Relay equipment, control method for relay equipment

Abstract

To provide a relay device that relays between a power supply device and an electronic device, and that operates more appropriately even when a state changes to one in which power is not supplied from the power supply device. [Solution] The relay device has a conversion means that converts the voltage of a first power supplied from a power supply device via a first connection means to generate a second power to be output from a second connection means, a first holding means that stores power using the second power, and a control means. When the power supply device and the relay device are electrically connected and before the conversion means generates the second power, power using the first power supplied from the power supply device is supplied to the control means. When the electrical connection between the power supply device and the relay device is disconnected, power using the power held by the first holding means is supplied to the control means.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a relay device and a method for controlling the relay device.

Background Art

[0002] In electronic devices such as cameras, a configuration using a removable battery as a power source is common. Also, a DC coupler for supplying power to a camera is known. The DC coupler has the same shape as the battery and supplies power supplied from an external power source such as an AC adapter to the camera. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for supplying power to a camera using a DC coupler.

[0003] In recent years, power supply devices compliant with the USB Power Delivery (hereinafter referred to as "USB PD") standard have emerged. An electronic device that receives power from a power supply device compliant with the USB PD standard can request the necessary power from the power supply device by specifying a power profile according to the standard. For example, when an electronic device requires 45 W of power, the electronic device can request 15 V / 3 A of power from the power supply device. When an electronic device requires 60 W of power, the electronic device can request 20 V / 3 A of power from the power supply device.

[0004] When the power supply device such as an AC adapter compliant with the USB PD standard is disconnected from an electronic device, the input terminal of the electronic device needs to lower the voltage in preparation for the next connection. On the other hand, when the DC coupler detects a power-off on the input side, it is desirable for the DC coupler to maintain power supply to the electronic device until the process for the electronic device to safely stop is completed. For example, if a large-capacity capacitor is arranged on the output side of the DC coupler, when the power supply device is disconnected, the DC coupler can supply power from this capacitor to the electronic device, and the electronic device can perform a stop process.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2-69727 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] On the other hand, when a DC coupler operates by receiving power from an AC adapter compliant with the USB PD standard, if the AC adapter is disconnected from the DC coupler, the input side of the DC coupler will discharge in preparation for the next connection, causing the capacitor on the output side to also lose charge. Consequently, electronic devices that were receiving power from the DC coupler before the AC adapter was disconnected will become inoperable. As a result, the electronic devices may not be able to complete their shutdown process, and captured data may not be saved.

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a relay device that relays power between a power supply device and electronic equipment, and that operates more appropriately even when the power supply from the power supply device is unavailable. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One aspect of the present invention is, A relay device that relays power supply devices and electronic equipment, A first connecting means that can be electrically connected to the power supply device, A second connection means that can be connected to a detachable connection terminal in the aforementioned electronic device, A conversion means that generates a second power output from the second connection means by converting the voltage of the first power supplied from the power supply device via the first connection means, A first storage means for storing power using the second power generated by the conversion means, Control means and It has, When the power supply device and the relay device are electrically connected, and before the conversion means generates the second power, power using the first power supplied from the power supply device is supplied to the control means. If the electrical connection between the power supply device and the relay device is disconnected, power using the power held by the first holding means is supplied to the control means. This is a relay device characterized by the following features.

[0009] One aspect of the present invention is, A relay device for relaying a power supply device and an electronic device, comprising: a first connection means electrically connectable to the power supply device; a second connection means connectable to a connection terminal in the electronic device that allows the battery to be attached and detached; a first holding means; and a control means for the relay device, A conversion step of generating a second power output from the second connection means by converting the voltage of the first power supplied from the power supply device via the first connection means, A holding control step that controls the storage of power in the first holding means using the second power generated in the conversion step, A control step of controlling the relay device using the control means, It has, In the control step described above, When the power supply device and the relay device are electrically connected, and before the second power is generated in the conversion step, the power using the first power supplied from the power supply device is controlled to be supplied to the control means. If the electrical connection between the power supply device and the relay device is disconnected, the power supply to the control means is controlled to use the power held by the first holding means. This is a control method for relay equipment characterized by the following features. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, there is provided a relay device that relays a power supply device and an electronic device, and can operate more appropriately even when the state changes to a state where power supply from the power supply device is not being performed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011] [Figure 1] It is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a power supply system. [Figure 2] It is a configuration diagram of a relay device. [Figure 3] It is a configuration diagram of a power supply device. [Figure 4] It is a configuration diagram of an electronic device. [Figure 5] It is a flowchart showing the processing of the relay device when connected to a power supply device. [Figure 6A] It is a flowchart showing the processing of the relay device when connected to an electronic device. [Figure 6B] It is a flowchart showing the processing of an electronic device when connected to a relay device. [Figure 7] It is a flowchart showing the processing of the relay device when a power failure or the like occurs. [Figure 8] It is a timing chart of the process corresponding to FIG. 5. [Figure 9] It is a timing chart of the process corresponding to FIGS. 6A and 6B. [Figure 10] It is a timing chart of the process corresponding to FIGS. 6A and 6B.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although a plurality of features are described in the embodiments, not all of these plurality of features are essential for the invention, and the plurality of features may be arbitrarily combined. Further, in the accompanying drawings, the same or similar configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0013] Furthermore, in the following, when describing voltage and current values, we will use representative values ​​assumed to ignore errors, efficiency, losses, or variations due to load. Also, power with a voltage of ○V (volts) will simply be written as "power of ○V". Similarly, power with a current of □A (amperes) will simply be written as "power of □A". Power with a voltage of ○V and a current of □A will simply be written as "power of ○V / □A".

[0014] Referring to Figure 1, the components of the power supply system according to this embodiment will be described. The power supply system includes a relay device 100, a power supply device 200, electronic equipment 300, and a battery 400.

[0015] The relay device 100 receives power (voltage and current) from the power supply device 200. The relay device 100 operates as a power acquisition device (electronic device) compliant with the USB PD standard (USB Power Delivery standard). The relay device 100 receives power from the power supply device 200 and converts the voltage of that power. The relay device 100 outputs power of the converted voltage to the electronic device 300.

[0016] The power supply device 200 is an electronic device compliant with the USB PD standard. Examples of power supply devices include AC adapters, mobile batteries, PC (personal computer) output ports, or wall-mounted power ports. Due to the nature of power supply, the power supply device 200 is a USB PD Source device. The relay device 100 is a USB PD Sink device.

[0017] The electronic device 300 is, for example, an electronic device such as a camera (digital camera; imaging device). The electronic device 300 can operate using a removable battery as a power source. The electronic device 300 also has a battery compartment 301 for installing a removable battery 400.

[0018] Furthermore, it is also possible to install a relay device 100 in place of the battery 400 in the battery compartment 301. The relay device 100 is shaped to be installable in the battery compartment 301. In this case, the relay device 100 operates as a DC coupler for the electronic device 300. When the relay device 100 is installed in the battery compartment 301, the battery compartment cover 311 can be closed with the acquisition part 101 of the relay device 100 protruding outside the battery compartment 301 from between the electronic device 300 body and the battery compartment cover 311.

[0019] The battery 400 supplies the electronic device 300 with the power necessary to operate it. The battery 400 is, for example, "a battery pack consisting of two lithium-ion battery cells connected in series, along with a circuit board having protection and communication functions." When the battery 400 is a battery pack, it can output power of approximately 5V to 8.4V from the battery output unit 401. In addition to a CPU that performs authentication processing, the battery 400 has RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory) internally. The battery 400 performs authentication processing with the electronic device 300.

[0020] The battery 400 is detachable from the battery compartment 301 of the electronic device 300. When the battery 400 is installed in the battery compartment 301, the battery connection part 302 and the battery output part 401 are connected. In this state, the battery compartment cover 311 can be opened and closed.

[0021] In this embodiment, when the power supply device 200 is connected to the relay device 100, it initially outputs 7.5V / 6A power. After outputting 7.5V / 6A power, if the electronic device 300 instructs the relay device 100 to change the power output to 10V / 6A power. The electronic device 300 also operates each component, including the imaging unit (camera). Therefore, the electronic device 300 is a device that requires power greater than 45W and less than or equal to 60W in order to perform the power-hungry shooting function. The electronic device 300 is designed with a circuit that does not malfunction even when 10V power is input.

[0022] (Regarding the configuration of relay equipment) Referring to Figure 2, the components of the relay device 100 will be described. The relay device 100 includes an acquisition unit 101, a connection unit 102, a relay device control unit 103, an acquisition control unit 104, a voltage conversion unit 105, an input voltage detection unit 106, an output voltage detection unit 107, an input voltage conversion unit 108, and an output voltage conversion unit 109. The relay device 100 also includes a discharge unit 110, an output charge holding unit 111, an input switch 112, an output switch 113, and an input charge holding unit 114.

[0023] In the following, the power input (supplied) from the power supply device 200 to the relay device 100 will be referred to as "input power," the voltage of the input power as "input voltage," and the current of the input power as "input current." The power that the relay device 100 outputs to the electronic device 300 will be referred to as "output power," the voltage of the output power as "output voltage," and the current of the output power as "output current."

[0024] The acquisition unit 101 is a connection unit that can be electrically connected to the power supply device 200. The acquisition unit 101 acquires input power from the power supply device 200. The acquisition unit 101 is a connector compliant with USB Type-C. The acquisition unit 101 has at least a VBUS terminal for acquiring input power, a CC terminal for CC (Configuration Channel) communication, and a common GND (ground) terminal. The VBUS terminal is connected to the input voltage detection unit 106, the input voltage conversion unit 108, the discharge unit 110, and the input switch 112 and input charge holding unit 114. The CC terminal is connected to the acquisition control unit 104.

[0025] The connection part 102 can be connected to the battery connection part 302 of the electronic device 300 (the connection terminal in the battery connection part 302 for connecting to the battery 400). The connection part 102 has at least a terminal for supplying output power, a terminal for communication, and a common GND terminal.

[0026] The relay device control unit 103 controls each component of the relay device 100 by executing a control program. Alternatively, instead of the relay device control unit 103 controlling the entire relay device 100, multiple hardware components may share the processing to control the entire relay device 100.

[0027] The relay equipment control unit 103 includes a memory (not shown) that stores a control program, a voltage conversion control unit 1031, a relay communication unit 1032, and a relay error detection unit 1033.

[0028] The voltage conversion control unit 1031 is a control unit that controls the voltage conversion unit 105. The voltage conversion control unit 1031 can change the settings of the voltage conversion unit 105 by communicating with the voltage conversion unit 105. By changing the settings of the voltage conversion unit 105, the voltage conversion control unit 1031 controls the start and stop of the operation of the voltage conversion unit 105, and the operating mode of the voltage conversion unit 105. It can control the voltage conversion control unit 105. In addition, the voltage conversion control unit 1031 can detect the status of the voltage conversion unit 105 through communication from the voltage conversion unit 105.

[0029] The relay communication unit 1032 communicates with the electronic device 300. The relay communication unit 1032 is a status notification unit that notifies the electronic device 300 connected to the connection unit 102 of the status of the relay device 100. The status of the relay device 100 includes, for example, the model name of the relay device 100, the output voltage, the type of power supply (information such as a DC coupler), and whether the output voltage can be changed. The relay communication unit 1032 may also communicate to acquire information about the electronic device 300.

[0030] The relay error detection unit 1033 detects error states (abnormal states) of each component of the relay device 100. For example, the relay error detection unit 1033 controls the input voltage detection unit 106 to determine whether the input voltage is a normal voltage. The relay error detection unit 1033 controls the output voltage detection unit 107 to determine whether the voltage of the power output by the voltage conversion unit 105 is a normal voltage. When the relay error detection unit 1033 receives an error notification from the acquisition control unit 104 or the voltage conversion unit 105, it detects the error of the component that issued the error notification.

[0031] The acquisition control unit 104 is an acquisition control unit that controls the acquisition of input power from the power supply device 200 connected to the acquisition unit 101. By executing a control program, the acquisition control unit 104 communicates with the power supply device 200 connected to the acquisition unit 101 and controls each component of the relay device 100.

[0032] The acquisition control unit 104 is connected to the CC terminal of the acquisition unit 101. Based on the voltage at the CC terminal, the acquisition control unit 104 can detect whether or not the power supply device 200 is electrically connected to the acquisition unit 101. Based on the voltage at the CC terminal, the acquisition control unit 104 can detect the power supply capacity of the power supply device 200 connected to the acquisition unit 101. Furthermore, the acquisition control unit 104 can negotiate the power supply with the power supply device 200 through communication using the CC terminal.

[0033] The acquisition control unit 104 communicates with the relay equipment control unit 103. The acquisition control unit 104 transmits to the relay equipment control unit 103, for example, information on whether or not the power supply device 200 is connected to the acquisition unit 101, and information on the power supply device 200 connected to the acquisition unit 101 (such as power supply capacity, type, and output status).

[0034] The acquisition control unit 104 can control the input voltage detection unit 106 to detect the value of the input power voltage (input voltage) acquired by the acquisition unit 101. Based on the value of the input voltage, the acquisition control unit 104 may determine whether or not the power supply device 200 is electrically connected to the acquisition unit 101.

[0035] The acquisition control unit 104 is supplied with power (power) from the input voltage conversion unit 108 or the output voltage conversion unit 109. The acquisition control unit 104 controls the discharge unit 110 to control whether or not to discharge the charge from the VBUS terminal of the acquisition unit 101. For example, when the acquisition control unit 104 detects that the power supply device 200 has been disconnected from the acquisition unit 101, it changes the input switch 112 to the OFF state, and then controls the discharge unit 110 to discharge the charge from the VBUS terminal of the acquisition unit 101.

[0036] The acquisition control unit 104 changes the state of the input switch 112 (states such as ON state and OFF state). For example, if the acquisition control unit 104 determines, by communication using the CC terminal, that the power supply device 200 is supplying a predetermined amount of power, it changes the input switch 112 to the ON state. For example, if the acquisition control unit 104 determines, by communication using the CC terminal, that the power supply device 200 is changing its output state, it changes the input switch 112 to the OFF state. Furthermore, the relay equipment control unit 103 may perform all or part of the functions of the acquisition control unit 104.

[0037] The acquisition control unit 104 includes a memory (not shown) that stores a control program, a connection detection unit 1041, and a power supply error detection unit 1042.

[0038] The connection detection unit 1041 detects whether the power supply device 200 is electrically connected to the acquisition unit 101 by monitoring the voltage of the CC terminal or the voltage of VBUS.

[0039] When the power supply error detection unit 1042 receives error information from the power supply device 200 connected to the acquisition unit 101, it notifies the relay equipment control unit 103. The error information is, for example, information about a hard reset of the power supply device 200.

[0040] The voltage conversion unit 105 is the main power supply unit that supplies power (power) to the connection unit 102. The voltage conversion unit 105 is a DC-DC converter that outputs power at a predetermined voltage obtained by converting the input voltage. The voltage conversion unit 105 may have any configuration as long as it is capable of outputting power at a predetermined voltage obtained by converting the input voltage. In the following, the voltage conversion unit 105 is assumed to be a switched-capacitor type DC-DC converter.

[0041] The input of the voltage conversion unit 105 is connected to the VBUS terminal of the acquisition unit 101 via the input switch 112. The output of the voltage conversion unit 105 is connected to the connection unit 102 via the output switch 113. The output of the voltage conversion unit 105 is connected to the output voltage detection unit 107, the output voltage conversion unit 109, and the output charge holding unit 111.

[0042] The voltage conversion unit 105 generates output power by converting the input power. Hereinafter, the power generated by the voltage conversion unit 105 will be called "generated power," and the voltage of the "generated power" will be called the "generated voltage." Unless the voltage conversion unit 105 stops outputting generated power or the output switch 113 is turned OFF, the generated voltage is equal to the output voltage. Therefore, the relay device 100 can change the output voltage by changing the generated voltage.

[0043] The voltage conversion unit 105, for example, when the voltage conversion ratio is set to 1 / 2, generates power by halving the input voltage and doubling the input current. For example, when the voltage conversion unit 105 receives input power of 15V / 3A (=45W of power) from the power supply device 200, it can output generated power of 7.5V / 6A. For example, when the voltage conversion unit 105 receives input power of 20V / 3A (=60W of power) from the power supply device 200, it can output generated power of 10V / 6A. When the voltage conversion unit 105 obtains input power such as 45W or 60W from the power supply device 200 and converts the input voltage by half, it can generate a generated voltage (7.5V or 10V) close to the maximum output voltage of the battery 400, which is 8.4V.

[0044] The voltage conversion unit 105 may output the input power (input voltage and input current) as generated power if the voltage conversion ratio setting is set to 1x (pass-through mode).

[0045] The input voltage detection unit 106 detects the input voltage value of the input power acquired from the VBUS terminal of the acquisition unit 101 and notifies the relay device control unit 103 and the acquisition control unit 104 of the input voltage value. The input voltage detection unit 106 is configured, for example, by a resistor voltage divider circuit. The input voltage detection unit 106 is connected to the AD conversion port of the relay device control unit 103 and the AD conversion port of the acquisition control unit 104.

[0046] The output voltage detection unit 107 detects the value of the generated voltage of the power generated by the voltage conversion unit 105 and notifies the relay device control unit 103 of the detected generated voltage value as the output voltage value. The output voltage detection unit 107 is composed of, for example, a resistor voltage divider circuit. The output voltage detection unit 107 is connected to the AD conversion port of the relay device control unit 103.

[0047] The input voltage conversion unit 108 is the first control power supply unit. The input voltage conversion unit 108 converts the input voltage acquired from the acquisition unit 101 into the power supply voltage of the relay equipment control unit 103 and the acquisition control unit 104. In the following description, the input voltage conversion unit 108 is assumed to be a linear regulator that outputs 3.0V of power.

[0048] The output voltage conversion unit 109 is a second control power supply unit. The output voltage conversion unit 109 converts the voltage of the output charge holding unit 111 into the power supply voltage of the relay equipment control unit 103 and the acquisition control unit 104.Hereinafter, the output voltage conversion unit 109 is assumed to be a linear regulator that outputs 3.3V power.The output voltage conversion unit 109 is assumed to be able to continue outputting 3.3V power as long as the voltage of the output charge holding unit 111 is 3.3V or higher.

[0049] Furthermore, the input voltage conversion unit 108 and the output voltage conversion unit 109 have a "reverse current prevention and output tolerance function" that prevents current from flowing back from the output side to the input side when the input voltage is 0V or less than the voltage applied to the output side.

[0050] The discharge unit 110 can discharge the charge at the VBUS terminal of the acquisition unit 101 upon instruction from the acquisition control unit 104. The discharge unit 110 has a circuit configuration in which, for example, the VBUS terminal of the acquisition unit 101 is connected to GND via a transistor and a resistor. The acquisition control unit 104 controls the transistor so that the acquisition unit 101 is connected to GND via the resistor, thereby discharging the charge accumulated in the path connected to the acquisition unit 101.

[0051] The output charge holding unit 111 stores power generated by the voltage conversion unit 105. The output charge holding unit 111 is charged by the power generated from the voltage conversion unit 105. The output charge holding unit 111 is a backup circuit that supplies output voltage by discharging when the output of power generated from the voltage conversion unit 105 stops or when the generated voltage drops.

[0052] In the following, the main component of the output charge holding unit 111 is assumed to be an aluminum electrolytic capacitor. It is preferable to have a current limiting resistor between the voltage conversion unit 105 and the aluminum electrolytic capacitor to limit the charging current. If a current limiting resistor is present, it is also preferable to connect a diode in parallel with the current limiting resistor in the direction of discharge. By configuring the output charge holding unit 111 as described above, the current is limited by the current limiting resistor when charging the output charge holding unit 111, but not when discharging. By limiting the current when charging the output charge holding unit 111, the current that instantaneously flows into the voltage conversion unit 105 when the voltage conversion unit 105 starts outputting can be reduced. The above control can ensure that the output current limit of the power supply device 200 is maintained and that the current rating of the voltage conversion unit 105 is maintained.

[0053] In the following, the capacitance of the aluminum electrolytic capacitor in the output charge holding unit 111 is such that it can store the power consumed by the electronic device 300 from the time it starts the emergency stop process until it is completed. Furthermore, the capacitance of the aluminum electrolytic capacitor is such that it can store the power required for the relay communication unit 1032 of the relay device 100 to continue operating from the time it starts the emergency stop process until it is completed. In addition, the threshold for detecting a power outage, which will be described later, should be set to a voltage value that allows the electronic device 300 to start the emergency stop process in order to satisfy the above. A power outage refers to a power outage in the relay device 100 or the electronic device 300. This indicates that the power supply will be cut off. Possible causes of the power outage include the electrical connection between the relay device 100 and the power supply device 200 being disconnected, the power plug for the commercial power supply device 200 being unplugged, or the relay device 100 stopping its output due to a safety error.

[0054] The method for calculating the required capacitance of the aluminum electrolytic capacitor in the output charge holding unit 111 will be explained. Here, it is assumed that the current consumption of the electronic device 300 is a maximum of 300mA from the time the emergency stop process is initiated until it is completed, and the required time is 50msec. It is also assumed that the total current consumption of the relay device control unit 103 and the acquisition control unit 104 is a maximum of 20mA.

[0055] The combined charge consumption of electronic device 300 and relay device 100 is 16mC, because a current of 320mA needs to flow for 50msec. Assuming that the minimum operating voltage of electronic device 300 is 4.4V, and that relay device 100 is set to notify of a power failure when its output voltage is 6.0V, the voltage across the aluminum electrolytic capacitor is 1.6V, so the required capacitance of the aluminum electrolytic capacitor is "charge consumption 16mC ÷ potential difference 1.6V", which is 10mF.

[0056] Here, the voltage of the output charge holding unit 111 when the electronic device 300 completes the emergency stop process is 4.4V. Therefore, the output voltage conversion unit 109 can maintain a power output of 3.3V both while the electronic device 300 is performing the emergency stop process and immediately after the emergency stop process is completed. As a result, the relay device control unit 103 and the acquisition control unit 104 can continue to operate both while the electronic device 300 is performing the emergency stop process and immediately after the emergency stop process is completed. In this embodiment, the capacitance of the aluminum electrolytic capacitor of the output charge holding unit 111 is 10mF.

[0057] The input switch 112 switches between connecting and disconnecting the VBUS terminal of the acquisition unit 101 and the input side of the voltage conversion unit 105, according to the control of the relay device control unit 103 or the acquisition control unit 104. Therefore, the input switch 112 can electrically disconnect the input side and output side of the relay device 100.

[0058] In the following, it is assumed that the input switch 112 has two identical MOSFETs (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors) connected in series with their source and drain directions opposite to each other. When the input switch 112 is switched ON, both MOSFETs are switched ON, and the VBUS terminal of the acquisition unit 101 is connected to the input side of the voltage conversion unit 105. When the input switch 112 is switched OFF, both MOSFETs are switched OFF, and the VBUS terminal of the acquisition unit 101 is disconnected from the input side of the voltage conversion unit 105. When the input switch 112 is OFF, the discharge unit 110 can prevent the charge stored in the output charge holding unit 111 from being drawn out when it discharges the charge from the VBUS terminal of the acquisition unit 101.

[0059] Furthermore, in order to reduce the inrush current when controlling the input switch 112 to the ON state, the input switch 112 may be configured with a MOSFET slow-start circuit.

[0060] The output switch 113 switches between connecting and disconnecting the output side of the voltage conversion unit 105 and the connection part 102 according to the control of the relay equipment control unit 103. When the output switch 113 is ON, the output side of the voltage conversion unit 105 and the connection part 102 are connected. When the output switch 113 is OFF, current is supplied from the output side of the voltage conversion unit 105 to the connection part 102. It won't play.

[0061] In the following, the output switch 113 is assumed to be a single MOSFET. The source and drain of the MOSFET are oriented such that, when the MOSFET is in the OFF state, no current flows from the output side of the voltage conversion unit 105 to the connection part 102.

[0062] Furthermore, when the input switch 112 is in the OFF state, the voltage conversion control unit 1031 starts outputting the power generated from the voltage conversion unit 105. By controlling it in this way, it is possible to prevent inrush current from flowing from the relay device 100 to the electronic device 300. The above control ensures that the output current limit of the power supply device 200 is observed, and that the current rating of the voltage conversion unit 105 is observed.

[0063] Furthermore, in order to reduce the inrush current when the output switch 113 is controlled to the ON state, the output switch 113 may be configured with a MOSFET slow-start circuit.

[0064] The input charge holding unit 114 stores power (charge) based on the input power output by the power supply device 200. The input charge holding unit 114 is a circuit that charges with the input power from the power supply device 200 and suppresses fluctuations in the output of the power supply device 200. In this embodiment, the input charge holding unit 114 is assumed to be a capacitor with a capacitance of 2.2 μF.

[0065] (Regarding the configuration of the power supply system) Referring to Figure 3, the components of the power supply device 200 will be described. The power supply device 200 includes a power supply control unit 201, a power supply unit 202, a power supply control unit 203, a connection unit 204, a power supply control unit 205, and an output control switch 206.

[0066] The power supply control unit 201 includes a processor and memory for controlling the components of the power supply unit 200.

[0067] The power supply unit 202 is a USB Type-C compliant connector. The power supply unit 202 has at least a VBUS terminal for acquiring power, a CC terminal for CC communication, and a common GND terminal. The VBUS terminal is connected to the output control switch 206. The CC terminal is connected to the power supply control unit 203. The power supply device 200 is connected to the power supply destination via the power supply unit 202. The power supply device 200 is connected to, for example, the relay device 100 via the power supply unit 202 and supplies power.

[0068] The power supply control unit 203 operates as the communication control unit for the power supply device 200. The power supply control unit 203 can notify the connected device of the power supply capacity of the power supply device 200 using the voltage of the CC terminal. Furthermore, the power supply control unit 203 can provide information on the available power through communication using the CC terminal and can negotiate the power request with the connected relay device 100. Communication using the CC terminal is compliant with the USB PD standard.

[0069] The connection part 204 is connected to an external power source such as a commercial power supply. In Figure 1, assuming that the power supply device 200 is an AC adapter, the connection part 204 is shown as a power outlet plug for connecting to a commercial power supply.

[0070] The power control unit 205 switches the power obtained from the connection unit 204 to power that can be supplied to the relay device 100. For example, if the connection unit 204 is connected to a household power supply (100V / 50Hz AC power supply) and 15V / 3A power is supplied to the relay device 100, The power control unit 205 enables the output of 15V power by performing AC / DC conversion. The voltage output from the power control unit 205 is changed by control from the power supply device control unit 201, referring to the power supply capacity obtained by the power supply control unit 203. The voltage and current that can be output by the power control unit 205 are the power that the power supply device 200 can supply (=input voltage).

[0071] In the following, the power supply unit 200 is assumed to support the supply of up to 60W of power as per the USB PD standard. Specifically, the power supply unit 200 has the capability to supply 5V / 3A power, 9V / 3A power, 15V / 3A power, and 20V / 3A power.

[0072] The output control switch 206 is connected to the VBUS terminal of the power supply unit 202. The output control switch 206 controls whether to supply or cut off power supplied from the power control unit 205 to the external relay device 100. Furthermore, the output control switch 206 controls the timing of power supply from the power supply unit 202 in accordance with the control by the power supply control unit 203. When the output control switch 206 receives a stop command from the relay device 100, it performs the process of stopping the power supply from the power supply unit 202.

[0073] (Regarding the configuration of electronic equipment) Referring to Figure 4, the components of the electronic device 300 will be described. In addition to the battery storage unit 301 described using Figure 1, the electronic device 300 includes a battery connection unit 302, a main control unit 303, an imaging unit 304, a recording medium 305, an operation unit 306, a display unit 307, a memory 308, a sub-control unit 309, and a power supply control unit 310.

[0074] The battery connection section 302 is a power connection section that can be connected to external devices such as a removable battery. The battery connection section 302 includes terminals (connection terminals) for detachably connecting the battery 400. The connection terminals can also be connected to the relay device 100. Specifically, the battery connection section 302 includes at least terminals for obtaining power, terminals for communication, and a common GND terminal.

[0075] The main control unit 303 controls each component of the electronic device 300 by executing a program. Alternatively, instead of the main control unit 303 controlling the entire electronic device 300, multiple hardware components may share the processing to control the entire electronic device 300.

[0076] The imaging unit 304 converts the subject light, which is imaged by the lens included in the imaging unit 304, into an electrical signal and performs noise reduction processing. As a result, the imaging unit 304 acquires digital data representing the image of the subject. The imaging unit 304 outputs the digital data after noise reduction processing as image data. The image data is stored in a buffer memory, then predetermined calculations are performed by the main control unit 303, and it is stored in the recording medium 305.

[0077] The recording medium 305 stores the image data output from the imaging unit 304. The recording medium 305 may be detachable from the electronic device 300, or it may be built into the electronic device 300. Therefore, the electronic device 300 only needs to have at least a component that can access the recording medium 305.

[0078] The control unit 306 is used to receive instructions (operations) from the user for the electronic device 300. The control unit 306 notifies the main control unit 303 of a signal corresponding to the user's instruction. The control unit 306 includes, for example, a power button for the user to turn the electronic device 300 ON or OFF. The control unit 306 also includes, for example, an operating member such as a release switch for instructing shooting and a zoom lever for instructing zoom operation. Furthermore, the control unit 306 includes a playback button for instructing playback of image data, and the electronic device 30 It includes a mode dial for indicating the startup mode 0, and a touch panel formed on the display unit 307.

[0079] The release switch has two switches, SW1 and SW2. When the release switch is half-pressed, switch SW1 turns ON. This allows the main control unit 303 to receive instructions to prepare for shooting (such as autofocus processing, automatic exposure processing, automatic white balance processing, and flash pre-flash processing). When the release switch is fully pressed, switch SW2 turns ON. This allows the main control unit 303 to receive instructions to take a picture.

[0080] The display unit 307 displays the viewfinder image during shooting, displays information corresponding to the captured image data, and displays text for interactive operation. The display unit 307 does not necessarily need to be built into the electronic device 300. The electronic device 300 can connect to an external display unit 307 and may also control the display of the display unit 307.

[0081] Memory 308 is used as a buffer memory to temporarily hold image data acquired by the operation unit 306. Memory 308 also includes non-volatile memory and stores programs executed by the main control unit 303.

[0082] The sub-control unit 309 controls each component of the electronic device 300 by executing a control program. Alternatively, instead of the sub-control unit 309 controlling the entire electronic device 300, multiple hardware components may share the processing to control the entire electronic device 300.

[0083] The sub-control unit 309 can operate with lower power consumption than the main control unit 303 and can operate even when the electronic device 300 is not started. The sub-control unit 309 controls the startup of the electronic device 300. "Startup" means bringing the electronic device 300 into a state where power is supplied to each component. In this embodiment, "startup" means bringing the electronic device 300 into a state where power is supplied to each component for performing the imaging function of the electronic device 300, and the electronic device 300 is in a state where it can perform imaging (operation). The sub-control unit 309 operates as a power control unit that controls the power supply control unit 310 and can communicate data with the main control unit 303. In addition, the sub-control unit 309 determines the power supply type of an external device by communicating with the external device connected to the battery connection unit 302.

[0084] The sub-control unit 309 includes a memory (not shown) that stores a control program, a communication unit 3091, and a power failure determination unit 3092.

[0085] The communication unit 3091 communicates with the relay device 100 or battery 400 connected to the battery connection unit 302. The communication unit 3091 obtains information such as the model name, status, output voltage, type of power supply (whether it is a DC coupler or a battery), and whether the output voltage can be changed, of the device connected to the battery connection unit 302. The communication unit 3091 can also perform authentication processing with the battery 400.

[0086] The power failure determination unit 3092 is a detection unit (power failure determination unit) that detects a power failure in an external device by receiving a power failure notification from the external device connected to the battery connection unit 302. In this embodiment, the power failure determination unit 3092 monitors the voltage of the communication terminal of the battery connection unit 302 used for communication by the communication unit 3091. When the power failure determination unit 3092 detects that the voltage of the communication terminal has remained below a specific value for a predetermined period of time or longer, it determines that the external device is in a power failure state. In this way, by realizing communication with the external device and power failure detection (notification) on the same terminal, the area of ​​the battery connection unit 302 can be reduced.

[0087] The power control unit 310 is a power receiving unit that receives power from an external device via the battery connection unit 302. The power control unit 310 controls the supply and interruption of power from the battery connection unit 302 to each component according to the state of the electronic device 300. The power control unit 310 is controlled by the main control unit 303 or the sub-control unit 309.

[0088] (Regarding the handling of relay equipment when it is connected to a power supply device) Referring to the flowchart in Figure 5, the processing performed by the relay device 100 when it is connected to the power supply device 200 will be explained. The processing in the flowchart in Figure 5 begins when the relay device 100 and the power supply device 200 are connected.

[0089] In step S1001, the acquisition unit 101 acquires 5V input power from the power supply device 200. At this time, the power supply control unit 203 determines that the relay device 100 is a sink device. Therefore, the power supply device 200 operates as a source device. When the power supply control unit 203 detects that the relay device 100 is a sink device, it supplies 5V power from the VBUS terminal.

[0090] In step S1002, when 5V power is supplied from the power supply device 200, the input voltage conversion unit 108 acquires the 5V input power input to the acquisition unit 101 and outputs 3.0V power.

[0091] In step S1003, the relay equipment control unit 103 and the acquisition control unit 104 are started by the 3.0V power output by the input voltage conversion unit 108. The acquisition control unit 104 receives a list of available power (Source Capabilities) from the power supply device 200 via CC communication. If the power supply device 200 supports a 60W supply, the available power list presents the supply capacities of "5V / 3A", "9V / 3A", "15V / 3A", and "20V / 3A" in list format.

[0092] In step S1004, the acquisition control unit 104 requests 15V / 3A power from the power supply device 200. When the power supply device 200 receives a request for 15V / 3A power, it changes its input setting to "output 15V / 3A power". In response to the power request from the relay device 100, the power supply device 200 changes the voltage (input voltage) of the power output by the power supply device control unit 201 and the power supply control unit 205 from 5V to 15V.

[0093] In step S1005, the acquisition control unit 104 waits until it receives an output change completion notification (PS_RDY) from the power supply control unit 203 indicating that the voltage of the power output by the power supply device 200 has been changed. If it is determined that PS_RDY has been received (the voltage of the power output by the power supply device 200 has been changed), the process proceeds to step S1006. Upon receiving PS_RDY, the acquisition control unit 104 notifies the relay device control unit 103 that the input setting has been changed to output 15V / 3A power. If it is determined that PS_RDY has not been received (the voltage of the power output by the power supply device 200 has not been changed), the process in step S1005 is repeated.

[0094] In step S1006, the relay equipment control unit 103 determines the value of the input voltage obtained from the power supply device 200 using the input voltage detection unit 106.

[0095] In step S1007, the relay equipment control unit 103 determines whether the input voltage obtained from the power supply device 200 is within the range R1. If the input voltage is within the range R1, the relay equipment control unit 103 determines that the input voltage is a normal voltage. For example, here the range R1 is set to ±2V from the input voltage of 15V requested from the power supply device. The relay device control unit 103 determines whether the voltage obtained from the power supply device 200 is a normal voltage by determining whether the input voltage is 15V-2V (=13V) or more and 15V+2V (=17V) or less. If it is determined that the input voltage is within the range R1, the process proceeds to step S1008. If it is determined that the input voltage is not within the range R1, the process of this flowchart ends with the relay device 100 remaining in a state where it does not output power.

[0096] In step S1008, the acquisition control unit 104 controls the input switch 112 to the ON state. As a result, the input power acquired from the power supply device 200 is output to the voltage conversion unit 105.

[0097] In step S1009, the voltage conversion control unit 1031 sets the voltage conversion ratio of the voltage conversion unit 105 to 1 / 2 and starts outputting the generated power. In the initial state, the voltage conversion control unit 1031 is set to output 7.5V / 6A power because the output power setting (output setting) for supplying the electronic device 300 is set to "output 7.5V / 6A power". The voltage conversion unit 105 generates 7.5V generated power (7.5V / 6A generated power) from the 15V input power. The generated power is used to charge the output charge holding unit 111. The generated power is also input to the output voltage conversion unit 109.

[0098] In step S1010, the output voltage conversion unit 109 outputs 3.3V of power. The voltage of the power output from the output voltage conversion unit 109, 3.3V, is higher than the voltage of the power from the input voltage conversion unit 108, which is 3.0V. Therefore, the relay device control unit 103 and the acquisition control unit 104 use the power output from the output voltage conversion unit 109, so the power supply voltage of the relay device control unit 103 and the acquisition control unit 104 changes to 3.3V. Converting the input voltage from the power supply device 200 to the power supply voltage of the relay device control unit 103 by having the voltage conversion unit 105 step down the input voltage by half before converting it to the power supply voltage of the relay device control unit 103 results in less loss because the input / output voltage difference is smaller. If the voltage output by the output voltage conversion unit 109 (=3.3V) is slightly higher than the voltage output by the input voltage conversion unit 108 (=3.0V), the losses can be reduced as described above. Although not shown in the diagram, the relay equipment control unit 103 may also be able to control whether or not the output voltage conversion unit 109 starts outputting power.

[0099] In step S1011, the relay equipment control unit 103 controls the output voltage detection unit 107 to determine the value of the generated voltage of the power generated from the voltage conversion unit 105.

[0100] In step S1012, the relay device control unit 103 determines whether the generated voltage is within the range R2. Here, range R2 is defined as the range of ±1.5V of the output voltage, which is 7.5V. The relay device control unit 103 determines whether the generated voltage is a normal voltage by determining whether the generated voltage is greater than or equal to 7.5V-1.5V (=6V) and less than or equal to 7.5V+1.5V (=9V). If it is determined that the generated voltage is within the range R2, the relay device 100 is determined to be a normal voltage and the process proceeds to step S1013. If it is determined that the generated voltage is not within the range R2, the relay device 100 does not output power, and the process of this flowchart ends.

[0101] In step S1013, the relay device control unit 103 controls the output switch 113 to the ON state. As a result, a voltage of 7.5V is output to the connection unit 102. Note that if no electronic device 300 is connected to the connection unit 102, no current is output from the connection unit 102.

[0102] (Regarding the handling of cases where relay equipment and electronic equipment are connected) Referring to the flowcharts in Figures 6A and 6B, the relay device 100 and the power supply device 200 The following describes the process that takes place when the relay device 100 is further connected to the electronic device 300 while the connection is established (after the completion of the process in the flowchart in Figure 5).

[0103] (Processing by relay equipment) Refer to the flowchart in Figure 6A to explain the process performed by the relay device 100.

[0104] In step S2001, the relay communication unit 1032 determines whether or not the connection of the electronic device 300 has been detected. For example, the relay communication unit 1032 continuously monitors the voltage of the communication terminal of the connection unit 102, and if it detects that the voltage has changed from 0V to a predetermined voltage or higher, it detects that the electronic device 300 has been connected. If it is determined that the connection of the electronic device 300 has been detected, the process proceeds to step S2002. If it is determined that the connection of the electronic device 300 has not been detected, the process in step S2001 is repeated.

[0105] In step S2002, the relay communication unit 1032 determines whether it has received a type information request from the electronic device 300 requesting the transmission of type information. The type information includes, for example, information indicating whether the device connected to the electronic device 300 (connected device) is a DC coupler or a battery 400. The type information also includes information such as the model name of the connected device, output voltage information, information on which output voltage changes are supported, and information on whether the output voltage change has been completed. This information may be combined into a single command and transmitted and received as type information. Alternatively, individual commands may be set for each piece of information, and processing may be executed for each piece of information.

[0106] For sending and receiving type information requests, for example, Universal Asynchronous A Receiver / Transmitter (UART) can be used. For example, the meaning of commands and data may be predetermined between the relay device 100 and the electronic device 300, and the electronic device 300 may send a command and the relay device 100 may reply to it. With this method, the "connection part 102 and battery connection part 302 contacts" for communication between the relay device 100 and the electronic device 300 can be realized with a total of two terminals (a terminal for communication and a GND terminal as a reference). If it is determined that a type information request has been received, the process proceeds to step S2003. If it is determined that a type information request has not been received, the process in step S2002 is repeated.

[0107] In step S2003, the relay equipment control unit 103 reads the type information of the relay equipment 100 from memory. The relay communication unit 1032 transmits the type information to the electronic equipment 300.

[0108] In step S2004, the relay communication unit 1032 determines whether it has received a 10V output request from the electronic device 300 requesting the supply of 10V power (10V / 6A power). If it is determined that a 10V output request has been received, the process proceeds to step S2005. If it is determined that a 10V output request has not been received, the process proceeds to step S2016. For example, if the electronic device 300 is a device that requires only 45W or less of power, unlike in this embodiment, then 10V output power is not requested. In this case, the result in step S2004 is determined to be No, and the process proceeds to S2016.

[0109] In step S2005, the relay device control unit 103 changes the setting (output setting) of the power generated by the voltage conversion unit 105 to "a setting to generate (output) 10V / 6A power". The relay device control unit 103 also checks the voltage conversion ratio set in the voltage conversion unit 105. If the flowchart in Figure 5 has been processed, the voltage conversion ratio is set to 1 / 2. Then, the relay device control unit 103 requests the power supply device 200 to output 20V / 3A power, which has twice the voltage of 10V, via the acquisition control unit 104. The power supply device 200, in response to the request from the relay device 100, outputs power to the relay device 100 as 2 Perform a process to change the voltage to 0V / 3A.

[0110] In step S2006, the acquisition control unit 104 determines whether the change in the input voltage (input setting) of the power supply device 200 has been completed. Specifically, the acquisition control unit 104 determines that the change in the input voltage of the power supply device 200 has been completed when it receives a PS_RDY (an output change completion notification indicating that the voltage of the power output by the power supply device 200 has been changed) from the power supply control unit 203. If it is determined that the change in the input voltage of the power supply device 200 has been completed, the unit proceeds to step S2007. If it is determined that the change in the input voltage of the power supply device 200 has not been completed, the acquisition control unit 104 continues to wait for the receipt of a PS_RDY from the power supply control unit 203.

[0111] In step S2007, the acquisition control unit 104 informs the relay equipment control unit 103 that the input power has been changed to 20V / 3A (the input setting has been changed). The relay equipment control unit 103 then controls the input voltage detection unit 106 to determine the input voltage value of the input power acquired from the power supply device 200.

[0112] In step S2008, the relay equipment control unit 103 determines whether the input voltage is within the range R3. Range R3 is, for example, the range of 20V plus or minus 3V, which is the voltage requested from the power supply device 200. Therefore, here, the relay equipment control unit 103 determines whether the input voltage is 20V-3V (=17V) or greater, and 20V+3V (=23V) or less. If it is determined that the input voltage is within the range R3, the input voltage is determined to be a normal voltage, and the process proceeds to step S2009. If it is determined that the input voltage is not within the range R3, the process proceeds to step S2019.

[0113] In step S2009, the relay equipment control unit 103 controls the output voltage detection unit 107 to determine the value of the generated voltage (= output voltage value) of the power generated from the voltage conversion unit 105.

[0114] In step S2010, the relay device control unit 103 determines whether the generated voltage is within the range R4. Range R4 is, for example, the range of ±1.5V of the output voltage of 10V. Here, the relay device control unit 103 determines whether the generated voltage is 10V-1.5V (=8.5V) or greater and 10V+1.5V (=11.5V) or less. If it is determined that the generated voltage is within the range R4, the generated voltage is determined to be a normal voltage and the process proceeds to step S2011. If it is determined that the generated voltage is not within the range R4, the process proceeds to step S2019.

[0115] In step S2011, the relay device control unit 103 changes the information in memory indicating the output status of the relay device 100 to information indicating that the change to 10V output power has been completed.

[0116] In step S2012, the relay communication unit 1032 determines whether or not it has received a completion confirmation request from the electronic device 300. A completion confirmation request is information requesting notification of whether or not the change in the output voltage has been completed. If it is determined that a completion confirmation request has been received, the process proceeds to step S2013. If it is determined that a completion confirmation request has not been received, the process in step S2012 is repeated.

[0117] In step S2013, the relay communication unit 1032 generates voltage change information indicating whether or not the output voltage has been changed, based on the output status information of the relay device 100 in memory. Then, the relay communication unit 1032 transmits the voltage change information to the electronic device 300. Specifically, if the output voltage has been changed, the relay communication unit 1032 transmits voltage change information indicating that the output voltage has been changed to the electronic device 300. After the electronic device 300 requests an output voltage of 10V from the relay device 100, it does not perform completion confirmation until it receives notification that the change has been completed. The request is repeatedly sent. Then, as described above, from the time the request to change to 10V is received in step S1008 until the state in which the output voltage has been changed to 10V is reached in step S2011, the relay communication unit 1032 responds to the completion confirmation request from the electronic device 300 by notifying that it is not yet complete. After the state in which the change is completed is reached in step S2011, when the relay communication unit 1032 receives a completion confirmation request from the electronic device 300, it sends voltage change information to the electronic device 300 indicating that the output voltage has been changed.

[0118] In step S2014, the relay communication unit 1032 determines whether or not it has received a voltage information request from the electronic device 300. A voltage information request is information requesting that the device transmit information about the output voltage. If it is determined that a voltage information request has been received, the process proceeds to step S2015. If it is determined that no voltage information request has been received, the process in step S2014 is repeated.

[0119] In step S2015, the relay communication unit 1032 transmits output voltage information to the electronic device 300, indicating the generated voltage (output voltage) determined by the relay device control unit 103 in step S2009. Alternatively, the relay device control unit 103 may determine the value of the generated voltage (output voltage) again when the relay communication unit 1032 receives the voltage information request in step S2014.

[0120] In step S2016, the relay communication unit 1032 determines whether or not it has received detection threshold information (detection threshold information) from the electronic device 300. The detection threshold is a threshold used by the relay device 100 to determine that the power has been cut off. When the relay device 100 detects that the input voltage or the generated voltage (output voltage) is lower than the detection threshold, it determines that the power supply from the power supply device 200 has been cut off (power outage). The detection threshold is a value set for each type of electronic device 300. Specifically, the detection threshold is a voltage value that will not fall below the threshold voltage even when the electronic device 300 is operating at its maximum power consumption, and is a value that allows for quick detection of a power outage. Of the detection thresholds, the threshold used for comparison with the input voltage is called the input threshold. When the input voltage falls below the input threshold value, it is determined that the power has been cut off. Of the detection thresholds, the threshold used for comparison with the generated voltage (output voltage) is called the output threshold. When the generated voltage falls below the output threshold, it is determined that the power has been cut off. If it is determined that detection threshold information has been received, the process proceeds to step S2017. If it is determined that no detection threshold information has been received, the process in step S2016 is repeated.

[0121] In step S2017, the relay device control unit 103 sets the detection threshold (input threshold and output threshold) according to the detection threshold information. For example, if it receives detection threshold information indicating that the output threshold of the relay device 100 is 8V, the relay device control unit 103 sets the output threshold to 8V.

[0122] In step S2018, the relay device control unit 103 enables power outage notification. When power outage notification is enabled, the relay device control unit 103 detects a power outage in the relay device 100 and notifies the electronic device 300 of the power outage. Details regarding power outage notification will be described later with reference to Figure 7.

[0123] In step S2019, the relay communication unit 1032 sends an error notification to the electronic device 300. The method of error notification is, for example, the same as the power failure detection notification in step S4008 of the flowchart in Figure 7, which will be described later. Even if the electronic device 300 cannot distinguish whether the notification received from the relay device 100 is an error notification or a power failure notification, it can still perform emergency shutdown processing.

[0124] (Handling of electronic equipment) The process performed by the electronic device 300 will be explained by referring to the flowchart in Figure 6B. The flowchart explains the process assuming that electronic device 300 may be connected to any connectable device, not just relay device 100. When relay device 100 or a device such as battery 400 is connected to electronic device 300, the process shown in Figure 6B begins.

[0125] In step S3001, the electronic device 300 obtains power (for example, 7.5V power) from a device connected to the battery connection section 302 (hereinafter referred to as the "connected device"). The connected device may be a relay device 100 or a battery 400.

[0126] In step S3002, the power control unit 310 generates a power supply voltage using power from the connected equipment and supplies the power supply voltage to the sub-control unit 309. This causes the power control unit 310 to start up the sub-control unit 309.

[0127] In step S3003, the electronic device 300 notifies the connected device that the electronic device 300 has been connected, using the communication terminal of the battery connection unit 302. As a method of notification, for example, the electronic device 300 pulls up the voltage of the communication terminal of the battery connection unit 302 to a predetermined power supply voltage.

[0128] In step S3004, the communication unit 3091 sends a type information request to the connected device requesting the transmission of type information. In this embodiment, the electronic device 300 sends a command and the connected device replies to it. Alternatively, the connected device may send a command and the electronic device 300 replies to it.

[0129] Furthermore, in steps S3003 to S3004, the communication unit 3091 may perform communication settings with the connected device. For example, communication settings include setting the communication baud rate.

[0130] In step S3005, the communication unit 3091 determines whether or not it has received type information from the connected device. If it is determined that type information has been received, the process proceeds to step S3006. If it is determined that type information has not been received, the process in step S3005 is repeated.

[0131] In step S3006, the sub-control unit 309 determines, based on the type information, whether the connected device is a device capable of changing the output voltage (output power; output setting) in response to a request from the electronic device 300 (hereinafter referred to as a "compatible device"). Specifically, the determination of whether the connected device is a compatible device is made based on the information contained in the type information received by the communication unit 3091 (information on whether it is a DC coupler or a battery 400, and information on the model name of the device, etc.). If the connected device is determined to be a compatible device, the process proceeds to step S3007. If the connected device is determined not to be a compatible device, the process in this flowchart ends. If the connected device is determined not to be a compatible device, the electronic device 300 may display a message on the display unit 307 indicating that the connected device is not a compatible device.

[0132] In step S3007, the sub-control unit 309 determines, based on the type information, whether or not it is necessary to request a change in the output voltage from the connected device. If it is determined that it is necessary to request a change in the output voltage from the connected device, the process proceeds to step S3008. If it is determined that it is not necessary to request a change in the output voltage from the connected device, the process proceeds to step S3015. The condition under which it is necessary to request a change in the output voltage from the connected device is "when the current output power is 7.5V / 6A, which is less than the maximum power required by the electronic device 300." Note that the 10V / 6A power that will be requested from the relay device 100 in the subsequent step (step S3008) is greater than or equal to the maximum power required by the electronic device 300.

[0133] If the connected device is the relay device 100, the relay device 100 maintains its output voltage at 7.5V until instructed to do so by the electronic device 300. After that, the relay device 100 changes its output voltage to 10V in response to the instruction from the electronic device 300. This ensures that when the relay device 100 is connected to a specific electronic device with a voltage rating of 7.5V or higher but less than 10V (an electronic device with a low voltage rating), that specific electronic device will not be damaged. Furthermore, if the maximum power of the specific electronic device (the maximum power required by the specific electronic device) is less than 45W, the specific electronic device can start up (operate) while the output voltage of the relay device 100 remains at 7.5V.

[0134] Furthermore, if the connected device is one that outputs 10V power from the start, it is determined that there is no need to request a change in the output voltage in step S3007.

[0135] In step S3008, the communication unit 3091 transmits a 10V output request to the connected device.

[0136] In step S3009, the communication unit 3091 transmits a completion confirmation request to the connected device.

[0137] In step S3010, the communication unit 3091 determines whether or not it has received voltage change information from the connected device. If it is determined that voltage change information has been received, the process proceeds to step S3011. If it is determined that voltage change information has not been received, the process in step S3010 is repeated.

[0138] In step S3011, the sub-control unit 309 determines whether the output voltage of the connected device has been changed based on the voltage change information received in step S3010. If it is determined that the output voltage of the connected device has been changed, the process proceeds to step S3012. If it is determined that the output voltage of the connected device has not been changed, the process returns to step S3009. If the process of returning from step S3011 to step S3009 is repeated a predetermined number of times, it may be determined that the voltage change process has not been completed, and the process in this flowchart may be terminated.

[0139] In step S3012, the communication unit 3091 transmits a voltage information request to the connected device.

[0140] In step S3013, the relay communication unit 1032 determines whether or not it has received output voltage information from the connected device. If it is determined that output voltage information has been received, the process proceeds to step S3014. If it is determined that output voltage information has not been received, the process in step S3013 is repeated. Alternatively, instead of the processes in steps S3012 to S3013, the electronic device 300 may detect the voltage value of the output power input to the battery connection unit 302.

[0141] In step S3014, the sub-control unit 309 determines whether the output voltage is within the range R5. For example, the range R5 is the range of ±1.5V of 10V, which is the output voltage requested from the relay device 100. Here, the sub-control unit 309 determines whether the output voltage of the output power outputted by the relay device 100 is a normal voltage by determining whether the output voltage is greater than or equal to 10V-1.5V (=8.5V) and less than or equal to 10V+1.5V (=11.5V). If it is determined that the output voltage is within the range R5, the output voltage is determined to be normal and the process proceeds to step S3015. If it is determined that the output voltage is not within the range R5, the process in this flowchart ends.

[0142] In step S3015, the communication unit 3091 transmits detection threshold information.

[0143] In step S3016, the communications unit 3091 starts monitoring for power outage notifications.

[0144] In step S3017, the sub-control unit 309 authorizes a start command to the operation unit 306. For example, if the user presses the power button on the operation unit 306 at a point after step S3017, the sub-control unit 309 controls the power control unit 310 to supply power to each component, including the imaging unit 304. This makes the electronic device 300 ready for shooting. For this reason, during the period from when the output setting is changed from "setting to output 7.5V / 6A power" to "setting to output 10V / 6A power", the electronic device 300 will not start even if the user presses the power button on the operation unit 306 to input a power-on command. Note that during this period, instead of the electronic device 300 not starting, the sub-control unit 309 may, for example, control the operation of each component of the electronic device 300 to keep the power consumption of the electronic device 300 below a certain amount. For this reason, during the period in question, the sub-control unit 309 may limit the power consumption of the relay device 100 and the electronic device 300 so that the current received by the relay device 100 from the power supply device 200 is 500 mA (milliamperes) or less.

[0145] (Power outage detection process) Referring to the flowchart in Figure 7, the process by which the relay device 100 detects a power outage and notifies the electronic device 300 will be explained.

[0146] In step S4001, the relay device control unit 103 (connection detection unit 1041) determines whether or not the acquisition control unit 104 has detected that the power supply device 200 has been disconnected (that the electrical connection between the relay device 100 and the power supply device 200 has been broken). The acquisition control unit 104 detects that the power supply device 200 has been disconnected from the relay device 100, for example, when it detects that the voltage of the CC communication has dropped or that the voltage of the VBUS has dropped below a predetermined value. If it is detected that the power supply device 200 has been disconnected, the process proceeds to step S4002. If it is not detected that the power supply device 200 has been disconnected, the process proceeds to step S4004.

[0147] In step S4002, the acquisition control unit 104 controls the input switch 112 to the OFF state. When the input switch 112 is in the OFF state, the charge stored in the output charge holding unit 111 does not flow back into the acquisition unit 101. Alternatively, the relay equipment control unit 103 may control the state of the input switch 112.

[0148] In step S4003, the acquisition control unit 104 controls the discharge unit 110 to discharge the charge in the path from the acquisition unit 101 to the input switch 112. At this time, the discharge unit 110 also discharges the charge (power) stored in the input charge holding unit 114. With this control, if the power supply device 200 is not connected to the acquisition unit 101, it is possible to prevent the relay device 100 from outputting a voltage due to residual charge, etc., to the acquisition unit 101. By setting the voltage of the acquisition unit 101 to less than 5V, it is possible to prevent a voltage of 5V or more from being applied to the power supply device 200 when the power supply device 200 is connected to the acquisition unit 101 next. This prevents failure of the power supply device 200.

[0149] In step S4004, the relay equipment control unit 103 controls the input voltage detection unit 106 to determine the input voltage value of the input power obtained from the power supply device 200.

[0150] In step S4005, the relay equipment control unit 103 determines whether the input voltage is equal to or greater than the input threshold. For example, if the input setting (output profile) of the power supply device 200 is 20V / 3A, the relay equipment control unit 103 determines whether the input voltage is 17V or greater. Determine. If it is determined that the input voltage is equal to or greater than the input threshold, proceed to step S4006. If it is determined that the input voltage is less than the input threshold, proceed to step S4008.

[0151] In step S4006, the relay equipment control unit 103 controls the output voltage detection unit 107 to determine the value of the generated voltage of the generated power output from the voltage conversion unit 105.

[0152] In step S4007, the relay device control unit 103 determines whether the generated voltage is equal to or greater than the output threshold. For example, the relay device control unit 103 determines whether the generated voltage is equal to or greater than the output threshold (the detection threshold on the output side of the relay device 100, set in step S2017), which is 8V. If it is determined that the generated voltage is equal to or greater than the output threshold, it is determined that no power outage has occurred, and the process returns to step S4001. If it is determined that the generated voltage is less than the output threshold, the process proceeds to step S4008.

[0153] In step S4008, the relay communication unit 1032 notifies the electronic device 300 of the detection of a power outage. In other words, the relay communication unit 1032 notifies the electronic device 300 that there is a problem with the relay device 100 (that it is unable to continue supplying the power required by the electronic device 300).

[0154] As a notification of power failure detection, for example, the relay communication unit 1032 outputs a Low signal (Low-level signal) to the electronic device 300. When the communication unit 3091 detects the Low signal for a predetermined time, it considers that a power failure has occurred and performs emergency shutdown processing of the electronic device 300. As described later, when a power failure is detected, power is supplied to the electronic device 300 from the output charge holding unit 111. Since the amount of charge stored in the output charge holding unit 111 is finite, the output voltage from the output charge holding unit 111 to the electronic device 300 decreases over time. Emergency shutdown processing is a process that safely stops the electronic device 300 using power from the output charge holding unit 111. Specifically, emergency shutdown processing is a process that stops the imaging function and mechanical operations of the electronic device 300 and saves the shooting data and setting data to the memory 308 and recording medium 305 while reducing power consumption. As a result, even in the event of an unexpected power failure, the shooting data of the electronic device 300 can be saved, and the likelihood of the electronic device 300 itself not being damaged increases.

[0155] If the relay device control unit 103 detects in step S4001 that the power supply device 200 has been disconnected, it may execute the process in step S4008 simultaneously with or before the processing in steps S4002 and S4003. When the relay device 100 detects a power outage, it is more likely that the electronic device 300 can be safely shut down if it notifies the electronic device 300 of the power outage as soon as possible.

[0156] In step S4009, the relay equipment control unit 103 stops outputting (generating) the power generated from the voltage conversion unit 105. Then, instead of the power generated from the voltage conversion unit 105, the relay equipment control unit 103 supplies the power stored in the output charge holding unit 111 as output power to the electronic equipment 300.

[0157] In step S4010, the relay equipment control unit 103 controls the input switch 112 to the OFF state.

[0158] In addition to a power outage, there are other factors that can lead to the conclusion that "the relay device 100 is in a state where it cannot output power properly." For example, if an overvoltage is detected by the input voltage detection unit 106 or the output voltage detection unit 107, or if an error is detected in any of the devices that make up the relay device 100, it can be concluded that the relay device 100 is in a state where it cannot output power properly.

[0159] Furthermore, although not shown in Figure 2, if the relay device 100 has a temperature sensing unit (such as a thermistor), the relay device control unit 103 can detect the temperature of each device that makes up the relay device 100. In this case, if the relay device control unit 103 detects that the temperature of any of the multiple devices has reached a high temperature near the rated temperature, it is necessary to stop the operation of the relay device 100.

[0160] Thus, if it is estimated that the relay device 100 is unable to output power normally, or if it is detected that it is necessary to stop the operation of the relay device 100, the processing in steps S4008 to S4010 may be executed. In other words, if a specific abnormality is detected regarding the relay device 100 (an abnormality detection is performed), the processing in steps S4008 to S4010 (notification that a specific abnormality has occurred in the relay device 100, and stopping the power output from the relay device 100, etc.) may be executed.

[0161] For example, in step S4005, it may be determined whether the input voltage is 22V or less in order to determine if there is an overvoltage. Also, in step S4007, it may be determined whether the generated voltage is 11.5V or less. Therefore, instead of steps S4004 to S4007, the process may proceed to step S4008 if the input voltage is not within a first range (e.g., 18V to 22V) or if the generated voltage (output voltage) is not within a second range (e.g., 8.5V to 11.5V). Furthermore, in step S4007, after it has been determined that the generated voltage is above the output threshold, the temperature of each device may be detected before returning to step S4001. If it is determined that the temperature of any device is higher than a predetermined value, the process may proceed to step S4008.

[0162] (Timing chart explaining the flow of the flowchart in Figure 5) Referring to the timing chart in Figure 8, the process that occurs when the relay device 100 is connected to the power supply device 200 will be explained. The process shown in Figure 8 corresponds to the process in the flowchart in Figure 5.

[0163] The lines in range 801 of Figure 8 illustrate the CC communication of USB PD. These lines show the content of the exchange during CC communication between the acquisition control unit 104 of the relay device 100 and the power supply control unit 203 of the power supply device 200.

[0164] The line in range 802 of Figure 8 indicates the voltage value or control status of the circuit of the relay device 100.

[0165] At the start of the timing chart in Figure 8, the power supply device 200 is not connected to the relay device 100, and the output charge holding unit 111 is not charged. In other words, the input voltage conversion unit 108 and the output voltage conversion unit 109 are not outputting power, and the relay device control unit 103 and the acquisition control unit 104 are not started because there is no power supply.

[0166] At time T1101, the user connects the power supply device 200 to the relay device 100. The power supply control unit 203 determines that the relay device 100 is a sink device. The power supply device 200 outputs a 5V input power as a source device. The relay device 100 acquires a 5V input power from the power supply device 200 via the acquisition unit 101. When the input power from the power supply device 200 is input to the input voltage conversion unit 108, the input voltage conversion unit 108 begins to output a 3.0V power. As a result, the power supply voltage of the relay device control unit 103 simultaneously begins to rise to 3.0V.

[0167] At time T1102, when the voltage of the power output by the input voltage conversion unit 108 rises to the power supply voltage required to start the relay equipment control unit 103 and the acquisition control unit 104, the relay equipment control unit 103 and the acquisition control unit 104 start up. When the acquisition control unit 104 starts up, the acquisition control unit 10 4 receives a power list (Source Cap) from the power supply control unit 203. If the power supply device 200 is capable of supplying 60W, the power list will show the supply capacities for 5V / 3A, 9V / 3A, 15V / 3A, and 20V / 3A power.

[0168] At time T1103, the acquisition control unit 104 transmits a power request to the power supply control unit 203 for the power required by the relay device 100. The power request for the relay device 100 is 15V / 3A.

[0169] At time T1104, the acquisition control unit 104 receives an acceptance of the request (notification of the determination of voltage and current; Accept) from the power supply control unit 203.

[0170] At time T1105, the input voltage (VBUS voltage) of the input power output from the power supply device 200 is changed from 5V to 15V.

[0171] At time T1106, the acquisition control unit 104 receives PS_RDY (an output change completion notification indicating that the voltage of the power output by the power supply device 200 has been changed) from the power supply control unit 203.

[0172] At time T1107, the acquisition control unit 104 controls the input switch 112 to the ON state because the input voltage of the input power acquired by the acquisition unit 101 is within the range R1.

[0173] At time T1108, the relay equipment control unit 103 sets the voltage conversion ratio of the voltage conversion unit 105 to 1 / 2 and starts outputting the generated power. The generated voltage of the generated power is 7.5V. The output charge holding unit 111 is controlled (holding control) to be charged by the generated power. When the generated power output by the voltage conversion unit 105 is input to the output voltage conversion unit 109, the output voltage conversion unit 109 outputs power of 3.3V. The voltage of the power output by the output voltage conversion unit 109, 3.3V, is higher than the voltage of the power output by the input voltage conversion unit 108, 3.0V. Therefore, the power supply voltage of the relay equipment control unit 103 and the acquisition control unit 104 rises to 3.3V.

[0174] At time T1109, the relay equipment control unit 103 controls the output switch 113 to the ON state because the generated voltage of the power generated from the voltage conversion unit 105 is within the range R2. As a result, 7.5V output power is output from the connection unit 102.

[0175] (Timing chart explaining the flow of the flowcharts in Figures 6A and 6B) Referring to the timing charts in Figures 9 and 10, the process that occurs when the relay device 100 is connected to the power supply device 200 and then further connected to the electronic device 300 will be explained. The processes shown in these time timing charts correspond to the processes in the flowcharts in Figures 6A and 6B.

[0176] Figure 9 is a timing chart for the case where the electronic device 300 does not request 10V power from the relay device 100. Figure 10 is a timing chart for the case where the electronic device 300 requests 10V power from the relay device 100. In Figure 9, since the flowchart in Figure 6B proceeds from step S3007 to step S3015, the electronic device 300 starts up with 7.5V obtained from the relay device 100 and transitions to a state where imaging is possible.

[0177] Furthermore, the timing charts in Figures 9 and 10 illustrate the process by which the power supply device 200 is disconnected from the relay device 100, the relay device 100 detects the power outage, and notifies the electronic device 300 of the power outage. This part corresponds to the process in the flowchart in Figure 7.

[0178] The line in range 901 of the timing charts in Figures 9 and 10 illustrates the CC communication of USB PD. The line in range 901 shows the content of the CC communication between the acquisition control unit 104 of the relay device 100 and the power supply control unit 203 of the power supply device 200.

[0179] The line in range 902 of the timing charts in Figures 9 and 10 indicates the voltage value or control status of the relay device 100 circuit. The line in range 903 of Figures 9 and 10 indicates the communication status between the relay device 100 and the electronic device 300. The line in range 904 of the timing charts in Figures 9 and 10 indicates the status of the electronic device 300.

[0180] At the start of the timing charts in Figures 9 and 10, the relay device 100 is not connected to the electronic device 300, and the electronic device 300 is in a stopped state because it is not receiving power. At this point, the relay device 100 and the power supply device 200 are connected, and the processing in the flowchart of Figure 5 has been completed. Therefore, a voltage of 7.5V is output from the connection part 102 of the relay device 100.

[0181] First, let's explain the process by referring to the timing chart in Figure 9.

[0182] At time T2101, the user connects the relay device 100 (the relay device 100 connected to the power supply device 200) to the electronic device 300. The electronic device 300 obtains 7.5V output power from the relay device 100 via the battery connection unit 302. The power control unit 310 generates a power supply voltage from the 7.5V output power and supplies the power supply voltage to the sub-control unit 309. This starts up the sub-control unit 309. With the sub-control unit 309 started up, the electronic device 300 becomes capable of communicating with the relay device 100. The electronic device 300 pulls up the voltage at the communication terminal of the battery connection unit 302 to the power supply voltage of the sub-control unit 309. When the voltage at the communication terminal of the battery connection unit 302 is pulled up, the relay communication unit 1032 detects that the voltage at the communication terminal of the connection unit 102 has changed to a predetermined voltage or higher, and the relay device 100 detects the connection with the electronic device 300.

[0183] Although not shown in the timing chart in Figure 9, the communication unit 3091 may perform communication settings with the relay device 100 between time T2101 and time T2102. For example, communication settings may include setting the baud rate for UART communication.

[0184] At time T2102, the communication unit 3091 transmits a type information request to the relay device 100. Upon receiving the type information request, the relay communication unit 1032 returns the type information to the electronic device 300.

[0185] At time T2103, the communication unit 3091 transmits detection threshold information to the relay device 100. For example, it transmits a detection threshold indicating that the relay device 100's "output threshold (output threshold) is 6V". The relay device control unit 103 sets the detection thresholds (output threshold and input threshold) based on the received detection threshold information.

[0186] At time T2104, the main control unit 303 authorizes the start command from the operation unit 306.

[0187] At time T2105, the user presses the power button on the control unit 306, and the sub-control unit 309 receives a startup command from the control unit 306. The sub-control unit 309 controls the power control unit 310 to supply power to each component, including the imaging unit 304, so that the electronic device 300 is ready to take pictures.

[0188] At time T2106, the electrical connection between the power supply unit 202 and the acquisition unit 101 is disconnected. The relay equipment control unit 103 detects, for example, that the voltage of the CC communication has dropped, as detected by the acquisition control unit 104, that the power supply unit 200 has been disconnected. The acquisition control unit 104 then controls the input switch 112 to the OFF state. Subsequently, the acquisition control unit 104 controls the discharge unit 110 to discharge the charge in the path from the acquisition unit 101 to the input switch 112. As a result, the voltage of the power input to the input voltage conversion unit 108 decreases, and the voltage of the power output by the input voltage conversion unit 108 drops from 3.0V.

[0189] Furthermore, the relay equipment control unit 103 stops the power output from the voltage conversion unit 105. As the power output from the voltage conversion unit 105 stops, the power stored in the output charge holding unit 111 is released. As a result, the output voltage of the voltage conversion unit 105 gradually decreases from 7.5V. Similarly, the output voltage of the output power from the connection unit 102 gradually decreases from 7.5V. At this time, the relay communication unit 1032 notifies the electronic equipment 300 of the power outage detection. When the communication unit 3091 detects that the Low signal continues for a predetermined time, it determines (or assumes) that a power outage has occurred and performs emergency shutdown processing of the electronic equipment 300.

[0190] At time T2107, the emergency shutdown process for the electronic device 300 is completed. In this state, for example, the electronic device 300 enters a state of waiting for the power outage detection to be released. If the power supply device 200 is not reconnected to the relay device 100, the power stored in the output charge holding unit 111 will be consumed by the relay device control unit 103 and the electronic device 300, causing the output voltage of the voltage conversion unit 105 to continue to decrease. The electronic device 300 stops operating when the output voltage of the output power supplied to the electronic device 300 falls below the operating voltage of the electronic device 300. When the output voltage of the voltage conversion unit 105 decreases and the output voltage conversion unit 109 can no longer output power at the set voltage, the voltage of the power from the output voltage conversion unit 109 drops from 3.3V. Then, when the power supply voltage of the relay device control unit 103 decreases, the ON control of the output switch 113 can no longer be maintained, and the output switch 113 turns OFF.

[0191] At time T2108, if the voltage of the power output from the output voltage conversion unit 109 falls below the power supply voltage required for the operation of the relay device control unit 103, the relay device control unit 103 will stop operating.

[0192] Figure 9 illustrates the case where the power supply device 200 is not reconnected to the relay device 100 after time T2107. On the other hand, when the power supply device 200 is reconnected to the relay device 100 after time T2107, the flowchart in Figure 5 is executed, and the output voltage of the output power from the relay device 100 recovers to 7.5V. At the end of the flowchart in Figure 5, the relay communication unit 1032 may stop outputting a Low signal to notify that the power outage detection has been released. The communication unit 3091 may continue to monitor the communication terminal of the battery connection unit 302 when the main control unit 303 is in a communication-enabled state at time T2107, and detect when it changes from a Low state to a pull-up state. When the communication unit 3091 detects that the communication terminal of the battery connection unit 302 has changed to a pull-up state, the state becomes the same as at time T2101. In this case, control of the connection between the relay device 100 and the electronic device 300 can be started again from the beginning of the flowcharts in Figures 6A and 6B.

[0193] Refer to the timing chart in Figure 10 to explain the process.

[0194] Time T3101 and time T3102 are the same as time T2101 and time T2102, respectively.

[0195] At time T3103, the main control unit 303 determines that it is necessary to request a change in the output voltage from the relay device 100 connected to the battery connection unit 302, and the communication unit 3091 transmits a 10V output request to the relay device 100. When the relay communication unit 1032 receives the 10V output request, the relay device control unit 103 transmits a power request (Request) for the power required by the relay device 100 to the power supply control unit 203 via the acquisition control unit 104. The power required by the relay device 100 is 20V / 3A.

[0196] At time T3104, the acquisition control unit 104 receives an acceptance of the request from the power supply control unit 203.

[0197] At time T3105, the input voltage (VBUS voltage) of the input power output from the power supply device 200 is changed from 15V to 20V. Consequently, the generated voltage of the power output by the voltage conversion unit 105 changes from 7.5V to 10V.

[0198] At time T3106, the acquisition control unit 104 receives PS_RDY from the power supply control unit 203.

[0199] The time intervals T3107-T3112 are the same as T2103-T2108, so the explanation is omitted. Specifically, the difference is that "15V" is replaced with "20V" and "7.5V" is replaced with "10V". The detection threshold information values ​​used are also for "10V" instead of "7.5V".

[0200] With the relay device 100 configured as in this embodiment, the relay device control unit 103 is supplied with power (power supply) from both the input and output sides of the relay device 100. When the power supply device 200 is first connected to the input side of the relay device 100, the input voltage conversion unit 108 supplies power to the relay device control unit 103 and the acquisition control unit 104, allowing the relay device control unit 103 and the acquisition control unit 104 to start up. In other words, the relay device control unit 103 and the acquisition control unit 104 are supplied with power according to the input power. After the voltage conversion unit 105 starts generating power, the relay device control unit 103 and the acquisition control unit 104 are supplied with power using the generated power from the output voltage conversion unit 109.

[0201] Subsequently, when the power supply device 200 is disconnected from the relay device 100, the output voltage conversion unit 109 consumes power from the output charge holding unit 111, thereby supplying power to the relay device control unit 103 and the acquisition control unit 104. This allows the relay device control unit 103 and the acquisition control unit 104 to continue operating for a while. At this time, the input switch 112 electrically disconnects the input and output sides of the relay device 100. As a result, when the input side of the relay device 100 is discharged, the output charge holding unit 111 on the output side of the relay device 100 is not discharged. Therefore, while retaining the charge in the output charge holding unit 111, the charge on the input side of the relay device 100 can be discharged by the discharge unit 110 in preparation for connecting the next power supply device 200.

[0202] Furthermore, because the output charge holding unit 111 can retain its charge, the relay communication unit 1032 can continue to operate for a while even after a power outage occurs, thus enabling continued notification of the power outage to the electronic device 300. When the electronic device 300 receives notification of a power outage, it can perform minimal processing to prevent damage to the electronic device 300 and the captured data, etc., by consuming the power of the output charge holding unit 111. Here, the minimum operating voltage of the relay device control unit 103 is set lower than the minimum operating voltage of the electronic device 300. As a result, the relay device control unit 103 can continue to operate until the electronic device 300 completes the execution of the emergency stop process described above, thus enabling continued notification of the power outage. If the power supply device 200 is reconnected to the relay device 100 while the power outage notification is in progress, the relay device 100 will resume outputting power and then cancel the power outage notification. The electronic device 300 will then receive the power outage notification. Then, the startup process is executed again using the output power.

[0203] When the relay device 100 is connected to the power supply device 200 but not to the electronic device 300, the output voltage of the relay device 100 is 7.5V. Therefore, even when the relay device 100 is connected to an electronic device whose power supply voltage rating is 7.5V or higher and less than 10V, it is possible to prevent the electronic device from being damaged due to insufficient power supply voltage rating. For example, the maximum output voltage of a battery 400, which consists of two lithium-ion batteries connected in series, is approximately 8.4V. For this reason, the relay device 100 of this embodiment can be used by connecting it to an electronic device that is compatible with the battery 400 and has a maximum power rating (maximum required power) of 45W or less. In addition, the relay device 100 changes its output voltage to 10V in response to a request from the electronic device 300. As a result, the relay device 100 of this embodiment can also be used by connecting it to an electronic device whose power supply voltage rating is 10V or higher and has a maximum power rating of 60W or less.

[0204] In this embodiment, if the electronic device 300 does not have sufficient power, it is controlled so that it does not power on even if there is a power-on instruction from the operation unit 306. This reduces the possibility that the electronic device 300 may unexpectedly stop due to insufficient power during operation. Furthermore, at the time when the electronic device 300 instructs the relay device 100 to change the output power (at step S3008), the power supply to each component of the electronic device 300 is limited by the sub-control unit 309, so the power consumption of the electronic device 300 is very small. Also, at this time, the relay device 100 and the electronic device 300 are controlled so that they do not draw a current exceeding the USB PD standard (500mA) while the power supply device 200 is changing the input setting (output profile). In other words, the power consumption of the relay device 100 and the electronic device 300 is limited so that the input current received by the relay device 100 from the power supply device 200 is 500mA (milliamperes) or less.

[0205] Furthermore, in the above, "If A is greater than or equal to B, proceed to step S1; if A is less than (lower than) B, proceed to step S2" may be rephrased as "If A is greater than (higher than) B, proceed to step S1; if A is less than or equal to B, proceed to step S2." Conversely, "If A is greater than (higher than) B, proceed to step S1; if A is less than or equal to B, proceed to step S2" may be rephrased as "If A is greater than or equal to B, proceed to step S1; if A is less than (lower than) B, proceed to step S2." Therefore, as long as no contradiction arises, "greater than or equal to A" may be rephrased as "greater than (higher; longer; more) than A," and "less than or equal to A" may be rephrased as "less than (lower; shorter; fewer) than A." And "greater than (higher; longer; more) than A" may be rephrased as "greater than or equal to A," and "less than (lower; shorter; fewer) than A" may be rephrased as "less than or equal to A."

[0206] The various controls described above may or may not be performed by a single piece of hardware (e.g., a processor or circuit). Multiple pieces of hardware (e.g., multiple processors, multiple circuits, or a combination of one or more processors and one or more circuits) may share the processing to control the entire device.

[0207] Furthermore, the above-mentioned processors are processors in a broad sense, including general-purpose processors and specialized processors. General-purpose processors include, for example, CPUs (Central Processing Units), MPUs (Micro Processing Units), and DSPs (Digital Signal Processors). Specialized processors include, for example, GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), and PLDs (Programmable Logic Devices). Programmable logic devices include, for example, FPGAs (Field Programmable Logic Devices). Examples include programmable gate arrays (GATE Arrays) and CPLDs (Complex Programmable Logic Devices).

[0208] Furthermore, although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various forms that do not depart from the spirit of the invention are also included in the present invention. Moreover, each of the embodiments described above is merely one embodiment of the present invention, and it is possible to combine each embodiment as appropriate.

[0209] <Other Embodiments> The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit that implements one or more functions.

[0210] The above-disclosed embodiments include the following configurations, methods, programs, and media. (Composition 1) A relay device that relays power supply devices and electronic equipment, A first connecting means that can be electrically connected to the power supply device, A second connection means that can be connected to a detachable connection terminal in the aforementioned electronic device, A conversion means that generates a second power output from the second connection means by converting the voltage of the first power supplied from the power supply device via the first connection means, A first storage means for storing power using the second power generated by the conversion means, Control means and It has, When the power supply device and the relay device are electrically connected, and before the conversion means generates the second power, power using the first power supplied from the power supply device is supplied to the control means. If the electrical connection between the power supply device and the relay device is disconnected, power using the power held by the first holding means is supplied to the control means. A relay device characterized by the following features. (Configuration 2) When the power supply device and the relay device are electrically connected, after the conversion means has generated the second power, power using the second power generated by the conversion means is supplied to the control means. A relay device as described in configuration 1, characterized by the features described above. (Composition 3) An input voltage conversion means that converts the voltage of the first power supply to the voltage for the power supply of the control means, Output voltage conversion means that converts the voltage of the second power or the power held by the first holding means to a voltage for the power supply of the control means, It has, When the power supply device and the relay device are electrically connected, and before the conversion means generates the second power, power from the input voltage conversion means is supplied to the control means, When the power supply device and the relay device are electrically connected, and after the conversion means has generated the second power, power from the output voltage conversion means is supplied to the control means. If the electrical connection between the power supply device and the relay device is disconnected, the output voltage changes Power from the conversion means is supplied to the control means. A relay device according to configuration 2, characterized by the features described above. (Composition 4) The system further includes an anomaly detection means for determining whether or not a specific anomaly has occurred in the relay equipment. If it is determined that the aforementioned specific abnormality has occurred, The control means controls the conversion means to stop generating the second power, The second connection means outputs the power output by the first holding means to the electronic device. A relay device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, characterized by the above. (Composition 5) The control means, when it is determined that the specific abnormality has occurred, notifies the electronic device of the occurrence of the specific abnormality. A relay device as described in configuration 4, characterized by the features described above. (Composition 6) The control means notifies the electronic device of the occurrence of the specific abnormality by outputting a signal at a specific level. The relay device according to configuration 5, characterized by the features described herein. (Composition 7) A second storage means for storing power using the first power, A discharge means capable of releasing the power stored in the second holding means, A blocking means capable of blocking the path from the first connection means to the conversion means, It has, If the aforementioned specific abnormality occurs, The blocking means blocks the path from the first connecting means to the conversion means, The discharge means releases the power stored in the second holding means. A relay device according to any one of configurations 4 to 6, characterized by the features described above. (Composition 8) The aforementioned specific abnormality is that the electrical connection between the relay device and the power supply device has been disconnected. A relay device according to any one of configurations 4 to 7, characterized by the above. (Composition 9) A first detection means for detecting the voltage of the first power, A second detection means for detecting the voltage of the second power, Furthermore, The aforementioned specific abnormality is that the voltage detected by the first detection means is not within the first range, or that the voltage detected by the second detection means is not within the second range. A relay device according to any one of configurations 4 to 6, characterized by the features described above. (method) A relay device for relaying a power supply device and an electronic device, comprising: a first connection means electrically connectable to the power supply device; a second connection means connectable to a connection terminal in the electronic device that allows the battery to be attached and detached; a first holding means; and a control means for the relay device, A conversion step of generating a second power output from the second connection means by converting the voltage of the first power supplied from the power supply device via the first connection means, A holding control step that controls the storage of power in the first holding means using the second power generated in the conversion step, A control step of controlling the relay device using the control means, It has, In the control step described above, When the power supply device and the relay device are electrically connected, and before the second power is generated in the conversion step, the power using the first power supplied from the power supply device is controlled to be supplied to the control means. If the electrical connection between the power supply device and the relay device is disconnected, the power supply to the control means is controlled to use the power held by the first holding means. A control method for relay equipment characterized by the following features. (program) A program that causes a computer to perform each step of the control method described above. (medium) A computer-readable storage medium containing a program that causes the computer to perform each step of the control method described above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0211] 100: Relay equipment, 200: Power supply equipment, 300: Electronic equipment, 101: Acquisition unit (connection unit), 102: Connection unit, 103: Relay equipment control unit, 105: Voltage conversion unit, 111: Output charge holding section

Claims

1. A relay device that relays power supply devices and electronic equipment, A first connecting means that can be electrically connected to the power supply device, A second connection means that can be connected to a detachable connection terminal in the aforementioned electronic device, A conversion means that generates a second power output from the second connection means by converting the voltage of the first power supplied from the power supply device via the first connection means, A first holding means for storing power using the second power generated by the conversion means, Control means and It has, When the power supply device and the relay device are electrically connected, and before the conversion means generates the second power, power using the first power supplied from the power supply device is supplied to the control means. If the electrical connection between the power supply device and the relay device is disconnected, power using the power held by the first holding means is supplied to the control means. A relay device characterized by the following features.

2. When the power supply device and the relay device are electrically connected, and after the conversion means has generated the second power, power using the second power generated by the conversion means is supplied to the control means. The relay device according to feature 1.

3. An input voltage conversion means that converts the voltage of the first power to a voltage for the power supply of the control means, Output voltage conversion means that converts the voltage of the second power or the power held by the first holding means into a voltage for the power supply of the control means, It has, When the power supply device and the relay device are electrically connected, and before the conversion means generates the second power, power from the input voltage conversion means is supplied to the control means, When the power supply device and the relay device are electrically connected, and after the conversion means has generated the second power, power from the output voltage conversion means is supplied to the control means. If the electrical connection between the power supply device and the relay device is disconnected, power from the output voltage conversion means is supplied to the control means. The relay device according to feature 2.

4. The system further includes an anomaly detection means for determining whether or not a specific anomaly has occurred in the relay equipment. If it is determined that the aforementioned specific abnormality has occurred, The control means controls the generation of the second power by the conversion means to stop, The second connection means outputs the power output by the first holding means to the electronic device. The relay device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The control means, when it is determined that the specific abnormality has occurred, notifies the electronic device of the occurrence of the specific abnormality. The relay device according to feature 4.

6. The control means notifies the electronic device of the occurrence of the specific abnormality by outputting a signal at a specific level. The relay device according to feature 5.

7. A second storage means for storing power using the first power, A discharge means capable of releasing the power stored in the second holding means, A blocking means capable of blocking the path from the first connection means to the conversion means, It has, If the aforementioned specific abnormality occurs, The blocking means blocks the path from the first connecting means to the conversion means, The discharge means releases the power stored in the second holding means. The relay device according to feature 4.

8. The aforementioned specific abnormality is that the electrical connection between the relay device and the power supply device has been disconnected. The relay device according to feature 4.

9. A first detection means for detecting the voltage of the first power, A second detection means for detecting the voltage of the second power, Furthermore, The aforementioned specific abnormality is that the voltage detected by the first detection means is not within the first range, or that the voltage detected by the second detection means is not within the second range. The relay device according to feature 4.

10. A relay device for relaying a power supply device and an electronic device, comprising: a first connection means electrically connectable to the power supply device; a second connection means connectable to a connection terminal on the electronic device that allows the battery to be attached and detached; a first holding means; and a control means for the relay device, A conversion step of generating a second power output from the second connection means by converting the voltage of the first power supplied from the power supply device via the first connection means, A holding control step that controls the storage of power in the first holding means using the second power generated in the conversion step, A control step of controlling the relay device using the control means, It has, In the control step described above, When the power supply device and the relay device are electrically connected, and before the second power is generated in the conversion step, the power using the first power supplied from the power supply device is controlled to be supplied to the control means. If the electrical connection between the power supply device and the relay device is disconnected, the power supply to the control means is controlled to use the power held by the first holding means. A control method for relay equipment characterized by the following features.

11. A program for causing a computer to perform each step of the control method described in claim 10.

12. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to perform each step of the control method described in claim 10.

Images