Control device for external equipment

Abstract

To provide a control device for an external equipment capable of connecting the external equipment with a different connector shape.SOLUTION: When a first ventilator S1 having a first connector C1 that can be engaged with a first jack part 21 is connected, a control part 4 detects a connection of the first ventilator S1 by a first connection detection part 61, and outputs a transformation command to a variable power supply circuit part 32 so as to enable power conversion to a pre-set driving voltage of the first ventilator S1. At the same time, the control part 4 outputs an ON command to a first switch part 51 that connects to the first jack part 21 to which the first ventilator S1 is connected, making only the first switch part 51 to be in an ON state. The variable power supply circuit part 32 carries out DC-DC power conversion to an input voltage from a battery part 31 to output the driving voltage, which drives the first ventilator S1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device for an external device that is connected to an external device such as a clothing-mounted air blower. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a fan control device that includes a charging jack that connects to a charger and a discharging jack that connects to the fan body attached to the clothing in order to drive the fan of an air-conditioned garment.

[0003] Fan-equipped clothing, which has fans attached to the garment, is frequently updated to improve the functionality of the fans, etc., and as a result of these model updates, the electrical specifications, such as the drive voltage applied to the fan, may differ between the old and new models.

[0004] When the drive voltage for the fan differs between such an old model and a new model, for example, if an old model fan is connected to a fan control device for a new model and driven, a drive voltage higher than the specified voltage for the old model fan may be applied, causing the fan motor to heat up and potentially resulting in a malfunction or accident.

[0005] Therefore, in order to avoid malfunctions and accidents caused by the connection between the fan and the fan control device, the connector that connects the fan and the fan control device, and the jack that engages with this connector, are made different shapes for each model, making it impossible to connect different models and preventing incorrect connections. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2024-50852 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] On the other hand, external devices such as fans are less likely to break down than fan control devices, and it may happen that only the fan control device needs to be replaced first due to deterioration of the battery, for example.

[0008] If an old model fan control device fails as described above after new model fans and fan control devices are released, the old model fan control device may no longer be available for purchase.

[0009] As described above, since new model fan control devices cannot be connected to old model fans, there is a problem in that new model fans and fan control devices must be updated even if there are old model fans that are still usable.

[0010] Furthermore, there is a similar problem with chargers that are connected to fan control devices, in that new model chargers must be purchased even though there are old model chargers that can be used.

[0011] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems and to provide an external device control device that can connect external devices having different connector shapes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the control device for an external device according to the present invention is a control device for an external device that can be connected to an external device that can be attached to clothing, and is characterized by having a plurality of jack portions each having a different shape, and a power supply portion that applies a drive voltage set for each of the external devices connected via a connector that engages with each of the jack portions to each of the jack portions. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the external device control device of the present invention, by providing a jack unit that can be connected to different connectors of new and old models, it is possible to connect any of new and old models of external devices. Furthermore, even if external devices are connected to multiple jack units at the same time, exclusive control ensures that only one external device is connected to the battery unit, preventing malfunctions and the like caused by connecting multiple external devices to the battery unit at the same time. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the air-conditioning garment as seen from the back. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a housing of the external device control device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block circuit diagram of an external device control device for a plurality of external devices. [Figure 4] 10 is a pattern table of exclusive control for conflicting connections of external devices. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a block circuit diagram of an external device control device for a plurality of blowers. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The present invention will be described in detail based on the illustrated embodiment. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the air-conditioning garment W as seen from the back, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the housing of the external device control device, and FIG. 3 is a block circuit configuration diagram of the external device control device for multiple external devices.

[0016] A jacket W2 has a zipper W1 for opening and closing on the front, and a blower S consisting of multiple units, for example, two fan units F, is fixed to an attachment hole on the back of the jacket W2. An external device control device 1 is stored in an inner pocket of the jacket W2, and the blower S and the external device control device 1 are connected via a connection cable C.

[0017] A disk-shaped fan unit F made up of blades mounted inside the housing is arranged symmetrically on the left and right sides of the jacket W2 as a blower S. Power is supplied to the motor that rotates the blades from the external device control device 1 via a connection cable C, and by rotating the blades, outside air is drawn into the jacket W2.

[0018] When the zipper W1 is closed, outside air is drawn into the jacket W2 from the back, generating an airflow K in the direction of the arrow, and the outside air drawn into the jacket W2 is expelled to the outside through gaps around the neck and wrists. This intake of outside air keeps the temperature inside the jacket W2 low. Note that the fan section F can be an axial fan that operates on direct current, or any other suitable type of fan such as a centrifugal fan.

[0019] The housing of the fan unit F consists of a main body and a fixed frame, and is fixed by clamping the periphery of the mounting hole in the jacket W2. In the event of a malfunction of the fan unit F, the fixed frame can be separated from the main body, making it easy to remove the fan unit F from the jacket W2.

[0020] 2 is composed of a box-shaped base 12 with an open top and a top cover 13 that covers and seals the base 12. On the outer circumferential side of the housing 11, there are arranged an operation unit 14 for turning on and off the power supply to the blower S, and first and second jack units 21 and 22, each with a different connection shape.

[0021] 3 is a block circuit diagram of an external device control device 1 for an external device, and the external device control device 1 has a plurality of first and second jack sections 21 and 22 each having a different shape, and one power supply section 15 connected to these first and second jack sections 21 and 22. External devices each having a first and second connector C1 and C2 at one end can be connected to the first and second jack sections 21 and 22.

[0022] These external devices include first and second air blowers S1 and S2 each consisting of a fan unit F1 and F2 equipped with a first and second connector C1 and C2, or first and second adapters P1 and P2 equipped with the first and second connectors C1 and C2 and performing AC / DC conversion from a commercial power source, or a clothing heater equipped with the first and second connectors C1 and C2, etc. The first and second adapters P1 and P2 may also include a large-capacity battery device capable of DC output.

[0023] Furthermore, the external device having the first connector C1 is, for example, a new model external device for discharging and charging, and the external device having the second connector C2 is, for example, an old model external device for discharging and charging.

[0024] To drive the first fan S1 or the second fan S2, the power supply unit 15 applies a drive voltage set for each of the first and second fans S1 and S2 to the first jack portion 21 or the second jack portion 22.

[0025] The power supply unit 15 includes one variable power supply unit 3 that alternatively selects a set voltage for each of the first and second jack units 21 and 22 to be connected, a control unit 4 connected to the variable power supply unit 3, first and second switch units 51 and 52 that are respectively arranged between the variable power supply unit 3 and the first and second jack units 21 and 22, first and second connection detection units 61 and 62 that are respectively arranged between the control unit 4 and the first and second jack units 21 and 22 and detect the connection status of the first and second jack units 21 and 22, and first and second voltage detection units 71 and 72 that are respectively arranged between the control unit 4 and the first and second jack units 21 and 22 and detect the input voltage applied from external devices connected to the first and second jack units 21 and 22.

[0026] The first and second switch sections 51 and 52 are implemented by, for example, FET (field effect transistor) circuits, and an ON command from the control section 4 causes current to flow between the variable power supply section 3 and the first and second jack sections 21 and 22.

[0027] The variable power supply unit 3 and the first and second jack units 21, 22 are connected via positive pole electric wires 16, 17 and negative pole electric wire 18, and the variable power supply unit 3 is composed of a battery unit 31 that stores electric power and a variable power supply circuit unit 32 that is connected to this battery unit 31 and the control unit 4 and performs DC-DC power conversion from the battery unit 31 so that a predetermined voltage is applied to the jack unit 2 side based on a transformation command from the control unit 4.

[0028] The variable power supply circuit 32 is a bidirectional circuit that uses DC-DC conversion to boost or lower the voltage of the battery 31 in both directions, charging and discharging. The battery 31 uses a plurality of connected rechargeable lithium ion batteries.

[0029] Operation unit 14 connected to control unit 4 turns on and off the power supply to external devices when pressed with a finger. In other words, pressing operation unit 14 enables, for example, output of an on / off command from control unit 4 to first and second switch units 51 and 52, and pressing operation unit 14 again maintains the state in which output to first and second switch units 51 and 52 is disabled.

[0030] For example, when a first fan S1 having a first connector C1 that can engage with the first jack portion 21 is connected, the control portion 4 detects the connection of the first fan S1 using the first connection detection portion 61, and outputs a voltage transformation command to the variable power supply circuit portion 32 so that the power is converted to a predetermined driving voltage for the first fan S1.

[0031] At the same time, the control unit 4 outputs an ON command to the first switch unit 51 connected to the first jack unit 21 to which the first blower S1 is connected, thereby turning only the first switch unit 51 ON.

[0032] Upon receiving the voltage transformation command from the control unit 4, the variable power supply circuit unit 32 performs DC-DC power conversion on the input voltage from the battery unit 31 and outputs a drive voltage to drive the first fan S1. In this way, a predetermined drive voltage is applied from the battery unit 31 to the first fan S1 via the variable power supply circuit unit 32, and the fan unit F1 starts to operate.

[0033] In addition, even if the first jack portion 21 is not used and a second fan S2 equipped with an engageable second connector C2 is connected to the second jack portion 22, a drive voltage is similarly applied to the second fan S2, and the fan portion F2 begins to operate.

[0034] Furthermore, when a first charging adapter P1 equipped with an engageable first connector C1 is connected to the first jack portion 21, the control unit 4 detects the connection to the first jack portion 21 using the first connection detection unit 61, and also detects the input voltage from the first charging adapter P1 using the first voltage detection unit 71.

[0035] Then, the control unit 4 outputs an ON command to the first switch unit 51 connected to the first jack unit 21 to which the first adapter P1 is connected, turning only the first switch unit 51 ON and starting charging of the battery unit 31 from the first adapter P1.

[0036] This charging action is the opposite of the discharging action that drives the air blower S1, and the control unit 4, having detected the input voltage from the adapter P1, outputs a voltage transformation command to the variable power supply circuit unit 32.

[0037] Then, the variable power supply circuit unit 32 that has received this voltage transformation command performs DC-DC power conversion on the input voltage from the adapter P1, outputs a charging voltage, and charging of the battery unit 31 begins.

[0038] Furthermore, when the first adapter P1 is not connected and a second charging adapter P2 having a second connector C2 that can engage with the second jack portion 22 is connected, only the second switch portion 52 is turned on, and DC-DC power conversion is performed from the second adapter P2 to the battery portion 31, similar to charging using the adapter P1, and charging of the battery portion 31 begins.

[0039] In this way, when an external device is connected to only one of the first and second jack sections 21 and 22, the corresponding control is performed on the connected external device.

[0040] 4 is a pattern table of exclusive control for conflicting connections of external devices to the first and second jack units 21 and 22. This pattern table shows exclusive control patterns A to D that combine connections of external devices, namely, first and second fans S1 and S2, and first and second charging adapters P1 and P2, to the first and second jack units 21 and 22.

[0041] In pattern A, first and second fans S1 and S2, which are external devices, are connected to both first and second jack units 21 and 22, respectively, and control unit 4 determines that first and second fans S1 and S2 are connected when neither first nor second voltage detection units 71 and 72 detect an input voltage equal to or greater than a predetermined voltage. Then, control unit 4 turns on only a specific switch unit 51 connected to a predetermined jack unit 21, for example, and performs exclusive control to output a drive voltage from variable power circuit unit 32 to first fan S1.

[0042] In addition, patterns B and C are cases where an external device, a blower S, and a charging adapter P are connected to both the first and second jack sections 21 and 22, and the control section 4 determines that an input voltage equal to or higher than a predetermined voltage is detected from only one of the first and second voltage detection sections 71 and 72, i.e., that the adapter P is connected to one of the first and second jack sections 21 and 22.

[0043] Then, the control unit 4 turns on only the first switch unit 51 or the second switch unit 52 connected to the first jack unit 21 or the second jack unit 22 to which the first voltage detection unit 71 or the second voltage detection unit 72 that detected an input voltage equal to or higher than this predetermined voltage is connected, and performs exclusive control to charge the battery unit 31 from the adapter P.

[0044] In addition, in the connection configurations of patterns B and C, it is possible to charge the battery unit 31 while the blower S is connected, and there is no need to go through the trouble of switching the first connector unit C1 or the second connector unit C2 between the discharge external device and the charge external device, compared to when it is configured with a new model of external devices for discharging and charging, or when it is configured with an old model of external devices for discharging and charging.

[0045] Pattern D is a case where the first and second adapters P1 and P2 of external devices are connected to both the first and second jack sections 21 and 22, respectively, and when the control section 4 detects a voltage equal to or higher than a predetermined voltage from both the first and second voltage detection sections 71 and 72, it turns on only a specific, pre-set switch section 51, for example, connected to the first jack section 21, and performs exclusive control to charge the battery section 31 from the first adapter P1.

[0046] For these reasons, when the first and second fans S1 and S2 are connected simultaneously as in pattern A, only the pre-set fan S1, for example, is driven with priority; when the fan S and the charging adapter P are connected simultaneously as in patterns B and C, the charging process is given priority; and when the first and second charging adapters P1 and P2 are connected simultaneously as in pattern D, the charging process is given priority from the pre-set first charging adapter P1, for example.

[0047] FIG. 5 is a block circuit diagram of the external device control device 1′ when the first and second fans S1 and S2 are connected without using the first and second charging adapters P1 and P2 equipped with the first and second connectors C1 and C2.

[0048] In this case, disposable dry batteries are used instead of the rechargeable battery unit 31. Alternatively, as in the prior art, a separate jack for the battery may be provided so that the battery unit 31 can be charged from a commercial power source or the like without passing through the variable power supply circuit unit 32.

[0049] In the control device for external equipment 1', there is no need to detect the input voltage applied from the adapter P of the external equipment for charging, so the first and second voltage detection units 71 and 72 can be omitted, and furthermore, the variable power supply circuit unit 32 does not need to be a bidirectional circuit.

[0050] In this way, when the first and second voltage detection units 71 and 72 are omitted, the external devices to be connected are power-consuming discharge devices such as a fan S or a heater, and when these are connected simultaneously, the exclusive control follows pattern A in Table 1, with only the first switch unit 51 being in the on state as shown in Figure 5.

[0051] In the present invention, the case where two jack portions 2 are provided has been described, but three or more jack portions, that is, three or more types of jack shapes may be provided.

[0052] As described above, the external device control device 1 according to the present invention is provided with first and second jack units 21, 22 that can be connected to different first and second connectors C1, C2 of new and old models, making it possible to connect any of new and old models of external devices. Furthermore, even if multiple external devices are connected to multiple jack units 2 at the same time, exclusive control ensures that only one external device is connected to the battery unit 31, preventing malfunctions and the like caused by simultaneous connection of multiple external devices to the battery unit 31. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 1, 1' External device control device 11 Housing 14 Control section 21, 22 First and second jack parts 3 Movable power supply section 31 Battery section 32 Variable power supply circuit section 4. Control section 51, 52 First and second switch sections 61, 62 First and second connection detection units 71, 72 First and second voltage detection units W Fan-equipped clothing F, F1, F2 Fan Section S1, S2 blower C Connection cable C1, C2 connectors P1, P2 adapter part

Claims

1. An external device control device connectable to an external device that can be attached to clothing, Multiple jack parts with different shapes, a power supply unit that applies a drive voltage set for each of the external devices connected via a connector that engages with each of the jack portions to each of the jack portions.

2. The power supply unit includes a variable power supply unit that selectively selects a voltage set for each of the jack units to be connected; a control unit connected to the variable power supply unit; a plurality of switch units disposed between the variable power supply unit and each of the jack units; a plurality of connection detection units disposed between the control unit and each of the jack units; 2. The control device for an external device according to claim 1, wherein, when the connection of the external device is detected by a specific connection detection unit, the control unit instructs the variable power supply unit to transform the drive voltage for driving the external device, and turns on only the switch unit connected to the jack unit to which the external device is connected.

3. 3. The control device for an external device according to claim 2, wherein the variable power supply unit is composed of a battery unit that stores electric power, and a variable power supply circuit unit that is connected to the battery unit and the control unit and converts electric power from the battery unit so that a predetermined voltage is applied to the jack unit side based on the voltage transformation command from the control unit.

4. a voltage detection unit disposed between the control unit and the jack unit and configured to detect an input voltage applied from the external device; 4. The control device for an external device according to claim 3, wherein the variable power supply circuit section is a bidirectional circuit that performs voltage increase or decrease by power conversion in both directions of discharging and charging the battery section.

5. The control device for an external device as described in claim 4, characterized in that when the external device to which the connector engages is connected to each of the jack portions, if the control unit detects a charging voltage equal to or higher than a predetermined voltage from only one of the voltage detection portions, the control unit turns on only the switch portion connected to the jack portion connected to that voltage detection portion, and performs a charging process on the battery portion.

6. 5. The control device for an external device according to claim 4, characterized in that when the external device to which the connector is engaged is connected to each of the jack portions, if the control unit does not detect an input voltage equal to or higher than a predetermined voltage from any of the voltage detection units, the control unit instructs the variable power supply unit to transform a drive voltage for driving a specific external device that has been set in advance, and turns on only the switch unit connected to the jack portion to which the specific external device is connected.

7. 5. The control device for an external device according to claim 4, wherein when the external device to which the connector is engaged is connected to each of the jack portions, if the control unit detects an input voltage equal to or higher than a predetermined voltage from all of the voltage detection units, the control unit instructs the variable power supply unit to transform the input voltage of a specific external device that has been set in advance, and turns on only the switch unit that is connected to the jack portion to which the specific external device is connected, thereby performing a charging process on the battery unit.

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