Power supply device and set

Abstract

This power supply device comprises: a power supply unit that outputs a power supply voltage to be supplied to an electric device; and a control unit that controls the power supply voltage output by the power supply unit. When the set value of the power supply voltage designated by a user is a first value, the control unit sets the power supply voltage to a second value smaller than the first value in an unconnected state in which the power supply device is not connected to the electric device, and sets the power supply voltage to the first value in a connected state in which the power supply device is connected to the electric device.

Description

Power Supply Device and Set

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power supply device.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for controlling a power supply voltage supplied to a blower device or the like attached to clothing.

[0003] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2022-131459

[0004] A power supply device and a set are disclosed. In one embodiment, the power supply device includes a power supply unit that outputs a power supply voltage supplied to an electrical device, and a control unit that controls the power supply voltage output by the power supply unit. When the set value of the power supply voltage specified by the user is a first value, the control unit sets the power supply voltage to a second value smaller than the first value in an unconnected state where the power supply device is not connected to the electrical device, and sets the power supply voltage to the first value in a connected state where the power supply device is connected to the electrical device.

[0005] Also, in one embodiment, the set includes the above power supply device and an electrical device to which the power supply voltage is supplied from the power supply device.

[0006] Also, in one embodiment, the set includes the above power supply device, an electrical device to which the power supply voltage is supplied from the power supply device, and clothing to which the electrical device can be attached.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the power supply device. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the appearance of the power supply device. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the state where the power supply device is connected to the electrical device. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the state where the power supply device is connected to the fan device. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the state where the fan device is attached to the clothing. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the fan device. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the power supply device. FIG. 8 is a graph showing an example of the time change of the input power supply voltage of the fan device. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the value of the power supply voltage in each mode. FIG. 10 is a graph showing an example of the time change of the power supply voltage and the power supply output current.

[0008] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the electrical configuration of power supply unit 1. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the external appearance of power supply unit 1. Power supply unit 1 can be connected to electrical device 20, as shown in Figure 3. Power supply unit 1 is capable of outputting a power supply voltage to electrical device 20 connected to it. Electrical device 20 operates based on the power supply voltage supplied from power supply unit 1.

[0009] The power supply unit 1 may be connected to the electrical device 20 by, for example, a cable 30. The power supply unit 1 and the electrical device 20 connected to the power supply unit 1 constitute a set 40. The set 40 can also be called, for example, an equipment set. The set 40 may include a cable 30. The power supply unit 1 may be connected to one electrical device 20 through the cable 30, or multiple electrical devices 20 may be connected simultaneously. The power supply unit 1 supplies power voltage to at least one electrical device 20 connected to the power supply unit 1.

[0010] <Example of Power Supply Device Configuration> As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the power supply device 1 comprises, for example, a case 10, a control unit 2, a power supply unit 3, a battery 4, an input unit 5, a connector 6, and a detection unit 7. The control unit 2, power supply unit 3, battery 4, input unit 5, connector 6, and detection unit 7 are housed in the case 10.

[0011] The shape of case 10 is, for example, generally a rectangular prism. Case 10 may be made of, for example, resin, or metal, or a combination of resin and metal.

[0012] Battery 4 is, for example, a rechargeable secondary battery. Battery 4 is composed of, for example, multiple secondary battery cells connected in series with each other. In this case, battery 4 can also be called a battery pack. The secondary battery cells in battery 4 may be lithium-ion battery cells, lead-acid battery cells, or other types of secondary battery cells. Battery 4 may also be composed of multiple secondary battery cells connected in parallel with each other. Alternatively, battery 4 may be a primary battery composed of at least one primary battery cell. In this case, battery 4 may be composed of, for example, multiple primary battery cells connected in series with each other, or multiple primary battery cells connected in parallel with each other.

[0013] The power supply unit 3 is capable of generating and outputting a power supply voltage to supply to at least one electrical device 20 based on the output voltage of the battery 4 (also called the battery output voltage). The battery output voltage is a DC voltage. The power supply voltage that the power supply unit 3 supplies to the electrical device 20 is, for example, a DC voltage. The power supply unit 3 can also charge the battery 4 based on power supplied from outside the power supply unit 1.

[0014] The power supply unit 3 may be, for example, a circuit composed of a packaged IC (Integrated Circuit) and a plurality of discrete components. The plurality of discrete components may include an inductor, a capacitor, or a semiconductor switching element (e.g., a FET (Field Effect Transistor)). The power supply unit 3 can also be called a power supply circuit. The power supply unit 3 may generate the power supply voltage for the electrical device 20 by boosting the battery output voltage, or it may generate the power supply voltage for the electrical device 20 by stepping down the battery output voltage. Hereafter, when simply referring to the power supply voltage, it means the power supply voltage supplied to the electrical device 20, that is, the power supply voltage output by the power supply unit 3.

[0015] The power supply voltage output by the power supply unit 3 is supplied to the connector 6. A cable 30 connecting the power supply device 1 and the electrical device 20 is connected to the connector 6. One end of the cable 30 may be detachably connected to the connector 6. The power supply voltage supplied from the power supply unit 3 to the connector 6 is supplied through the cable 30 to at least one electrical device 20 connected to the power supply device 1. In addition, a cable for transmitting power to charge the battery 4 (also called charging power) may be connected to the connector 6. The connector 6 outputs the charging power input to it to the power supply unit 3. The power supply unit 3 can charge the battery 4 based on the charging power from the connector 6. As shown in Figure 2, the cable connection port at the connector 6 is exposed from the case 10. The power supply device 1 may have two connectors to which the cable 30 and the cable for transmitting charging power are connected, respectively.

[0016] The input unit 5 can receive input from the user. The control unit 2 can identify the content received by the input unit 5 based on the signal output by the input unit 5. The input unit 5 includes, for example, an operation button 5a (see Figure 2). The operation button 5a is, for example, a push button, also called an operation switch. As shown in Figure 2, the area of ​​the operation button 5a that is pressed by the user is exposed from the case 10. The operation button 5a can also be said to be an operation unit operated by the user. The input unit 5 can also be said to be equipped with an operation unit. The operation unit equipped with the input unit 5 may include multiple operation buttons 5a, or it may include a touch sensor that detects user touch operations.

[0017] The control unit 2 can comprehensively manage the operation of the entire power supply unit 1. The control unit 2 can control the power supply unit 3. The control unit 2 can instruct the power supply unit 3 to output the power supply voltage or to stop outputting the power supply voltage. Furthermore, the control unit 2 can control the power supply voltage output by the power supply unit 3.

[0018] All or some of the functions of the control unit 2 may be implemented by hardware circuits that do not require software to realize those functions. Furthermore, the control unit 2 may include at least one processor to provide control and processing capabilities for performing various functions, as will be described in more detail below.

[0019] According to various embodiments, at least one processor may be implemented as a single integrated circuit (IC) or as a plurality of communicably connected integrated circuits (ICs) and / or discrete circuits. At least one processor can be implemented according to various known techniques.

[0020] In one embodiment, the processor includes one or more circuits or units configured to perform one or more data computation procedures or processes by, for example, executing instructions stored in associated memory. In other embodiments, the processor may be firmware (e.g., discrete logic components) configured to perform one or more data computation procedures or processes.

[0021] According to various embodiments, the processor may include one or more processors, controllers, microprocessors, microcontrollers, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processing devices, programmable logic devices, field-programmable gate arrays, or any combination of these devices or configurations, or other known combinations of devices and configurations, and may perform the functions described below.

[0022] The control unit 2 is composed of a microcomputer, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory, and an A / D converter. The control unit 2 can also be considered a control circuit. Furthermore, the control unit 2 can be considered a type of computer.

[0023] The control unit 2 can control the power supply unit 3 in response to user operations received by the input unit 5. For example, the control unit 2 can control the power supply unit 3 in response to operations on the operation buttons 5a of the input unit 5.

[0024] The operation button 5a functions, for example, as a power button to control the supply of power voltage to the electrical device 20. The control unit 2 can instruct the power supply unit 3 to output power voltage or to stop outputting power voltage in response to the operation of the operation button 5a. The control unit 2 can also change the power voltage in the power supply unit 3 in response to the operation of the operation button 5a. The control unit 2 can set the power voltage in response to the operation of the operation button 5a.

[0025] The detection unit 7 can detect the current flowing through the power supply unit 1. For example, the detection unit 7 can detect the output current of the power supply unit 1. The output current of the power supply unit 1 changes depending on whether, for example, an electrical device 20 is connected to the power supply unit 1. Also, the output current of the power supply unit 1 changes depending on the number of electrical devices 20 connected to the power supply unit 1 by cables 30. If at least one electrical device 20 is connected to the power supply unit 1, the output current of the power supply unit 1 can also be said to be the current flowing through the entire at least one electrical device 20. It can also be said that the detection unit 7 can detect the current flowing through at least one electrical device 20 connected to the power supply unit 1. Hereafter, the output current of the power supply unit 1 may be referred to as the power supply output current.

[0026] The detection unit 7 includes, for example, a shunt resistor and an amplification circuit that amplifies the voltage difference across the shunt resistor. The shunt resistor is inserted, for example, in series with the power line that transmits the power supply voltage between the power supply unit 3 and the connector 6. The detection result of the detection unit 7 is input to the control unit 2. The detection result of the detection unit 7 indicates the power supply output current. Note that the configuration of the detection unit 7 is not limited to this.

[0027] The electrical device 20 connected to the power supply unit 1 can be any type of device. The electrical device 20 may be, for example, a device having a motor. Alternatively, the electrical device 20 may be, for example, a fan device for cooling a person. Below, the operation of the power supply unit 1 will be explained in detail using the case where the electrical device 20 is a fan device for cooling a person as an example. Hereafter, the electrical device 20 that is a fan device for cooling a person may be referred to as the fan device 20.

[0028] As shown in Figure 4, for example, two fan devices 20 can be connected to the power supply unit 1 simultaneously by a cable 30. The cable 30 extends from the power supply unit 1, splits into two branches along the way, and connects to the two fan devices 20. The power voltage output from the connector 6 of the power supply unit 1 is supplied to the two fan devices 20 through the cable 30. The same power voltage is supplied to the two fan devices 20. Each of the two fan devices 20 connected to the power supply unit 1 rotates based on the power voltage supplied from the power supply unit 1.

[0029] The fan device 20 is detachable from, for example, a mounting member. The mounting member may be a garment 50, as shown in Figure 5. In the example in Figure 5, the garment 50 is a jacket. In the example in Figure 5, two fan devices 20 are attached to the lower back of the jacket. In the example in Figure 5, the power supply 1 is housed, for example, in a pocket of the garment 50. The power supply 1, the fan device 20 (in other words, the electrical device 20), and the garment 50 constitute a set 60. The set 60 may also include a cable 30.

[0030] The fan device 20 rotates to draw in air from one side and expel the drawn-in air from the other side. The fan device 20 is attached to the garment 50 such that the side that draws in air (i.e., the intake side) faces outwards and the side that expels air (i.e., the exhaust side) faces inwards. The air drawn in by the fan device 20 enters the garment 50, circulates within the garment 50 due to the rotation of the fan device 20, and is expelled outside the garment 50 through the neckline or other openings. This cools the body of the wearer of the garment 50 to which the fan device 20 is attached.

[0031] Note that the position on the garment 50 where the fan device 20 is attached is not limited to the example in Figure 5. Also, the fan device 20 may not be detachable from the mounting member, but may be attached in a way that prevents detachment. Furthermore, the mounting member may be clothing other than a jacket. For example, the mounting member may be trousers. Also, the mounting member may be something other than clothing. For example, the mounting member may be a waist pouch, a backpack, a helmet, or a cooler bag. Furthermore, three or more fan devices 20 may be connected to the power supply unit 1 simultaneously by cables 30. In this case, three or more fan devices 20 will be attached to the mounting member. Also, one fan device 20 may be attached to the power supply unit 1.

[0032] <Example of Fan Device Configuration> Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the fan device 20. Figure 6 shows an example of the configuration of the electrical device 20. As shown in Figure 6, the fan device 20 comprises, for example, a case 25, a control unit 21, a motor 22, a fan 23, and a connector 24. The control unit 21, motor 22, fan 23, and connector 24 are housed in the case 25.

[0033] The case 25 includes an intake section for drawing air into the case 25 and an exhaust section for discharging the air drawn into the case 25. The intake section has, for example, multiple intake ports, and the exhaust section has, for example, multiple exhaust ports. The case 25 may be made of, for example, resin.

[0034] Fan 23 is, for example, an impeller. Motor 22 can rotate fan 23. The rotation of fan 23 causes the fan device 20 to rotate. Motor 22 is controlled by control unit 21.

[0035] A cable 30 is connected to connector 24. One end of cable 30 may be detachably connected to connector 24. The power voltage output by power supply unit 1 is input to connector 24 through cable 30. The power voltage input to connector 24 is input to control unit 21. Thereafter, when power supply unit 1 is connected to fan device 20, the power voltage input from power supply unit 1 to connector 24, that is, the power voltage input to fan device 20, may be specifically referred to as the input power voltage.

[0036] The control unit 21 can operate based on the input power supply voltage. The control unit 21 can also drive and rotate the motor 22 based on the input power supply voltage. As the motor 22 rotates, the fan 23 rotates, and the fan device 20 rotates. When the input power supply voltage increases, the rotational speed (also called rotational velocity) of the fan device 20 increases accordingly, and the airflow of the fan device 20 increases. On the other hand, when the input power supply voltage decreases, the rotational speed of the fan device 20 decreases accordingly, and the airflow of the fan device 20 decreases.

[0037] The control unit 21 includes, for example, a packaged control IC 210, a capacitor 211, and a Zener diode 212. The control unit 21 can also be called a control circuit. The control IC 210 may include at least one processor to provide control and processing capabilities for performing various functions, for example, as will be described in more detail below. The above description of the processor in the control unit 2 of the power supply unit 1 can also be applied to the processor in the control IC 210.

[0038] The control IC 210 includes, for example, a microcomputer having a CPU and memory, and an inverter circuit that drives the motor 22. The control IC 210 and the control unit 21 can be said to be a type of computer. The inverter circuit is controlled, for example, by the microcomputer. The inverter circuit generates a drive signal (also called a drive voltage) based on the input power supply voltage under the control of the microcomputer, and can rotate the motor 22 by supplying the generated drive signal to the motor. The drive signal can be said to be the power supply voltage of the motor 22. The control IC 210 can also be said to be a drive IC that drives the motor 22, and the control unit 21 can also be said to be a drive unit that drives the motor 22.

[0039] Capacitor 211 and Zener diode 212 can stabilize the input power supply voltage. Capacitor 211 can smooth the input power supply voltage. Capacitor 211 can also be called a smoothing capacitor. Zener diode 212 is, for example, a TVS and can absorb overvoltages that occur in the input power supply voltage, such as surge voltages. TVS is an abbreviation for Transient Voltage Suppressor. Capacitor 211 and Zener diode 212 are inserted between the power line that transmits the input power supply voltage from connector 24 to control IC 210 and ground.

[0040] <Example of Power Supply Voltage Setting Value> In this example, there are N different values ​​for the power supply voltage setting value. N is an integer greater than or equal to 2. The power supply voltage setting value is specified, for example, by the user. The user can specify the power supply voltage setting value to the power supply device 1 by, for example, inputting to the input unit 5. The power supply voltage setting value can be said to be a specified specified value, or a specified specified setting value.

[0041] The value of N is, for example, "4". In power supply unit 1, the first voltage value, second voltage value, third voltage value, and fourth voltage value are specified as set values ​​for the power supply voltage. The first voltage value, second voltage value, third voltage value, and fourth voltage value are different from each other. The fourth voltage value is, for example, 8V. The third voltage value is greater than the fourth voltage value, for example, 13V. The second voltage value is greater than the third voltage value, for example, 18V. The first voltage value is greater than the second voltage value, for example, 24V. However, the first voltage value, second voltage value, third voltage value, and fourth voltage value are not limited to these. Also, the value of N may be "2", "3", or "4" or more. Hereafter, when simply referred to as a set value, it means the set value of the power supply voltage.

[0042] The power supply unit 1 includes, as output modes of the power supply voltage, a first mode in which the set value of the power supply voltage is a first voltage value, a second mode in which the set value of the power supply voltage is a second voltage value, a third mode in which the set value of the power supply voltage is a third voltage value, and a fourth mode in which the set value of the power supply voltage is a fourth voltage value.

[0043] The user can, for example, change the output mode of the power supply unit 1 between the first mode, second mode, third mode, and fourth mode by inputting to the input unit 5. It can also be said that the user can change the power supply voltage setting value between the first voltage value, second voltage value, third voltage value, and fourth voltage value by inputting to the input unit 5. The user can change the power supply voltage setting value by changing the output mode of the power supply unit 1. The user can specify the power supply voltage setting value by inputting to the input unit 5.

[0044] The user can change the output mode of the power supply device 1 among the first mode, the second mode, the third mode, and the fourth mode by operating, for example, the operation button 5a included in the input unit 5. The user can specify a set value of the power supply voltage by operating the operation button 5a. The change of the output mode can be said to be the setting of the output mode or the switching of the output mode.

[0045] <Operation example of power supply device> The input unit 5 of the power supply device 1 can receive a power supply voltage output instruction (also referred to as a power supply output instruction) from the user. For example, when the power supply unit 3 is not outputting a power supply voltage, pressing the operation button 5a of the input unit 5 for a predetermined time or more serves as a power supply output instruction. The predetermined time is set to about 1 second, for example. When the input unit 5 receives a power supply output instruction, the control unit 2 causes the power supply unit 3 to output a power supply voltage.

[0046] In addition, the input unit 5 can receive a power supply voltage output stop instruction (also referred to as a power supply output stop instruction) from the user. For example, when the power supply unit 3 is outputting a power supply voltage, pressing the operation button 5a for a predetermined time or more serves as a power supply output stop instruction. When the input unit 5 receives a power supply output stop instruction, the control unit 2 causes the power supply unit 3 to stop outputting the power supply voltage.

[0047] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the power supply device 1 when the input unit 5 receives a power supply output instruction. As shown in Figure 7, in step s1, when the input unit 5 receives a power supply output instruction from the user, in step s2, the control unit 2 sets the output mode to, for example, the third mode in which the set value of the power supply voltage is the third voltage value (for example, 13V).

[0048] After step s2, in step s3, when the input unit 5 receives a change instruction for the output mode from the user, the control unit 2 sets the output mode to, for example, the second mode in which the set value of the power supply voltage is the second voltage value (for example, 18 V) in step s4. When the operation button 5a is pressed for less than a predetermined time and then the pressing of the operation button 5a is released while the power supply unit 3 is outputting the power supply voltage, this serves as the change instruction. It can also be said that in step s3, the user can instruct the power supply device 1 to set the set value of the power supply voltage to the second voltage value by operating the operation button 5a.

[0049] After step s4, in step s5, when the input unit 5 receives a change instruction, the control unit 2 sets the output mode to, for example, the first mode in which the set value of the power supply voltage is the first voltage value (for example, 24 V) in step s6. It can also be said that in step s6, the user can instruct the power supply device 1 to set the set value of the power supply voltage to the first voltage value by operating the operation button 5a.

[0050] After step s6, in step s7, when the input unit 5 receives a mode change instruction, the control unit 2 sets the output mode to, for example, the fourth mode in which the set value of the power supply voltage is the fourth voltage value (for example, 8 V) in step s8. It can also be said that in step s7, the user can instruct the power supply device 1 to set the set value of the power supply voltage to the fourth voltage value by operating the operation button 5a.

[0051] After step s8, in step s9, when the input unit 5 receives a mode change instruction, step s2 is executed again, and the output mode is set to the third mode in which the set value of the power supply voltage is the third voltage value (for example, 13 V). It can also be said that in step s9, the user can instruct the power supply device 1 to set the set value of the power supply voltage to the third voltage value by operating the operation button 5a.

[0052] Thereafter, in the power supply unit 1, each time the input unit 5 receives a change instruction, the control unit 2 operates similarly to change the output mode. In other words, each time the input unit 5 receives a change instruction, the power supply voltage setting value is changed. In the power supply unit 1, while the power supply unit 3 is outputting the power supply voltage, each time the input unit 5 receives a change instruction, the output mode cycles between the third mode, second mode, first mode, and fourth mode. Therefore, the airflow of the fan device 20 connected to the power supply unit 1 changes each time the input unit 5 receives a change instruction. The power supply unit 1 can set the airflow of the fan device 20 connected to it according to the input to the input unit 5. The user can operate the operation button 5a to make the power supply unit 1 set the airflow of the fan device 20 to a desired airflow.

[0053] In the following explanation, the state in which the power supply unit 1 is connected to the fan device 20 will simply be referred to as the "connected state," and the state in which the power supply unit 1 is not connected to the fan device 20 will simply be referred to as the "unconnected state."

[0054] <Regarding surge voltages occurring in the power supply voltage> Consider the case where power supply unit 1 starts outputting power voltage in response to a power output instruction from the user while in an unconnected state, and is then connected to fan device 20. In other words, consider the case where power supply unit 1 changes from an unconnected state to a connected state while it is outputting power voltage. In this case, if power supply unit 1 is connected to fan device 20 while outputting a large power voltage, there is a possibility that a large surge voltage will occur in the input power supply voltage of fan device 20. Specifically, an inrush current may flow through the capacitor 211 in the control unit 21 of fan device 20, and this inrush current, along with the inductance component of the wiring that transmits the power voltage, such as cable 30, may cause a large surge voltage to occur in the input power supply voltage. If a large surge voltage occurs in the input power supply voltage, there is a possibility that the control IC 210 of fan device 20 may not be able to operate properly. In other words, there is a possibility that fan device 20 may not be able to operate properly.

[0055] Figure 8 is a graph showing an example of the time variation of the input power supply voltage. Figure 8 shows an example where a power supply unit 1, which outputs a large power supply voltage, is connected to the fan unit 20 at timing t0 (in other words, it changes from an unconnected state to a connected state at timing t0), and a large surge voltage Vs is generated in the input power supply voltage of the fan unit 20.

[0056] Thus, if power supply unit 1, which outputs a large power supply voltage, changes from an unconnected state to a connected state, and a large surge voltage occurs in the input power supply voltage of fan device 20, there is a possibility that fan device 20 may not be able to operate properly.

[0057] In this example, the power supply unit 1 can control the power supply voltage output by the power supply unit 3 so that the surge voltage generated in the input power supply voltage of the fan device 20 is reduced. This allows the fan device 20 to operate properly. In the following explanation, it is assumed that if the power supply unit 1 changes from an unconnected state to a connected state while outputting a power supply voltage higher than the reference voltage value, the surge voltage generated in the input power supply voltage may exceed the rating of the control IC 210, potentially preventing the fan device 20 from operating properly. The reference voltage value is, for example, 13V.

[0058] In this example, if the power supply voltage setting value specified by the user is greater than the reference voltage value, the control unit 2 sets the power supply voltage to the same value as the setting value when connected, while setting the power supply voltage to a value less than the setting value when disconnected. As a result, the power supply unit 1 can output a small power supply voltage when disconnected, even if the setting value is greater than the reference voltage value. Therefore, even if the power supply unit 1 changes from a disconnected state to a connected state while outputting power supply voltage, the surge voltage generated in the input power supply voltage will be small. On the other hand, if the power supply voltage setting value is less than or equal to the reference voltage value, the control unit 2 sets the power supply voltage to the same value as the setting value, regardless of whether it is connected or disconnected.

[0059] For example, consider the case where the output mode is the first mode, and the power supply voltage setting is a first voltage value (e.g., 24V) that is greater than the reference voltage value (e.g., 13V). In this case, the control unit 2 sets the power supply voltage to the first voltage value, as per the setting, when connected. On the other hand, when not connected, the control unit 2 sets the power supply voltage to a voltage value (also called the first low voltage value) that is smaller than the first voltage value, which is the setting value in the first mode. The first low voltage value may be, for example, 13V, the same as the reference voltage value. In this example, since the reference voltage value is the same as the third voltage value, which is the setting value in the third mode, the first low voltage value can be said to be the same as the third voltage value. When the output mode is the first mode, when not connected, the power supply voltage is set to a relatively small first low voltage value, so the power supply unit 1 in the first mode is connected to the fan device 20 while outputting a relatively small power supply voltage. Therefore, when the output mode is the first mode, the surge voltage generated in the input power supply voltage is reduced, and the fan device 20 can operate properly.

[0060] Furthermore, consider the case where the output mode is the second mode, and the power supply voltage setting is a second voltage value greater than the reference voltage value (for example, 18V). In this case, the control unit 2 sets the power supply voltage to the second voltage value as set when connected. On the other hand, when not connected, the control unit 2 sets the power supply voltage to a voltage value smaller than the second voltage value which is the setting value in the second mode (also called the second low voltage value). The second low voltage value may be the same as the reference voltage value, for example. In this case, the second low voltage value will be the same as the first low voltage value. When the output mode is the second mode, in the unconnected state, the power supply voltage is set to a relatively small second low voltage value, so the power supply unit 1 in the second mode is connected to the fan device 20 while outputting a relatively small power supply voltage. Therefore, when the output mode is the second mode, the surge voltage generated in the input power supply voltage is reduced, and the fan device 20 can operate properly.

[0061] Furthermore, consider the case where the output mode is the third mode, and the power supply voltage setting is a third voltage value (for example, 13V) that is less than or equal to the reference voltage value. In this case, the control unit 2 sets the power supply voltage to the third voltage value as set, regardless of whether the power supply unit 1 is connected to the fan device 20 or not. As a result, even in the third mode, the power supply unit 1 is connected to the fan device 20 while outputting a relatively small power supply voltage. Therefore, when the output mode is the third mode, the surge voltage generated in the input power supply voltage is reduced, and the fan device 20 can operate properly.

[0062] Furthermore, consider the case where the output mode is the fourth mode and the power supply voltage setting is a fourth voltage value (for example, 8V) that is less than or equal to the reference voltage value. In this case, the control unit 2 sets the power supply voltage to the fourth voltage value as set, regardless of whether the power supply unit 1 is connected to the fan device 20 or not. As a result, even in the fourth mode, the power supply unit 1 is connected to the fan device 20 while outputting a relatively small power supply voltage. Therefore, when the output mode is the fourth mode, the surge voltage generated in the input power supply voltage is reduced, and the fan device 20 can operate properly.

[0063] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing examples of power supply voltage values ​​in the connected state and in the disconnected state for each of the first, second, third, and fourth modes. In this example, the control unit 2 basically sets the power supply voltage to the same value as the set value, regardless of the output mode and whether it is connected or not, and exceptionally sets the power supply voltage to a value smaller than the set value in the disconnected state in the first and second modes. In the disconnected state, the control unit 2 sets the power supply voltage to a value less than or equal to the reference voltage value.

[0064] As described above, the power supply unit 1, which controls the power supply voltage, increases the power supply voltage from a first low voltage value (e.g., 13V) to a first voltage value (e.g., 24V) when it changes from an unconnected state to a connected state in the first mode, and outputs a power supply voltage that matches the set value. It can also be said that the control unit 2 changes the power supply voltage from a first low voltage value to a first voltage value in response to the change from an unconnected state to a connected state, provided that the set value is the first voltage value. Furthermore, in the first mode, when the power supply unit 1 becomes unconnected to the fan device 20 and changes from a connected state to an unconnected state, it decreases the power supply voltage from a first voltage value (e.g., 24V) to a first low voltage value (e.g., 13V), and outputs a power supply voltage lower than the set value. It can also be said that the control unit 2 changes the power supply voltage from a first voltage value to a first low voltage value in response to the change from a connected state to an unconnected state, provided that the set value is the first voltage value. Then, when the power supply unit 1 in the first mode is reconnected to the fan device 20 after being disconnected, and changes from a disconnected state to a connected state, it increases the power supply voltage again from the first low voltage value to the first voltage value.

[0065] Similarly, in the second mode, the power supply unit 1 increases the power supply voltage from the second low voltage value (e.g., 13V) to the second voltage value (e.g., 18V) in response to a change from an unconnected state to a connected state, and outputs a power supply voltage that matches the set value. Also, in the second mode, the power supply unit 1 decreases the power supply voltage from the second voltage value (e.g., 18V) to the second low voltage value (e.g., 13V) in response to a change from a connected state to an unconnected state, and outputs a power supply voltage lower than the set value. Then, when the power supply unit 1 changes again from an unconnected state to a connected state, it increases the power supply voltage again from the second low voltage value to the second voltage value.

[0066] In the third mode, the power supply unit 1 sets the power supply voltage to the third voltage value regardless of whether it is in an unconnected or connected state. Therefore, even when the power supply unit 1 in the third mode changes from an unconnected state to a connected state, or from a connected state to an unconnected state, it maintains the power supply voltage at the third voltage value and maintains the output power supply voltage as set. Similarly, in the fourth mode, the power supply unit 1 maintains the power supply voltage at the fourth voltage value and maintains the output power supply voltage as set, even when the power supply unit 1 changes from an unconnected state to a connected state, or from a connected state to an unconnected state.

[0067] Furthermore, in this example, when power supply unit 1 is not connected, the power supply voltage values ​​for the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode are all the same. Therefore, when it is not connected, even if the output mode changes between the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode, the power supply voltage does not change. On the other hand, when it is not connected, if the output mode changes between any one of the first, second, and third modes and the fourth mode, the power supply voltage changes. Also, when power supply unit 1 is connected, if the output mode changes, the power supply voltage changes.

[0068] In this example, the control unit 2 identifies the disconnected state and the connected state based, for example, on the detection result of the detection unit 7. It can also be said that the control unit 2 determines whether or not the state is connected based on the detection result of the detection unit 7.

[0069] For example, the control unit 2 determines that the device is disconnected when the power output current indicated by the detection result of the detection unit 7 is less than a threshold. On the other hand, the control unit 2 determines that the device is connected when the power output current indicated by the detection result of the detection unit 7 is equal to or greater than the threshold. The control unit 2 repeatedly performs the process of identifying the disconnected state and the connected state, in other words, the process of determining whether or not the device is connected. However, this is not the only way in which the control unit 2 identifies the disconnected state and the connected state based on the detection result of the detection unit 7.

[0070] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the time variation of the power supply voltage (first graph, upper) and an example of the time variation of the power supply output current (second graph, lower). The horizontal axis of both graphs represents time. The vertical axis of graph 1 represents the power supply voltage, and the vertical axis of graph 2 represents the power supply output current.

[0071] In the example shown in Figure 10, power supply unit 1, which is connected and not outputting power voltage, receives a power output instruction from the user at timing t1. Upon receiving the power output instruction, power supply unit 1 starts outputting power voltage. At this time, the output mode of power supply unit 1 is the third mode. Power supply unit 1 in the third mode sets the power voltage to the third voltage value V3 as set.

[0072] After timing t1, at timing t2, when the power supply unit 1 receives a change instruction from the user, it sets the output mode to the second mode. In the connected state and in the second mode, the power supply unit 1 sets the power supply voltage to the second voltage value V2 as set.

[0073] After timing t2, at timing t3, when the power supply unit 1 receives a change instruction from the user again, it sets the output mode to the first mode. In the connected state and in the first mode, the power supply unit 1 sets the power supply voltage to the first voltage value V1 as set.

[0074] After timing t3, at timing t4, when the power supply unit 1 changes from a connected state to an unconnected state, the power supply output current decreases, and the control unit 2 identifies the unconnected state based on the detection result of the detection unit 7. Then, in response to the change from a connected state to an unconnected state, at timing t5, the control unit 2 reduces the power supply voltage from a first voltage value V1 to a first low voltage value LV1.

[0075] After timing t5, at timing t6, when the power supply unit 1 changes from an unconnected state to a connected state, the output current of the power supply unit 1 increases, and the control unit 2 identifies the connected state based on the detection result of the detection unit 7. Then, in response to the change from an unconnected state to a connected state, at timing t7, the control unit 2 increases the power supply voltage from the first low voltage value LV1 to the set value first voltage value V1.

[0076] As described above, in this example, in the first and second modes, where the power supply voltage setting value is large, the power supply voltage is exceptionally set to a voltage value lower than the setting value when the device is not connected. As a result, the surge voltage generated in the input power supply voltage of the electrical device 20 when it changes from an unconnected state to a connected state is reduced. Therefore, the electrical device 20 can operate properly.

[0077] In the first mode, for example, when changing from an unconnected state to a connected state and changing the power supply voltage from a first low voltage value LV1 to a first voltage value V1, the control unit 2 may control the first change time from the first low voltage value LV1 to the first voltage value V1. Specifically, the control unit 2 may perform a first soft-start control that controls the first change time so that the first change time is larger. The first change time can also be called the rise time from the first low voltage value LV1 to the first voltage value V1. Here, the first change time when the first soft-start control is not performed is called the first uncontrolled change time. The first uncontrolled change time is, for example, several ms. In the first soft-start control, the control unit 2 controls the first change time so that the first change time is larger than the first uncontrolled change time. In other words, the control unit 2 performs a first soft-start control that controls the first change time so that the first change time is larger compared to the case when the first soft-start control is not performed. The control unit 2 may, in the first soft-start control, control the first change time so that, for example, the first change time is several hundred ms. In the example in Figure 10, the first soft-start control is executed when the power supply voltage changes from a first low voltage value LV1 to a first voltage value V1 at timing t7.

[0078] Similarly, in the second mode, when the control unit 2 changes from an unconnected state to a connected state and changes the power supply voltage from a second low voltage value to a second voltage value, it may control the second change time from the second low voltage value to the second voltage value. Specifically, the control unit 2 may perform a second soft-start control to control the second change time so that the second change time is larger. Here, the second change time when the second soft-start control is not performed is called the second uncontrolled change time. The second uncontrolled change time is, for example, several ms. In the second soft-start control, the control unit 2 controls the second change time so that the second change time is larger than the second uncontrolled change time. In the second soft-start control, the control unit 2 may control the second change time so that the second change time is, for example, several hundred ms.

[0079] In the first soft-start control, the control unit 2 may, for example, control the first change time by gradually increasing the power supply voltage by a predetermined amount, such that the first change time becomes greater than the first uncontrolled change time. The same applies to the second soft-start control.

[0080] Furthermore, when the control unit 2 changes the power supply voltage from a low voltage value less than the first voltage value V1 to the first voltage value V1, regardless of the first low voltage value, it may always perform soft start control to control the change time so that the change time from the low voltage value to the first voltage value V1 is increased. Similarly, when the control unit 2 changes the power supply voltage from a low voltage value less than the second voltage value V2 to the second voltage value V2, regardless of the second low voltage value, it may always perform soft start control to control the change time so that the change time from the low voltage value to the second voltage value V2 is increased.

[0081] For example, in a connected state, soft start control may be performed when the output mode changes from the second mode to the first mode, and the voltage changes from the second voltage value V2, which is smaller than the first voltage value V1, to the first voltage value V1. Also, in a connected state, soft start control may be performed when the output mode changes from the third mode to the second mode, and the voltage changes from the third voltage value V3, which is smaller than the second voltage value V2, to the second voltage value V2. In the example in Figure 10, soft start control is performed when the power supply voltage changes from the second voltage value V2 to the first voltage value V1 at timing t3. Also, in the example in Figure 10, soft start control is performed when the power supply voltage changes from the third voltage value V3 to the second voltage value V2 at timing t2.

[0082] The control unit 2 may, in soft-start control, ensure that the time it takes for the power supply voltage to change to a predetermined value remains constant. For example, the time it takes for the voltage to change from a second voltage value V2 to a first voltage value V1 in the connected state is defined as the third change time, and the time it takes for the voltage to change from a third voltage value V3 to a second voltage value V2 in the connected state is defined as the fourth change time. The soft-start control may be performed such that the third change time, the fourth change time, and the first and second change times described above are all the same value (for example, several hundred ms).

[0083] In this way, when the power supply voltage changes to a large voltage value, the time it takes for the voltage to change to that large value is controlled, thereby reducing the surge voltage generated in the input power supply voltage of the electrical device 20. Therefore, the electrical device 20 can operate properly.

[0084] Furthermore, the control unit 2 may also perform soft-start control when the power supply voltage changes from the fourth voltage value V4 to the third voltage value V3. In addition, the control unit 2 may perform soft-start control when the input unit 5 receives a power output instruction from the user and the power supply voltage changes from 0V to the third voltage value V3.

[0085] In the example above, the first and second low voltage values ​​were the same as the third voltage value (e.g., 13V), but they may be different from the third voltage value. For example, the first and second low voltage values ​​may be less than the third voltage value. In this case, the first and second low voltage values ​​may be the same as the fourth voltage value (e.g., 8V), or they may be different from the fourth voltage value.

[0086] Furthermore, in the example above, the first low voltage value was the same as the second low voltage value, but it may be different from the second low voltage value. For example, the first low voltage value may be 13V and the second low voltage value may be less than 13V, or the first low voltage value may be less than 13V and the second low voltage value may be 13V.

[0087] When the power supply voltage setting is the first voltage value V1 (in other words, in the first mode), the control unit 2 may change the power supply voltage from the first voltage value V1 to the first low voltage value when a change occurs from a connected state to an unconnected state, and the elapsed time in the unconnected state since that change (timing t4 in the example of Figure 10) exceeds a threshold value. In other words, the control unit 2 may maintain the power supply voltage at the first voltage value V1 when the elapsed time is less than the threshold value. Hereafter, this elapsed time will be referred to as the "elapsed time in the unconnected state".

[0088] Here, if the time elapsed in the disconnected state is short, the decrease in the amount of charge stored in the capacitor 211 of the control unit 21 of the fan device 20 is small during the disconnected state. Therefore, even if a power supply unit 1 that outputs a large power supply voltage is connected to the fan device 20 when the time elapsed in the disconnected state is short, the surge voltage generated in the input power supply voltage of the fan device 20 will not be very large. On the other hand, although the period from when a power supply unit 1 that outputs a power supply voltage lower than the set value is connected to the fan device 20 until the power supply voltage increases to the set value is short, the value of the power supply voltage during that period will be lower than the set value. Therefore, during that period, the airflow of the fan device 20 will be smaller than the airflow desired by the user, which may cause the user to feel uncomfortable.

[0089] As in the example above, when the power supply voltage setting value of the control unit 2 is a first voltage value V1 (for example, 24V), if the elapsed time in the disconnected state exceeds a threshold, the control unit 2 changes the power supply voltage from the first voltage value V1 to a first low voltage value. This ensures that when the power supply 1 changes from a disconnected state to a connected state, the airflow of the fan device 20 does not change if the elapsed time in the disconnected state is less than the threshold. In other words, when the elapsed time in the disconnected state is less than the threshold, the control unit 2 maintains the power supply voltage at the first voltage value V1, so that the airflow of the fan device 20 does not change when the power supply 1 goes from a disconnected state to a connected state immediately afterward. This makes it less likely for the user to feel any discomfort and improves the convenience of the fan device 20. The threshold value compared with the elapsed time in the disconnected state is set based on the capacitance of the capacitor 211, etc., and may be set to, for example, about 1 second.

[0090] In the example above, the power supply unit 1 is connected to the electrical device 20 via the cable 30, but it may also be connected directly to the electrical device 20. For example, the connector 6 of the power supply unit 1 may be directly mated with the connector 24 of the electrical device 20.

[0091] As described above, power supply units and sets have been described in detail, but the above descriptions are illustrative in all respects, and this disclosure is not limited thereto. Furthermore, the various examples described above can be combined and applied insofar as they do not contradict each other. And it is understood that countless examples not illustrated can be conceivable without falling outside the scope of this disclosure.

[0092] This disclosure includes the following:

[0093] In one embodiment, (1) the power supply device comprises a power supply unit that outputs a power supply voltage supplied to an electrical device, and a control unit that controls the power supply voltage output by the power supply unit, wherein when the power supply voltage setting value specified by the user is a first value, the control unit sets the power supply voltage to a second value smaller than the first value when the power supply device is not connected to the electrical device, and sets the power supply voltage to the first value when the power supply device is connected to the electrical device.

[0094] (2) In the power supply device of (1) above, if the set value is a third value greater than the first value, the control unit sets the power supply voltage to a fourth value less than the third value in the unconnected state, and sets the power supply voltage to the third value in the connected state.

[0095] (3) In the power supply device of (1) or (2) above, if the control unit is a fifth value that is smaller than the first value, the control unit sets the power supply voltage to the fifth value, regardless of whether the power supply device is connected to the electrical device or not.

[0096] (4) The power supply device of (3) above, wherein the second value matches the fifth value.

[0097] (5) Any one of the power supply devices described in (1) to (4) above, wherein the control unit changes the power supply voltage from the second value to the first value in accordance with the change from the unconnected state to the connected state when the set value is the first value.

[0098] (6) In the power supply device of (5) above, the control unit controls the time of change from the second value to the first value when changing the power supply voltage from the second value to the first value.

[0099] (7) Any one of the power supply devices described in (1) to (6) above, wherein the control unit changes the power supply voltage from the first value to the second value in accordance with the change from the connected state to the disconnected state when the set value is the first value.

[0100] (8) In the power supply device of (7) above, if the set value is the first value, the control unit changes the power supply voltage from the first value to the second value when a change occurs from the connected state to the disconnected state and the elapsed time of the disconnected state since the change is greater than or equal to a threshold value.

[0101] (9) Any one of the power supply devices described in (1) to (8) above, further comprising a detection unit for detecting the current flowing through the power supply device, wherein the power supply device identifies the unconnected state and the connected state based on the detection result of the detection unit.

[0102] (10) Any one of the power supply devices described in (1) to (9) above, wherein the power supply device can be connected to the electrical device via a cable.

[0103] In one embodiment, the (11) set comprises one of the power supply devices described in (1) to (10) above, and an electrical device to which a power supply voltage is supplied from the power supply device.

[0104] In one embodiment, the (12) set comprises one of the power supply devices described in (1) to (10) above, an electrical device to which a power voltage is supplied from the power supply device, and clothing to which the electrical device can be attached.

[0105] 1 Power supply unit 2 Control unit 3 Power supply unit 7 Detection unit 20 Electrical device 30 Cable 40, 60 Set 50 Clothing LV1 First low voltage value LV2 Second low voltage value V1 First voltage value V2 Second voltage value V3 Third voltage value V4 Fourth voltage value

Claims

1. A power supply device comprising: a power supply unit that outputs a power supply voltage supplied to an electrical device; and a control unit that controls the power supply voltage output by the power supply unit, wherein the control unit, when the power supply voltage setting value specified by the user is a first value, sets the power supply voltage to a second value smaller than the first value when the power supply device is not connected to the electrical device, and sets the power supply voltage to the first value when the power supply device is connected to the electrical device.

2. A power supply device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit, when the set value is a third value greater than the first value, sets the power supply voltage to a fourth value less than the third value in the unconnected state, and sets the power supply voltage to the third value in the connected state.

3. A power supply device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the control unit sets the power supply voltage to the fifth value, regardless of whether the power supply device is connected to the electrical device, when the set value is a fifth value smaller than the first value.

4. A power supply device according to claim 3, wherein the second value matches the fifth value.

5. A power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit changes the power supply voltage from a second value to a first value in accordance with the change from the unconnected state to the connected state when the set value is the first value.

6. A power supply device according to claim 5, wherein the control unit controls the time of change from the second value to the first value when changing the power supply voltage from the second value to the first value.

7. A power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control unit changes the power supply voltage from the first value to the second value in response to a change from the connected state to the disconnected state when the set value is the first value.

8. A power supply device according to claim 7, wherein the control unit changes the power supply voltage from the first value to the second value when the set value is the first value, a change occurs from the connected state to the disconnected state, and the elapsed time from the disconnected state since the change exceeds a threshold value.

9. A power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a detection unit for detecting current flowing through the power supply device, wherein the power supply device identifies the unconnected state and the connected state based on the detection result of the detection unit.

10. A power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the power supply device can be connected to the electrical device via a cable.

11. A set comprising a power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, and an electrical device to which a power supply voltage is supplied from the power supply device.

12. A set comprising a power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, an electrical device to which a power supply voltage is supplied from the power supply device, and clothing to which the electrical device can be attached.

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