Plug connection fixture and fixture unit

Abstract

To provide a plug connection fixture allowing a plurality of connector blocks to be intensively placed in a prescribed height area of a columnar body while miniaturizing a horizontal cross section of the columnar body, and a fixture unit.SOLUTION: A plug connection fixture comprises a columnar body, a first connector block, and a second connector block. The columnar body includes a first side wall and a second side wall. The side walls form a device housing space. The first connector block is attached to the first side wall so as to protrude into the device housing space, and includes a plug insertion portion on an outer exposed surface. The second connector block is attached to the second side wall so as to protrude into the device housing space, and includes a plug insertion portion on an outer exposed surface. Portions of the first connector block and the second connector block located in the device housing space are disposed so as not to overlap each other in a normal direction view, when the outer surface of the first side wall or the second side wall is viewed from a normal direction, and so as to partially overlap each other in a horizontal direction view intersecting with the normal direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a plug-connected fixture and a fixture unit to which a plug is connected for supplying power, communicating electronic data, and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, with the spread of portable communication terminals such as smartphones and laptops, there is a demand for facilities to which plugs for power supply and plugs for electronic data communication can be connected in various locations such as airports, train stations, offices, etc. In response to such demands, a plug connection fixture has been developed in which multiple plug insertion sections are provided on the outer surface of a columnar body extending upward from the floor surface (grounding section), allowing plugs to be connected to the plug insertion sections from multiple directions (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] The plug connection fixture described in Patent Document 1 has a columnar body formed in a rectangular tube shape, with plug insertion parts provided on the side walls of the columnar body. Each plug insertion part is provided on an end face of a connector block that houses a receiving blade for receiving a plug and wiring equipment. The connector block is attached to each side wall of the columnar body so that a main part protrudes into the equipment storage space of the columnar body and the plug insertion parts are exposed to the outside. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2022-32661 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The main part of each connector block of the plug connection fixture protrudes from the side wall of the columnar body toward the inside of the equipment storage space. Therefore, in order to prevent the connector blocks attached to the opposing side walls from interfering with each other in the equipment storage space, the horizontal cross section of the columnar body must be made large. If the horizontal cross section of the columnar body is made large, the columnar body will compress the surrounding space of the fixture.

[0006] One possible way to prevent the connector blocks from interfering with each other within the equipment housing space is to arrange multiple connector blocks (plug insertion portions) at a large distance apart in the vertical direction. However, it is desirable to avoid adopting this method as much as possible for the following reasons. That is, since this type of plug connection fixture is often used while the user is seated in a chair, it is desirable to provide the plug insertion portion at a specific height range that is easy for the user to use while seated in a chair. In contrast, if multiple connector blocks (plug insertion portions) are arranged at large vertical distances as described above, some of the plug insertion portions will be positioned out of the specific height range that is easy for the user to use.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a plug-connection fixture and fixture unit that can consolidate and arrange multiple connector blocks in a specified height area of ​​the columnar body while reducing the size of the horizontal cross-section of the columnar body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, the plug-connection fixture and fixture unit of the present invention employ the following configuration. A plug connection fixture according to one embodiment of the present invention is a plug connection fixture having a plurality of plug insertion portions provided on the outer surface of a columnar body extending in an up-down direction, the columnar body having a first side wall and a second side wall arranged opposite each other, the columnar body forming an equipment accommodating space with a plurality of side walls including the first side wall and the second side wall; a first connector block having a portion exposed to the outside of the first side wall, the plug insertion portion being provided on the exposed surface and a main portion protruding into the equipment accommodating space; and a second connector block having a portion exposed to the outside of the second side wall, the plug insertion portion being provided on the exposed surface and a main portion protruding into the equipment accommodating space, characterized in that the portions of the first connector block and the second connector block located within the equipment accommodating space do not overlap each other when viewed in a normal direction when the outer surface of the first side wall or the second side wall is viewed from the normal direction, and are arranged so that they partially overlap when viewed in a horizontal direction intersecting the normal direction.

[0009] In the plug connection fixture having the above configuration, the first connector block and the second connector block are arranged such that their portions located within the equipment accommodating space do not overlap each other when viewed in a normal direction of the outer surface of the first side wall or the second side wall. Therefore, the first connector block and the second connector block do not interfere with each other within the equipment accommodating space. In this case, the first connector block and the second connector block are arranged such that their portions located within the equipment accommodating space partially overlap when viewed in a horizontal direction intersecting the normal direction, so that the width of the area occupied by the first connector block and the second connector block in the height direction can be narrowed. In addition, in this configuration, the portions of the first connector block and the second connector block located within the device accommodating space are arranged to overlap in a horizontal direction intersecting the normal direction, so that the separation width between the first side wall and the second side wall can be made close to the depth width of the first connector block and the second connector block, thereby making it possible to reduce the horizontal cross section of the columnar body.

[0010] It is desirable that the left-right width of the first side wall and the second side wall when viewed in the normal direction be close to but not narrower than the combined width in the same direction of the portions of the first connector block and the second connector block positioned within the equipment accommodating space.

[0011] In this case, the width of the first side wall and the second side wall in the left-right direction can be sufficiently narrowed, so that the horizontal cross section of the columnar body can be made smaller.

[0012] One of the portions of the first connector block and the second connector block that are positioned within the equipment accommodating space may have at least a portion positioned within a height range of the other.

[0013] In this case, the plug insertion portions of the first connector block and the second connector block can be disposed at a height that is most convenient for the user to use.

[0014] The columnar body further includes another side wall whose outer surface faces in a different direction from the first side wall and the second side wall and which forms the equipment accommodating space together with the first side wall and the second side wall, a portion of the other side wall being exposed to the outside of the other side wall with the plug insertion portion provided on the exposed surface, and another connector block is attached so that a main portion thereof protrudes into the equipment accommodating space, and the portion of the other connector block located within the equipment accommodating space may be positioned so as to be shifted in the vertical direction from the portions of the first connector block and the second connector block located within the equipment accommodating space.

[0015] In this case, the portion of the other connector block that is positioned within the equipment accommodating space is shifted in the vertical direction from the portions of the first connector block and the second connector block that are positioned within the equipment accommodating space, thereby making it possible to avoid interference between the other connector block and the first connector block or the second connector block within the equipment accommodating space. In this configuration, the horizontal cross section of the columnar body may be a square or a polygonal shape having four or more sides, and may include a curved surface or an irregular shape in part.

[0016] The columnar body further includes a third side wall and a fourth side wall that are arranged opposite to each other and form a peripheral wall having a rectangular horizontal cross section together with the first side wall and the second side wall, a third connector block is attached to the third side wall such that a portion of the third side wall is exposed to the outside of the third side wall, the plug insertion portion is provided on the exposed surface, and a main portion of the third connector block is attached to the fourth side wall such that a portion of the fourth side wall is exposed to the outside of the fourth side wall, the plug insertion portion is provided on the exposed surface, and a main portion of the fourth connector block is attached to the fourth side wall such that a portion of the fourth side wall is exposed to the outside of the fourth side wall, the plug insertion portion is provided on the exposed surface, and a main portion of the fourth connector block is attached to the fourth side wall such that a The third connector block and the fourth connector block may be attached to each other, and their portions located within the equipment accommodating space do not overlap each other when viewed in a second normal direction when the outer surface of the third side wall or the fourth side wall is viewed from the normal direction, and are arranged so that they partially overlap when viewed in a horizontal direction intersecting the normal direction of the second normal direction, and the portions of the third connector block and the fourth connector block located within the equipment accommodating space are arranged to be shifted in the height direction from the first connector block and the second connector block.

[0017] In this case, the third connector block and the fourth connector block have the same configuration as the first connector block and the second connector block, and are attached to the third side wall and the fourth side wall in the same manner as the first connector block and the second connector block. Therefore, the horizontal cross section of the columnar body at the portion where the third connector block and the fourth connector block are arranged can be made small, as can the horizontal cross section of the columnar body at the portion where the first connector block and the second connector block are arranged. Furthermore, the portions of the third connector block and the fourth connector block located in the equipment accommodating space are shifted in the height direction from the portions of the first connector block and the second connector block located in the equipment accommodating space, so that interference with the first connector block and the second connector block can be avoided in the equipment accommodating space of the columnar body.

[0018] The first connector block, the second connector block, the third connector block, and the fourth connector block may be arranged biased to the same side in the left-right direction when viewed from the front on each outer surface of the corresponding first side wall, second side wall, third side wall, and fourth side wall.

[0019] In this case, the plug insertion parts arranged on adjacent side walls of the columnar body are spaced apart in the vertical and horizontal directions. Therefore, when inserting plugs into the plug insertion parts on adjacent side walls, the plugs on the adjacent side walls and the cables connected to the plugs are less likely to get in the way and users are less likely to come into contact with each other. Therefore, when this configuration is adopted, the convenience for users is not reduced even if the horizontal cross section of the columnar body is made smaller.

[0020] A furniture unit according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a plurality of chairs and a plug-connection fixture installed between the chairs, and is characterized in that the plug insertion portions of the plug-connection fixture are arranged in a predetermined height area higher than the backrests of the chairs.

[0021] With the above-described configuration, the multiple plug sockets installed on the plug connection fixture are positioned at a height that is easy for users seated in each chair to use. Effect of the Invention

[0022] The plug connection fixture of the present invention is configured so that the first connector block and the second connector block do not interfere with each other within the equipment accommodating space, and the separation width between the first side wall and the second side wall can be made close to the depth width of the first connector block and the second connector block. Therefore, when the plug connection fixture of the present invention is adopted, it is possible to reduce the size of the horizontal cross section of the columnar body while concentrating and arranging multiple connector blocks in a specified height region of the columnar body.

[0023] In addition, the fixture unit of the present invention has multiple plug insertion portions of the plug-connection fixture arranged at a specified height area that is higher than the backrests of the surrounding chairs, thereby increasing convenience for users seated in chairs. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a plug connection fixture according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a plug connection fixture according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the plug-connection fixture according to the embodiment taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 2. [Diagram 5] 3 is a view of the plug connection fixture of the embodiment taken along the line V in FIG. 2 . [Figure 6] 6 is a view of the plug connection fixture of the embodiment taken along the line VI in FIG. 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a furniture unit 1 of the present embodiment. The furniture unit 1 of this embodiment includes a pair of benches 2F, 2R arranged back to back in the front-rear direction, and a pair of plug-connected furniture 10 arranged between the front and rear benches 2F, 2R. In FIG. 1, the symbol F indicates the floor surface of the facility on which the furniture unit 1 is installed. In the following, for convenience of explanation, the side to which the arrow FR in the figure points is referred to as the "front", and the opposite side to the front is referred to as the "rear". In addition, the direction facing left and right toward the front side is referred to as the "left-right direction". The arrow UP in FIG. 1 points vertically upward, and the arrow LH points to the left side.

[0027] The pair of benches 2F, 2R have the same structure, except that the seating orientation of the user is reversed. Therefore, in the following, only the structure of the front bench 2F will be described, and the description of the rear bench 2R will be omitted. The bench 2F has a plurality of individual chairs 51 supported and fixed to a support rod 50 (beam member) with a rectangular cross section that extends substantially horizontally in the left-right direction. The support rod 50 has legs 52 attached to both ends in the longitudinal direction, and is placed on the floor surface F via the legs 52. All of the individual chairs 51 attached to the support rod 50 have the same structure.

[0028] Each individual chair 51 has a seat 54 supporting the buttocks of the seated person, a backrest 55 supporting the back of the seated person, and connecting legs 56 extending downward from the undersides of the left and right side edges of the seat 54 and having their lower end regions fixed to the support rods 50.

[0029] One of the plug connection fixtures 10 is installed approximately in the middle between the two right backrests 55 of the front and rear benches 2F, 2R, and the other plug connection fixture 10 is installed approximately in the middle between the two left backrests 55 of the front and rear benches 2F, 2R. All of these plug connection fixtures 10 have the same configuration.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the plug connection fixture 10 installed on floor surface F, and FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the plug connection fixture 10. As shown in FIG. The plug connection fixture 10 is a fixture equipped with a plurality of connector blocks 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D into which plugs such as power plugs and communication plugs (e.g., USB plugs and plugs for wired LAN connection) can be inserted and removed. The plug connection fixture 10 is equipped with a rectangular cylindrical pillar 12 extending vertically upward from a grounding portion, and four connector blocks 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D attached to an upper portion of a side wall of the pillar 12. Each of the connector blocks 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D is provided with a power plug socket 13 to which a power plug is removably connected on an end face exposed to the outside, and a communication plug socket 14 to which a communication plug is removably connected. In this embodiment, the power plug socket 13 and the communication plug socket 14 form a plug socket section.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 3, a metal base plate 15 is fixed to the lower end of the columnar body 12. The base plate 15 is fastened to the floor surface F of the facility by a number of bolts 16. The columnar body 12 stands vertically upward with the base plate 15 fixed and installed on the floor surface F. Note that reference numeral 17 in Figs. 2 and 3 denotes a cover plate for covering and concealing the fastening portion of the base plate 15.

[0032] A through hole 18 is formed near the lower end of a side wall (for example, a first side wall 20A described later) of the columnar body 12, penetrating the side wall in the plate thickness direction. This through hole 18 is a hole for pulling a power cable and a communication cable (not shown) into the inside of the columnar body 12. The power cable and the communication cable pulled into the inside of the columnar body 12 are electrically connected to the corresponding connector blocks 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D. In addition, the upper end of the columnar body 12 is closed by an upper cover member 19. The upper cover member 19 has a built-in lamp for notifying people in the vicinity of the position of the plug-connection fixture 10.

[0033] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Fig. 2. Fig. 5 is a view taken along arrow V in Fig. 2, and Fig. 6 is a view taken along arrow VI in Fig. 2. The columnar body 12 has two pairs of side walls facing each other. One pair is composed of a first side wall 20A and a second side wall 20B, and the other pair is composed of a third side wall 20C and a fourth side wall 20D. The first side wall 20A, the second side wall 20B, the third side wall 20C, and the fourth side wall 20D are formed in a rectangular shape that is long in the vertical direction. These side walls 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D are formed to have the same width and height. In addition, these side walls 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D form a peripheral wall whose horizontal cross section is rectangular, and the inside of the peripheral wall is the equipment storage space 21.

[0034] A rectangular mounting hole 22 for mounting the connector block 11A (first connector block) is formed at a predetermined height position near the upper end of the first side wall 20A. Similarly, a rectangular mounting hole 22 for mounting the connector block 11B (second connector block) is formed at a predetermined height position near the upper end of the second side wall 20B. The mounting holes 22 of the first side wall 20A and the mounting holes 22 of the second side wall 20B are holes of the same size and shape. Both mounting holes 22 are disposed at the same height position. The mounting hole 22 of the first side wall 20A is disposed at a position biased to the right of the center position in the left-right direction of the first side wall 20A when viewed in the normal direction (front view) of the outer surface of the first side wall 20A viewed from the normal direction. Similarly, the mounting hole 22 of the second side wall 20B is disposed at a position offset to the right of the center position in the left-right direction of the second side wall 20B when viewed in the normal direction (front view) of the outer surface of the second side wall 20B from the normal direction. The left-right width of each mounting hole 22 is approximately half the left-right width of the first side wall 20A and the second side wall 20B (slightly narrower than half the left-right width of the first side wall 20A and the second side wall 20B). In addition, FIG. 5 shows a center line c1 that passes through a position that is the center in the left-right direction when the outer surface of the first side wall 20A is viewed from the front.

[0035] In this embodiment, the connector blocks 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D are the same size and shape. However, the size and shape of each connector block 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D do not necessarily have to be the same. In the following, the connector blocks 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D are assumed to be the same size and shape, and one connector block 11A will be described as a representative. Connector block 11A has a communication plug receptacle 14 and a power plug receptacle 13 arranged side by side on the end face exposed to the outside through mounting hole 22. The depth from the end face of connector block 11A having receptacles 14, 13 is wider on the upper side where communication plug receptacle 14 is located than on the lower side where power plug receptacle 13 is located. Hereinafter, the upper portion of connector block 11A with a wider depth will be referred to as "upper bulge 11u," and the lower portion with a narrower depth will be referred to as "lower bulge 11l." A metal frame (not shown) for fixing the block is attached to the end face of connector block 11A on the side where plug-in ports 14, 13 are provided.

[0036] The connector block 11A is inserted into the equipment accommodating space 21 from the outside of the first side wall 20A through the mounting holes 22. In this state, the metal frame attached to the end face of the connector block 11A is fixed to the edge of the mounting holes 22 of the first side wall 20A by bolting. In this manner, the main parts (upper bulging portion 11u and lower bulging portion 11l) of the connector block 11A attached to the first side wall 20A protrude into the equipment accommodating space 21. The plugs 14, 13 are then exposed to the outside of the first side wall 20A through the mounting holes 22. A decorative panel 23 that covers the front side of the mounting bracket fixed to the edge of the mounting hole 22 is detachably attached to the mounting bracket.

[0037] Here, the connector block 11A has a width in the left-right direction when the end face on the side where the plugs 14 and 13 are located is viewed from the normal direction, which is approximately the same as the width of the mounting hole 22 of the first side wall 20A (approximately the same width but not wider than the width of the mounting hole 22). The width of the connector block 11A in the left-right direction (the width of the portion of the connector block 11A located in the device accommodating space 21) is close to half the width of the first side wall 20A and the second side wall 20B in the left-right direction (slightly narrower than half the width of the first side wall 20A and the second side wall 20B in the left-right direction). The main portion of the connector block 11A (upper bulging portion 11u and lower bulging portion 11l) protrudes into the device accommodating space 21 in the right half region of the first side wall 20A (the right half region when the first side wall 20A is viewed from the front).

[0038] Similarly, the connector block 11B (second connector block) has a width in the left-right direction when the end face on the side where the plugs 14 and 13 are located is viewed from the normal direction, which is approximately the same width as the mounting hole 22 of the second side wall 20B (approximately the same width but not wider than the width of the mounting hole 22). Therefore, the left-right width of the connector block 11B (the width of the portion of the connector block 11B located in the device accommodating space 21) is also approximately half the left-right width of the first side wall 20A and the second side wall 20B (slightly narrower than half the left-right width of the first side wall 20A and the second side wall 20B). The main portion of the connector block 11B (upper bulging portion 11u and lower bulging portion 11l) protrudes into the device accommodating space 21 in the right half region of the second side wall 20B (the right half region when the second side wall 20B is viewed from the front). As described above, the left-right width of each of the connector blocks 11A and 11B is close to half the left-right width of the first side wall 20A and the second side wall 20B. The left-right width of the first side wall 20A and the second side wall 20B as viewed in the normal direction is close to but not narrower than the combined width of the portions of the connector blocks 11A and 11B located within the equipment accommodating space 21 in the same direction.

[0039] 5, the connector blocks 11A, 11B are spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction in a first normal direction seen from the normal direction of the outer surface of the first side wall 20A or the second side wall 20B. The portions of the connector blocks 11A, 11B located within the equipment accommodating space 21 are arranged such that the connector blocks 11A and 11B do not overlap each other in the normal direction.

[0040] 6, the portions of the connector blocks 11A and 11B located within the equipment accommodating space 21 are arranged to overlap with each other when viewed in a horizontal direction perpendicular to (intersecting with) the normal direction. Specifically, the upper bulging portions 11u of the connector blocks 11A and 11B overlap with each other when viewed in the horizontal direction. In this embodiment, the height range of one connector block 11A and the height range of the other connector block 11B are the same. However, the setting of the heights of the connector blocks 11A and 11B is not limited to this. It is sufficient that at least a part of one of the connector blocks 11A and 11B is located within the height range of the other connector block.

[0041] On the other hand, a rectangular mounting hole 22 for mounting the connector block 11C (third connector block) is formed in the upper region of the third side wall 20C. Similarly, a rectangular mounting hole 22 for mounting the connector block 11D (fourth connector block) is formed in the upper region of the fourth side wall 20D. The mounting holes 22 in the third side wall 20C and the fourth side wall 20D are disposed at a predetermined height position lower than the mounting holes 22 in the first side wall 20A and the second side wall 20B. The mounting holes 22 in the third side wall 20C and the fourth side wall 20D are holes of the same size and shape, and both mounting holes 22 are disposed at the same height position. The mounting hole 22 in the third side wall 20C is disposed at a position biased to the right from the center position in the left-right direction of the third side wall 20C in a normal direction view (front view) of the outer surface of the third side wall 20C viewed from the normal direction. Similarly, the mounting hole 22 of the fourth side wall 20D is disposed at a position offset to the right of the center position in the left-right direction of the fourth side wall 20D when viewed in the normal direction (front view) of the outer surface of the fourth side wall 20D from the normal direction. The left-right width of each mounting hole 22 is approximately half the left-right width of the third side wall 20C and the fourth side wall 20D (slightly narrower than half the left-right width of the third side wall 20C and the fourth side wall 20D). FIG. 6 shows a center line c2 that passes through the center in the left-right direction when the outer surface of the fourth side wall 20D is viewed from the front.

[0042] Connector blocks 11C and 11D are attached to the mounting holes 22 of the third side wall 20C and the fourth side wall 20D, respectively, in the same manner as the above-mentioned connector blocks 11A and 11B. The connector blocks 11C, 11D are inserted into the equipment housing space 21 from the outside of the third and fourth side walls 20C, 20D through the mounting holes 22, respectively. In this state, the metal frames attached to the end faces of the connector blocks 11C, 11D are fixed to the edges of the mounting holes 22 of the third and fourth side walls 20C, 20D by bolt fastening. The main parts (upper bulging part 11u and lower bulging part 11l) of the connector blocks 11C, 11D attached to the third and fourth side walls 20C, 20D protrude into the equipment housing space 21. The insertion ports 14, 13 of the connector blocks 11C, 11D are exposed to the outside of the third and fourth side walls 20C, 20D through the mounting holes 22. A decorative panel 23 covering the front side of the mounting bracket is detachably attached to the mounting bracket.

[0043] The connector block 11C has a width in the left-right direction when the end face on the side where the plugs 14 and 13 are located is viewed from the normal direction, which is approximately the same as the width of the mounting hole 22 of the third side wall 20C (approximately the same width but not wider than the width of the mounting hole 22). The width of the connector block 11C in the left-right direction (the width of the portion of the connector block 11C located in the device accommodating space 21) is close to half the width of the third side wall 20C and the fourth side wall 20D in the left-right direction (slightly narrower than half the width of the third side wall 20C and the fourth side wall 20D in the left-right direction). The main portion of the connector block 11C (upper bulging portion 11u and lower bulging portion 11l) protrudes into the device accommodating space 21 in the right half region of the third side wall 20C (the right half region when the third side wall 20C is viewed from the front).

[0044] Similarly, the connector block 11D (fourth connector block) has a width in the left-right direction when the end face on the side where the plugs 14 and 13 are located is viewed from the normal direction, which is approximately the same width as the mounting hole 22 of the fourth side wall 20D (approximately the same width but not wider than the width of the mounting hole 22). Therefore, the left-right width of the connector block 11D (the width of the portion of the connector block 11D located in the device accommodating space 21) is also close to half the left-right width of the third side wall 20C and the fourth side wall 20D (slightly narrower than half the left-right width of the third side wall 20C and the fourth side wall 20D). The main part of the connector block 11D (upper bulging part 11u and lower bulging part 11l) protrudes into the device accommodating space 21 in the right half region of the fourth side wall 20D (the right half region when the fourth side wall 20D is viewed from the front).

[0045] The left-right width of each of the connector blocks 11C and 11D is close to half the left-right width of the third side wall 20C and the fourth side wall 20D. Therefore, the left-right width of the third side wall 20C and the fourth side wall 20D when viewed in the normal direction is close to but not narrower than the combined width of the widths of the portions of the connector blocks 11C and 11D located within the equipment accommodating space 21 in the same direction.

[0046] 6, the connector blocks 11C and 11D are spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction in a second normal direction seen from the normal direction of the outer surface of the third side wall 20C or the fourth side wall 20D. The connector blocks 11C and 11D are arranged such that their portions located within the equipment accommodating space 21 do not overlap each other in the normal direction.

[0047] 5, the portions of the connector blocks 11C and 11D located within the equipment accommodating space 21 are arranged to overlap with each other when viewed in a horizontal direction perpendicular to (intersecting with) the second normal direction. The upper bulging portions 11u of the connector blocks 11C and 11D overlap with each other within the equipment accommodating space 21 when viewed in the second horizontal direction. In this embodiment, the height range of one connector block 11C is the same as the height range of the other connector block 11D, however, it is sufficient that at least a part of one of the connector blocks 11C and 11D is located within the height range of the other.

[0048] As described above, in the plug connection fixture 10 of this embodiment, the upper connector blocks 11A, 11B (first connector block and second connector block) are attached to the columnar body 12 so that their portions located within the equipment accommodating space 21 do not overlap with each other when viewed in the first normal direction. Therefore, the connector blocks 11A, 11B do not interfere with each other within the equipment accommodating space 21 of the columnar body 12. In addition, in the portion of the plug connection fixture 10 of this embodiment that is located within the equipment housing space 21, the upper connector blocks 11A, 11B are arranged so that they partially overlap each other when viewed in a horizontal direction that intersects with the above-mentioned first normal direction. This makes it possible to narrow the width of the area occupied by the connector blocks 11A, 11B in the height direction of the columnar body 12, and also makes it possible to make the separation width between the first side wall 20A and the second side wall 20B close to the depth width of the connector blocks 11A, 11B. Therefore, when the plug connection fixture 10 of this embodiment is adopted, the horizontal cross-section of the columnar body 12 can be reduced in size, while multiple connector blocks 11A, 11B can be concentrated and arranged in a specified height area of ​​the columnar body 12.

[0049] Furthermore, in the plug connection fixture 10 of this embodiment, the left-right width of the first side wall 20A and the second side wall 20B as viewed in the first normal direction is close to but not narrower than the combined width in the same direction (left-right direction) of the portions of the connector blocks 11A, 11B positioned within the equipment housing space 21. Therefore, when this configuration is adopted, the left-right width of the first side wall 20A and the second side wall 20B can be sufficiently narrowed, and the horizontal cross section of the columnar body 12 can be made smaller.

[0050] Furthermore, in the case of the plug connection fixture 10 of this embodiment, the portions of the connector blocks 11A, 11B located within the equipment housing space 21 are attached to the columnar body 12 so that at least a portion of one of them is located within the height range of the other. Therefore, the sockets (plug insertion portions) of the connector blocks 11A, 11B can be arranged in approximately the same height region on the columnar body 12. Therefore, when this configuration is adopted, the sockets 14, 13 (plug insertion portions) of the connector blocks 11A, 11B can be arranged at a height that is most convenient for users to use.

[0051] In addition, the plug connection fixture 10 of this embodiment is attached to the columnar body 12 so that the parts of the connector blocks 11C and 11D (the third connector block and the fourth connector block) located in the equipment accommodating space 21 do not overlap each other when viewed in the second normal direction. Therefore, the connector blocks 11C and 11D do not interfere with each other in the equipment accommodating space 21 of the columnar body 12. In addition, the plug connection fixture 10 of this embodiment is arranged so that the parts of the connector blocks 11C and 11D located in the equipment accommodating space 21 partially overlap each other when viewed in a horizontal direction intersecting with the second normal direction. Therefore, the width of the occupied area in the height direction of the connector blocks 11C and 11D in the columnar body 12 can be narrowed, and the separation width between the third side wall 20C and the fourth side wall 20D can be made close to the depth width of the connector blocks 11C and 11D. Therefore, the horizontal cross section of the portion of the columnar body 12 where the connector blocks 11C, 11D are arranged can be made smaller.

[0052] Furthermore, in the plug connection fixture 10 of this embodiment, the portions of the connector blocks 11C, 11D attached to the third side wall 20C and the fourth side wall 20D that are positioned within the equipment accommodating space 21 are shifted in the height direction from the portions of the connector blocks 11A, 11B attached to the first side wall 20A and the second side wall 20B that are positioned within the equipment accommodating space 21. This makes it possible to prevent the lower connector blocks 11C, 11D from interfering with the upper connector blocks 11A, 11B within the equipment accommodating space 21 of the columnar body 12. Therefore, when this configuration is adopted, the horizontal cross section of the columnar body 12 can be reduced in size, while multiple connector blocks 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D can be concentrated and arranged in a predetermined height region of the columnar body 12.

[0053] Furthermore, in the plug connection fixture 10 of this embodiment, the connector blocks 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D are attached to the corresponding side walls of the columnar body 12 so as to be biased toward the same side in the left-right direction when viewed from the front of each side wall, so that the sockets 14, 13 (plug insertion parts) arranged on adjacent side walls of the columnar body 12 are arranged spaced apart in the vertical and left-right directions. Therefore, when using the sockets 14, 13 (plug insertion parts) on adjacent side walls by inserting plugs into them, respectively, the plugs on the adjacent side walls and the cables connected to those plugs are less likely to get in the way and users are less likely to come into contact with each other. Therefore, when this configuration is adopted, it is possible to reduce the size of the horizontal cross section of the columnar body 12 while preventing a decrease in convenience for the user.

[0054] Furthermore, the furniture unit 1 of this embodiment includes a plurality of benches 2F, 2R and a plug-connecting furniture 10 arranged between the plurality of benches 2F, 2R, with a plurality of plug sockets 14, 13 (plug insertion portions) of the plug-connecting furniture 10 arranged in a predetermined height region higher than the backrests 55 of the benches 2F, 2R. For this reason, when the furniture unit 1 of this embodiment is employed, the plurality of plug sockets 14, 13 (plug insertion portions) installed on the plug-connecting furniture 10 can be arranged at a height position that is easy for users seated on each bench 2F, 2R to operate.

[0055] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various design changes are possible without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, the furniture unit 1 in the above embodiment includes two benches 2F, 2R arranged back to back, and two plug-connected furniture 10 installed between the two benches 2F, 2R, but the structure of the furniture unit is not limited to this. The chairs in the furniture unit may not be benches, but each seat may be supported individually by the legs. Also, the chairs do not necessarily have to be arranged back to back.

[0056] In the above embodiment, the horizontal cross section of the columnar body 12 is rectangular, but the horizontal cross section of the columnar body may be a polygonal shape having four or more sides, or may include a curved surface or an irregular shape. In this case, the columnar body further includes at least two other side walls whose outer surfaces face in a direction different from the first side wall and the second side wall and form an equipment accommodating space together with the first side wall and the second side wall. Then, another connector block is attached to the other side wall so that a main part of the other connector block protrudes into the equipment accommodating space, and a plug insertion port (plug insertion part) is arranged on the end face of the other connector block on the externally exposed side. In this case, the other connector block is arranged to be shifted in the height direction from the first connector block and the second connector block.

[0057] In this configuration, the portion of the other connector block that is positioned within the equipment accommodating space is shifted in the vertical direction from the portions of the first connector block and the second connector block that are positioned within the equipment accommodating space, thereby making it possible to avoid interference between the other connector block and the first connector block or the second connector block. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 1. Fixture unit 2F, 2R…long bench (chair) 10...Plug-in fixtures 11A…Connector block (first connector block) 11B…Connector block (second connector block) 11C…Connector block (third connector block) 11D…Connector block (4th connector block) 12...Columnar body 13, 14…Socket (plug socket) 20A…First side wall 20B…Second side wall 20C...Third side wall 20D…4th side wall 21...Equipment storage space 55…backrest

Claims

1. A plug connection fixture having a plurality of plug insertion portions installed on the outer surface of a columnar body extending in the vertical direction, the columnar body having a first side wall and a second side wall arranged opposite to each other, the columnar body forming an equipment accommodating space by a plurality of side walls including the first side wall and the second side wall; a first connector block having a portion exposed outside the first side wall, the plug insertion portion being provided on the exposed surface, and a main portion protruding into the device accommodating space; a second connector block having a portion exposed outside the second side wall, the plug insertion portion being provided on the exposed surface, and a main portion protruding into the equipment accommodating space, A plug connection fixture characterized in that the portions of the first connector block and the second connector block located within the equipment accommodating space do not overlap each other when viewed in a normal direction when the outer surface of the first side wall or the second side wall is viewed from the normal direction, and are arranged so that they partially overlap when viewed in a horizontal direction intersecting the normal direction.

2. The plug connection fixture described in claim 1, characterized in that the left-right width of the first side wall and the second side wall when viewed in the normal direction is close to but not narrower than the combined width in the same direction of the portions of the first connector block and the second connector block positioned within the equipment accommodating space.

3. A plug connection fixture as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least a portion of one of the portions of the first connector block and the second connector block positioned within the equipment accommodating space is positioned within the height range of the other.

4. the columnar body further includes another side wall having an outer surface facing in a direction different from the first side wall and the second side wall and forming the equipment accommodating space together with the first side wall and the second side wall, a second connector block is attached to the second side wall such that a portion of the second connector block is exposed to the outside of the second side wall, the plug insertion portion is provided on the exposed surface, and a main portion of the second connector block is attached to the second side wall such that the plug insertion portion protrudes into the equipment accommodating space; A plug connection fixture as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the portion of the other connector block located within the equipment accommodating space is positioned vertically offset from the portions of the first connector block and the second connector block located within the equipment accommodating space.

5. the columnar body further includes a third side wall and a fourth side wall that are arranged opposite to each other and form a peripheral wall having a rectangular horizontal cross section together with the first side wall and the second side wall, a third connector block is attached to the third side wall such that a portion of the third connector block is exposed to the outside of the third side wall, the plug insertion portion is provided on the exposed surface, and a main portion of the third connector block is attached to the third side wall such that the plug insertion portion protrudes into the equipment accommodating space; a fourth connector block is attached to the fourth side wall such that a portion of the fourth connector block is exposed to the outside of the fourth side wall, the plug insertion portion is provided on the exposed surface, and a main portion of the fourth connector block is attached to the fourth side wall such that the plug insertion portion protrudes into the equipment accommodating space; portions of the third connector block and the fourth connector block positioned within the equipment accommodating space are arranged so as not to overlap with each other when viewed in a second normal direction when an outer surface of the third side wall or the fourth side wall is viewed from a normal direction, and are arranged so as to partially overlap with each other when viewed in a horizontal direction intersecting the normal direction of the second normal direction; A plug connection fixture as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the portions of the third connector block and the fourth connector block positioned within the equipment accommodating space are positioned vertically offset from the first connector block and the second connector block.

6. The plug connection fixture described in claim 5, characterized in that the first connector block, the second connector block, the third connector block, and the fourth connector block are arranged biased to the same side in the left-right direction when viewed from the front on the outer surfaces of the corresponding first side wall, second side wall, third side wall, and fourth side wall.

7. Several chairs and The plug connection fixture according to claim 1 or 2, which is installed between a plurality of the chairs; A furniture unit, characterized in that the multiple plug insertion portions of the plug connection furniture are arranged in a predetermined height area higher than the backrest of the chair.

Images