AC adapter case

Abstract

To provide an AC adapter case for simply storing an AC adapter for an electrical device suspended from a ceiling while keeping it away from the electrical device. [Solution] The AC adapter case 1 includes a cylindrical body 2 that houses at least the adapter body 201 of the AC adapter 200 connected to a lighting fixture 100 as an electrical device suspended from a ceiling C via multiple wires 303, and a flange 3 that supports the cylindrical body 2. The flange 3 has multiple through holes 3c that pass through the cylindrical body 2 along the axial direction, aligned with the suspension positions of the wires 303.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an AC adapter case. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, some electrical devices that run on DC power use an AC adapter that is prepared separately from the electrical device and converts AC power to DC power. Patent Document 1 discloses technology related to an AC adapter unit that is installed inside a printer, which is an electrical device, and that houses the adapter body and DC cord of the AC adapter. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-96983 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The AC adapter unit disclosed in Patent Document 1 is generally applied to electrical equipment placed on a shelf or the like indoors. In contrast, some electrical equipment, such as lighting fixtures, is used by being suspended from the ceiling. In such cases, if the lighting fixture uses an AC adapter, it is expected that the AC adapter will be installed inside or nearby the lighting fixture, with the AC adapter wired from the ceiling. This may require measures to prevent heat generation from the AC adapter in the lighting fixture, or may result in a complex configuration of the lighting fixture itself or its surroundings.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the problems inherent in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide an AC adapter case that can easily store an AC adapter for an electrical device suspended from a ceiling while keeping it away from the electrical device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, an AC adapter case according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a cylindrical body that houses at least the adapter body of an AC adapter that is connected to an electrical device suspended from a ceiling via multiple wires, and a flange that supports the cylindrical body, and the flange has multiple through holes that pass through along the axial direction of the cylindrical body, aligned with the suspension positions of each wire. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an AC adapter case that simply stores an AC adapter for an electrical device suspended from a ceiling while keeping it away from the electrical device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the AC adapter case according to the first embodiment in an attached state. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the AC adapter case according to the first embodiment in an attached state. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing how the AC adapter is stored in the AC adapter case. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a first example of a flange shape of an AC adapter case. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a second example of the shape of a flange of an AC adapter case. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a third example of the shape of a flange of an AC adapter case. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a fourth example of the shape of a flange of an AC adapter case. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an AC adapter case according to a second embodiment in an attached state. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an AC adapter case according to a second embodiment in an attached state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Each embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the direction in which a lighting fixture as an electrical device is suspended from a ceiling via a wire, i.e., the vertical direction, is defined as the Z direction. In the following description, "up" refers to the upper side in the vertical direction, and "down" refers to the lower side in the vertical direction.

[0010] (First embodiment) Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an AC adapter case 1 according to a first embodiment in an attached state. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the attached AC adapter case 1 and its surroundings taken along the axial direction of the AC adapter case 1. Note that Fig. 2 shows the entire AC adapter case 1 cut along a plane passing through the central axis of the AC adapter case 1, but for convenience, the AC adapter 200 and wire holder 304 are shown in a side view.

[0011] It is assumed that an electrical device is suspended from a ceiling C in a room or the like via a plurality of wires 303. The AC adapter case 1 houses an AC adapter 200 that is connected to such an electrical device.

[0012] The lighting fixture 100 is an example of an electrical device in this embodiment, and includes a light source 101, a plurality of image display panels 102, a top panel 103, and a control unit 104.

[0013] The light source 101 is a chip-on-board (COB) LED light mounted on a substrate 101a, in which multiple LEDs (light-emitting diodes) are directly coupled. The light source 101 emits light downward in the Z direction. The light source 101 may be a bulb-shaped LED lamp that can also function as a backlight when the image display panel 102 (described later) is a liquid crystal panel. Each of the multiple image display panels 102 displays an image facing a side direction different from the Z direction. The image display panel 102 is, for example, a liquid crystal panel or an organic electroluminescence (EL) panel. In this embodiment, the multiple image display panels 102 are, for example, four flat panels 102a, 102b, 102c, and 102d combined into a rectangular cylindrical shape. The top panel 103 is installed above the rectangular cylindrically combined image display panels 102. The control unit 104 controls the illumination by the light source 101 and the display by the image display panels 102. The control unit 104 is housed, for example, between the board 101a on which the light source 101 is mounted and the top panel 103. The control unit 104 receives image data from the outside via a receiving unit (not shown) and causes the image display panel 102 to display an image based on the image data. In other words, the lighting device 100 not only provides illumination using the light source 101 but also functions as a display device that displays a predetermined image on the image display panel 102. The control unit 104 also causes the image display panel 102 to be semi-transparent, thereby allowing people around the lighting device 100 to see the overlapping state of the light emitted by the light source 101 and the display on the image display panel 102.

[0014] AC adapter 200 converts AC power into DC power and outputs it. In this embodiment, AC adapter 200 is compatible with lighting fixture 100, and, as an example, converts AC 100 V input from a power source (not shown) into DC 12 V and outputs it to lighting fixture 100. AC adapter 200 includes adapter main body 201, DC cord 202, and AC cord 203.

[0015] The adapter body 201 has an overall rectangular parallelepiped shape. One end of the DC cord 202 is connected to one longitudinal end face of the adapter body 201. A terminal insertion port (not shown) is provided on the other longitudinal end face of the adapter body 201, to which a connection terminal 203a of the AC cord 203 can be connected. The DC cord 202 is connected between the adapter body 201 and the lighting fixture 100. The DC cord 202 has an output terminal 202a (see FIG. 3) at the other end opposite to the end previously connected to the adapter body 201. The output terminal 202a is connected to a DC jack 103a provided on the top panel 103 of the lighting fixture 100. The AC cord 203 is connected between the adapter body 201 and a conversion plug 301a (described later). The AC cord 203 has an attachment plug 203b at the other end opposite to the end at which the connection terminal 203a is provided. The attachment plug 203b is connected to a sealing plug 301 installed in a wiring duct 300 (described later) via a conversion plug 301a.

[0016] Meanwhile, a linearly extending wiring duct 300 is installed in advance on the ceiling C. The wiring duct 300 is rail-shaped with an opening on the side facing the floor. Plugs such as a ceiling plug 301 or hanging hardware such as a hanging hook body 302 are attached to the rail portion of the wiring duct 300.

[0017] In this embodiment, lighting fixture 100 is suspended from ceiling C via two wires 303, for example made of metal, while utilizing wiring duct 300. In this case, when lighting fixture 100 is installed, one ceiling plug 301 and two hanging hook bodies 302 are connected to wiring duct 300 in advance.

[0018] Ceiling plug 301 supplies power to lighting fixture 100. A power cable (not shown) that is routed in advance from an external power source via wiring duct 300 is connected to ceiling plug 301. If ceiling plug 301 does not have a socket (so-called outlet) and is structured so that attachment plug 203b cannot be directly inserted into it, attachment plug 203b is connected to ceiling plug 301 via conversion plug 301a. On the other hand, if ceiling plug 301 is structured so that attachment plug 203b can be directly inserted into it, conversion plug 301a is not necessary.

[0019] The number of hanger hook bodies 302 provided corresponds to the number of wires 303 to be installed, and thus there are two in this embodiment. In this case, a ceiling plug 301 is attached to the linear wiring duct 300 corresponding to the planar position of the lighting fixture 100, and the two hanger hook bodies 302 are attached at positions symmetrical to each other with the ceiling plug 301 in between. In other words, one hanger hook body 302, the ceiling plug 301, and the remaining hanger hook body 302 are aligned in a straight line along the extension direction of the wiring duct 300. Furthermore, the hanger hook body 302 has a hook 302a that protrudes toward the floor when attached to the wiring duct 300.

[0020] The upper ends of the two wires 303 are each fixed to a wire holder 304. The wire holder 304 includes a holder body 304a, a nut 304b, and a hanging ring 304c. One axial end of the holder body 304a clamps and supports the end of the wire 303. The other axial end of the holder body 304a is a tap portion 304d. The holder body 304a also has a flange portion 304e that is coaxial with the tap portion 304d and on the opposite axial side from the tap portion 304d. The nut 304b engages with the tap portion 304d. The hanging ring 304c is connected to the end surface of the tap portion 304d that faces the ceiling C. Meanwhile, the lower ends of the two wires 303 are each fixed to the top panel 103 of the lighting fixture 100.

[0021] One of the hanging loops 304c of each of the two wire holders 304 is hooked onto the hook 302a provided on one of the hanging hook bodies 302, and the other is hooked onto the hook 302a provided on the remaining hanging hook body 302. In this way, the lighting fixture 100 is installed while being suspended, with the approximate center of gravity of the lighting fixture 100 on a plane directly below the ceiling plug 301 connected to the wiring duct 300.

[0022] Next, we will explain the structure of the AC adapter case 1. The AC adapter case 1 includes a cylindrical body 2 and a flange 3. The cylindrical body 2 and the flange 3 are each made of metal, but may also be made of resin or the like.

[0023] The cylindrical body 2 accommodates at least the adapter body 201 of the AC adapter 200 therein. In this embodiment, the overall shape of the cylindrical body 2 is cylindrical. However, the overall shape of the cylindrical body 2 may be rectangular. The cylindrical body 2 has an outer peripheral wall 2a and a bottom wall 2b. The outer peripheral wall 2a is a wall portion that also serves as the exterior of the side surface of the cylindrical body 2. In this embodiment, the outer peripheral wall 2a has a shape that allows all wires 303 to pass outside the outer peripheral wall 2a. In other words, none of the wires 303 intersect with the cylindrical body 2 in a horizontal plane perpendicular to the Z direction. The bottom wall 2b faces the lighting fixture 100 and is a wall portion that also serves as the exterior of the bottom surface of the cylindrical body 2. The lower end of the outer peripheral wall 2a and the outer edge of the bottom wall 2b are continuous with each other.

[0024] Furthermore, cylindrical body 2 has a first opening 2c at one end in the axial direction and a second opening 2d at the other end in the axial direction. The axial direction of cylindrical body 2 is synonymous with the axial direction of AC adapter case 1, and is along the Z direction when AC adapter case 1 is attached to lighting fixture 100.

[0025] The first opening 2c is an opening on the upper side of the cylindrical body 2 that opens toward the ceiling C and allows the adapter body 201 of the AC adapter 200 and at least a portion of the AC cord 203 to be introduced therein. The first opening 2c has a size that allows at least the adapter body 201 to pass through between the outside and the inside of the cylindrical body 2. In this embodiment, the shape of the first opening 2c corresponds to the circular cross-sectional shape of the internal space defined by the inner diameter of the cylindrical body 2, for example.

[0026] The second opening 2d is an opening on the lower side of the cylindrical body 2 that is open toward the lighting fixture 100 and through which the DC cord 202 passes. In this embodiment, the second opening 2d is provided in the center of the bottom wall 2b, specifically, at the center of gravity of the bottom wall 2b in the horizontal plane, and passes through along the axial direction of the cylindrical body 2. The second opening 2d has a size that does not allow the adapter body 201 to pass between the outside and the inside of the cylindrical body 2, but allows the DC cord 202 to pass through.

[0027] Furthermore, the outer peripheral wall 2a may be provided with one or more heat dissipation holes 2f penetrating between the outside and the inside of the cylindrical body 2. In the present embodiment, as an example, a plurality of heat dissipation holes 2f are provided, and the opening shape of each of the heat dissipation holes 2f is an elongated hole along the axial direction of the cylindrical body 2. However, for example, if heat generated from the AC adapter 200 can be suitably dissipated from the first opening 2c or the second opening 2d, the heat dissipation hole 2f does not necessarily have to be present.

[0028] In this embodiment, the flange 3 supports the cylindrical body 2 by being connected to at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface 2e of the cylindrical body 2. In this embodiment, the flange 3 is an annular flat plate member having an inner peripheral end 3a (see FIG. 4) and an outer peripheral end 3b (see FIG. 4). The inner peripheral end 3a is connected to the outer peripheral surface 2e of the cylindrical body 2. The annular shape of the flange 3 makes it a single member, which is advantageous in terms of ease of manufacturing the flange 3 alone, ease of attachment to the cylindrical body 2 by welding or the like when made of metal, and aesthetics since the overall shape is not complex. When the AC adapter case 1 is in the attached state, the flange 3 is supported by the wire holder 304 with the hanging loop 304c of the wire holder 304 hooked onto the hook 302a provided on the hanging hook body 302. Therefore, it is desirable that the inner peripheral end 3a be connected to the outer peripheral surface 2e at a height position in the Z direction such that the first opening 2c of the cylindrical body 2 is located near the sealing plug 301 when the flange 3 is supported by the wire holder 304, as shown in Figure 2.

[0029] The flange 3 also has a plurality of through holes 3c that penetrate along the axial direction of the cylindrical body 2, corresponding to the hanging positions of the respective wires 303. In this embodiment, as described above, two wires 303 are used to hang the lighting fixture 100, and therefore the flange 3 has two through holes 3c. The through holes 3c have a shape that allows tap portions 304d of the holder main body 304a of the wire holder 304 to pass through them, and that enables the wire holder 304 to be attached to the flange 3 using nuts 304b that fit the dimensions of the tap portions 304d. The opening shapes and positional relationship of each of the two through holes 3c will be described in detail below.

[0030] Furthermore, the color scheme of the entire AC adapter case 1 may be, for example, black, in consideration of maintaining the aesthetic appearance of the lighting fixture 100 or the interior of the room when the AC adapter case 1 is installed indoors. However, the color scheme of the entire AC adapter case 1 may be a color other than black, for example, to match the lighting fixture 100 or the interior. Also, different parts of the AC adapter case 1 may have different colors, or a pattern may be drawn on the outer peripheral surface 2e.

[0031] Next, the installation of the AC adapter case 1 will be described.

[0032] 3 is a diagram showing how the AC adapter case 1 is housed in the AC adapter 200. In FIG. 3, only the AC adapter case 1 is shown in cross section.

[0033] First, the worker stores the AC adapter 200 inside the AC adapter case 1 before installation. At this time, the worker introduces the DC cord 202 into the AC adapter case 1 through the first opening 2c, and then leads it out of the AC adapter case 1 through the second opening 2d. Next, the worker, with the AC cord 203 bundled, introduces the adapter main body 201 and the AC cord 203 together into the AC adapter case 1. Here, the adapter main body 201 introduced into the AC adapter case 1 cannot pass through the second opening 2d, and therefore the adapter main body 201 and the AC cord 203 do not slip out to the outside from the bottom wall 2b side.

[0034] Next, the worker removes the wire holders 304 from the hanging hook bodies 302, and removes the lighting fixture 100 from the ceiling C. Then, the worker attaches the wire holders 304 to the through holes 3c provided in the flange 3 of the AC adapter case 1.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a flange 3 as a first example of the flange shape of AC adapter 200, corresponding to the plan view taken along line IV-IV in FIG.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 4 , the flange 3 has two through holes 3c. The through holes 3c are symmetrical with respect to a central axis that defines the inner circumferential edge 3a and the outer circumferential edge 3b of the flange 3 and have an elongated hole shape extending radially from the central axis. The worker inserts the tap portion 304d, which is not engaged with the nut 304b, into the through hole 3c from the lighting fixture 100 side. Then, the worker engages the nut 304b from the ceiling C side with the tap portion 304d protruding from the through hole 3c, thereby sandwiching a portion of the flange 3 between the nut 304b and the flange portion 304e, thereby attaching the wire holder 304 to the flange 3. Here, because each through hole 3c has an elongated hole shape as described above, the worker can easily adjust the installation spacing of the two wire holders 304 to match the predetermined spacing between the wires 303.

[0037] Next, the worker inserts attachment plug 203b of AC adapter 200 into conversion plug 301a, and then hooks two wire holders 304 attached to AC adapter case 1 onto the corresponding hooks 302a of hanging hook body 302. Then, the worker connects output terminal 202a of DC cord 202 hanging downward from second opening 2d of AC adapter case 1 to DC jack 103a of lighting fixture 100. This attaches AC adapter case 1, with adapter main body 201 and part of AC cord 203 housed inside, to two wires 303, and completes installation of lighting fixture 100 on ceiling C.

[0038] Next, the effects of the AC adapter case 1 will be described.

[0039] First, AC adapter case 1 includes a cylindrical body 2 that houses at least adapter body 201 of AC adapter 200, which is connected to an electrical device suspended from a ceiling C via multiple wires 303, and a flange 3 that supports cylindrical body 2. Flange 3 has multiple through-holes 3c that penetrate along the axial direction of cylindrical body 2, aligned with the suspension positions of each of wires 303.

[0040] In the above example, there are two wires 303. As two wires 303 are provided, the flange 3 has two through holes 3c.

[0041] First, when lighting fixture 100, an electrical device that uses AC adapter 200, is installed by being suspended from ceiling C, AC adapter case 1 can be attached at a position spaced above lighting fixture 100 while storing AC adapter 200. Therefore, lighting fixture 100 that uses AC adapter 200 does not need to have AC adapter 200 installed inside or nearby. In other words, AC adapter case 1 allows AC adapter 200 to be spaced as far away from lighting fixture 100 as possible, making it possible, for example, to reduce the impact of heat emitted from AC adapter 200 on lighting fixture 100. Furthermore, AC adapter case 1 allows AC adapter 200 to be spaced as far away from lighting fixture 100 as possible, making it possible to simplify the configuration of lighting fixture 100 itself or its vicinity.

[0042] Furthermore, with AC adapter case 1, flange 3 allows cylindrical body 2 to be supported by an existing wire structure for suspending lighting fixture 100. In other words, there is no need to prepare a separate member for supporting AC adapter case 1 on the ceiling C side in addition to the existing wire structure, which is advantageous in terms of simplifying the overall structure required to install lighting fixture 100 on the ceiling C and improving its aesthetic appearance.

[0043] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide an AC adapter case 1 that simply stores an AC adapter 200 for an electrical device suspended from a ceiling C while keeping the AC adapter 200 away from the electrical device.

[0044] Furthermore, according to AC adapter case 1, since AC adapter 200 is housed inside cylindrical body 2, at least adapter body 201 is not visible from the outside, which is also advantageous in terms of aesthetics.

[0045] In addition, in AC adapter case 1, cylindrical body 2 may have an outer peripheral wall 2a shaped to allow all wires 303 to pass through on the outside. Flange 3 may be a flat plate member connected to outer peripheral surface 2e of outer peripheral wall 2a of cylindrical body 2.

[0046] According to this AC adapter case 1, the AC adapter 200 can be housed inside the cylindrical body 2 in a position where the longitudinal direction of the adapter main body 201 is aligned along the Z direction, i.e., in a so-called vertical position. This is therefore advantageous when, for example, it is desired to make the overall shape of the AC adapter case 1 compact, particularly in terms of the horizontal width of the cylindrical body 2. Furthermore, in this case, the flange 3 is exposed to the outside of the cylindrical body 2, and the multiple through-holes 3c provided in the flange 3 can be used to improve the ease of installation of the AC adapter case 1.

[0047] Also, assume that the wire 303 is suspended from the ceiling C via a wire holder 304 having a tap portion 304d. In this case, in the AC adapter case 1, the through-hole 3c may have a shape that allows the tap portion 304d to pass through and that allows the wire holder 304 to be attached to the flange 3 using a nut 304b that fits the dimensions of the tap portion 304d.

[0048] The wire holder 304 here may be a component that is generally used when installing an electrical device such as lighting fixture 100 by suspending it from a ceiling C via a wire 303. Therefore, according to this AC adapter case 1, the AC adapter case 1 can be easily attached using an existing wire structure.

[0049] In addition, in the AC adapter case 1, the cylindrical body 2 may have a first opening 2c that is open toward the ceiling C and is large enough to allow at least the adapter main body 201 to pass through between the outside and inside of the cylindrical body 2.

[0050] With this AC adapter case 1, a worker can easily attach and detach the AC adapter 200 to and from the cylindrical body 2 through the first opening 2c. Furthermore, because the first opening 2c is open at least large enough to allow the adapter body 201 to pass through, heat generated by the AC adapter 200 can be easily released to the outside through the first opening 2c.

[0051] Furthermore, in AC adapter case 1, cylindrical body 2 may have bottom wall 2b facing the electrical device. Bottom wall 2b may have second opening 2d penetrating along the axial direction of cylindrical body 2. Second opening 2d may have a size that does not allow adapter main body 201 to pass through, but allows DC cord 202, which is connected between AC adapter 200 and the electrical device, to pass through.

[0052] According to this AC adapter case 1, the second opening 2d is opened only large enough to allow the DC cord 202 to pass through, so the adapter main body 201 housed inside the cylindrical body 2 can be stably housed without falling out. Furthermore, when looking at the second opening 2d from the outside, only the DC cord 202 is visible, and not the adapter main body 201, which is also advantageous in terms of aesthetics.

[0053] In the AC adapter case 1, the cylindrical body 2 may have a heat dissipation hole 2f in the outer peripheral wall 2a of the cylindrical body 2, which passes through between the outside and the inside of the cylindrical body 2.

[0054] This AC adapter case 1 is more advantageous in terms of heat dissipation, allowing heat generated from the AC adapter 200 to be released to the outside.

[0055] In addition, in the AC adapter case 1, the electrical device may be a lighting fixture 100 having a light source 101 that emits light downward, multiple image display panels 102 that each display an image facing a different side, and a control unit 104 that controls the image display panels 102.

[0056] This AC adapter case 1 can be used to store AC adapter 200 used in lighting fixture 100 as described above, as an example of an electrical device.

[0057] The electrical device in which the AC adapter case 1 is used is not limited to the lighting fixture 100 exemplified above, but may be, for example, a projector installed on the ceiling C side.

[0058] Here, the shape of the flange 3 of the AC adapter case 1 is an example, and the following flanges can also be used instead of the flange 3.

[0059] 5 is a diagram showing a flange 13 as a second example of the flange shape of AC adapter 200, corresponding to the drawing in FIG. 4. In flange 13, the shape and arrangement of inner circumferential end 13a and two through holes 13c are the same as those of inner circumferential end 3a and two through holes 3c in flange 3 as the first example. On the other hand, the shape of outer circumferential end 13b of flange 13 may be an ellipse obtained by removing a portion of a perfect circle like outer circumferential end 3b in flange 3 as the first example.

[0060] 6 is a diagram showing a flange 23 as a third example of the flange shape of AC adapter 200, corresponding to the drawing in FIG. 4. In flange 23, the shape and arrangement of inner circumferential end 23a and two through holes 23c are the same as those of inner circumferential end 3a and two through holes 3c in flange 3 as the first example. Meanwhile, the shape of outer circumferential end 23b of flange 23 may be made more compact by including protrusions 23d that partially follow the shape of the two through holes 23c while maintaining the annular shape.

[0061] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a flange 33 as a fourth example of the flange shape of AC adapter 200, corresponding to the drawing in FIG. 4. Flange 33 does not have an annular shape and is made up of two protruding members 33b, each having one through-hole 33c. Each protruding member 33b is integrated with cylindrical body 2 by connecting its end 33a to the outer circumferential surface 2e of cylindrical body 2. The shape and arrangement of the two through-holes 33c are the same as the two through-holes 3c in flange 3 as the first example.

[0062] In the above description, the flange 3 etc. has two through holes 3c etc., but it may have three or more. For example, when three through holes 3c are provided in the flange 3, the three through holes 3c may be arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the flange 3.

[0063] (Second embodiment) Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the AC adapter case 21 according to the second embodiment in an attached state. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the AC adapter case 21 and its surrounding area in an attached state, taken along the axial direction of the AC adapter case 21, similar to Fig. 2 relating to the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the same reference numerals will be used to designate the components of the AC adapter case 1, the lighting device 100, and the AC adapter 200 according to the first embodiment, as well as the other components that are the same as those described in the first embodiment, and their description will be omitted. The AC adapter case 21 also houses the AC adapter 200 connected to the lighting device 100, which is suspended from the ceiling C via multiple wires 303.

[0064] In the first embodiment, a wiring duct 300 is installed in advance on the ceiling C, and further, a ceiling plug 301 to which the AC adapter 200 is connected and a hanging hook body 302 used to hang the lighting fixture 100 are connected to the wiring duct 300. In contrast, in the present embodiment, a rosette 400 is embedded in the ceiling C in advance as the structure on the ceiling C side, instead of the wiring duct 300, the ceiling plug 301, and the hanging hook body 302.

[0065] The rosette 400 supplies power to the lighting fixture 100. A power cable (not shown) that is routed from an external power source inside the ceiling C is connected to the rosette 400. In this embodiment, the rosette 400 is provided with a socket (not shown) into which the attachment plug 203b of the AC cord 203 can be inserted. If the rosette 400 is not provided with a socket, the attachment plug 203b may be connected to the rosette 400 via a conversion plug 301a, as in the example of the first embodiment.

[0066] The rosette 400 also has two hangers 401 on its side, which are arranged symmetrically with respect to the central axis. The hangers 401 are mounting fittings that can function similarly to the hooks 302a of the hanging hook body 302 in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the upper ends of the two wires 303 are also fixed to the wire holders 304 exemplified in the first embodiment. One of the hanging rings 304c of each of the two wire holders 304 is hooked to one hanger 401, and the other is hooked to the remaining hanger 401. As a result, the lighting fixture 100 is installed while being suspended directly below the rosette 400.

[0067] Next, we will explain the structure of the AC adapter case 21. The AC adapter case 21 includes a cylindrical body 22 and a flange 43. The cylindrical body 22 and the flange 43 are each made of metal, but may also be made of resin or the like.

[0068] The cylindrical body 22 accommodates at least the adapter body 201 of the AC adapter 200 therein. In this embodiment, the overall shape of the cylindrical body 22 is cylindrical. However, the overall shape of the cylindrical body 22 may be rectangular. The cylindrical body 22 has an outer peripheral wall 22a and a bottom wall 22b. The outer peripheral wall 22a is a wall portion that also serves as an exterior covering on the side surface of the cylindrical body 22. In this embodiment, the outer peripheral wall 22a, unlike the outer peripheral wall 22a in the first embodiment, has a shape that allows all wires 303 to pass inside the outer peripheral wall 22a. In other words, the cylindrical body 22 intersects with the wires 303 on a horizontal plane perpendicular to the Z direction. The bottom wall 22b faces the lighting fixture 100 and is a wall portion that also serves as an exterior covering on the bottom surface of the cylindrical body 22. The lower end of the outer peripheral wall 22a and the outer edge of the bottom wall 22b are continuous with each other.

[0069] Furthermore, cylindrical body 22 has first opening 22c at one end in the axial direction, and second opening 22d and multiple third openings 22g at the other end in the axial direction. The axial direction of cylindrical body 22 is synonymous with the axial direction of AC adapter case 21, and is aligned with the Z direction when AC adapter case 21 is attached to lighting fixture 100.

[0070] First opening 22c is an opening on the upper side of cylindrical body 22 that opens toward ceiling C and allows adapter body 201 of AC adapter 200 and at least a portion of AC cord 203 to be introduced. First opening 22c has a size that allows at least adapter body 201 to pass between the outside and the inside of cylindrical body 22. In this embodiment, the shape of first opening 22c corresponds to the circular cross-sectional shape of the internal space defined by the inner diameter of cylindrical body 22, for example.

[0071] Furthermore, cylindrical body 22 may have an annular member 22h that engages with first opening 22c. When AC adapter case 21 is attached to the upper part of lighting fixture 100 and near ceiling C, annular member 22h is located closer to ceiling C than outer peripheral wall 22a, and covers rosette 400 from the side.

[0072] The first open end 22i, which is one open end of the annular member 22h, has a size that allows it to be attached to and detached from the first opening 22c on the outer peripheral wall 22a side. The structure for engaging the first open end 22i with the first opening 22c on the outer peripheral wall 22a side is not particularly limited. For example, the inner peripheral wall near the first opening 22c may be threaded, and the outer peripheral wall of the first open end 22i may also be threaded, thereby fastening them together using a screw method. Alternatively, several hooks may be provided on the inner peripheral wall near the first opening 22c, and portions of the first open end 22i may be hooked onto these hooks, thereby engaging them together.

[0073] On the other hand, second opening end 22j, which is the other opening end of annular member 22h, is the part of cylindrical body 22 that is closest to ceiling C when AC adapter case 21 is in the attached state. Similar to first opening 22c, second opening end 22j also has a size that allows at least adapter body 201 to pass between the outside and inside of cylindrical body 22. In addition, second opening end 22j has a size that allows the entire rosette 400, including two hangers 401, to be placed on the inner periphery without contacting it.

[0074] This annular member 22h conceals the rosette 400 and the hanger 401, and as a result, when a person in the room looks at the AC adapter case 21 in the attached state, it is difficult for them to see it.

[0075] Second opening 22d is an opening on the lower side of cylindrical body 2 that is open toward lighting fixture 100 and through which DC cord 202 passes. Similar to second opening 2d in the first embodiment, second opening 22d is provided in the center of bottom wall 22b, specifically at the center of gravity of bottom wall 22b in the horizontal plane, and passes through along the axial direction of cylindrical body 22. Second opening 22d has a size that does not allow adapter body 201 to pass between the outside and inside of cylindrical body 22, but allows DC cord 202 to pass through.

[0076] Each of the multiple third openings 22g is an opening on the lower side of the cylindrical body 2 that opens toward the lighting fixture 100 and allows the wire 303 to pass through. The third openings 22g are provided to match the hanging positions of the respective wires 303. Therefore, in this embodiment, there are two third openings 22g. Each of the two third openings 22g has a size that does not allow the DC cord 202 to pass through, but allows the wire 303 to pass through.

[0077] Furthermore, although not shown, the outer peripheral wall 22a may be provided with heat dissipation holes similar to the heat dissipation holes 2f in the first embodiment.

[0078] In this embodiment, the flange 43 is connected to at least a portion of the inner circumferential surface 22e of the cylindrical body 22 to support the cylindrical body 22. That is, unlike the flange 3 in the first embodiment, the flange 43 is located inside the cylindrical body 22. The flange 43 is, for example, an annular flat plate member whose outer circumferential end is connected to the inner circumferential surface 22e of the cylindrical body 22. Meanwhile, the inner circumferential end 23a of the flange 43 is an open end and is large enough to allow at least the adapter body 201 to pass through. When the AC adapter case 21 is in the attached state, the flange 43 is supported by the wire holder 304 with the hanging loop 304c of the wire holder 304 hooked onto the hanger 401 provided on the rosette 400. Therefore, it is desirable that the outer circumferential end of the flange 43 be connected to the inner circumferential surface 22e at a height position in the Z direction such that the second open end 22j of the cylindrical body 22 is close to the ceiling C when the flange 43 is supported by the wire holder 304.

[0079] Furthermore, the flange 43 has a plurality of through holes 23c that penetrate along the axial direction of the cylindrical body 22 in accordance with the hanging positions of the respective wires 303. Note that the opening shapes and arrangement of the plurality of through holes 23c, as well as the attachment of the wire holder 304 to the portion where the through holes 23c are provided, are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described again.

[0080] The color scheme of the entire AC adapter case 21 is the same as that of the AC adapter case 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0081] Next, the installation of the AC adapter case 21 is basically the same as that of the AC adapter case 1 according to the first embodiment. However, in the example of this embodiment, when the annular member 22h is to be attached to the outer peripheral wall 22a of the cylindrical body 22, the worker first prepares the cylindrical body 22 that houses the AC adapter 200 and is attached to the two wires 303 before hanging. Next, the worker aligns the annular member 22h with the rosette 400 and presses it toward the ceiling C, and then hooks the two wire holders 304 inside the cylindrical body 22 onto the corresponding hangers 401. Finally, the worker can install the AC adapter case 21 toward the ceiling C by engaging the annular member 22h with the outer peripheral wall 22a of the cylindrical body 22 that is hanging from the ceiling C.

[0082] Next, the effects of the AC adapter case 21 will be described.

[0083] First, AC adapter case 21 includes a cylindrical body 22 that houses at least adapter body 201 of AC adapter 200, which is connected to an electrical device suspended from ceiling C via multiple wires 303, and a flange 43 that supports cylindrical body 22. Flange 43 has multiple through-holes 23c that penetrate along the axial direction of cylindrical body 22, aligned with the suspension positions of each of wires 303.

[0084] In the above example, there are two wires 303. As there are two wires 303, the flange 43 has two through holes 23c.

[0085] According to this embodiment, for the same reasons as the AC adapter case 1 of the first embodiment, it is possible to provide an AC adapter case 21 that can simply store an AC adapter 200 for an electrical device suspended from a ceiling C while keeping it away from the electrical device.

[0086] Furthermore, in AC adapter case 21, cylindrical body 22 may have outer peripheral wall 22a shaped to allow all wires 303 to pass through the inside thereof. Flange 43 may be a flat plate member connected to inner peripheral surface 22e of outer peripheral wall 22a of cylindrical body 22.

[0087] According to this AC adapter case 21, the AC adapter 200 can be housed inside the cylindrical body 22 in a position in which the longitudinal direction of the adapter main body 201 is aligned horizontally perpendicular to the Z direction, i.e., in a so-called horizontal orientation. This is advantageous, for example, when it is desired to make the overall shape of the AC adapter case 21 compact, particularly in terms of the height of the cylindrical body 22 in the Z direction. Furthermore, in this case, the flange 43 supported by the wire 303 is located inside the cylindrical body 22, and therefore at least the adapter main body 201 of the AC adapter 200, as well as the flange 43 and wire holder 304, are not visible to people in the room. This simplifies the overall appearance of the AC adapter case 21, which is advantageous in terms of aesthetics.

[0088] Furthermore, in AC adapter case 21, cylindrical body 22 may have bottom wall 22b facing the electrical device. Bottom wall 22b may have second opening 22d penetrating along the axial direction of cylindrical body 22 and multiple third openings 22g different from second opening 22d. Second opening 22d may have a size that does not allow adapter main body 201 to pass through, but allows DC cord 202, which connects AC adapter 200 and the electrical device, to pass through. Multiple third openings 22g are provided in accordance with the hanging positions of each wire 303, and each may have a size that does not allow DC cord 202 to pass through, but allows wire 303 to pass through.

[0089] According to this AC adapter case 1, second opening 22d is opened only large enough to allow DC cord 202 to pass through, so adapter main body 201 housed inside cylindrical body 22 can be stably housed without falling out. Furthermore, when second opening 22d is viewed from the outside, only DC cord 202 is visible, and not adapter main body 201, which is also advantageous in terms of aesthetics.

[0090] Similarly, third opening 22g is opened only large enough to allow wire 303 to pass through, so adapter body 201 housed inside cylindrical body 22 can be stably housed without falling out. Furthermore, when third opening 22g is viewed from the outside, only wire 303 is visible, and adapter body 201 is not visible, which is also advantageous in terms of aesthetics.

[0091] As an example of the structure on the ceiling C side, the first embodiment shows a case where a wiring duct 300, a ceiling plug 301, and a hanging hook body 302 are used, and the second embodiment shows a case where a recessed rosette 400 is used. However, for example, when the rosette 400 is installed on the ceiling C, the AC adapter case 1 according to the first embodiment may be applied. Alternatively, when the wiring duct 300 or the like is installed on the ceiling C, the AC adapter case 21 according to the second embodiment may be applied.

[0092] (Addendum) The above description of the embodiments discloses the following techniques.

[0093] (Technology 1) An AC adapter case comprising: a cylindrical body that houses at least the adapter body of an AC adapter connected to an electrical device suspended from a ceiling via a plurality of wires; and a flange that supports the cylindrical body, wherein the flange has a plurality of through-holes that pass through along the axial direction of the cylindrical body, aligned with the suspension positions of each of the wires.

[0094] First, when lighting fixture 100, an electrical device that uses AC adapter 200, is installed by being suspended from ceiling C, AC adapter case 1 can be attached at a position spaced above lighting fixture 100 while storing AC adapter 200. Therefore, lighting fixture 100 that uses AC adapter 200 does not need to have AC adapter 200 installed inside or nearby. In other words, AC adapter case 1 allows AC adapter 200 to be spaced as far away from lighting fixture 100 as possible, making it possible, for example, to reduce the impact of heat emitted from AC adapter 200 on lighting fixture 100. Furthermore, AC adapter case 1 allows AC adapter 200 to be spaced as far away from lighting fixture 100 as possible, making it possible to simplify the configuration of lighting fixture 100 itself or its vicinity.

[0095] Furthermore, with AC adapter case 1, flange 3 allows cylindrical body 2 to be supported by an existing wire structure for suspending lighting fixture 100. In other words, there is no need to prepare a separate member for supporting AC adapter case 1 on the ceiling C side in addition to the existing wire structure, which is advantageous in terms of simplifying the overall structure required to install lighting fixture 100 on the ceiling C and improving its aesthetic appearance.

[0096] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide an AC adapter case 1 that simply stores an AC adapter 200 for an electrical device suspended from a ceiling C while keeping the AC adapter 200 away from the electrical device.

[0097] Furthermore, according to AC adapter case 1, since AC adapter 200 is housed inside cylindrical body 2, at least adapter body 201 is not visible from the outside, which is also advantageous in terms of aesthetics.

[0098] (Technology 2) The AC adapter case described in Technology 1, wherein the cylindrical body has an outer wall shaped to allow all of the wires to pass through on the outside, and the flange is a flat member connected to the outer surface of the outer wall of the cylindrical body.

[0099] According to this AC adapter case 1, the AC adapter 200 can be housed inside the cylindrical body 2 in a position where the longitudinal direction of the adapter main body 201 is aligned along the Z direction, i.e., in a so-called vertical position. This is therefore advantageous when, for example, it is desired to make the overall shape of the AC adapter case 1 compact, particularly in terms of the horizontal width of the cylindrical body 2. Furthermore, in this case, the flange 3 is exposed to the outside of the cylindrical body 2, and the multiple through-holes 3c provided in the flange 3 can be used to improve the ease of installation of the AC adapter case 1.

[0100] (Technology 3) The AC adapter case described in Technology 1, wherein the cylindrical body has an outer wall shaped to allow all of the wires to pass through inside, and the flange is a flat member connected to the inner surface of the outer wall of the cylindrical body.

[0101] According to this AC adapter case 21, the AC adapter 200 can be housed inside the cylindrical body 22 in a position in which the longitudinal direction of the adapter main body 201 is aligned horizontally perpendicular to the Z direction, i.e., in a so-called horizontal orientation. This is advantageous, for example, when it is desired to make the overall shape of the AC adapter case 21 compact, particularly in terms of the height of the cylindrical body 22 in the Z direction. Furthermore, in this case, the flange 43 supported by the wire 303 is located inside the cylindrical body 22, and therefore at least the adapter main body 201 of the AC adapter 200, as well as the flange 43 and wire holder 304, are not visible to people in the room. This simplifies the overall appearance of the AC adapter case 21, which is advantageous in terms of aesthetics.

[0102] (Technology 4) An AC adapter case according to any one of Technology 1 to Technology 3, wherein when the wire is hung from the ceiling via a wire holder having a tap portion, the through hole has a shape that allows the tap portion to pass through and enables the wire holder to be attached to the flange using a nut that fits the dimensions of the tap portion.

[0103] The wire holder 304 here may be a component that is generally used when installing an electrical device such as lighting fixture 100 by suspending it from a ceiling C via a wire 303. Therefore, according to this AC adapter case 1, the AC adapter case 1 can be easily attached using an existing wire structure.

[0104] (Technology 5) An AC adapter case according to any one of Technology 1 to Technology 4, wherein the cylindrical body has a first opening that is open toward the ceiling and has a size that allows at least the adapter body to pass between the outside and the inside of the cylindrical body.

[0105] With this AC adapter case 1, a worker can easily attach and detach the AC adapter 200 to and from the cylindrical body 2 through the first opening 2c. Furthermore, because the first opening 2c is open at least large enough to allow the adapter body 201 to pass through, heat generated by the AC adapter 200 can be easily released to the outside through the first opening 2c.

[0106] (Technology 6) An AC adapter case according to Technology 1 or Technology 2, wherein the cylindrical body has a bottom wall facing the electrical device, the bottom wall has a second opening penetrating along the axial direction of the cylindrical body, and the second opening has a size that does not allow the adapter body to pass through but allows a DC cord connected between the AC adapter and the electrical device to pass through.

[0107] According to this AC adapter case 1, the second opening 2d is opened only large enough to allow the DC cord 202 to pass through, so the adapter main body 201 housed inside the cylindrical body 2 can be stably housed without falling out. Furthermore, when looking at the second opening 2d from the outside, only the DC cord 202 is visible, and not the adapter main body 201, which is also advantageous in terms of aesthetics.

[0108] (Technology 7) An AC adapter case according to Technology 1 or Technology 3, wherein the cylindrical body has a bottom wall facing the electrical device, the bottom wall has a second opening and a plurality of third openings different from the second openings, each penetrating along the axial direction of the cylindrical body, the second openings having a size that does not allow the adapter body to pass through but allows a DC cord connected between the AC adapter and the electrical device to pass through, and the plurality of third openings are provided in accordance with the hanging positions of each of the wires and each has a size that does not allow the DC cord to pass through but allows the wire to pass through.

[0109] According to this AC adapter case 1, second opening 22d is opened only large enough to allow DC cord 202 to pass through, so adapter main body 201 housed inside cylindrical body 22 can be stably housed without falling out. Furthermore, when second opening 22d is viewed from the outside, only DC cord 202 is visible, and not adapter main body 201, which is also advantageous in terms of aesthetics.

[0110] Similarly, third opening 22g is opened only large enough to allow wire 303 to pass through, so adapter body 201 housed inside cylindrical body 22 can be stably housed without falling out. Furthermore, when third opening 22g is viewed from the outside, only wire 303 is visible, and adapter body 201 is not visible, which is also advantageous in terms of aesthetics.

[0111] (Technology 8) An AC adapter case described in any one of Technology 1 to Technology 7, wherein the cylindrical body has a heat dissipation hole in the outer wall of the cylindrical body that penetrates between the outside and the inside of the cylindrical body.

[0112] This AC adapter case 1 is more advantageous in terms of heat dissipation, allowing heat generated from the AC adapter 200 to be released to the outside.

[0113] (Technology 9) An AC adapter case according to any one of Technology 1 to Technology 8, wherein the electrical device is a lighting fixture including a light source that emits light downward, a plurality of image display panels that each display an image facing a different side, and a control unit that controls the image display panels.

[0114] This AC adapter case 1 can be used to store AC adapter 200 used in lighting fixture 100 as described above, as an example of an electrical device.

[0115] Although the preferred embodiment has been described above, the present embodiment is not limited to this, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 1,21 AC adapter case 2,22 cylinder 2a,22a Outer wall 2c,22c 1st opening 2d,22d 2nd opening 2e Outer surface 2f heat radiation hole 3,43 flange 3a,43a Inner edge 3c,43c through hole 22e Inner surface 22g 3rd opening 100 lighting fixtures 101 Light source 102 Image display panel 104 Control Unit 200 AC adapter 201 Adapter body 202 DC Code 303 Wire 304 Wire holder 304b Nut 304d tap part

Claims

1. a cylindrical body that houses at least an adapter body of an AC adapter that is connected to an electrical device suspended from a ceiling via a plurality of wires; a flange for supporting the cylindrical body, The flange has a plurality of through holes that pass through along the axial direction of the cylindrical body, corresponding to the hanging positions of each of the wires.

2. The cylindrical body has an outer peripheral wall shaped to allow all of the wires to pass through on the outside, 2. The AC adapter case according to claim 1, wherein the flange is a flat plate member connected to the outer peripheral surface of the outer peripheral wall of the cylindrical body.

3. The cylindrical body has an outer peripheral wall shaped to allow all of the wires to pass through it, 2. The AC adapter case according to claim 1, wherein the flange is a flat plate member connected to an inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral wall of the cylindrical body.

4. When the wire is suspended from the ceiling via a wire holder having a tap portion, 4. The AC adapter case according to claim 2, wherein the through hole has a shape that allows the tap portion to pass through and enables the wire holder to be attached to the flange using a nut that fits the dimensions of the tap portion.

5. 4. The AC adapter case according to claim 2, wherein the cylindrical body has a first opening that opens toward the ceiling and is large enough to allow at least the adapter body to pass between the outside and the inside of the cylindrical body.

6. the cylindrical body has a bottom wall facing the electrical device, the bottom wall has a second opening passing through it along the axial direction of the cylindrical body, 3. The AC adapter case according to claim 2, wherein the second opening has a size that does not allow the adapter body to pass through but allows a DC cord connected between the AC adapter and the electrical device to pass through.

7. the cylindrical body has a bottom wall facing the electrical device, the bottom wall has a second opening and a plurality of third openings different from the second openings, each of which penetrates along the axial direction of the cylindrical body; the second opening has a size that does not allow the adapter body to pass therethrough but allows a DC cord connected between the AC adapter and the electrical device to pass therethrough; 4. The AC adapter case according to claim 3, wherein the third openings are provided in accordance with the hanging positions of the respective wires, and each has a size that does not allow the DC cord to pass through but allows the wires to pass through.

8. 4. The AC adapter case according to claim 2, wherein the cylindrical body has a heat dissipation hole in the outer wall of the cylindrical body that penetrates between the outside and the inside of the cylindrical body.

9. The electrical equipment includes: a light source that emits light downward; a plurality of image display panels each displaying an image facing a different side; 2. The AC adapter case according to claim 1, which is a lighting fixture comprising: a control unit that controls the image display panel.

Images