JP5248575B2 - AC adapter and power supply system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an AC adapter and a power supply system.

  A notebook personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a notebook PC), which is a representative electronic device, includes a battery pack including a rechargeable storage battery, and further converts an AC voltage of a commercial power source into a predetermined DC voltage. An AC adapter can be connected. The notebook PC can be supplied with power from either the battery pack or the AC adapter. The power supplied from the AC adapter to the notebook PC is used to drive the notebook PC, and at the same time, is used to charge a battery pack built in the notebook PC.

  In recent years, it has become more important to reduce power consumption due to standby power consumption (hereinafter referred to as standby power) of electrical equipment. Standby power refers to the power consumed when an electrical device is not performing its original utility. For example, the power consumed when a TV, VCR, air conditioner, etc. is waiting for a remote control operation. That is true. It is said that about 10% to 1.5% of the power consumed in ordinary households is standby power. With the widespread use of notebook PCs, there is a need for further reduction in standby power in notebook PC power supply systems. Reducing standby power consumption of electrical products is one of the major issues from the viewpoint of global warming countermeasures as well as saving electricity charges, and is one of important product specifications.

  Since notebook PCs have the aspect of pursuing miniaturization and weight reduction, AC adapters are usually prepared separately from notebook PCs. The user of the notebook PC usually connects the power plug on the primary side of the AC adapter to the outlet of the commercial power supply even when the notebook PC is powered off. However, since the AC adapter has an oscillation circuit on the primary side, the oscillation circuit continues to operate and consumes standby power as long as the power plug on the primary side is connected to the commercial power supply. The standby power of the AC adapter in this case is about 0.2 to 0.5 W as an example.

  As a method of reducing standby power by turning off the primary side circuit of the AC adapter when the notebook PC is powered off, for example, by providing a mechanical switch on the AC adapter and manually turning on / off the primary side circuit of the AC adapter Thus, a method of reducing standby power can be considered. However, this method is inconvenient for the user because the user needs to manually turn on / off the switch.

  By the way, when carrying a notebook PC for a long time, since it is necessary to carry the AC adapter prepared separately from the notebook PC, there also exists a problem that portability is bad.

JP 2002-62953 A JP-A-11-259187 JP 2008-125270 A

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and provides an AC adapter and a power supply system capable of reducing standby power of an AC adapter used in an information processing apparatus with a simple and low-cost configuration. For the purpose.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention is an AC adapter that is detachably connected to a docking interface of an information processing apparatus, and an AC voltage input via a power plug is converted to DC. AC-DC conversion means for converting to voltage and outputting to the information processing apparatus via the docking interface; connection detection means for detecting connection with the information processing apparatus via the docking interface; A power state detection unit that detects a power state of the information processing apparatus via a docking interface; a control unit that controls ON / OFF of the AC-DC conversion unit based on a detection result of the power state detection unit; , Provided.

  Further, according to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the power state detection means is a power supply request signal for turning on / off a predetermined power of the DC-DC conversion means of the information processing apparatus or DC-DC conversion of the information processing apparatus. It is desirable to detect a power state of the information processing apparatus by monitoring a predetermined power source output from the means.

  According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the control means turns off the AC-DC conversion means when the power state detection means detects that the predetermined power source is turned off, while the power state detection means It is desirable to turn on the AC-DC conversion means when the means detects that the predetermined power source is turned on.

  According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, it is desirable that the AC adapter is a docking device that is externally attached to the information processing device.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention includes an information processing apparatus to which a battery can be attached, and an AC adapter that is detachably connected to a docking interface of the information processing apparatus. The AC adapter includes an AC-DC converter that converts an AC voltage input via a power plug into a DC voltage and outputs the DC voltage to the information processing apparatus via the docking interface. A connection detection unit that detects a connection with the information processing device via the docking interface, a power state detection unit that detects a power state of the information processing device via the docking interface, and the power state Control means for controlling ON / OFF of the AC-DC conversion means based on the detection result of the detection means. The information processing apparatus converts a DC voltage supplied from the AC adapter via the tracking interface or a DC voltage supplied from the battery into a desired DC voltage, and supplies power to each part of the information processing apparatus. DC-DC conversion means for supplying power, and power management means for controlling ON / OFF of the DC-DC conversion means.

  Further, according to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the power state detection means is a power supply request signal for turning on / off a predetermined power of the DC-DC conversion means of the information processing apparatus or DC-DC conversion of the information processing apparatus. It is desirable to detect a power state of the information processing apparatus by monitoring a predetermined power source output from the means.

  Further, according to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the power management means is configured to perform the DC-DC conversion when the system power is turned off when the AC adapter is on and the information processing apparatus is in an operating state. Preferably, the power output from the means is turned off, and the control means turns off the AC adapter when the power state detection means detects that the predetermined power supply is turned off.

  Further, according to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the power management means is configured such that when the system power is turned on when the AC adapter is OFF and the information processing apparatus is in a power-off state, the DC-DC It is desirable that the predetermined power output from the conversion means is turned on, and the control means turns on the AC adapter when the power state detection means detects the power on.

  According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the power management means turns off the system power when the AC adapter is ON, the information processing apparatus is in an operating state, and the battery is being charged. And charging until the remaining amount of the battery reaches a threshold value or more, and when the charging of the battery ends, the predetermined power output from the DC-DC conversion means is turned off, and the control means It is desirable to turn off the AC adapter when the detection means detects that the predetermined power supply is turned off.

  Further, according to a preferred aspect of the present invention, when the AC adapter is OFF and the information processing apparatus is in a power-off state, the power management means connects the battery when the battery is newly connected. And the control means turns on the AC adapter when the power state detection means detects that the predetermined power supply is turned on. The power management means checks the remaining amount of the battery, charges the battery until it reaches a threshold value or more, turns off a predetermined power output from the DC-DC conversion means, and the control means It is desirable to turn off the AC adapter when the power state detection means detects that the predetermined power supply is turned off.

  According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the power management means detects the connection of the AC adapter when the AC adapter is connected when the information processing apparatus is in a power-off state. The predetermined power output from the DC-DC converting means is turned on, and the control means turns on the AC adapter when the power state detecting means detects that the predetermined power is turned on. The management means checks the remaining amount of the battery, performs charging until the remaining amount becomes equal to or greater than a threshold value, and then turns off the predetermined power output from the DC-DC conversion means, and the control means It is preferable that the AC adapter is turned off when the power state detecting means detects that the predetermined power source is turned off.

  Further, according to a preferred aspect of the present invention, when the AC adapter is OFF and the information processing apparatus is in a power-off state, the DC-DC conversion unit periodically performs a timer event operation. Timer event generating means for turning on the predetermined power to be output; and the control means turns on the AC adapter when the power state detecting means detects the ON of the predetermined power, and the power supply The management means checks the remaining amount of the battery, performs charging until the remaining amount is equal to or greater than a threshold value, then turns off a predetermined power output from the DC-DC conversion means, the control means, It is desirable to turn off the AC adapter when the power state detection means detects that the predetermined power supply is turned off.

  Moreover, according to a preferable aspect of the present invention, it is desirable that the information processing apparatus is further configured to be connected to a normal AC adapter.

  According to the AC adapter of the present invention, the AC adapter is detachably connected to the docking interface of the information processing apparatus, and converts the AC voltage input via the power plug into a DC voltage, and AC-DC conversion means for outputting to the information processing device via an interface, connection detection means for detecting connection with the information processing device via the docking interface, and the information via the docking interface A power state detection unit that detects a power state of the processing device, and a control unit that controls the AC-DC conversion unit based on the detection result of the power state detection unit. AC adapter that can reduce standby power consumption of the AC adapter with a simple and low-cost configuration An effect that it is possible to provide.

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a notebook PC and an AC adapter (docking device) connected to the notebook PC. FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the power supply system related to the notebook PC and AC adapter of FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a flow for explaining an operation example 1 of the power supply system of FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a flow for explaining an operation example 2 of the power supply system of FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a flow for explaining an operation example 2 of the power supply system of FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a flow for explaining an operation example 2 of the power supply system of FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a flow for explaining an operation example 2 of the power supply system of FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a flow for explaining an operation example 2 of the power supply system of FIG.

  Embodiments of an AC adapter and a power supply system according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments. In addition, constituent elements in the following embodiments include those that can be easily assumed by those skilled in the art or that are substantially the same. Although the components of the present invention are generally shown in the drawings of the present specification, it can be readily understood that they may be designed in a wide variety of configurations with various configurations. Accordingly, the following more detailed description of an apparatus embodiment of the invention is not intended to limit the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims, but merely as an example of a selected embodiment of the invention. is there. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the present invention can be implemented without one or more of the specific details or with other methods, parts, or materials with the aid of known techniques.

  In this embodiment, an AC adapter can be mounted on a notebook PC as a docking device, and the notebook PC is configured so that an AC adapter as a docking device and a normal AC adapter can be mounted. Yes. In the present embodiment, the AC adapter detects the connection with the notebook PC and its power state via the docking I / F, and performs power saving control on the inside based on the detected power state.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a notebook PC 1 and an AC adapter (docking device) 10 connected to the notebook PC 1.

  A notebook PC 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a main body housing 2 and a lid 3. The main body housing 2 is a box that houses components (not shown) such as a CPU that is a control means and a memory that is a storage means. On the upper surface of the main body housing 2, a keyboard 4 which is an input device configured by arranging a plurality of key tops 4a is provided. A DC input terminal 6 for externally connecting a normal AC adapter 50 is provided on the side surface of the main body housing 2.

  Further, on the bottom surface of the main body housing 2, an engagement hole for engaging a PC-side connector (see FIG. 2) connected to a docking device-side connector 12 described later and a hook member 13 provided on the docking device 10. (Not shown) is provided.

  The lid 3 is a box housing a display device 8 such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic EL display. As shown in FIG. The end is rotatably supported. When the lid 3 is opened with respect to the main body housing 2, the display device 8 is exposed toward the front side of the main body housing 2 and the upper surface of the main body housing 2 is opened. On the other hand, if it is rotated via the hinge portion 9, it functions as a cover that simultaneously covers the upper surface of the main body housing 2 and the display device 8.

  The docking device that is an AC adapter 10 is a device that places the above-described notebook PC 1 on the upper surface 11 and connects to the notebook PC 1 to expand the functions of the notebook PC 1, and includes a “docking station” and a “port replicator”. And “function expansion device”. The AC adapter 10 is provided with a docking device side connector 12 and a pair of hook members 13 on an upper surface 11 thereof. A PC-side connector (docking I / F) is electrically connected to the docking device-side connector (docking I / F) 12, and a hook member 13 provided on the AC adapter 10 is provided in the engagement hole of the notebook PC 1. By engaging, the state in which the notebook PC 1 is mechanically coupled to the AC adapter 10 is maintained.

  The AC adapter 10 accommodates therein a board on which an AC-DC conversion circuit and the like are mounted and a power plug 14. The user can take out the power plug 14 automatically or manually by a mechanism (not shown). Yes.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing a main configuration of the power supply system 60 related to the notebook PC 1. FIG. 2 shows only the parts necessary for explaining the embodiment of the present invention, and other configurations are omitted. The power supply system 60 includes a notebook PC main body 30, a battery pack 40 that is detachably incorporated, and the AC adapter 10 shown in FIG.

  The notebook PC main body 30 includes a PC-side connector 7 having a plurality of pins 7 a and a DC input terminal 6, and an AC adapter 10 that can be connected to the PC-side connector 7 and a DC input terminal 6. Commercial power can be supplied from two systems including an external AC adapter 50. The notebook PC main body 30 complies with ACPI, and performs power supply control according to the system state (ACPI state). The system states are defined as six states S0 to S5, where S0 is a full operation state, S1 is a low power consumption state (however, both the processor and chipset are powered on), and S2 is a low power consumption state (however, the processor And the cache are powered off, the chipset is powered on), S3 is in a standby state, S4 is in a dormant state, and S5 is powered off by software (power-off state of the notebook PC body 30).

  The notebook PC main body 30 includes a power management unit 31, a DC-DC conversion unit 35, a charger 36, and the like. The power management unit 31 performs power management of the notebook PC main body 100, and includes an embedded controller 32, a power management circuit 33, a SW power supply unit 34, and the like.

  The embedded controller 32 is an integrated circuit that controls many hardware elements constituting the notebook PC main body 30 in addition to the power supply. The embedded controller 32 communicates with the MPU 41 of the battery pack 40 via the signal line P5 to obtain information on the current current value, voltage value, and remaining amount of the battery (storage battery) 42. The embedded controller 32 controls the charger 36 to charge the battery 42.

  The embedded controller 32 controls the DC-DC converter 35 together with the power management circuit 33, and switches the range of power supply according to the system states S0 to S5 of the notebook PC main body 30. Further, the embedded controller 32 is connected to an LPC bus (not shown), and can be connected to and communicate with various hardware elements constituting the notebook PC 1 therefrom.

  The power supplied from the AC adapter 10 and the battery pack 40 is converted into a desired voltage by the DC-DC converter 35 and supplied to each part in the notebook PC main body 30. The DC-DC converter 35 includes a plurality of DC-DC converters, and the embedded controller 32 and the power management circuit 33 turn on each DC-DC converter according to the system states S0 to S5 of the notebook PC main body 30. / OFF is controlled to switch the power supply range.

  Since the power management circuit 33 needs to power up the system in response to the power-on operation even when the notebook PC main body 30 is in the power-off state (S5), the power management circuit 33 always switches from the AC adapter 10 or the battery pack 40 to SW. Power is supplied through the power supply unit 34. The power management circuit 33 controls ON / OFF of each DC-DC converter of the DC-DC converter 35 by a power request signal. Here, a power source that supplies 3.3V to the embedded controller 32 and the like is referred to as an M1 power source, and a power source that supplies a voltage of 5V is referred to as an M2 power source. This M1 power supply is normally turned off last.

  In the figure, only the signal line P4 to which a power supply request signal for turning on / off the M1 power supply is shown is shown, and signal lines for turning on / off other power supplies are not shown. The signal line P4 is connected to the detection / control unit 26 of the AC adapter 10 via the docking I / F. The power management circuit 33 asserts a power request signal (for M1 power) when turning on the M1 power output from the DC-DC converter 35, and power supply request signal (M1 power) when turning off the M1 power. For the negate.

  The SW power supply unit 34 converts the DC voltage VINT supplied from the AC adapter 10 or the DC voltage supplied from the battery pack 40 into an SW power supply that is a predetermined voltage, and supplies the SW power supply to the power management circuit 33. That is, the SW power supply is ON except when the remaining power of the battery 42 is zero and when the battery pack 40 is not attached even when power is not supplied from the AC adapter 10.

  The power management unit 31 is connected to the DC input terminal 6 and the detection / control unit 26 of the AC adapter 10 via the signal line P1. The power management unit 31 detects the identification signal ACDC-ID output from the normal adapter 50 or the detection / control unit 26 via the signal line P1, determines the type of the AC adapter, and according to the type of the AC adapter. Execute power control.

  The battery pack 40 is attached to the notebook PC body 30 and conforms to the SBS standard. In addition to the battery (storage battery) 41, the battery pack 40 includes an MPU 42 and many other electronic circuits not shown in detail. Under the control of the MPU 41, these electronic circuits control the power supply system supplied from the battery pack 40 to the notebook PC main body 30, adjust the voltage, measure the voltage and current output from the battery 41, and the like. The power output from the battery 41 inside the battery pack 40 is output to the notebook PC main body 300.

  The AC adapter 10 has a function of grasping the power state of the notebook PC main body 30 via the docking I / F and reducing / cutting off the output when power supply is unnecessary to reduce standby power. The AC adapter 10 converts a docking device side connector 12 having a plurality of pins 12a, a power plug 14 to be inserted into a commercial power outlet, and a commercial power (AC voltage) input via the power plug 14 into a DC voltage. AC-DC converter 20, auxiliary power supply 24, detection / control unit 26, and switch unit 25.

  The AC-DC converter 20 includes a primary circuit 21 connected to the power plug 14, an insulation transformer 22 having the primary circuit connected to the primary circuit 21, and a secondary circuit connected to the secondary circuit of the insulation transformer 22. And a secondary circuit 23. Since the AC-DC conversion unit 20, the auxiliary power supply 24, and the switch unit 25 are known circuits, a detailed description thereof will be omitted here. Can be used (adopted).

  The primary side circuit 21 includes a rectifying bridge diode that performs full-wave rectification of an AC voltage, a capacitor that smoothes the voltage subjected to full-wave rectification, and the like.

  The secondary side circuit 22 includes a zener diode or the like for adjusting the output voltage output to the notebook PC main body 30 to a predetermined value range, and the DC voltage VINT is supplied to the signal line. The data is output to the notebook PC main body 30 via the docking I / F through P2.

  A part of the DC voltage VINT is stored in an auxiliary power source 24 composed of a capacitor or the like, and the electric power stored in the auxiliary power source 24 is output to the detection / control unit 26. The switch unit 25 turns on / off the operation of the primary side circuit 21 under the control of the detection / control unit 26. As a method for turning on / off the operation of the primary side circuit 21, various known methods such as providing a switch for turning on / off the connection between the input from the power plug 14 and the primary side circuit 21 can be used.

  The detection / control unit 26 functions as a connection detection unit, a power state detection unit, and a control unit. Since the detection / control unit 26 needs to turn on the AC adapter 10 even when the AC adapter 10 is OFF, power is always supplied from the auxiliary power supply 24. The signal line P3 connected to the detection / control unit 26 is connected to the GND via the notebook PC main body 30 via the docking I / F (two pins). For example, the detection / control unit 26 sends a connection detection signal “H” to the signal line P3, and when the connection detection signal “H” changes to “L”, the detection / control unit 26 confirms that the connection to the notebook PC main body 30 is established. Can be detected. The signal line P3 is also connected to the power management circuit 33 of the notebook PC main body 30, and the power management circuit 33 can detect that the AC adapter 30 is connected by using the signal line P3. It has become.

  The detection / control unit 26 detects the power request signal input from the notebook PC main body 30 via the signal line P4, and detects the power state of the notebook PC main body 30 (ON / OFF of the M1 power supply). Here, the power request signal is detected to detect the power state, but the signal line of the M1 power supply is configured to be input to the detection / control unit 26 via the docking I / F, You may decide to detect directly ON / OFF of M1 power supply.

  The detection / control unit 26 controls ON / OFF of the primary side circuit 21 via the switch unit 25 based on the detection result of the power state of the notebook PC main body 30 (ON / OFF of the M1 power supply). When the primary circuit 21 is turned on, the DC voltage VINT is turned on via the tracking I / F and is output to the notebook PC main body 30. When the primary side circuit 21 is turned off, the DC voltage VINT is not output to the notebook PC main body 30 via the tracking I / F. The case where the primary side circuit 21 is turned on and the DC voltage VINT is turned on The case where the primary circuit 21 is OFF and the DC voltage VINT is not output is referred to as ON, and the AC adapter 10 is OFF. When the detection / control unit 26 detects that the M1 power supply is turned off, the primary circuit 21 is turned off and the AC adapter 10 is turned off. When the M1 power supply is turned on, the detection / control unit 26 turns on the primary circuit 21. The AC adapter 10 is turned on.

  Next, operation examples 1 to 6 of the power supply system 60 configured as shown in FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 8 are operation flows for explaining operation examples 1 to 6 of the power supply system 60, respectively.

(1) Operation example 1 (when the system power is turned off and the process proceeds to S5)
In FIG. 3, it is assumed that the AC adapter 10 and the battery pack 40 are connected to the notebook PC main body 30 (U11). When the system power is turned off (T12) when the AC adapter 10 is ON (S11) and the system is S0 (T11), the notebook PC main body 30 turns off the power other than the M1 power and proceeds to S5. (T13). The embedded controller 32 detects the connection of the AC adapter 10 using the identification signal AC-DCID (S14), and then instructs the power management circuit 33 to turn off the M1 power supply. The power management circuit 33 turns off the supply of the M1 power from the DC-DC converter 33 using the power request signal (for the M1 power) as a gate (T15).

  On the other hand, in the AC adapter 10, when the detection / control unit 26 detects that the M1 power supply is OFF (T12), the primary circuit 21 is turned OFF and the AC adapter 10 is turned OFF (S13). Thereby, it is possible to reduce standby power of the AC adapter 10 when the notebook PC 1 is powered off.

(2) Operation example 2 (when the system power supply is turned on and shifts to S0)
In FIG. 4, it is assumed that the AC adapter 10 is connected to the notebook PC main body 30, and the battery pack 40 is connected (U21). In the notebook PC main body 30, when the AC adapter 10 is OFF (T21) and the system is in the state S5 (T21) and the system power is turned ON (T22), the system shifts to S0 (T23), and the power management circuit 33 Turns on the supply of all M power from the DC-DC converter 35 (T24). In this state, since the DC voltage DCINT is not input from the AC adapter 10 to the DC-DC converter 35, the power from the battery pack 40 is temporarily received until the DC voltage DCINT is input. M power is supplied based on

  On the other hand, in the AC adapter 10, when the detection / control unit 26 detects the ON state of the M1 power supply (T24), the primary circuit 21 is turned ON and the AC adapter 10 is turned ON (S23). As a result, the DC voltage DCINT is output from the AC adapter 10.

(3) Operation example 3 (when the system power is turned off while charging the battery 42)
In FIG. 5, it is assumed that the notebook PC main body 30 is connected to the AC adapter 10 and the battery pack 40 is mounted. In the notebook PC body 30, when the system power is turned off (T32) while the AC adapter 10 is ON (S31), the system is S0 (T31), and the battery 42 is being charged (U31), the embedded controller 32 The power supply other than the M1 power supply is turned off and the process proceeds to S5 (T33), but the charging is continued until the remaining amount of the battery 42 becomes equal to or greater than the threshold value N1 (T34). When charging is completed, the embedded controller 32 detects the connection of the AC adapter 10 (T35), and instructs the power management circuit 33 to turn off the M1 power supply. The power management circuit 33 turns off the supply of the M1 power from the DC-DC converter 35 using the power request signal as a gate (T36).

  On the other hand, in the AC adapter 10, when the detection / control unit 26 detects that the M1 power supply is turned off (S32), the primary circuit 21 is turned off and the AC adapter 10 is turned off (S33). Thereby, even when the system power is turned off while charging the battery 42, the standby power of the AC adapter 10 can be reduced after the charging operation of the battery 42 is completed.

(4) Operation example 4 (when the battery pack is replaced in the state of S5)
In FIG. 6, it is assumed that the AC adapter 10 is connected to the notebook PC main body 30, and the battery pack 40 is connected (U41). In the notebook PC main body 30, the battery pack 40 is connected after the battery pack 40 is loaded and unloaded while the AC adapter 10 is OFF (S41) and the system is S5 (T41). (U42), SW power is supplied from the battery pack 40 to the power management circuit 33 via the SW power supply unit 34, and the power management circuit 33 is activated. When the power management circuit 33 detects the replacement (connection) of the battery pack 40 (T42), the power management circuit 33 asserts the power request signal (for M1 power) and turns on the supply of M1 power from the DC-DC converter 35 ( T43). As a result, the embedded controller 32 is activated.

  On the other hand, in the AC adapter 10, when the detection / control unit 26 detects that the M1 power supply is turned on (T42), the primary side circuit 21 is turned on and the AC adapter 10 is turned on (T43). As a result, the DC voltage DCINT is output from the AC adapter 10.

  The embedded controller 32 determines whether or not the remaining amount of the battery 42 is greater than or equal to the threshold N2 (T44). If the remaining amount of the battery 42 is not greater than or equal to the threshold N2 (“No” in T44), the embedded controller 32 Charging is performed until the remaining amount is equal to or greater than the threshold value N1 (T45, U43). The embedded controller 32 instructs the power management circuit 33 to turn off the M1 power supply when the remaining amount of the battery 42 is equal to or greater than the threshold value N2 (“Yes” in T44 or when charging is completed). Then, the supply of the M1 power from the DC-DC conversion unit 35 is turned off using the power request signal (for M1 power) as a gate (T46).

  On the other hand, in the AC adapter 10, when the detection / control unit 26 detects that the M1 power supply is turned off (S44), the primary circuit 21 is turned off and the AC adapter 10 is turned off (S45). Thereby, even when the battery pack 40 is replaced in a power-off state, the standby power of the AC adapter 10 can be reduced after the replacement of the replaced battery 42 is completed.

(5) Operation example 5 (when the AC adapter 10 is attached in the state of S5)
In FIG. 7, it is assumed that the battery pack 40 is attached to the notebook PC main body 30 (U51) and the AC adapter 10 is not connected. In the notebook PC main body 30, when the system is in the state of S5 (T51), when the AC adapter 10 is connected (S51), the power management circuit 33 detects the connection of the AC adapter 10 (T52), and the power supply The request signal (for M1 power supply) is asserted to turn on the supply of M1 power from the DC-DC converter 35 (T53). As a result, the embedded controller 32 is activated.

  On the other hand, in the AC adapter 10, when the detection / control unit 26 detects the ON state of the M1 power supply (T52), the primary side circuit 21 is turned ON and the AC adapter 10 is turned ON (S53). As a result, the DC voltage DCINT is output from the AC adapter 10. Here, the power management circuit 33 of the notebook PC main body 30 detects the connection of the AC adapter 10 and turns on the supply of the M1 power from the DC-DC conversion unit 35 according to the power request signal (for the M1 power supply). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and when the detection / control unit 26 of the AC adapter 10 detects the connection with the notebook PC main body 30 by the connection detection signal, the signal line P4 or the like is used. The configuration may be such that the embedded controller 32 is activated by turning on the supply of the M1 power from the DC-DC converter 35. As described above, when the AC adapter 10 detects the connection with the notebook PC main body 30, the M1 power supply from the DC-DC conversion unit 35 may be turned on from the AC adapter 10 side. Thereby, for example, even when the battery 42 of the notebook PC main body 30 is low, by connecting the AC adapter 10, first, the main power supply (M1 power supply) is turned on and charging of the battery 42 is started. It becomes possible to do.

  The embedded controller 32 determines whether or not the remaining amount of the battery 42 is equal to or greater than the threshold value N2 (T54), and if the remaining amount of the battery 42 is not equal to or greater than the threshold value N2 (T54 “No”), Charging is performed until the amount reaches the threshold value N1 or more (T55, U52). The embedded controller 32 instructs the power management circuit 33 to turn off the M1 power supply when the remaining amount of the battery 42 is equal to or greater than the threshold value N2 (T54 “Yes”) or when charging is completed. The power management circuit 33 turns off the supply of the M1 power from the DC-DC converter 35 using the power request signal (for the M1 power) as a gate (T56).

  On the other hand, in the AC adapter 10, when the detection / control unit 26 detects that the M1 power supply is turned off (S54), the primary circuit 21 is turned off and the AC adapter 10 is turned off (S55). Thereby, even when the AC adapter 10 is newly connected in the power-off state, the standby power of the AC adapter 10 can be reduced after the battery pack 40 is charged.

(6) Operation example 6 (when the battery capacity decreases in the state of S5)
In FIG. 8, it is assumed that the AC adapter 10 and the battery pack 40 are connected to the notebook PC main body 30 (U61). In the notebook PC main body 30, when the AC adapter 10 is OFF (S61) and the system is in the state S5 (T61), the power management circuit 33 periodically switches the M1 power supply of the DC-DC converter 33 by the timer event operation. The supply is turned on to wake up the embedded controller 32 (T62). Here, the power management circuit 33 is configured to wake up the embedded controller 32, but the detection / control unit 26 of the AC adapter 10 may wake up. The power management circuit 33 and the detection / control unit 26 function as timer event generation means.

  On the other hand, in the AC adapter 10, when the detection / control unit 26 detects that the M1 power supply is turned on (S62), the primary circuit 21 is turned on and the AC adapter 10 is turned on (S63). As a result, the DC voltage DCINT is output from the AC adapter 10.

  The embedded controller 32 determines whether or not the remaining amount of the battery 42 is equal to or greater than the threshold N2 (T63). If the remaining amount of the battery 42 is not equal to or greater than the threshold N2 (T63 “No”), the remaining battery 42 is left. Charging is performed until the amount reaches the threshold value N1 or more (T64, U62). The embedded controller 32 instructs the power management circuit 33 to turn off the M1 power supply when the remaining amount of the battery 42 is equal to or greater than the threshold N2 (“Yes” in T63) or when charging is completed. The power management circuit 33 turns off the supply of the M1 power from the DC-DC converter 35 using the power request signal (for the M1 power) as a gate (T65).

  On the other hand, in the AC adapter 10, when the detection / control unit 26 detects that the M1 power supply is turned off (S63), the primary circuit 21 is turned off and the AC adapter 10 is turned off (S64). Thereby, even after the capacity of the battery 42 is reduced in the power-off state, the standby power of the AC adapter 10 can be reduced after the battery 42 is charged.

  As described above, according to the AC adapter 10 of the present embodiment, the AC voltage that is detachably connected to the docking I / F of the notebook PC 1 and is input via the power plug 14 is converted into a DC voltage. Then, the connection between the AC-DC converter 20 that outputs to the notebook PC 1 through the docking I / F and the power state of the notebook PC 1 is detected through the docking I / F. Since it includes a detection / control unit 26 that controls ON / OFF of the AC-DC conversion unit 20 according to the detected power state, standby power of an AC adapter used in a notebook PC can be easily and low-cost. It becomes possible to reduce with a simple configuration. In addition, it is possible to detect the connection with the notebook PC 1 and its power state using the docking I / F, and there is no need to add another signal line for detecting the connection of the notebook PC 1 and its power state. Thus, a low-cost and simple configuration can be obtained.

  The detection / control unit 26 also turns on or off a predetermined power (M1 power) output from the DC-DC conversion unit 35 of the notebook PC 1 or a DC-DC conversion unit 35. Since the power state of the notebook PC 1 is detected by monitoring the predetermined power source output from the docking I / F, the power state of the notebook PC 1 is detected by a simple and low-cost method. It becomes possible.

  The detection / control unit 26 turns off the AC-DC conversion unit 20 when it detects that a predetermined power source is turned off, and turns on the AC-DC unit 20 when it detects that a predetermined power source is turned on. Thus, standby power reduction control of the AC adapter 10 can be performed in accordance with ON / OFF of a predetermined power supply of the notebook PC 1.

  In addition, since the AC adapter 10 is a docking device that is externally attached to the notebook PC 1, the AC adapter 10 can be carried and carried on the notebook PC 1, and the portability can be improved.

  In the above embodiment, the notebook PC has been described as an example of the power supply system according to the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and is applicable to all information processing apparatuses using an AC adapter. For example, the present invention can be applied to an information processing apparatus such as a PDA, a portable terminal, or a digital camera.

  As described above, the AC adapter and the power supply system according to the present invention are useful for reducing standby power.

1 Notebook PC
2 Body housing 3 Lid 4 Keyboard 6 DC input terminal 8 PC side connector (docking I / F)
8 Display device 9 Hinge part 10 AC adapter (docking device)
11 Upper surface 12 Docking device side connector (docking I / F)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 13 Hook 14 Power plug 20 AC-DC conversion part 21 Primary side circuit 22 Isolation transformer 23 Secondary side circuit 24 Auxiliary power supply 25 Switch part 26 Detection / control part 30 Notebook PC main body 31 Power supply management part 32 Embedded controller 33 Power management circuit 34 SW power supply unit 35 DC-DC conversion unit 36 charger 40 battery pack 41 MPU
42 battery 50 normal AC adapter 60 power supply system

Claims (12)

A docking device detachably attached to the docking interface of the information processing device ,
AC-DC conversion means for converting an AC voltage input via a power plug into a DC voltage and outputting the DC voltage to the information processing device via the docking interface;
A connection detecting means for detecting a connection with the information processing apparatus via the docking interface;
Power state detection means for detecting the power state of the information processing device via the docking interface;
Control means for controlling ON / OFF of the AC-DC conversion means based on the detection result of the power state of the power state detection means;
A docking device comprising: The power state detection unit monitors a power supply request signal for turning on / off a predetermined power source of the DC-DC conversion unit of the information processing apparatus or the predetermined power source output from the DC-DC conversion unit of the information processing apparatus. The docking device according to claim 1, wherein a power state of the information processing device is detected. The control unit turns off the AC-DC conversion unit when the power state detection unit detects that the predetermined power source is turned off, and detects that the predetermined power source is turned on by the power state detection unit. when docking device according to claim 2, wherein the turning oN of the AC-DC conversion means. A power supply system comprising: an information processing device capable of mounting a battery; and a docking device detachably attached to a docking interface of the information processing device,
The docking device is
AC-DC conversion means for converting an AC voltage input via a power plug into a DC voltage and outputting the DC voltage to the information processing device via the docking interface;
A connection detecting means for detecting a connection with the information processing apparatus via the docking interface;
Power state detection means for detecting the power state of the information processing device via the docking interface;
Control means for controlling ON / OFF of the AC-DC conversion means based on the detection result of the power state detection means;
Including
The information processing apparatus includes:
DC-DC conversion for converting a DC voltage supplied from the docking device via the tracking interface or a DC voltage supplied from the battery into a desired DC voltage and supplying power to each unit of the information processing device Means,
Power management means for controlling ON / OFF of the DC-DC conversion means;
A power supply system comprising: The power state detection unit monitors a power supply request signal for turning on / off a predetermined power source of the DC-DC conversion unit of the information processing apparatus or the predetermined power source output from the DC-DC conversion unit of the information processing apparatus. The power supply system according to claim 4 , wherein a power state of the information processing apparatus is detected. The power management means turns off the power output from the DC-DC conversion means when the system power is turned off when the docking device is ON and the information processing device is in operation.
The power supply system according to claim 5 , wherein the control unit turns off the AC adapter when the power state detection unit detects that the predetermined power supply is turned off. When the system power supply is turned on when the docking device is OFF and the information processing device is in a power-off state, the power management means supplies the predetermined power output from the DC-DC conversion means. ON,
6. The power supply system according to claim 5 , wherein the control unit turns on the docking device when the power state detection unit detects that the predetermined power supply is turned on. When the system power is turned off when the docking device is ON, the information processing device is in operation, and the battery is being charged, the power management means determines that the remaining battery level is equal to or greater than a threshold value. Until the battery is charged, and when the charging of the battery is completed, the power output from the DC-DC converting means is turned off,
6. The power supply system according to claim 5 , wherein the control unit turns off the AC adapter when the power state detection unit detects that the predetermined power supply is turned off. The power management means detects the connection of the battery when the battery is newly connected when the docking device is OFF and the information processing device is in a power-off state, and then the DC-DC conversion means. Turn on the predetermined power output from
The control means turns on the docking device when the power state detection means detects the ON of the predetermined power supply,
The power management means checks the remaining amount of the battery, charges the battery until it reaches a threshold value or more, turns off the predetermined power output from the DC-DC conversion means,
The power supply system according to claim 5 , wherein the control unit turns off the docking device when the power state detection unit detects that the predetermined power supply is turned off. When the AC adapter is connected when the information processing apparatus is in a power-off state, the power management means detects the connection of the docking apparatus and then outputs the predetermined output from the DC-DC conversion means Turn on the power of
The control means turns on the docking device when the power state detection means detects the ON of the predetermined power source,
The power management means checks the remaining amount of the battery, and after charging until the remaining amount exceeds a threshold value, turns off the predetermined power output from the DC-DC conversion means,
The power supply system according to claim 5 , wherein the control unit turns off the docking device when the power state detection unit detects that the predetermined power supply is turned off. further,
When the docking device is OFF and the information processing device is in a power-off state, a timer event that periodically turns on the predetermined power output from the DC-DC conversion means in a timer event operation With generating means,
The control means turns on the docking device when the power state detection means detects the ON of the predetermined power supply,
The power management means checks the remaining amount of the battery, and after charging until the remaining amount exceeds a threshold value, turns off the predetermined power output from the DC-DC conversion means,
The power supply system according to claim 5 , wherein the control unit turns off the docking device when the power state detection unit detects that the predetermined power supply is turned off. The power supply system according to any one of claims 4 to 11 , wherein the information processing apparatus is further configured to be connected to a normal AC adapter.

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