Wiring fixture

The wiring device addresses inefficiencies by using a central control unit to distribute power among multiple terminals based on status information, preventing overcurrent protection and ensuring efficient charging.

WO2025204894A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2025-10-02PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/JP2025/009235
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-03-26
Filing Date
2025-03-12
Publication Date
2025-10-02

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Wiring devices with multiple output terminals face inefficiencies in charging due to overcurrent protection activation when total output power exceeds the AC/DC converter's maximum capacity, leading to halted charging and over-specification issues.

Method used

A wiring device with a power conversion device, separate output terminals, and a central control unit that distributes maximum output power based on terminal status information to prevent overcurrent protection and ensure efficient charging.

Benefits of technology

Enables efficient charging by preventing overcurrent protection activation and avoiding over-specification of the AC/DC converter, ensuring continuous power supply to multiple terminals within its capacity.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

A wiring fixture (1) comprises: a power conversion device (10) that converts AC power into DC power; and a plurality of output terminals (20) which are each stored in a housing separate from the power conversion device (10) and to which the DC power is output. The wiring fixture (1) also comprises: a cable (30) that electrically connects an output side of the power conversion device (10) and the plurality of output terminals (20); and a control device (40) that controls the maximum output power of the plurality of output terminals (20). The control device (40) reviews the distribution of the output power of each of the output terminals (20) on the basis of output terminal information that indicates the state of each of the plurality of output terminals (20), and distributes the output power to the output terminal (20) of an added load.
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Description

Wiring devices

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a wiring device, and more particularly to a wiring device having multiple output terminals.

[0002] Conventionally, the USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface has become widespread as a standard for data transfer and power supply for electronic devices such as smartphones. For example, Patent Document 1 (Patent Document 1) discloses a USB charging device that includes a terminal unit including an output terminal, an AC / DC converter, a DC power cable connecting the terminal unit and the AC / DC converter, and an AC power cable supplying AC power to the AC / DC converter. The USB charging device in Patent Document 1 has two output terminals and can charge two electronic devices simultaneously.

[0003] Utility Model Registration No. 3211383

[0004] However, when a wiring device has multiple output terminals, if electronic devices are connected to the multiple output terminals and the total output power exceeds the maximum output power of the AC / DC converter, the AC / DC converter's overcurrent protection will activate, halting the power supply for a certain period of time. This will stop charging at all output terminals, lengthening the charging time and impairing efficient charging. On the other hand, reducing the number of output terminals so as not to exceed the maximum output power of the AC / DC converter will result in the AC / DC converter being over-specified.

[0005] The wiring device according to the present disclosure includes a power conversion device that converts AC power into DC power, output terminals that are housed in a separate housing from the power conversion device and to which the DC power is supplied, cables that electrically connect the output side of the power conversion device to the multiple output terminals, and a control device that controls the maximum output power of each of the multiple output terminals based on output terminal information that indicates the state of each of the multiple output terminals.

[0006] The wiring device according to the present disclosure enables efficient charging while avoiding excessive specifications of the power conversion device.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a wiring device according to the present embodiment; FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a wiring device according to the present embodiment; FIG. 3 is a diagram explaining distribution of maximum output power based on whether a load is connected; FIG. 4 is a diagram explaining redistribution of maximum output power based on output power and maximum output power; FIG. 5 is a diagram explaining distribution of maximum output power based on output power and maximum output power when a new load is connected; FIG. 6 is a diagram explaining another example of distribution of maximum output power based on output power and maximum output power when a new load is connected; FIG. 7 is a diagram explaining redistribution of maximum output power when a load is disconnected from a USB outlet; FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a wiring device in which a central control device is stored in the same housing as an AC / DC converter; FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a wiring device in which a central control device is stored in the same housing as an output terminal; FIG. 10 is a diagram explaining a case where output power to a load is equal to or greater than the maximum output power of the AC / DC converter; and FIG. 11 is a diagram explaining a case where an AC / DC converter is over-specified.

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of a wiring device according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are merely examples, and the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments. Furthermore, the present disclosure also includes configurations that are formed by selectively combining multiple embodiments and modified examples described below.

[0009] A wiring device 1 according to this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the wiring device 1. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the wiring device 1. In Figures 1 and 2, solid lines indicate power paths, and dashed lines indicate information paths.

[0010] 1 and 2 , the wiring device 1 includes a power conversion device 10 that converts AC power into DC power, and a plurality of output terminals 24 that are housed in a housing separate from the power conversion device 10 and to which the DC power is supplied. The wiring device 1 also includes a DC power cable 30 that electrically connects the output side of the power conversion device 10 to the output terminals 24, and a central control device 40 that controls the maximum output power of each of the plurality of output terminals 24. In this embodiment, a plurality of USB outlet units 20 each having an output terminal 24 are provided, and the central control device 40 distributes the maximum output power to each of the USB outlet units 20.

[0011] The power conversion device 10 is a device equipped with a power conversion circuit that converts AC power into DC power. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, it is an AC / DC converter 10. The AC / DC converter 10 is connected to one end of an AC power cable 11 and is connected to a commercial power source via a power plug 12 connected to the other end of the AC power cable 11. More specifically, the AC / DC converter 10 obtains AC power when the power plug 12 is connected to a commercial power outlet installed on a wall or the like. The AC / DC converter 10 converts, for example, AC power of 100 to 240 V AC into DC power of 24 V DC.

[0012] The AC / DC converter 10 is equipped with a safety mechanism that activates overcurrent protection when a preset maximum output power is exceeded, halting the power supply for a certain period of time. When the overcurrent protection is activated, the AC / DC converter 10 stops the power supply, and therefore the output from the USB outlet 20 also stops.

[0013] 1 and 2 , the wiring device 1 includes a plurality of USB outlet units 20, each having an output terminal 24. The output terminals 24 are connected to the AC / DC converter 10 via the DC / DC converter 21 and the DC power cable 30. This enables the output terminals 24 to output DC power (DC voltage) converted from AC power by the AC / DC converter 10 and regulated by the DC / DC converter 21. The DC power cable 30 transmits the DC power output by the AC / DC converter 10 to the USB outlet units 20.

[0014] The output terminal 24 is connected to the electronic device 100 via, for example, a charging cable 101. This allows the electronic device 100 to be charged. The charging cable 101 is a cable that connects the output terminal 24 to a power receiving port of the electronic device 100. Note that the installation position and number of the output terminals 24 in the USB outlet unit 20 are not particularly limited. That is, the USB outlet unit 20 may be provided with a plurality of output terminals 24. The output terminal 24 is, for example, a USB terminal.

[0015] As described above, the output terminal 24 is housed in a housing separate from the AC / DC converter 10. This allows the USB outlet unit 20 to be more compact than when the output terminal 24 and the AC / DC converter 10 are housed in the same housing. Furthermore, there is no need to consider the problem of heat generation due to the operation of the AC / DC converter 10 in the USB outlet unit 20 that houses the output terminal 24. This makes it possible to realize a USB outlet unit 20 that is smaller in size and has higher output than conventional units.

[0016] As described above, the USB outlet unit 20 includes the DC / DC converter 21. The DC / DC converter 21 converts the voltage of the DC power acquired via the DC power cable 30 into DC power within a voltage range in which the USB outlet unit 20 can operate. The DC / DC converter 21 may be, for example, a step-down converter that converts the DC 24 V converted and output by the AC / DC converter 10 to DC 5 V to 20 V. The voltage conversion by the DC / DC converter 21 is set appropriately depending on the type of the USB outlet unit 20, etc.

[0017] The USB outlet unit 20 includes a detection unit 22 that detects output terminal information indicating the state of the output terminal 24. The detection unit 22 detects, for example, whether the electronic device 100 (load) is connected, the required power of the load, the output power, and the maximum output power of the USB outlet unit 20. Known means can be used for the detection unit 22. Examples of the detection unit 22 include a communication interface circuit that receives a signal from a communication terminal of the charging cable 101, and a circuit that detects the direct current supplied from the DC / DC converter 21 to the output terminal 24. The electronic device 100 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a personal computer.

[0018] The USB outlet unit 20 includes a control unit 23 configured to be able to communicate with the central control unit 40. The control unit 23 obtains output terminal information indicating the state of the output terminal 24 from the detection unit 22 and transmits it to the central control unit 40. The control unit 23 also controls the maximum output power of the USB outlet unit 20 based on a control signal from the central control unit 40. The maximum output power determines the upper limit of the power that can be output from the output terminal 24. The control unit 23 controls the maximum output power by, for example, causing the DC / DC converter 21 to output a predetermined voltage based on a control instruction from the central control unit 40.

[0019] Generally, a maximum output power that the USB outlet 20 can physically output is preset. As will be described in detail later, the central control unit 40 distributes the power so that the maximum output power does not exceed the preset maximum output power of the USB outlet 20. Furthermore, the maximum output power of the USB outlet 20 differs depending on the type of the USB outlet 20.

[0020] The USB outlet unit 20 is installed in any location away from the AC / DC converter 10 connected to the USB outlet unit 20 via the DC power cable 30. The USB outlet unit 20 may be installed, for example, on a wall of a building, a desk, a bed, or other furniture. The USB outlet unit 20 can be used simply by connecting the power plug 12 at the end of the AC power cable 11 connected to the AC / DC converter 10 to a commercial power outlet. Therefore, the USB outlet unit 20 can be easily installed even by a person without electrical work qualifications.

[0021] The wiring device 1 includes a central control device 40 that controls the maximum output power of each of the multiple USB outlet units 20 (output terminals 24). The central control device 40 distributes the maximum output power to the multiple USB outlet units 20 based on output terminal information indicating the status of the USB outlet units 20, which is acquired from the control unit 23. Specifically, the central control device 40 determines the maximum output power to be distributed to each USB outlet unit 20 based on the output terminal information. The determined maximum output power is transmitted as a control instruction to the control unit 23 of each USB outlet unit 20. Based on the control instruction, the control unit 23 controls voltage conversion of the DC / DC converter 21 to output power so as not to exceed the distributed maximum output power.

[0022] The installation location of central control device 40 is not particularly limited. For example, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, central control device 40 may be installed in a separate housing from AC / DC converter 10 and output terminal 24.

[0023] Central control device 40 distributes the maximum output power to USB outlet units 20 so that the total maximum output power of the multiple USB outlet units 20 is equal to or less than the maximum output power of AC / DC converter 10. This prevents the total power output from the multiple USB outlet units 20 from exceeding the maximum output power of AC / DC converter 10. As a result, activation of the overcurrent protection of AC / DC converter 10 can be prevented, and charging is not stopped, enabling efficient charging within the maximum output power of AC / DC converter 10.

[0024] The output terminal information is information indicating the state of the USB outlet unit 20 (output terminal 24). The output terminal information includes, for example, whether the electronic device 100 (load) is connected, the power required by the load, the output power output by the USB outlet unit 20, and the maximum output power distributed to the USB outlet unit 20. Generally, the voltage required by the load is output from the output terminal 24 through negotiation with the load connected to the output terminal 24, but the central control unit 40 distributes the maximum output power to the multiple USB outlet units 20 based on at least one selected from the above output terminal information. Below, a case where the maximum output power is distributed to the multiple USB outlet units 20 based on the above-mentioned example output terminal information will be described.

[0025] The central control device 40 may distribute the maximum output power to the plurality of USB outlet units 20 based on whether a load is connected or not. Alternatively, the central control device 40 may distribute the maximum output power equally to the USB outlet units 20 to which a load is connected. The same applies to the control of the maximum output power described below, but in this case, the maximum output power is distributed so that the total of the maximum output power distributed to the plurality of USB outlet units 20 does not exceed the maximum output power of the AC / DC converter 10.

[0026] The central control device 40 may distribute the maximum output power to the multiple USB outlet units 20 according to the power required by the load. For example, when a load is connected to a certain output terminal 24, if the power required by the load is higher than the maximum output power distributed to the USB outlet units 20, the central control device 40 may redistribute the maximum output power so that the maximum output power of the USB outlet unit 20 exceeds the power required by the load.

[0027] The central control unit 40 may reallocate the maximum output power among the multiple USB outlet units 20 based on the maximum output power and output power of the USB outlet units 20. In particular, the central control unit 40 reallocates the maximum output power among the multiple USB outlet units 20 so as to lower the maximum output power of the USB outlet unit 20 with the largest difference between the maximum output power and the output power, and to raise the maximum output power of the other USB outlet units 20.

[0028] The central control device 40 may redistribute the maximum output power to the multiple USB outlet units 20 in a manner different from the above, based on the maximum output power and output power of the USB outlet units 20. For example, the central control device 40 may redistribute the maximum output power to each of the multiple USB outlet units 20 in descending order of the difference between the maximum output power and the output power of each of the multiple USB outlet units 20.

[0029] The central control device 40 may distribute the maximum output power by combining the above-described methods of distributing the maximum output power. Also, the central control device 40 may distribute the maximum output power based on output terminal information other than the exemplified output terminal information.

[0030] 3 to 7, the distribution of maximum output power by central control device 40 will be described in more detail. In the following, a case where the maximum output power preset for USB outlet unit 20 is 100 W will be described. In other words, a maximum output power exceeding 100 W cannot be distributed to USB outlet unit 20.

[0031] Before describing in detail the distribution of maximum output power by the central control device 40, problems with the conventional technology (wiring devices 1x and 1y) will be described using Fig. 10 and Fig. 11. Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating a case where the output power to the load is equal to or greater than the maximum power of the AC / DC converter 10. Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating a case where the AC / DC converter 10 is over-specified.

[0032] As shown in Fig. 10 , a fixed maximum output power (100 W in Fig. 10 ) that can be output as a standard is preset for the USB outlet 20 of the wiring device 1x. Furthermore, if the power required by the load is equal to or less than the maximum output power, the USB outlet 20 outputs the requested power as is. For example, in Fig. 10 , if the preset maximum output power of the USB outlet 20A is 100 W and the power required by the load is 80 W, the USB outlet 20A outputs 80 W of power.

[0033] However, when a load requiring a large amount of power is connected to output terminal 24, the total output power of multiple USB outlet units 20 may exceed the maximum output power of AC / DC converter 10 (300 W in the case of FIG. 10 ). In the example shown in FIG. 10 , the total output power of USB outlet units 20 is 360 W, which exceeds the maximum output power of 300 W of AC / DC converter 10. In this case, the overcurrent protection of AC / DC converter 10 is activated, stopping the power supply, which stops charging and lengthens the charging time, resulting in a problem of inefficient charging.

[0034] 11 , it is possible to prevent the power supply from being stopped due to overcurrent protection by limiting the number of USB outlets 20 so that the total maximum output power of the USB outlets 20 of the wiring fixture 1y does not exceed the maximum output power of the AC / DC converter 10. However, the loads connected to the USB outlets 20 do not necessarily require a large amount of power, and three USB outlets 20 with a maximum output power of 100 W may be excessive for an AC / DC converter 10 with a maximum output power of 300 W.

[0035] Due to the above-mentioned issues, it is difficult to select an appropriate combination of the maximum output power of the AC / DC converter 10 and the number of installed USB outlet units 20. According to the present embodiment, the maximum output power is distributed to each USB outlet unit 20 based on output terminal information indicating the status of the USB outlet units 20, so it is possible to provide a wiring device that enables efficient charging within the maximum output power of the power conversion device 10 (AC / DC converter 10) while avoiding over-specifying the AC / DC converter 10.

[0036] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the distribution of maximum output power based on whether a load is connected. As shown in FIG. 3, the central control device 40 distributes the maximum output power to each USB outlet 20 so as not to exceed the maximum output power of the AC / DC converter 10 (300 W in FIG. 3). The distribution of the maximum output power is performed based on whether a load is connected to the USB outlet 20. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the maximum output power is distributed evenly to the USB outlets 20 except for USB outlet 20C. That is, the central control device 40 distributes the maximum output power evenly to the USB outlets 20 to which a load is connected.

[0037] In the example shown in Figure 3, loads are connected to five USB outlet units 20 other than USB outlet unit 20C, and the central control unit 40 distributes the maximum output power equally, 60 W each, to the USB outlet units 20 to which a load is connected.

[0038] 4 is a diagram illustrating the redistribution of maximum output power based on the output power and maximum output power. As shown in FIG. 4, the central control unit 40 distributes the maximum output power to multiple USB outlets 20 based on the maximum output power and output power of each USB outlet 20. Specifically, the central control unit 40 reduces the maximum output power distributed to the USB outlet 20D with the largest difference between the maximum output power and the output power, and distributes the reduced amount to the other USB outlets 20.

[0039] More specifically, control unit 23 transmits output terminal information such as the maximum output power and output power acquired by detection unit 22 to central control device 40 at predetermined time intervals. Based on the acquired output terminal information, central control device 40 reduces the maximum output power distributed to the USB outlet unit 20 with the largest difference between the maximum output power and the output power. Furthermore, central control device 40 distributes the reduced maximum output power to the other USB outlet units 20.

[0040] 4, central control device 40 reduces the maximum output power allocated to USB outlet unit 20D, which has the largest difference between its maximum output power and its output power, by 30 W, and redistributes the reduced maximum output power to the other USB outlet units 20 connected to the loads. However, USB outlet unit 20E cannot allocate more power because it has already been allocated the upper limit of 100 W. Therefore, central control device 40 allocates more power to USB outlet units 20A and 20B, increasing the maximum output power by 15 W each.

[0041] 5 is a diagram illustrating the distribution of maximum output power based on the output power and maximum output power when a new load is connected. As shown in FIG. 5, the central control device 40 distributes the maximum output power to multiple USB outlets 20 based on the maximum output power and output power of each USB outlet 20. In detail, the maximum output power distributed to USB outlet 20D, which has the largest difference between the maximum output power and the output power, is reduced, and the reduced maximum output power is distributed to USB outlet 20C, to which a new load has been connected.

[0042] More specifically, when a load is connected to the output terminal 24, the detection unit 22 detects that a load has been connected. Furthermore, the detection unit 22 acquires output terminal information, such as the load's required power, and transmits this information to the central control unit 40 via the control unit 23. The central control unit 40 acquires output terminal information on the maximum output power and output power from each control unit 23 for units other than the USB outlet unit 20C. Based on the acquired output terminal information, the central control unit 40 reduces the maximum output power of the USB outlet unit 20D, which has the largest difference between its maximum output power and its output power. Here, the maximum output power of the USB outlet unit 20D is reduced so that it exceeds the required power of the newly connected load. Furthermore, the reduced maximum output power is distributed to the USB outlet unit 20C. This makes it possible to supply power to the newly connected load as well.

[0043] 5, when a new load is connected and the load's required power is 30 W, central control device 40 reduces the maximum output power allocated to USB outlet unit 20D, which has the largest difference between the maximum output power and the output power, from 100 W to 60 W. Furthermore, central control device 40 reallocates the reduced maximum output power of 40 W to USB outlet unit 20C. This makes it possible to start charging the load connected to USB outlet unit 20C while continuing to charge the load connected to USB outlet unit 20D.

[0044] 6 is a diagram illustrating another example of the distribution of maximum output power based on the output power and maximum output power when a new load is connected. As shown in FIG. 6, when a new load is connected to USB outlet unit 20C, central control unit 40 reduces the maximum output power in descending order of the difference between the output power of USB outlet unit 20 and the maximum output power, and distributes the reduced maximum output power to USB outlet unit 20C to which the new load is connected.

[0045] Specifically, when a load is connected to the output terminal 24, the detection unit 22 detects that a load has been connected. Furthermore, the detection unit 22 acquires output terminal information, such as the load's required power, and transmits this information to the central control unit 40 via the control unit 23. The central control unit 40 acquires output terminal information on the maximum output power and output power from each control unit 23 for units other than the USB outlet unit 20C. Based on the acquired output terminal information, the central control unit 40 reduces the maximum output power of each unit, starting with the USB outlet unit 20D, which has the largest difference between its maximum output power and its output power. Here, the maximum output power of the USB outlet unit 20 is reduced so that it exceeds the required power of the newly connected load. Furthermore, the central control unit 40 distributes the reduced maximum output power to the USB outlet unit 20C. This makes it possible to supply power to the newly connected load.

[0046] In the example shown in FIG. 6 , when a new load is connected and its required power is 30 W, central control device 40 reduces the maximum output power allocated to USB outlet unit 20D, which has the largest difference between its maximum output power and its output power, from 100 W to 85 W. That is, the maximum output power is reduced by 15 W. Furthermore, the maximum output power allocated to USB outlet units 20A and 20E is reduced by 10 W each. The maximum output power allocated to USB outlet unit 20B is also reduced by 5 W. Central control device 40 then allocates the combined maximum output power of these reduced amounts, or 40 W, to USB outlet unit 20C. This makes it possible to start charging the load connected to USB outlet unit 20C while continuing to charge the loads connected to USB outlet units 20A, 20B, 20D, and 20E.

[0047] 7 is a diagram illustrating the redistribution of maximum output power when a load is disconnected from a USB outlet 20. As shown in FIG. 7, when a load is disconnected, the maximum output power that was distributed to the USB outlet 20C from which the load was disconnected may be redistributed to the other USB outlets 20. In this case, the maximum output power may be redistributed to the USB outlet 20 with the smallest difference between the maximum output power and the output power. Alternatively, the maximum output power may be redistributed equally to the other USB outlets 20.

[0048] Specifically, when the load is disconnected, the detection unit 22 detects that the load has been disconnected. Furthermore, the detection unit 22 acquires output terminal information such as the maximum output power distributed to the USB outlet 20, and transmits this information to the central control unit 40 via the control unit 23. The central control unit 40 distributes the maximum output power distributed to the USB outlet 20C to the other USB outlets 20 based on the acquired output terminal information.

[0049] In the example shown in Figure 7, when the load is disconnected and the maximum output power distributed to the disconnected USB outlet 20C is 25 W, the central control unit 40 increases the maximum output power of the USB outlet 20B, which has the smallest difference between the maximum output power and the output power, by 25 W. That is, the maximum output power of 50 W is distributed to the USB outlet 20B. Alternatively, the maximum output power of the USB outlet 20C, which has a disconnected load, may be distributed evenly to the other USB outlets 20. This prevents unnecessary maximum output power from being distributed to the USB outlet 20C to which no load is connected.

[0050] The central control device 40 may be configured to be able to communicate with each of the USB outlet units 20. Specifically, the central control device 40 is configured to be able to acquire output terminal information of each of the USB outlet units 20 and set maximum output power for the multiple USB outlet units 20. The central control device 40 communicates with, for example, the control unit 23. The communication method is not particularly limited and may be wireless, wired, or other methods. On the other hand, the central control device 40 does not have to acquire information directly from the USB outlet units 20. For example, the central control device 40 may acquire information from a detection device (not shown) that comprehensively acquires information on the multiple USB outlet units 20 all at once.

[0051] The central control device 40 may store output terminal information for the multiple USB outlet units 20. The output terminal information for the multiple USB outlet units 20 may include, for example, the number of loads connected to the multiple USB outlet units 20 (utilization rate), the charging time of the load connected to the output terminal 24, and the power required by the load. Storing this information makes it possible to take measures such as adding more USB outlet units 20, thereby improving user convenience.

[0052] As described above, with the above configuration, the maximum output power can be appropriately distributed to the multiple USB outlets 20 based on output terminal information indicating the status of each of the multiple USB outlets 20. Therefore, the total output power of the multiple USB outlets 20 does not exceed the maximum output power of the AC / DC converter 10. As a result, the overcurrent protection of the AC / DC converter 10 prevents power output from being stopped, and charging is not interrupted, enabling efficient charging. Furthermore, the maximum output power distributed to the USB outlets 20 can be changed depending on the situation, preventing the AC / DC converter 10 from becoming over-specified.

[0053] The above-described embodiment may be modified as appropriate without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the central control unit 40 is housed in a housing separate from the AC / DC converter 10 and the output terminals 24. However, as shown in FIG. 8 , the central control unit 40 may be housed in the same housing as the AC / DC converter 10. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a wiring device 1 in which the central control unit 40 is housed in the same housing as the AC / DC converter 10. In this case, the DC power cable 30 that supplies power from the AC / DC converter 10 to the multiple USB outlets 20 and the wired cable for communication can be installed along the same route.

[0054] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 9 , the central control device 40 may be housed in the same housing as the output terminals 24. That is, the central control device 40 may be provided in the USB outlet unit 20. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a wiring accessory 1 in which the central control device 40 is provided in the USB outlet unit 20. Even when the central control device 40 is housed in the USB outlet unit 20, the central control device 40 is configured to be able to acquire output terminal information from the control unit 23 of each USB outlet unit 20. Furthermore, the control unit 23 provided in the USB outlet unit 20 may execute the processing of the central control device 40. In this case, the control units 23 of the USB outlet units 20 are configured to be able to acquire information from each other.

[0055] The present disclosure will be further described by the following embodiments. Configuration 1: A wiring device comprising: a power conversion device that converts AC power into DC power; output terminals that are housed in a housing separate from the power conversion device and to which the DC power is supplied; cables that electrically connect an output side of the power conversion device to the multiple output terminals; and a control device that controls maximum output power of each of the multiple output terminals, wherein the control device distributes the maximum output power to the multiple output terminals based on output terminal information that indicates a state of each of the multiple output terminals. Configuration 2: The wiring device according to Configuration 1, wherein the output terminal information is at least one selected from a presence or absence of a load connection, a power requirement of the load, the maximum output power, and output power. Configuration 3: The wiring device according to Configuration 1 or 2, wherein the control device distributes the maximum output power to the multiple output terminals in order of a largest difference between the output power of each of the multiple output terminals and the maximum output power. Configuration 4: The wiring device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the control device distributes the maximum output power to the multiple output terminals so as to reduce the maximum output power of the output terminal having the largest difference between its output power and the maximum output power and increase the maximum output power of the other output terminals.Configuration 5: The wiring device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein, when a new load is connected to one of the multiple output terminals, the control device reduces the maximum output power of the output terminal having the largest difference between its output power and the maximum output power and distributes the reduced maximum output power to the output terminal to which the new load is connected.Configuration 6: The wiring device according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the control device distributes the maximum output power of the multiple output terminals so that a total of the maximum output powers of the multiple output terminals is equal to or less than the maximum output power of the power conversion device.Configuration 7: The wiring device according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, wherein the control device is configured separately from the power conversion device and configured to be able to communicate with the multiple output terminals. The power conversion device and the control device are housed in the same housing. ...

[0056] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Wiring device 10 AC / DC converter 11 AC power cable 12 Power plug 20, 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, 20E, 20F USB outlet section 21 DC / DC converter 22 Detection section 23 Control section 24 Output terminal 30 DC power cable 40 Central control unit 100 Electronic device 101 Charging cable

Claims

1. A wiring device comprising: a power conversion device that converts AC power into DC power; output terminals that are housed in a separate housing from the power conversion device and to which the DC power is supplied; cables that electrically connect the output side of the power conversion device to the multiple output terminals; and a control device that controls the maximum output power of each of the multiple output terminals, wherein the control device distributes the maximum output power to the multiple output terminals based on output terminal information that indicates the state of each of the multiple output terminals.

2. The wiring device according to claim 1, wherein the output terminal information is at least one selected from the group consisting of whether a load is connected, the power required by the load, the maximum output power, and output power.

3. The wiring device according to claim 1, wherein the control device distributes the maximum output power to the plurality of output terminals so as to reduce the maximum output power of each output terminal in descending order of the difference between the output power of each of the plurality of output terminals and the maximum output power.

4. The wiring device according to claim 1, wherein the control device distributes the maximum output power to the plurality of output terminals so as to reduce the maximum output power of the output terminal having the largest difference between its output power and the maximum output power, and to increase the maximum output power of the other output terminals.

5. The wiring device according to claim 1, wherein, when a new load is connected to any of the plurality of output terminals, the control device reduces the maximum output power of the output terminal having the largest difference between its output power and the maximum output power, and distributes the reduced maximum output power to the output terminal to which the new load is connected.

6. The wiring device according to claim 1, wherein the control device distributes the maximum output power of the plurality of output terminals so that the sum of the maximum output power of the plurality of output terminals is equal to or less than the maximum output power of the power conversion device.

7. The wiring device according to claim 1, wherein the control device is configured separately from the power conversion device and is configured to be able to communicate with the plurality of output terminals.

8. The wiring device according to claim 1, wherein the power conversion device and the control device are housed in the same housing.

9. The wiring device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the plurality of output terminals are USB terminals.

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