TWI806219B - Wiring device - Google Patents

Abstract

The object of the present invention is to be able to supply power to a plurality of external devices and perform communication between the plurality of external devices. The wiring appliance (1) according to the present invention includes a plurality of appliance-side connecting parts (10). The plurality of device-side connections (20) are connectable to the plurality of appliance-side connections (10). A plurality of device-side connection parts (20) are respectively provided on a plurality of external devices (2). Each of the plurality of appliance-side connection parts (10) includes a power supply terminal (101) and a signal terminal (103). The power supply terminal (101) supplies power to any one of the plurality of external devices (2). The signal terminal (103) is connected to a transmission line (53) for transmitting signals between a plurality of external devices (2). A plurality of signal terminals (103) can be connected to each other through transmission lines (53).

Description

Wiring equipment

The present invention generally relates to a wiring appliance, and more specifically, relates to a wiring appliance including a plurality of connection parts.

In Patent Document 1 (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-109461), it is described that data is sent and received with a USB host controller device and a USB device (external device) through USB (Universal Serial Bus) communication. USB hub device (wiring device). The USB hub device described in Patent Document 1 supplies a power supply voltage to a plurality of USB devices connected to a plurality of downstream ports.

In addition, in the USB hub device described in Patent Document 1, communication cannot be performed between a plurality of USB devices connected to the USB hub device.

An object of the present invention is to provide a wiring device capable of supplying power to a plurality of external devices and enabling communication between the plurality of external devices.

A wiring appliance according to an aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of appliance-side connection parts. A plurality of device-side connections may be connected to the plurality of appliance-side connections. The plurality of device-side connection units are respectively provided in a plurality of external devices. Each of the plurality of appliance-side connection parts includes a power supply terminal and a signal terminal. The power supply terminal supplies electric power to any one of the plurality of external devices. The signal terminal is connected to a transmission line for transmitting signals among the plurality of external devices. A plurality of the signal terminals can be connected to each other through the transmission line.

1,1A: Wiring equipment

10: Appliance side connection part

10A: The first appliance side connection part

10B: Second appliance side connection part

100: Shell

101: Power supply terminal

102: The first signal terminal

103: Second signal terminal (signal terminal)

11: The first power conversion circuit

110: Insert hole

12: Second power conversion circuit

13, 13A, 13B: the third power conversion circuit

14,14A: Control part (opening and closing control part, switching control part)

141: Setting Department

15: Opening and closing part

151: On and off switch

16: switch part

161: toggle switch

17: Enlargement part

2: External equipment

2A: First external device

2B: Second external device

20: Equipment side connection part

200: Shell

201: Power receiving terminal

202: first signal terminal

203: Second signal terminal

21: First Control Division

22:Second control department

23: battery

3: Power system

4:USB cable

4A: First USB cable

4B: Second USB cable

41: USB plug (first connection part)

411: first terminal

412: second terminal

413: The third terminal

42: USB plug (second connection part)

421: first terminal

422: second terminal

423: The third terminal

43: cable

5: Decorative panels

51: The first power supply line

52: Second power supply line

53: Transmission line

T1, T2: Power terminals

W1: construction surface (wall surface)

[FIG. 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a wiring device according to an embodiment and a plurality of external devices connected to the wiring device.

[FIG. 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic structure diagram showing an application example of the same wiring device.

[FIG. 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a wiring appliance according to Modification 1 of the embodiment and a plurality of external devices connected to the wiring appliance.

(implementation form)

Hereinafter, the wiring appliance according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 .

However, the embodiments and modifications described below are merely examples of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and modifications. In addition to the following embodiments and modified examples, various changes can be made in accordance with the design and the like as long as the scope of the technical idea of the present invention is not exceeded.

In addition, the various drawings described in the following embodiments and the like are all schematic drawings, and the ratio of the size and thickness of each component in each drawing does not necessarily reflect the actual size ratio.

(1) Summary

First, the outline of the wiring device 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 .

The wiring device 1 according to this embodiment is applied to, for example, a USB socket for connecting a USB plug (first connection portion) 41 provided at the front end of the USB cable 4 . That is, the wiring device 1 according to this embodiment is a USB socket. The wiring device 1 supplies power to the external device 2 electrically connected through the USB cable 4 or charges the battery 23 (see FIG. 1 ) included in the external device 2 . The external device 2 is, for example, any of a personal computer (PC), a monitor, and a smartphone. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2 , the first external device 2A is, for example, a personal computer. Also, the second external device 2B is, for example, a display. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 2, the wiring appliance 1 according to this embodiment is, for example, an indoor wiring appliance installed on a wall surface W1 of a building. The building where the wiring device 1 is installed is, for example, a single-family house or a residential unit of a collective house, or a non-residential house such as an office, a store, a factory or a nursing institution.

The wiring fixture 1 is installed on the construction surface W1 in a state where electric wires are electrically connected to the wiring fixture 1 . The construction surface W1 is, as mentioned above, the wall surface W1 of the building. In the wiring device 1, as shown in FIG. Power supply and the like are performed to the external device 2 . Here, the wiring fixture 1 is a built-in wiring fixture, and is attached to the construction surface W1 using an installation frame. More specifically, the wiring fixture 1 is attached to the construction surface W1 by fixing the installation frame on which the wiring fixture 1 is attached, for example, to an embedded box. The embedded box described here is a box-shaped member with an open front, and is installed in the wall so that the front is exposed forward from the construction hole formed in the construction surface W1. Moreover, in the wiring appliance 1 according to this embodiment, as shown in FIG. piece 5.

The wiring appliance 1 according to this embodiment includes a plurality of appliance-side connection parts 10 as shown in FIG. 1 . And a plurality of device-side connection parts 20 can be connected to a plurality of appliance-side connection parts 10 . The plurality of device-side connection units 20 are respectively provided in the plurality of external devices 2 . Each of the plurality of appliance-side connection parts 10 includes a power supply terminal 101 and a (second) signal terminal 103 . The power supply terminal 101 supplies electric power to any one of the plurality of external devices 2 . The (second) signal terminal 103 is connected to the transmission line 53 for transmitting signals between a plurality of external devices 2 . A plurality of (second) signal terminals 103 can be connected to each other through the transmission line 53 .

In the wiring harness 1 according to the present embodiment, as described above, power can be supplied to a plurality of external devices 2 through a plurality of power supply terminals 101 . Also, in the wiring device 1, as described above, a plurality of (second) The signal terminals 103 can be connected to each other through the transmission line 53 . Therefore, the wiring device 1 according to this embodiment can supply power to a plurality of external devices 2 and can communicate among a plurality of external devices 2 .

(2) Details

Next, referring to FIG. 1 , the configuration of a wiring appliance 1 according to this embodiment and a plurality of external devices 2 connected to the wiring appliance 1 will be described.

In the following description, when it is necessary to distinguish the plurality of external devices 2, each of the plurality of external devices 2 is also referred to as "the first external device 2A and the second external device 2B". In addition, in the following description, when it is necessary to distinguish a plurality of USB cables 4, each of the plurality of USB cables 4 is also referred to as "the first USB cable 4A and the second USB cable 4B". . In addition, in the following description, when it is necessary to distinguish a plurality of appliance-side connecting portions 10, each of the plurality of appliance-side connecting portions 10 is also referred to as “the first appliance-side connecting portion 10A, the second appliance-side connecting portion 10A, and the second appliance-side connecting portion 10A. connection part 10B". In addition, in the following description, when it is necessary to distinguish the plurality of third power conversion circuits 13, each of the plurality of third power conversion circuits 13 is also referred to as "third power conversion circuit 13A, third power conversion circuit 13A, conversion circuit 13B".

(2.1) Wiring equipment

The wiring device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of (for example, two) device-side connecting parts 10 as shown in FIG. 1 . In addition, the wiring harness 1 further includes a control unit 14 , an opening and closing unit 15 , a switching unit 16 , and an amplification unit 17 . Moreover, the wiring device 1 further includes: a first power conversion circuit 11, a second power conversion circuit 12, a plurality (for example, two) of third power conversion circuits 13, and a pair of power supply terminals T1 and T2. Also, wiring appliance 1 package Contains: a housing 100 for accommodating the above-mentioned first power conversion circuit 11 , second power conversion circuit 12 , multiple third power conversion circuits 13 , control unit 14 , switching unit 15 , switching unit 16 and amplification unit 17 .

The shape of the case 100 is, for example, a cube. A plurality of (for example, two) insertion holes 110 are formed on one surface (front surface) of the casing 100 as described above (see FIG. 2 ). The shape viewed from the front of each of the plurality of insertion holes 110 is a rectangle.

Each of the plurality of appliance-side connection parts 10 is, for example, a USB socket to which the USB plug (first connection part) 41 of the above-mentioned USB cable 4 can be connected. Specifically, each of the plurality of appliance-side connection parts 10 is, for example, a USB Type-C slot. As described above, the plurality of device side connection parts 20 respectively provided to the plurality of external devices 2 can be connected to the plurality of appliance side connection parts 10 . Each of the plurality of appliance-side connecting parts 10 includes: a power supply terminal 101 , a first signal terminal 102 , and a second signal terminal 103 .

The power supply terminal 101 is a terminal for supplying power to any one of the plurality of external devices 2 . More specifically, the power supply terminal 101 supplies electric power to the external device 2 connected through the appliance-side connection part 10 , the USB cable 4 , and the device-side connection part 20 among the plurality of external devices 2 . The power supply terminal 101 is connected to the output terminal of the third power conversion circuit 13 through the first power supply line 51 . The first power supply line 51 is a power supply line for supplying AC power (first power) from the power system 3 to the external device 2 .

The first signal terminal 102 is a terminal for communication between the control unit 14 of the wiring fixture 1 and the first control unit 21 of the external device 2 . The first signal terminal 102 is connected to the control unit 14 .

The second signal terminal (signal terminal) 103 is a terminal for communication between a plurality of external devices 2 connected to the wiring device 1 via the USB cable 4 . The second signal terminal 103 is connected to the transmission line 53 for transmitting signals between a plurality of external devices 2 . As shown in FIG. 1, an on-off switch 151 (described later) is provided in the middle of the transmission line 53. By setting the on-off switch 151 to "closed circuit (pathway)", a plurality of second signal terminals 103 can be connected to each other. connected (make it conductive). That is, in the wiring device 1 according to this embodiment, the plurality of second signal terminals 103 can be connected to each other through the transmission line 53 .

Each of the plurality of appliance-side connecting parts 10 is fixed to the case with its functional surface (the surface exposed from the power supply terminal 101, the first signal terminal 102, and the second signal terminal 103) exposed from the case 100. Body 100.

The first power conversion circuit 11 includes, for example, an AC (alternating current)/DC (direct current) converter. That is, the first power conversion circuit 11 has a function of converting the AC voltage applied from the power system 3 into a DC voltage. The first power conversion circuit 11 includes: two first input terminals and two first output terminals. The two first input terminals are connected to the power system 3 through a pair of power supply terminals T1 and T2. The two first output terminals are connected to the two second input terminals of the second power conversion circuit 12 . The first power conversion circuit 11 applies the DC voltage converted by the first power conversion circuit 11 to the second power conversion circuit 12 .

The second power conversion circuit 12 includes, for example, an isolated DC/DC converter. More specifically, the second power conversion circuit 12, for example, converts the DC voltage applied by the first power conversion circuit 11 into A step-up chopper circuit that generates a DC voltage with a voltage value higher than the DC voltage. The second power conversion circuit 12 includes two second input terminals and one second output terminal. The two second input terminals are connected to the two first output terminals of the first power conversion circuit 11 . A second output terminal is connected to a third input terminal of each of the plurality of third power conversion circuits 13 . The second power conversion circuit 12 applies the DC voltage converted by the second power conversion circuit 12 to each of the plurality of third power conversion circuits 13 .

Each of the plurality of third power conversion circuits 13 includes, for example, a DC/DC converter. More specifically, each of the plurality of third power conversion circuits 13, for example, converts the DC voltage applied by the second power conversion circuit 12 into a DC voltage with a voltage value lower than the DC voltage. circuit. Each of the plurality of third power conversion circuits 13 includes a third input terminal and a third output terminal. A third input terminal is connected to a second output terminal of the second power conversion circuit 12 . One third output terminal is connected to the power supply terminal 101 of the appliance-side connection portion 10 . Each of the plurality of third power conversion circuits 13 applies the DC voltage converted by each third power conversion circuit 13 to the power supply terminal 101 . Here, the magnitude of the DC voltage applied by each third power conversion circuit 13 can be determined according to the connected external device 2; the magnitude of the DC voltage applied by each third power conversion circuit 13 can be the same, Can also be different.

The control unit 14 is realized by, for example, a computer system including one or more processors and one or more memories. That is, by executing the program recorded in one or more memories of the computer system by one or more processors, it functions as the control unit 14 . Although here, the program is pre-recorded in the memory of the control unit 14, it can also be provided through electronic communication lines such as the Internet, or It can be recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card and provided. The control unit 14 is constituted by, for example, an IC (Integrated Circuit, integrated circuit).

The control unit 14 is a control circuit that controls the operation of the wiring device 1 . More specifically, the control unit 14 is configured to individually control the first power conversion circuit 11 , the second power conversion circuit 12 , and the plurality of third power conversion circuits 13 . In addition, the control unit 14 is configured to control the switching unit 15 and the switching unit 16 individually. In addition, the control unit 14 is configured to have a communication function, and communicates with the first control unit 21 of the external device 2 .

The opening and closing unit 15 includes an opening and closing switch 151 as shown in FIG. 1 . The on-off switch 151 is provided in the middle of the transmission line 53 connecting the plurality of second signal terminals 103 . The switch unit 15 opens (breaks)/closes (connects) the switch 151 according to the switch signal from the control unit 14 . That is, the on/off switch 151 is a switch for opening/closing the transmission line 53 connected between the plurality of second signal terminals 103 , and is controlled by the control unit 14 . In the wiring device 1 according to this embodiment, by opening/closing the on-off switch 151, it is possible to switch between "the state where the plurality of second signal terminals 103 are not connected" and "the state where the plurality of second signal terminals 103 are connected". The state of the connection between 103". For example, the control unit 14 sets the on-off switch 151 to "closed" based on "the plurality of device-side connection parts 20 are connected to the plurality of appliance-side connection parts 10". More specifically, the control unit 14 detects that the plurality of device-side connection units 20 are connected to the plurality of external devices 2 based on “communication is possible with the first control unit 21 of each of the plurality of external devices 2”. Appliance side connection part 10 . Then, once the control unit 14 detects that the plurality of equipment-side connection units 20 are connected to the plurality of appliance-side connection units 10 , it sets the on-off switch 151 as “closed circuit”. In this embodiment, the opening and closing control unit is constituted by the control unit 14 .

The switching unit 16 has a function of switching between the first power supply line 51 and the second power supply line 52 . The first power supply line 51 is a power supply line for supplying the first power from the power system 3 to the plurality of external devices 2 . More specifically, the first power supply line 51 converts the AC power supplied by the power system 3 into the DC power converted by the first power conversion circuit 11 , the second power conversion circuit 12 and the third power conversion circuit 13 , It is supplied to a plurality of external devices 2 . The second power supply line 52 is a power supply line for supplying the second power from at least one external device 2 among the plurality of external devices 2 to the remaining external devices 2 . The first end of the second power supply line 52 is connected to the first power supply line 51 of one of the plurality of first power supply lines 51; the second end of the second power supply line 52 is connected to the plurality of first power supply lines 51; The other one of the lines 51 is the first power supply line 51 .

The switching unit 16 includes, as shown in FIG. 1 , a switching switch 161 for opening/closing the second power supply line 52 . The changeover switch 161 is disposed in the middle of the second power supply line 52 . The changeover switch 161 opens/closes the changeover switch 161 according to a switching signal from the control unit 14 . In the wiring device 1 according to the present embodiment, by opening/closing the switching switch 161, it is possible to switch between "selecting the first power supply line 51 as a state of supplying power supply lines to a plurality of external devices 2" and "selecting the second power supply line 51". The status of the power supply line 52 as a power supply line to a plurality of external devices 2". For example, the control unit 14 controls the switching unit 16 to switch from the first power supply line 51 to the second power supply line 52 according to “detection of power interruption of the power system 3 ”. More specifically, the control unit 14 detects the status of the power system 3 based on the fact that “power is not supplied to the external device 2” by communicating with the first control unit 21 (described later) of the external device 2. The power is interrupted, and the switching unit 16 is controlled to switch from the first power supply line 51 to the second power supply line 52 . The control unit 14 sets the switch 161 of the switching unit 16 to “open circuit” before detecting the interruption of the power of the power system 3, and once it detects the interruption of the power of the power system 3, the switch 161 of the switching unit 16 is set to “open”. Set to "Closed". In this way, it is possible to investigate Before the power interruption of the power system 3 is detected, power is supplied to a plurality of external devices 2 via a plurality of first power supply lines 51, and once the power interruption of the power system 3 is detected, at least one power supply can be supplied via the second power supply line 52 The external device 2 supplies power to the remaining external devices 2 . In this embodiment, the switching control unit is constituted by the control unit 14 .

The amplification unit 17 is provided in the middle of the transmission line 53 connecting the plurality of second signal terminals 103 . The amplifying unit 17 is constituted by, for example, a signal repeater IC. The amplifying unit 17 has a function of amplifying the signal passing through the transmission line 53 . Here, in the wiring device 1 according to this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , a plurality of external devices 2 are connected to each other through a plurality of USB cables 4 and (the transmission line 53 of) the wiring device 1 . Therefore, the signal path including the transmission line 53 becomes longer, and the signal passing through the signal path may be attenuated. In the wiring fixture 1 according to the present embodiment, the amplification unit 17 is provided in the middle of the transmission line 53 as described above. Therefore, even when the signal path including the transmission line 53 becomes long, degradation (attenuation) of the signal can be suppressed by the amplifying unit 17 .

(2.2) External equipment

In this embodiment, a plurality of external devices 2 can be connected to the wiring device 1 as described above. The first external device 2A is, for example, a personal computer. The first external device 2A includes, as shown in FIG. 1 , a device-side connection unit 20 , a first control unit 21 , a second control unit 22 , and a battery 23 . Moreover, the first external device 2A further includes: a housing 200 for accommodating the first control unit 21 , the second control unit 22 and the battery 23 .

The device-side connection portion 20 is, for example, a USB socket to which a USB plug (second connection portion) 42 of the USB cable 4 can be connected. Specifically, each of the plurality of device-side connection parts 20 is, for example, a USB Type-C slot. The device-side connecting portion 20 , as shown in FIG. 1 , includes: a power receiving terminal 201 , a first signal terminal 202 , and a second signal terminal 203 .

The power receiving terminal 201 is a terminal for receiving electric power (DC power) supplied from the wiring fixture 1 . The power receiving terminal 201 is connected to the battery 23 . The first signal terminal 202 is a terminal for communication between the control unit 14 of the wiring appliance 1 and the first control unit 21 of the external device 2 . The first signal terminal 202 is connected to the first control part 21 . The second signal terminal 203 is a terminal for communication between a plurality of external devices 2 connected to the wiring device 1 through the USB cable 4 . The second signal terminal 203 is connected to the second control part 22 . The device-side connection portion 20 is held by the housing 200 in a state where its functional surfaces (the exposed surfaces of the power receiving terminal 201 , the first signal terminal 202 , and the second signal terminal 203 ) are exposed from the housing 200 .

Each of the first control unit 21 and the second control unit 22 is realized by, for example, a computer system including one or more processors and one or more memories. That is, by executing the program recorded in one or more memories of the computer system by one or more processors, it functions as the first control unit 21 or the second control unit 22 . Although here, the program is pre-recorded in the memory of the first control unit 21 and the second control unit 22, it can also be provided through electronic communication lines such as the Internet, and can also be recorded in a non-temporary program such as a memory card. Recording media are provided.

Each of the first control unit 21 and the second control unit 22 is a control circuit that controls the operation of the first external device 2A. The second control unit 22 is, for example, a graphics controller (Graphics Controller) responsible for image display on the first external device 2A. The first control unit 21 is, for example, a controller in charge of functions other than the video display that the second control unit 22 is in charge of in the first external device 2A. The first control unit 21 has a pass Communication function, and by connecting the wiring appliance 1 and the first external device 2A with the USB cable 4, it can communicate with the control unit 14 of the wiring appliance 1 . Moreover, the second control unit 22 has a communication function, and can communicate with the first external device 2B of the second external device 2B by connecting the wiring device 1 and the first external device 2A and the second external device 2B with USB cables 4, respectively. The second control unit 22 communicates.

The battery 23 includes, for example, a secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery. The battery 23 is a secondary battery that stores DC power supplied from the wiring device 1 through the USB cable 4 . The DC power of the secondary battery stored in the battery 23 is supplied to the first control unit 21 and the second control unit 22 etc. when the power of the power system 3 is interrupted. In addition, in this embodiment, the DC power of the secondary battery stored in the battery 23 can also be supplied to the second external device 2B through the wiring device 1 .

The second external device 2B is, for example, a display. The second external device 2B includes, as shown in FIG. 1 , a device-side connection unit 20 , a first control unit 21 , and a second control unit 22 . Moreover, the second external device 2B further includes: a casing 200 for accommodating the first control unit 21 and the second control unit 22 . Here, the device-side connection portion 20 is configured without the power receiving terminal 201 from the device-side connection portion 20 of the first external device 2A described above, so description is omitted here. Also, the first control unit 21 and the second control unit 22 are the same as the first control unit 21 and the second control unit 22 of the first external device 2A described above, and description thereof will be omitted here. The device-side connection portion 20 is held by the housing 200 in a state in which its functional surface is exposed from the housing 200 , similarly to the first external device 2A described above.

(2.3)USB cable

Each of the plurality of USB cables 4 is a cable for connecting the external device 2 to the wiring device 1 . Each of the plurality of USB cables 4 includes: a first connection part 41 , a second connection part 42 , and a cable 43 .

The first connection part 41 is, for example, a USB plug. The first connection portion 41 is, for example, connectable to the appliance-side connection portion 10 (USB socket) of the wiring appliance 1 . As shown in FIG. 1 , the first connection portion 41 includes: a first terminal 411 , a second terminal 412 , and a third terminal 413 . The first terminal 411 is a terminal corresponding to the power supply terminal 101 of the appliance side connection part 10 . The second terminal 412 is a terminal corresponding to the first signal terminal 102 of the appliance side connection part 10 . The third terminal 413 is a terminal corresponding to the second signal terminal 103 of the appliance side connection part 10 .

The second connection part 42 is the same as the first connection part 41, for example, is a USB plug. The second connection portion 42 is, for example, connectable to the device-side connection portion 20 (USB slot) of the external device 2 . As shown in FIG. 1 , the second connection portion 42 includes: a first terminal 421 , a second terminal 422 , and a third terminal 423 . The first terminal 421 is a terminal corresponding to the power receiving terminal 201 of the device-side connection part 20 . The second terminal 422 is a terminal corresponding to the first signal terminal 202 of the device-side connection part 20 . The third terminal 423 is a terminal corresponding to the second signal terminal 203 of the device-side connection part 20 .

The cable 43 is a cable connecting the first connection part 41 and the second connection part 42 . The cable 43 includes: a first cable core, a second cable core, and a third cable core. The first cable core is connected to the first terminal 411 of the first connection part 41 and the first terminal 421 of the second connection part 42 . The second cable core is connected to the second terminal 412 of the first connection part 41 and the second terminal 422 of the second connection part 42 . The third cable core is connected to the third terminal 413 of the first connection part 41 and the third terminal 423 of the second connection part 42 .

By connecting the first connection part 41 of the USB cable 4 to the appliance side connection part 10 of the wiring appliance 1, and connecting the second connection part 42 of the USB cable 4 to the device side connection part 20 of the external device 2, It is possible to supply power to a plurality of external devices 2 from the wiring device 1 . Also, by connecting the first connection part 41 of the USB cable 4 to the appliance-side connection part 10 of the wiring appliance 1, and connecting the second connection part 42 of the USB cable 4 to the device-side connection part 20 of the external device 2 , communication is enabled between the first external device 2A and the second external device 2B.

(3) action

(3.1) First action

First, the first operation of the wiring device 1 according to this embodiment will be described. The first operation is an operation of setting the on-off switch 151 to "closed circuit" based on "a plurality of (for example, two) external devices 2 are connected to the wiring device 1".

First, the wiring device 1 is connected to the first external device 2A using the first USB cable 4A. At this time, the first connection portion 41 of the first USB cable 4A is connected to the first appliance-side connection portion 10A of the wiring appliance 1 , and the second connection portion 42 of the first USB cable 4A is connected to the device of the first external device 2A. The side connection part 20 is connected.

Next, the wiring device 1 is connected to the second external device 2B using the second USB cable 4B. At this time, the first connection part 41 of the second USB cable 4B is connected to the second appliance side connection part 10B of the wiring appliance 1, and the second connection part 42 of the second USB cable 4B is connected to the device of the second external device 2B. The side connection part 20 is connected.

The control unit 14 of the wiring appliance 1 detects that each device-side connection unit 20 is connected to the corresponding device based on “communication with the first control unit 21 of each external device 2 is enabled through the USB cable 4”. The side connection part 10 is connected, and the opening and closing switch 151 of the opening and closing part 15 is set to "closed circuit". Thereby, the plurality of second signal terminals 103 become conductive, and communication can be performed between (the second control unit 22 of the first external device 2A) and the second external device 2B (the second control unit 22 ).

(3.2) Second action

Next, the second operation of the wiring device 1 according to this embodiment will be described. The second operation is an operation of switching from the first power supply line 51 to the second power supply line 52 when the power of the power system 3 is interrupted so that the first external device 2A can supply power to the second external device 2B. Here, when the electric power of the power system 3 is interrupted, the operation power of the control part 14 of the wiring appliance 1 is supplied from the battery 23 of the 1st external equipment 2A, and it demonstrates.

Before the power interruption of the power system 3 occurs, the changeover switch 161 of the switching unit 16 is turned "open", and the first power supply line 51 is selected as the power supply line to each external device 2 . Therefore, in this case, the DC power converted by the first power conversion circuit 11 , the second power conversion circuit 12 , and the third power conversion circuit 13 is supplied to each external device 2 through the first power supply line 51 .

When the power interruption of the power system 3 occurs, the power supply from the wiring harness 1 to each external device 2 is stopped. Since the first external device 2A is equipped with a battery 23 , electric power is supplied from the battery 23 to the first control unit 21 . The first control unit 21 detects that "the power supply from the wiring device 1 has stopped" Until a power interruption of the power system 3 occurs. Once the first control part 21 detects that the power of the power system 3 is interrupted, it will start to supply power to the control part 14 of the wiring device 1 from the battery 23 .

In the wiring device 1, the control part 14 monitors the output voltage of the 2nd power conversion circuit 12, and detects the power interruption of the power system 3 based on "the output voltage of the 2nd power conversion circuit 12 becomes zero." Then, the control unit 14 sets the switch 161 of the switching unit 16 to “closed circuit”, and switches the power supply line to the second external device 2B from the first power supply line 51 to the second power supply line 52, so that the first external The device 2A supplies power to the second external device 2B. In this way, the battery 23 of the first external device 2A can supply power to the second external device 2B through the second power supply line 52 . In other words, according to the wiring appliance 1 of this embodiment, even when the power of the power system 3 is interrupted, the first external device 2A equipped with the battery 23 can be connected to the first external device 2A not equipped with the battery through the wiring appliance 1 . The second external device 2B supplies power.

When the power system 3 recovers, the control unit 14 detects the power recovery of the power system 3 based on the fact that "the output voltage of the second power conversion circuit 12 has become higher than the threshold voltage". Once the control unit 14 detects that the power of the power system 3 is restored, it sets the switch 161 of the switching unit 16 to “open circuit” so as to supply power to each of the first external device 2A and the second external device 2B. This switches from the second power supply line 52 to the first power supply line 51 .

(4) Effect

The wiring appliance 1 according to this embodiment includes a plurality of appliance-side connection parts 10 as described above. A plurality of device-side connection parts 20 can be connected to a plurality of appliance-side connection parts 10 . The plurality of device-side connection units 20 are respectively provided in the plurality of external devices 2 . Each of the plurality of appliance-side connecting parts 10 includes: a power supply terminal Sub 101, and (second) signal terminal 103. The power supply terminal 101 supplies electric power to any one of the plurality of external devices 2 . The (second) signal terminal 103 is connected to the transmission line 53 for transmitting signals between a plurality of external devices 2 . A plurality of (second) signal terminals 103 can be connected to each other through the transmission line 53 .

In the wiring appliance 1 according to the present embodiment, as described above, power can be supplied to the plurality of external devices 2 through the plurality of power supply terminals 101 respectively provided in the plurality of appliance side connection parts 10 . In addition, in the wiring device 1 , as described above, the plurality of (second) signal terminals 103 can be connected to each other through the transmission line 53 . Therefore, the wiring device 1 according to this embodiment can supply power to a plurality of external devices 2 and can communicate among a plurality of external devices 2 .

Moreover, in the wiring appliance 1 according to this embodiment, as mentioned above, it further includes: the switch part 16 which switches the 1st power supply line 51 and the 2nd power supply line 52. Therefore, for example, even when the power of the power system 3 is interrupted, at least one external device 2 (in this embodiment, the first external device 2A) can be transmitted to the remaining external devices 2 ( In this embodiment, it is powered by the second external device 2B).

Moreover, in the wiring harness 1 according to this embodiment, as mentioned above, the amplification part 17 is further included. Therefore, even when a signal is transmitted through a plurality of (for example, two) USB cables 4 like the wiring device 1 according to the present embodiment, that is, when the length of the signal path including the transmission line 53 is long , It can also suppress the degradation (attenuation) of the signal.

(5) Modification

The above-mentioned implementation forms are only one of various implementation forms of the present invention. If the above-mentioned implementation can achieve the purpose of the present invention, various changes can be made according to the design and the like. Hereinafter, modification examples of the above-mentioned embodiment will be listed. Modifications described below can be applied in combination as appropriate.

(5.1) Modification 1

The wiring device 1A according to Modification 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 3 .

Modification 1 differs from the above embodiment in that the plurality of external devices 2 connected to the wiring harness 1A are the same device including an operating system (hereinafter also referred to as "OS"). Also, in the wiring fixture 1A according to Modification 1, the point that the control unit 14A includes the setting unit 141 is different from the wiring fixture 1 according to the above-mentioned embodiment. In Modification 1, the configuration other than these points is the same as that of the above-mentioned embodiment, and the same components are given the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

A wiring harness 1A according to Modification 1 includes a control unit 14A. The control unit 14A includes a setting unit 141 . The setting unit 141 sets the external devices 2 other than at least one external device 2 among the plurality of external devices 2 as virtual disk drives.

In Modification 1, the first external device 2A and the second external device 2B can be connected to the wiring harness 1 . Each of the first external device 2A and the second external device 2B is, for example, a personal computer. That is, each of the plurality of external devices 2 is the same type of device including the OS. The term "same device" in the present invention means devices loaded with the same OS. For example, if the OS system of the first external device 2A operates on Windows system (Windows (registered trademark)), the OS of the second external device 2B is also a Windows operating system (Windows (registered trademark)).

As in Modification 1, when the first external device 2A and the second external device 2B are the same device including the OS, the setting unit 141 of the control unit 14A of the The connection of the external device 2B will set one of the first external device 2A and the second external device 2B as a virtual disk drive. In this embodiment, as an example, the setting unit 141 sets the first external device 2A connected to the wiring device 1A through the first appliance-side connection portion 10A as the host, and sets the first external device 2A connected to the wiring device 1A through the second appliance-side connection portion 10B. The second external device 2B in the wiring harness 1A is set as a device. Then, the setting unit 141 sets the second external device 2B set as a device as a virtual disk drive. In this way, the first external device 2A and the second external device 2B can communicate with each other.

In Modification 1, the second external device 2B connected to the wiring appliance 1A through the second appliance-side connection portion 10B is set as a device and set as a virtual disk drive, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The setting unit 141 may switch the host and the device for the plurality of external devices 2, and may set the external device 2 set as the device among the plurality of external devices 2 as a virtual disk drive. For example, if the setting unit 141 sets the first external device 2A as a host and the second external device 2B as a device, then it sets the second external device 2B as a virtual disk drive. Also, if the setting unit 141 sets the first external device 2A as a device and the second external device 2B as a host, it sets the first external device 2A as a virtual disk drive. In this way, the first external device 2A and the second external device 2B can communicate with each other.

In Modification 1, each of the first external device 2A and the second external device 2B is a personal computer, but it is not limited thereto. Each of the first external device 2A and the second external device 2B may be the same device including an OS, for example, a smartphone or a digital camera. Even in these cases, the setting unit 141 only needs to set the external device 2 set as a device among the plurality of external devices 2 as a virtual disk drive. In this way, the first external device 2A and the second external device 2B can communicate with each other.

(5.2) Other modifications

Other modified examples are listed below.

Although the wiring device 1 is a USB socket in the above-mentioned embodiment, the wiring device 1 can also be, for example, a socket tap, a wall socket, a furniture socket, an OA (Office Automation, office automation) tap (power tap) and any one of the charging adapter (AC adapter).

Although in the above-mentioned embodiment, the on-off switch 151 for opening/closing the transmission line 53 is provided in the middle of the transmission line 53 connecting the plurality of signal terminals 103, the on-off switch 151 can also be omitted. That is, the plurality of signal terminals 103 can also be continuously connected to each other through the transmission line 53 . According to this configuration, the configuration of opening/closing the plurality of signal terminals 103 (opening and closing switch 151 ) is unnecessary, and the wiring device 1 can be simplified.

Although in the above-mentioned embodiment, each of the plurality of appliance-side connecting parts 10 is a USB Type-C slot, for example, a USB Type-A slot may also be used, and a USB Type-B slot may also be used. Can. Also, although In the above-mentioned embodiment, each of the plurality of device-side connecting parts 20 is a USB Type-C slot, but for example, a USB Type-A slot may also be used, and a USB Type-B slot may also be used. .

Although in the above-mentioned embodiment, two appliance-side connecting portions 10 are provided on the wiring appliance 1, the number of appliance-side connecting portions 10 is not limited to two, and may be more than three. In this case, the control unit 14 selects the corresponding transmission line 53 from among the plurality of transmission lines 53 in accordance with the number of the appliance-side connection units 10 to which the device-side connection unit 20 is connected among the three or more appliance-side connection units 10 . The configuration of the transmission line 53" is preferable.

Although there is one second signal terminal 103 in the above-mentioned implementation, the second signal terminal 103 may also be plural. In this case, the plurality of transmission lines 53 may be opened/closed by one switch unit 15 or may be opened/closed by a plurality of switch units 15 corresponding to one-to-one.

Although in the above-mentioned embodiment, the switching part 16 and the amplifying part 17 are provided separately, the switching part 16 and the amplifying part 17 can also be provided integrally. That is, the function as the switching unit 16 may be included in the signal repeater IC constituting the amplifying unit 17 .

Although in the above embodiments, the battery 23 included in the first external device 2A includes a secondary battery, it is not limited thereto. The battery 23 may include, for example, a primary battery or an electric double-layer capacitor (EDLC; Electric Double-Layer Capacitor).

Although in the above-mentioned embodiment, when the power of the power system 3 is interrupted, the battery 23 of the first external device 2A supplies the operating power to the control part 14 of the wiring appliance 1, but the wiring appliance 1 may also be equipped with, for example, two secondary battery. Thereby, when the electric power of the electric system 3 is interrupted, electric power can be supplied to the control part 14 from a secondary battery.

Although in the above-mentioned embodiment, the control unit 14 detects that the plurality of device-side connection units 20 have been connected to the plurality of external devices 2 based on “communication is possible with the first control unit 21 of the plurality of external devices 2”. An appliance-side connecting portion 10, but not limited thereto. The control unit 14 may, for example, provide a detection switch on the appliance-side connection portion 10 and use the detection switch to detect that the device-side connection portion 20 is connected to the appliance-side connection portion 10 .

Although in the above-mentioned embodiment, the first external device 2A is a personal computer and the second external device 2B is a display, for example, the first external device 2A is a personal computer and the second external device 2B is a smart phone. Can. Furthermore, the first external device 2A may be a personal computer, and the second external device 2B may be a mouse.

Although in the above-mentioned embodiment, the control unit 14 detects the power interruption and power recovery of the power system 3 through the output voltage of the second power conversion circuit 12, for example, by communicating with the first external device 2A The communication of a control unit 21 may also detect power interruption and power recovery of the power system 3 .

(style)

The following aspects are revealed from the embodiments, modifications, and the like described above.

The wiring appliance (1; 1A) according to the first aspect includes a plurality of appliance-side connection parts (10). The plurality of device-side connections (20) are connectable to the plurality of appliance-side connections (10). A plurality of device-side connection parts (20) are respectively provided on a plurality of external devices (2). Each of the plurality of appliance-side connection parts (10) includes a power supply terminal (101) and a signal terminal (103). The power supply terminal (101) supplies power to any one of the plurality of external devices (2). The signal terminal (103) is connected to a transmission line (53) for transmitting signals between a plurality of external devices (2). A plurality of signal terminals (103) can be connected to each other through transmission lines (53).

According to this aspect, power can be supplied to a plurality of external devices (2), and communication between the plurality of external devices (2) can be performed.

The wiring device (1; 1A) according to the second aspect further includes an on-off switch (151) and an on-off control unit (14; 14A) in the first aspect. Opening and closing the switch (151) opens/closes the transmission line (53). And the opening and closing control part (14; 14A) controls the opening and closing switch (151).

In this way, the transmission line (53) can be opened/closed.

The wiring device (1; 1A) according to the third aspect is, in the second aspect, once at least two equipment-side connection parts (20) among the plurality of equipment-side connection parts (20) are connected to the plurality of equipment-side connection parts After connecting at least two appliance-side connecting parts (10) among the parts (10), the on-off control part (14; 14A) sets the on-off switch (151) to a closed circuit.

According to this aspect, the on-off switch (151) can be set to a closed circuit according to the fact that "at least two equipment-side connection parts (20) are connected to at least two appliance-side connection parts (10)".

According to the fourth aspect of the wiring device (1; 1A), in the first aspect, a plurality of signal terminals (103) are continuously connected to each other.

According to this aspect, there is no need to open/close the multiple signal terminals (103), and the simplification of the wiring device (1) can be achieved.

The wiring device (1; 1A) according to the fifth aspect further includes a switching part (16) in any one of the first to fourth aspects. The switching unit (16) switches between the first power supply line (51) and the second power supply line (52). The first power supply line (51) supplies the first power from the power system (3) to a plurality of external devices (2). The second power supply line (52) supplies second power from at least one external device (2) among the plurality of external devices (2) to the remaining external devices (2). The switching unit (16) switches from the first power supply line (51) to the second power supply line (52) once it detects that the power of the power system (3) is interrupted.

According to this aspect, even when the power of the power system (3) is interrupted, power can be supplied to the external device (2).

The wiring device (1; 1A) according to the sixth aspect further includes: a switching control part (14; 14A) controlling the switching part (16) in the fifth aspect. The switch unit (16) includes a switch (161) for opening/closing the second power supply line (52). The switching control unit (14; 14A) sets the switching switch (161) to an open circuit before detecting a power interruption of the power system (3). The switching control unit (14; 14A) sets the switching switch (161) to a closed circuit once it detects that the power of the power system (3) is interrupted.

According to this aspect, even when the power of the power system (3) is interrupted, power can be supplied to the external device (2).

The wiring device (1; 1A) according to the seventh aspect further includes an amplifier (17) in any one of the first to sixth aspects. The amplifier (17) amplifies the signal passing through the transmission line (53).

According to this aspect, it is possible to suppress deterioration of signals transmitted between a plurality of external devices (2).

In the wiring device (1; 1A) according to the eighth aspect, in any one of the first to seventh aspects, each of the plurality of external devices (2) is the same device including the operating system. The wiring device (1; 1A) further includes a setting unit (141). The setting unit (141) sets the remaining external devices (2) except at least one external device (2) among the plurality of external devices (2) as virtual disk drives.

According to this aspect, mutual communication can be performed between a plurality of external devices (2).

The wiring device (1; 1A) according to the ninth aspect is any one of the first to eighth aspects, and the wiring device is a USB socket.

According to this aspect, a USB socket capable of supplying power to a plurality of external devices (2) and communicating among the plurality of external devices (2) can be realized.

Regarding the configurations according to the second to ninth aspects, they are not necessary for the wiring device (1; 1A) and can be appropriately omitted.

1: Wiring equipment

10: Appliance side connection part

10A: The first appliance side connection part

10B: Second appliance side connection part

100: shell

101: Power supply terminal

102: The first signal terminal

103: Second signal terminal (signal terminal)

11: The first power conversion circuit

12: Second power conversion circuit

13, 13A, 13B: the third power conversion circuit

14: Control part (opening and closing control part, switching control part)

15: Opening and closing part

151: On and off switch

16: switch part

161: toggle switch

17: Enlargement part

2: External equipment

2A: First external device

2B: Second external device

20: Equipment side connection part

200: Shell

201: Power receiving terminal

202: first signal terminal

203: Second signal terminal

21: First Control Division

22:Second control department

23: battery

3: Power system

4:USB cable

4A: First USB cable

4B: Second USB cable

41: USB plug (first connection part)

411: first terminal

412: second terminal

413: The third terminal

42: USB plug (second connection part)

421: first terminal

422: second terminal

423: The third terminal

43: cable

51: The first power supply line

52: Second power supply line

53: Transmission line

T1, T2: Power terminals

Claims (7)

A wiring device, comprising: a plurality of appliance-side connection parts, which can be connected by a plurality of device-side connection parts respectively provided in a plurality of external devices; each of the plurality of appliance-side connection parts includes: a power supply terminal connected to the plurality of Any one of the external devices supplies power; and a signal terminal connected to a transmission line for transmitting signals between the plurality of external devices; a plurality of the signal terminals can be connected to each other through the transmission line; the wiring device further includes : an open/close switch for opening/closing the transmission line; and an open/close control unit for controlling the open/close switch; After at least two appliance-side connecting parts among the connecting parts are connected, the on-off switch is set to a closed circuit. The wiring device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of signal terminals are continuously connected to each other. The wiring device described in claim 1 or 2 further includes: The switching unit switches between the first power supply line and the second power supply line; the first power supply line supplies the first power from the power system to the plurality of external devices; the second power supply line supplies the power from the plurality of The second power of at least one external device among the external devices is supplied to the rest of the external devices; once the switching unit detects that the power of the power system is interrupted, it switches from the first power supply line to the second power supply line. The wiring device as described in claim 3, further includes: a switching control part, which controls the switching part; the switching part includes: a switching switch, which makes the second power supply line open/closed; Before the power of the power system is interrupted, the switch is set to open circuit; and once the power of the power system is detected to be interrupted, the switch is set to be closed. The wiring device as described in claim 1 or 2 further includes: an amplification unit for amplifying the signal passing through the transmission line. The wiring device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the plurality of external devices includes the same type of device of the operating system; and the wiring device further includes: a setting unit, at least one of the plurality of external devices External devices other than one external device are set as virtual disk drives. The wiring device as described in Claim 1 or 2, wherein, The wiring appliance is a USB socket.

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