JP3372806B2 - Power supply system and power supply method - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a power supply system.
And the power supply method , more specifically, one AC /
The present invention relates to a power supply system and a power supply method suitable when a plurality of electronic devices can be supported by a DC adapter.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is an AC / DC (AC / DC) adapter having a function of converting an AC voltage supplied from an AC power source into a DC voltage and supplying the DC voltage to an electronic device.
The AC / DC adapter includes an adapter body having an AC / DC converter built therein, an AC plug connected to an AC power source, and a DC connector connected to a DC connector on the electronic device side. It is adapted to be detachably connected to an electronic device via the. AC / D above
In an electronic device having a structure that uses a C adapter, the electronic device and the AC / DC adapter have a one-to-one correspondence relationship, and the maximum output of the AC / DC adapter is fixed.

[0003]

However, the above-mentioned prior art has the following problems. That is, the first problem is that one electronic device corresponds to one AC / DC adapter. In other words, it is necessary to use a dedicated AC / DC adapter for each electronic device. AC that is used for certain electronic devices
There is a restriction that the / DC adapter cannot be used for another electronic device. The second problem is that
The problem that the shape of the DC connector of the electronic device has to be selected so that the AC / DC adapter of the electronic device having a different maximum output cannot be physically connected (not touched) to the DC connector of another electronic device. was there.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and has at least two different maximum output values and different output methods.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a power supply system and a power supply method capable of supporting one or more electronic devices with one AC / DC adapter.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 1 is a power supply system for converting an AC voltage of an AC power supply into a DC voltage by an AC / DC adapter and supplying the DC voltage to an electronic device. A conversion unit that converts input power into power of a predetermined voltage and current, an output unit that outputs the power converted by the conversion unit to the connected electronic device, and communicates with the electronic device. Accordingly, the electronic device has a receiving unit that receives a voltage and a current required by the electronic device, and when connected to a commercial power source, the minimum of the maximum voltage that can supply the electric power input by the converting unit. Converting to a minimum current of the voltage and the maximum current that can be supplied , and outputting the converted power from the output means,
When an electronic device is connected, based on a voltage and a current required by the electronic device received by the receiving means, the converting means converts the electric power required by the electronic device, and the converted electric power is used. It is characterized in that it is output from the output means.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 2 is such that, when the connection with the electronic device is released, the conversion means sets the minimum voltage among the maximum voltages that can supply the input power and It is characterized in that it is converted into the minimum current of the maximum current that can be supplied .

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the invention of claim 3 is a power supply method for converting an AC voltage of an AC power supply into a DC voltage by an AC / DC adapter and supplying it to an electronic device, which is connected to a commercial power supply. Sometimes, the minimum voltage of the maximum voltage that can supply the input power and the maximum voltage that can be supplied.
The current is converted into the minimum current, the converted electric power is output from the output means, and when the electronic device is connected, the voltage and current required by the electronic device are received, and the received electric power is received. It is characterized in that the electric power is converted into electric power required by the electronic device based on the voltage and current required by the electronic device, and the converted electric power is output.

[0008]

[0009]

[0010]

[0011]

[0012]

[0013]

[0014]

[0015]

[0016]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[1] First Embodiment First, the configurations of an AC / DC (alternating current / direct current) adapter and an electronic device according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configurations of the AC / DC adapter 1 and the electronic device 5. AC / DC adapter 1
An AC / DC converter (AC voltage / DC voltage converter) 2, a control circuit 3, and a detection circuit 4 are provided inside the AC / DC adapter body. The electronic device 5 includes a DC / DC converter (DC voltage / DC voltage converter) 6, a memory 7, and devices 8, 9, 10, inside the electronic device body.
11 and 12 are provided.

The configuration of each part of the AC / DC adapter 1 will be described in detail. The AC / DC converter 2 converts an AC voltage supplied from an AC power source to which the AC / DC adapter 1 is connected into a DC voltage. The control circuit 3 is the AC / DC adapter 1
Is a circuit for controlling the maximum output value of the control signal 13
Output to the C / DC converter 2. The detection circuit 4 is AC
Is a circuit for detecting whether or not the connector of the DC / DC adapter 1 is connected to the connector of the electronic device 5, and the detection signal 14
Is output to the control circuit 3.

In the figure, 15 is a plus DC (direct current) voltage line output from the AC / DC adapter 1, 16 is a ground (GND) line for the voltage of the DC voltage line 15, and a detection circuit of the AC / DC adapter 1. 4 and the DC / DC converter 6 of the electronic device 5 are wired.

The structure of each part of the electronic device 5 will be described in detail.
The / DC converter 6 converts the DC voltage output from the AC / DC adapter 1 into a predetermined DC voltage. Memory 7
Is a non-volatile memory that stores the maximum output value and output method of the entire electronic device, and the storage in the memory 7 is not erased even when the power of the electronic device is not turned on. The devices 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 are electric parts and electric devices arranged in electronic equipment,
It is connected to lines 17 and 18 described later. The number of devices provided in the electronic device 5 is not limited to that shown in the figure.

In the figure, 17 is a plus DC (direct current) voltage line converted by the DC / DC converter 6, and 18 is a ground (GND) line for the DC voltage line 17. Reference numeral 19 in the figure denotes a data line between the control circuit 3 in the AC / DC adapter 1 and the memory 7 in the electronic device 5, and 20
Is a read signal line for reading data passing through the data line 19.

FIG. 2 shows the AC / DC according to the first embodiment.
It is an external view which shows the state which separated the adapter 1 and the electronic device 5 (refer said FIG. 1). The electronic device 5 is the above DC / DC.
An electronic device main body 21 including a converter 6, a memory 7, and devices 8 to 12, and an AC attached to the electronic device main body 21.
/ DC adapter 1 and a connector 22 for receiving the power source via the connector (described later). AC / D
The C adapter 1 is an AC / DC adapter body 2 having the AC / DC converter 2, control circuit 3, and detection circuit 4 built-in.
3, a connector 24 attached to the AC / DC adapter body 23 and detachably connected to the connector 22 of the electronic device body 21, and an AC outlet 25 connected to an AC power supply.

FIG. 3 shows the AC / DC according to the first embodiment.
A list showing the maximum power value, the maximum voltage value, the maximum current value, and the output method of four electronic devices (f, g, h, i) having different maximum output values and output methods connectable to the adapter 1 ( Rating table). These pieces of information regarding each electronic device are stored in the memory of each electronic device (memory 7 in the case of the electronic device 5). The number of electronic devices having different maximum output values and different output methods that can be connected to the AC / DC adapter 1 is not limited to the above four devices, but can be any number of at least two devices. Is.

Next, the flow of operation in the first embodiment configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The flowchart of FIG. 4 is AC / DC.
It is started when the AC outlet 25 of the adapter 1 is connected to the AC power supply.

AC outlet 2 of AC / DC adapter 1
When 5 is connected to the AC power source, first, the control circuit 3 of the AC / DC adapter 1 sets the maximum output value to the minimum voltage value and the minimum current value (from the above FIG. 3, the minimum voltage value is 10V, the minimum current value is 2V). 0.0A) (step SA1). In this example, the output method is the constant voltage method.

Next, the detection circuit 4 detects whether or not the connector 24 of the AC / DC adapter 1 is connected to the connector 22 of the electronic device 5 (step SA2). Detection circuit 4
The connector 24 of the AC / DC adapter 1 is the electronic device 5
When it is detected that the connector 22 has been connected (step SA2 is affirmative), the detection signal 14 is sent to the control circuit 3 (step SA3). The control circuit 3
When the detection signal 14 is received from the detection circuit 4, the data line 1
The memory 7 of the electronic device 5 via 9 and the read signal line 20.
The maximum output value and the output method information of the electronic device 5 are read from the electronic device 5 (step SA4), and the read electronic device 5 is read.
The initial setting is changed to the maximum output value and output method of (step SA5).

Next, the control circuit 3 detects that the connector 24 of the AC / DC adapter 1 is removed from the connector 22 of the electronic device 5 based on whether or not the detection signal 14 is output from the detection circuit 4. Is detected (step SA6). When the connector 24 of the AC / DC adapter 1 is unplugged from the connector 22 of the electronic device 5 (the answer in step SA6 is affirmative), the control circuit 3 returns the set maximum output value and output method to the initial setting values. (Step SA1) Next, it is set so that there is no problem even if the AC / DC adapter 1 is connected to an electronic device having another maximum output value.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the electronic device 5 includes the memory 7 storing the maximum output value and the output method of the electronic device 5, and the AC / DC adapter 1 With the connection to the electronic device 5, the electronic device 5
Of the maximum output value and the output method are read from the memory 7, and the control circuit 3 that controls the electronic device 5 to output the maximum output value and the output method is provided. A single AC / DC adapter can be used for the above electronic devices, and thus the cost and time for developing the AC / DC adapter for each model of the electronic device can be reduced. Further, the AC / DC adapter 1 removed from the electronic device can be used by being connected to another electronic device having another maximum output value at any time.

[2] Second Embodiment First, the configuration of the AC / DC (alternating current / direct current) adapter according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the AC / DC adapter 51. The AC / DC adapter 51 includes an AC / DC converter (AC voltage / DC voltage converter) 52, a control circuit 53, a detection circuit 54, and a memory 55 inside the AC / DC adapter body.

The configuration of each part of the AC / DC adapter 51 will be described in detail. The AC / DC converter 52 converts an AC voltage supplied from an AC power source to which the AC / DC adapter 51 is connected into a DC voltage. The control circuit 53 is a circuit that controls the maximum output value of the AC / DC adapter in the AC / DC adapter, and outputs the control signal 56 to the AC / DC converter 52. The detection circuit 54 is a circuit that detects whether or not the connector of the AC / DC adapter 51 is connected to the connector of the electronic device, and outputs the detection signal 57 to the control circuit 53.
Output to. The memory 55 is a non-volatile memory that stores the maximum power value, maximum voltage value, maximum current value, and output method information of each electronic device shown in FIG. The information inside is not erased.

In the figure, 58 is a positive DC (direct current) voltage line output from the AC / DC adapter 51, and 59 is DC.
It is a ground (GND) line for the voltage of the voltage line 58, and is wired between the AC / DC adapter 51 and the electronic device. Reference numeral 60 is a pin for identifying an electronic device to which the AC / DC adapter 51 is connected, and 61 is a ground (GND).

In the figure, 62 is a read signal line, 63 is a write signal line, and 64 is a data line, and the control circuit 53 and the memory 5 are provided.
It is wired between 5 and. In this case, the write signal line 6
3 stores information stored in the memory 55 into the control circuit 53
Is used when rewriting, and is not normally used. When the write signal line 63 is used, when the output of the electronic device changes for some reason, the information in the memory 55 must be changed accordingly.

The appearances of the AC / DC adapter 51 and the electronic equipment according to the second embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment (see FIG. 2), and the appearance of the second embodiment is the same as that of the second embodiment. For example, four electronic devices (f, g, which have different maximum output values and output methods connectable to the AC / DC adapter 51)
The list of the maximum power value, the maximum voltage value, the maximum current value, and the output method of h and i) is the same as that of the first embodiment (see FIG. 3 above).

6 (a) to 6 (e) are enlarged views of the vicinity of the connector (see FIG. 2) of the electronic device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6A shows six pins d, e, f, g, h,
6 shows a state in which i is arranged, and FIG. 6B shows a state in which three pins d, e, and f are arranged.
6C is a diagram showing a state in which three pins d, e, and g are arranged, and FIG. 6D is a diagram showing a state in which three pins d, e, and h are arranged, FIG. (E) is three pins d, e,
It is a figure showing the state where i is arranged.

6A to 6E, d is a positive voltage pin (connected to 58 in FIG. 5) and e is GND.
Pins (connected to 59 in FIG. 5), f, g, h, and i are electronic device identification pins (connected to 60 in FIG. 5) used to identify an electronic device and have conductivity. It is made of metal. In FIG. 6A, f, g, h, i and 4
Although the electronic device discriminating pin of the book is illustrated, any of the electronic device discriminating pins f, g, h, and i is shown in the actual electronic device as shown in FIGS. 6B to 6E. Only one electronic device identification pin is provided.

FIG. 7 shows the AC / DC according to the second embodiment.
It is an external view of the connector of the adapter 51. The connector 71 of the AC / DC adapter 51 has a pair of notches 72,
73 is formed, and the notches 72 and 73 are AC
The connector 71 of the / DC adapter 51 is provided so that the connector 71 of the electronic device can be connected (do not touch) only in a uniform state.

FIG. 8 shows the AC / DC according to the second embodiment.
6 is a circuit diagram showing an internal configuration of a detection circuit 54 of the adapter 51. FIG. The resistor 81 has one end pulled up to a positive voltage and the other end connected to the output line of the detection signal 57 (see FIG. 5) and the pin 60 (see FIG. 5). In the figure, 61 is the ground (see FIG. 5), m is the electronic device identification pins f, g, h of the connector shown in FIG.
Corresponds to pin 1 of i.

Next, the flow of operation in the second embodiment configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. The flowchart of FIG. 9 is AC / DC.
It is activated when the AC outlet of the adapter 51 is connected to the AC power supply.

When the AC outlet of the AC / DC adapter 51 is connected to the AC power source, the control circuit 53 of the AC / DC adapter 51 first changes the maximum output value to the minimum voltage value and the minimum current value (from the above-mentioned FIG. Since the voltage value is 10V and the minimum current value is 2.0A, the initial setting is the maximum voltage value 10V,
Set the maximum current value to 2.0A (step SB)
1). In this example, the output method is the constant voltage method.

Next, the detection circuit 54 detects whether or not the connector 71 of the AC / DC adapter 51 is connected to the connector of the electronic device (step SB2). Detection circuit 54
When detecting that the connector 71 of the AC / DC adapter 51 is connected to the connector of the electronic device (the answer in step SB2 is affirmative), the detection signal 57 is sent to the control circuit 53 (step SB3). .

The connection detection method will be described with reference to FIG.
The detection signal 57 is initially connected to a positive voltage via the resistor 81. However, the pin m is the pin 60 and the ground 61.
Pin 60 and gland 61 are inserted into pin m
The detection signal 57 is terminated to the ground because it conducts via the. That is, the connector of the electronic device (see FIG.
When the connector 71 of the AC / DC adapter 51 is inserted into any one of (e), the detection signal 57 changes from the positive voltage to the ground voltage.

In the above connection detecting method, even if the electronic device is not powered on, the pin f of the connector of the electronic device,
It can be determined whether or not the connector 71 of the AC / DC adapter 51 and the connector of the electronic device are connected based on which of g, h, and i is inserted.

Now, for example, the AC / DC adapter 5 is connected to the connector ((b) of FIG. 6) of the electronic device in which the pin f is arranged.
If the connector 71 of No. 1 is inserted, the control circuit 53
Reads out the maximum power value, the maximum voltage value, the maximum current value, and the output method of the pin f from the rating table shown in FIG. 3 stored in the memory 55 (step SB
4) The initial value set in step SB1 is changed to the read value (step SB5).

Next, the control circuit 53 determines the AC / DC based on whether the detection signal 57 is output from the detection circuit 54.
It is determined whether or not the detection circuit 54 detects that the connector 71 of the adapter 51 has been removed from the connector of the electronic device (step SB6). When the connector 71 of the AC / DC adapter 51 is unplugged from the connector of the electronic device (the answer in step SB6 is affirmative), the control circuit 53 restores the set maximum output value and output method to the initial setting values (step SB1), then A to another electronic device with a maximum output value
The setting is made so that there is no problem even if the C / DC adapter 51 is connected.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, the AC / DC adapter 51 has the memory 55 storing the maximum output value and the output method of a plurality of electronic devices and the connection with the electronic devices. A maximum output value and an output method of the electronic device are read from the memory 55, and a control circuit 53 for controlling the electronic device to output based on the read result is provided. Therefore, at least the maximum output value and the output method are different. One AC / DC adapter can be used for two or more electronic devices, which can reduce the cost and time for developing an AC / DC adapter for each electronic device model. Further, the AC / DC adapter 51 removed from the electronic device can be used by being connected to another electronic device having another maximum output value at any time.

[0046]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the minimum voltage of the maximum voltage that can be supplied and the supplyable voltage.
The minimum current of the maximum possible current is first supplied, and based on the received voltage and current required by the electronic device, it is converted into the power required by the electronic device and the converted power is output to the electronic device. Therefore, one AC / DC adapter can be used for at least two or more electronic devices with different maximum output values and output methods, which allows cost and time to develop an AC / DC adapter for each electronic device model. Can be reduced.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the connection with the electronic device is released, the maximum input power can be supplied.
In order to convert to the minimum voltage of the voltage and the minimum current of the maximum current that can be supplied, connect the AC / DC adapter removed from the electronic device to another electronic device with another maximum output value at any time. Can be used.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, when connected to the commercial power source, the input power is converted into the minimum voltage of the maximum voltage that can be supplied and the minimum current of the maximum current that can be supplied. Outputting the converted electric power and receiving a voltage and a current required by the electronic device when the electronic device is connected, based on the received voltage and current required by the electronic device, Since the electric power is converted into electric power required by the electronic device and the converted electric power is output, the same effect as that of claim 1 can be obtained.

[0049]

[0050]

[0051]

[0052]

[0053]

[0054]

[0055]

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing configurations of an AC / DC adapter and an electronic device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an external view showing a state in which the AC / DC adapter and the electronic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention are separated.

FIG. 3 is an AC according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention.
It is explanatory drawing which shows the list | wrist (rating table) of the maximum electric power value, the maximum voltage value, the maximum electric current value, and the output system of four electronic devices which can be connected to a / DC adapter.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of operations according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an AC / DC adapter according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

6A and 6B are enlarged explanatory views of a connector of an electronic device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6A is an explanatory view showing a state in which six pins are arranged, and FIG. Explanatory drawing showing a state in which three pins are arranged, (c) is an explanatory drawing showing a state in which three pins are arranged, and (d) shows a state in which three pins are arranged. Explanatory drawing, (e) is explanatory drawing which shows the state in which three pins are arranged.

FIG. 7 is an external view of a connector of an AC / DC adapter according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram showing an internal configuration of a detection circuit of an AC / DC adapter according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a flow of operations according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1,51 AC / DC adapter 3,53 Control circuit 4, 54 Detection circuit 5 electronic devices 7,55 memory

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Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] 1. In a power supply system for converting an AC voltage of an AC power supply into a DC voltage by an AC / DC adapter and supplying the DC voltage to an electronic device, conversion means for converting input power into power of a predetermined voltage and current. And output means for outputting the electric power converted by the converting means to the electronic device connected thereto, and receiving means for receiving a voltage and a current required by the electronic device by communicating with the electronic device. And the minimum voltage of the maximum voltage that can supply the power input by the conversion means and the supply voltage when connected to the commercial power supply.
The voltage required by the electronic device, which is converted into the minimum current of the maximum current that can be supplied, the converted electric power is output from the output means, and the electronic device is connected when the electronic device is connected. The power supply system is characterized in that the converting means converts the electric power required by the electronic device based on the electric current and the electric current, and outputs the converted electric power from the output means. 2. When the connection with the electronic device is released, the conversion means is capable of supplying the input power.
Power supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that into a minimum current in the minimum voltage and supplying the maximum possible current in the voltage. 3. A power supply method for converting an AC voltage of an AC power supply into a DC voltage for supplying to an electronic device by an AC / DC adapter, the maximum power supply being capable of supplying input power when connected to a commercial power supply. Of the minimum voltage of the voltage and the maximum current that can be supplied
Convert to the minimum current in the output, output the converted electric power, and when the electronic device is connected, receive the voltage and current required by the electronic device, and receive the received electronic device. A power supply method, characterized in that the power is converted into electric power required by the electronic device based on voltage and current, and the converted electric power is output.