Control circuit, control device and clothing

Abstract

To provide a control circuit, a control device, and clothing that enable easier operation while suppressing complication of equipment configuration.SOLUTION: A control circuit includes an input connection unit 1 to which a mobile battery 8 is connected, an output connection unit 2 to which a blower fan 91 is connected, a switching unit 3 which is electrically interposed between the input connection unit 1 and the output connection unit 2 and switches a closed state for connecting the input connection unit 1 and the output connection unit 2 to each other, and an open state for disconnecting the input connection unit 1 and the output connection unit 2 from each other, an operation unit 4 for outputting an operation signal Os, and a controller 5 for controlling the switching unit 3. When the switching unit 3 is in the closed state and a non-operating state in which the blower fan 91 does not operate continues for a predetermined time, the controller 5 switches the switching unit 3 to the open state, and when the switching unit 3 is in the open state and the operation signal Os is output from the operation unit 4, the controller 5 switches the switching unit 3 to the closed state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a control circuit, a control device, and a garment. [Background technology]

[0002] Mobile batteries are widely used as devices that supply power to various operating devices. By using a mobile battery, users are not forced to keep power cords and other devices permanently connected, allowing them to use operating devices more freely over a wider range. Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a conventional electronic device that uses a mobile battery. The electronic device disclosed in this document includes a mobile battery and a speaker as an operating device. A first control circuit is provided in the mobile battery, and a second control circuit is provided in the operating device. The first control circuit controls the output from the mobile battery to be turned off if power is not supplied from the mobile battery to the operating device for a certain period of time. This allows for power saving and protection of the mobile battery. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Utility Model Registration No. 3212227 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, to switch the mobile battery from the OFF state to the ON state, it is necessary to operate a switch on the mobile battery or to disconnect and then reconnect the power cable connecting the mobile battery to the operating device. Furthermore, to turn on the mobile battery by operating the operating device, a control signal path is required to transmit the operating signal from the operating device's second control circuit to the first control circuit. This control signal path can be realized, for example, by adding additional control wiring to the power cable, which makes the device configuration complicated.

[0005] The present invention was devised in light of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its objective is to provide a control circuit, a control device, and clothing that enable easier operation while minimizing the complexity of the equipment configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The control circuit provided by the first aspect of the present invention comprises an input connection portion to which a mobile battery is connected, an output connection portion to which an operating device is connected, a switching portion electrically interposed between the input connection portion and the output connection portion and switching between a closed state in which the input connection portion and the output connection portion are connected and an open state in which the input connection portion and the output connection portion are disconnected, an operation portion outputting an operation signal, and a control portion controlling the switching portion, wherein the control portion switches the switching portion to the open state when the switching portion is in the closed state and a non-operating state in which the operating device is not operating continues for a predetermined time, and switches the switching portion to the closed state when the switching portion is in the open state and the operation signal is output from the operation portion.

[0007] A control device provided by a second aspect of the present invention includes the control circuit provided by the first aspect of the present invention and is connected to the mobile battery via a cable.

[0008] The clothing provided by the third aspect of the present invention comprises the mobile battery, the control device provided by the second aspect of the present invention, a blower fan as the operating device, and a clothing body having a battery storage section for storing the mobile battery.

[0009] The clothing provided by the fourth aspect of the present invention comprises the mobile battery, the control device provided by the second aspect of the present invention, a heating unit as the operating device, and a clothing body having a battery storage unit for storing the mobile battery. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the complexity of the device configuration and to make the operation easier.

[0011] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view showing a garment according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a rear view showing a garment according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is an enlarged view of a main part of a garment according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram showing a control circuit and a control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 4 is a timing chart showing the control of the control circuit and the control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 4 is a timing chart showing the control of the control circuit and the control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a front view showing a garment according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a rear view showing a garment according to a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0014] First Embodiment 1 to 4 show a control circuit, a control device, and clothing according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Clothing B1 of this embodiment includes a clothing body 7, a mobile battery 8, a control device A1, and a blower fan 91 as an operating device. The specific configuration of clothing according to the present invention is not limited in any way as long as it includes an operating device that operates with power supplied from the mobile battery 8. Examples of such clothing include cool wear that lowers the perceived temperature by blowing air, and heat wear that provides cold protection by heating. In this embodiment, clothing B1 configured as cool wear will be described.

[0015] [Clothing body 7] The garment body 7 forms the main body of the garment B1, and may be, for example, a vest, jacket, jumper, etc., each of which may have short sleeves, long sleeves, or three-quarter sleeves. The garment body 7 is not limited to being worn on the upper body, but may also be worn on the lower body such as trousers, worn on the head such as a hat, or gloves. In the illustrated example, the garment body 7 is in the form of a short-sleeved vest.

[0016] The garment body 7 has a pocket 71 and a battery storage section 72. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the pocket 71 is a section found in a typical vest and is used to store the user's personal belongings, etc. The battery storage section 72 is a section for storing the mobile battery 8. In the illustrated example, the battery storage section 72 is configured by providing a section in the form of an even smaller pocket inside the pocket 71. The mobile battery 8 is inserted into the battery storage section 72 through an opening at the top. The garment body 7 also has a through-hole 73. The through-hole 73 is provided on the outside of the pocket 71 and is an opening on the surface of the garment body 7.

[0017] [Mobile Battery 8] The mobile battery 8 is a power source that supplies power to operate the blower fan 91 as an operating device. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the mobile battery 8 is sized and shaped to be able to be housed in the battery storage section 72 of the clothing body 7. As shown in FIG. 4, the mobile battery 8 of this embodiment has a power storage section 81, a control section 82, and a connector 85.

[0018] The power storage unit 81 is a unit for storing power and is made up of a conventionally known secondary battery. There are no particular limitations on the specific configuration of the secondary battery, and examples include a lithium-ion secondary battery and a nickel-metal hydride secondary battery. The control unit 82 controls the output operation of the power storage unit 81 and is made up of, for example, a CPU, a switch, etc. The connector 85 is a connection part for supplying power from the mobile battery 8 to the outside, and in this embodiment, a connector 891 of a cable 89 is connected to it.

[0019] The control unit 82 controls the output operation of the power storage unit 81 by switching the mobile battery 8 to a state (so-called sleep state) in which power supply from the power storage unit 81 to the outside is stopped when power supply from the power storage unit 81 to an operating device (in this embodiment, the blower fan 91) has not been performed for a certain period of time (time t2 described below). Furthermore, when a power button (not shown) provided on the mobile battery 8 is operated or when the control unit 82 detects that the cable 89 has been disconnected from the mobile battery 8 and then reconnected, the control unit 82 returns the mobile battery 8 from the sleep state to an operating state and controls to resume power supply from the power storage unit 81.

[0020] [Ventilation fan 91] The blower fan 91 serves to blow air so that the garment B1 can be used as cool wear, and is an example of an operating device of the present invention. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the blower fan 91 has, for example, a connector 95. A connector 992 of a cable 99, for example, is connected to the connector 95.

[0021] The blower fan 91 has, for example, a motor and blades (both not shown). A connector 95 is connected to the motor, and power is supplied via the connector 95. The blades are connected to the motor and rotate when driven by the motor. The rotation of the blades enables the blower fan 91 to blow air. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, two blower fans 91 are provided on both sides of the lower portion of the back side of the garment body 7. When the blower fans 91 are operated, outside air is introduced into the garment body 7 through the blower fans 91.

[0022] [Control device A1] The control device A1 includes a control circuit according to the present invention, and is configured as a handheld controller mounted on clothing B1. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the control device A1 of this embodiment includes an input connection unit 1, an output connection unit 2, a switching unit 3, an operation unit 4, a control unit 5, and a case 6.

[0023] [Case 6] Case 6 houses input connection unit 1, output connection unit 2, switching unit 3, operation unit 4, and control unit 5, and is made of, for example, resin. There are no particular limitations on the shape or size of case 6, and in the example shown, for example, the cross section is oval or rounded rectangular, the entire case is elongated, and the case is small enough to be held in one hand.

[0024] [Input connection part 1] The input connection unit 1 is a portion to which the mobile battery 8 is connected, and is a portion to which power is input from the mobile battery 8. In this embodiment, a connector 892 of a cable 89 is connected to the input connection unit 1, and the mobile battery 8 is connected via the cable 89. The input connection unit 1 is exposed from, for example, one end face of the case 6 in the longitudinal direction.

[0025] [Output connection part 2] The output connection unit 2 is a portion to which the blower fan 91 serving as an operating device is connected, and is a portion that outputs power to the blower fan 91. In this embodiment, a connector 992 of a cable 99 is connected to the output connection unit 2, and the blower fan 91 is connected via the cable 99. The two blower fans 91 may be configured to be connected in parallel to the output connection unit 2 (control device A1) or may be configured to be connected in series.

[0026] [Switching unit 3] The switching unit 3 is electrically interposed between the input connection unit 1 and the output connection unit 2. The switching unit 3 has a function of switching between a closed state in which the input connection unit 1 and the output connection unit 2 are connected and an open state in which the input connection unit 1 and the output connection unit 2 are disconnected. The specific configuration of the switching unit 3 is not limited in any way, and for example, a contact-type mechanical relay switch having a movable contact and a fixed contact, or a contactless solid-state relay switch using a semiconductor element can be appropriately adopted. In this embodiment, the switching unit 3 is described as a contactless solid-state relay switch having a MOSFET, which is an example of a semiconductor element. Such a switching unit 3 is preferably a bidirectional blocking type configuration in which two MOSFETs are connected in series to switch currents flowing in opposite directions. Switching of the switching unit 3 is controlled by applying a voltage to the gate electrode of the MOSFET.

[0027] [Operation unit 4] The operation unit 4 outputs an operation signal Os in response to an operation by a user. The specific configuration of the operation unit 4 is not limited in any way, and various configurations such as a push button switch, a slide switch, or a rotary switch can be adopted. In the illustrated example, the operation unit 4 is configured as a push button switch provided on the side of the case 6. When the operation unit 4 is pressed by the user, the operation signal Os is output from the operation unit 4. Note that the operation unit 4 may be connected between the input connection unit 1 and the control unit 5, and pressing the operation unit 4 to establish conduction between the input connection unit 1 and the control unit 5 may serve as the operation signal Os. Alternatively, the operation signal Os may be configured to directly apply a voltage to the gate electrode of the MOSFET of the switching unit 3.

[0028] [Control unit 5] The control unit 5 controls the switching unit 3 and monitors the operating state of the blower fan 91. The specific configuration of the control unit 5 is not limited in any way and may include, for example, a CPU, a memory, etc. The control unit 5 in this embodiment receives an operation signal Os from the operation unit 4.

[0029] The control unit 5 also outputs a switching signal Ss. The switching signal Ss is a signal for switching the switching unit 3 between an open state and a closed state. In this embodiment, the switching signal Ss includes a signal for applying a voltage to the gate electrode of the MOSFET of the switching unit 3 to close the switching unit 3 (voltage applied), and a signal for not applying a voltage to the gate electrode of the MOSFET of the switching unit 3 to close the switching unit 3 (no voltage applied).

[0030] A detection signal Ds is also input to the control unit 5. The detection signal Ds is a signal for detecting that power is being supplied to the blower fan 91. Specific examples of the detection signal Ds are not limited in any way. As in the illustrated example, a configuration may be adopted in which a voltage, current, or the like is detected in the control unit 5 by connecting a wire from a contact provided between the switching unit 3 and the output connection unit 2 to the control unit 5. Alternatively, a sensor for detecting current flow outside the control unit 5 may be provided, and the output signal from this sensor may be used as the detection signal Ds.

[0031] [Cable 89, Cable 99] The cable 89 is a cable that connects the mobile battery 8 and the control device A1. In the illustrated example, the cable 89 has connectors 891 and 892. The connector 891 is connected to the connector 85 of the mobile battery 8. The connector 892 is connected to the input connection portion 1 of the control device A1. The cable 89 may be configured to have a power line that guides power from the mobile battery 8 to the control device A1. Note that the cable 89 may be formed integrally with either the mobile battery 8 or the control device A1.

[0032] The cable 99 is a cable that connects the control device A1 and the blower fan 91. In the illustrated example, the cable 99 has connectors 991 and 992. The connector 991 is connected to the output connection unit 2 of the control device A1. The connector 992 is connected to the connector 95 of the blower fan 91. The cable 99 may have a power line that guides power supplied from the mobile battery 8 via the control device A1 to the blower fan 91. The cable 99 may be formed integrally with at least one of the control device A1 and the blower fan 91. Furthermore, when multiple blower fans 91 are provided, multiple blower fans 91 may be provided. In this embodiment, the two blower fans 91 shown in FIG. 2 are connected to the cable 99.

[0033] 3, in this embodiment, the cable 99 is inserted from the pocket 71 of the garment body 7 through the through-hole 73 and laid inside the garment body 7. The control device A1 can be in a state where it is housed in the pocket 71 or a state where it is pulled out from the pocket 71 to the vicinity of the pocket 71.

[0034] 5 and 6 are timing charts showing examples of control by the control circuit (control device A1) according to this embodiment, in which the horizontal axis represents time.

[0035] First, the control example shown in Fig. 5 will be described. At time T10, the control unit 5 outputs a switching signal Ss (ON) to close the switching unit 3, and the switching unit 3 is in the closed state. Also, the mobile battery 8 is in the ON state. That is, power is supplied to the blower fan 91 from the mobile battery 8 in Fig. 4 via the cable 89, the input connection unit 1, the switching unit 3, the output connection unit 2, and the cable 99, and the blower fan 91 is operating. In this state, the detection signal Ds is ON.

[0036] Next, at time T11, the operation of the blower fan 91 stops and the blower fan 91 enters a non-operating state. As a result, the power supply to the blower fan 91 becomes almost zero, and the detection signal Ds turns OFF. At this time, the switching signal Ss is still ON, the switching unit 3 is in the closed state, and the mobile battery 8 is ON.

[0037] Next, when a preset time t1 has elapsed from time T10 (time T12), the control unit 5 outputs a switching signal Ss (OFF) that switches the switching unit 3 to the open state. This switches the switching unit 3 to the open state, thereby electrically disconnecting the input connection unit 1 and the output connection unit 2.

[0038] Next, when a time t2 preset in the control unit 82 of the mobile battery 8 has elapsed from time T11 (time T13), the control unit 82 turns off the mobile battery 8. Note that time T12 may be longer or shorter than time T11. As a result, when the blower fan 91 is in a non-operating state, the switching unit 3 is set to the open state after time T11 has elapsed. Furthermore, the mobile battery 8 turns off after time T12 has elapsed.

[0039] Next, the control example shown in Fig. 6 will be described. Time T20 corresponds to the case where the state at time T13 in the control example shown in Fig. 5 is maintained as is. At time T20, the blower fan 91 is not operating, and the detection signal Ds is OFF. The switching signal Ss is OFF, and the switching unit 3 is in an open state. The input connection unit 1 and the output connection unit 2 are electrically disconnected. The mobile battery 8 is OFF.

[0040] Next, at time T21, the user operates the operation unit 4 of the control device A1. That is, the user presses the operation unit 4, which is a push button switch. This causes the operation unit 4 to output an operation signal Os (ON). Upon receiving the operation signal Os, the control unit 5 outputs a switching signal Ss (ON) that closes the switching unit 3. This causes the switching unit 3 to close, and the input connection unit 1 and the output connection unit 2 become electrically connected. Note that the control unit 5 maintains the switching signal Ss ON even if the operation signal Os is once turned ON and then immediately turned OFF as shown in the figure.

[0041] When the switching unit 3 is closed and the input connection unit 1 and the output connection unit 2 are switched from an electrically disconnected state to a connected state, this is an event electrically equivalent to a state in which the cable 89 is once disconnected from the mobile battery 8 and then reconnected. Therefore, the mobile battery 8 is turned ON by the control of the control unit 82 of the mobile battery 8. As a result, power from the mobile battery 8 is supplied to the blower fan 91 via the cable 89, input connection unit 1, switching unit 3, output connection unit 2, and cable 99. As a result, the blower fan 91 operates, and the detection signal Ds turns ON.

[0042] Next, the operation of the control device A1 and the garment B1 will be described.

[0043] As described with reference to FIG. 5 , when a preset time t1 has elapsed since time T11, when the blower fan 91, which is an operating device, is in a non-operating state, the control unit 5 turns the switching signal Ss OFF at time T12. This causes the switching unit 3 to enter an open state, and the input connection unit 1 and the output connection unit 2 are electrically disconnected. Next, as described with reference to FIG. 6 , when the operation unit 4 is operated, the control unit 5 turns the switching signal Ss ON. This causes the switching unit 3 to enter a closed state, and the input connection unit 1 and the output connection unit 2 are electrically connected. This is equivalent to an event in which the cable 89 is temporarily disconnected from the mobile battery 8 and then reconnected. Therefore, the control unit 82 of the mobile battery 8 turns the mobile battery 8 ON again. As described above, according to this embodiment, it is not necessary to disconnect or reconnect the cable 89 or operate a button or the like provided on the mobile battery 8 to return the mobile battery 8 to ON from an OFF state, such as a sleep state. Furthermore, these controls are completed by the operation and control of the control device A1, and there is no need to transmit a control signal from the control unit 5 of the control device A1 to the control unit 82 of the mobile battery 8, for example. Therefore, the cable 89 only needs to have power wiring, and does not need to have control wiring for transmitting control signals. Therefore, according to this embodiment, easier operation is possible while suppressing the complexity of the device configuration. Note that, from the viewpoint of versatility, for example, a USB-standard cable may be used as the cable 89. Even in this case, the cable 89 does not need to transmit control signals.

[0044] Furthermore, with the above-described operation control, the user is not forced to touch and operate the mobile battery 8. For this reason, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, in the clothing B1, the mobile battery 8 can be stored in the battery storage section 72. Then, the user can pick up and operate the control device A1 stored in, for example, the pocket 71. Therefore, with the clothing B1, operability can be improved.

[0045] 3, the garment body 7 has a through-hole 73 through which the cable 99 is inserted. This allows the control device A1 to be stored in the pocket 71 or slightly pulled out from the pocket 71, while preventing the cable 99 connected to the blower fan 91 from being unnecessarily exposed to the outside of the garment body 7.

[0046] Second Embodiment 7 and 8 show a second embodiment of the present invention. In these figures, elements that are the same as or similar to those in the above embodiment are given the same reference numerals as those in the above embodiment.

[0047] Clothing B2 of this embodiment is configured as heat wear that provides cold protection through heating. Clothing B2 has a heater 92 as an operating device of the present invention. The heater 92 is a heat source that generates heat when power is supplied from the mobile battery 8. The specific configuration of the heater 92 is not limited in any way, and various conventionally known configurations that generate heat when power is supplied can be used.

[0048] There are no limitations on the shape and size of the heaters 92 or on the location of the heaters 92 on the garment body 7. In the illustrated example, two heaters 92 are provided on the upper front side (near the chest of the human body) of the garment body 7. Two more heaters 92 are provided on the upper back side (near the upper back or shoulders of the human body) of the garment body 7.

[0049] As with the first embodiment, the present embodiment also enables easier operation and improved operability while suppressing the complexity of the device configuration. As can be understood from the present embodiment, the specific configuration of the garment according to the present invention is not limited in any way.

[0050] The control circuit, the control device, and the clothing according to the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the specific configurations of the control circuit, the control device, and the clothing according to the present invention can be freely designed in various ways. [Explanation of symbols]

[0051] A1: Control device B1, B2: Clothing 1: Input connection 2: Output connection 3: Switching section 4 :Operation section 5: Control section 6: Case 7: Clothing body 8: Mobile battery 71: Pocket 72: Battery compartment 73:Through hole 81: Power storage unit 82: Control unit 85: Connector 89,99:Cable 91: Blower fan 92: Heater 95: Connector 891, 892, 991, 992: Connectors Ds: Detection signal Os: Operation signal Ss: Switching signal

Claims

1. an input connection portion to which a mobile battery is connected; an output connection portion to which a blower fan is connected; a switching unit electrically interposed between the input connection unit and the output connection unit, for switching between a closed state in which the input connection unit and the output connection unit are connected and an open state in which the input connection unit and the output connection unit are disconnected; an operation unit that outputs an operation signal; a control unit that controls the switching unit, The control unit When the switching unit is in the closed state and the non-operating state in which the blower fan does not operate continues for a predetermined time, the switching unit is switched to the open state, When the switching unit is in the open state and the operation signal is output from the operation unit, the switching unit is switched to the closed state; A control circuit in which the mobile battery is switched from OFF to ON when the switching unit switches from the open state to the closed state, and which maintains the output of the switching signal even when the output of the operation signal is stopped after the output.

2. A control circuit according to claim 1, A control device connected to the mobile battery via a cable.

3. The mobile battery; The control device according to claim 2; The blower fan; A clothing body having a battery storage section for storing the mobile battery; Clothing equipped with.

4. The mobile battery; The control device according to claim 2; a heating unit connected to the output connection unit; A clothing body having a battery storage section for storing the mobile battery; Clothing equipped with.

Images