Docking station and dual power supply device therefor

Abstract

This application relates to an expansion dock and its dual-power supply device. The device includes: a DC power adapter connected to the target expansion dock for supplying power; a target data interface installed on the target expansion dock for connecting the target expansion dock to external devices; and a first power transmission controller connected to the target data interface for switching the target expansion dock from single-power supply by the DC power adapter to joint power supply by the external device and the DC power adapter via the target data interface. This application enables a dual-power supply configuration of external device + DC power adapter, meeting users' high-power charging needs and solving the technical problem that Thunderbolt expansion docks equipped with low-power DC power adapters cannot meet users' high-power charging requirements.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of docking station technology, and in particular to a docking station and its dual power supply device. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional Thunderbolt docking stations typically employ a single DC power adapter for power supply. However, the size of the DC power adapter increases significantly with wattage, leading to a corresponding rise in cost. Meeting users' high-power charging needs requires a high-power DC power adapter, resulting in a large, heavy, inconvenient, and expensive device. Conversely, choosing a low-power DC power adapter to reduce cost and portability limits the user's charging power requirements. Therefore, current Thunderbolt docking station power designs struggle to achieve a balance between high-power supply capability, portability, and cost.

[0003] There is currently no effective solution to the problem that Thunderbolt docking stations equipped with low-power DC power adapters cannot meet users' high-power charging needs. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application provides a docking station and its dual power supply device to solve the technical problem that Thunderbolt docking stations equipped with low-power DC power adapters cannot meet users' high-power charging needs.

[0005] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, this application provides a dual power supply device for an expansion dock, including: a DC power adapter connected to a target expansion dock for supplying power to the target expansion dock; a target data interface installed on the target expansion dock for connecting the target expansion dock to an external device; and a first power transmission controller connected to the target data interface for switching the target expansion dock from single power supply by the DC power adapter to joint power supply by the external device and the DC power adapter through the target data interface.

[0006] Optionally, the device further includes: a power receiving line connected to a first power transmission controller for receiving power supplied by an external device acting as a power supplier; the first power transmission controller is also used to turn on the power receiving line when the external device acting as a power supplier is connected to a target data interface.

[0007] Optionally, the power receiving line includes a first power conversion module, a first switching transistor, an energy storage battery, and an internal power module for the expansion dock. The input terminal of the first power conversion module is connected to the target data interface to convert the power voltage provided by the external device into the same power voltage output by the DC power adapter. The first switching transistor is connected to the output terminal of the first power conversion module to conduct the power receiving line, allowing the power provided by the external device to access the power receiving line. The energy storage battery is connected to the first switching transistor to store electrical energy using the power provided by the external device when the power receiving line is conducting. The internal power module for the expansion dock is connected to the first switching transistor and operates using the power provided by the external device when the power receiving line is conducting.

[0008] Optionally, the power receiving line also includes: a data uplink interface, installed on the target expansion dock, for connecting the target expansion dock to the computer; and a second power conversion module, the input of which is connected to the first switching transistor, and the output of which is connected to the data uplink interface, for converting the power voltage output by the first power conversion module into a power voltage specifically configured for the data uplink interface when the power receiving line is on, so as to use the power provided by the external device to power the computer through the data uplink interface.

[0009] Optionally, the input of the second power conversion module is also connected to the DC power adapter, wherein: the second power conversion module is also used to convert the power voltage output by the DC power adapter into a power voltage specifically configured for the data uplink interface when the DC power adapter is connected to the target expansion dock, so as to use the power provided by the DC power adapter to power the computer through the data uplink interface.

[0010] Optionally, the DC power adapter is also connected to the energy storage battery and the internal power module of the expansion dock, respectively, for charging the energy storage battery and supplying power to the internal power module of the expansion dock.

[0011] Optionally, the device further includes: a second power transmission controller, connected to the data uplink interface and the second power conversion module respectively, for configuring first power output configuration data for the data uplink interface based on the difference between the output power of the DC power adapter and the power required for internal power consumption of the target expansion dock when the DC power adapter is connected to the target expansion dock; the first power transmission controller is also used to identify second power output configuration data of the external device acting as the power supplier; the second power transmission controller is also used to control the data uplink interface to configure the output according to the sum of the first power output configuration data and the second power output configuration data when the DC power adapter is connected to the target expansion dock and the external device also acts as the power supplier, so that the external device and the DC power adapter jointly power the computer.

[0012] Optionally, the device further includes a power supply line, which includes an energy storage battery and at least one second switch, wherein: a first end of the second switch is connected to the target data interface, a second end of the second switch is connected to the energy storage battery, and a control end of the second switch is connected to a first power transmission controller; the second switch is used to turn the power supply line on or off; the energy storage battery is also used to supply power to external devices via the target data interface when the power supply line is on; the first power transmission controller is also used to control the second switch to turn on the power supply line when an external device acting as a power receiver is connected to the target data interface; the second power transmission controller is also used to control the data uplink interface to configure the output according to the difference between the first power output configuration data and the preset power output configuration data when an external device acting as a power receiver is connected to the target data interface.

[0013] Optionally, the target expansion dock includes a Thunderbolt expansion dock, the target data interface includes the data downlink interface of the target expansion dock, and the external device includes a display or an external storage device. When the external device is a display, the external device is the power supply party; when the external device is an external storage device, the external device is the power receiving party.

[0014] According to another aspect of the embodiments of this application, this application provides an expansion dock, including the dual power supply device of the expansion dock described above.

[0015] Compared with related technologies, the technical solutions provided in this application have the following advantages:

[0016] This application provides a dual-power supply device for a docking station, comprising: a DC power adapter connected to the target docking station for supplying power to the target docking station; a target data interface installed on the target docking station for connecting the target docking station to an external device; and a first power transmission controller connected to the target data interface for switching the target docking station from single-power supply by the DC power adapter to joint power supply by the external device and the DC power adapter via the target data interface. This application configures the first power transmission controller to identify the role of the external device, and when the external device is identified as the power supplier, switches the docking station to the power receiver, thereby enabling the external device to also act as a power source for the docking station, forming a dual-power supply configuration of external device + DC power adapter. Even if the docking station is only equipped with a low-power DC power adapter, the dual-power supply configuration can still meet the user's high-power charging needs, solving the technical problem that Thunderbolt docking stations equipped with low-power DC power adapters cannot meet the user's high-power charging requirements. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application.

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or related technologies, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a dual power supply device for an optional expansion dock provided according to an embodiment of this application;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a circuit diagram of a dual-power supply device for an optional expansion dock provided according to an embodiment of this application;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a dual power supply device for another optional expansion dock provided according to an embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a dual power supply device for another optional expansion dock provided according to an embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a dual power supply device for another optional expansion dock provided according to an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a dual power supply device for another optional expansion dock provided according to an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of an optional dual-power supply application on a docking station according to an embodiment of this application.

[0026] Reference numerals: 1. DC power adapter; 2. Target data interface; 3. First power transmission controller; 4. First power conversion module; 5. First switching transistor; 6. Energy storage battery; 7. Internal power module of expansion dock; 8. Data uplink interface; 9. Second power conversion module; 10. Second power transmission controller; 11. Second switching transistor. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0028] In the following description, the use of suffixes such as "module," "part," or "unit" to denote elements is solely for the purpose of illustration and has no specific meaning in itself. Therefore, "module" and "part" may be used interchangeably.

[0029] To address the problems mentioned in the background art, according to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, an embodiment of a dual power supply device for a docking station is provided, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the dual power supply unit of the expansion dock includes:

[0030] DC power adapter 1, connected to the target expansion dock, is used to power the target expansion dock;

[0031] Target data interface 2, installed on the target expansion dock, is used to connect the target expansion dock to external devices;

[0032] The first power transmission controller 3 is connected to the target data interface 2 and is used to switch the target expansion dock from being powered by a single power source of the DC power adapter 1 to being powered by both the external device and the DC power adapter 1 through the target data interface 2.

[0033] In this embodiment of the application, the target expansion dock includes a Thunderbolt expansion dock, the target data interface includes the data downlink interface of the target expansion dock, and the external device includes a display or an external memory. When the external device is a display, the external device is the power supply party, and when the external device is an external memory, the external device is the power receiving party.

[0034] In the embodiments of this application, such as Figure 2 As shown, the dual power supply device is applied to a Thunderbolt expansion dock as an example for illustration. Figure 2 The DC power connector shown connects to DC power adapter 1, which then powers the Thunderbolt docking station. Figure 2 The Thunderbolt DFP (Downstream Facing Port) shown serves as the target data interface 2 mentioned above. The Thunderbolt DFP port connects the Thunderbolt docking station to external devices via a USB-C to USB-C cable. Figure 2The PD controller 2 shown serves as the first power transmission controller 3 mentioned above. It has built-in power identification logic. When an external device is connected to the Thunderbolt docking station through the DFP port, the PD controller 2 identifies the role of the external device through the PD protocol (the power transmission protocol defined by the USB IF). The role includes power supply and power receiving. When the external device is identified as a power supply, such as a monitor, the PD controller 2 configures the DFP port as a power receiving device, so that the external device and the DC power adapter 1 jointly power the Thunderbolt docking station. Therefore, even if the Thunderbolt docking station is only equipped with a low-power DC power adapter, it can still meet the user's high-power charging needs through dual power supply.

[0035] In this embodiment, the first power transmission controller (such as PD controller 2) includes a power identification hardware circuit connected to a target data interface (such as a Thunderbolt DFP port). This power identification hardware circuit forms a hardware-level identification mechanism by detecting voltage signals, current signals, and protocol interaction signals (such as USB PD protocol signals) at the target data interface, used to identify the power supply role (power supplier or power recipient) of the external device connected to the target data interface. The power identification hardware circuit includes a signal detection module, a level comparison unit, and a protocol signal parsing circuit. The signal detection module is connected to the power supply pins and data pins of the target data interface to collect electrical signals when the external device is connected. The level comparison unit is connected to the signal detection module and determines the power supply capability of the external device through the level threshold of the hardware circuit. The protocol signal parsing circuit is connected to the data pins of the target data interface and is used to parse the power supply role identification signal sent by the external device at the hardware level to identify the role of the external device.

[0036] In this embodiment, the first power transmission controller (e.g., PD controller 2) includes a port configuration hardware circuit. This port configuration hardware circuit is connected to the power path control pin and switching element of the target data interface (e.g., Thunderbolt DFP port). When the power identification hardware circuit identifies an external device as the power supplier, the port configuration hardware circuit outputs a control level to the power path switching transistor (e.g., the first switching transistor) of the target data interface to turn on the transistor. Simultaneously, it connects the power receiving pin of the target data interface to the power receiving line (including the first power conversion module) through hardware wiring, forming a hardware path for the external device to supply power to the docking station. This allows the target data interface (DFP port) to switch to the power receiving state through hardware structure. Specifically, the port configuration hardware circuit includes a level output module and a path switching relay. The level output module is connected to the control terminal of the switching transistor and turns on the transistor by outputting a high level. The contacts of the path switching relay are connected to the power output pin and power input pin of the target data interface, respectively. When an external device is identified as the power supplier, the relay activates to connect the power input pin to the power receiving line, realizing the hardware switching of the target data interface from the default state to the power receiving state.

[0037] This application configures a first power transmission controller to identify the role of external devices. When an external device is identified as a power supplier, the docking station is switched to a power receiver, thereby enabling the external device to also act as a power source to supply power to the docking station. This forms a dual power supply configuration of external device + DC power adapter. Even if the docking station is only equipped with a low-power DC power adapter, the dual power supply configuration can still meet the user's high-power charging needs, solving the technical problem that Thunderbolt docking stations equipped with low-power DC power adapters cannot meet the user's high-power charging needs.

[0038] In an optional embodiment, the apparatus further includes:

[0039] The receiving line is connected to the first power transmission controller 3 and is used to receive power supplied by an external device when it acts as a power supplier.

[0040] The first power transmission controller 3 is also used to turn on the power receiving line when an external device acting as the power supplier is connected to the target data interface.

[0041] In this embodiment, the dual power supply device of the expansion dock has a built-in power receiving line and a power supply line. The power receiving line is designed for situations where the DC power adapter 1 supplies power to the expansion dock, external devices supply power to the expansion dock, and the DC power adapter 1 and external devices jointly supply power to the expansion dock, in order to maintain the operation of the expansion dock. The power supply line is designed for situations where the expansion dock needs to supply power to external devices, such as when external storage devices like USB flash drives or hard drives are connected to the Thunderbolt expansion dock through the DFP port. In these cases, the expansion dock supplies power to the external storage devices through this power supply line to maintain their normal operation.

[0042] In this embodiment, since the external device can only be a power supply or a power receiving device, only one of the power receiving line and the power supply line is on at any given time, while the other line is off. After recognizing the role of the external device, the first power transmission controller 3 switches the corresponding line to be on.

[0043] This application can identify and switch the role and corresponding lines of the expansion dock by configuring the first power transmission controller 3, so as to meet the user's high-power charging needs through the dual power supply mode.

[0044] In an optional embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the power receiving line includes a first power conversion module 4, a first switching transistor 5, an energy storage battery 6, and an internal power supply module 7 for the expansion dock, wherein:

[0045] The input terminal of the first power conversion module 4 is connected to the target data interface 2, and is used to convert the power voltage provided by the external device into the same power voltage output by the DC power adapter 1.

[0046] The first switching transistor 5 is connected to the output terminal of the first power conversion module 4 and is used to turn on the power receiving line so that the power supplied by the external device can be connected to the power receiving line.

[0047] The energy storage battery 6 is connected to the first switching transistor 5 and is used to store electrical energy using the power supplied by the external device when the power receiving line is turned on.

[0048] The internal power module 7 of the expansion dock is connected to the first switch tube 5 and is used to operate using power supplied by external equipment when the power line is on.

[0049] In this embodiment, the control terminal of the first switch tube 5 is connected to the first power transmission controller 3. When the first power transmission controller 3 recognizes that the external device is the power supply, it sends a conduction control signal to the first switch tube 5 to control the first switch tube 5 to conduct, thereby turning on the power receiving line.

[0050] In this embodiment of the application, we continue to use Figure 2The following example illustrates its application to the Thunderbolt expansion dock. Figure 2 The DC-DC power conversion module 2 shown serves as the first power conversion module 4 mentioned above, with its input terminal connected to a Thunderbolt DFP port. The DC-DC power conversion module 2 converts the power supplied by external devices into a power supply that meets the requirements of the expansion dock, such as the same voltage output as the DC power adapter 1. Figure 2 The switch Q1 shown is connected to the output terminal of the DC-DC power conversion module 2 as the first switch 5 mentioned above. The switch Q1 is controlled by the PD controller 2 and is used to turn on or off the power receiving line. Figure 2 The 5V power supply module shown serves as the aforementioned energy storage battery 6, and is charged via an external device when the power receiving line is on. Figure 2 The other port power supply modules and system chip power supply modules of the expansion dock shown serve as the internal power supply module 7 of the expansion dock. When the power supply line is connected, they operate using the power provided by the external device.

[0051] In this embodiment, the DC power adapter 1 is also connected to the energy storage battery 6 and the internal power module 7 of the expansion dock, respectively, for charging the energy storage battery 6 and supplying power to the internal power module 7 of the expansion dock. That is, when the power line is on, the power source for the energy storage battery 6 and the power source for the internal power module 7 of the expansion dock can include at least one of the DC power adapter 1 and an external device. When the power line is off, the power source for the energy storage battery 6 and the power source for the internal power module 7 of the expansion dock is entirely provided by the DC power adapter 1.

[0052] In an optional embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, the power receiving line also includes:

[0053] Data uplink interface 8, installed on the target expansion dock, is used to connect the target expansion dock to the computer;

[0054] The second power conversion module 9 has its input terminal connected to the first switching transistor 5 and its output terminal connected to the data uplink interface 8. When the power receiving line is on, it converts the power voltage output by the first power conversion module 4 into a power voltage specifically configured for the data uplink interface 8, so as to use the power provided by the external device to power the computer through the data uplink interface 8.

[0055] In this embodiment of the application, we continue to use Figure 2 The following example illustrates its application to the Thunderbolt expansion dock. Figure 2The Thunderbolt UFP (Upstream Facing Port) shown serves as the aforementioned upstream data interface 8, used to connect the Thunderbolt docking station to the computer. Figure 2 The DC-DC power conversion module 1 shown serves as the second power conversion module 9 mentioned above. When the power receiving line is on, it converts the power signal output by the DC-DC power conversion module 2 into a power signal that meets the requirements of computer use, so that the power provided by external devices can also power the computer through the Thunderbolt UFP port.

[0056] In an optional embodiment, the input terminal of the second power conversion module 9 is also connected to the DC power adapter 1, wherein:

[0057] The second power conversion module 9 is also used to convert the power voltage output by the DC power adapter 1 into a power voltage specifically configured for the data uplink interface 8 when the DC power adapter 1 is connected to the target expansion dock, so as to use the power provided by the DC power adapter 1 to power the computer through the data uplink interface 8.

[0058] In this embodiment of the application, we continue to use Figure 2 The following example illustrates its application to the Thunderbolt expansion dock. Figure 2 The DC-DC power conversion module 1 shown serves as the second power conversion module 9 mentioned above. It is also connected to the DC power adapter 1 via a DC power connector, so that the DC-DC power conversion module 1 can also convert a portion of the power supplied by the DC power adapter 1 into a power signal that meets the requirements of computer use.

[0059] In this embodiment of the application, when the DC power adapter 1 is connected to the Thunderbolt expansion dock and the power receiving line is on, the DC-DC power conversion module 1 can simultaneously convert a portion of the power supplied by the DC power adapter 1 and a portion of the power signal output by the DC-DC power conversion module 2 into a power signal that meets the requirements of computer use. At this time, the power signal output by the DC power adapter 1 is the same as the power signal output by the DC-DC power conversion module 2.

[0060] This application enables the computer to be powered simultaneously by external device power supply and DC adapter power supply through a two-stage power conversion, meeting the power requirements of the computer in high-power scenarios and improving the user experience.

[0061] In an optional embodiment, such as Figure 5 As shown, the device further includes:

[0062] The second power transmission controller 10 is connected to the data uplink interface 8 and the second power conversion module 9 respectively. When the DC power adapter 1 is connected to the target expansion dock, it configures the first power output configuration data for the data uplink interface 8 based on the difference between the output power of the DC power adapter 1 and the power required for internal power consumption of the target expansion dock.

[0063] The first power transmission controller 3 is also used to identify the second power output configuration data of an external device that acts as a power supplier;

[0064] The second power transmission controller 10 is also used to control the data uplink interface 8 to configure the output according to the sum of the first power output configuration data and the second power output configuration data when the DC power adapter 1 is connected to the target expansion dock and the external device is also acting as the power supply, so that the external device and the DC power adapter 1 jointly supply power to the computer.

[0065] In this embodiment of the application, we continue to use Figure 2 The following example illustrates its application to the Thunderbolt expansion dock. Figure 2 The PD controller 1 shown serves as the second power transmission controller 10. When a computer is connected to the Thunderbolt UFP port, the PD controller 1 reserves a portion of the power from the DC power adapter 1 to power the internal circuitry of the docking station, and reports an initial PDO (Power Output Configuration Data) of P1 watts (the first power output configuration data) to charge the computer. When an external device is connected to the Thunderbolt docking station via the Thunderbolt DFP port, the PD controller 2 identifies the role of the external device. If the external device is determined to be the power supplier, the PD controller 1 identifies the external device's PDO power of P2 watts (the second power output configuration data). Finally, the PD controller 1 adjusts the PDO power of the Thunderbolt UFP port to P1 + P2 watts, providing the computer with a charging power of P1 + P2 watts.

[0066] In this embodiment, P1 and P2 can be dynamically adjusted according to computer requirements.

[0067] This application achieves dynamic superposition of external device power supply and DC adapter power supply through two-stage power conversion, enabling the docking station to flexibly allocate power according to the computer's needs, breaking through the power limitation of a single adapter, meeting the needs of high-power charging scenarios, and regardless of whether it is powered by a single power supply or dual power supply, the second power conversion module can dynamically adapt to the input voltage to ensure a stable power output to the computer, avoiding power interruption or power sudden change caused by power switching, and improving the user experience.

[0068] In an optional embodiment, such as Figure 6As shown, the device also includes a power supply line, which includes an energy storage battery 6 and at least one second switching transistor 11, wherein:

[0069] The first end of the second switch tube 11 is connected to the target data interface 2, the second end of the second switch tube 11 is connected to the energy storage battery 6, the control end of the second switch tube 11 is connected to the first power transmission controller 3, and the second switch tube 11 is used to turn on or off the power supply line.

[0070] The energy storage battery 6 is also used to supply power to external devices via the target data interface 2 when the power supply line is connected;

[0071] The first power transmission controller 3 is also used to control the second switch tube 11 to conduct the power supply line when an external device that is the power receiver is connected to the target data interface 2.

[0072] The second power transmission controller 10 is also used to control the data uplink interface 8 to configure the output according to the difference between the first power output configuration data and the preset power output configuration data when an external device that is the power receiver is connected to the target data interface 2.

[0073] In this embodiment of the application, we continue to use Figure 2 The following example illustrates its application to the Thunderbolt expansion dock. Figure 2 The switches Q2 and Q3 shown serve as the second switch 11, connected to the 5V power supply module and the Thunderbolt DFP port. Controlled by the PD controller 2, when the PD controller 2 identifies the external device as the power recipient, it configures the Thunderbolt DFP port as the power supplier and simultaneously controls switches Q2 and Q3 to conduct, thus activating the power supply line. The 5V power supply module then supplies power to the external device through this line. At this time, the PD controller 1 can synchronously adjust the PDO power of the Thunderbolt UFP port to P1 - the preset power output configuration data. This preset power output configuration data can be set according to actual needs or the output configuration of the energy storage battery 6. For example, if the energy storage battery 6 is a 5V power supply module with an output voltage of 5V and a maximum current of 3A, the preset power output configuration data can be set to 5V * 3A = 15W.

[0074] This application achieves flexible power supply to the powered equipment through independent power supply lines and power adjustment mechanisms, while dynamically balancing the power distribution between the computer and external devices, avoiding overload of a single power supply, and ensuring power stability when multiple devices are running simultaneously.

[0075] In this embodiment of the application, the first power transmission controller 3 and the second power transmission controller 10 can be a single chip or two chips that communicate and negotiate via the I2C protocol.

[0076] This application provides a dual-power supply device for a docking station, comprising: a DC power adapter connected to the target docking station for supplying power to the target docking station; a target data interface installed on the target docking station for connecting the target docking station to an external device; and a first power transmission controller connected to the target data interface for identifying the role of the external device when it is connected to the target docking station via the target data interface, and switching the target data interface to a power receiver when the external device is identified as a power supplier, so that the external device and the DC power adapter jointly supply power to the target docking station. This application, by configuring the first power transmission controller to identify the role of the external device and switching the docking station to a power receiver when the external device is identified as a power supplier, allows the external device to also act as a power source for the docking station, forming a dual-power supply configuration of external device + DC power adapter. Even if the docking station is only equipped with a low-power DC power adapter, the dual-power supply configuration can still meet the user's high-power charging needs, solving the technical problem that Thunderbolt docking stations equipped with low-power DC power adapters cannot meet the user's high-power charging requirements.

[0077] According to another aspect of the embodiments of this application, an expansion dock is provided, including the dual power supply device for the expansion dock described above.

[0078] In the embodiments of this application, such as Figure 7 As shown, the Thunderbolt docking station connects to a DC power adapter via a DC connector and a DC power cable. When a monitor with a USB-C port is connected to the Thunderbolt DFP port via a USB-C to USB-C cable, the Thunderbolt docking station's built-in first power transmission controller recognizes the monitor as the power source. At this time, the first power transmission controller can configure the Thunderbolt DFP port as the power receiver, allowing the monitor to power the docking station. This creates a dual-power supply configuration of the external device and the DC power adapter. Even if the docking station only comes with a low-power DC power adapter, this dual-power supply configuration can still meet the user's high-power charging needs, solving the technical problem that a Thunderbolt docking station with a low-power DC power adapter cannot meet the user's high-power charging requirements. Similarly, when a computer with a USB-C port is connected to the Thunderbolt UFP port via a USB-C to USB-C cable, the computer can also be powered by the external device and the DC power adapter, meeting the computer's high power consumption requirements.

[0079] It is understood that the embodiments described herein can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, middleware, microcode, or a combination thereof. For hardware implementation, the processing unit can be implemented in one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), general-purpose processors, controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, other electronic units for performing the functions described herein, or combinations thereof.

[0080] For software implementation, the techniques described herein can be implemented by units that perform the functions described herein. The software code can be stored in memory and executed by a processor. The memory can be implemented in the processor or external to the processor.

[0081] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units of the various examples described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0082] In the embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For instance, the division of modules is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple modules or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be an indirect coupling or communication connection through some interfaces, devices, or units, and may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0083] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0084] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0085] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, enabling those skilled in the art to understand or implement this application. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this application. Therefore, this application is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features claimed herein.

Claims

1. A dual power supply device for a docking station, characterized by, include: A DC power adapter, connected to the target expansion dock, is used to power the target expansion dock; A target data interface, installed on the target expansion dock, is used to connect the target expansion dock to external devices; A first power transmission controller, connected to the target data interface, is used to switch the target expansion dock from being powered solely by the DC power adapter to being powered jointly by the external device and the DC power adapter through the target data interface.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The device further includes: The receiving line is connected to the first power transmission controller and is used to receive power supplied by the external device when it acts as a power supplier. The first power transmission controller is further configured to turn on the power receiving line when the external device, which acts as the power supplier, is connected to the target data interface.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein, The power receiving line includes a first power conversion module, a first switching transistor, an energy storage battery, and an internal power module for the expansion dock, wherein: The input terminal of the first power conversion module is connected to the target data interface and is used to convert the power voltage provided by the external device into the same power voltage output by the DC power adapter. The first switching transistor is connected to the output terminal of the first power conversion module and is used to turn on the power receiving line so that the power supplied by the external device can be connected to the power receiving line. The energy storage battery is connected to the first switching transistor and is used to store electrical energy using the power provided by the external device when the power receiving line is turned on. The power module inside the expansion dock is connected to the first switch tube and is used to operate using the power provided by the external device when the power receiving line is on.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein, The power receiving line also includes: A data uplink interface, installed on the target expansion dock, is used to connect the target expansion dock to a computer; The second power conversion module has its input terminal connected to the first switching transistor and its output terminal connected to the data uplink interface. When the power receiving line is on, it converts the power voltage output by the first power conversion module into a power voltage specifically configured for the data uplink interface, so as to use the power provided by the external device to power the computer through the data uplink interface.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein, The input terminal of the second power conversion module is also connected to the DC power adapter, wherein: The second power conversion module is further configured to convert the power voltage output by the DC power adapter into a power voltage specifically configured for the data uplink interface when the DC power adapter is connected to the target expansion dock, so as to use the power provided by the DC power adapter to power the computer through the data uplink interface.

6. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein, The DC power adapter is also connected to the energy storage battery and the internal power module of the expansion dock, respectively, for charging the energy storage battery and supplying power to the internal power module of the expansion dock.

7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein, The device further includes: The second power transmission controller is connected to the data uplink interface and the second power conversion module respectively. When the DC power adapter is connected to the target expansion dock, it configures the first power output configuration data for the data uplink interface based on the difference between the output power of the DC power adapter and the power required for internal power consumption of the target expansion dock. The first power transmission controller is also used to identify second power output configuration data of the external device that acts as the power supplier; The second power transmission controller is further configured to, when the DC power adapter is connected to the target expansion dock and the external device is also acting as a power supplier, control the data uplink interface to configure the output according to the sum of the first power output configuration data and the second power output configuration data, so that the external device and the DC power adapter jointly power the computer.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein, The device further includes a power supply line, which comprises the energy storage battery and at least one second switching transistor, wherein: The first end of the second switch is connected to the target data interface, the second end of the second switch is connected to the energy storage battery, the control end of the second switch is connected to the first power transmission controller, and the second switch is used to turn on or off the power supply line. The energy storage battery is also used to supply power to the external device via the target data interface when the power supply line is connected; The first power transmission controller is further configured to control the second switch to turn on the power supply line when the external device, which is the power receiver, is connected to the target data interface; The second power transmission controller is further configured to control the data uplink interface to configure the output according to the difference between the first power output configuration data and the preset power output configuration data when the external device, which is the power receiver, is connected to the target data interface.

9. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The target expansion dock includes a Thunderbolt expansion dock, the target data interface includes the data downlink interface of the target expansion dock, and the external device includes a display or an external storage device. When the external device is the display, the external device is the power supply party; when the external device is the external storage device, the external device is the power receiving party.

10. A docking station, characterized by Includes a dual power supply device for the expansion dock as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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