Controller of lock device

Abstract

To avoid unintended stop of power supply during power supply to an external electric apparatus.SOLUTION: An ECU is a controller of a lock mechanism for fixing a connector such as an AC power supply connector to an inlet of a vehicle. The connector includes the AC power supply connector for supplying power to an electric apparatus outside the vehicle. When the lock mechanism is controlled to be switched to an unlock state while the lock mechanism supplies power in a lock state, power supply to the external electric apparatus is stopped (step S117). The ECU controls the lock mechanism to be switched to the unlock state when first operation (operation for satisfying a connector unlock condition when not supplying power) is performed during non-power supply in the lock state (it is determined to be YES in step S112, and step S118 is performed), and maintains the lock state of the lock device when first operation is performed during power supply in the lock state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a control device for a locking device, and more particularly to a control device for a locking device that fixes a connector to an inlet of a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been a vehicle in which charging is stopped when charging is in progress when a charging connector is unlocked (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this vehicle, if the connector is not removed after being unlocked, the connector is automatically locked again and charging is resumed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, when power is being supplied from the vehicle to an external device, even if the power supply is temporarily stopped, the convenience for the user may be reduced.

[0005] This disclosure has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a control device for a locking device that can avoid an unintentional stop of power supply during power supply to an external device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The control device of the locking device according to this disclosure is a control device of a locking device that fixes a connector to an inlet of a vehicle. The connector includes a connector for supplying power to a device outside the vehicle. When the locking device is controlled to be switched to the unlocked state while being in the locked state and power is being supplied, the power supply to the external device is stopped. When a first operation is performed while the control device is in the locked state and power is not being supplied, the control device controls the locking device to be switched to the unlocked state. When a first operation is performed while the locking device is in the locked state and power is being supplied, the control device maintains the locked state of the locking device.

[0007] According to such a configuration, when the first operation is performed while the device is in the locked state and power is not being supplied, the locking device is switched to the unlocked state, and the power supply to the external device is stopped. On the other hand, when the first operation is performed while the device is in the locked state and power is being supplied, the locked state of the locking device is maintained, so the power supply to the external device is not stopped. As a result, it is possible to provide a control device for a locking device that can avoid an unintended stop of power supply to an external device during power supply.

[0008] The control device may be configured to control the locking device to be switched to the unlocked state when a second operation different from the first operation is performed while the locking device is in the locked state and power is being supplied. According to such a configuration, when a second operation different from the first operation is performed, even if power is being supplied, it can be determined that the user intends to stop the power supply and switch the locking device to the unlocked state, and the device can be switched to the unlocked state.

[0009] The control device may be configured to control the locking device to be switched to the unlocked state when the first operation is performed a plurality of times while the locking device is in the locked state and power is being supplied. According to such a configuration, when the first operation for switching to the unlocked state is performed a plurality of times while power is not being supplied, even if power is being supplied, it can be determined that the user intends to stop the power supply and switch the locking device to the unlocked state, and the device can be switched to the unlocked state.

[0010] When a first operation is performed while power is being supplied in the locked state, the control device may execute a process of notifying an operation necessary to switch the locking device to the unlocked state. According to such a configuration, the user can be informed of the operation necessary to switch to the unlocked state while power is being supplied.

[0011] When a second operation is performed while power is not being supplied in the locked state, the control device may control to switch the locking device to the unlocked state. According to such a configuration, when the second operation is performed, the locking device can be switched to the unlocked state not only while power is being supplied but also while power is not being supplied.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will not be repeated.

[0014] Hereinafter, the configuration of the electric vehicle (hereinafter referred to as the vehicle) 200 according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the vehicle 200 in this embodiment. The vehicle 200 includes, for example, an electric vehicle capable of power supply and reception with external electrical equipment of the vehicle 200 such as a plug-in hybrid vehicle and an electric vehicle. In FIG. 1, for example, it is assumed that the vehicle 200 is parked in a parking space where the power supply facility 10 is installed.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle 200 includes an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 100, an inlet 202, a power conversion device 204, a locking mechanism 206, a battery 214, an inverter 216, a motor generator (MG) 218, an HMI (Human Machine Interface) 130, and a wireless communication unit 150.

[0016] The motor generator 218 is, for example, a three-phase AC rotating electric machine and has a function as a motor and a function as a generator. That is, the motor generator 218 exchanges power with the inverter 216.

[0017] For example, when the vehicle 200 is driven, the motor generator 218 applies a rotational force to the drive wheels 222 using the power supplied from the inverter 216. The drive wheels 222 rotate by the rotational force applied by the motor generator 218, and the vehicle 200 travels. Note that the number of motor generators 218 is not limited to one, and a configuration in which a plurality of them are provided may also be used.

[0018] The inverter 216 converts electric power bidirectionally between the motor generator 218 and the battery 214 according to the control signal from the ECU 100. For example, when driving the motor generator 218, the inverter 216 converts the DC power of the battery 214 into AC power and supplies it to the motor generator 218. Also, for example, when the motor generator 218 is generating electricity, the inverter 216 converts the AC power (regenerative power) generated in the motor generator 218 into DC power and supplies it to the battery 214. Note that a converter for adjusting the voltage of the inverter 216 and the voltage of the battery 214 may be provided between the inverter 216 and the battery 214.

[0019] The battery 214 is, for example, a power storage element configured to be rechargeable, and typically, a secondary battery such as a nickel-metal hydride battery or a lithium-ion battery having a solid or liquid electrolyte is applied. Alternatively, the battery 214 may be any power storage device capable of storing power. For example, a large-capacity capacitor may be used instead of the battery 214.

[0020] External charging is performed on the battery 214 using the power supplied from the power supply facility 10. The external charging includes AC charging using the DC power obtained by converting the AC power supplied from the external facility (power supply facility 10) to the inlet 202 in the power conversion device 204, and DC charging using the DC power supplied from the power supply facility 10 to the inlet 202 without passing through the power conversion device 204.

[0021] The inlet 202 is provided on the exterior part of the vehicle 200 together with a cover (not shown) such as a lid, and is configured to be attachable with various connectors described later. The inlet 202 is configured to be able to exchange power with equipment outside the vehicle 200 (hereinafter referred to as external equipment). Here, "able to exchange power" means that at least one of charging or discharging is possible. That is, the inlet 202 can receive the supply of power used for charging the battery 214 from the external equipment. Further, the inlet 202 enables the supply (discharging, power feeding) of the power of the battery 214 to the external equipment.

[0022] The inlet 202 has a shape that can be attached to any of the AC charging connector 17 used for AC charging, the DC charging connector 18 used for DC charging, and the AC power feeding connector 19 used for AC power feeding. Note that AC power feeding indicates external power feeding in which AC power is supplied from the vehicle 200 to external equipment (for example, electric device 21). The inlet 202 is provided with AC connection parts 202a, 202b, DC connection parts 202f, 202g, and communication parts 202c to 202e.

[0023] When the AC charging connector 17 of the power feeding equipment 10 is attached to the inlet 202, the AC connection part (see FIG. 2) of the AC charging connector 17 is electrically connected to the AC connection parts 202a, 202b of the inlet 202, and the communication part (see FIG. 2) of the AC charging connector 17 is connected to the communication parts 202c to 202e of the inlet 202.

[0024] When the DC charging connector 18 of the power feeding equipment 10 is attached to the inlet 202, the AC connection part of the DC charging connector 18 is electrically connected to the AC connection parts 202a, 202b of the inlet 202, and the communication part of the DC charging connector 18 is connected to the communication parts 202c to 202e of the inlet 202.

[0025] Furthermore, when the AC power supply connector 19 is attached to the inlet 202, the AC connection part of the AC power supply connector 19 is electrically connected to the AC connection parts 202a and 202b of the inlet 202, and the communication part of the AC power supply connector 19 is connected to the communication parts 202c and 202d of the inlet 202. One end of the AC power supply connector 19 is formed in a shape that can be attached to the inlet 202, and a socket 20 is provided at the other end of the AC power supply connector 19. The socket 20 has a shape to which the plug 22 of the electrical device 21 can be connected. Note that the electrical device 21 includes, for example, home appliances that operate at AC 100V.

[0026] The power conversion device 204 performs power conversion between the battery 214 and the inlet 202 in response to a control signal from the ECU 100. For example, when AC charging of the battery 214 is performed with the AC charging connector 17 attached to the inlet 202, the power conversion device 204 converts the AC power supplied from the AC charging connector 17 into DC power and charges the battery 214 using the converted DC power.

[0027] Furthermore, for example, when AC power supply using the battery 214 is performed with the AC power supply connector 19 attached to the inlet 202 and the plug 22 of the electrical device 21 connected to the socket 20 of the AC power supply connector 19, the power conversion device 204 converts the DC power supplied from the battery 214 into AC power and supplies the converted AC power (for example, AC 100V) to the electrical device 21.

[0028] The locking mechanism 206 restricts the removal of the connector attached to the inlet 202 to fix it in a state (locked state) to the inlet 202, or releases the restriction on the removal of the connector to enable the removal of the connector from the inlet 202 (unlocked state). The locking mechanism 206, for example, moves a member to a position that restricts the movement of the connector attached to the inlet 202 to lock it, or moves the member to a position that allows the movement of the connector attached to the inlet 202 to unlock it. That is, the locking mechanism 206 switches from one of the locked state and the unlocked state to the other state according to a control signal from the ECU 100.

[0029] The ECU 100 incorporates a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a memory (including, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc.) 102, and an interface 103, and outputs a signal from the interface 103 based on information such as maps and programs stored in the memory 102 and information from various sensors received by the interface 103 so that the vehicle 200 reaches a desired state, thereby controlling each device (for example, the power conversion device 204, the locking mechanism 206, or the inverter 216). Note that various controls performed by the ECU 100 are not limited to software processing, and it is also possible to construct dedicated hardware (electronic circuits) for processing.

[0030] Furthermore, when a connector (AC charging connector 17, DC charging connector 18, or AC power supply connector 19) is attached to the inlet 202, the ECU 100 executes a communication process of receiving predetermined information from the device on the connector side (power supply facility 10) through the interface 103. The predetermined information includes, for example, information regarding the power that can be exchanged between the power supply facility 10 and the battery 214.

[0031] When the AC charging connector 17 is attached to the inlet 202, for example, the ECU 100 receives, via the interface 103, from the power supply facility 10 (more specifically, the AC charging connector 17), predetermined information including information indicating that the power transmitted and received between the AC charging connector 17 and the inlet 202 is AC power, and information indicating that the power transmitted and received between the AC charging connector 17 and the inlet 202 is charging power for charging the battery 214. The communication unit of the AC charging connector 17 is connected to the communication units 202c, 202d, and 202e of the inlet 202.

[0032] Alternatively, when the DC charging connector 18 is attached to the inlet 202, for example, the ECU 100 receives, via the interface 103, from the power supply facility 10 (more specifically, the DC charging connector 18), predetermined information including information indicating that the power transmitted and received between the DC charging connector 18 attached to the power supply facility 10 and the inlet 202 is DC power, and information indicating that the power transmitted and received between the DC charging connector 18 and the inlet 202 is charging power. The communication unit of the DC charging connector 18 is connected to the communication units 202c, 202d, and 202f of the inlet 202.

[0033] Alternatively, when the AC power supply connector 19 is attached to the inlet 202, for example, the ECU 100 receives, via the interface 103, from the AC power supply connector 19, predetermined information including information indicating that the power transmitted and received between the attached AC power supply connector 19 and the inlet 202 is AC power, and information indicating that the power transmitted and received between the AC power supply connector 19 and the inlet 202 is discharging power for discharging the battery 214. The communication unit of the AC power supply connector 19 is connected to the communication units 202c and 202d of the inlet 202.

[0034] When the AC charging connector 17 of the power supply device 10 is attached to the inlet 202 of the vehicle 200, the power supply device 10 supplies AC power to the inlet 202. The AC power supplied to the inlet 202 is converted into DC power by the power conversion device 204. The converted DC power is supplied to the battery 214, and the battery 214 is charged.

[0035] When the DC charging connector 18 of the power supply device 10 is attached to the inlet 202 of the vehicle 200, the power supply device 10 supplies DC power to the inlet 202. The DC power supplied to the inlet 202 is supplied to the battery 214 without passing through the power conversion device 204, and the battery 214 is charged.

[0036] The HMI 130 is composed of a touch panel display, displays the information received from the ECU 100 on the display, and transmits the information received by the touch panel to the ECU 100.

[0037] The wireless communication unit 150 is controlled by the ECU 100, receives a wireless signal from another device, such as the terminal device 800, a server, or another vehicle 200, converts the received wireless signal into data, stores the converted data in the memory 102, or transmits the data to the HMI 130 for display, and converts the data to be transmitted into a wireless signal and transmits it to another device that is the data communication destination.

[0038] The terminal device 800 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 810, a memory 820, an input unit 830, an output unit 840, a wireless communication unit 850, and an external storage device 860. The CPU 810, the memory 820, the input unit 830, the output unit 840, the wireless communication unit 850, and the external storage device 860 are connected to each other by a bus.

[0039] The memory 820 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) used as a working area necessary for the CPU 810 to execute programs, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) for storing programs to be executed by the CPU 810. Also, programs and data for executing predetermined processes are read from the ROM or the like and stored in the RAM.

[0040] The input unit 830 includes a touch panel and operation buttons for inputting numbers, alphabets, other characters such as telephone numbers and various data. Note that the input unit 830 may include parts for other operations. When the input unit 830 is operated by the user, an operation signal corresponding to the operation is transmitted from the input unit 830 to the CPU 810. The CPU 810 controls each part of the terminal device 800 according to the operation signal from the input unit 830.

[0041] The output unit 840 includes a display and a speaker. The display is formed integrally with the aforementioned touch panel. The output unit 840 is controlled by the CPU 810 to display, as images, the image signals and audio signals converted by the CPU 810 from the information received by the wireless communication unit 850, the information stored in the memory 820, or the information read from the recording medium by the external storage device 860, on the display, and output, as audio, from the speaker.

[0042] The wireless communication unit 850 is controlled by the CPU 810 to receive a wireless signal from another terminal device 800 or a landline phone of the call partner via a public line and an antenna, convert the received wireless signal into an audio signal, transmit the converted audio signal to the audio input / output unit, and convert the audio signal from the audio input / output unit into a wireless signal and transmit it to another terminal device 800 or a landline phone of the call partner via the antenna and the communication facilities of the telecommunications carrier.

[0043] In addition, the wireless communication unit 850 is controlled by the CPU 810 to receive a wireless signal from a device capable of data communication, such as the vehicle 200, a server, or another terminal device 800, via a public line and an antenna, convert the received wireless signal into data, store the converted data in the memory 820, or transmit the data to the output unit 840 for display. At the same time, the data to be transmitted is converted into a wireless signal and transmitted to the vehicle 200, the server, or another terminal device 800 that is the data communication destination via the antenna and the communication facilities of the telecommunications carrier.

[0044] The external storage device 860 is composed of a memory card reader / writer. The external storage device 860 electrically records the predetermined data or program received from the CPU 810 on a recording medium such as a memory card or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, or reads it from the recording medium and transfers it to the CPU 810. Note that the external storage device 860 may be composed of a storage device such as a hard disk drive, a flexible disk drive, an MO (Magneto - Optical disk) drive, a CD (Compact Disc) drive, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) drive.

[0045] The CPU 810 executes a predetermined process according to the programs and data stored in the memory 820 or the recording medium of the external storage device 860, processes the data input from the input unit 830 or the wireless communication unit 850, and stores the processed data in the memory 820, outputs it from the wireless communication unit 850 to other devices, or stores it in the recording medium of the external storage device 860.

[0046] Although the terminal device 800 has been described as being a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, it is not limited thereto, and it may be another information processing device such as a PC (Personal Computer) or a tablet.

[0047] In the vehicle 200 described above, when the AC charging connector 17, the DC charging connector 18, or the AC power supply connector 19 is unlocked and charging or power supply is in progress, it is conceivable to stop the charging or power supply. In this case, after being unlocked, if the AC charging connector 17, the DC charging connector 18, or the AC power supply connector 19 is not removed, it is conceivable that it will automatically be locked again and the charging will resume. In this way, in the electrical device 21, even if the power supply resumes, a resume operation may be required, or it may be difficult to suspend temporarily in the first place.

[0048] However, especially when power supply is in progress, when power is being supplied from the vehicle 200 to an external electrical device 21, even if it is temporary, if the power supply is stopped, the convenience for the user may decrease. For example, when unlocking the door to take something placed inside the vehicle while cooking rice with a rice cooker as the external electrical device 21, if the power supply is stopped, even if the power supply automatically resumes, the rice cooking in the middle will be aborted, so delicious rice cannot be cooked.

[0049] Therefore, when the lock mechanism 206 is in the locked state and power supply is in progress and the lock mechanism 206 is controlled to be switched to the unlocked state, when the power supply to the external electrical device 21 is to be stopped, the ECU 100 controls to switch the lock mechanism 206 to the unlocked state when the first operation is performed while the lock mechanism 206 is in the locked state and not supplying power, and maintains the locked state of the lock mechanism 206 when the first operation is performed while the lock mechanism 206 is in the locked state and power supply is in progress.

[0050] As a result, when the first operation is performed while the lock mechanism 206 is in the locked state and not supplying power, the lock mechanism 206 is switched to the unlocked state and the power supply to the external electrical device 21 is stopped. On the other hand, when the first operation is performed while the lock mechanism 206 is in the locked state and power supply is in progress, the locked state of the lock mechanism 206 is maintained, so the power supply to the external electrical device 21 is not stopped. As a result, it is possible to avoid an unintended stop of the power supply while the power supply to the external electrical device 21 is in progress.

[0051] [First Embodiment] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of the connector unlocking process in the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 2, this connector unlocking process is called and executed by the CPU 101 of the ECU 100 from the upper-level process at a predetermined cycle. The CPU 101 determines whether power is being supplied (step S111).

[0052] If it is determined that power is not being supplied (NO in step S111), that is, if it is determined that the power is off, the CPU 101 determines whether the connector unlocking condition during power-off is satisfied (step S112). The connector unlocking condition during power-off may be, for example, a condition that an unlocking operation of the door of the vehicle 200 (for example, an operation of the door unlock button) has been executed, or a condition that an unlocking operation of the connector in the terminal device 800 has been executed.

[0053] If it is determined that the connector unlocking condition during power-off is not satisfied (NO in step S112), the CPU 101 returns the process to be executed to the upper-level process that called this connector unlocking process.

[0054] If it is determined that power is being supplied (YES in step S111), the CPU 101 determines whether the connector unlocking condition during power-on is satisfied (step S113). The connector unlocking condition during power-on is, for example, a condition that is less likely to cause a switch to an unlocked state unintended by the user as compared with the connector unlocking condition during power-off, and is a condition different from the connector unlocking condition during power-off. For example, it may be a condition that the unlocking operation of the vehicle door has been executed a predetermined number of times (for example, a plurality of times such as 3 times), or it may be the same condition as the connector unlocking condition during power-off, for example, a condition that an unlocking operation of the connector in the terminal device 800 has been executed.

[0055] If it is determined that the connector unlocking condition during power-on is not satisfied (NO in step S113), the CPU 101 returns the process to be executed to the upper-level process that called this connector unlocking process.

[0056] When it is determined that the connector unlocking condition during power supply is satisfied (YES in step S113), the CPU 101 outputs a control signal from the interface 103 to control the power conversion device 204 to stop the power supply (step S117).

[0057] After step S117, or when it is determined that the connector unlocking condition during non-power supply is satisfied (YES in step S112), the CPU 101 controls the lock mechanism 206 to switch the AC power supply connector 19 to the unlocked state (step S118). Thereafter, the CPU 101 returns the process to be executed to the upper-level process that called this connector unlocking process.

[0058] [Second Embodiment] In the above-described first embodiment, when the connector unlocking condition during power supply is not satisfied during power supply, nothing is particularly done. In the second embodiment, when the connector unlocking condition during power supply is not satisfied during power supply, a predetermined process is executed.

[0059] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of the connector unlocking process in the second embodiment. Referring to FIG. 3, this connector unlocking process is called and executed by the CPU 101 of the ECU 100 from the upper-level process at a predetermined cycle. In the connector unlocking process in the second embodiment of FIG. 3, the same steps are assigned to the same processes as in the connector unlocking process in the first embodiment of FIG. 2. In the second embodiment, the parts different from the first embodiment will be described.

[0060] When it is determined that the connector unlock condition during power supply is not satisfied (NO in step S113), the CPU 101 determines whether the connector unlock condition during non-power supply is satisfied (step S114). When it is determined that the connector unlock condition during non-power supply is satisfied (YES in step S114), the CPU 101 controls the display of the output unit 840 to display a notification screen for notifying the user that the connector unlock condition during power supply is not satisfied but the connector unlock condition during non-power supply is satisfied (step S115).

[0061] FIG. 4 shows an example of a notification screen for notifying that the connector unlock condition during power supply is not satisfied but the connector unlock condition during non-power supply is satisfied. This notification screen is displayed on the touch panel display 870 when a power supply application program (hereinafter referred to as "application") is executed in the terminal device 800. The touch panel display 870 is composed of the touch panel of the input unit 830 and the display of the output unit 840 of the terminal device 800 described above.

[0062] This notification screen includes a sentence "A connector unlock operation during non-power supply has been detected during power supply.", a sentence indicating that this unlock operation is not accepted, and a sentence for notifying an operation necessary to switch to the unlocked state, as the fact that the connector unlock condition during power supply is not satisfied but the connector unlock condition during non-power supply is satisfied.

[0063] Returning to FIG. 3, when the CPU 101 determines that the connector unlock condition during non-power supply is not satisfied (NO in step S114), or after step S115, the CPU 101 returns the process to be executed to the process at a higher level than the call source of this connector unlock process.

[0064] [Third Embodiment] In the above-described second embodiment, although the connector unlocking condition during power supply is not satisfied, when the connector unlocking condition during non-power supply is satisfied, the user is notified to that effect. In the third embodiment, in addition to notifying the user to that effect, an operation for confirming the user's intention to switch to the unlocked state is received.

[0065] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of the connector unlocking process in the third embodiment. Referring to FIG. 5, this connector unlocking process is called and executed by the CPU 101 of the ECU 100 from the upper-level process at a predetermined cycle. In the connector unlocking process in the third embodiment of FIG. 5, the same steps are assigned to the same processes as in the connector unlocking process in the second embodiment of FIG. 3. In the third embodiment, the differences from the second embodiment will be described.

[0066] When it is determined that the connector unlocking condition during non-power supply is satisfied (YES in step S114), the CPU 101 notifies the user that the connector unlocking condition during power supply is not satisfied but the connector unlocking condition during non-power supply is satisfied, and controls the display of the output unit 840 to display a notification screen for receiving an operation for confirming the user's intention to switch to the unlocked state (step S115A).

[0067] FIG. 6 shows an example of a notification screen for notifying the user that the connector unlocking condition during power supply is not satisfied but the connector unlocking condition during non-power supply is satisfied and for receiving an operation for confirming the user's intention to switch to the unlocked state. This notification screen is displayed on the touch panel display 870 of the terminal device 800.

[0068] This notification screen includes a message stating that "A connector unlocking operation during non-power supply has been detected." indicating that the connector unlocking condition during power supply is not met but the connector unlocking condition during non-power supply is met, and a "Yes" button and a "No" button for receiving an operation to confirm the user's intention to switch the connector to the unlocked state.

[0069] Returning to FIG. 5, after step S115A, the CPU 101 determines whether an unlocking operation on the notification screen has been received (step S116). If an unlocking operation has been received (YES in step S116), that is, if it is determined that the "Yes" button has been operated on the notification screen of FIG. 6, the CPU 101 executes the processing from step S117 and subsequent steps described in the first embodiment.

[0070] On the other hand, if an unlocking operation has not been received (NO in step S116), that is, if it is determined that the "No" button has been operated on the notification screen of FIG. 6, the CPU 101 returns the processing to be executed to the higher-level processing that called this connector unlocking process.

[0071] [Modification Example] (1) In the above-described embodiment, the notification screens shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 are displayed on the touch panel display 870 of the terminal device 800. However, it is not limited to this, and the confirmation screens shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 may be displayed on other devices, for example, the HMI 130 of the vehicle 200.

[0072] (2) In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5, when the connector unlocking condition during non-power supply is satisfied during non-power supply, the connector is unlocked in step S118. However, it is not limited to this, and not only when the connector unlocking condition during non-power supply is satisfied during non-power supply, but also when the connector unlocking condition during power supply is satisfied, the connector may be unlocked.

[0073] (3) The above-described embodiments can be regarded as a disclosure of the vehicle 200 such as the ECU 100 or the control device of the locking mechanism 206, can be regarded as a disclosure of the vehicle 200 or the locking mechanism 206, and can be regarded as a disclosure of a control method or a control program by a control device such as the ECU 100.

[0074] [Summary] (1) As shown in FIG. 1, the ECU 100 is a control device for a locking mechanism 206 that fixes a connector such as the AC power supply connector 19 to the inlet 202 of the vehicle 200. As shown in FIG. 1, the connector includes the AC power supply connector 19 for supplying power to the electrical device 21 outside the vehicle 200. As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5, when the locking mechanism 206 is controlled to be switched to the unlocked state while the locking mechanism 206 is in the locked state and power is being supplied, the power supply to the external electrical device 21 is stopped (for example, step S117). As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5, when a first operation (for example, an operation that satisfies the connector unlock condition during non-power supply) is performed while the ECU 100 is in the locked state and not powered, the ECU 100 controls the locking mechanism 206 to be switched to the unlocked state (for example, it is determined YES in step S112 and step S118 is executed.), and when the first operation is performed while the locking mechanism 206 is in the locked state and power is being supplied, the locked state of the locking device is maintained.

[0075] Thereby, when the first operation is performed while the locking mechanism 206 is in the locked state and not powered, the locking mechanism 206 is switched to the unlocked state, and the power supply to the external electrical device 21 is stopped. On the other hand, when the first operation is performed while the locking mechanism 206 is in the locked state and power is being supplied, since the locked state of the locking mechanism 206 is maintained, the power supply to the external electrical device 21 is not stopped. As a result, it is possible to avoid an unintended stop of power supply while power is being supplied to the external electrical device 21.

[0076] (2) As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5, when a second operation different from the first operation (for example, an operation that satisfies the connector unlock condition during power supply) is performed while the ECU 100 is in the locked state and power is being supplied, the ECU 100 may be controlled to switch the lock mechanism 206 to the unlocked state (for example, when it is determined YES in step S113 and step S118 is executed). Thereby, when a second operation different from the first operation is performed, even if power is being supplied, it can be determined that the user intends to stop the power supply and switch the lock mechanism 206 to the unlocked state, and the lock mechanism 206 can be switched to the unlocked state.

[0077] (3) As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5, when the first operation (for example, a door unlock operation) is performed a plurality of times (for example, 3 times) while the ECU 100 is in the locked state and power is being supplied, the ECU 100 may be controlled to switch the lock mechanism 206 to the unlocked state (for example, when it is determined YES in step S113 and step S118 is executed). Thereby, when the first operation for switching to the unlocked state is performed a plurality of times during non-power supply, even if power is being supplied, it can be determined that the user intends to stop the power supply and switch the lock mechanism 206 to the unlocked state, and the lock mechanism 206 can be switched to the unlocked state.

[0078] (4) As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, when the first operation is performed while the ECU 100 is in the locked state and power is being supplied, the ECU 100 may execute a process of notifying an operation necessary to switch the lock mechanism 206 to the unlocked state (for example, a process of displaying the notification screen in FIG. 4, a process of displaying a button for receiving the user's intention on the notification screen in FIG. 6). Thereby, the user can be notified of the operation necessary to switch to the unlocked state during power supply.

[0079] (5) The control device may be controlled to switch the lock mechanism 206 to the unlocked state when a second operation is performed while the control device is in the locked state and power is not being supplied. Thereby, when the second operation is performed, the lock mechanism 206 can be switched to the unlocked state not only during power supply but also during non-power supply.

[0080] The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of this disclosure is shown by the claims rather than the description of the above-described embodiments, and it is intended that all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims be included.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0081] 10 Power supply equipment, 17 AC charging connector, 18 DC charging connector, 19 AC power supply connector, 20 Socket, 21 Electrical equipment, 22 Plug, 100 ECU, 101,810 CPU, 102,820 Memory, 103 Interface, 130 HMI, 150,850 Wireless communication unit, 200 Vehicle, 202 Inlet, 202a, 202b, 202f, 202g Connection part, 202c, 202d, 202e Communication part, 204 Power conversion device, 206 Lock mechanism, 214 Battery, 216 Inverter, 218 Motor generator, 222 Driving wheel, 800 Terminal device, 830 Input part, 840 Output part, 860 External storage device, 870 Touch panel display.

Claims

1. A control device for a locking device that fixes a connector to an inlet of a vehicle, wherein the connector includes a connector for supplying power to a device outside the vehicle, when the locking device is controlled to be switched to an unlocked state while power is being supplied in the locked state, power supply to the external device is stopped, the control device, when a first operation is performed while power is not being supplied in the locked state, controls the locking device to be switched to the unlocked state, and when the first operation is performed while power is being supplied in the locked state, maintains the locked state of the locking device. A control device for a locking device.

2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein when a second operation different from the first operation is performed while power is being supplied in the locked state, the control device controls the locking device to be switched to the unlocked state.

3. The control device for a locking device according to claim 1, wherein when the first operation is performed a plurality of times while power is being supplied in the locked state, the control device controls the locking device to be switched to the unlocked state.

4. The control device for a locking device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the first operation is performed while power is being supplied in the locked state, the control device executes a process of notifying an operation necessary to switch the locking device to the unlocked state.

5. The control device for a locking device according to claim 2, wherein when the second operation is performed while power is not being supplied in the locked state, the control device controls the locking device to be switched to the unlocked state.

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