Outlet and outlet unit

Abstract

To fix two components that transfer power together by a coupling force according to the power supply, using a method other than fitting based on the shape.SOLUTION: An outlet into which a plug is inserted includes a socket into which the plug is inserted, a terminal that contacts the plug inserted into the socket, a power source that supplies power to the terminal, a conductor that connects the power source and the terminal and through which current flows, and an electromagnet that functions as a magnet due to the current flowing through the conductor, and that attracts the magnetic material contained in the plug with its magnetic force.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a socket and a socket unit. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known technology for mating two connectors using magnetic force (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). In Patent Document 1, when power is supplied to an electric vehicle, the power supply connector and the power receiving connector are mated using a two-stage locking means. After temporary locking by the primary locking means, the lever becomes rotatable, and the power supply connector and the power receiving connector are mated by locking with the secondary locking means.

[0003] In the charging connector for electric vehicles described in Patent Document 2, magnets with alternating north and south poles are arranged along the circumferential direction on the mating surfaces of the power supply connector and the vehicle connector. Patent Document 2 discloses a technology that utilizes the repulsive force of the magnets to detach the vehicle connector from the power supply connector after charging is complete. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-233409 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-112354 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When supplying high power to a device using an outlet or plug, if a load is applied to the plug connected to the outlet and it becomes disconnected, the high power supplied from the outlet may result in electric shock to people or damage to the device. To prevent disconnection, methods for increasing the mating strength between the outlet and the plug are available, as described in Patent Documents 1 and 2. However, if the mating strength is too high, it may lead to more dangerous situations than just disconnection of the plug, such as damage to the mating portion or breakage of the cord connected to the plug. Therefore, there is room for improvement in the method for connecting the outlet and the unit. Furthermore, these issues are not limited to the method for connecting the outlet and the unit, but are common to methods for connecting two connectors, such as power supply connectors.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve at least some of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to fix two components that exchange power using a bonding force corresponding to the supplied power in a manner other than fitting by shape. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve at least part of the above-mentioned problems, and can be realized in the following forms.

[0008] (1) According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an outlet into which a plug is inserted, the outlet comprising: a receptacle into which the plug is inserted, a terminal that contacts the plug when inserted into the receptacle, a power source that supplies power to the terminal, a conductor that connects the power source and the terminal and through which a current flows, and an electromagnet that functions as a magnet when a current flows through the conductor, and that attracts a magnetic body provided in the plug by magnetic force.

[0009] According to this configuration, when a plug is inserted into the outlet and a load, such as an electrical device connected to the plug, begins to be used, power is supplied from the outlet's power source to the load. When power is being supplied, a current flows through a conductor connecting the power source to the terminal in contact with the plug. The current flowing through the conductor causes the electromagnet to function as a magnet. As a result, the electromagnet attracts the magnetic body of the plug inserted into the outlet. The coupling force between the outlet and the plug is increased by the magnetic force generated by the electromagnet. This coupling force depends on the current flowing through the conductor. Therefore, the coupling force increases as the power supplied from the power source to the load increases. As a result, the outlet and the plug are fixed in place by a magnetic force other than that generated by the engagement between the outlet and the part of the plug inserted into the outlet. Furthermore, the coupling force between the outlet and the plug generates a coupling force corresponding to the magnitude of the power supplied from the outlet to the plug. This reduces the likelihood of the plug coming loose when the power supplied from the outlet to the plug is high. The coupling force between the outlet and the plug depends on the magnitude of the power supplied from the outlet to the plug, so when the load is not in use, i.e., when the supplied power is zero, no coupling force is generated and the plug can be easily pulled out from the outlet.

[0010] (2) In the above-described outlet, the outlet may have two electrode sockets corresponding to the two electrodes of the plug, the terminals may have a positive terminal that contacts one of the two electrodes inserted into each of the two electrode sockets and a negative terminal that contacts the other of the two electrodes, the conductors may have a positive side conductor connecting the power source to the positive terminal and a negative side conductor connecting the power source to the negative terminal, the electromagnets may have a first electromagnet that functions in response to a current flowing through the positive side conductor and a second electromagnet that functions in response to a current flowing through the negative side conductor, and the first electromagnet and the second electromagnet may be arranged to sandwich the two electrode sockets. With this configuration, when the two electrodes of the plug are inserted into the two electrode sockets of the outlet, respectively, the outlet and plug are coupled together by magnetic forces generated by the first and second electromagnets, which are positioned on either side of the two electrode sockets. This provides a more stable coupling between the outlet and plug than when coupled with a single electromagnet. Furthermore, rotation of the two electrodes around the insertion direction when the outlet and plug are coupled together is suppressed.

[0011] (3) The above-described outlet may further include a control unit that acquires information about voltage, current, or power from the plug inserted into the outlet, and determines the voltage, current, or power to be supplied from the power source to the plug using the acquired information. With this configuration, the coupling strength between the outlet and the plug is determined based on information acquired from the plug inserted into the outlet. Therefore, for example, by setting the power supply to be turned on only when the plug is inserted to the correct position, the outlet and plug can be coupled only when the plug is inserted correctly. Furthermore, if any force acts on the plug and moves it in the direction of removal, the power supply is stopped, preventing arc discharge and electric shock and ensuring safety.

[0012] (4) In the above-described outlet, the control unit may acquire information indicating that the voltage, current, or power supplied to the plug gradually increases from zero as the insertion depth of the plug into the socket increases. This configuration allows for a gradual rise in power supply after the electrodes and contacts come into contact when the plug is inserted, thereby suppressing noise that can cause load malfunctions or breakdowns. It also detects when the plug is unplugged and stops the power supply before it is completely unplugged, making it easier to safely unplug the plug.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an outlet unit comprising: the outlet of any one of the above aspects; and a plug to be inserted into the receptacle of the outlet and having two magnetic bodies arranged to sandwich the receptacle, wherein the electromagnets include a first electromagnet and a second electromagnet arranged to sandwich the receptacle, and the first electromagnet, the second electromagnet, and the two magnetic bodies may face each other when the plug is inserted into the receptacle. According to this configuration, the first electromagnet and the second electromagnet attract the two magnetic bodies of the plug inserted into the outlet. The coupling force between the outlet and the plug depends on the magnitude of the current flowing through the conductor, and therefore increases as the power supplied from the power source to the load increases. As a result, the outlet and the plug are fixed together by a magnetic force other than that generated by the shape of the outlet and the portion of the plug inserted into the outlet. This also reduces the likelihood of the plug coming loose when a large amount of power is supplied from the outlet to the plug. Furthermore, when the load is not in use, i.e., when the supplied power is zero, no coupling force is generated, and the plug can be easily removed from the outlet. The magnetic forces generated by the two electromagnets arranged to sandwich the outlet attract the two magnetic bodies arranged in the plug. Therefore, this configuration provides a more stable coupling than a coupling between an outlet and a plug using a single electromagnet and a single magnetic body. Furthermore, rotation of the plug around the insertion direction when the outlet and the plug are coupled is reduced.

[0014] The present invention can be realized in various forms, for example, in the form of an outlet, an outlet unit including a plug and an outlet, a method of fixing an outlet and a plug, etc. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a socket unit according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the outlet unit of the second embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the outlet unit of the second embodiment with a part of the electrode inserted therein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] First Embodiment 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an outlet unit 100 (hereinafter simply referred to as "unit 100") according to one embodiment of the present invention. In unit 100 of this embodiment, a plug 60 inserted into receptacles 11, 12 of an outlet 10 is fixed in place by the magnetic force of electromagnets 41, 42 provided in the outlet 10. The electromagnets 41, 42 generate magnetic force when a current flows from the outlet 10 to the plug 60. The generated magnetic force attracts magnetic bodies 91, 92 of the plug 60, thereby fixing the plug 60 to the outlet 10.

[0017] The unit 100 shown in Fig. 1 includes a plug 60 connected to an appliance serving as a load ED, and an outlet 10 into which the plug 60 is inserted. Fig. 1 shows a state in which the electrodes 71 and 72 of the plug 60 are entirely inserted into the sockets 11 and 12 of the outlet 10.

[0018] 1, outlet 10 is embedded in a wall WL of a house, etc. Outlet 10 includes housing 15 embedded in wall WL, receptacles 11 and 12 into which electrodes 71 and 72 of plug 60 are inserted, terminals 31 and 32 arranged inside housing 15 relative to receptacles 11 and 12, power source 20 that supplies current to terminals 31 and 32, conductors 51 and 52 that electrically connect power source 20 and terminals 31 and 32 and through which current flows, and electromagnets 41 and 42 that generate magnetic force.

[0019] A first receptacle (electrode receptacle) 11 and a second receptacle (electrode receptacle) 12 are formed in housing 15 of outlet 10. Receptacles 11 and 12 are through holes formed in a plane parallel to wall WL in housing 15. The shapes of receptacles 11 and 12 and the shapes of electrodes 71 and 72 of plug 60 inserted into receptacles 11 and 12 may comply with the standards of outlet 10 and plug 60, etc.

[0020] The position of one of the two terminals 31, 32, the positive terminal 31, is fixed relative to the housing 15 so as to contact one of the electrodes 71, 72 of the plug 60 inserted into the first receptacle 11. Similarly, the position of the other of the terminals 31, 32, the negative terminal 32, is fixed relative to the housing 15 so as to contact the other of the electrodes 71, 72 of the plug 60 inserted into the second receptacle 12.

[0021] Power source 20 may be a converter that converts AC power received from a power grid that supplies power to the home into DC power, or a solar cell or storage battery capable of supplying DC power. Positive conductor 51, one of conductors 51 and 52, electrically connects the positive side of power source 20 to positive terminal 31, as shown in FIG. 1 . Similarly, negative conductor 52, the other of conductors 51 and 52, electrically connects the negative side of power source 20 to negative terminal 32. Therefore, when electrodes 71 and 72 of plug 60 are inserted into receptacles 11 and 12, a current can flow from power source 20 through electrodes 71 and 72 to load ED connected to plug 60, along arrow DR1. The thickness of arrow DR1 indicates the magnitude of the flowing current.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1 , the first electromagnet 41, which is one of the two electromagnets 41 and 42, is formed using a portion of a positive conductor 51. Similarly, the second electromagnet 42, which is the other of the two electromagnets 41 and 42, is formed using a portion of a negative conductor 52. As shown in FIG. 1 , the first electromagnet 41 has a conductor wound around an iron core and is connected to the positive conductor 51. Similarly, the second electromagnet 42 is connected to the negative conductor 52. Therefore, the first electromagnet 41 and the second electromagnet 42 function as magnets when current is supplied from the power source 20 to the plug 60 inserted into the outlets 11 and 12. The electromagnets 41 and 42 are fixed to the housing 15 so as to be located outside the housing 15, i.e., on the side of the plug 60 inserted into the outlets 11 and 12. The first electromagnet 41 and the second electromagnet 42 are arranged so as to sandwich the sockets 11 and 12 therebetween.

[0023] The plug 60 includes electrodes 71, 72 to be inserted into the sockets 11, 12, conductors 81, 82 that electrically connect the load ED and the electrodes 71, 72, magnetic materials 91, 92, and a cover 63 that fixes the positions of the electrodes 71, 72 and the magnetic materials 91, 92. The positive electrode 71 and the negative electrode 72 are arranged with respect to the cover 63 so that when one of the electrodes 71, 72, the positive electrode 71, is inserted into the first socket 11, the other negative electrode 72 is inserted into the second socket 12.

[0024] The magnetic bodies 91, 92 are arranged with respect to the cover 63 so as to sandwich the first outlet 11 and the second outlet 12. Therefore, when the positive electrode 71 and the negative electrode 72 are inserted into the first outlet 11 and the second outlet 12, respectively, the first magnetic body 91 of the magnetic bodies 91, 92 is arranged with respect to the cover 63 so as to face the first electromagnet 41 of the outlet 10. Similarly, the other magnetic body 92 of the magnetic bodies 91, 92 is arranged with respect to the cover 63 so as to face the second electromagnet 42 when the electrodes 71, 72 are inserted into the outlets 11, 12.

[0025] 1, when the load ED is in a state of using power, a current flows from the power supply 20 in the outlet 10 to the load ED via the plug 60. In this case, the two electromagnets 41 and 42 function as magnets and attract the magnetic materials 91 and 92. As a result, the plug 60 is fixed to the outlet 10 by the magnetic force generated by the electromagnets 41 and 42.

[0026] As described above, the outlet 10 of this embodiment includes the receptacles 11, 12 into which the electrodes 71, 72 of the plug 60 are inserted, the terminals 31, 32 arranged inside the housing 15 relative to the receptacles 11, 12, the power source 20 that supplies current to the terminals 31, 32, the conductors 51, 52 that electrically connect the power source 20 to the terminals 31, 32 and through which current flows, and the electromagnets 41, 42 that generate magnetic force. The first electromagnet 41 and the second electromagnet 42 function as magnets when current is supplied from the power source 20 to the plug 60 inserted into the receptacles 11, 12. Therefore, when the plug 60 is inserted into the receptacles 11, 12 of the outlet 10 and use of the load ED connected to the plug 60 begins, power is supplied from the power source 20 to the load ED through the receptacles 51, 52 that connect the power source 20 to the terminals 31, 32 that are in contact with the plug 60. During power supply, current flows through the conductors 51, 52 that connect the power source 20 to the terminals 31, 32 that are in contact with the plug 60. The current flowing through the conductors 51 and 52 causes the electromagnets 41 and 42 to function as magnets. Therefore, the electromagnets 41 and 42 attract the magnetic bodies 91 and 92 of the plug 60 inserted into the receptacles 11 and 12. The coupling force between the outlet 10 and the plug 60 is increased by the magnetic force generated by the electromagnets 41 and 42. This coupling force depends on the current flowing through the conductors 51 and 52. Therefore, the coupling force increases as the power supplied from the power source 20 to the load ED increases. As a result, the outlet 10 and the plug 60 are fixed together by a magnetic force other than that generated by the engagement between the receptacles 11 and 12 and the electrodes 71 and 72 of the plug 60 inserted into the receptacles 11 and 12. Furthermore, the coupling force between the outlet 10 and the plug 60 is generated in accordance with the magnitude of the power supplied from the outlet 10 to the plug 60. This reduces the likelihood of the plug 60 coming loose when the power supplied from the outlet 10 to the plug 60 is high. The coupling force between the outlet 10 and the plug 60 depends on the magnitude of the power supplied from the outlet 10 to the plug 60, so when the load ED is not in use, i.e., when the supplied power is zero, no coupling force is generated and the plug 60 can be easily pulled out from the outlet 10.

[0027] In this embodiment, the first electromagnet 41 and the second electromagnet 42 are arranged to sandwich the outlets 11 and 12 therebetween. The magnetic bodies 91 and 92 are arranged with respect to the cover 63 so as to sandwich the first outlet 11 and the second outlet 12 therebetween. Therefore, when the positive electrode 71 and the negative electrode 72 are inserted into the first outlet 11 and the second outlet 12, respectively, the first magnetic body 91 of the magnetic bodies 91 and 92 is arranged with respect to the cover 63 so as to face the first electromagnet 41 of the outlet 10. Similarly, the other magnetic body 92 of the magnetic bodies 91 and 92 is arranged with respect to the cover 63 so as to face the second electromagnet 42 when the electrodes 71 and 72 are inserted into the outlets 11 and 12. Therefore, when the positive electrode 71 and the negative electrode 72 of the plug 60 are inserted into the first receptacle 11 and the second receptacle 12 of the outlet 10, respectively, the first electromagnet 41 and the second electromagnet 42 attract the first magnetic body 91 and the second magnetic body 92, respectively. In other words, the outlet 10 and the plug 60 are coupled together by the magnetic forces generated by the first electromagnet 41 and the second electromagnet 42. This provides a more stable coupling between the outlet 10 and the plug 60 than when the outlet 10 and the plug 60 are coupled together using a single electromagnet. Furthermore, rotation of the positive electrode 71 and the negative electrode 72 around the insertion direction is suppressed when the outlet 10 and the plug 60 are coupled together.

[0028] Second Embodiment 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an outlet unit 100a (hereinafter simply referred to as "unit 100a") of the second embodiment. The unit 100a of the second embodiment differs from the unit 100 of the first embodiment mainly in that the outlet 10a includes a ground terminal 33 and a control device (controller) 25, and the plug 60a includes a ground electrode 73. In the second embodiment, the control device 25 obtains information on the required voltage, required current, or required power from the ground electrode 73 inserted into the third outlet 13, and power corresponding to this information is supplied from the power source 20 to the load ED.

[0029] Fig. 2 shows a state in which electrodes 71-73 of plug 60a are fully inserted into receptacles 11-13 of receptacle 10a. In addition to the components of receptacle 10 of the first embodiment, receptacle 10a of the second embodiment also includes a third receptacle 13 into which earth electrode 73 of plug 60a is inserted, an earth terminal 33 disposed inside housing 15 relative to third receptacle 13, and a control device 25 that acquires information regarding required voltage, required current, or required power from earth electrode 73 inserted into third receptacle 13, as shown in Fig. 2.

[0030] 2, housing 15a of outlet 10a has a through-hole formed therein as third outlet 13 between first outlet 11 and second outlet 12. The shape and position of third outlet 13 and the shape and position of earth electrode 73 of plug 60a may conform to the standards of outlet 10a and plug 60a.

[0031] The position of the earth terminal 33 is fixed relative to the housing 15a so that it comes into contact with the earth electrode 73 inserted into the third socket 13. The earth terminal 33 is grounded by a conductor 53. The earth terminal 33 is conductive, similar to the terminals 31 and 32. The control device 25 controls the power supplied from the power source 20 to the load ED via the plug 60a based on the required voltage, required current, or required power information acquired from the earth electrode 73. The method of acquiring this information will be described together with the earth electrode 73. Note that the arrow DR2 shown in FIG. 2 indicates the flow of current. The thickness of the arrow DR2 indicates the magnitude of the current, similar to the arrow DR1 in FIG. 1.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 2 , the plug 60a of the second embodiment includes an earth electrode 73 in addition to the components of the plug 60 of the first embodiment. The earth electrode 73 is conductive like the electrodes 71 and 72. The earth electrode 73 is grounded by a conductor 83. Furthermore, information regarding the required voltage, required current, or required power acquired by the control device 25 is recorded on the surface of the earth electrode 73 at the tip end inserted into the third receptacle 13. For example, by setting different required voltages, required currents, or required power values ​​toward the tip end of the earth electrode 73 as the recorded information, the control device 25 can acquire the required voltage, required current, or required power of the load ED according to the insertion depth of the earth electrode 73 into the third receptacle 13. The control device 25 may acquire the information from the earth electrode 73 or from a shape formed on the surface of the earth electrode 73. In this embodiment, information indicating that the required voltage, required current, or required power increases from zero as the insertion depth of the earth electrode 73 into the third receptacle 13 increases is recorded on the surface of the earth electrode 73.

[0033] Fig. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the outlet unit with electrodes 71-73 partially inserted into receptacles 11-13. In Fig. 3, arrow DR3 indicates the direction of current flow, similar to arrow DR2 in Fig. 2. The thickness of arrow DR2 is thinner than the thickness of arrow DR2 shown in Fig. 2 when electrodes 71-73 are fully inserted into receptacles 11-13. In other words, when the insertion depth is small, the current flowing through conductors 51 and 52 is small, and the magnetic force generated by electromagnets 41 and 42 is small.

[0034] The ground terminal 33 reads data DT (FIGS. 2 and 3) formed on the surface of the tip side of the ground electrode 73 inserted into the third socket 13. The control device 25 acquires the data DT read by the ground terminal 33 as information on the required voltage, required current, or required power. The control device 25 supplies power according to the acquired information from the power source 20 to the load ED via the electrodes 71 and 72. The electromagnets 41 and 42 function as magnets due to the current flowing through the conductors 51 and 52.

[0035] In this embodiment, as the insertion depth of the electrodes 71 to 73 into the sockets 11 to 13 increases, the required voltage, required current, or required power recorded as data DT formed on the earth electrode 73 increases, and therefore the supplied power gradually increases from zero according to the insertion depth.

[0036] As described above, the outlet 10a of the second embodiment includes a control device 25 that acquires control information, such as required voltage, required current, or required power, from the ground electrode 73 inserted into the third receptacle 13. In this embodiment, the information acquired from the surface of the ground electrode 73 inserted into the third receptacle 13 enables power to be supplied in a gradual manner after electrodes 71, 72 and electrodes 31, 32 come into contact when the plug 60a is inserted, thereby suppressing noise that could cause the load ED to malfunction or break down. Furthermore, if some force acts on the plug 60a and moves it in the direction of removal, the removal of the plug 60a is detected and the power supply is stopped before the plug 60a is completely removed. This eliminates the coupling force between the outlet 10a and the plug 60a, preventing arc discharge and electric shock and making it easier to safely remove the plug.

[0037] <Modifications of the embodiment> The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention, including, for example, the following modifications: In the above-described embodiment, part of the configuration realized by hardware may be replaced by software, and conversely, part of the configuration realized by software may be replaced by hardware.

[0038] In the first and second embodiments, an example of the outlet unit 100, 100a that couples the outlet 10, 10a and the plug 60, 60a using magnetic force was described. However, variations are possible within the scope of the invention, as long as the outlet 10, 10a attracts the plug 60, 60a using electromagnets 41, 42 that generate magnetic force due to the current supplied to the load ED via the plug 60, 60a. For example, one of the first electromagnet 41 and the second electromagnet 42 may be omitted, or three or more electromagnets may be provided. The arrangement of the first electromagnet 41 and the second electromagnet 42 relative to the housing 15a of the outlet 10a in the second embodiment may be different. For example, the first electromagnet 41 may be disposed between the first outlet 11 and the third outlet 13, and the second electromagnet 42 may be disposed between the second outlet 12 and the third outlet 13. It is preferable that first magnetic body 91 and second magnetic body 92 included in outlet 10a are arranged in positions facing first electromagnet 41 and second electromagnet 42, respectively, when plug 60a is inserted into outlet 10a. Alternatively, the magnetic bodies may be formed on the electrodes 71-73 side of plug 60a, and at least one of terminals 31, 32, 33 that contacts electrodes 71, 72, 73 inserted into receptacles 11, 12, 13 may be configured to function as an electromagnet.

[0039] In the second embodiment, the control device 25 changes the supplied power and the magnetic force of the electromagnets 41 and 42 in response to information acquired from the surface of the ground electrode 73. However, the control of the supplied power and magnetic force can be modified. For example, when the plug 60a is removed from the outlet unit 100a while the load ED is in use, the insertion depth of the ground electrode 73 decreases. In this case, the control device 25 may detect a decrease in the required voltage, required current, or required power, and stop the power supply from the power source 20 when the amount of change falls below a preset value. When the power supply is stopped, the electromagnets 41 and 42 no longer generate magnetic force, eliminating the coupling force. This allows the plug 60a to be safely and easily removed from the outlet 10a. The data DT formed on the surface of the ground electrode 73 may include at least one of the required voltage, required current, and required power, but may also include two or more pieces of information.

[0040] This aspect has been described above based on embodiments and modifications. However, the above-described embodiments are intended to facilitate understanding of this aspect and are not intended to limit this aspect. This aspect may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and equivalents thereof are included in this aspect. Furthermore, if a technical feature is not described as essential in this specification, it may be deleted as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0041] 10,10a...Outlet 11...First socket (electrode socket) 12...Second socket (electrode socket) 13...Third outlet 15, 15a…Housing 20…Power supply 25...Control device (control unit) 31...Positive terminal 32...Negative terminal 33...Ground terminal 41...First electromagnet (first electromagnet) 42...Second electromagnet (second electromagnet) 51...Positive conductor 52...Negative conductor 53,81~83…Conductor 60,60a...plug 63...Cover 71...Positive electrode (electrode) 72...Negative electrode (electrode) 73...Earth electrode 91...First magnetic body (magnetic body) 92…Second magnetic body (magnetic body) 100,100a...Outlet unit DR1~DR3...Arrows DT...data ED...Load WL…Wall

Claims

1. A socket into which a plug is inserted, a socket into which the plug is inserted; a terminal that contacts the plug inserted into the socket; a power source for supplying power to the terminals; a conductor connecting the power source and the terminal and through which a current flows; an electromagnet that functions as a magnet when a current flows through the conductor, and that attracts the magnetic body provided in the plug by magnetic force; Equipped with an electrical outlet.

2. 2. The outlet of claim 1, the socket has two electrode sockets corresponding to the two electrodes of the plug, the terminals have a positive terminal that contacts one of the two electrodes inserted into each of the two electrode insertion ports, and a negative terminal that contacts the other of the two electrodes; the conductor includes a positive conductor connecting the power supply and the positive terminal, and a negative conductor connecting the power supply and the negative terminal, the electromagnets include a first electromagnet that operates in response to a current flowing through the positive conductor and a second electromagnet that operates in response to a current flowing through the negative conductor; The outlet, wherein the first electromagnet and the second electromagnet are arranged to sandwich the two electrode sockets.

3. 10. The outlet of claim 1, further comprising: An outlet comprising a control unit that acquires information regarding voltage, current, or power from the plug inserted into the outlet and uses the acquired information to determine the voltage, current, or power to be supplied from the power source to the plug.

4. 4. The outlet according to claim 3, The control unit acquires information that the voltage, current, or power supplied to the plug gradually increases from zero depending on the insertion depth of the plug inserted into the socket.

5. An outlet unit, A socket according to any one of claims 1 to 4; a plug that is inserted into the outlet and has two magnetic bodies arranged to sandwich the outlet; Equipped with The electromagnet includes a first electromagnet and a second electromagnet arranged to sandwich the socket, The outlet unit, wherein the first electromagnet, the second electromagnet, and the two magnetic bodies face each other when the plug is inserted into the socket.

6. An outlet unit, A socket unit comprising the socket according to any one of claims 1 to 4, and used for supplying DC power.

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