WO2007074771A1

WO2007074771A1 - Electronic device and electronic device system

Info

Publication number: WO2007074771A1
Application number: PCT/JP2006/325774
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kiyoshi Senoue
Original assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
Priority date: 2005-12-26
Filing date: 2006-12-25
Publication date: 2007-07-05
Also published as: TW200745819A; JPWO2007074771A1

Abstract

In a portable PC, an input device (1) is provided with a device main body (1a), a small power generator (1d) and a secondary battery (1e) for supplying the device main body (1a) with power, a storage device (2) is provided with a device main body (2a), a small power generator (2d) and a secondary battery (2e) for supplying the device main body (2a) with power, and a display device (3) is provided with a device main body (3a), and a small power generator (3d) and a secondary battery (3e) for supplying the device main body (3a) with power. A portable PC having a prescribed function is configured by combining the input device (1), the storage device (2) and the display device (3).

Description

Specification

Electronic equipment and electronic equipment system

Technical field

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device and an electronic device system, and more particularly to an electronic device and an electronic device system capable of realizing a target function by a plurality of combinations. Background art

Conventionally, as an electronic device, for example, a PC (personal computer), as shown in FIG. 7, a keyboard 102 and a display 103 are connected to a CPU 101, and a main storage device 104 and an auxiliary storage device 105 are connected. Has been. Data input from the keyboard 102 is arithmetically processed by the CPU 101 using the auxiliary storage device 105 in accordance with a program stored in the main storage device 104, and the calculation result is displayed on the display 103. In such a PC, the units or modules such as the CPU 101, the keyboard 102, the display 103, the main storage device 104, and the auxiliary storage device 105 are connected to a common single power supply device 106. Power is supplied to all units or modules.

Disclosure of the invention

However, in such a PC, since the entire PC is operated only by a single power supply device 106, the load is concentrated on the power supply device 106. In order to stably supply power to the modules or units of the entire PC, it is necessary to prepare a large power supply unit 106 with a large capacity in advance, which hinders downsizing of electronic devices due to problems such as heat generation. Sometimes. Further, since only one power supply device 106 is provided, there is a problem that if the power supply device 106 itself fails, the entire PC cannot be used. Furthermore, in the case of electronic devices that have been configured with applications and functions determined in advance, if you want to add another function, purchase one that includes other parts besides that function. There is a problem that it is necessary and economically disadvantageous.

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device and an electronic device system capable of providing a stable power supply and having various functions. [0005] According to the present invention,

A first device main body having a first function, a first control unit for controlling the operation of the first device main body, and a first power supply unit for supplying electric power for operating the first device main body and the first control unit A first electronic device comprising:

A second device body having a second function different from the first function, a second control unit for controlling the operation of the second device body, and the second device body and the second control unit for operating the second device body. A second electronic device having a second power supply for supplying power;

A third device body having a third function different from the first and second functions, a third control unit for controlling the operation of the third device body, and the third device body and the third control unit. A third electronic device having a third power supply for supplying power for

An interconnection unit for electrically connecting the first, second, and third electronic devices to transfer data and power, and is determined by combining the first, second, and third functions. An interconnect section that provides the functions of

An electronic apparatus system is provided.

[0006] Further, according to the present invention,

A display module having a display function, a first control unit for controlling the operation of the display module, a display device including a first power supply unit for supplying power for operating the display module and the first control unit; ,

An input device having an input unit having an input function, a second control unit that controls the operation of the input unit, and a second power supply unit that supplies power for operating the input unit and the second control unit; ,

A storage unit having a data storage function, a third control unit that controls the operation of the storage unit, and a storage device that includes a third power supply unit that supplies power for operating the storage unit and the third control unit; ,

An interconnection unit for electrically connecting the display device, the input device, and the storage device to transfer data and power, and providing the PC function by combining the display function, the input function, and the storage function When,

An electronic apparatus system is provided. [0007] Furthermore, according to the present invention,

It is used in an electronic device system having a plurality of electronic devices and combining these electronic devices with a predetermined function.

There is provided an electronic device comprising a device main body and power supply means for supplying power to the device main body.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing an electronic device system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view schematically showing a combination of the electronic devices shown in FIG.

2B is a side view schematically showing the electronic device shown in FIG. 2A.

3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the input device shown in FIG.

FIG. 4A is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the input device shown in FIG.

FIG. 4B is a table for explaining the operation of the input device shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining functions by a combination of the electronic devices shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram schematically showing an electronic device system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram schematically showing an electronic device system according to a conventional example.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, electronic devices and electronic device systems according to embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0010] (First embodiment)

FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a portable PC as an electronic device system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, a portable PC displays an input device 1 for inputting external force data or instructions, a storage device 2 for storing various data, and characters, patterns or images. For example, the display device 3 is configured by an electronic device having a predetermined function. These input device 1, storage device 2 and display device 3 are independent of each other. Configured as an electronic device. In the portable PC shown in FIG. 1, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the display device 3 is detachably provided on the input device 1, and the storage device 2 is detachably provided on the display device 3. In addition, a common wiring member 15 is disposed in the input device 1, the storage device 2, and the display device 3. The wiring member 15 is electrically connected between the input device 1, the storage device 2, and the display device 3, and is wired with a communication cable for transmitting and receiving electrical signals, electronic information or data, a power cable for supplying power, and the like. The member 15 is provided. Therefore, the combination of the input device 1, the storage device 2, and the display device 3 can provide the same function as a normal portable PC, and can be operated as a normal portable PC. Further, as will be described later, each of the input device 1, the storage device 2, and the display device 3 includes power supply units ld, le, 2d, 2e, 2d, and 2e. Each of 2 and the display device 3 can be operated independently.

[0012] The input device 1, the storage device 2, and the display device 3 are provided with air intakes ldl, 2dl, and 3dl for small generators ld, 2d, and 3d, which will be described later, on their respective sides. .

FIG. 3 shows a schematic configuration of the input device 1. In FIG. 3, la indicates a device main body which is a device main body, and the device main body la has a display unit capable of inputting instructions or data from the outside, for example, a liquid crystal display unit (not shown). A control unit lb (control unit or control module) is connected to the apparatus body la. The control unit lb sets various functions for the device body la. The control unit lb is for the device body la of the input device 1, for example, a keyboard comprising a touch panel that can freely change the key layout (JIS, 10 keys, alphabet layout), mouse (pointing 'device), and home appliances. It is possible to set functions such as remote control, calculator, ヮ pro, and game, and to display operation screens corresponding to the functions on the main unit la. In the example shown in Fig. 3, a keyboard that is a touch panel necessary for PC data input is set, and this keyboard is displayed on the LCD.

[0014] A switching unit lc that enables switching of electronic devices according to functions is connected to the apparatus main body la. The switching unit lc includes switching units lcl and lc2, which will be described later, to which a small generator Id and a secondary battery le that constitute the power supply device are connected, and other communication is performed via the communication of the wiring member 15 and a power cable. The power supply devices of the storage device 2 and the display device 3 which are electronic devices are connected. [0015] A fuel cell, for example, a direct methanol fuel cell (hereinafter referred to as DMFC: Direct Methanol Fuel Cell) is used for the small generator Id constituting the power supply device. In DMF C, an electrolyte membrane is disposed between an anode electrode and a force sword electrode, and both the anode electrode and the cathode electrode are composed of a current collector and a catalyst layer. Pure methanol or methanol aqueous solution is supplied to the anode electrode as fuel, and protons (protons) are generated by a catalytic reaction. On the other hand, air is supplied to the force sword electrode (air electrode) from the air intake. At the force sword electrode, power is generated by protons that have passed through the electrolyte membrane react with oxygen contained in the supplied air on the catalyst. In this way, DMFC uses methanol, which has a high energy density, as the fuel, and can take out the current directly on the methanol-powered electrocatalyst and can be downsized because it does not require modification. Because it is easy, it is optimal as a power source for small electronic devices. Here, the DMFC uses a passive type in which both fuel and air are supplied using convection and concentration gradients. This small generator Id can use a solar cell in place of the fuel cell.

The fuel used in the fuel cell of the present invention is not necessarily limited to methanol fuel. For example, ethanol fuel such as ethanol aqueous solution and pure ethanol, propanol fuel such as propanol aqueous solution and pure propanol, and glycol aqueous solution are pure. It may be a glycol fuel such as glycol, dimethyl ether, formic acid, or other fuel. In any case, the fuel corresponding to the fuel cell is used. The power generation information of such a small generator Id is sent to the control unit lb.

As the secondary battery le, for example, a lithium ion rechargeable battery (hereinafter referred to as LIB) is used. This LIB is charged by the generated power of the small generator Id that is boosted via a boosting means (not shown), and replenishes the shortage of power of the small generator Id according to the state of the apparatus main body la. The remaining capacity of the secondary battery le is sent to the control unit lb.

[0018] The control unit lb is further connected to other electronic devices (the storage device 2 or the display device 3) with connection information Ia and Ib between the other electronic devices and small generators 2d and 3d described later. And secondary battery 2e, 3e power generation, remaining capacity information Ic, small generator ld of this unit, secondary battery le power generation, remaining capacity information Id is transmitted / received, and switching unit lc based on these information lc Generate a control signal. [0019] The switching unit lc is provided to switch the electric path for exchanging power between the input device 1 and other electronic devices (the storage device 2 and the display device 3). Here, a switch lcl that can switch an electric circuit between the input device 1 and the storage device 2 and a switch lc2 that can switch an electric circuit between the input device 1 and the display device 3 are provided. As shown in Fig. 4A, the switch lcl (lc2) is a switch SWa for supplying generated power from the small generator Id to the storage device 2 (display device 3), and the generated power from the small generator Id to the main unit la. It has a switch SWb for supplying. The switch lcl (lc2) includes a switch SWc for supplying generated power from the small generator Id to the secondary battery le, and a switch SWdl for charging the secondary battery le from the storage device 2 (display device 3). A switch S Wd2 for supplying power from the secondary battery le to the storage device 2 (display device 3) and a switch SWe for supplying power from the secondary battery 1 e to the device body 1a. .

[0020] Then, according to the control signal from the control unit lb, for example, when the input device 1 operates alone as shown in FIG. 4B, the switches SWc and SWe are turned on. In addition, when the secondary battery le is charged inside the input device 1 in response to the control signal, the switch SWc is turned on, and when operated by the power supply of the storage device 2 (display device 3), the switch SWdl And SWe are turned on. Further, when the secondary battery le is charged from the power supply device of the storage device 2 (display device 3) in response to the control signal, the switch SWdl is turned on, and the storage device 2 (display device 3) is supplied from the small generator Id. Switch SWa is turned on when charging the power supply unit of the battery, and switch SWd2 is turned on when charging the power supply unit of the storage device 2 (display device 3) with the secondary battery le.

The storage device 2 and the display device 3 corresponding to other electronic devices shown in FIG. 1 are also configured in the same manner as the input device 1 shown in FIG. That is, the storage device 2 is provided with a device main body 2a, a control unit 2b, a switching unit 2c, a small generator 2d, a secondary battery, and 2e. Similarly, the display device 3 is also provided with a device body 3a, a control unit 3b, a switching unit 3c, a small generator 3d, and a secondary battery 3e.

[0022] In this storage device 2, functions such as a storage unit for portable audio, disk editing, video playback, etc. can be set to the device body 2a by the control unit 2b, for example. Yes. The display device 3 is also compared with the device body 3a by the control unit 3b. For example, functions such as video display, word processor and game console display can be set in addition to the PC display.

According to such a configuration, a portable PC can be configured by combining electronic devices configured independently, that is, the input device 1, the storage device 2, and the display device 3. In this case, the input device 1, the storage device 2, and the display device 3 are each provided with small generators ld, 2d, 3d and secondary batteries le, 2e, 3e as their own power supply devices.

[0024] According to such a configuration, for example, the input device 1 can be operated independently by the small generator Id and the secondary battery le, and the switches SWc and SWe are turned on by the switcher lcl (lc2). Thus, charging power can be supplied from the small generator Id to the secondary battery le, and at the same time, power can be supplied to the apparatus main body la by discharging the secondary battery le. Further, by turning on the switch SWc, it is possible to supply electric power for charging from the small generator 1d to the secondary battery 1e.

[0025] Similarly for other electronic devices (storage device 2 or display device 3), the small generators 2d, 3d and secondary batteries 2e, 3e that are specific to the electronic device are used to supply power to the device bodies 2a, 3a. Supply power for charging can be supplied to the secondary batteries 2e and 3e.

On the other hand, the input device 1, the storage device 2, and the display device 3 exchange connection information Ia, lb, power generation, remaining capacity information Ic, Id, and the like.

[0027] Therefore, for example, in the input device 1, when the power generation capacity of the small generator Id is lowered, the switch SWdl and SWe are turned on by the switcher lcl (lc2) according to the instruction of the control unit lb. Power can be received from the power supply device of the electronic device (storage device 2 or display device 3), and power can be supplied to the device body la by charging the secondary battery le and discharging the secondary battery le. In addition, when the switch SWdl is turned on by the switch lcl (lc2), the power for charging the secondary battery le can be received by another electronic device (the storage device 2 or the display device 3).

[0028] When the power generation capability of the small generator is reduced in another electronic device (the storage device 2 or the display device 3), the switch SWa is turned on by the switch lcl (lc2). In addition, power can be supplied from the small generator Id of the input device 1 to the power supply device of another electronic device (the storage device 2 or the display device 3). Further, by turning on the switch SWd2 by the switch lcl (lc2), power can be supplied from the secondary battery le of the input device 1 to another electronic device (the storage device 2 or the display device 3). [0029] Other electronic devices (the storage device 2 or the display device 3) can be operated in the same manner as described above.

[0030] The input device 1, the storage device 2, and the display device 3 are independently provided with various functions. Therefore, an electronic device system having a predetermined function other than the PC can be configured by combining these various functions. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, in the area A where the input device 1, the storage device 2, and the display device 3 are all used, the above-described PC can be configured. Further, in the region B where the input device 1 and the display device 3 are combined, it can be configured as a word processor or a game machine by setting the keyboard and word processor or game function in the input device 1. Further, in the area C where the input device 1 and the storage device 2 are combined, it can be configured as a disk editing machine by setting the disk editing in the storage device 2. Further, in the region D where the storage device 2 and the display device 3 are combined, the display device 3 can be configured as a moving image player that reproduces a moving image for a long time by setting the moving image reproduction in the storage device 2. Thus, by appropriately changing the combination of the input device 1, the storage device 2, and the display device 3, that is, by combining a plurality of electronic devices, a desired new function can be provided. As a result, when other functions are newly added, such as those that have been pre-determined in advance, it is necessary to purchase other parts besides those functions. In comparison, it can be extremely advantageous from an economical viewpoint.

[0031] (Second Embodiment)

In the electronic device system according to the first embodiment, the example in which the three electronic devices of the input device 1, the storage device 2, and the display device 3 are combined has been described. However, other electronic devices can be connected. By making it, the use can be further expanded.

FIG. 6 shows a schematic configuration of an electronic device system according to the second embodiment, and the same reference numerals are given to the same parts as those in FIG. In this electronic device system, an input / output device 10 is provided instead of the input device 1 of FIG. 1, and a communication device 4 is further provided. Of course, the storage device 2 and the display device 3 are configured in the same manner as the input device 1 described in FIG.

[0033] The input / output device 10 is configured in the same manner as the input device 1 described in FIG. That is, the input / output device 10 is provided with a small generator 10a in addition to a device main body, a control unit, a switching unit, and a secondary battery (not shown). Electric Charging power can be supplied to the pond. Further, the input / output device 10 is provided with a wireless device 101 that employs infrared rays or Bluetooth. For example, home appliances 11 to 13 such as a television, a video, and an air conditioner are connected to the wireless device 101, and the home appliances 11 to 13 can be controlled by setting the remote control function of the input / output device 10.

The communication device 4 is also configured in the same manner as the input device 1 described in FIG. In other words, the communication device 4 is provided with the device main body 4a, the control unit 4b, the switching unit 4c, the small generator 4d, and the secondary battery 4e, and the own small generator 4d and the secondary battery 4e lead to the device body 4a. It is possible to supply electric power for charging, and supply charging power to the secondary battery 4e.

[0035] A mobile phone 6 is connected to the communication device 4 via a mobile phone network or a PHS network 5, and is composed of an input / output device 10, a storage device 2, a display device 3, and a communication device 4. A function that enables voice and data communication with the mobile phone 6 is added to the PC.

[0036] An external charger 16 is connected to the input / output device 10, the storage device 2, the display device 3, and the communication device 4. The charger 16 is provided with a small generator 16a, and the small generator 16a can supply charging power to the charger 16. The charger 16 can supply power to the input / output device 10, the storage device 2, the display device 3, and the communication device 4.

[0037] Further, the input / output device 10, the storage device 2, the display device 3, and the communication device 4 exchange the connection information Ia, Ib, power generation, and remaining capacity information Ic, Id as described above. Based on this information, power can be transferred among the input / output device 10, the storage device 2, the display device 3, and the communication device 4.

On the other hand, a serial bus 7 such as a USB is connected to the input / output device 10, the storage device 2, and the display device 3. Another PC 8, digital camera 9, and mobile phone 6 can be connected to the serial bus 7. In this configuration, the input / output device 10, the storage device 2, and the display device 3 are used as a part of another PC 8, and the photo data from the digital camera 9 and the mobile phone 6 are stored in the storage device 2, Alternatively, it can be displayed on the display device 3. In the above description, power is supplied from the input / output device 10, the storage device 2, and the display device 3 to the digital camera 9 and the mobile phone 6. If the above conditions such as the exchange of information are satisfied, power can be supplied from the input / output device 10, the storage device 2, and the display device 3. In addition, the newly added electronic device described above is an example. If a small generator is built in and a mechanical and electrical interface is provided, different electronic devices can be arbitrarily added or removed. I'll do it for you.

[0040] Even in this way, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained, and the scope of application can be further expanded as compared with the first embodiment by enabling connection of other external devices. be able to.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments as they are, but can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in an implementation stage. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the embodiments. For example, any number of components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. In addition, combine the components of different embodiments as appropriate.

[0042] For example, in the above description, a force-active fuel cell, which is explained by taking a passive fuel cell as an example of the configuration of the fuel cell main body, and further, a pump or the like is used for a part such as a fuel supply. The present invention can also be applied to a semi-passive type fuel cell. Even if it is these structures, the effect similar to the description explained above is acquired. In addition, the fuel cell may have a structure having a fuel storage section below the membrane electrode assembly (MEA), but the fuel supply from the fuel storage section to the MEA has a structure in which a flow path is arranged and connected. It's okay. The form of the liquid fuel supplied to the MEA is not particularly limited, and the present invention can be applied even when all liquid supply, all liquid fuel vapor is supplied, and even part of the liquid fuel is supplied in a liquid state. Can be applied.

[0043] In the above-described embodiment, the input device 1, the storage device 2, and the display device 3 are described as a plurality of electronic devices. However, the electronic device is a combination of other electronic devices. However, it can be carried out in the same manner.

Industrial applicability According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an electronic device and an electronic device system capable of supplying stable power and having various functions.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] A first device main body having a first function, a first control unit for controlling the operation of the first device main body, and a first power supply for operating the first device main body and the first control unit. A first electronic device having a power supply unit;

An electronic device system comprising:

[2] The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein each of the first, second, and third power supply devices includes a power generation unit that generates electric power and a secondary battery that charges the generated power from the power generation unit. Equipment system.

[3] The first, second, and third electronic devices transmit and receive first, second, and third power supply information related to the first, second, and third power supply units via the wiring unit. The electronic device system according to claim 1, wherein:

[4] The first, second, and third electronic devices transmit and receive first, second, and third power supply information related to the first, second, and third power supply units via the wiring unit. Claims characterized by

² , electronic equipment system.

5. The electronic device system according to claim 4, wherein the first, second, and third power source information includes a power generation state of the power generation unit and remaining amount information of the secondary battery, respectively.

[6] The first, second, and third electronic devices respectively correspond to the corresponding first, second, and second electronic devices based on the first, second, and third power supply information via the wiring portions. 3 supplies power to the other first, second, and third electronic devices, or the other first, second, and third powers. 4. The electronic device system according to claim 3, wherein electric power is supplied from the child device.

[7] The first, second, and third electronic devices charge the secondary battery with electric power supplied from the other first, second, and third electronic devices, respectively. The electronic device system according to claim 6.

[8] A display module having a display function, a first control unit that controls the operation of the display module, and a first power supply unit that supplies power for operating the display module and the first control unit. A display device;

An electronic device system comprising:

[9] It is used in an electronic device system having a plurality of electronic devices and combining these electronic devices with a predetermined function.

An electronic device comprising: a device body; and power supply means for supplying power to the device body.

10. The electronic device according to claim 9, wherein the power supply device includes a power generation unit and a secondary battery that charges the power generated by the power generation unit.

11. The electronic device according to claim 9, wherein information relating to the power supply means can be transmitted and received.

12. The electronic device according to claim 9, wherein information relating to the power supply means can be transmitted and received.

[13] The information on the power supply means includes the power generation status of the power generation means and the remaining battery. 13. The electronic device according to claim 12, comprising quantity information.

[14] The power of the power supply unit can be supplied to the other electronic device or received from the other electronic device based on the information on the power supply unit received from the other electronic device. The electronic device according to claim 11.

[15] The electronic device according to [14], wherein the secondary battery can be charged with the received electric power.