Power terminal control apparatus, power terminal control method, program, and storage medium

Abstract

To prevent an electric driving part from having a high temperature along with continuous switching.SOLUTION: With a control apparatus and a control method for a power terminal 20, a solenoid 110 regulates so as to prohibit a lock part 96 from switching a lock state and an unlock state of a release button 90 for wait time Tw. Alternatively, the solenoid 110 regulates the lock part 96 so as to switch the lock state and the unlock state of the release button 90 by separating the wait time Tw.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device for a power terminal, a control method for a power terminal, a program, and a storage medium. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a power supply connector for an inverter device. The power supply connector is connected to a power supply port of a fuel cell vehicle. The power supply connector has an electromagnetic lock. The electromagnetic lock switches the connection between the power supply connector and the power supply port between a locked state and an unlocked state. In the locked state, the power supply connector is prohibited from being removed from the power supply port. In the unlocked state, the power supply connector can be removed from the power supply port. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-198289 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] If the electromagnetic lock operates multiple times in a short period of time and the connection between the power supply connector and the power supply port is switched between a locked state and an unlocked state consecutively, the electromagnetic lock may become hot.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A first aspect of the present invention is a control device for a power terminal provided at an end of a power line extending from a power device, and detachably provided to another power terminal of another power device, the power terminal having an engaging portion that engages with an engaged portion of the other power terminal when attached to the other power terminal, an input portion that receives operation from a user, and a connection mechanism that mechanically connects the engaging portion and the input portion, the engaging portion being provided to be located at a first position where it engages with the engaged portion or a second position where it does not engage with the engaged portion, the input portion being provided to be located at a third position or a fourth position, the connection mechanism being configured such that the engaging portion is located at the first position when the input portion is located at the third position, and The engagement portion is arranged to be located at the second position when the input portion is located at the fourth position, the power terminal has a regulating portion provided on the input portion or the connection mechanism so as to regulate the input portion from moving from the third position to the fourth position, the regulating portion has an electric drive unit that switches the regulating portion between a regulated state that regulates movement of the input portion and an unregulated state that does not regulate movement of the input portion, and the control device includes a limiting portion that restricts the electric drive unit to prohibit switching the regulating portion between the regulated state and the unregulated state during a first period, or that restricts the electric drive unit to switch the regulating portion between the regulated state and the unregulated state after a second period.

[0007] A second aspect of the present invention is a method for controlling a power terminal provided at a tip of a power line extending from a power device and detachably provided to another power terminal of another power device, the power terminal having an engaging portion that engages with an engaged portion of the other power terminal when attached to the other power terminal, an input portion that receives operation from a user, and a connection mechanism that mechanically connects the engaging portion and the input portion, the engaging portion being provided to be located at a first position where it engages with the engaged portion or a second position where it does not engage with the engaged portion, the input portion being provided to be located at a third position or a fourth position, and the connection mechanism is configured to connect the input portion to the third position or a fourth position. The engagement portion is positioned at the first position when the input portion is positioned at the third position, and the engagement portion is positioned at the second position when the input portion is positioned at the fourth position, and the control method includes a first step of switching between a non-restricted state where the input portion is not restricted from moving from the third position to the fourth position and a restricted state where the input portion is restricted from moving from the third position to the fourth position, and a second step of restricting switching between the restricted state and the non-restricted state to be prohibited during a first period, or restricting switching between the restricted state and the non-restricted state to be separated by a second period.

[0008] A third aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute the power terminal control method according to the second aspect.

[0009] A fourth aspect of the present invention is a storage medium for storing the program. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, the restriction is imposed so as to prohibit the restriction unit from switching between the restricted state and the non-restricted state during the first period. Alternatively, the restriction is imposed so as to switch between the restricted state and the non-restricted state with a second period. This makes it possible to suppress the electric drive unit from switching the restriction unit between the restricted state and the non-restricted state consecutively in a short period of time. As a result, it is possible to prevent the electric drive unit from becoming too hot due to the consecutive switching. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a power system including a power supply device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a partial front view of the power supply device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a rear view of the power supply device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an internal configuration diagram showing the locked state of the connector in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the connector in FIG. 1 in an unlocked state. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the connector in FIG. 1 in an unlocked state. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram of the power system of FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram of the ECU and the lock unit in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation (control method) of this embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a timing chart of a comparative example. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a timing chart of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] 1 is a configuration diagram of a power system 12 including a power supply device 10 (power device, holding structure). The power system 12 includes the power supply device 10 and a vehicle 14 (another power device). In the following explanation, the right side of the paper in FIG. 1 is defined as the front direction, the left side as the rear direction, the top side as the upward direction, and the bottom side as the downward direction, and the front-rear, up-down, and left-right directions of the power supply device 10 will be explained.

[0013] The power supply device 10 is a portable power device. The power supply device 10 includes a device body 16, a cable 18 (power line), and a connector 20 (power terminal). The device body 16 includes a housing 22, a front cover 24, and a rear cover 26 (lid member).

[0014] The housing 22 accommodates various components that constitute the power supply device 10. The front cover 24 is attached to a front wall 28 of the housing 22. The front cover 24 is rotatable forward relative to the front wall 28 around a rotation shaft portion 30 provided on the front wall 28.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2, the front wall 28 of the housing 22 is provided with a power switch 32, a start switch 34, a stop switch 36, five output terminals 38, 40, and a status display unit 42 (announcement unit).

[0016] The power switch 32, start switch 34, stop switch 36, and status display unit 42 are provided in the upper center of the front wall 28.

[0017] The power switch 32 is a button that can be operated by a user. The power switch 32 is an operation button with which the user instructs (requests, commands) the start (start of operation) or stop (stop of operation) of the power supply device 10 (see FIG. 1). Every time the user operates the power switch 32, the power switch 32 outputs a start instruction signal for instructing the start of the power supply device 10 or a stop instruction signal for instructing the stop of the power supply device 10. That is, when the user operates the power switch 32 for the first time, the power switch 32 outputs the start instruction signal. Also, when the user operates the power switch 32 again, the power switch 32 outputs the stop instruction signal.

[0018] The start switch 34 and the stop switch 36 are integrated into one switch 44. The switch 44 is an operation button that can be operated by the user. That is, when the user operates the switch 44 once, the switch 44 functions as the start switch 34. Next, when the user operates the switch 44, the switch 44 functions as the stop switch 36. That is, the switch 44 alternates between the start switch 34 and the stop switch 36 every time the user operates it.

[0019] The start switch 34 is an operation button for the user to instruct (request, command) the start of output of power (AC power) from the power supply device 10 (start of power supply). The start switch 34 outputs a power supply start signal to instruct the start of power output based on the user's operation. The stop switch 36 is an operation button for the user to instruct (request, command) the stop of output of power from the power supply device 10 (stop of power supply). The stop switch 36 outputs a power supply stop signal to instruct the stop of power output based on the user's operation.

[0020] The status display unit 42 is provided inside the switch 44. The status display unit 42 displays to the outside whether or not an operation of the switch 44 (user's instruction) can be accepted. When the status display unit 42 is able to accept a user's instruction, it displays, for example, a lit light. When the status display unit 42 does not accept a user's instruction, it displays, for example, a blinking light or is turned off. Therefore, even if the user operates the switch 44 when the status display unit 42 displays that the user's instruction is not accepted, the power supply device 10 ignores the instruction from the user.

[0021] The five output terminals 38, 40 are provided in the center of the front wall 28 of the housing 22. The five output terminals 38, 40 are output terminals for outputting single-phase AC power (single-phase AC power). The four output terminals 38 output, for example, a single-phase 100V AC voltage (AC power). The one output terminal 40 outputs, for example, a single-phase 200V AC voltage (AC power). The five output terminals 38, 40 are covered from the front by the front cover 24.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, the cable 18 extends from the device body 16. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, a communication hole 48 is provided in a rear wall 46 (fixing surface) of the device body 16. The rear wall 46 is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from behind the device body 16. The communication hole 48 communicates the inside and outside of the device body 16. The cable 18 extends from the inside of the device body 16 to the outside of the device body 16 through the communication hole 48. The communication hole 48 and the base end of the cable 18 are covered with a grommet 50 (covering portion). A connector 20 is provided at the tip (tip) of the cable 18. The connector 20 is a male connector. The male connector is also called a plug.

[0023] The rear wall 46 of the housing 22 is provided with a cable housing portion 52 (power line housing portion), a connector holding portion 54 (holding portion), and a first support portion 56.

[0024] The cable housing portion 52 houses the cable 18. The cable housing portion 52 has an outer peripheral wall 58 and an inner peripheral wall 60. The outer peripheral wall 58 is an arc-shaped wall portion that protrudes rearward from the rear wall 46. The inner peripheral wall 60 is provided on the rear wall 46 on the inside of the outer peripheral wall 58. The inner peripheral wall 60 is an arc-shaped wall portion that protrudes rearward from the rear wall 46.

[0025] As described above, the base end of the cable 18 is located at the upper part of the rear wall 46. The cable housing 52 houses the cable 18 between the inner circumferential wall 60 and the outer circumferential wall 58 by winding the cable 18 between the inner circumferential wall 60 and the outer circumferential wall 58 a plurality of times.

[0026] The connector holding portion 54 is fixed to the rear wall 46. More specifically, the connector holding portion 54 is made of a resin material. The connector holding portion 54 has a main portion 62 and a fixing portion 64.

[0027] The fixing portion 64 is disposed on the rear wall 46 outside the cable housing portion 52 in rear view in Fig. 3. The fixing portion 64 is disposed on the outer edge side of the rear wall 46. Specifically, the fixing portion 64 is disposed along one side 66 extending in the up-down direction of the rear wall 46. Therefore, the fixing portion 64 extends in the up-down direction. The fixing portion 64 is fixed to the housing 22 by two bolts 68 (fixing devices).

[0028] The main part 62 is connected to the lower end of the fixed part 64. The main part 62 and the fixed part 64 are integrally formed. The main part 62 holds the connector 20. The main part 62 is a cylindrical part with a bottom. A fitting recess 70 that fits with the connector 20 is formed inside the main part 62. The fitting recess 70 opens toward the cable housing part 52. In the main part 62, an opening end surface 72 (tip surface) where the fitting recess 70 opens is a flat surface. In this case, the insertion / removal direction of the connector 20 with respect to the main part 62 (first direction) and the fixing direction of the fixed part 64 by the bolt 68 (second direction) are directions that intersect with each other. That is, the first direction is an oblique direction when viewed from behind in FIG. 3. The second direction is a front-rear direction. Furthermore, when the connector 20 is held in the main portion 62 and the rear cover 26 covers a portion of the rear wall 46, the mating portion between the main portion 62 and the connector 20 (the opening end surface 72 and the tip surface 80) is visible from the outside.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the connector 20 has a grip 74 (holding portion), a connector body 76 (terminal body), and a fitting portion 78. The grip 74 is a handle that can be held by a user. The grip 74 is connected to a base end portion of the connector body 76. A tip surface 80 of the connector body 76 is a flat surface. The fitting portion 78 is a tubular portion protruding from the tip surface 80 of the connector body 76. The fitting portion 78 is a tip portion of the connector 20. The fitting portion 78 fits into a fitting recess 70 formed in the main portion 62 of the connector holding portion 54. That is, in a state in which the cable 18 is accommodated in the cable accommodating portion 52, the fitting portion 78 of the connector 20 fits into the fitting recess 70, and the tip surface 80 of the connector body 76 abuts against the open end surface 72 of the main portion 62, whereby the connector 20 is held in the connector holding portion 54 (main portion 62).

[0030] 1 and 3, the first support portion 56 is provided at the upper end of the fixing portion 64. The first support portion 56 is a recess (not shown) onto which a portion of the cable 18 can be hooked. Therefore, the size of the recess constituting the first support portion 56 is larger than the outer diameter of the cable 18. In a state in which the user removes the connector 20 from the main portion 62 and pulls out the cable 18 from the cable housing portion 52, the user hooks a portion of the cable 18 between the base end and the tip end of the cable 18 onto the first support portion 56.

[0031] A second support portion 82 is provided on the rear wall 46 so as to be adjacent to the first support portion 56. The second support portion 82 supports a portion of the cable 18 when the portion of the cable 18 is supported by the first support portion 56.

[0032] The rear cover 26 is rotatable relative to the rear wall 46 around a rotation shaft 84 provided on the rear wall 46. The rear cover 26 is provided with a surrounding portion 86 that surrounds a portion of the cable 18 when the rear cover 26 covers a portion of the rear wall 46 in a state in which a portion of the cable 18 is supported by the first support portion 56 and the second support portion 82. The surrounding portion 86 is a recess formed in a side portion of the rear cover 26.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the connector 20 further includes a release button 90 (input portion), a latch portion 92, a spring member 94, and a lock portion 96 (restriction portion).

[0034] The release button 90 is provided at the connecting portion between the connector body 76 and the grip 74. A part of the release button 90 protrudes to the outside from the connector 20. When the user presses the release button 90 with the thumb or the like while holding the grip 74, the release button 90 can rotate around the rotation shaft 100. A protrusion 102 that protrudes from the release button 90 is formed near the rotation shaft 100 of the release button 90.

[0035] The latch portion 92 is provided from the connector main body 76 to the fitting portion 78. The latch portion 92 is a rod-shaped member. An engagement claw 104 (engagement portion) is formed at the tip of the latch portion 92. The engagement claw 104 is capable of protruding radially outward from the fitting portion 78. The latch portion 92 is capable of rotating about a rotation shaft portion 106 provided inside the connector main body 76.

[0036] More specifically, inside the connector body 76, a central portion of the latch portion 92 is pivotally supported by a rotation shaft portion 106. A protruding portion 102 of the release button 90 abuts against a base end portion of the latch portion 92. As shown in Figs. 4 to 6, the protruding portion 102 of the release button 90 abuts against the base end portion of the latch portion 92 from below.

[0037] The spring member 94 is disposed above the latch portion 92 inside the connector body 76. The spring member 94 presses downward a portion between the pivot shaft portion 106 and the base end of the latch portion 92 by spring force. The protrusion 102, the latch portion 92, the spring member 94 and the two pivot shaft portions 100, 106 constitute a connection mechanism 108 that mechanically connects the release button 90 and the engagement claw 104.

[0038] The locking portion 96 is provided in the connector body 76. The locking portion 96 has a solenoid 110 (electrical driving portion). The solenoid 110 has a plunger 112, a locking coil 114, an unlocking coil 116, and a permanent magnet 118. The plunger 112 is a rod-shaped member made of a magnetic material. The plunger 112 is arranged along the axial direction of the fitting portion 78. The locking coil 114, the permanent magnet 118, and the unlocking coil 116 are arranged coaxially with the plunger 112. The locking coil 114, the permanent magnet 118, and the unlocking coil 116 are cylindrical members through which the plunger 112 is inserted. Inside the connector body 76, the unlocking coil 116, the permanent magnet 118, and the locking coil 114 are arranged in this order from the tip end of the connector body 76 toward the base end.

[0039] When the lock coil 114 is energized, the plunger 112 is excited by magnetic flux from the lock coil 114 and protrudes from the solenoid 110 to the base end side of the connector body 76. The plunger 112 protruding from the solenoid 110 comes into contact with the bottom of the release button 90.

[0040] Furthermore, when the unlock coil 116 is energized, the plunger 112 is excited by magnetic flux from the unlock coil 116 and is displaced toward the tip side of the connector body 76 and retracts into the solenoid 110. As a result, the plunger 112 moves away from the release button 90.

[0041] Furthermore, the solenoid 110 is a self-holding solenoid. That is, even if the power supply to the lock coil 114 and the unlock coil 116 is stopped, the force of the magnetic flux of the permanent magnet 118 acts on the plunger 112, so that the plunger 112 is held in the position where it was when the power was supplied.

[0042] The connector 20 is connected to a connector 120 provided on the vehicle 14. That is, the connector 20 is detachable from the connector 120. In this case, detachable includes both a case in which the connector 20 can be attached to the connector 120 and a case in which the connector 20 can be detached from the connector 120.

[0043] More specifically, the connector 120 is a female connector that is connected to the connector 20, which is a male connector. A female connector is also called a receptacle. The connector 120 has a mounting recess 122 in which the fitting portion 78 of the connector 20 is mounted. The mounting recess 122 is provided with an engagement recess 124 (engaged portion) that is recessed radially outward. When a user inserts the fitting portion 78 of the connector 20 into the mounting recess 122, the engagement claw 104 of the latch portion 92 engages with the engagement recess 124. As a result, the connector 20 of the power supply device 10 is mounted to the connector 120 of the vehicle 14.

[0044] In the following description, the position of the engagement claw 104 when the engagement claw 104 is engaged with the engagement recess 124 as shown in Figures 4 and 5 is referred to as a first position (first position). Also, the position of the engagement claw 104 when the engagement state between the engagement claw 104 and the engagement recess 124 is released as shown in Figure 6 is referred to as a second position (second position).

[0045] In this case, when the release button 90 is located at the third position (third position) shown in Figures 4 and 5, the engagement claw 104 is located at the first position by the connection mechanism 108. Also, when the release button 90 is located at the fourth position (fourth position) shown in Figure 6 by the user's operation of the release button 90, the engagement claw 104 is located at the second position by the connection mechanism 108.

[0046] As described above, when the lock coil 114 is energized, the plunger 112 is excited by the magnetic flux of the lock coil 114, protrudes toward the base end side of the connector body 76, and comes into contact with the bottom of the release button 90 (see FIG. 4). Even if the energization of the lock coil 114 is stopped, the plunger 112 maintains the position at the time of energization by the force of the magnetic flux of the permanent magnet 118. This causes the release button 90 to enter a locked state (restricted state). In the locked state, even if the user presses the release button 90, the release button 90 is prevented from rotating about the rotating shaft portion 100. That is, the release button 90 is prevented from moving from the third position to the fourth position. As a result, the engagement state between the engagement claw 104 and the engagement recess 124 is maintained (the engagement claw 104 is maintained in the first position), and removal of the connector 20 of the power supply device 10 from the connector 120 of the vehicle 14 is prohibited.

[0047] 5, when the unlock coil 116 is energized, the plunger 112 is excited by the magnetic flux from the unlock coil 116, and is displaced toward the tip of the connector body 76 and retreats into the solenoid 110. Even when the energization of the unlock coil 116 is stopped, the plunger 112 maintains the position it was in when energized due to the force of the magnetic flux from the permanent magnet 118. As a result, the plunger 112 is released from the locked state by the release button 90 and switches to the unlocked state (unrestricted state).

[0048] As shown in FIG. 6, when the user presses the release button 90 in the unlocked state, the release button 90 rotates around the pivot shaft 100. That is, the release button 90 moves from the third position to the fourth position. As a result, the protrusion 102 of the release button 90 abuts against the base end of the latch portion 92 and pushes it upward. As a result, the latch portion 92 rotates around the pivot shaft 106 against the spring force of the spring member 94. At this time, the engagement claw 104 moves away from the engagement recess 124 and retracts into the fitting portion 78. That is, the engagement claw 104 moves from the first position to the second position. As a result, the engagement state between the engagement claw 104 and the engagement recess 124 is released. The user can pull the connector 20 while pressing the release button 90 to remove the connector 20 of the power supply device 10 from the connector 120 of the vehicle 14.

[0049] In addition, when the user releases his / her finger from the release button 90 in the unlocked state, the latch portion 92 rotates about the pivot shaft 106 due to the spring force of the spring member 94. As a result, the latch portion 92 returns to the position shown in Fig. 5, and the engagement claw 104 protrudes radially outward from the fitting portion 78 and returns to the first position. As the latch portion 92 rotates, the release button 90 rotates about the pivot shaft 100, returning to the state (third position) before being pressed by the user.

[0050] 7, the vehicle 14 further includes two batteries 130, 132 and an ECU 134. Examples of the vehicle 14 include various vehicles such as a one-wheeled vehicle, a two-wheeled vehicle, a three-wheeled vehicle, and a four-wheeled vehicle that are equipped with the batteries 130, 132 and have a connector 120. Examples of the vehicle 14 include various vehicles such as an electric vehicle (electric automobile) and a hybrid vehicle that have the batteries 130, 132 and the connector 120.

[0051] Of the two batteries 130, 132, one battery 130 is a high-voltage battery (e.g., a 48V or 200V battery). The other battery 132 is a low-voltage battery (e.g., a 12V battery). The ECU 134 is an electronic control device that controls each part of the vehicle 14. Each of the batteries 130, 132 outputs DC power based on the control of the ECU 134.

[0052] The vehicle 14 can supply power from the batteries 130, 132 to the power supply device 10 via the connectors 20, 120. That is, when the connector 120 of the vehicle 14 and the connector 20 of the power supply device 10 are connected, each of the batteries 130, 132 supplies DC power to the power supply device 10 via each of the connectors 20, 120. In addition, the ECU 134 can transmit and receive signals or information to and from the power supply device 10 when the two connectors 20, 120 are connected.

[0053] The power supply device 10 further includes a current sensor 140, a contactor 142, a voltage sensor 144, two DC / DC converters 146, 148, two inverters 150, 152, and an ECU 154 (control device, computer). These components are housed inside a housing 22 (see FIG. 1) of the power supply device 10. Note that FIG. 7 illustrates three output terminals 38, 40 (two output terminals 38 and one output terminal 40 for single-phase AC power) out of the five output terminals 38, 40 in FIG. 2.

[0054] The two DC / DC converters 146, 148 are connected in parallel to the high-voltage battery 130. The current sensor 140 and the contactor 142 are arranged in series with a positive line 160 that connects the positive electrode of the battery 130 and the primary sides (input sides) of the two DC / DC converters 146, 148. The current sensor 140 sequentially detects the direct current flowing from the battery 130 to the two DC / DC converters 146, 148, and outputs the detection result to the ECU 134. The contactor 142 is turned on and off by a control signal from the ECU 134.

[0055] The voltage sensor 144 is disposed between a positive line 160 and a negative line 162 that connects the negative side of the battery 130 and the primary sides of the two DC / DC converters 146, 148. The voltage sensor 144 sequentially detects the DC voltages supplied from the battery 130 to the two DC / DC converters 146, 148, and outputs the detection results to the ECU 134.

[0056] The two DC / DC converters 146, 148 convert the DC voltage supplied from the battery 130 into a desired DC voltage. The two inverters 150, 152 are connected to the secondary sides (output sides) of the two DC / DC converters 146, 148. The two inverters 150, 152 convert the DC voltage converted by the DC / DC converters 146, 148 into an AC voltage.

[0057] Of the five output terminals 38, 40, four output terminals 38 output a single-phase AC voltage (single-phase AC power) output from one of the two inverters 150, 152. The remaining output terminal 40 outputs a single-phase AC voltage (single-phase AC power) based on the single-phase AC voltage output from the two inverters 150, 152.

[0058] The ECU 154 is an electronic control device that controls each part of the power supply device 10. The ECU 154 is started up based on a start-up instruction signal from the power switch 32. In the power supply device 10, the connector 20 is connected to the connector 120 of the vehicle 14, so that the power supply device 10 receives DC power from the two batteries 130 and 132. Therefore, when the two connectors 20 and 120 are not connected, the power supply device 10 does not start up even if the user operates the power switch 32. Therefore, the ECU 154 starts up when the user operates the power switch 32 in a state in which the ECU 154 receives DC power from the battery 132.

[0059] Furthermore, the ECU 154 starts output of AC power from the power supply device 10 based on the user's operation of the start switch 34. Specifically, in response to the user's operation of the start switch 34, the ECU 154 energizes the lock coil 114 (see FIGS. 4 to 6) and switches the release button 90 to the lock state. Furthermore, the ECU 154 turns on the contactor 142 to start supplying DC power from the battery 130 to the two DC / DC converters 146 and 148. Furthermore, the ECU 154 controls the driving of the two DC / DC converters 146 and 148 and the two inverters 150 and 152 to start output of AC power from the output terminals 38 and 40. At this time, the ECU 154 controls the driving of the two DC / DC converters 146 and 148 and the two inverters 150 and 152 based on the detection results of the current sensor 140 and the voltage sensor 144, etc.

[0060] Furthermore, the ECU 154 stops the output of AC power from the power supply device 10 based on the user's operation of the stop switch 36. Specifically, in response to the user's operation of the stop switch 36, the ECU 154 stops the driving of the two DC / DC converters 146, 148 and the two inverters 150, 152. Furthermore, the ECU 154 turns off the contactor 142 to stop the supply of DC power from the battery 130 to the two DC / DC converters 146, 148. Furthermore, the ECU 154 energizes the unlock coil 116 and switches the release button 90 to the unlock state.

[0061] Furthermore, the ECU 154 indicates whether or not the operation of the start switch 34 and the stop switch 36 can be accepted by turning on, blinking, or turning off the status display unit 42.

[0062] 8 is an internal block diagram of the ECU 154. The ECU 154 has a current sensor 170, a lock switch 172, an unlock switch 174, a CPU 176 (controller), a lock control unit 178, and an unlock control unit 180.

[0063] The CPU 176 is a processor. The CPU 176 executes a program stored in a memory 182 (storage medium) to realize the functions of a control unit 184, a switch determination unit 186, a timer count unit 188 (timekeeping unit), a lock instruction unit 190, an unlock instruction unit 192, and a count determination unit 194.

[0064] The control unit 184 controls each unit of the power supply device 10. The switch determination unit 186 determines (detects) whether the power switch 32, the start switch 34, or the stop switch 36 has been pressed.

[0065] The timer count unit 188 starts timing when the switch determination unit 186 determines (detects) that the user has operated the start switch 34. As described above, the release button 90 switches to the locked state based on the user's operation of the start switch 34. In other words, the user's operation of the start switch 34 is a request or command to switch the release button 90 to the locked state. Therefore, the timer count unit 188 starts timing from the occurrence of a request or command by the user to switch the release button 90 to the locked state.

[0066] The lock instruction unit 190 instructs the lock control unit 178 to switch the release button 90 to the locked state when the timer count unit 188 starts timing. The unlock instruction unit 192 instructs the unlock control unit 180 to switch the release button 90 to the unlocked state when the switch determination unit 186 detects an operation of the stop switch 36 by the user. Therefore, the instructions of the lock instruction unit 190 and the unlock instruction unit 192 are not output simultaneously.

[0067] The count determination unit 194 determines whether the elapsed time Tt measured by the timer count unit 188 has reached a predetermined wait time Tw. When the elapsed time Tt has not reached the wait time Tw (the first period) (Tt < Tw), the count determination unit 194 causes the timer count unit 188 to continue measuring time. Further, when the elapsed time Tt becomes equal to or greater than the wait time Tw (Tt ≧ Tw), the count determination unit 194 stops the measurement by the timer count unit 188 and resets (initializes) the timer count unit 188.

[0068] One end of the current sensor 170 is connected to the positive electrode line 200 that connects the battery 132 and the ECU 154. One end of each of the lock switch 172 and the unlock switch 174 is connected to the other end of the current sensor 170. One end of the lock coil 114 is connected to the other end of the lock switch 172. One end of the unlock coil 116 is connected to the other end of the unlock switch 174. The other ends of the lock coil 114 and the unlock coil 116 are connected to the negative electrode line 202 that connects the battery 132 and the ECU 154. That is, the series circuit of the lock switch 172 and the lock coil 114 and the series circuit of the unlock switch 174 and the unlock coil 116 are connected in parallel.

[0069] The current sensor 170 sequentially detects the direct current flowing from the battery 132 to the ECU 154 and outputs the detection result to the CPU 176. The lock switch 172 and the unlock switch 174 are semiconductor switches such as transistors, FETs, and IGBTs, for example. The lock control unit 178 turns on the lock switch 172 for a certain period based on an instruction from the lock instruction unit 190. As a result, a direct current flows through the lock coil 114 for a certain period. That is, the lock coil 114 is energized for a certain period. The unlock control unit 180 turns on the unlock switch 174 for a certain period based on an instruction from the unlock instruction unit 192. As a result, a direct current flows through the unlock coil 116 for a certain period. That is, the unlock coil 116 is energized for a certain period.

[0070] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation (control method) of the power supply device 10 according to the present embodiment.

[0071] First, in step S1, the user rotates the rear cover 26 (see FIG. 1) of the power supply device 10 to expose the cable housing portion 52 and the connector holding portion 54 (see FIG. 3) to the outside. Next, the user removes the connector 20 from the connector holding portion 54. Next, the user removes the cable 18 from the cable housing portion 52. The user hooks a portion of the removed cable 18 onto the first support portion 56, and then returns the rear cover 26 to its original position. As a result, a portion of the cable 18 is supported by the first support portion 56 and the second support portion 82, and is surrounded by the surrounding portion 86.

[0072] Next, the user inserts the fitting portion 78 of the connector 20 into the mounting recess 122 of the connector 120 of the vehicle 14 (see FIG. 5). At this time, the engagement claw 104 of the latch portion 92 of the connector 20 is pressed by the inner wall of the mounting recess 122 and temporarily retracts into the fitting portion 78. When the fitting portion 78 moves toward the tip end and the engagement claw 104 faces the engagement recess 124, the engagement claw 104 is released from the pressing state by the inner wall of the mounting recess 122 and protrudes radially outward from the fitting portion 78 to engage with the engagement recess 124. As a result, the two connectors 20, 120 are connected, and DC power can be supplied from the two batteries 130, 132 to the power supply device 10.

[0073] In step S 2 , when the user presses the power switch 32 , a start instruction signal is output from the power switch 32 to the CPU 176 .

[0074] In the CPU 176, at least the switch determination unit 186 is operating due to the supply of DC power from the battery 132. In step S3, the switch determination unit 186 determines whether the power switch 32 has been operated by the user. In this case, the switch determination unit 186 determines that the user has instructed the power supply device 10 to start up, based on the start-up instruction signal input from the power switch 32. That is, the switch determination unit 186 determines that the user has instructed the power switch 32 to be turned on (step S3: NO). The CPU 176 starts up overall, based on the negative determination result of the switch determination unit 186. At this time, the CPU 176 lights up the status display unit 42 to notify the outside that the start switch 34 can be operated.

[0075] Next, in step S4, switch determination unit 186 determines whether or not the user has pressed start switch 34. When the user confirms that status display unit 42 is lit and operates start switch 34, so that a power supply instruction signal is output from start switch 34 to CPU 176, switch determination unit 186 determines that start switch 34 has been pressed (step S4: YES).

[0076] In the next step S5, the timer count section 188 starts counting time based on the positive determination result of the switch determination section 186 for the start switch 34.

[0077] In step S6, the lock instruction unit 190 instructs the lock control unit 178 to switch the release button 90 to the locked state. The lock control unit 178 turns on the lock switch 172 for a certain period of time based on the instruction from the lock instruction unit 190. As a result, the lock coil 114 is energized for a certain period of time and generates a magnetic flux. The plunger 112 is excited by the magnetic flux from the lock coil 114 and protrudes from the solenoid 110 to the base end side of the connector body 76. As a result, the plunger 112 comes into contact with the bottom of the release button 90. As a result, the release button 90 is switched to the locked state. In this case, even if the power supply to the lock coil 114 is stopped, the plunger 112 holds the position at the time of energization by the force of the magnetic flux of the permanent magnet 118. Therefore, the release button 90 is held in the locked state.

[0078] In step S7, the control unit 184 of the CPU 176 turns on the contactor 142 and starts driving the two DC / DC converters 146, 148 and the two inverters 150, 152. This converts the DC power supplied from the battery 130 into AC power, and the converted AC power is output (supplied) to the outside from each of the output terminals 38, 40.

[0079] In the next step S8, the switch determination unit 186 determines whether or not the stop switch 36 has been pressed. If a power supply stop signal is output from the stop switch 36 to the CPU 176 by a user's operation, the switch determination unit 186 determines that the stop switch 36 has been pressed (step S8: YES).

[0080] In the next step S9, based on the positive determination result for the stop switch 36 by the switch determination unit 186, the control unit 184 turns off the contactor 142 and stops driving the two DC / DC converters 146, 148 and the two inverters 150, 152. This stops the output (power supply) of AC power from the output terminals 38, 40 to the outside.

[0081] In step S10, the unlock instruction unit 192 instructs the unlock control unit 180 to switch the release button 90 to the unlocked state. Based on the instruction from the unlock instruction unit 192, the unlock control unit 180 turns on the unlock switch 174 for a certain period of time. As a result, the unlock coil 116 is energized for a certain period of time to generate magnetic flux. The plunger 112 is excited by the magnetic flux from the unlock coil 116 and retracts inside the solenoid 110. Thereby, the plunger 112 moves away from the release button 90. As a result, the release button 90 switches to the unlocked state. In this case, even if the power supply to the unlock coil 116 stops, the plunger 112 holds its position during energization by the force of the magnetic flux of the permanent magnet 118. Therefore, the release button 90 is held in the unlocked state. In step S10, the CPU 176 notifies the outside that the operations of the start switch 34 and the stop switch 36 are not accepted by blinking the status display unit 42.

[0082] In step S11, the count determination unit 194 determines whether the elapsed time Tt counted by the timer count unit 188 is equal to or greater than the wait time Tw.

[0083] When Tt < Tw (step S11: NO), the timing of the timer count unit 188 continues. Thereby, the cooling time of the solenoid 110 can be ensured.

[0084] When Tt ≧ Tw (step S11: YES), the count determination unit 194 instructs the timer count unit 188 to stop and reset the timing. In step S12, based on the instruction from the count determination unit 194, the timer count unit 188 stops the timing and resets the elapsed time Tt.

[0085] Thereafter, the power supply device 10 returns to step S3 and repeatedly executes the processes of steps S3 to S12. That is, when the elapsed time Tt reaches the wait time Tw, the solenoid 110 has been sufficiently cooled, so that the power supply device 10 allows the user to operate the start switch 34.

[0086] In step S3, if a stop instruction signal is input from the power switch 32 to the CPU 176, the switch determination unit 186 determines that the user has operated the power switch 32 to instruct to stop the power supply device 10. In other words, the switch determination unit 186 determines that the user has instructed to turn off the power switch 32 (step S3: YES).

[0087] In the next step S13, the user presses the release button 90 while holding the grip 74 of the connector 20. This causes the protrusion 102 of the release button 90 to press the base end of the latch portion 92 upward, and the latch portion 92 rotates against the spring force of the spring member 94. As a result, the engagement between the engagement claw 104 and the engagement recess 124 is released. The user removes the connector 20 from the connector 120 of the vehicle 14 by pulling out the connector 20 while pressing the release button 90. Thereafter, the user opens the rear cover 26, removes the cable 18 from the first support portion 56, and stores the cable 18 in the cable storage portion 52. The user also inserts the connector 20 into the connector holding portion 54 and returns the rear cover 26 to its original position.

[0088] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0089] 10 is a timing chart of a comparative example. In the comparative example, the lock coil 114 (see FIGS. 4 to 6) is energized for an energizing time Tl from time t1 to time t2. Also, in the comparative example, the unlock coil 116 is energized for an energizing time Tu (Tu=Tl) from time t3 to time t4. Thereafter, in the comparative example, the lock coil 114 is energized for an energizing time Tl from time t5 to time t6.

[0090] In the comparative example, a wait time Twl is provided after the energizing time Tl. During the wait time Twl, energization of the unlock coil 116 is prohibited. Therefore, when the wait time Twl has elapsed after energization of the lock coil 114, energization of the unlock coil 116 becomes possible. Therefore, during the wait time Twl, even if the user operates the stop switch 36 (see FIGS. 2 and 8), the CPU 176 (see FIG. 8) ignores the user's instruction to stop power supply.

[0091] In the comparative example, a wait time Twu is provided after the energizing time Tu. During the wait time Twu, energization of the lock coil 114 is prohibited. Therefore, when the wait time Twu has elapsed after energization of the unlock coil 116, energization of the lock coil 114 becomes possible. Therefore, during the wait time Twu, even if the user operates the start switch 34 (see FIGS. 2 and 8), the CPU 176 ignores the user's instruction to start power supply.

[0092] In this way, in the comparative example, the wait times Twl and Twu are provided after the completion of energization of the lock coil 114 and the unlock coil 116. Therefore, in the comparative example, after the completion of energization of the lock coil 114, the unlock coil 116 cannot be energized immediately. Alternatively, after the completion of energization of the lock coil 114, the unlock coil 116 cannot be energized immediately. Therefore, even if the user operates the start switch 34 or the stop switch 36, the release button 90 does not switch to the locked state or the unlocked state, which reduces the marketability of the power supply device 10 (see FIG. 1 ).

[0093] In addition, in the comparative example, if the wait times Twl, Twu are set short, when the lock coil 114 and the unlock coil 116 are alternately energized, the entire solenoid 110 including the lock coil 114 and the unlock coil 116 may become very hot.

[0094] In contrast, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, one cycle is defined as one energization of the lock coil 114 and one energization of the unlock coil 116. In this case, one cycle is from time t11 when energization of the current lock coil 114 starts to time t15 when energization of the next lock coil 114 starts. In this embodiment, the period of one cycle (the time from time t11 to time t15) is set to the wait time Tw. In the wait time Tw in this embodiment, one energization of the unlock coil 116 is permitted after energization of the lock coil 114 is completed. Therefore, in this embodiment, after energization of the lock coil 114 is completed at time t12, energization of the unlock coil 116 can be immediately performed during the energization time Tu from time t13 to time t14. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the user operates the stop switch 36, energization of the unlock coil 116 is promptly performed. During the wait time Tw, current is prohibited from being applied multiple times to the lock coil 114 and the unlock coil 116. This makes it possible to prevent the entire solenoid 110, including the lock coil 114 and the unlock coil 116, from becoming too hot. In other words, the solenoid 110 can be sufficiently cooled. Note that in this embodiment, current can be applied to the lock coil 114 between time t15 and time t16 after the wait time Tw has elapsed.

[0095] This embodiment has the following advantages.

[0096] 11, a restriction is imposed so as to prohibit the lock unit 96 from switching the release button 90 between the locked state and the unlocked state within the wait time Tw. This makes it possible to prevent the solenoid 110 from switching the lock unit 96 between the locked state and the unlocked state continuously within a short period of time. As a result, it is possible to prevent the solenoid 110 from becoming too hot due to continuous switching.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 9, the timer counting unit 188 starts timing when an instruction (request or command) to switch to a locked state or an unlocked state is issued from the user. Therefore, it is possible to precisely restrict switching between the locked state and the unlocked state based on the elapsed time Tt counted by the timer counting unit 188.

[0098] In addition, when the elapsed time Tt is less than the wait time Tw, a restriction is imposed so as to prohibit switching between the locked state and the unlocked state, and when the elapsed time Tt is equal to or greater than the wait time Tw, switching between the locked state and the unlocked state is permitted. This makes it possible to precisely restrict or permit switching between the locked state and the unlocked state based on a comparison between the elapsed time Tt and the wait time Tw measured by the timer count unit 188.

[0099] When the elapsed time Tt is less than the wait time Tw, the status display unit 42 notifies the outside that it is unable to accept an instruction (request or command) from the user, thereby preventing the user from giving an instruction carelessly. Also, when the elapsed time Tt is equal to or greater than the wait time Tw, the status display unit 42 notifies the outside that it is able to accept an instruction from the user, thereby encouraging the user to give a request or command.

[0100] The timer counting unit 188 stops measuring time and resets the elapsed time Tt after the elapsed time Tt becomes equal to or greater than the wait time Tw, so that it is possible to repeatedly switch between the locked state and the unlocked state.

[0101] Next, a modification of this embodiment will be described.

[0102] In this embodiment, the case where the power device is the power supply device 10 has been described. In this embodiment, the power device may be any device that can supply power to the outside. Therefore, instead of the power supply device 10, this embodiment can be applied to various power devices such as a portable inverter, a portable power supply, a battery power source, an electric vehicle, and a charger.

[0103] In the present embodiment, the case has been described where the movement of the release button 90 is directly restricted by the plunger 112 coming into contact with the release button 90. In the present embodiment, the movement of the release button 90 may be indirectly restricted by restricting the operation of the connection mechanism 108.

[0104] In this embodiment, a case has been described in which the release button 90 is restricted so as to be prohibited from switching between the locked state and the unlocked state within the wait time Tw, which is the first period. In this embodiment, the release button 90 may be restricted from switching between the locked state and the unlocked state after the wait time Tw (second period) has elapsed. Even in this case, when the elapsed time Tt becomes equal to or greater than the wait time Tw, switching between the locked state and the unlocked state becomes possible.

[0105] In this embodiment, the timer count unit 188 starts timing when the user operates (requests, commands) the start switch 34 or the stop switch 36. In this embodiment, the timer count unit 188 may start timing when the release button 90 is switched to the locked state or the unlocked state.

[0106] In the present embodiment, the case has been described where the power supply device 10 outputs single-phase AC power. In the present embodiment, the power supply device 10 may be capable of outputting two-phase AC power or three-phase AC power.

[0107] In addition to the above disclosure, the following notes are also disclosed.

[0108] (Appendix 1) A control device (154) for a power terminal provided at a tip of a power line (18) extending from an electric power device (10), and detachably provided to another power terminal (120) of another electric power device (14), the power terminal having an engaging portion (104) that engages with an engaged portion (124) of the other power terminal in a state where the power terminal is attached to the other power terminal, an input portion (90) that receives an operation from a user, and a connection mechanism (108) that mechanically connects the engaging portion and the input portion, the engaging portion being provided to be located at a first position where it engages with the engaged portion or a second position where it does not engage with the engaged portion, the input portion being provided to be located at a third position or a fourth position, the connection mechanism being configured such that the engaging portion is located at the first position when the input portion is located at the third position, and The control device is provided with a limiting portion (176) that restricts the electric drive unit from switching the restricting portion between a restricted state in which the movement of the input unit is restricted and a non-restricted state in which the movement of the input unit is not restricted during a first period (Tw), or restricts the electric drive unit from switching the restricting portion between the restricted state and the non-restricted state after a second period (Tw).

[0109] According to the present invention, the restriction is imposed so as to prohibit the restriction unit from switching between the restricted state and the non-restricted state during the first period. Alternatively, the restriction is imposed so as to switch between the restricted state and the non-restricted state with a second period. This makes it possible to suppress the electric drive unit from switching the restriction unit between the restricted state and the non-restricted state consecutively in a short period of time. As a result, it is possible to prevent the electric drive unit from becoming too hot due to the consecutive switching.

[0110] (Appendix 2) In the power terminal control device described in Appendix 1, when the restriction unit restricts the electric drive unit from switching the regulating unit between the regulated state and the unregulated state during the first period, the restriction unit may prohibit switching from the unregulated state to the regulated state and allow switching from the regulated state to the unregulated state.

[0111] This makes it possible to prevent the restricting portion from switching between the restricting state and the non-restricting state consecutively within the first period, and as a result, it is possible to effectively prevent the electric drive portion from becoming too hot.

[0112] (Appendix 3) In the power terminal control device described in Appendix 1 or 2, the control device further includes a timing unit (188) that starts timing when the regulating unit switches to the regulated state or the unregulated state, or starts timing when a request or command is issued to switch the regulating unit to the regulated state or the unregulated state, and the restriction unit may restrict the electric drive unit to prohibit switching the regulating unit between the regulated state and the unregulated state based on the elapsed time measured by the timing unit, or may restrict the electric drive unit to switch the regulating unit between the regulated state and the unregulated state.

[0113] This allows the restriction section to accurately restrict switching of the restricting section between the restricted state and the non-restricted state based on the elapsed time measured by the timer section.

[0114] (Appendix 4) In the power terminal control device described in Appendix 3, the restriction unit restricts the electric drive unit to prohibit switching the regulating unit between the regulated state and the unregulated state based on the elapsed time measured by the timing unit, and the restriction unit may restrict the electric drive unit to prohibit switching the regulating unit between the regulated state and the unregulated state if the elapsed time measured by the timing unit is less than the first period, and may allow the electric drive unit to switch the regulating unit between the regulated state and the unregulated state if the elapsed time measured by the timing unit is equal to or greater than the first period.

[0115] This makes it possible to precisely restrict or permit the restriction of switching of the restricting unit between the restricted state and the non-restricted state based on a comparison between the elapsed time measured by the timer unit and the first period.

[0116] (Appendix 5) In the power terminal control device described in Appendix 4, the control device may further include an alarm unit (42) that notifies an external device of the control device that the request or command cannot be accepted when the elapsed time is less than the first period, and that notifies an external device of the control device that the request or command can be accepted when the elapsed time is equal to or greater than the first period.

[0117] In this way, when the elapsed time is less than the first period, it is possible to prevent the user from carelessly making a request or command to the control device by notifying the outside that the request or command cannot be accepted, and when the elapsed time is equal to or greater than the first period, it is possible to encourage the user to make a request or command by notifying the outside that the request or command can be accepted.

[0118] (Appendix 6) In the power terminal control device according to Supplementary Note 4 or 5, the timer unit may stop timing and initialize the elapsed time after the elapsed time becomes equal to or longer than the first period.

[0119] This allows the restricting portion to be repeatedly switched between the restricting state and the non-restricting state by the electric drive portion.

[0120] (Appendix 7) A method for controlling a power terminal provided at a tip of a power line extending from a power device and detachably provided to another power terminal of another power device, the power terminal having an engaging portion that engages with an engaged portion of the other power terminal when attached to the other power terminal, an input portion that receives operation from a user, and a connection mechanism that mechanically connects the engaging portion and the input portion, the engaging portion being provided to be located at a first position where it engages with the engaged portion or a second position where it does not engage with the engaged portion, the input portion being provided to be located at a third position or a fourth position, and the connection mechanism being configured to connect the input portion to the other power terminal when the input portion is located at the third position. The engagement portion is positioned at the first position when the input portion is positioned at the fourth position, and the engagement portion is positioned at the second position when the input portion is positioned at the fourth position, and the control method has a first step (S6) of switching between a non-restricted state in which the input portion is not restricted from moving from the third position to the fourth position and a restricted state in which the input portion is restricted from moving from the third position to the fourth position, and a second step (S11) of restricting switching between the restricted state and the non-restricted state to be prohibited during a first period, or restricting switching between the restricted state and the non-restricted state to be allowed after a second period.

[0121] According to the present invention, the restriction is imposed so as to prohibit the restriction unit from switching between the restricted state and the non-restricted state during the first period. Alternatively, the restriction is imposed so as to switch between the restricted state and the non-restricted state with a second period. This makes it possible to suppress the electric drive unit from switching the restriction unit between the restricted state and the non-restricted state consecutively in a short period of time. As a result, it is possible to prevent the electric drive unit from becoming too hot due to the consecutive switching.

[0122] (Appendix 8) A program for causing a computer (154) to execute the power terminal control method described in Supplementary Note 7.

[0123] (Appendix 9) A storage medium (182) that stores the program described in appendix 8.

[0124] The present invention is not limited to the above disclosure, and various configurations can be adopted without departing from the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0125] 10...Power supply device (power device) 14...Vehicles (other power devices) 18...Cable (power line) 20...Connector (power terminal) 90…Cancel button (input section) 96...Lock section (regulating section) 104...Engagement claw (engagement portion) 108...Connection mechanism 110...Solenoid (electrical drive unit) 120...Connector (other power terminal) 124...Engagement recess (engaged portion) 154...ECU (control unit, computer) 176…CPU (restriction section) 182...Memory (storage medium)

Claims

1. A control device for a power terminal that is provided at a tip of a power line extending from a power device and is detachably provided to another power terminal of another power device, the power terminal has an engaging portion that engages with an engaged portion of the other power terminal when the power terminal is attached to the other power terminal, an input portion that receives an operation from a user, and a connection mechanism that mechanically connects the engaging portion and the input portion, the engaging portion is provided so as to be located at a first position where it engages with the engaged portion or at a second position where it does not engage with the engaged portion, The input unit is provided to be located at a third position or a fourth position, the connection mechanism is provided such that, when the input portion is located at the third position, the engagement portion is located at the first position, and, when the input portion is located at the fourth position, the engagement portion is located at the second position; the power terminal includes a restricting portion provided on the input portion or the connection mechanism to restrict the input portion from moving from the third position to the fourth position, the restricting portion has an electric drive portion that switches the restricting portion between a restricting state in which the movement of the input portion is restricted and a non-restricting state in which the movement of the input portion is not restricted, A control device for an electric power terminal, the control device comprising a restriction unit that restricts the electric drive unit to switch the regulating unit between the regulated state and the unregulated state during a first period of time, or restricts the electric drive unit to switch the regulating unit between the regulated state and the unregulated state after a second period of time.

2. 2. The power terminal control device according to claim 1, A control device for a power terminal, wherein when the restriction unit restricts the electric drive unit to prohibit switching the regulating unit between the regulated state and the unregulated state during the first period, the restriction unit prohibits switching from the unregulated state to the regulated state and allows switching from the regulated state to the unregulated state.

3. 3. The power terminal control device according to claim 1, A timer unit that starts measuring time when the regulating unit is switched to the regulated state or the non-regulated state, or when a request or command is issued to switch the regulating unit to the regulated state or the non-regulated state, A control device for a power terminal, wherein the restriction unit restricts the electric drive unit to prohibit switching the regulating unit between the regulated state and the unregulated state based on the elapsed time measured by the timing unit, or restricts the electric drive unit to switch the regulating unit between the regulated state and the unregulated state.

4. 4. The power terminal control device according to claim 3, A control device for an electric power terminal, wherein the restriction unit restricts the electric drive unit to prohibit switching the regulating unit between the regulated state and the unregulated state based on the elapsed time measured by the timing unit, and when the elapsed time measured by the timing unit is less than the first period, the restriction unit restricts the electric drive unit to prohibit switching the regulating unit between the regulated state and the unregulated state, and when the elapsed time measured by the timing unit is equal to or greater than the first period, the restriction unit allows the electric drive unit to switch the regulating unit between the regulated state and the unregulated state.

5. 5. The power terminal control device according to claim 4, A control device for a power terminal, further comprising an alarm unit that notifies an external device of the control device that the request or command cannot be accepted when the elapsed time is less than the first period, and that notifies an external device of the control device that the request or command can be accepted when the elapsed time is equal to or greater than the first period.

6. 6. The power terminal control device according to claim 4, The power terminal control device, wherein the timer unit stops timing and initializes the elapsed time after the elapsed time becomes equal to or greater than the first period.

7. A method for controlling a power terminal that is provided at a tip of a power line extending from a power device and is detachably provided with respect to another power terminal of another power device, comprising the steps of: the power terminal has an engaging portion that engages with an engaged portion of the other power terminal when the power terminal is attached to the other power terminal, an input portion that receives an operation from a user, and a connection mechanism that mechanically connects the engaging portion and the input portion, the engaging portion is provided so as to be located at a first position where it engages with the engaged portion or at a second position where it does not engage with the engaged portion, the input unit is provided to be located at a third position or a fourth position, the connection mechanism is provided such that, when the input portion is located at the third position, the engagement portion is located at the first position, and, when the input portion is located at the fourth position, the engagement portion is located at the second position; The control method includes: a first step of switching between a non-restricted state in which the input unit is not restricted from moving from the third position to the fourth position and a restricted state in which the input unit is restricted from moving from the third position to the fourth position; a second step of restricting switching between the restricted state and the unrestricted state to be prohibited during a first period of time, or restricting switching between the restricted state and the unrestricted state to be permitted to occur over a second period of time; The power terminal control method includes:

8. A program for causing a computer to execute the power terminal control method according to claim 7.

9. A storage medium for storing the program according to claim 8.

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