JP2003092166A - Electric outlet - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electric outlet capable of effectively preventing the intrusion of dust and dirt from a plug-in hole with a simple structure. SOLUTION: On the upper part of this electric outlet 11, stepped regions 25 and 26 markedly lowered in such a form as to avoid first and second plug-in holes 16 and 17 are disposed. When the plug-in holes 16 and 17 are used, first and second covers 21 and 22 are previously housed in the stepped regions 25 and 26. When both or either of the plug-in holes 16 and 17 is not used, the covers 21 and/or 22 corresponding to the unused plug-in hole(s) are/is so moved along sliding slots 23 and 24 as to cover the corresponding one(s) out of the plug-in holes 16 and 17.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an outlet, and more particularly to an outlet capable of preventing problems caused by dust entering through an insertion port of its power plug.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In the modern era where various electric appliances are used, outlets with a power cord for inserting a power plug (hereinafter, simply referred to as outlets) are used everywhere. The outlet is usually provided with several sets of insertion openings each having a pair of holes for inserting a power plug.
When purchasing an outlet, it is often the case that there is some margin in the number of outlets so that the power supply can be covered even when an electric product is added.

If you purchase an outlet with a slightly larger number of outlets, insert a power plug into the required outlet for the time being and place it at a position that does not interfere with the back of the closet or the gap between furniture. Are often placed. In this state, if you use it for many years with forgetting even the place where the outlet is placed, fine dust or dust will accumulate on the insertion port where the power plug is not inserted. These dusts and dirt also enter the outlet through the insertion port. If moisture is added to this, inconvenience may occur such as leakage occurring between the metal fittings having a potential difference.

[0004] Therefore, conventionally, measures have been taken to prevent dust or dirt from entering the inside of the outlet through the insertion port where the power plug is not inserted.

FIG. 8 shows an outlet according to the first proposal. In the proposal shown in FIG. 8 of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-208875, doors 103 _{1 to} 103 ₄ that are opened and closed by a hinge are provided for each of the outlets 102 _{1 to} 102 ₄ of the outlet 101. And for the outlet 102 ₃ which is not planned to use the power plug, its door 1
₀₃ to close as shown, dust is prevented from entering thereto. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-185861 proposes a similar proposal in which the entire insertion port is covered with an openable door.

FIG. 9 shows the above-mentioned Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 6-208875.
The second proposal by the publication is shown, and the insertion port 102 ₁ for each of the insertion ports 102 _{1 to} 102 _{4 of the} outlet 111.
-102 ₄ sliding piece 113 _{1-113 4} which is parallel to and out the formed face of are provided. Then, as for the insertion port 102 ₃ which is not planned to use the power plug, the sliding piece 113 ₃ is moved to a position that covers the insertion port 102 ₃ as shown in the drawing so that dust and dirt do not enter these. ing.

[0007]

However, in the structure shown in FIG. 8, it is necessary to provide the outlet 103 with the door 103 and the hinge mechanism. In the case of the proposal shown in FIG. 9, not only the sliding piece 113 but also a groove for sliding the sliding piece 113 needs to be arranged. Therefore, the mechanism of the outlet becomes complicated.

Further, in these proposals, since the door 103 or the sliding piece 113 is not necessary for the insertion port 102 used, these largely extend from the side portions of the outlets 101 and 111 to both sides. Therefore, even if the outlets 101 and 111 are arranged in a gap between furnitures, etc., they cannot be efficiently arranged, and there is a problem that a wasteful space is required. Also, these outlets 1
When 01 and 111 are arranged on the floor where people come and go, there is a problem that the overhanging door 103 and sliding piece 113 are touched by the body and easily damaged.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an outlet capable of effectively preventing dust and dirt from entering through the insertion port with a simple structure.

[0010]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, (a) the outlet main body is provided corresponding to each insertion opening for inserting a blade of a power plug on the upper surface of the outlet main body, and is further provided than the upper surface of the insertion opening. (B) The step portion has a low area, and (b) has a cover portion that covers the entire area of the insertion port when moved to the insertion port side and accommodates it in the step portion when moved to the step portion side. The outlet is provided with a cover for an upper surface insertion port that is reciprocally arranged between the insertion port and the insertion port.

That is, according to the first aspect of the invention, a step portion that is much lower than the upper surface of the insertion port is provided corresponding to each insertion port for inserting the blade of the power plug, and the upper surface insertion port cover is provided. When the cover part moves to the insertion port side, it covers the entire area of the insertion port, and when it moves to the step part side, it is accommodated in the step part. Therefore, if the cover portion of the upper surface insertion port cover moves to the insertion port side, the insertion port is covered and dust and dirt are prevented from entering through the insertion port. In addition, when the cover is not covered with the upper surface insertion port, the cover is housed in the step portion, so that the power plug can be reliably inserted into the insertion port without disturbing.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, (a) a step provided on the upper surface of the outlet main body corresponding to each of the insertion holes for inserting the blades of the power plug, the step being a region further lower than the upper surface of the insertion port. And (b) a cover part that covers the entire area of the insertion port when moved to the insertion port side and a housing part that accommodates this in the stepped portion when moved to the stepped part side. The upper surface outlet cover which is reciprocally movable between the upper and lower sides, and (c) the side surface outlet cover which is detachably arranged on the side of the outlet body are provided in the outlet.

That is, according to the second aspect of the invention, a step portion that is much lower than the upper surface of the insertion port is provided corresponding to each insertion port for inserting the blade of the power plug, and the upper surface insertion port cover is provided. When the cover part moves to the insertion port side, it covers the entire area of the insertion port, and when it moves to the step part side, it is accommodated in the step part. Therefore, if the cover portion of the upper surface insertion port cover moves to the insertion port side, the insertion port is covered and dust and dirt are prevented from entering through the insertion port. In addition, when the cover is not covered with the upper surface insertion port, the cover is housed in the step portion, so that the power plug can be reliably inserted into the insertion port without disturbing. Further, according to the present invention, even if the side wall of the outlet main body is provided with the insertion port, the side surface insertion port cover can be attached to and detached from the insertion port, so that dust and dirt can be prevented from entering from the insertion port. You can

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the outlet according to the first or second aspect, the upper surface outlet cover has a U-shaped cross section that covers the upper surface and both sides of the outlet main body. There is a protrusion on the inner surface of the side that corresponds to both sides of the socket, and the protrusion engages with the groove provided on the side of the outlet body, and the cover for the upper surface insertion port reciprocates along this groove. It is characterized by moving.

That is, in the invention according to claim 3, the upper surface insertion port cover has a U-shaped cross section, and the projection provided on the inner surface of the side portion is provided in the groove provided on the side portion of the outlet body. The upper surface outlet cover is adapted to be engaged.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the outlet according to the first or second aspect, the upper surface outlet cover is translucent and colored with a predetermined color.

That is, in the invention according to claim 4, the case where the cover for the upper surface insertion port is translucent and colored with a predetermined color is taken as an example. Such an outlet gives a colorful and novel impression. You can change the mood of the room where the outlet is located by preparing the top cover for each color and replacing it.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the outlet according to the first aspect or the second aspect, the thickness of the upper surface insertion port cover is equal to or thinner than the height of the step of the step portion. There is.

That is, according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the thickness of the upper surface insertion port cover is equal to or thinner than the height of the step of the step portion, the presence of the upper surface insertion port cover causes the power supply to be turned on. It is safe because the plug insertion is not incomplete.

[0020]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021]

EXAMPLES The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to examples.

FIG. 1 shows a main part of an outlet according to an embodiment of the present invention. This outlet 11
Includes an outlet main body 13 that houses the other end of a power cord 12 having a power plug (not shown) connected to one end. The outlet main body 13 includes an upper main body 14 and a lower main body 15 attached to the lower portion of the upper main body 14 with screws (not shown). Although not shown in the drawing, parts such as a blade receiver for supplying power to the blade portion of the power plug (not shown) are arranged inside the outlet main body 13, but are not directly related to the present invention. Therefore, these explanations are omitted.

The upper body 14 is provided with first and second insertion ports 16 and 17 on its upper surface, and a third insertion port is provided on the side of the other end of the power cord 12 which is pulled out. Mouth 18
Is provided. In this way, the outlet 11 of this embodiment has a total of three sets of insertion ports 16, 17, and 18, but if the length of the outlet main body 13 is long or wide, more insertions are required. Naturally the mouth is arranged.

A first cover 21 is arranged between the first and second insertion ports 16 and 17, and is located closer to the power cord 12 side of the upper main body 14 than the second insertion port 17. The second cover 22 is arranged in the part where These first and second covers 21 and 22 are made of translucent plastic and have a U-shaped cross section, and slide grooves 23 and 24 (only one side is shown in the figure) provided at the lower end of the upper main body 14. Although it is shown, it exists on both sides of the lower end of the upper main body 14), and can be reciprocated from the position shown in the drawing to a position directly above the first or second insertion port 16, 17. There is. These first and second covers 21, 22
Can be colored in any color such as red or blue. In addition,
In the embodiment, the upper body 14 and the lower body 15 are white,
The first and second covers 21 and 22 are colored blue.

FIG. 2 shows a state before the first and second covers are attached to the outlet main body. The first and second covers 21 and 22 have the same shape, and the slide groove 2 is provided on both sides of the inner surface of the lower end portions thereof.
Protrusions 31 and 32 (the front side of these figures is hidden and not shown) are arranged at positions corresponding to 3 and 24. Therefore, the first and second covers 21,
If the lower end of 22 is pushed into the lower main body 15 from the upper side of the upper main body 14 as it is, the protrusions 31 and 32 are fitted into the slide grooves 23 and 24, whereby the attachment of these is completed.

As can be seen from FIG. 2, the upper main body 14
The first and second covers 2 adjacent to each other on the left side in the drawing of the portion where the first and second insertion ports 16 and 17 are arranged.
The step regions 25 and 26 having the same width as the first and the second 22 are lower by the height H than the upper surfaces of the other insertion regions 27 and 28 in which the first and second insertion ports 16 and 17 are arranged. Has become. This height H is equal to the height of the first and second covers 21,
It is equal to or slightly larger than the thickness of 22. This is because when the first and second covers 21 and 22 are arranged in the step regions 25 and 26 (see FIG. 1), they do not project above the insertion regions 27 and 28. Is. This is a state where the outlet 11 shown in FIG. 1 can be used, and a blade such as an unillustrated power plug or AC adapter with a power plug
This is to prevent a situation in which they are not fully inserted due to the protruding portions of the first or second covers 21 and 22 when they are arranged in the insertion ports 16 and 17.

FIG. 3 shows a state in which the first and second covers cover both the first and second insertion ports. From the state shown in FIG. 1, the first and second covers 2
When 1 and 22 are held by hand and moved along the slide grooves 23 and 24 in the direction of the arrow 41 in the drawing, the first and second insertion openings 16 and 17 are moved by the upper surface of the cover (cover of the insertion opening).
Is completely covered. In the present embodiment, the first and second covers 21 and 22 are made of translucent plastic, so that the first and second insertion ports 16 and 17 can be confirmed from the outside, and halfway through. It is possible to prevent deterioration of the dustproof effect due to movement. Although both the first and second covers 21 and 22 are moved to the first and second insertion ports 16 and 17 in FIG. 3, the insertion ports to be used are covered with the covers 21 and 22. Of course not.

4 to 6 are for explaining the movement of the cover from the housed state shown in FIG. 1 to the state of covering the insertion port shown in FIG. Grooves for slide 23, 2
Reference numeral 4 denotes a first groove portion 51 that is a deep groove, a second groove portion 52 that is a shallow groove that is arranged in the upper portion and a direction opposite to the direction in which the power cord 12 exists, and a second groove portion 52. It is composed of three kinds of groove portions, that is, a third groove portion 53 of a deep groove arranged in a direction opposite to the direction in which the power cord 12 exists. The first groove portion 51 has a size slightly larger than the protrusions 31 and 32 provided in the step regions 25 and 26 of the upper body 14. As shown in FIG. 4, when the upper surfaces (covering portions of the insertion ports) of the first and second covers 21 and 22 are completely accommodated in the step regions 25 and 26, the protrusions 31 and 32 have the first protrusions 31 and 32. Is fitted in the groove portion 51 of the. Therefore, the first and second covers 21, 22
Even if some external force is applied to them, they do not separate from the upper body 14.

These first and second covers 21 and 22
Then, the first and second insertion ports 16 and 17 shown in FIG.
To cover. In this case, the first and second covers 21 and 22 are slightly lifted from the state shown in FIG. 4 and are moved in the directions indicated by arrows 61 and 62 opposite to the direction in which the power cord 12 is present. Let As a result, first, as shown in FIG. 5, the first and second covers 21 and 22 rotate so as to be lifted in the traveling direction, and the first and second protrusions 31 and 32 are moved to the second position.
Ride on the groove portion 52 of. Then, as indicated by arrows 63 and 64, the first and second covers 21 and 22 are opposite to the power cord 12 with the first and second projections 31 and 32 mounted on the second groove portion 52. Start moving in the direction.

The first groove in the state where it rides on the second groove portion 52
When the second covers 21 and 22 move in the directions indicated by arrows 63 and 64, the tips of the protrusions 31 and 32 eventually reach the boundary between the second groove portion 52 and the third groove portion 53. And then fit into the third groove portion 53 by dropping. This is the state shown in FIG. Therefore, when the first and second covers 21 and 22 cover the first and second insertion ports 16 and 17, as shown in FIG. 3, the first and second covers 21 and 22 may be slightly different. Even if an external force is applied, these do not separate from the upper main body 14.

4 to 6, the operation from the state where the first and second covers 21 and 22 do not cover the first and second insertion ports 16 and 17 to the state where they cover the first and second insertion ports 16 and 17 has been described. It goes without saying that the reverse operation is also possible.
Further, both the first and second covers 21 and 22 can be detached from the outlet main body 13 by strongly pulling them upward. Therefore, it is possible to remove all or part of the covers 21 and 22 according to the arrangement of colors in the room, or to use them by changing their colors.

Modification of the Invention

In the previous embodiment, no cover was provided for the insertion port arranged on the side of the outlet body. Since this uses at least one set of outlets since it uses an outlet, in such a case, the third outlet 18 shown in FIG. Outlet 1 of 2
It is based on the idea that the first and second covers 21 and 22 may cover 6 and 17. Further, the third insertion port 18 arranged on the side is provided with the first and second insertion ports 16 and 17.
Since there is a lower rate of intrusion of dust and dirt than the above, there is an idea that it is not necessary to attach a cover to the third insertion port 18. However, attaching the cover when not using the third insertion port 18 is not only beneficial to dust and dirt, but also reliably prevents metal such as a hairpin from accidentally entering. There are also advantages.

FIG. 7 shows, as a modified example of the present invention, an outlet capable of covering all the insertion ports with covers. The same parts as those in FIG. 1 of the previous embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be appropriately omitted. When the third insertion port 18 is not used, the blades 71A and 71B of the third cover 71, which are integrally formed of plastic as an insulator, are inserted.

If necessary, one end of a cord (not shown) can be attached to the third cover 71. By tying the other end of this cord to the outlet main body 13 or the power cord 12, loss can be prevented even when the third cover 71 is not used.

Although the embodiment shows the outlet provided with three sets of insertion ports, various modifications can be made to the number of insertion ports and the number of sets of insertion ports covered by one cover. Of course. Further, various modifications can be made to the color of the cover and the light transmittance thereof. For example, the cover need not be translucent and can be transparent or opaque. Further, the shape of the groove for sliding or moving the cover can be variously modified in general.

[0037]

As described above, claims 1 to 5 are as follows.
According to the described invention, the step portion is arranged on the outlet body, and the upper surface insertion port cover is arranged so as to reciprocate between the step portion and the insertion port, so that the structure is extremely simple and the cost of the outlet is high. Up can be minimized.
Moreover, there is an effect that the design of the outlet can be renewed by using the material for the upper surface outlet cover with a color different from that of the outlet main body. In addition, since the top cover is not protruding from the outlet, there is no risk of damage. Also, since it is always attached to the outlet body, there is no risk of loss.

Further, according to the second aspect of the present invention, even if the outlet main body side portion is provided with the insertion port, the side surface insertion port cover can be attached to and detached from the insertion port. It is also possible to prevent dust and dirt from entering.

Further, according to the invention of claim 4, since the cover for the upper surface insertion port is translucent and colored with a predetermined color, not only does the outlet itself give a colorful and novel impression, but also the upper surface insertion port. Even if the mouth cover covers the outlet, it can be seen through, so it is easy to see that the outlet still has an unused outlet.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a main part of an outlet according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an assembled state of the outlet of this embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which the first and second covers cover both the first and second insertion ports in the present embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a side view showing a state where the first and second covers are completely housed in the step region in the present embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a side view showing a state in which the first and second covers are being moved in this embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a side view showing a state in which the first and second covers cover the first and second insertion ports after the movement in the present embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an assembled state of an outlet capable of covering all the insertion ports with a cover as a modified example of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a main part of a conventional outlet according to the first proposal.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a main part of a conventional outlet according to a second proposal.

[Explanation of symbols]

11 outlets 13 Outlet body 14 Upper body 16 First outlet 17 Second outlet 18 Third outlet 21 First cover 22 Second cover 23, 24 slide groove 25, 26 step area 27, 28 insertion area 31, 32 protrusion 71 Third cover

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Kiyoshi Fukui             1-17-8 Togoshi, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Sugimoto Den             Ware corporation (72) Inventor Tadashi Yamamoto             5-12-15 Namegawa Honcho, Hitachi City, Hitachi, Ibaraki             Ritsuka Kogyo Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Hiroshi Abe             5-12-15 Namegawa Honcho, Hitachi City, Hitachi, Ibaraki             Ritsuka Kogyo Co., Ltd. F term (reference) 5E087 EE10 FF06 FF12 HH01 LL02                       LL17 LL29 LL34 QQ03 RR13

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A stepped portion which is provided corresponding to each of the insertion openings for inserting the blades of the power plug on the upper surface of the outlet main body and which is a region further lower than the upper surface of the insertion opening, and on the insertion opening side. An upper surface that covers the entire area of the insertion port when moved, and has a cover part that is accommodated in the stepped part when moved to the stepped portion side, and is reciprocally arranged between the stepped portion and the insertion port. An outlet characterized by comprising a cover for an insertion port. 2. A stepped portion, which is provided corresponding to each of the insertion openings for inserting the blades of the power plug on the upper surface of the outlet main body and has a region lower than the upper surface of the insertion opening, and on the insertion opening side. An upper surface that covers the entire area of the insertion port when moved, and has a cover part that is accommodated in the stepped part when moved to the stepped portion side, and is reciprocally arranged between the stepped portion and the insertion port. An outlet characterized by comprising a cover for an outlet and a side face cover detachably arranged on a side of a main body of the outlet. 3. The upper surface outlet cover has a U-shaped cross section that covers the upper surface and both side portions of the outlet body, and protrusions are provided on the inner side portions corresponding to both side portions of the outlet body. The projection is engaged with a groove provided on a side portion of the outlet main body, and the upper surface insertion port cover reciprocates along the groove.
The described outlet. 4. The outlet according to claim 1, wherein the upper surface outlet cover is translucent and colored with a predetermined color. 5. The outlet according to claim 1, wherein a thickness of the upper surface insertion port cover is equal to or thinner than a height of a step of the step portion.