In the present invention, second control means for charging the printer battery with the first power distributed at the distribution rate determined by the determination means and for transmitting the second power from the power transmission section; 2. When the charging of the printer battery is completed by the control means, all the power received by the power receiving section is transmitted to the power transmitting section, and the charging of the device battery is completed by the second control means. In this case, a change means may be provided for changing such that all the power received by the power receiving unit is used for charging the printer battery. When charging of one of the printer battery and the device battery is completed, the printer can increase the power for charging the other of the printer battery and the device battery. As a result, the printer can reduce the time required to complete charging of the printer battery and device battery.

1 is a perspective view of a printer 1, a power supply device 2, and an electronic device 3; FIG. 2 is a power supply system diagram of the printer 1, the power supply device 2, and the electronic device 3. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the printer 1; FIG. 4 is a flowchart of main processing; FIG. 5 is a flowchart of main processing, continuing from FIG. 4 ; FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of main processing, continuing from FIG. 4 ; FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of main processing, continuing from FIG. 6 ; 4 is a power system diagram with a first switch SW1 turned on; FIG. It is a power system diagram in a state where the third switch SW3 is turned on. FIG. 3 is a power system diagram in which a first switch SW1 and a second switch SW2 are turned on; 6 is a flowchart of acceptance processing;

An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings referred to are used to explain technical features that can be employed by the present invention, and the configuration of the devices described is not meant to limit them, but merely illustrative examples. In the description of this embodiment, the lower left, upper right, lower right, upper left, upper, and lower sides of FIG.

<Overview of Printer 1>
An overview of the printer 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The printer 1 is a type of printing device that uses a tape cassette. The printer 1 includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped body cover 10A. An LED 11 is provided on the front side surface of the body cover 10A. A cassette cover 10B, which is opened and closed when replacing the tape cassette, is provided above the body cover 10A. A tape cassette (not shown) is detachably accommodated inside the body cover 10A. A discharge slit 12 is provided in front of the left side surface of the body cover 10A. A tape (not shown), which is a medium to be printed, is wound into a roll and accommodated in the tape cassette. A tape printed by a printing unit 53 (to be described later) is discharged through the discharge slit 12 .

The printer 1 is driven by a built-in secondary battery (hereinafter referred to as "printer battery 5B"; see FIG. 2). Power for charging the printer battery 5B is transmitted from the power supply device 2 in a non-contact manner by wireless power transmission. The printer battery 5</b>B is charged while the printer 1 is placed on the power supply device 2 . Further, the printer 1 can transmit power to the electronic device 3 such as a smart phone in a non-contact manner by wireless power transmission. A secondary battery built into the electronic device 3 (hereinafter referred to as “device battery 3B”; see FIG. 2) is charged while the electronic device 3 is placed close to the upper surface of the printer 1 . The method of wireless power transmission applied in this embodiment is an electromagnetic induction method. In this embodiment, “non-contact” means that the power systems of the printer 1 and the power supply device 2 and between the printer 1 and the electronic device 3 are not in direct contact with each other.

<Power system>
FIG. 2 shows power systems for the printer 1 , the power supply device 2 , and the electronic device 3 . The power supply device 2 has a power transmission section 21 for wirelessly transmitting power to the printer 1 . The power transmission section 21 is composed of a power transmission control section 21A and a coil 2S. The power transmission control unit 21A is driven by power supplied from the adapter 23, and controls the current flowing through the coil 2S. The coil 2S generates magnetic flux when current flows. Adapter 23 is connected to a commercial power supply.

In the printer 1 , the power reception unit 56 receives power transmitted from the power supply device 2 in a contactless manner. The power reception unit 56 is composed of a power reception control unit 56A and a coil 5R. An induced current corresponding to the magnetic flux generated by the coil 2S of the power supply device 2 flows through the coil 5R. The power reception control unit 56A converts the induced current flowing through the coil 5R into a direct current and outputs the direct current. The power output from the power reception control section 56A is supplied to the printer battery 5B and the power transmission section 57, which will be described later.

A first switch SW1 and a first variable resistor VR1 are interposed between the power reception control section 56A and the printer battery 5B. The first switch SW1 switches between a state in which power is supplied from the power reception control unit 56A to the printer battery 5B and a state in which power is not supplied. With the first switch SW1 turned on, power is supplied from the power reception control section 56A to the printer battery 5B. In this state, the printer battery 5B is charged with power output from the power reception control section 56A. The first variable resistor VR1 controls power supplied from the power reception control section 56A to the printer battery 5B. On the other hand, when the first switch SW1 is turned off, power supply from the power reception control section 56A to the printer battery 5B is stopped.

A second switch SW2 and a second variable resistor VR2 are interposed between the power reception control section 56A and the power transmission section 57 . The second switch SW2 switches between a state in which power is supplied from the power reception control unit 56A to the power transmission unit 57 and a state in which power is not supplied. Power is supplied from the power reception control unit 56A to the power transmission unit 57 while the second switch SW2 is on. The second variable resistor VR2 controls power supplied from the power reception control unit 56A to the power transmission unit 57. FIG. On the other hand, when the second switch SW2 is turned off, power supply from the power reception control unit 56A to the power transmission unit 57 is stopped.

The power transmitted from the power transmission unit 21 of the power supply device 2 to the power reception unit 56 of the printer 1 is hereinafter referred to as "power P". Among the power P, the power supplied from the power reception control unit 56A to the printer battery 5B and used for charging the printer battery 5B is referred to as "first power P1". Of the power P, the power supplied from the power reception control unit 56A to the power transmission control unit 57A is referred to as "second power P2".

The power charged in the printer battery 5B is supplied to the CPU 51, storage section 52, printing section 53, and power transmission section 57. FIG. The CPU 51, storage unit 52, and printing unit 53 are driven by power supplied from the printer battery 5B. The CPU 51 controls the printer 1 as a whole. The storage unit 52 can store various data. The printing unit 53 includes a thermal head (not shown) for printing on tape.

A third switch SW3 is interposed between the printer battery 5B and the power transmission section 57. FIG. A third switch SW3 switches between a state in which power is supplied from the printer battery 5B to the power transmission unit 57 and a state in which power is not supplied. Power is supplied from the printer battery 5B to the power transmission unit 57 while the third switch SW3 is on. On the other hand, when the third switch SW3 is turned off, power supply from the printer battery 5B to the power transmission section 57 is stopped.

The power transmission unit 57 transmits power to the electronic device 3 in a contactless manner. The power transmission section 57 is composed of a power transmission control section 57A and a coil 5S. The power transmission control section 57A is driven by the power supplied from the power reception control section 56A or the printer battery 5B, and controls the current flowing through the coil 5S. The coil 5S generates magnetic flux when current flows.

The electronic device 3 receives the power transmitted from the printer 1 in a non-contact manner at the power receiving unit 34 . The power reception unit 34 is composed of a power reception control unit 34A and a coil 3R. An induced current corresponding to the magnetic flux generated by the coil 5S of the printer 1 flows through the coil 3R. The power reception control unit 34A converts the induced current flowing through the coil 3R into direct current and outputs the direct current. The power output from the power reception control unit 34A is supplied to the device battery 3B. The device battery 3B is charged with power output from the power reception control unit 34A.

The power charged in the device battery 3B is supplied to the CPU 31, the communication section 32, and the display section 33. FIG. The CPU 31, the communication section 32, and the display section 33 are driven based on power supplied from the device battery 3B. The CPU 31 controls the electronic device 3 as a whole. The communication unit 32 is a communication module for the electronic device 3 to perform wireless communication. The display unit 33 is a liquid crystal display.

Also, the power reception control unit 34A can be driven by the power supplied from the device battery 3B to allow current to flow through the coil 3R. In this case, a magnetic flux is generated in the coil 3R by the flow of current. At this time, an induced current corresponding to this magnetic flux flows through the coil 5S of the printer 1. FIG. The power transmission control unit 57A can detect the induced current flowing through the coil 5S. Although the details will be described later, the printer 1 detects whether or not the electronic device 3 is in proximity and the state of charge of the device battery 3B by detecting the induced current flowing in the coil 5S by the power transmission control unit 57A. do.

<Electrical configuration>
The electrical configuration of the printer 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The printer 1 includes a CPU 51, a storage unit 52, a printing unit 53, a power receiving unit 56, a power transmitting unit 57, an input interface (I/F) 58, a first switch SW1, a second switch SW2, a third switch SW3, and a first variable resistor. It has a VR1 and a second variable resistor VR2.

The CPU 51 includes a storage unit 52, a printing unit 53, a power receiving unit 56, a power transmitting unit 57, an input I/F 58, a first switch SW1, a second switch SW2, a third switch SW3, a first variable resistor VR1, and a second variable resistor. It is electrically connected to VR2. The storage unit 52 stores a program for the CPU 51 to execute processing described below, print data for printing, and a distribution ratio R. FIG. The distribution ratio R indicates the ratio of dividing the power P received by the power receiving unit 56 into the first power P1 and the second power P2 (see FIG. 2). The storage unit 52 stores, as the distribution ratio R, a first distribution ratio R1 and a second distribution ratio R2. The first distribution ratio R1 indicates a predetermined ratio in which the first power P1 is higher than the second power P2. The second distribution ratio R2 indicates a predetermined ratio in which the second power P2 is higher than the first power P1. The first distribution ratio R1 and the second distribution ratio R2 are stored in the storage unit 52 when an input operation is performed by the user (see FIG. 11).

The power reception unit 56 detects the presence or absence of an induced current flowing through the coil 5R (see FIG. 2) with a power reception control unit 56A (see FIG. 2). The power reception control unit 56A outputs a signal indicating the presence or absence of an induced current to the CPU 51 as a signal indicating whether or not the power supply device 2 is detected. In addition, the power reception unit 56 detects the maximum value of the induced current flowing through the coil 5R with the power reception control unit 56A (see FIG. 2). The power reception control unit 56A calculates the maximum power that can be transmitted by the power supply device 2 (hereinafter referred to as "maximum power") based on the detected maximum value of the induced current. Power reception control unit 56A outputs a signal indicating the calculated maximum power to CPU 51 .

The power transmission unit 57 detects the presence or absence of an induced current flowing through the coil 5S using the power transmission control unit 57A (see FIG. 2). The power transmission control unit 57A outputs a signal indicating the presence or absence of an induced current to the CPU 51 as a signal indicating whether or not the electronic device 3 is detected. The power transmission unit 57 also detects the maximum value of the induced current flowing through the coil 3S as the remaining capacity of the device battery 3B of the electronic device 3. FIG. 57 A of power transmission control parts output the signal which shows the remaining capacity of the apparatus battery 3B to CPU51.

The input I/F 58 is an interface element for communicating with an external device (eg, PC) (not shown) connected to the printer 1 via a communication cable (not shown). The input I/F 58 receives data output from an external device and outputs the data to the CPU 51 .

The printing unit 53 prints on the tape by causing the thermal head to generate heat under the control of the CPU 51 . The first switch SW1, the second switch SW2, and the third switch SW3 are turned on and off according to the control by the CPU 51, respectively. The resistance values of the first variable resistor VR1 and the second variable resistor VR2 are changed under the control of the CPU 51, respectively.

<Main processing>
The main processing will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7. FIG. When the power of the printer 1 is turned on, the CPU 51 of the printer 1 reads out and executes a program stored in the storage unit 52 to start main processing. It is assumed that the first switch SW1, the second switch SW2, and the third switch SW3 are all turned off when the main processing is started. It is also assumed that the resistance values of the first variable resistor VR1 and the second variable resistor VR2 are set to 0Ω.

As shown in FIG. 4, the CPU 51 determines whether the printer 1 is placed on the power supply device 2 based on the signal output from the power receiving unit 56 (S11). When the CPU 51 receives a signal indicating that the power supply device 2 is not detected from the power receiving unit 56, the CPU 51 determines that the printer 1 is not placed on the power supply device 2 (S11: NO). In this case, the CPU 51 returns the process to S11. On the other hand, when the CPU 51 receives a signal indicating that the power supply device 2 is detected from the power receiving unit 56, the CPU 51 determines that the printer 1 is placed on the power supply device 2 (S11: YES). In this state, power transmitted from the power transmission unit 21 of the power supply device 2 is received by the power reception unit 56 .

The CPU 51 acquires the remaining capacity of the printer battery 5B based on the voltage of the printer battery 5B (S13). The CPU 51 determines whether the obtained residual capacity of the printer battery 5B is equal to or higher than a predetermined minimum threshold (S15). When the CPU 51 determines that the remaining capacity of the printer battery 5B is equal to or higher than the minimum threshold (S15: YES), the process proceeds to S23. When the CPU 51 determines that the remaining capacity of the printer battery 5B is less than the minimum threshold (S15: NO), the process advances to S17 to charge the printer battery 5B.

The CPU 51 switches the first switch SW1 from off to on (S17). As a result, the power P received by the power receiving unit 56 is supplied to the printer battery 5B, and charging of the printer battery 5B is started (S17, arrow Y11 in FIG. 8). The CPU 51 identifies the remaining capacity of the printer battery 5B based on the voltage of the printer battery 5B. The CPU 51 determines whether the remaining capacity of the identified printer battery 5B is equal to or higher than the minimum threshold (S19). When the CPU 51 determines that the remaining capacity of the printer battery 5B is less than the minimum threshold (S19: NO), the process returns to S19 to continue charging the printer battery 5B. When the CPU 51 determines that the remaining capacity of the printer battery 5B is equal to or higher than the minimum threshold (S19: YES), it switches the first switch SW1 from ON to OFF (S21). As a result, the supply of the power P received by the power receiving unit 56 to the printer battery 5B is stopped, and charging of the printer battery 5B is also completed (S21). The CPU 51 advances the process to S23.

The CPU 51 detects the signal output from the power receiving unit 56 and acquires the maximum power of the power supply device 2 (S23). The CPU 51 determines whether or not the acquired maximum power is equal to or greater than a predetermined power threshold (eg, 15 W) (S25). When the CPU 51 determines that the maximum power of the power supply device 2 is less than the power threshold (S25: NO), the process proceeds to S31 (see FIG. 5).

As shown in FIG. 5, the CPU 51 determines whether or not the electronic device 3 is in proximity to the printer 1 based on the signal output from the power transmission section 57 (S31). When the CPU 51 receives a signal from the power transmission unit 57 indicating that the electronic device 3 is not detected, the CPU 51 determines that the electronic device 3 is not close to the printer 1 (S31: NO). In this case, the CPU 51 returns the process to S31. On the other hand, when the CPU 51 receives a signal indicating that the electronic device 3 has been detected from the power transmission section 57, the CPU 51 determines that the electronic device 3 is close to the printer 1 (S31: YES). The CPU 51 executes the following processes in order to supply power from the printer battery 5B to the power transmission unit 57 and charge the device battery 3B of the electronic device 3 .

The CPU 51 switches the third switch SW3 from OFF to ON (S33). As a result, the power charged in the printer battery 5B is supplied to the power transmission unit 57 (S33, arrow Y12 in FIG. 9). The power transmission unit 57 is driven by power supplied from the printer battery 5B, and generates magnetic flux from the coil 5S. Thereby, electric power is transmitted to the electronic device 3 in a non-contact manner.

The CPU 51 detects a signal output from the power transmission section 57 and obtains the remaining capacity of the device battery 3B of the electronic device 3 . The CPU 51 determines whether or not the device battery 3B is fully charged based on the acquired remaining capacity (S35). When the CPU 51 determines that the device battery 3B is not fully charged (S35: NO), the process returns to S35 in order to continue power transmission from the power transmission section 57. FIG. When determining that the device battery 3B is fully charged (S35: YES), the CPU 51 switches the third switch SW3 from ON to OFF (S37). As a result, the supply of the electric power charged in the printer battery 5B to the power transmission section 57 is stopped, so charging of the device battery 3B is also terminated (S37). The CPU 51 returns the process to S11 (see FIG. 4).

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4, when the CPU 51 determines that the maximum power of the power supply device 2 acquired based on the signal output from the power receiving unit 56 is greater than or equal to the power threshold (S25: YES), the process proceeds to S51 (see FIG. 6). ).

As shown in FIG. 6, the CPU 51 determines whether or not the electronic device 3 is in proximity to the printer 1 based on the signal output from the power transmission section 57 (S51). When the CPU 51 receives a signal from the power transmission unit 57 indicating that the electronic device 3 is not detected, the CPU 51 determines that the electronic device 3 is not close to the printer 1 (S51: NO). In this case, the CPU 51 returns the process to S51. On the other hand, when the CPU 51 receives a signal indicating that the electronic device 3 has been detected from the power transmission section 57, the CPU 51 determines that the electronic device 3 is close to the printer 1 (S51: YES). The CPU 51 supplies power P received by the power receiving unit 56 to the printer battery 5B to charge the printer battery 5B, and supplies power P to the power transmitting unit 57 to charge the device battery 3B of the electronic device 3. , do the following:

The CPU 51 acquires the operating state of the printer 1 (S53). The CPU 51 determines whether or not the printing section 53 is performing a printing operation based on the acquired operation state (S53). The CPU 51 determines a distribution ratio R for dividing the power P received by the power receiving unit 56 into the first power P1 and the second power P2 depending on whether or not the printing operation is being performed (S55).

Specifically, when the CPU 51 determines in the process of S53 that printing is in progress, the CPU 51 reads from the storage unit 52 and determines the first distribution ratio R1 in which the first power P1 is greater than the second power P2. The reason for this is that during the printing operation, power must be supplied from the printer battery 5B to the printing unit 53 in order to drive the printing unit 53, and more power must be supplied to the printer battery 5B. be.

On the other hand, when the CPU 51 determines in the process of S53 that the printing operation is not being performed, the second power P2 is higher than the first power P1, reading from the storage unit 52 and determining the second distribution ratio R2. The reason for this is to shorten the time required to complete charging of the device battery 3B by supplying more power to the power transmission unit 57 when printing is not in progress.

The CPU 51 acquires the remaining capacity of the printer battery 5B based on the voltage of the printer battery 5B (S57). The CPU 51 detects a signal output from the power transmission section 57 and acquires the remaining capacity of the device battery 3B of the electronic device 3 (S59). The CPU 51 corrects and redetermines the distribution ratio R (first distribution ratio R1 or second distribution ratio R2) determined in S55 based on the remaining capacity of the printer battery 5B and the remaining capacity of the device battery 3B (S61 ). For example, when the remaining capacity of the printer battery 5B is smaller than the remaining capacity of the device battery 3B, the distribution ratio R is corrected and re-determined so that the ratio of the first power P1 increases and the ratio of the second power P2 decreases. do. On the other hand, for example, when the remaining capacity of the device battery 3B is smaller than the remaining capacity of the printer battery 5B, the distribution ratio R is corrected so that the ratio of the second power P2 increases and the ratio of the first power P1 decreases. Redetermine.

The CPU 51 distributes the power P received by the power receiving unit 56 according to the distribution ratio R re-determined by the process of S61, and determines the first power P1 and the second power P2. The CPU 51 determines the resistance value of the first variable resistor VR1 so that the determined first power P1 is supplied to the printer battery 5B. The CPU 51 sets the first variable resistor VR1 to the determined resistance value (S63). Similarly, the CPU 51 determines the resistance value of the second variable resistor VR2 such that the determined second electric power P2 is supplied to the power transmission unit 57 . The CPU 51 sets the second variable resistor VR2 to the determined resistance value (S63).

The CPU 51 switches the first switch SW1 from off to on (S65). As a result, the first power P1 of the power P received by the power receiving unit 56 is supplied to the printer battery 5B, and charging of the printer battery 5B is started (S65, arrow Y21 in FIG. 10). Also, the CPU 51 switches the second switch SW2 from OFF to ON (S67). The second power P2 of the power P received by the power receiving unit 56 is supplied to the power transmitting unit 57, and power transmission from the power transmitting unit 57 to the electronic device 3 is started. As a result, charging of the device battery 3B of the electronic device 3 is started (S67, arrow Y22 in FIG. 10). The CPU 51 advances the process to S81 (see FIG. 7).

As shown in FIG. 7, the CPU 51 identifies the remaining capacity of the printer battery 5B based on the voltage of the printer battery 5B. The CPU 51 determines whether or not the printer battery 5B is fully charged based on the specified remaining capacity of the printer battery 5B (S81). When the CPU 51 determines that the printer battery 5B is not fully charged (S81: NO), the process proceeds to S87. The CPU 51 detects a signal output from the power transmission section 57 and obtains the remaining capacity of the device battery 3B of the electronic device 3 . The CPU 51 determines whether or not the device battery 3B is fully charged based on the acquired remaining capacity (S87). When the CPU 51 determines that the device battery 3B is not fully charged (S87: NO), the process proceeds to S93.

The CPU 51 determines whether both the printer battery 5B and the device battery 3B are fully charged (S93). When the CPU 51 determines that at least one of the printer battery 5B and the device battery 3B is not fully charged (S93: NO), the process returns to S81.

When the CPU 51 determines that the printer battery 5B is fully charged (S81: YES), it switches the first switch SW1 from ON to OFF (S83). As a result, the supply of the power P received by the power receiving unit 56 to the printer battery 5B is stopped, and charging of the printer battery 5B is also completed (S83). The CPU 51 sets the resistance value of the second variable resistor VR2 to 0Ω so that all the power P received by the power receiving unit 56 is supplied to the power transmitting unit 57 (S85). The CPU 51 advances the process to S93.

When the CPU 51 determines that the device battery 3B is fully charged (S87: YES), it switches the second switch SW2 from ON to OFF (S89). As a result, the supply of the power P received by the power receiving unit 56 to the power transmitting unit 57 is stopped, so that the power transmission by the power transmitting unit 57 is also terminated and the charging of the device battery 3B is completed (S89). The CPU 51 sets the resistance value of the first variable resistor VR1 to 0Ω so that all the power P received by the power receiving unit 56 is supplied to the printer battery 5B (S91). The CPU 51 advances the process to S93.

When the CPU 51 determines that both the printer battery 5B and the device battery 3B are fully charged (S93: YES), the process returns to S11 (see FIG. 4).

<Reception process>
The acceptance process will be described with reference to FIG. 11 . When the power of the printer 1 is turned on, the CPU 51 of the printer 1 reads out and executes a program stored in the storage unit 52 to start reception processing. The acceptance process is executed in parallel with the main process.

The CPU 51 determines through the input I/F 58 whether or not an input operation for the distribution ratio R has been performed on the external device connected to the printer 1 via the communication cable (S111). When the CPU 51 determines that an input operation has not been performed on the external device (S111: NO), the process returns to S111. When the CPU 51 determines that an input operation has been performed on the external device (S111: YES), the CPU 51 receives the first distribution ratio R1 and the second distribution ratio R2 input by the input operation (S113). The CPU 51 stores the received first distribution ratio R1 and second distribution ratio R2 in the storage unit 52 (S115). The CPU 51 returns the process to S111.

Note that, when performing the processing of S55 (see FIG. 6) of the main processing, the CPU 51 reads the first distribution ratio R1 or the second distribution ratio R2 stored in the storage unit 52 by the reception processing, thereby obtaining the first distribution ratio. R1 or the second distribution ratio R2 is determined as the distribution ratio R (S55).

<Actions and effects of the present embodiment>
As described above, when the maximum power of the power supply device 2 is greater than or equal to the power threshold (S25: YES), the printer 1 charges the first power P1, which is power for charging the printer battery 5B, and the device battery 3B. A distribution ratio R with the second power P2, which is the power for the purpose, is determined (S55, S61). Thus, the printer 1 can determine the distribution ratio R based on the maximum power that the power supply device 2 can transmit.

When the printer 1 determines that the printing operation is being performed, the printer 1 determines a first distribution ratio R1 with a relatively large first power P1 for charging the printer battery 5B (S55). As a result, the printer 1 can efficiently charge the printer battery 5B, and can appropriately perform the printing operation by driving the printing section 53 with the power charged in the printer battery 5B. On the other hand, when the printer 1 determines that the printing operation is not being performed, the printer 1 determines a second distribution ratio R2 with a relatively large second power P2 for charging the device battery 3B (S55). As a result, the printer 1 can efficiently charge the device battery 3B when printing is not in progress.

The printer 1 receives the first distribution rate R1 and the second distribution rate R2 input by the input operation to the external device (S113), and stores them in the storage unit 52 (S115). The printer 1 determines the first distribution ratio R1 or the second distribution ratio R2 stored in the storage unit 52 depending on whether printing is in progress. Therefore, the user can set the first distribution ratio R1 and the second distribution ratio R2 to desired values by performing an input operation on the external device.

The printer 1 acquires the remaining capacity of the printer battery 5B (S57), and acquires the remaining capacity of the device battery 3B (S59). The printer 1 corrects and re-determines the distribution ratio R determined in S55 according to the acquired remaining capacity (S61). In this case, the printer 1 can determine an appropriate distribution ratio based on the remaining capacity of the printer battery 5B and the remaining capacity of each of the device batteries 3B.

When the maximum power of the power supply device 2 is less than the power threshold (S25: NO), the printer 1 supplies power charged in the printer battery 5B to the power transmission section 57 (S33). Accordingly, the power transmission unit 57 transmits power to the electronic device 3 and charges the device battery 3B of the electronic device 3 . In this case, even if the printer 1 cannot charge the device battery 3B of the electronic device 3 with the power transmitted from the power supply device 2, it can charge the device battery 3B with the power of the printer battery 5B.

After charging of the printer battery 5B and the device battery 3B is started (S65, S67), the printer 1 receives power when the printer battery 5B is fully charged and charging is completed (S81: YES, S83). The value of the second variable resistor VR2 is set to 0Ω so that all the power P received by the unit 56 is supplied to the power transmission unit 57 (S85). Further, when the device battery 3B is fully charged and the charging is completed (S87: YES), the printer 1 controls the printer battery 5B so that all the power P received by the power receiving unit 56 is supplied to the printer battery 5B. 1 The value of the variable resistor VR1 is set to 0Ω (S91). In this case, when charging of one of the printer battery 5B and the device battery 3B is completed, the printer 1 can increase the power for charging the other of the printer battery 5B and the device battery 3B. Therefore, the printer 1 can shorten the time required for the printer battery 5B and the device battery 3B to be fully charged.

<Modification>
Main processing according to the modification will be described. The main processing according to the modification differs from the above embodiment in that the distribution ratio R is determined based on the operation mode stored in the storage unit 52 .

In a modification, the storage unit 52 selectively stores the first mode or the second mode as the operation mode. The first mode is an operation mode in which charging of the printer battery 5B is prioritized. The second mode is an operation mode in which charging of the device battery 3B of the electronic device 3 is prioritized. The first mode or the second mode is stored in the storage unit 52 when the setting operation is performed by the user.

The main processing in the modified example differs from the above-described embodiment only in the processing of S53 and S55 in the flowchart shown in FIG. Description will be made below with reference to FIG. When the CPU 51 determines that the electronic device 3 is close to the printer 1 (S51: YES), it acquires the first mode or the second mode as the operation mode stored in the storage unit 52 (S53). When the CPU 51 acquires the first mode through the process of S53, the CPU 51 determines the first distribution ratio R1 as the distribution ratio for dividing the power P received by the power receiving unit 56 into the first power P1 and the second power P2. (S55). On the other hand, when the CPU 51 acquires the second mode through the process of S53, the CPU 51 sets the second distribution ratio R2 as a distribution ratio for dividing the power P received by the power receiving unit 56 into the first power P1 and the second power P2. is determined (S55). The process after S57 is the same as the above embodiment.

The acceptance process in the modified example differs from the above-described embodiment only in S111 and 113 of the flowchart shown in FIG. The CPU 51 determines through the input I/F 58 whether an operation mode input operation has been performed on an external device connected to the printer 1 via a communication cable (S111). When the CPU 51 determines that an input operation has been performed on the external device (S111: YES), it selectively accepts the first mode or the second mode input by the input operation (S113). The CPU 51 sets the operation mode to the printer 1 by storing the selectively accepted first mode or second mode in the storage unit 52 (S115). The CPU 51 returns the process to S111.

As described above, in the modified example, the printer 1 changes the first distribution ratio R1 or the second distribution ratio R2 based on the operation mode (first mode or second mode) input by the setting operation to the external device. R is determined (S55). In this case, the user can set whether the printer battery 5B is preferentially charged or the device battery 3B is preferentially charged by performing a setting operation on the external device.

<Other Modifications>
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible. The method of wireless power transmission applied in the present invention is not limited to the electromagnetic induction method, and may be another well-known method. For example, the wireless power transmission system may be a magnetic resonance system, an electrolytic coupling system, a radio wave reception system, or the like.

As a first determination method, the printer 1 determines the first distribution ratio R1 when the maximum power of the power supply device 2 is equal to or greater than the power threshold, and determines the second distribution ratio when the maximum power of the power supply device 2 is smaller than the power threshold. R2 may be determined. Alternatively, as a second determination method, the printer 1 determines the second distribution ratio R2 when the maximum power of the power supply device 2 is equal to or greater than the power threshold, and determines the first distribution ratio R2 when the maximum power of the power supply device 2 is smaller than the power threshold. A distribution ratio R1 may be determined. Further, the printer 1 may determine which of the first determination method and the second determination method is to be executed depending on whether the printer 1 is in printing operation.

The printer 1 may store in the storage unit 52 a table that associates the maximum power of the power supply device 2 with the first distribution ratio R1 and the second distribution ratio R2. When the maximum power of the power supply device 2 is equal to or greater than the power threshold (S25: YES), the printer 1 stores the first distribution ratio R1 and the second distribution ratio R2 corresponding to the maximum power acquired by the process of S23 in the storage unit 52. It may be obtained by reading from the table. The printer 1 may determine one of the acquired first distribution ratio R1 and second distribution ratio R2 according to whether printing is in progress.

The printer 1 may correct and re-determine the distribution ratio R determined by the process of S55 based only on the remaining capacity of the printer battery 5B. The printer 1 may correct and re-determine the distribution ratio R determined by the process of S55 based only on the remaining capacity of the device battery 3B. The method of correcting the distribution ratio based on the remaining capacity of the printer battery 5B or device battery 3B is not limited to the above embodiment, and other methods may be used. For example, when the obtained residual capacity of the printer battery 5B is too small to drive the printing unit 53, the printer 1 may control so that all the power P received by the power receiving unit 56 is supplied to the printer battery 5B. . Further, for example, when the acquired remaining capacity of the device battery 3B is so small that the electronic device 3 cannot continue operating, the printer 1 controls so that all the power P received by the power receiving unit 56 is supplied to the power transmitting unit 57. good too.

The printer 1 may determine whether the operation mode should be the first mode or the second mode based on the remaining capacity of each of the printer battery 5B and the device battery 3B. When the maximum power of the power supply device 2 is greater than the power threshold, the printer 1 may determine the distribution ratio for distributing the power received by the power receiving unit 56 based on the operation mode determined as described above.

When the maximum power of the power supply device 2 is less than the power threshold (S25: NO), the printer 1 supplies the power of the printer battery 5B to the power transmission unit 57 (S33), and at the same time transmits the power P received by the power reception unit 56. 57 may be supplied.

The minimum threshold used as the determination standard in the process of S15 and the power threshold used as the determination standard in the process of S25 may be set by the user. For example, when the minimum threshold value and the power threshold value are input to an external device connected via a communication cable, the printer 1 may acquire the minimum threshold value and the power threshold value and store them in the storage unit 52 . When executing the main process, the CPU 51 may read the minimum threshold value and the power threshold value stored in the storage unit 52 and use them as criteria for determination.

<Others>
CPU51 which processes S23 is an example of the "1st acquisition means" of the present invention. CPU51 which processes S55 and S61 is an example of the "decision means" of the present invention. CPU51 which processes S53 is an example of the "determination means" of this invention. CPU51 which processes S55 and S61 is an example of the "decision means" of the present invention. The CPU 51 that performs the process of S55 is an example of the "first determining means" and the "fourth determining means" of the present invention. The CPU 51 that performs the process of S61 is an example of the "second determining means" and the "third determining means" of the present invention. CPU51 which processes S33 is an example of the "1st control means" of the present invention. The CPU 51 that performs the processes of S65 and S67 is an example of the "second control means" of the present invention. The CPU 51 that performs the processes of S83, S85, S89, and S91 is an example of the "change means" of the present invention. The CPU 51 that performs the process of S113 is an example of the "receiving means" and "setting means" of the present invention.

1: Printer 2: Power supply device 3: Electronic device 3B: Device battery 5B: Printer battery 21: Power transmission unit 34: Power reception unit 51: CPU
56: power receiving unit 57: power transmitting unit

Claims (8)

a power receiving unit that receives power wirelessly transmitted from the power supply device;
a printer battery that can be charged with power received by the power receiving unit;
a printing unit that is driven by power charged in the printer battery and prints on a printing medium;
a power transmission unit that wirelessly transmits power received by the power reception unit to an electronic device having a device battery that is a rechargeable battery;
a first acquisition means for acquiring maximum power that is the maximum power that can be transmitted by the power supply device;
Based on the maximum power acquired by the first acquiring means, the power received by the power receiving unit is divided into first power for charging the printer battery and second power for being transmitted from the power transmitting unit. and determining means for determining a distribution ratio to be applied. Determining means for determining the state of the printing operation by the printing unit,
The determining means is
a first distribution in which the first power is greater than the second power when the maximum power acquired by the first acquisition means is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold and the determination means determines that printing is in progress; determine the rate, and
a second distribution in which the second power is higher than the first power when the maximum power acquired by the first acquisition means is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold and the determination means determines that the printing operation is not in progress; 2. A printer as claimed in claim 1, comprising a first determining means for determining the rate. A receiving means for receiving the first distribution rate and the second distribution rate,
The first determining means is
3. The printer according to claim 2, wherein the first distribution rate or the second distribution rate received by the receiving means is determined. comprising a second obtaining means for obtaining the remaining capacity of the printer battery,
The determining means is
4. The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising second determination means for determining said distribution ratio according to the remaining capacity of said printer battery acquired by said second acquisition means. A third acquisition means for acquiring the remaining capacity of the device battery,
The determining means is
5. The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising third determining means for determining said distribution ratio according to the remaining capacity of said device battery acquired by said third acquiring means. setting means for selectively setting a first mode that prioritizes charging of the printer battery or a second mode that prioritizes charging of the device battery;
The determining means is
a first distribution in which the first power is greater than the second power when the maximum power acquired by the first acquisition means is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold and the first mode is set by the setting means; determine the rate,
When the maximum power acquired by the first acquisition means is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold and the second mode is set by the setting means, the second power is higher than the first power. 2. A printer according to claim 1, further comprising fourth determining means for determining the distribution ratio. the power transmission unit can transmit power charged in the printer battery in addition to the power received by the power reception unit;
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising first control means for transmitting power charged in said printer battery from said power transmission section when said maximum power acquired by said first acquisition means is less than a predetermined threshold. 7. The printer according to any one of 6. second control means for charging the printer battery with the first power distributed at the distribution rate determined by the determination means and for transmitting the second power from the power transmission section;
When the charging of the printer battery is completed by the second control means, all the power received by the power receiving unit is transmitted to the power transmitting unit, and the device battery is charged by the second control means. and changing means for changing the distribution ratio so that all of the power received by the power receiving unit is used for charging the printer battery when charging is completed. A printer according to any of the preceding claims.

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