Electric device and wiring cable

An electric device includes a first receptacle to which a first plug is connected, a second receptacle to which a second plug is connected, and a cover member configured to open/close the second receptacle. In a state in which the first plug is connected to the first receptacle, opening of the cover member is restricted by interference between the first plug and the cover member. In a state in which the second plug is connected to the second receptacle, connection of the first plug to the first receptacle is restricted by interference between the first plug and the cover member.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims priority to and the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-221659 filed on Nov. 27, 2018, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an electric device and a wiring cable.

Description of the Related Art

In order to improve safety of a power connector, a structure including a member which covers a receptacle is proposed (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2014-99265 and 10-50388). On the other hand, a technique of connecting a plurality of power generators in series with each other to output a higher voltage is also proposed (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2018-170861).

Assuming an arrangement including a series connection receptacle in a power generator as an arrangement for connecting a plurality of power generators in series with each other, if simultaneous use of this receptacle and a power output receptacle of the power generator for an electric load is not expected in design, a mechanism for avoiding the simultaneous use is preferable. For example, if use of an electric load connection receptacle at the time of series connection to the power generator and an electric load connection receptacle at the time of single use is employed, the above also applies to the simultaneous use of the above two receptacles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a technique of restricting the simultaneous use of two receptacles.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electric device comprising: a first receptacle to which a first plug is connected; a second receptacle to which a second plug is connected; and a cover member configured to open/close the second receptacle, wherein in a state in which the first plug is connected to the first receptacle, opening of the cover member is restricted by interference between the first plug and the cover member, and in a state in which the second plug is connected to the second receptacle, connection of the first plug to the first receptacle is restricted by interference between the first plug and the cover member.

According to another aspect of the present, there is provided a wiring cable connected to an electric device, wherein the electric device comprises a first receptacle to which a first plug is connected, a second receptacle to which a second plug is connected, and a cover member configured to open/close the second receptacle, in a state in which the first plug is connected to the first receptacle, opening of the cover member is restricted by interference between the first plug and the cover member, and in a state in which the second plug is connected to the second receptacle, connection of the first plug to the first receptacle is restricted by interference between the first plug and the cover member, and the wiring cable comprises a first plug, the first plug includes a projecting portion projecting in a direction crossing a connection direction of the first plug with respect to the first receptacle, the cover member is supported pivotally about a pivotal shaft in a direction along a wall surface on which the second receptacle is arranged, and the projecting portion is located on a pivotal locus of the cover member in a state in which the first plug is connected to the first receptacle.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

First Embodiment

<Structure of Electric Device and Wiring Cable>

FIG. 1is a perspective view showing electric devices1A and1B and a wiring cable10for connecting the electric devices1A and1B in series with each other according to an embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 2is a view showing a connection relationship when the two electric devices1A and1B are connected through the wiring cable10.

The electric devices1A and1B according to this embodiment are portable AC power generators having common basic arrangements and having the same rated voltage, for example, single-phase 100 V, 120 V, or 125 V. Each of the electric devices1A and1B includes an inverter7, a power generator8, and an internal combustion engine9. The internal combustion engine9is a reciprocating engine using gasoline as a fuel. The power generator8is connected to the output shaft (for example, a crank shaft) of the corresponding internal combustion engine9and converts the output from the corresponding internal combustion engine9into a power. In this embodiment, the power generator8is a multipole alternator for generating an AC power. The power generator8can be used as a starter motor of the corresponding internal combustion engine9.

Each inverter7includes, for example, a rectifying smoothing circuit, an inverter circuit, and a control unit. The rectifying smoothing circuit rectifies and smoothes the 3-phase AC power output from the corresponding power generator8. The inverter circuit converts the DC power output from the corresponding rectifying smoothing circuit into a single-phase AC power. Each inverter circuit includes a plurality of switching elements such as MOSFETs. Each control unit includes a CPU, a storage unit (for example, a ROM and a RAM), and an interface. The CPU executes programs stored in the storage unit and executes switching control of the corresponding inverter circuit and communication processing between the electric devices1A and1B.

Each of the electric devices1A and1B has, on a wall surface1cwhich forms one end face of the outer shape, cable connection portions to which wiring cables can be connected. In this embodiment, two types of receptacles, that is, a receptacle2and receptacles3are arranged on the wall surface1cof the electric device1A, and three types of receptacles, that is, a receptacle2, receptacles3, and a receptacle5are arranged on the wall surface1cof the electric device1B. That is, the electric devices1A and1B are different from each other in that the electric device1A does not have the receptacle5.

The receptacle2is a connector for connecting the electric devices1A and1B in series with each other through the wiring cable10. A plug12of the wiring cable10is connected to the receptacle2. The receptacles3are connectors for outputting the individual rated voltages of the electric devices1A and1B. Electric loads which receive the powers from the electric devices1A and1B are connected to the above connectors. Examples of the electric loads are home appliances such as a cooker, an air conditioner, a television set, an illumination lights, and a dryer and industrial electric products such as an electric tool, a large illumination device, and a compressor.

In this embodiment, the receptacles3are arranged adjacent to the receptacle2. More specifically, the two receptacles3are arranged for each electric device. A cover member4for opening/closing the two receptacles3is arranged on the wall surface1c.

The receptacle5is arranged on only the electric device1B and is a connector to which an electric load which receives the power from the electric device1B is connected. The receptacle5is a locking connector having a function of locking a plug (not shown). A cover member6for opening/closing the receptacle5is arranged on the wall surface1cof the electric device1B. When the electric devices1A and1B are connected in series with each other through the wiring cable10, the receptacle5can output an AC voltage double the rated voltage of each of the electric devices1A and1B. For example, if the rated voltage of each of the electric devices1A and1B is 125 V, an AC voltage of 250 V can be output from the receptacle5. Its mechanism will be described with reference toFIG. 2.

A power line (potential line)7bthrough which a generated current can flow, a neutral line7a, and a plurality of control signal lines7dare connected to the inverter7and are connected to a corresponding electrode2a, a corresponding electrode2b, and corresponding electrodes2dof the receptacle2, respectively. The plurality of control signal lines7dincludes signal lines for performing communication between the inverter7of the electric device1A and the inverter7of the electric device1B. The power line7band the neutral line7aare connected to the corresponding electrodes of each of the receptacles3. A single-phase two-wire electric load can be connected to each receptacle3.

The wiring cable10includes a cable portion11obtained by bundling a plurality of wires and the plugs12arranged at two ends of the cable portion11. Each plug12includes electrodes12bto12dand electrodes12e. The electrodes12bto12dare connected to the electrodes2ato2cof the receptacle2, respectively. The cable portion11connects the electrodes12bso that the neutral line7aof the electric device1A is connected to the neutral line7aof the electric device1B through the wiring cable10. The cable portion11connects the electrodes12eso that the plurality of control signal lines7dof the electric device1A is connected to the plurality of control signal lines7dof the electric device1B through the wiring cable10.

The cable portion11connects the electrodes12cand12d, and the wires for the electrodes12cand12dare crossed. No internal wire is connected to an electrode2cof the receptacle2in the electric device1A. On the other hand, in the electric device1B, a power line7cis connected to the electrode2cof the receptacle2. The power line7c, the power line7b, and the neutral line7aare also connected to the corresponding electrodes arranged in the receptacle5. The power line7bof the electric device1A is connected to the power line7cof the electric device1B through the wiring cable10. The receptacle5forms a single-phase three-wire receptacle.

When the electric devices1A and1B are connected in series with each other through the wiring cable10, the inverter7of the electric device1A and the inverter7of the electric device1B communicate with each other through the corresponding communication units. The inverter circuit control is performed such that the phases of the AC voltage waveforms output from the respective inverters7are shifted by 180°. Accordingly, an AC voltage double the rated voltage of each of the electric devices1A and1B can be output.

If the electric devices1A and1B are connected in series with each other through the wiring cable10, it is assumed that an electric load is connected to the receptacle5and used. A state in which a single-phase three-wire system in a home or the like is connected to the receptacle5, and the electric load is connected to each of the receptacles3is not preferable if ground faulting of the electric load connected to the receptacle3is considered. This embodiment has a structure to restrict the simultaneous use of the receptacles3and the receptacle5.

<Restriction Structure of Simultaneous Use>

FIGS. 3 and 4are perspective views each showing the cable connection portion of the electric device1A.FIG. 3shows a state in which the cover member4is closed, whileFIG. 4shows a state in which the cover member4is open. The cover member4has a rectangular box-like shape whose back surface is open. The cover member4is pivotally supported on the wall surface1cthrough a pivotal shaft4aat the upper side portion of the cover member4. The pivotal shaft4ais a shaft extending in a direction along the wall surface1c. In this embodiment, the pivotal shaft4aextends in the horizontal direction. The cover member4pivots in the vertical direction about the pivotal shaft4asuch that the free end (lower end) of the cover member4comes close to or is spaced apart from the wall surface1c. Note that the pivotal shaft4amay extend in the vertical direction. Alternatively, the pivotal shaft4amay extend in a normal direction to the wall surface1cand the cover member4may pivot along the wall surface1c.

A projecting portion12aprojecting toward the cover member4is arranged on the side portion of the plug12on the side of the cover member4. In other words, the projecting portion12aprojects in a direction crossing the connecting direction (the normal direction of the wall surface1c) of the plug12with respect to the receptacle2. In this embodiment, the projecting portion12ais a plate-like member and is formed integrally with the plug12.

The projecting portion12ais arranged at a position on the pivotal locus of the cover member4in a state in which the plug12is connected to the receptacle2. Accordingly, the connection of the plug12to the receptacle2and the connection of the electric load to each receptacle3can be exclusively performed.

FIGS. 5A and 5Bshow the state in which the plug12is connected to the receptacle2. The projecting portion12aoverlaps the cover member4when viewed in the normal direction of the wall surface1c. For this reason, when the user tires to open the cover member4, as shown inFIG. 4, the right portion of the cover member4interferes with the projecting portion12a, and the cover member4cannot be opened to an extent that each receptacle3is perfectly exposed, as shown inFIGS. 5A and 5B. That is, connection of the electric load plug to each receptacle3is impossible.

FIGS. 6A and 6Bshows a state in which the plug12is tried to be connected to the receptacle2in a state in which the cover member4is open. If the user tries to connect the plug12to the receptacle2, the right portion of the cover member4interferes with the projecting portion12a, and the plug12cannot be further pushed into the receptacle2. That is, the connection of the plug12of the wiring cable10to the receptacle2is impossible.

FIGS. 7A and 7Bshow a state in which an electric load plug20is connected to the corresponding receptacle3. The cover member4is half open due to the presence of the plug20. If the user tries to connect the plug12to the receptacle2, the right portion of the cover member4interferes with the projecting portion12a, and the cover member4cannot be further closed due to the interference with the plug20, and the plug12cannot be further pushed into the receptacle2. That is, the connection of the plug12of the wiring cable10to the receptacle2is impossible.

As described above, in order to connect the plug12to the receptacle2, the cover member4must be kept closed, and the plug20cannot be connected to the corresponding receptacle3. In order to connect the plug20to the corresponding receptacle3, the cover member4must be opened. In order to open the cover member4, it is necessary not to connect the plug12to the receptacle2. In addition, when the plug20is connected to the corresponding receptacle3, the plug12cannot be connected to the receptacle2.

As a result, when the electric load is connected to the corresponding receptacle3, the electric device1A and the electric device1B cannot be connected in series with each other through the wiring cable10. Accordingly, each receptacle3of the electric device1A and the receptacle5of the electric device1B cannot be simultaneously used. As described above, according to this embodiment, simultaneous connections of the plugs12and20to the receptacles2and3can be restricted physically and mechanically using the interference between the projecting portion12aand the cover member4. Therefore, simultaneous use of each receptacle3of the electric device1A and the receptacle5of the electric device1B can be restricted.

Note that the electric device1B also includes the restriction structure by the interference between the projecting portion12aand the cover4, so that the simultaneous connections of the plugs12and20to the receptacles2and3of the electric device1B are also restricted.

Second Embodiment

Examples of another restriction structure in simultaneous use of receptacles3and a receptacle5will be described below.FIGS. 8A and 8Bshow an example in which a cover member4A for selectively covering a receptacle2and the receptacles3is arranged. This restriction structure may be arranged in one or both of an electric device1A and an electric device1B.

The cover member4A is a substitute member of the cover member4of the first embodiment. The cover member4A is slidable in the right and left directions by being guided by a pair of rail members1darranged on a wall surface1c.

FIG. 8Ashows a state in which the cover member4A is located at the position where the receptacles3are covered. In this state, the cover member4A does not cover the receptacle2. Accordingly, a plug12can be connected to the receptacle2. Even if the user tries to connect an electric load plug20to one of the receptacles3, the plug20interferes with the cover member4A and cannot be connected to the corresponding receptacle3.

FIG. 8Bshows a state in which the cover member4A is slid toward the receptacle2from the state shown inFIG. 8Aand is located at the position where the receptacle2is covered. In this state, the cover member4A does not cover the receptacles3. Accordingly, the electric load plug20can be connected to one of the receptacles3. However, if the user tries to connect the plug12to the receptacle2, the plug12interferes with the cover member4A and cannot be connected to the receptacle2.

In the state ofFIG. 8Ain which the receptacle2is connected to the plug12, if the user tries to slide the cover member4A to the position ofFIG. 8B, the cover member4A interferes with the plug12and cannot be slid. That is, the plug20cannot be connected to the corresponding receptacle3. To the contrary, in a state ofFIG. 8Bin which the plug20is connected to the corresponding receptacle3, if the user tries to slide the cover member4A to the position ofFIG. 8A, the cover member4A and the plug20interfere with each other, and the cover member4A cannot be slid. That is, it is impossible to connect the plug12to the receptacle2.

As described above, according to this embodiment, there is provided a structure in which the receptacle2and the receptacles3are exclusively opened/closed by the cover member4A. For this reason, when the electric load is connected to the corresponding receptacle3, the electric device1A and the electric device1B cannot be connected in series with each other through the wiring cable10. Therefore, the receptacles3of the electric device1A or1B cannot be used simultaneously with the receptacle5of the electric device1B.

FIGS. 9A and 9Bshow an example in which the opening/closing structure of the cover member4A is applied to the receptacles3and the receptacle5of the electric device1B.

FIG. 9Ashows a state in which the cover member4A is located at the position where the receptacle5is covered. In this state, the cover member4A does not cover the receptacles3. The electric load plug20can be connected to each of the receptacles3. If the user tries to connect an electric load plug (not shown) to the receptacle5, this plug interferes with the cover member4A and cannot be connected to the receptacle5. Even if the electric device1A and the electric device1B are connected in series with each other through the wiring cable10, the receptacles3and the receptacle5cannot be simultaneously used.

FIG. 9Bshows a state in which the cover member4A is slid toward the receptacles3from the state ofFIG. 9A, and the cover member4A is located at the position where the receptacles3are covered. In this state, the cover member4A does not cover the receptacle5. The electric load plug can be connected to the receptacle5. However, if the user tries to connect the plug to each of the receptacles3, the plug interferes with the cover member4and cannot be connected to the corresponding receptacle3.

In a state ofFIG. 9Ain which the plug20is connected to the corresponding receptacle3, if the user tries to slide the cover member4A to the position ofFIG. 9B, the cover member4A and the plug20interfere with each other, and the cover member4A cannot be slid. That is, the electric load plug cannot be connected to the receptacle5. To the contrary, in a state ofFIG. 9Bin which the plug is connected to the receptacle5, if the user tries to slide the cover member4A to the position ofFIG. 9A, the cover member4A and the plug interfere with each other, and the cover member4A cannot be slid. That is, the plug20cannot be connected to the corresponding receptacle3.

As described above, according to this embodiment, there is provided a structure in which the receptacles3and the receptacle5are exclusively opened/closed by the cover member4A. Therefore, the receptacles3and the receptacle5of the electric device1B cannot be simultaneously used.

Note that in this embodiment, although the cover member4A is slid, another displacement mode may be employed. For example, the cover member4A may be pivoted along the wall surface1cto be displaceable between the position where the receptacles3are covered and the position where the receptacle5is covered.

Third Embodiment

An example of another restriction structure of simultaneous use of a receptacle3and a receptacle5will be described below. The first and second embodiments employ the physical and mechanical restriction, but the third embodiment employs a restriction using an electric circuit.FIG. 10is a diagram showing an example of an electric circuit. This circuit may be arranged in one or both of an electric device1A and an electric device1B. This electric circuit can be used together with the first and second embodiments.

In the third embodiment, an inverter7serving as an internal circuit for supplying a power to the receptacle3and a connection/disconnection circuit22arranged between the inverter7and the receptacle3are arranged. The connection/disconnection circuit22performs connection/disconnection of a neutral line7aand the corresponding electrode of the receptacle3. In this embodiment, the connection/disconnection circuit22is formed from a relay, but may be another switching element such as a transistor. The contact of the connection/disconnection circuit22is kept off in the normal mode, and the connection/disconnection circuit22is set in a state in which the neutral line7aand the corresponding electrode of the receptacle3are connected.

A mechanical switch21such as a pushbutton switch is arranged in the receptacle2. The switch21is normally set in the OFF state. An operation portion13extending from the plug12is arranged on a plug12of a wiring cable10. When the plug12is connected to the receptacle2, the operation portion13pushes the contact of the switch21to set the switch21in the ON state.

When the mechanical switch21is set in the ON state, the coil of the connection/disconnection circuit (relay)22is energized to open the contact of the relay22. The neutral line7ais disconnected from the corresponding electrode of the receptacle3, that is, a state in which the receptacle3is disconnected from the inverter7is set, and no power is supplied.

With the above arrangement, when the plug12of the wiring cable10is connected to a receptacle2, the receptacle3cannot be used. Accordingly, simultaneous use of the receptacle3of the electric device1A or1B and the receptacle5of the electric device1B is restricted.

FIG. 11shows an example in which a circuit similar to that ofFIG. 10is applied to the receptacle3and the receptacle5of the electric device1B. Similarly, in an example ofFIG. 11, the inverter7serving as the internal circuit for supplying a power to the receptacle3and a connection/disconnection circuit24arranged between the inverter7and the receptacle3are arranged. The connection/disconnection circuit24performs connection/disconnection of the neutral line7aand the corresponding electrode of the receptacle3. In this embodiment, the connection/disconnection circuit24is formed from a relay, but may be another switching element such as a transistor. The contact of the connection/disconnection circuit24is kept off in the normal mode, and the connection/disconnection circuit24is set in a state in which the neutral line7aand the corresponding electrode of the receptacle3are connected.

A mechanical switch23such as a pushbutton switch is arranged in the receptacle5. A button portion25of the switch23extends from the surface of the receptacle5. The switch23is normally set in the OFF state. When the electric load plug is connected to the receptacle5, the button portion25pushes the plug to set the switch23in the ON state.

When the switch23is set in the ON state, the coil of the connection disconnection circuit (relay)24is energized to open the contact of the relay24. The neutral line7ais disconnected from the corresponding electrode of the receptacle3, that is, a state in which the receptacle3is disconnected from the inverter7, and no power is supplied is set.

With the above arrangement, when the plug is connected to the receptacle5, the receptacle3cannot be used. Accordingly, simultaneous use of the receptacle3and the receptacle5of the electric device1B is restricted.

Note that in this embodiment, the connection of the plug12to the receptacle2or the connection of the plug to the receptacle5is detected by the mechanical switch21or23. However, the connection detection method is not limited to this. For example, a current flowing upon connection may be detected by a current sensor to detect the connection. More specifically, when detecting the connection of the plug12to the receptacle2, a current sensor for monitoring a current flowing through a power line7cis arranged. The current sensor is formed from, for example, a switching element such as a transistor which is turned on when a current having a value equal to or larger than a predetermined value flows. When the current sensor detects a current having a value equal to or larger than the predetermined value, the relay of the connection/disconnection circuit22of the electric device1B is energized to set the connection/disconnection circuit22in the OFF state. A similar arrangement may be employed even if the connection of the plug to the receptacle5is to be detected.

In the above arrangement, the connection/disconnection circuit22or24disconnects the receptacle3from the inverter7. However, the connection of the plug20to the receptacle3may be detected to disconnect the receptacle5and the inverter7from each other.

Fourth Embodiment

In order to cope with the cover member4of the first embodiment or the cover member4A of the second embodiment coming off, a sensor for detecting the state of each of the covers4and4A is arranged, and power supply at the time of DC connection of electric devices1A and1B may be inhibited by the control of an inverter7.

FIG. 12Ashows an example in which a sensor26for detecting that the cover member4is set in the closed state is arranged in the first embodiment. The sensor26is a mechanical switch arranged on a wall surface1c. An operation portion4bis arranged at the end portion of the cover member4. When the cover member4is closed, the operation portion4bpushes the sensor26to turn on the sensor26. When the cover member4is not closed, the sensor26is set in the OFF state.

A detection signal from the sensor26is transmitted to the inverter7. If the sensor26is not set in the ON state, the control unit of the inverter7does not perform power supply control at the time of the DC connection of the electric devices1A and1B. For this reason, assume that the cover member4has come off, that the electric devices1A and1B are connected in series with each other through a wiring cable10, and that an electric load plug20can be connected to a receptacle3. Even in this case, the inverter7can control to restrict the output of the AC power from a receptacle5. Therefore, the simultaneous use of the receptacle3and the receptacle5can be restricted.

FIG. 12Bshows an example in which a sensor27for detecting that the cover member4A is located at the position where the receptacles3are covered is arranged in the second embodiment (FIGS. 8A and 8B). The sensor27is a mechanical switch arranged on the wall surface1c. When the cover member4A is located at the position where the receptacles3are covered, the side portion of the cover member4A pushes the sensor27to turn on the sensor27. When the cover member4A is located at the position where the receptacles3are covered, the sensor27is set in the OFF state.

A detection signal from the sensor27is transmitted to the inverter7. If the sensor27is not set in the ON state, the control unit of the inverter7does not perform power supply control at the time of the DC connection of the electric devices1A and1B. For this reason, even if hypothetically the cover member4A came off, the electric devices1A and1B were connected in series with each other through the wiring cable10, and the electric load plug20were connectable to the corresponding receptacle3, the inverter7could control to restrict the output of the AC power from the receptacle5. Therefore, the simultaneous use of the receptacle3and the receptacle5can be restricted. An arrangement similar to that described above can be employed for the second embodiment shown inFIGS. 9A and 9B.

Note that each of the sensors26and27may be formed from a photointerrupter or the like in place of the mechanical switch.

Other Embodiments

The above embodiments have exemplified power generators as the electric devices1A and1B. However, if an electric device has a plurality of receptacles and is used to inhibit simultaneous use of the receptacles, the present invention is also applicable to an electric device other than the power generator.

Summary of Embodiments

The above embodiments disclose at least the following electric devices or wiring cable.

1. An electric device (for example,1A,1B) of each of the above embodiments comprises:

a first receptacle (for example,2,5) to which a first plug is connected;

a second receptacle (for example,3) to which a second plug (for example,20) is connected; and

a cover member (for example,4,4A) configured to open/close the second receptacle,

wherein in a state in which the first plug is connected to the first receptacle, opening of the cover member is restricted by interference between the first plug and the cover member, and

in a state in which the second plug is connected to the second receptacle, connection of the first plug to the first receptacle is restricted by interference between the first plug and the cover member.

According to this embodiment, there is provided a technique for restricting simultaneous use of two receptacles.

2. In the electric device of each of the above embodiments,

the first plug (for example,12) includes a projecting portion (for example,12a) projecting in a direction crossing a connection direction of the first plug with respect to the first receptacle,

the cover member (for example,4) is pivotally supported around a pivotal shaft (for example,4a) in a direction along a wall surface (for example,1c) on which the second receptacle is arranged, and

the projecting portion is located on a pivotal locus of the cover member in a state in which the first plug is connected to the first receptacle.

According to this embodiment, the pivotal motion of the cover member is restricted by the projecting portion, and insertion/removal of the first plug can be restricted by the pivotal position of the cover member.

3. In the electric device of each of the above embodiments, the cover member (for example,4A) is supported to be displaceable between a position where the cover member covers the second receptacle but does not cover the first receptacle and a position where the cover member covers the first receptacle but does not cover the second receptacle.

According to this embodiment, the first receptacle and the second receptacle can be exclusively used physically and mechanically. The simultaneous use of these two receptacles can be restricted.

4. In the electric device of each of the above embodiments, the cover member is supported to be slidable in a direction along the wall surface (for example,1c) on which the first receptacle and the second receptacle are arranged.

According to this embodiment, the cover member can be displaced with a relatively simple arrangement, and the cover member can be displaced relatively easily by a user operation.

5. An electric device (for example,1A,1B) of each of the above embodiments comprises:

a first receptacle (for example,2,5) to which a first plug is connected;

a second receptacle (for example,3) to which a second plug is connected;

an internal circuit (for example,7) configured to supply a power to the second receptacle; and

a connection/disconnection circuit (for example,22,24) configured to connect/disconnect the second receptacle and the internal circuit,

wherein the connection/disconnection circuit disconnects the second receptacle and the internal circuit from each other if the first plug is connected to the first receptacle.

According to this embodiment, there is provided a technique for restricting simultaneous use of the two receptacles.

6. In the electric device of each of the above embodiments,

the electric device comprises a power generator,

the first receptacle is a receptacle (for example,2) with which another power generator is connected in series, and

the second receptacle is a receptacle (for example,3) to which an electric load is connected.

According to this embodiment, use of a plurality of power supply routes can be restricted.

7. A wiring cable (for example,10) of each of the above embodiments is a wiring cable connected to an electric device (for example,1A,1B),

wherein the electric device comprises

a first receptacle (for example,2) to which a first plug is connected,

a second receptacle (for example,3) to which a second plug is connected, and

a cover member (for example,4) configured to open/close the second receptacle,

in a state in which the first plug is connected to the first receptacle, opening of the cover member is restricted by interference between the first plug and the cover member, and

in a state in which the second plug is connected to the second receptacle, connection of the first plug to the first receptacle is restricted by interference between the first plug and the cover member, and

the wiring cable comprises a first plug (for example,12),

the first plug includes a projecting portion (for example,12a) projecting in a direction crossing a connection direction of the first plug with respect to the first receptacle,

the cover member is supported pivotally about a pivotal shaft (for example,4a) in a direction along a wall surface (for example,1c) on which the second receptacle is arranged, and

the projecting portion is located on a pivotal locus of the cover member in a state in which the first plug is connected to the first receptacle.

According to this embodiment, there is provided a technique for restricting simultaneous use of the two receptacles. The pivotal motion of the cover member can be restricted by the projecting portion. Insertion/removal of the first plug can be restricted by the pivotal position of the cover member.