Electronic apparatus

Abstract

To supply power required by a power consuming device in an electronic apparatus to which the power consuming device is connected.SOLUTION: A printer 3 includes: a control unit including a CPU 31 and a control IC 39; and option I / F units 41 to 43 for connecting option units 50, 60, and 70. The control unit receives the supply of primary power from a power source adapter 1 in accordance with the USB PD standard, and then performs power negotiation to request secondary power different from the primary power from the power source adapter 1. Before requesting the secondary power in the power negotiation, the control unit acquires supply conditions of power required by the option units 50, 60, and 70 connected to the option I / F units 41 to 43 (S31), and determines the secondary power on the basis of the acquired supply conditions (S32 to S41).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to electronic devices, and more particularly to electronic devices to which power consuming devices can be connected. [Background technology]

[0002] The USB PD (Universal Serial Bus Power Delivery) standard is known as a standard for power supply via a communication cable. Patent Document 1 describes a printer that performs power negotiation with a power source in accordance with the USB PD standard. The printer described in Patent Document 1 receives a supply of primary power from the power source, then performs power negotiation with the power source, and then receives a supply of secondary power from the power source agreed upon in the power negotiation. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-166486 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The printer described in Patent Document 1 requests the power source for the amount of power that the printer itself will consume during power negotiation. Therefore, if an optional unit, which is an example of a power consumption device, is connected to the printer, the printer may not be able to supply the power required for the optional unit even if it receives a secondary power supply after power negotiation.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to supply necessary power to a power consuming device in an electronic device to which the power consuming device is connected. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) The electronic device disclosed herein receives power from a power supply device and includes a control unit and a connection unit for connecting a power consuming device. The control unit receives primary power from the power supply device in accordance with a standard for power supply via a communication cable, then performs power negotiation to request secondary power different from the primary power from the power supply device, and before requesting the secondary power in the power negotiation, acquires power supply conditions required by the power consuming device connected to the connection unit and determines the secondary power based on the acquired power supply conditions.

[0007] The above-mentioned electronic device complies with standards for power supply via communication cables, such as the USB PD standard, by first receiving primary power from a power supply device, then conducting power negotiation to request the power supply device for the secondary power required for the operation of the electronic device, and then receiving the secondary power from the power supply device. In electronic devices that request the power they themselves consume during power negotiation from the power supply device, when a power consumption device is connected, even if they receive secondary power after power negotiation, they may not be able to supply the required power to the power consumption device. The above-mentioned electronic device acquires the power supply conditions required by the power consumption device connected to the connection section and requests secondary power from the power supply device based on the acquired supply conditions, thereby enabling the electronic device to supply the required power to the power consumption device when the power consumption device is connected.

[0008] (2) Preferably, the standard may be the USB PD standard.

[0009] (3) Preferably, when the power consumption device has a CPU, the control unit may supply at least a portion of the primary power supplied from the power supply device to the power consumption device to operate the CPU, and acquire the supply conditions from the CPU.

[0010] (4) Preferably, when the power consumption device has a first memory unit, the control unit may supply at least a portion of the primary power supplied from the power supply device to the power consumption device and acquire the supply conditions from the first memory unit.

[0011] (5) Preferably, the electronic device further includes a second memory unit that stores the supply conditions in association with an identifier of the power consumption device, and when the power consumption device has a circuit that outputs a signal indicating the identifier of the power consumption device, the control unit may cause the circuit to output the signal using the primary power supplied from the power supply device, and obtain from the second memory unit the supply conditions corresponding to the identifier indicated by the output signal.

[0012] (6) Preferably, the electronic device further includes a second storage unit that stores the supply conditions in association with the power consumption when the primary power is supplied to the power consumption device, and the control unit may acquire the power consumption when the power consumption device is operated with the primary power supplied from the power supply device, and acquire the supply conditions corresponding to the acquired power consumption from the second storage unit.

[0013] (7) Preferably, the electronic device further includes a second memory unit that stores a connection list including identifiers of the connection units, and the control unit receives the primary power from the power supply device, and then, for each identifier included in the connection list, performs a determination process to determine whether the power consumption device is connected to the connection unit identified by the identifier, and an acquisition process to acquire the supply conditions for the power consumption device if the determination process determines that the power consumption device is connected, and after performing the determination process and the acquisition process for all identifiers included in the connection list, requests the power supply device for the secondary power based on all of the supply conditions acquired in the acquisition process.

[0014] (8) Preferably, the control unit has at least a normal mode and a speed priority mode, and in the normal mode, it requests the power supply device to provide the secondary power that corresponds to the operating conditions when the electronic device and the power consumption device are operating, based on the power consumption of the electronic device and the supply conditions of the connected power consumption device, and in the speed priority mode, it may request the power supply device to provide the secondary power that is the sum of the power consumption of the electronic device and the power that satisfies the supply conditions.

[0015] (9) Preferably, the control unit has at least a normal mode and a power priority mode, and in the normal mode, based on the power consumption of the electronic device and the supply conditions of the connected power consumption device, requests the power supply device to provide the secondary power according to the operating conditions when the electronic device and the power consumption device are operating, and in the power priority mode, requests the power supply device to provide the secondary power according to the operating conditions when the electronic device and the connected power consumption device are operating under conditions that result in less power consumption than in the normal mode.

[0016] (10) Preferably, the control unit is configured to allow the user to specify at least one operating condition of the electronic device and the power consumption device, and when the electronic device and the power consumption device specified by the user operate in accordance with the operating condition specified by the user, the control unit may request the power supply device to provide the secondary power based on the power consumption of the electronic device and the acquired supply condition.

[0017] (11) Preferably, the electronic device further includes a second memory unit that stores a connection list including identifiers and priorities of the connection units, and when determining the secondary power based on the supply conditions obtained for the power consumption devices, if the control unit determines that it is not possible to supply power that satisfies the supply conditions to all of the power consumption devices connected to the connection units, the control unit may determine the secondary power by referring to the connection list, excluding the supply conditions of the power consumption devices connected to the connection units with lower priorities.

[0018] (12) Preferably, the electronic device may further include at least one of an image recording unit that records an image on a recording medium and a scanner that reads an image from the recording medium.

[0019] (13) Preferably, the power consuming device may be any one of a scanner unit having a CPU and a memory unit, an inkjet head, and a cutter unit.

[0020] (14) Preferably, the power consuming device may be any one of a maintenance unit having a storage unit, a transport unit, a roll paper unit, and an ADF.

[0021] (15) Preferably, the power consuming device may be either a cutter unit that does not have a CPU or a memory unit, or an optional tray.

[0022] (16) Preferably, the power consuming device is an external device having a CPU and a memory, and may be any one of a personal computer, a tablet personal computer, a smartphone, and a communication device.

[0023] (17) An electronic device disclosed herein receives power from a power supply device and includes a control unit and a connection unit for connecting a power consuming device. While receiving primary power from the power supply device in accordance with the USB PD standard, the control unit acquires power supply conditions required by the power consuming device connected to the connection unit and performs power negotiation to request secondary power from the power supply device based on the acquired power supply conditions.

[0024] (18) The electronic device disclosed herein receives power from a power supply device and includes a control unit and a connection unit for connecting a power consuming device. After the electronic device changes from a state where it is not connected to the power supply device to a state where it is connected to the power supply device, the electronic device receives primary power from the power supply device in accordance with a standard for power supply via a communication cable, and the control unit starts operating using the primary power. After starting operation, the control unit acquires power supply conditions required by the power consuming device connected to the connection unit and requests secondary power that is greater than the primary power from the power supply device based on the acquired power supply conditions. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] According to the present disclosure, in an electronic device to which a power consuming device is connected, it is possible to supply the power required for the power consuming device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a printer 3 according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 2A is a diagram showing a connection list 81 stored in the memory 32 of the printer 3. FIG. 2B is a diagram showing a supply condition table 82 stored in the memory 32. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of power adapter 1 shown in FIG. 1 when a cable is connected. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the printer 3 when the cable is connected. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the required power determination process shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the supply condition acquisition process shown in FIG. [Figure 7] 7A is a diagram showing an example of an option unit connected to the printer 3. FIG. 7B is a diagram showing another example of an option unit connected to the printer 3. [Figure 8]8A is a diagram showing another example of an option unit connected to the printer 3. FIG. 8B is a diagram showing an example of an external device connected to the printer 3. [Figure 9] 9A is a diagram showing a case where another electronic device 9 is connected to a power adapter 1 connected to a printer 3 operating in a speed-priority mode. FIG. 9B is a diagram showing a case where another electronic device 9 is connected to a power adapter 1 connected to a printer 3 operating in a power-priority mode. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a supply condition table 83 stored in the memory 32 of the printer 3 according to the modified example. [Figure 11] 11A is a diagram showing some of the components of a printer 4 according to a modified example, and FIG. 11B is a diagram showing some of the components of a scanner device 5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] The printer 3 according to the embodiment will be described below. Note that the embodiment described below is merely an example of the present disclosure, and it goes without saying that the embodiment can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. In the following description, a personal computer will be abbreviated as "PC," an interface as "I / F," and "USB PD" will be abbreviated as "USB-PD."

[0028] [Printer 3 configuration] As shown in Figure 1, a printer 3 according to an embodiment is connected to a power adapter 1 and a PC 2. The power adapter 1 supplies power to the printer 3. The PC 2 transmits commands, image data, and the like to the printer 3. The printer 3 receives power from the power adapter 1 and records an image on a recording medium based on the commands, image data, and the like received from the PC 2.

[0029] The printer 3 has a main body 30. The main body 30 is equipped with a CPU 31, a memory 32, an image recording unit 33, an HMI (Human Machine Interface) unit 34, a network I / F unit 35, a USB-PDI / F unit 36, a first power supply circuit 37, a second power supply circuit 38, three option I / F units 41 to 43, a drive circuit 44, and a motor 45. The CPU 31, the memory 32, the image recording unit 33, the HMI unit 34, the network I / F unit 35, the USB-PDI / F unit 36, the option I / F units 41 to 43, and the drive circuit 44 are connected to a bus 46 of the main body 30.

[0030] The option I / F units 41 to 43 are for connecting option units or external devices. In the example shown in Fig. 1, option units 50, 60, and 70 are connected to the option I / F units 41 to 43, respectively. The number of option I / F units provided in the main body unit 30 is arbitrary, and may be two or less or four or more.

[0031] The CPU 31 controls the operation of the printer 3. The CPU 31 also performs processing to control the power supplied to the printer 3 from the power adapter 1 (details will be described later). The memory 32 is a working memory for the CPU 31. The memory 32 stores various data necessary for the operation of the CPU 31. The image recording unit 33 records an image on a recording medium under control of the CPU 31. The image recording unit 33 includes, for example, a transport unit (not shown) that transports the recording medium along a transport path, and a recording head (not shown) that moves in a direction intersecting the transport path to record an image on the recording medium. The HMI unit 34 has an input function that accepts commands from a user and a display function that displays a screen showing the status of the printer 3, etc. The HMI unit 34 is, for example, a touch panel.

[0032] The power adapter 1 and printer 3 are connected using a Type C USB cable 12. The power adapter 1 has a USB-PDI / F unit 11. One end of the USB cable 12 is connected to the USB-PDI / F unit 11 of the power adapter 1. The other end of the USB cable 12 is connected to the USB-PDI / F unit 36 ​​of the printer 3.

[0033] The USB-PDI / F units 11 and 36 include control ICs 19 and 39, respectively. When the USB cable 12 is connected to the USB-PDI / F unit 11 of the power adapter 1, the control IC 19 performs the operations shown in Fig. 3. When the USB cable 12 is connected to the USB-PDI / F unit 36 ​​of the printer 3, the CPU 31 and the control IC 39 perform the operations shown in Figs. 4 to 6. The control ICs 19 and 39 operate in compliance with the USB-PD standard.

[0034] The PC 2 and the printer 3 are connected using a communication cable 22. The PC 2 is equipped with a network I / F unit 21. One end of the communication cable 22 is connected to the network I / F unit 21 of the PC 2. The other end of the communication cable 22 is connected to the network I / F unit 35 of the printer 3. Commands, image data, etc. are sent from the PC 2 to the printer 3 via the network I / F units 21 and 35.

[0035] The PC 2 and the printer 3 communicate with each other in accordance with any wired communication standard. For example, the PC 2 and the printer 3 may communicate with each other in accordance with standards such as USB or RS-232C. Alternatively, the PC 2 and the printer 3 may communicate with each other in accordance with wireless communication standards such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark) without being connected by a communication cable 22.

[0036] The first power supply circuit 37 and the second power supply circuit 38 convert the voltage supplied from the power adapter 1 to a predetermined level and supply it to each section of the printer 3 and the optional sections 50, 60, and 70. The printer 3 first receives primary power from the power adapter 1, and then performs power negotiation to request secondary power from the power adapter 1 that is different from the primary power. The printer 3 then receives secondary power from the power adapter 1 that is agreed upon in the power negotiation.

[0037] The first power supply circuit 37 does not operate when the printer 3 is supplied with primary power, but operates when the printer 3 is supplied with secondary power. The second power supply circuit 38 operates both when the printer 3 is supplied with primary power and when it is supplied with secondary power. The CPU 31 has a function to detect whether the first power supply circuit 37 is operating or not, and a function to detect whether the second power supply circuit 38 is operating or not.

[0038] [Optional parts 50, 60, 70] The optional unit 50 has a control function independent of the main body unit 30. The optional unit 50 is, for example, a cutting unit that cuts a recording medium that is transported by a transport unit and on which an image is recorded by a recording head. The optional unit 50 has a CPU 51, a memory 52, a drive circuit 53, a cutting unit 54, and an optional I / F unit 55.

[0039] The option I / F unit 41 of the main unit 30 and the option I / F unit 55 of the option unit 50 are connected by a power line and a signal line. When the printer 3 receives primary power from the power adapter 1, communication power Pc is supplied from the main unit 30 to the option unit 50 via the power line. Communication power Pc is primary power or power lower than primary power based on the primary power. In other words, communication power Pc is at least a portion of the primary power. When the printer 3 receives secondary power from the power adapter 1, driving power Pd1 is supplied from the main unit 30 to the option unit 50 via the power line. Driving power Pd1 is power based on the secondary power. Driving power Pd1 may be power lower than the secondary power or power higher than the secondary power. A communication signal Sc1 is transmitted and received between the main unit 30 and the option unit 50 via a signal line.

[0040] The CPU 51 is connected to the memory 52, the drive circuit 53, and the option I / F unit 55. The CPU 51 controls the drive circuit 53 in accordance with a communication signal Sc1 received from the main body unit 30. Furthermore, the CPU 51 transmits an identifier of the option unit 50 to the main body unit 30 via the option I / F units 41 and 55 in response to a request from the main body unit 30. The drive circuit 53 is connected to the CPU 51, the cutting unit 54, and the option I / F unit 55, receives a supply of driving power Pd1 from the main body unit 30, and drives the cutting unit 54 in accordance with the control from the CPU 51.

[0041] The optional unit 60 does not have a CPU, but has a drive circuit and a motor controlled by the main body unit 30. The optional unit 60 is, for example, an ADF (Automatic Document Feeder) that automatically feeds documents. The optional unit 60 has a memory 62, a drive circuit 63, an optional I / F unit 65, a motor 66, and a load 67.

[0042] The option I / F unit 42 of the main unit 30 and the option I / F unit 65 of the option unit 60 are connected by a power line and a signal line. When the printer 3 is receiving primary power from the power adapter 1, communication power Pc is supplied from the main unit 30 to the option unit 60 via the power line. When the printer 3 is receiving secondary power from the power adapter 1, driving power Pd2 is supplied from the main unit 30 to the option unit 60 via the power line. Like driving power Pd1, driving power Pd2 is power based on the secondary power. A communication signal Sc2 is transmitted and received between the main unit 30 and the option unit 60 via the signal line.

[0043] The memory 62 stores the identifier of the option unit 60 and is connected to the option I / F unit 65. The identifier of the option unit 60 stored in the memory 62 is transmitted to the main body unit 30 via the option I / F units 42 and 65 in response to a request from the main body unit 30. The drive circuit 63 is connected to the option I / F unit 65, the motor 66, and the load 67. The drive circuit 63 receives a supply of drive power Pd2 from the main body unit 30 and drives the motor 66 and the load 67 in accordance with the communication signal Sc2 received from the main body unit 30.

[0044] The optional unit 70 does not have a CPU, a drive circuit, or a motor, but has a load that is driven by the main body unit 30. The optional unit 70 is, for example, an optional tray. The optional unit 70 has an optional I / F unit 75, a load 77, and a jumper wire unit 78.

[0045] The option I / F unit 43 of the main body unit 30 and the option I / F unit 75 of the option unit 70 are connected by a power line and a signal line. When the printer 3 receives primary power from the power adapter 1, communication power Pc is supplied from the main body unit 30 to the option unit 70 via the power line. A communication signal Sc3 is sent and received between the main body unit 30 and the option unit 70 via the signal line. The motor 45 and the load 77 are connected by a gear or the like (not shown).

[0046] The drive circuit 44 is a drive circuit for the motor 45. The load 77 is a load for the motor 45. The drive circuit 44 drives the motor 45 and the load 77 under control of the CPU 31. The jumper wire unit 78 includes multiple jumper wires and outputs a signal indicating the identifier of the option unit 70 in response to a request from the main body unit 30. For example, if the jumper wire unit 78 includes three jumper wires J1 to J3, the jumper wire unit 78 outputs one of eight types of signals depending on whether each of the jumper wires J1 to J3 is in a short-circuited state or a connected state. The output signal of the jumper wire unit 78 indicates which of the identifiers Id1 to Id8 the option unit 70 has. When (J1, J2, J3) = (short, short, short): Identifier is Id_1 When (J1, J2, J3) = (short, short, connected): Identifier is Id_2 When (J1, J2, J3) = (short, connected, short): Identifier is Id_3 When (J1, J2, J3) = (short, connected, connected): Identifier is Id_4 When (J1, J2, J3) = (connected, shorted, shorted): Identifier is Id_5 When (J1, J2, J3) = (connected, shorted, connected): Identifier is Id_6 When (J1, J2, J3) = (connected, connected, shorted): Identifier is Id_7 When (J1, J2, J3) = (connection, connection, connection): Identifier is Id_8

[0047] [Data stored in memory 32] The memory 32 stores a connection list 81 shown in Fig. 2(A) and a supply condition table 82 shown in Fig. 2(B). The connection list 81 stores addresses and priorities for m (m is a natural number) optional I / F units of the main unit 30. For example, the connection list 81 shown in Fig. 2(A) stores addresses Adr_1 to Adr_m and priorities Pri_1 to Pri_m for the m optional I / F units of the main unit 30.

[0048] The supply condition table 82 stores the power supply conditions required by the optional units in association with their identifiers. The power supply conditions are specified, for example, as a pair of voltage and current. The supply condition table 82 stores the identifiers and supply conditions for n types of optional units (n is a natural number) that can be connected to the optional I / F units 41 to 43. For example, the supply condition table 82 shown in FIG. 2(B) stores identifiers Id_1 to Id_n and supply conditions Supc_1 to Supc_n for the n types of optional units that can be connected to the optional I / F units 41 to 43.

[0049] [Power adapter 1 operation] When the USB cable 12 is connected to the USB-PDI / F unit 11 of the power adapter 1, the control IC 19 performs the operation shown in Fig. 3. First, the control IC 19 detects that the USB cable 12 is connected to the USB-PDI / F unit 11 (S11).

[0050] Next, the control IC 19 checks the connection in accordance with the USB Type-C procedure (S12). In S12, the control IC 19 checks that a power sink (here, the printer 3) is connected to the other end of the USB cable 12. Next, the control IC 19 starts supplying primary power to the printer 3 in accordance with the USB-PD standard (S13). In S13, the control IC 19 starts supplying the 5V voltage converted by the power adapter 1 to the printer 3.

[0051] Next, the control IC 19 determines whether to start power negotiation with the printer 3 (S14). In S14, the control IC 19 determines to start power negotiation when it receives a signal indicating the start of power negotiation from the printer 3. Note that the signal indicating the start of power negotiation is the one sent by the printer 3 in S24 shown in FIG. 4. If the control IC 19 determines not to start power negotiation (S14: No), it proceeds to S14, and if it determines to start power negotiation (S14: Yes), it proceeds to S15.

[0052] In the latter case, the control IC 19 indicates the available power supply to the printer 3 in accordance with the USB-PD standard (S15). In S15, the control IC 19 outputs a signal indicating the available power supply from the power adapter 1. The signal transmitted in S15 indicates the available power supply using a voltage-current pair.

[0053] Next, the control IC 19 determines whether or not a response has been received from the printer 3 (S16). In S16, if the control IC 19 receives the response sent by the printer 3 in S27 shown in Fig. 4, the control IC 19 determines that a response has been received from the printer 3. If the control IC 19 determines that a response has not been received from the printer 3 (S16: No), it proceeds to S16, and if it determines that a response has been received from the printer 3 (S16: Yes), it proceeds to S17.

[0054] In the latter case, the control IC 19 determines whether power negotiation has been established with the printer 3 (S17). The control IC 19 determines that power negotiation has been established if the secondary power requested in the response received in S16 is included in the available power supply presented in S15. If the control IC 19 determines that power negotiation has not been established (S17: No), it stops operation. In this case, the power adapter 1 does not supply secondary power to the printer 3.

[0055] If the control IC 19 determines in S17 that the power negotiation has been successful (S17: Yes), it proceeds to S18. In this case, the control IC 19 starts supplying the printer 3 with the power agreed upon in the power negotiation (S18). In S18, the control IC 19 starts supplying the printer 3 with the voltage generated by the power adapter 1 and agreed upon in the power negotiation. After the control IC executes S19, the power adapter 1 supplies the printer 3 with the voltage agreed upon in the power negotiation. However, the current flowing from the power adapter 1 to the printer 3 is limited to be equal to or less than the current agreed upon in the power negotiation.

[0056] [Printer 3 operation] When the USB cable 12 is connected to the USB-PDI / F unit 36 ​​of the printer 3, the CPU 31 and the control IC 39 perform the operations shown in Figures 4 to 6. The control IC 39 first detects that the USB cable 12 is connected to the USB-PDI / F unit 36 ​​(S21).

[0057] Next, control IC 39 begins receiving primary power from power adapter 1, and simultaneously begins supplying power from second power supply circuit 38 to CPU 31, memory 32, etc. (S22). In S22, control IC 39 begins receiving the 5V voltage supplied from power adapter 1, controls second power supply circuit 38 to convert the received 5V voltage to a voltage of a predetermined level, and begins supplying the level-converted voltage to CPU 31, memory 32, etc. Note that the secondary power is what power adapter 1 began supplying in S13 shown in FIG. 3. After control IC 39 executes S22, CPU 31 begins operating.

[0058] 5 (S23). In S23, the CPU 31 acquires the power supply conditions required by the option units 50, 60, and 70 connected to the option I / F units 41 to 43, and determines secondary power that is different from the primary power based on the acquired supply conditions (details will be described later).

[0059] After the CPU 31 executes S23, the control IC 39 starts power negotiation with the power adapter 1 (S24). In S24, the control IC 39 transmits a signal to the power adapter 1 indicating the start of power negotiation.

[0060] Next, the control IC 39 determines whether the power adapter 1 has presented its available power supply (S25). The available power supply is the power that the power adapter 1 presented in S15 shown in FIG. 3. If the control IC 39 determines that the available power supply has not been presented (S25: No), the process proceeds to S25. If the control IC 39 determines that the available power supply has been presented (S25: Yes), the CPU 31 executes S26.

[0061] In the latter case, the CPU 31 determines whether the available power presented by the power adapter 1 is sufficient to satisfy the requirements of the printer 3 (S26). If the CPU 31 determines that there is no power sufficient to satisfy the requirements (S26: No), it stops operation. In this case, the printer 3 does not request secondary power from the power adapter 1, and does not receive secondary power from the power adapter 1.

[0062] If the CPU 31 determines that there is power that satisfies the request (S26: Yes), the process proceeds to S27. In this case, the CPU 31 determines the secondary power to request from the power adapter 1 and transmits a response to the power adapter 1 (S27). In S27, the CPU 31 selects a power that satisfies the request from the available power presented by the power adapter 1, and determines the selected power as the secondary power to request from the power adapter 1. The CPU 31 controls the control IC 39 to transmit a response including the determined secondary power to the power adapter 1.

[0063] After the CPU 31 executes S27, the control IC 39 determines whether secondary power has been supplied from the power adapter 1 (S28). In S28, the control IC 39 determines that secondary power has been supplied when the voltage of the power line included in the USB cable 12 reaches the level requested in S37. If the control IC 39 determines that secondary power has not been supplied (S28: No), it proceeds to S28, and if it determines that secondary power has been supplied (S28: Yes), it proceeds to S29.

[0064] In the latter case, the control IC 39 starts supplying power from the first power supply circuit 37 to each section of the main body section 30 and the optional sections 50 and 60 (S29). In S29, the control IC 39 controls the first power supply circuit 37 to convert the voltage supplied from the power adapter 1 to a voltage of a predetermined level, and starts supplying the converted voltage to the image recording section 33, the HMI section 34, the network I / F section 35, the optional sections 50 and 60, etc. After the control IC 39 executes S29, the image recording section 33, the HMI section 34, the network I / F section 35, etc. are supplied with the power necessary for the operation of each section, and the optional sections 50 and 60 are supplied with driving power Pd1 and Pd2, respectively.

[0065] [Required power determination process and supply condition acquisition process] The required power determination process executed by the CPU 31 in S23 will be described below with reference to Figures 5 and 6. At the start of the required power determination process, the CPU 31 executes a supply condition acquisition process shown in Figure 6 (S31).

[0066] At the start of the supply condition acquisition process, the CPU 31 acquires the first address from the connection list 81 (FIG. 2A) stored in the memory 32 (S51). In S51, the CPU 31 acquires, for example, the first address Adr_1 from the connection list 81.

[0067] Next, the CPU 31 starts supplying primary power to the option I / F unit of the selected address (S52). For example, in S52, the CPU 31 starts supplying a voltage of 5V to the option I / F unit of the address acquired in S51 or S62 (described later). For example, if the address selected in S51 is Adr_1, a voltage of 5V is supplied from the main unit 30 to the option unit 50 connected to the option I / F unit 41. Also, if the address selected in S62 is Adr_2, a voltage of 5V is supplied from the main unit 30 to the option unit 60 connected to the option I / F unit 42.

[0068] Next, the CPU 31 determines whether an optional unit is connected to the optional I / F unit (S53). In S53, the CPU 31 determines whether an optional unit is connected to the optional I / F unit of the address acquired in S51 or S62, for example, based on the level of the signal connected to the optional I / F unit. If the CPU 31 determines that an optional unit is connected (S53: Yes), the process proceeds to S54.

[0069] In this case, the CPU 31 determines whether the optional unit has a CPU (S54). In S54, the CPU 31 determines whether the optional unit connected to the optional I / F unit having the address acquired in S51 or S62 has a CPU, for example, based on whether a signal indicating that the optional unit has a CPU is received from the optional unit within a predetermined time. If the CPU 31 determines that the optional unit has a CPU (S54: Yes), the process proceeds to S55. In this case, the CPU 31 acquires the supply conditions from the CPU of the optional unit (S55). In S35, the CPU 31 acquires the supply conditions from, for example, the CPU 51 of the optional unit 50 to which 5V communication power Pc is supplied.

[0070] If the CPU 31 determines in S54 that the optional unit does not have a CPU (S54: No), the process proceeds to S56. In this case, the CPU 31 determines whether the optional unit has a memory (S56). In S56, the CPU 31 determines whether the optional unit connected to the option I / F unit whose address was acquired in S51 or S62 has a memory, for example, based on whether a signal indicating that the optional unit has a memory is received from the optional unit within a predetermined time. If the CPU 31 determines that the optional unit has a memory (S56: Yes), the process proceeds to S57. In this case, the CPU 31 acquires the supply conditions from the memory of the optional unit (S57). In S57, the CPU 31 acquires the supply conditions from, for example, the memory 62 of the optional unit 60 to which a voltage of 5V is supplied.

[0071] If the CPU 31 determines in S56 that the optional unit does not have a memory (S56: No), the process proceeds to S58. In this case, the CPU 31 acquires the status of the jumper wires of the optional unit (S58). In S58, the CPU 31 accesses, for example, the jumper wire unit 78 of the optional unit 70, and acquires the status of the three jumper wires J1 to J3 included in the jumper wire unit 78.

[0072] Next, CPU 31 acquires from memory 32 the supply condition corresponding to the acquired state of the jumper wire (S59). In S59, CPU 31 acquires the identifier of the option part corresponding to the state of the jumper wire acquired in S38, and acquires the supply condition corresponding to the acquired identifier of the option part from supply condition table 82 (FIG. 2(B)) stored in memory 32. For example, if the state of the jumper wire acquired in S58 indicates that the identifier of the option part is Id_3, CPU 31 acquires from supply condition table 82 the supply condition Supc_3 corresponding to identifier Id_3.

[0073] After executing S55, S57, or S59, the CPU 31 proceeds to S60. If the CPU 31 determines in S53 that no optional unit is connected (S53: No), the CPU 31 proceeds to S60 without executing S54 to S59. Next, the CPU 31 stops the supply of primary power to the optional I / F unit (S60). In S60, the CPU 31 stops the supply of primary power to the optional unit at the address selected in S51 or S62.

[0074] Next, the CPU 31 determines whether all addresses in the option section have been processed (S61). If the CPU 31 determines that all addresses have not been processed (i.e., there are unprocessed address strings) (S61: No), the process proceeds to S62. In this case, the CPU 31 obtains the unprocessed addresses from the connection list 81 stored in the memory 32 (S62), and proceeds to S52.

[0075] If the CPU 31 determines in S61 that all addresses have been processed (S61: Yes), it ends the supply condition acquisition process and returns to the process after S31 shown in FIG.

[0076] After completing the supply condition acquisition process in S31, the CPU 31 acquires the operating mode from the memory 32 (S32). The operating mode is one of the normal mode, the speed priority mode, and the power priority mode. In the normal mode, the operating conditions of each unit included in the main body unit 30 and the optional units 50, 60, and 70 may be specified. The operating conditions of each unit are specified, for example, by the user operating the HMI unit 34.

[0077] Next, the CPU 31 determines whether the operating mode is the speed priority mode (S33). If the CPU 31 determines that the operating mode is the speed priority mode (S33: Yes), the process proceeds to S34. In this case, the CPU 31 determines the requested power to be the sum of the power of the main unit 30 and the power of all optional units connected to the option I / F units 41 to 43 (S34). In S34, the CPU 31 obtains the power required by the optional units 50, 60, and 70 based on the supply conditions obtained in the supply condition obtaining process, and determines the sum of the power required by the main unit 30 and the power required by the optional units 50, 60, and 70 as the requested power to be requested of the power adapter 1.

[0078] If the CPU 31 determines in S33 that the operating mode is not the speed priority mode (S33: No), it proceeds to S35. In this case, the CPU 31 determines whether the operating mode is the power priority mode (S35). If the CPU 31 determines that the operating mode is the power priority mode (S35: Yes), it proceeds to S36. In this case, the CPU 31 determines the power required when the main unit 30 and the optional units 50, 60, and 70 operate at minimum power as the requested power (S36). In S36, the CPU 31 obtains the power required by the optional units 50, 60, and 70 based on the supply conditions obtained in the supply condition obtaining process, and determines the power required when the main unit 30 and the optional units 50, 60, and 70 operate at minimum power as the requested power to be requested from the power adapter 1.

[0079] If the CPU 31 determines in S35 that the operating mode is not the power-priority mode (S35: No), it proceeds to S37. In this case, the CPU 31 determines whether or not there are user-specified operating conditions, assuming that the operating mode is the normal mode (S37). If the CPU 31 determines that there are user-specified operating conditions (S37: Yes), it proceeds to S38. In this case, the CPU 31 determines, as the requested power to be requested from the power adapter 1, the power that would be required when the main unit 30 and optional units specified by the user operate under the user-specified conditions, and the main unit 30 and optional units not specified by the user operate under the default conditions.

[0080] If the CPU 31 determines in S37 that there are no user-specified operating conditions (S37: No), the CPU 31 proceeds to S39. In this case, the CPU 31 determines the power required when the main unit 30 and the optional unit operate under default conditions as the power required of the power adapter 1.

[0081] Thus, in the speed priority mode, the CPU 31 determines the required power to be the sum of the power consumption of the main unit 30 and the power that satisfies the supply conditions (S34), and in the power priority mode, the CPU 31 determines the required power to be the power consumption when the main unit 30 and the connected optional unit operate under operating conditions that result in lower power consumption than in the normal mode (S36).In addition, in the normal mode, the CPU 31 determines the required power to be the power that corresponds to the operating conditions under which the main unit 30 and the optional unit operate, based on the power consumption of the main unit 30 and the supply conditions of the connected optional unit (S39), and if there are operating conditions specified by the user, the CPU 31 determines the required power to be the power based on the power consumption of the main unit 30 and the acquired supply conditions when the main unit 30 and the optional unit operate according to the operating conditions specified by the user (S38).

[0082] After executing S34, S36, S38, or S39, the CPU 31 proceeds to S40. Next, the CPU 31 determines whether the requested power is excessive (S40). If the CPU 31 determines in S40 that the requested power obtained in S34, S36, S38, or S39 is insufficient to operate all optional units, it determines that the requested power is excessive.

[0083] If the CPU 31 determines that the requested power is excessive (S40: Yes), the process proceeds to S41. In this case, the CPU 31 subtracts the power of the option unit with a low priority from the requested power (S41). In S41, the CPU 31 references the connection list 81 stored in the memory 32, detects the option unit connected to the option I / F unit with a low priority, and subtracts the power of the detected option unit from the requested power acquired in S34, S36, S38, or S39.

[0084] If the CPU 31 determines in S40 that the requested power is not excessive (S40: No), or after executing S41, it ends the requested power determination process and returns after S23 shown in FIG. 4. Then, in S27, the CPU 31 selects a power that satisfies the requirements of the printer 3 from the available power presented in S24, and determines the selected power as the secondary power to be requested of the power adapter 1. The secondary power is different from the primary power and is typically greater than the primary power.

[0085] [Examples of options and external devices] Various optional units can be connected to the optional I / F units 41 to 43. As shown in Fig. 7(A), optional units having a CPU and memory, such as a scanner unit 111, an inkjet head 112, and a high-performance cutter unit 113, can be connected to the optional I / F units 41 to 43. The high-performance cutter unit 113 is a unit that cuts the recording medium into a complex shape (for example, to match the shape of an area in a scanned image).

[0086] As shown in FIG. 7B, the optional I / F units 41 to 43 can be connected with optional units that do not have a CPU but have memory, such as a maintenance unit 121, a transport unit 122, a roll paper unit 123, and an ADF 124.

[0087] 8(A), optional I / F units 41 to 43 can be connected with a simple cutter unit 131, an optional tray 132, and the like as optional units that do not have a CPU or memory. The simple cutter unit 131 is a unit that cuts the recording medium into a simple shape (for example, a straight line). The optional units shown in FIGS. 7(A), 7(B), and 8 are related units of printer 3.

[0088] An external device of the printer 3 may be connected to the option I / F units 41 to 43 of the printer 3 instead of the related units of the printer 3. As shown in FIG. 8(B), the option I / F units 41 to 43 can be connected to external devices having a CPU and memory, such as a PC 141, a tablet PC 142, a smartphone 143, and a communication device 144.

[0089] In the above description, the printer 3 and the main body 30, excluding the optional units 50, 60, and 70, are examples of electronic devices. The power adapter 1 is an example of a power supply device. The optional units 50, 60, and 70, the scanner unit 111, the inkjet head 112, the advanced cutter unit 113, the maintenance unit 121, the transport unit 122, the roll paper unit 123, the ADF 124, the simple cutter unit 131, the optional tray 132, the PC 141, the tablet PC 142, the smartphone 143, and the communication device 144 are each examples of power consumption devices.

[0090] The CPU 31 and the control IC 39 are an example of a control unit of an electronic device. The option I / F units 41 to 43 are an example of a connection unit of an electronic device. The USB-PD standard is an example of a standard for power supply via a communication cable. The memory 62 is an example of a first storage unit of a power consuming device. The memory 32 is an example of a second storage unit of an electronic device. The addresses stored in the connection list 81 are an example of an identifier of a connection unit. The jumper wire unit 78 is an example of a circuit that outputs a signal indicating the identifier of a power consuming device. S53 is an example of a determination process for indicating whether a power consuming device is connected. S31 is an example of an acquisition process for acquiring supply conditions for a power consuming device.

[0091] [Effects of the embodiment] As described above, the printer 3 according to the embodiment is an electronic device that receives power from the power adapter 1 (power supply device). It includes a control unit including a CPU 31 and a control IC 39, and option I / F units 41-43 (connections) for connecting optional units 50, 60, and 70 (power consumption devices). The control unit receives primary power from the power adapter 1 in accordance with the USB-PD standard (a standard for power supply via a communication cable) (S22), and then performs power negotiation to request secondary power from the power adapter 1 that differs from the primary power (S24-S26). Before requesting secondary power in the power negotiation, the control unit acquires the power supply conditions required by the optional units 50, 60, and 70 connected to the option I / F units 41-43 (S23), and determines the secondary power based on the acquired supply conditions (S27).

[0092] In addition, while receiving primary power from the power adapter 1 in accordance with the USB-PD standard, the control unit acquires the power supply conditions required by the option units 50, 60, and 70 connected to the option I / F units 41 to 43 (S23), and performs power negotiation to request secondary power from the power adapter 1 based on the acquired supply conditions (S24 to S26).

[0093] Furthermore, after the printer 3 changes from a state where it is not connected to the power adapter 1 to a state where it is connected to the power adapter 1, it receives a supply of primary power from the power adapter 1 in accordance with the USB-PD standard, and the control unit starts operating using the primary power (S22). After starting operation, the control unit acquires the power supply conditions required by the option units 50, 60, and 70 connected to the option I / F units 41 to 43 (S31), and requests secondary power that is greater than the primary power from the power adapter 1 based on the acquired supply conditions (S27).

[0094] In this way, printer 3, in accordance with standards for power supply via communication cables such as the USB-PD standard, first receives primary power from power adapter 1, then performs power negotiation to request secondary power required for printer 3 operation from power adapter 1, and then receives secondary power from power adapter 1. In printers that request the power adapter 1 for the amount of power consumed by printer 3 itself during power negotiation, if optional units 50 and the like are connected, even if secondary power is supplied after power negotiation, it may not be possible to supply the power required for optional units 50 and the like. According to printer 3 of this embodiment, by acquiring the power supply conditions required by optional units 50, 60, and 70 connected to option I / F units 41-43 and requesting secondary power based on the acquired supply conditions from power adapter 1, it becomes possible to supply the required power to optional units 50, 60, and 70 when optional units 50, 60, and 70 are connected, and the required power can be supplied to optional units 50, 60, and 70. In addition, secondary power based on the supply conditions can be requested from the optional units 50, 60, and 70 according to the procedures defined in the USB-PD standard.

[0095] Furthermore, if the printer constantly requests the maximum power from the power adapter 1, assuming that optional devices and other devices are connected, there will be excess power unused by the printer. This may result in unnecessary use of a portion of the power available from the power adapter 1, making it impossible for the power adapter 1 to supply power to other electronic devices. According to the printer 3 of this embodiment, by requesting the power adapter 1 to supply as little power as possible to the optional devices 50, 60, and 70 and the printer 3, the proportion of the power available from the power adapter 1 that is supplied to the printer 3 can be reduced, allowing the power adapter 1 to supply power more efficiently.

[0096] The above effect will be explained in detail with reference to Figure 9. Figure 9 shows a case where a printer 3 is connected to a power adapter 1 that supplies power to the printer 3, and another electronic device 9 is connected to the power adapter 1. An optional device 50 is connected to the main unit 30 of the printer 3. The power supplied by the power adapter 1 is assumed to be a maximum of 140 W, the maximum power consumption of the main unit 30, the optional device 50, and the other electronic device 9 is assumed to be a maximum of 50 W, and the total power consumption of the main unit 30 and the optional device 50 in power-priority mode is assumed to be 60 W.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 9A, printer 3 operating in speed-priority mode requests 100 W of power in power negotiation with power adapter 1. Because the requested power is less than the maximum power supply of power adapter 1, 100 W of power is supplied to printer 3 from power adapter 1 after power negotiation. If another electronic device 9 is subsequently connected to power adapter 1, the other electronic device 9 requests 50 W of power in power negotiation with power adapter 1. However, the power adapter 1 already connected to printer 3 can only supply a maximum of 40 W of power. As a result, power negotiation between power adapter 1 and other electronic device 9 is unsuccessful, and power adapter 1 cannot supply power to the other electronic device 9.

[0098] In contrast, as shown in FIG. 9(B), printer 3 operating in power-priority mode requests 60 W of power in power negotiation with power adapter 1. After the power negotiation, 60 W of power is supplied from power adapter 1 to printer 3. If another electronic device 9 is then connected to power adapter 1, the other electronic device 9 requests 50 W of power in power negotiation with power adapter 1. In this case, a maximum of 80 W of power can be supplied from power adapter 1, which is already connected to printer 3. Therefore, the power negotiation between power adapter 1 and other electronic device 9 is successful, and power adapter 1 can supply 50 W of power to the other electronic device 9.

[0099] Furthermore, if the option unit 50 has a CPU 51, the control unit of the printer 3 supplies at least a portion of the primary power supplied from the power adapter 1 to the option unit 50 to operate the CPU 51 and acquires the supply conditions from the CPU 51 (S55). If the option unit 50 has a CPU 51, it may not be possible to acquire the supply conditions unless the CPU 51 is operated. In such cases, the supply conditions are acquired by supplying at least a portion of the primary power supplied from the power adapter 1 to the option unit 50 and operating the CPU 51 of the option unit 50.

[0100] Furthermore, if the option unit 60 has a memory 62 (first storage unit), the control unit supplies at least a portion of the primary power supplied from the power adapter 1 to the option unit 60 and acquires the supply conditions from the memory 62 (S57). If the option unit 60 has a memory 62, it may be impossible to acquire the supply conditions from the memory 62 unless power is supplied to the option unit 60. In such cases, the control unit acquires the supply conditions by supplying at least a portion of the primary power supplied from the power adapter 1 to the option unit 60 and operating the memory 62 of the option unit 60.

[0101] The printer 3 also includes a memory 32 (second storage unit), which stores supply conditions associated with the addresses (identifiers) of the option units 50, 60, and 70 (FIG. 2B). If the option unit 70 has a jumper wire unit 78 (a circuit that outputs a signal indicating an identifier of a power consumption device), the control unit causes the jumper wire unit 78 to output a signal using the primary power supplied from the power adapter 1, and obtains the supply conditions corresponding to the identifier indicated by the output signal from the memory 32 (S58). Therefore, if the option unit 70 has the jumper wire unit 78 that outputs a signal indicating the identifier of the option unit 70, the control unit causes the circuit to output a signal using the primary power supplied from the power adapter 1, and refers to the memory 32 using the identifier indicated by the output signal, thereby obtaining the supply conditions from the memory 32.

[0102] The memory 32 also stores a connection list 81 including addresses (identifiers) of the option I / F units 41-43 (FIG. 2A). After receiving a supply of primary power from the power adapter 1, the control unit executes a determination process (S53S) for each identifier included in the connection list 81 to determine whether the option units 50, 60, and 70 are connected to the option I / F units 41-43 identified by the identifier, and an acquisition process (S55, S57, S58) for acquiring supply conditions for the option units 50, 60, and 70 if it is determined in the determination process that the option units 50, 60, and 70 are connected. After executing the determination process and the acquisition process for all identifiers included in the connection list 81 (S61: Yes), the control unit requests secondary power from the power adapter 1 based on all of the supply conditions acquired in the acquisition process (S26). Therefore, by using the connection list 81, it is possible to determine whether or not option units 50, 60, 70 are connected to each of the option I / F units 41 to 43, and to request secondary power from the power adapter 1 based on the supply conditions for all connected option units 50, 60, 70.

[0103] The control unit also has a normal mode, a speed-priority mode, and a power-priority mode. In the normal mode, the control unit requests the power adapter 1 to supply secondary power according to the operating conditions when the printer 3 and the optional units 50, 60, and 70 are operating, based on the power consumption of the printer 3 and the supply conditions of the connected optional units 50, 60, and 70 (S39). In the speed-priority mode, the control unit requests the power adapter 1 to supply secondary power that is the sum of the power consumption of the printer 3 and the power that satisfies the supply conditions (S34). Thus, in the normal mode, the control unit requests the power adapter 1 to supply the power consumption when the printer 3 and the optional units 50, 60, and 70 are operating under default operating conditions. Here, the operating conditions vary depending on the type and number of connected optional units 50, 60, and 70, and the maximum power consumption may also vary depending on the operating conditions. For example, if the optional units 50, 60, and 70 connected to the optional I / F units 41-43 consume a large amount of power at the time when the printer 3 consumes the maximum amount of power, the power adapter 1 must supply a large amount of power. On the other hand, if the power consumption of the optional units 50, 60, and 70 connected to the option I / F units 41-43 is low at the operating timing when the printer 3 consumes the maximum power, the power supplied from the power adapter 1 can be small. In this way, by controlling the operation conditions, reading information from the memory 62, etc., a more suitable secondary power can be requested from the power adapter 1. Also, in the speed priority mode, the total power consumption of the printer 3 and the optional units 50, 60, and 70 is requested from the power adapter 1. This allows the secondary power to be determined without being based on the operation conditions, allowing secondary power to be supplied quickly.

[0104] Furthermore, in the power-priority mode, the control unit requests the power adapter 1 to supply, as secondary power, the power consumption that would be achieved if the printer 3 and the connected optional units 50, 60, and 70 were operated under operating conditions that consume less power than in the normal mode (S39). Thus, in the normal mode, the control unit requests the power adapter 1 to supply the power consumption that would be achieved if the printer 3 and the optional units 50, 60, and 70 were operated under default operating conditions. However, if the requested secondary power is greater than the power that can be supplied from the power adapter 1, the optional units 50, 60, and 70 may not be able to receive the necessary power. In such a case, by requesting, as secondary power, the power that would be achieved if the printer 3 were operated in the power-priority mode, which is an operating condition that consumes less power than in the normal mode, both the printer 3 and the optional units 50, 60, and 70 can be operated, and the necessary power can be supplied to the optional units 50, 60, and 70.

[0105] The control unit is also configured to allow the user to specify at least one operating condition for the printer 3 and the optional units 50, 60, and 70. When the printer 3 and optional units 50, 60, and 70 specified by the user operate according to the operating conditions specified by the user, the control unit requests secondary power from the power adapter 1 based on the power consumption of the printer 3 and the acquired supply conditions (S38). When the printer 3 and optional units 50, 60, and 70 specified by the user operate according to the operating conditions specified by the user, they operate differently from normal operation, which may increase or decrease power consumption. In this case, by requesting secondary power from the power adapter 1 based on the power consumption of the printer 3 when operating according to the operating conditions specified by the user and the acquired supply conditions, it is possible to receive an optimal supply of secondary power.

[0106] The memory 32 also stores a connection list 81 including the addresses and priorities of the option I / F units 41-43. When determining the secondary power based on the supply conditions acquired for the option units 50, 60, and 70, if the control unit determines that it cannot supply power that meets the supply conditions to all of the option units 50, 60, and 70 connected to the option I / F units 41-43 (S40: Yes), the control unit refers to the connection list 81 and determines the secondary power excluding the supply conditions of the option units 50, 60, and 70 connected to the connection units with low priority (S41). In this way, when it is not possible to supply the required power to all of the option units 50, 60, and 70 connected to the printer 3, by determining the secondary power excluding the supply conditions of the option units 50, 60, and 70 connected to the connection units with low priority, it is possible to supply the required power to the option units 50, 60, and 70 connected to the remaining connection units without supplying power to the option units 50, 60, and 70 connected to the connection units with low priority.

[0107] The printer 3 also includes an image recording unit 33 that records an image on a recording medium. Therefore, when optional units 50, 60, and 70 are connected to the printer 3 equipped with the image recording unit, the printer 3 can supply the necessary power to the optional units 50, 60, and 70. The optional units connected to the optional I / F units 41-43 may be any of a scanner unit 111, inkjet head 112, and cutter unit 113 each having a CPU and memory (storage unit) (FIG. 7A), a maintenance unit 121, a transport unit 122, a roll paper unit 123, and an ADF 124 each having memory (FIG. 7B), or a simple cutter unit 131 and an optional tray 132 each not having a CPU and memory (FIG. 8A). The optional I / F units 41-43 are connected to external devices each having a CPU and memory, and the external devices may be any of a PC 141, a tablet PC 142, a smartphone 143, and a communication device 144 (FIG. 8B). This allows the printer 3 equipped with the image recording unit 33 to be supplied with the necessary power when these optional units or external devices are connected to it.

[0108] [Variations] Various modifications can be made to the printer 3 according to the embodiment. For example, the memory 32 of a printer according to a modification may store a supply condition table 83 shown in FIG. 10 instead of the supply condition table 82 shown in FIG. 2B. The supply condition table 83 stores the power supply conditions required by the optional unit in association with the power consumption when the primary power is supplied. The power consumption when the optional unit 70 is operated using the primary power supplied from the power adapter 1 is divided into, for example, q ranges (q is a natural number). The supply condition table 83 shown in FIG. 10 stores supply conditions Supc_1 to Supc_q for the q ranges.

[0109] Instead of steps S58 and S59 of the supply condition acquisition process (Figure 6), the CPU 31 executes a process of measuring the power consumption when the optional unit 70 is operated with the primary power supplied from the power adapter 1, and a process of acquiring the supply conditions from the supply condition table 83 stored in the memory 32 based on the range of the measured power consumption.

[0110] In the printer according to this modification, memory 32 stores supply conditions associated with the power consumption when primary power is supplied to option unit 70, and CPU 31 obtains the power consumption when option unit 70 is operated with primary power supplied from power adapter 1, and obtains the supply conditions corresponding to the obtained power consumption from memory 32. In this way, the supply conditions can be obtained from memory 32.

[0111] 11(A), the printer 4 according to the modified example may include, in addition to the image recording unit 33, a scanner 47 that reads an image from a recording medium under control of the CPU 31. Furthermore, the electronic device according to the modified example may be a scanner device 5 that does not include the image recording unit 33 but includes the scanner 47, as shown in FIG.

[0112] According to the printer 3 of the embodiment, the printer 4 of the modified example, and the scanner device 5, when a power consuming device is connected to an electronic device having an image recording unit 33, or when a power consuming device is connected to an electronic device having a scanner 47, the necessary power can be supplied to the power consuming device.

[0113] In the printer 3, the main unit 30 and the optional units 50, 60, and 70 may be connected in accordance with a predetermined standard, or may be connected using a unique method. The optional units 50, 60, and 70 may be freely connectable to any of the optional I / F units 41 to 43, or the connectable optional I / F units may be limited.

[0114] In printer 3, the supply conditions are stored in memory 62 of option unit 60, but in a printer according to a modified example, the supply conditions of option unit 50 are also stored in memory 52 of option unit 50, and CPU 31 may acquire the supply conditions from memory 52 instead of CPU 51. Also, in a printer according to a modified example, option units 50, 60 may also have jumper wire units, and CPU 31 may acquire identifiers of option units 50, 60 from the jumper wire units of option units 50, 60. Instead of jumper wire unit 78, option unit 70 may have a switch unit including multiple switches (for example, DIP switches) or a circuit that outputs a specific identifier in a fixed manner.

[0115] In the supply condition acquisition process, CPU 31 may acquire the supply conditions of the optional unit by processing other than S55 and S57 to S59 depending on the configuration of the optional unit. CPU 31 has operating modes other than normal mode, speed priority mode, and power priority mode, and may determine the required power by processing other than S34, S36, and S38 to S41 in the required power determination process. CPU 31 does not have to execute S40 and S41 in the required power determination process.

[0116] In printer 3, the CPU 31 and control IC 39 included in the control unit perform the above-described functional division, but in a printer according to a modified example, the CPU 31 and control IC 39 may perform a different functional division. For example, the control IC 39 may execute the steps described as being executed by the CPU 31, or the CPU 31 may execute the steps described as being executed by the control IC 39. The CPU 31 and control IC 39 may be a single CPU or a single IC.

[0117] In printer 3, power is supplied between power adapter 1 and printer 3 in accordance with the USB-PD standard, but in a modified printer 3, power may be supplied between power adapter 1 and printer 3 in accordance with a standard other than the USB-PD standard regarding power supply via a communication cable.

[0118] In the present disclosure, the electronic device may be any device or equipment that operates by receiving power from a power supply device, the power supply device may be any device or equipment that can supply power, and the power consuming device may be any device or equipment that can be connected to the electronic device. For example, the electronic device may be a multifunction peripheral with image recording, scanning, faxing, etc., a PC, an electronic calculator, a communication device, a storage device, etc., the power supply device may be a power supply device, a transformer, a storage battery, etc., and the power consuming device may be an expansion unit, an option unit, an add-on unit, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] 1. Power adapter (power supply device) 3, 4 Printer (electronic device) 5. Scanner device (electronic device) 30...Main unit (electronic equipment) 31 CPU (control unit) 32 Memory (second memory unit) 33 Image recording unit 39 Control IC (control unit) 41, 42, 43 Optional I / F section (connection section) 47. Scanner 50, 60, 70... Optional parts (power consumption devices) 51 CPU 62 Memory (first storage unit) 78 Jumper wire section (circuit) 81 Connection List 111 Scanner unit (power consumption device) 112 Inkjet head (power consumption device) 113 High-performance cutter unit (power consumption device) 121 Maintenance unit (power consumption device) 122 Transport unit (power consumption device) 123....Roll paper unit (power consumption device) 124...ADF (power consumption device) 131 Simple cutter unit (power consumption device) 132···Optional tray (power consumption device) 141...PC (power consumption device) 142 Tablet PC (power consumption device) 143 Smartphone (power consumption device) 144...Communication equipment (power consumption equipment)

Claims

1. An electronic device that receives power from a power supply device, A control unit; a connection portion for connecting a power consuming device, The control unit receiving a supply of primary power from the power supply device in accordance with a standard for power supply via a communication cable, and then performing power negotiation to request a secondary power different from the primary power from the power supply device; An electronic device that, before requesting the secondary power in the power negotiation, acquires the power supply conditions required by the power consumption device connected to the connection section, and determines the secondary power based on the acquired supply conditions.

2. 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the standard is the USB PD standard.

3. The electronic device described in claim 2, wherein when the power consumption device has a CPU, the control unit supplies at least a portion of the primary power supplied from the power supply device to the power consumption device to operate the CPU, and acquires the supply conditions from the CPU.

4. The electronic device described in claim 2, wherein when the power consumption device has a first memory unit, the control unit supplies at least a portion of the primary power supplied from the power supply device to the power consumption device and acquires the supply conditions from the first memory unit.

5. a second storage unit that stores the supply conditions in association with an identifier of the power consuming device; The electronic device described in claim 2, wherein when the power consumption device has a circuit that outputs a signal indicating an identifier of the power consumption device, the control unit causes the circuit to output the signal using the primary power supplied from the power supply device, and obtains from the second memory unit the supply conditions corresponding to the identifier indicated by the output signal.

6. a second storage unit configured to store the supply conditions in association with power consumption when the primary power is supplied to the power consumption device; The electronic device described in claim 2, wherein the control unit acquires the power consumption when the power consumption device is operated with the primary power supplied from the power supply device, and acquires the supply conditions corresponding to the acquired power consumption from the second memory unit.

7. a second storage unit configured to store a connection list including identifiers of the connection units; The control unit receives the primary power from the power supply device, and then: a determination process for determining, for each identifier included in the connection list, whether the power consuming device is connected to the connection part identified by the identifier; if it is determined in the determination process that the power consuming device is connected, an acquisition process is executed to acquire the supply conditions for the power consuming device; 3. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein after the determination process and the acquisition process are performed for all identifiers included in the connection list, the electronic device requests the power supply device for the secondary power based on all of the supply conditions acquired in the acquisition process.

8. the control unit has at least a normal mode and a speed priority mode, In the normal mode, the power supply device is requested to provide the secondary power according to operating conditions when the electronic device and the power consumption device are operating, based on the power consumption of the electronic device and the supply conditions of the connected power consumption device; 3. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein in the speed priority mode, the electronic device requests the power supply device to supply the secondary power that is the sum of the power consumption of the electronic device and the power that satisfies the supply conditions.

9. the control unit has at least a normal mode and a power priority mode, In the normal mode, the power supply device is requested to provide the secondary power according to operating conditions when the electronic device and the power consumption device are operating, based on the power consumption of the electronic device and the supply conditions of the connected power consumption device; 3. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein in the power priority mode, the power supply device is requested to use as the secondary power the power consumption when the electronic device and the connected power consumption device operate under operating conditions that result in lower power consumption than in the normal mode.

10. The control unit a user can specify an operating condition for at least one of the electronic device and the power consuming device; 3. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein when the electronic device and the power consumption device specified by the user operate in accordance with the operating conditions specified by the user, the electronic device requests the power supply device to provide the secondary power based on the power consumption of the electronic device and the acquired supply conditions.

11. a second storage unit configured to store a connection list including identifiers and priorities of the connection units; The electronic device described in claim 2, wherein when the control unit determines the secondary power based on the supply conditions acquired for the power consumption device, if it determines that it cannot supply power that meets the supply conditions to all of the power consumption devices connected to the connection part, it refers to the connection list and determines the secondary power excluding the supply conditions of the power consumption devices connected to the connection part with a lower priority.

12. 12. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one of an image recording unit that records an image on a recording medium and a scanner that reads an image from the recording medium.

13. 13. The electronic device according to claim 12, wherein the power consuming device is one of a scanner unit having a CPU and a memory unit, an inkjet head, and a cutter unit.

14. 13. The electronic device according to claim 12, wherein the power consuming device is one of a maintenance unit having a storage unit, a transport unit, a roll paper unit, and an ADF.

15. 13. The electronic device according to claim 12, wherein the power consuming device is either a cutter unit that does not have a CPU or a memory unit, or an optional tray.

16. The electronic device according to claim 12, wherein the power consuming device is an external device having a CPU and a memory, and is one of a personal computer, a tablet personal computer, a smartphone, and a communication device.

17. An electronic device that receives power from a power supply device, A control unit; a connection portion for connecting a power consuming device, The control unit, while receiving primary power from the power supply device in accordance with the USB PD standard, acquires the power supply conditions required by the power consumption device connected to the connection unit, and performs power negotiation to request secondary power from the power supply device based on the acquired supply conditions.

18. An electronic device that receives power from a power supply device, A control unit; a connection portion for connecting a power consuming device, after changing from a state where the power supply device is not connected to a state where the power supply device is connected to the power supply device, the power supply device supplies primary power in accordance with the standard for power supply via a communication cable, and the control unit starts operating using the primary power; After starting operation, the control unit acquires the power supply conditions required by the power consumption device connected to the connection unit, and requests secondary power that is greater than the primary power from the power supply device based on the acquired supply conditions.

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