Conductive components and wiring devices

Abstract

The objective of this disclosure is to improve the workability of connecting conductive components to electric wires. [Solution] The conductive component 40 is used in a wiring device. The conductive component 40 is composed of a conductive linear member. The conductive component 40 integrally comprises a first end 401, a second end 402, and a main body portion 403 with a circular cross-section that connects the first end 401 and the second end 402. The first end 401 includes a flattened portion 45 formed in a flattened shape.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to conductive components and wiring devices, and more particularly, to conductive components composed of linear members having conductivity and wiring devices provided with conductive components.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a blade receiving spring structure of a connecting device.

[0003] In this blade receiving spring structure, a single round wire having spring properties and conductivity is bent to form a blade receiving spring of a connecting device such as a relay socket or a power outlet. In the blade receiving spring structure, the contact portion of the blade receiving spring electrically connected to the relay terminal or the plug blade is flattened by pressing. One end of the wire is folded back in a substantially C shape to form a connection portion.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The blade receiving spring (conductive component) described in Patent Document 1 has a problem that it is difficult to perform a connection operation for connecting an electric wire.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to improve the workability of the connection operation between the conductive component and the electric wire.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A conductive component according to one aspect of the present disclosure is used in a wiring device. The conductive component is composed of a conductive linear member. The conductive component integrally comprises a first end, a second end, and a main body portion having a circular cross-section that connects the first end and the second end. The first end has a flattened portion formed in a flattened shape.

[0008] A wiring device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a conductive component, a housing for housing the conductive component, and a cord. The wires of the cord are connected to the flat portion inside the housing by soldering. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this disclosure, it is possible to improve the work efficiency of connecting conductive components and electric wires. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a front view of the wiring device according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the same wiring device. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a front view of the outlet body of the same wiring device with the cover removed. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a front view of the first conductive component included in the wiring device described above. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the same wiring device, specifically portion A1 in Figure 4. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a front view of the second conductive component of the wiring device described above. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the connection between the first conductive component and the wires of the cord in the same wiring device. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a circuit diagram showing the connection status of the wiring device mentioned above. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the main parts of the conductive components of the wiring device in Modified Example 1. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a main part of a conductive component included in the wiring device of Modification 2. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a side view of a main part of a conductive component included in the wiring device of Modification 3. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a main part of a conductive component included in the wiring device described above. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a main part of a conductive component included in the wiring device of Modification 4. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a side view of a main part of a conductive component included in the wiring device described above. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a main part of a conductive component included in the wiring device of Modification 5. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a side view of a main part of a conductive component included in the wiring device of Modification 6.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0011] The conductive components and wiring devices of the embodiments and modifications of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Each of the drawings described in the following embodiments and modifications is a schematic diagram, and the ratios of the sizes and thicknesses of each component in the drawings do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios.

[0012] (1) Embodiment (1.1) Overview The wiring device 100 of the present embodiment is a plug receptacle to which a plug can be connected. More specifically, it is a so-called power strip equipped with a socket and a plug at both ends of a cord. The conductive component 40 of the present embodiment is used in the wiring device 100, for example, as a component (pin receptacle) for power supply.

[0013] The conductive component 40 of this embodiment is composed of a linear member having conductivity. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the conductive component 40 integrally includes a first end portion 401, a second end portion 402, and a main body portion 403. The main body portion 403 has a circular cross-section. The main body portion 403 connects between the first end portion 401 and the second end portion 402. As shown in FIG. 5, the first end portion 401 includes a flat portion 43 formed in a flat shape.

[0014] In the conductive component 40 of this embodiment, soldering work can be performed while the electric wire 81 (see FIG. 7) is stably supported by the flat portion 45. Thereby, in the conductive component 40 of this embodiment, it is possible to improve the workability of the connection work between the conductive component 40 and the electric wire 81.

[0015] (1. ) Details Hereinafter, referring to FIGS. 1 to 8, the conductive component 40 of this embodiment and the wiring device 100 including the conductive component 40 will be described in more detail.

[0016] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the wiring device 100 includes an outlet main body 1, a cord 8, and a housing 9.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the housing 9 includes a body 91 and a cover 92. The housing 9 is formed with a holding hole 900 for a user to pass a finger through to hold the housing 9.

[0018] In the following, for convenience, regarding the wiring device 100, the side where the cover 92 is located with respect to the body 91 is referred to as "front", and the side where the holding hole 900 is located in the housing 9 is referred to as "upper", and the front, rear, upper, lower, left, and right directions may be used for description. However, the definition of the direction in the present disclosure only shows the relative positional relationship between the members of the wiring device 100, and does not limit the direction during the use of the wiring device 100 or the like.

[0019] As shown in Figure 2, the body 91 is triangular in front view and box-shaped with an opening at the front. A circular rib 911 is formed on the front (bottom) surface of the body 91. A recess (hook hole) is provided on the rear surface of the body 91 for hooking the housing 9 onto an external hook, and a projection 912 corresponding to the shape of this recess is provided on the front surface of the body 91.

[0020] The cover 92 is triangular in front view and box-shaped with an opening at the rear. A circular opening 921 is formed in the center of the cover 92.

[0021] The body 91 and the cover 92 are joined together by multiple (three in this case) screws 99 with their opening edges abutting against each other. This creates an internal space within the housing 9 for arranging the outlet body 1.

[0022] A notch 913 is formed in the lower right of the body 91, and a notch 922 is formed in the lower right of the cover 92. The notch 913 in the body 91 and the notch 923 in the cover 92 form a cord hole for passing the cord 8 through.

[0023] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the outlet body 1 comprises a support 2, a cover 3, a pair of conductive components 40 (hereinafter also referred to as "first conductive component 41 and second conductive component 42"), and a third conductive component 5.

[0024] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the support 2 integrally comprises a side wall portion 21 and a support plate portion 22.

[0025] The side wall portion 21 is hollow and cylindrical. The inner diameter of the side wall portion 21 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the rib 911 of the body 91. Multiple (eight in this case) elongated slits 211 are formed in the side wall portion 21. In addition, a cord hole 212 for passing the cord 8 is formed at the upper end of the side wall portion 21.

[0026] The support plate portion 22 is circular in shape. The support plate portion 22 is connected to the side wall portion 21 near the front end of the side wall portion 21 on the inside of the side wall portion 21, and closes the opening of the side wall portion 21.

[0027] As shown in Figure 3, the support plate portion 22 supports the first conductive component 41 and the second conductive component 42. The first conductive component 41 and the second conductive component 42 are placed on the front surface of the support plate portion 22. Multiple ribs 220 are provided on the front surface of the support plate portion 22. The first conductive component 41 and the second conductive component 42 are supported by the support plate portion 22 by being fitted into the space formed by the multiple ribs 220. In addition, some of the multiple ribs 220 are located between the first conductive component 41 and the second conductive component 42. As a result, the first conductive component 41 and the second conductive component 42 are spatially and electrically isolated.

[0028] The support plate portion 22 has first holes 221 to sixth holes 226 formed therein. In addition, a rectangular through hole 227 is formed in the support plate portion 22 at a position corresponding to the first end portion 411 (described later) of the first conductive component 41, and a rectangular through hole 228 is formed at a position corresponding to the first end portion 421 (described later) of the second conductive component 42.

[0029] The support plate portion 22 further supports the third conductive component 5. More specifically, a rectangular recess 229, which is recessed to the rear when viewed from the front, is formed near the center of the support plate portion 22. A through hole is formed in the bottom surface of the recess 229. The third conductive component 5 is positioned within the recess 229. The third conductive component 5 integrally comprises a pair of semi-cylindrical receiving portions and a connecting portion that connects the rear ends of the pair of receiving portions.

[0030] The first conductive component 41 is composed of a conductive linear member. The first conductive component 41 is manufactured, for example, by bending and forging a wire made of a metal (e.g., copper) with a circular cross-section that serves as the raw material.

[0031] As shown in Figure 4, the first conductive component 41 integrally comprises a first end 411, a second end 412, and a main body 413 connecting the first end 411 and the second end 412. In other words, the first end 411 and the second end 412 are located at both ends of the main body 413, respectively.

[0032] The main body portion 413 has a circular cross-section. In the main body portion 413, a specific portion 414 including a pair of curved portions 415 is provided by bending the wire material that will be the raw material for the first conductive component 41. The curved portions 415 are approximately arc-shaped when viewed from the front. The pair of curved portions 415 are arranged so that their concave surfaces face each other. Here, the pair of curved portions 415 are arranged facing each other so that their centers (centers of the arcs) coincide. The pair of curved portions 415 are connected by a U-shaped connecting portion 416. As a result, the pair of curved portions 415 can move relative to each other elastically along their opposing directions.

[0033] The main body 413 has multiple (in this case, three) specific parts 414. Hereafter, when distinguishing between the multiple specific parts 414, they will be referred to as the first specific part 441, the second specific part 442, and the third specific part 443.

[0034] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, with the first conductive component 41 supported by the support plate portion 22, the first specific portion 441 overlaps with the edge portion of the first hole 221, the second specific portion 442 overlaps with the edge portion of the second hole 222, and the third specific portion 443 overlaps with the edge portion of the third hole 223.

[0035] As shown in Figure 5, the first end portion 411 includes a flattened portion 45 formed in a flattened shape. In this disclosure, "flattened" means having a small thickness and being wide horizontally.

[0036] The flattened portion 45 is rectangular and flat. The flattened portion 45 has a flat surface 451. The flattened portion 45 is formed to be long in the direction of extension of the first end portion 411. The width W1 of the flattened portion 45 (see Figure 5) is greater than the diameter D1 of the main body portion 413 (see Figure 4). Also, the cross-sectional area of ​​the flattened portion 45 is the same as the cross-sectional area of ​​the main body portion 413. Such a flattened portion 45 is formed, for example, by forging the end of the wire material that will be used as the raw material for the first conductive component 41.

[0037] As shown in Figure 3, with the first conductive component 41 supported by the support plate portion 22, the first end portion 411 overlaps with the through hole 227. The first end portion 411 can be bent backward, for example, within the through hole 227.

[0038] The second end portion 412 has a circular cross-section. The second end portion 412 is formed without processing the end of the wire material that will be used as the raw material for the first conductive component 41, but it may be subjected to appropriate processing such as deburring or forging.

[0039] The second conductive component 42 is composed of a conductive linear member. The material of the second conductive component 42 may be the same as the material of the first conductive component 41. The second conductive component 42 is manufactured, for example, by bending and forging a metal wire with a circular cross-section that serves as the raw material.

[0040] As shown in Figure 6, the second conductive component 42 integrally comprises a first end portion 421, a second end portion 422, and a main body portion 423 connecting the first end portion 421 and the second end portion 422.

[0041] The main body portion 423 has a circular cross-section. In the main body portion 423, a specific portion 424 including a pair of curved portions 425 is provided by bending the wire material that will be used as the raw material for the second conductive component 42. The pair of curved portions 425 are connected by a U-shaped connecting portion 426. The configuration of the specific portion 424 of the second conductive component 42 is the same as that of the specific portion 414 of the first conductive component 41.

[0042] The main body 423 has multiple (in this case, three) specific sections 424. Hereafter, when distinguishing between the multiple specific sections 424, they will be referred to as the fourth specific section 444, the fifth specific section 445, and the sixth specific section 446.

[0043] As shown in Figures 3 and 6, with the second conductive component 42 supported by the support plate portion 22, the fourth specific portion 444 overlaps with the edge portion of the fourth hole 224, the fifth specific portion 445 overlaps with the edge portion of the fifth hole 225, and the sixth specific portion 446 overlaps with the edge portion of the sixth hole 226.

[0044] The first end portion 421 is provided with a flattened portion 45. The configuration of the flattened portion 45 of the second conductive component 42 is the same as that of the flattened portion 45 of the first conductive component 41.

[0045] As shown in Figure 3, with the second conductive component 42 supported by the support plate portion 22, the first end portion 421 overlaps with the through hole 228. The first end portion 421 can be bent backward, for example, within the through hole 228.

[0046] Thus, the conductive component 40 (first conductive component 41, second conductive component 42) integrally comprises a first end portion 401 (411, 421), a second end portion 402 (412, 422), and a main body portion 403 (413, 423). The main body portion 403 (413, 423) has a circular cross-section and connects the first end portion 401 (411, 421) and the second end portion 402 (412, 422). The main body portion 403 (413, 423) has a specific portion 404 (414, 424). The specific portion 404 (414, 424) includes a pair of curved portions 405 (415, 425) arranged so that their concave curved surfaces face each other. A pair of curved sections 405 (415, 425) are connected by connecting sections 406 (416, 426). The first end section 401 (411, 421) is provided with a flattened section 45.

[0047] The first conductive component 41 and the second conductive component 42 are electrically connected to a pair of electric wires 81 (see Figures 7 and 8) provided by the cord 8 (see Figure 1).

[0048] The first end of the cord 8 is introduced into the interior of the support 2 through a cord hole 212 (see Figure 3) formed in the side wall portion 21 of the support 2. The ends of the pair of electric wires 81 of the cord 8 are then connected to the first conductive component 41 and the second conductive component 42, respectively, by soldering.

[0049] For example, as shown in Figure 7, the first end 411 of the first conductive component 41 is bent backward within the through hole 227 of the support plate portion 22 and fixed to the electric wire 81 by solder 82. Similarly, the first end 421 of the second conductive component 42 is bent backward within the through hole 228 of the support plate portion 22 and connected to the electric wire 81 by solder.

[0050] In this embodiment, the wiring device 100 has a flattened portion 45 at the first end 401 of the conductive component 40, which facilitates the soldering of the electric wire 81 to the conductive component 40.

[0051] Specifically, let's assume that a comparative example conductive component, in which the first end portion 401 does not have a flattened portion 45 and the shape of the first end portion 401 is cylindrical, similar to the main body portion 403, is applied to the wiring device 100. In this comparative example conductive component, the contact area between the conductive component and the electric wire 81 tends to be small, and the electric wire 81 tends to slide against the outer surface of the conductive component. Therefore, with the comparative example conductive component, it is not easy to perform the soldering work by bringing the electric wire 81 into contact with the outer surface of the conductive component, applying the tip of the soldering wire to the contact area, and then applying the tip of the soldering iron to the contact area.

[0052] In contrast, the conductive component 40 of this embodiment can receive the electric wire 81 with its flattened portion 45. Furthermore, the presence of the flattened portion 45 increases the contact area between the conductive component 40 and the electric wire 81, resulting in more stable support for the electric wire 81. In other words, soldering can be performed with the electric wire 81 stably supported by the flattened portion 45. Thus, in the conductive component 40 of this embodiment, the presence of the flattened portion 45 at the first end 401 improves the workability of connecting the conductive component 40 and the electric wire 81.

[0053] In particular, the flattened portion 45 has a flat surface 451, which makes it easier to support the electric wire 81, further improving the workability of connecting the conductive component 40 and the electric wire 81.

[0054] Furthermore, because the width W1 of the flattened portion 45 is larger than the diameter D1 of the main body portion 403, the area of ​​the flattened portion 45 that receives the electric wire 81 at the first end portion 401 is increased, making it easier to receive the electric wire 81, and further improving the workability of the connection work between the conductive component 40 and the electric wire 81. In addition, because the cross-sectional area of ​​the flattened portion 45 is the same as the cross-sectional area of ​​the main body portion 413, the conductive performance of the flattened portion 45 can be maintained at the same level as that of the main body portion 403.

[0055] The cord 8, which is connected to the conductive component 40 at its first end, is led out of the support 2 through the cord hole 212, and further led out of the housing 9 through a cord hole formed in the housing 9. The second end of the cord 8 is provided with a plug 80 (see Figure 1) for connection to an electrical outlet.

[0056] As shown in Figure 2, the lid 3 integrally comprises a lid body 31, a flange portion 32, and a connecting portion 33.

[0057] The lid body 31 is a circular plate. The outer diameter of the lid body 31 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the opening 921 of the cover 92.

[0058] The flange portion 32 is in the shape of a ring-shaped plate.

[0059] The connecting portion 33 is cylindrical. The connecting portion 33 connects the rear end of the outer edge of the lid body 31 to the front end of the inner edge of the flange portion 32. As a result, a step is formed between the front surface of the lid body 31 and the front surface of the flange portion 32.

[0060] The cover 3 is attached to the support 2 by a plurality (four in this case) of screws 98 so as to cover the front surface of the support plate portion 22. As a result, the first conductive component 41 and the second conductive component 42 are housed in the space between the cover 3 and the support plate portion 22.

[0061] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the lid body 31 has insertion holes 311 to 6th insertion holes 316. Each of the insertion holes 311 to 6th insertion holes 316 is a circular through-hole that penetrates the lid body 31 from front to back. The insertion holes 311 to 6th insertion holes 316 are arranged to roughly follow the circumference of a virtual circle centered on the center of the lid body 31. The insertion holes 311 to 6th insertion holes 316 are arranged clockwise from the third insertion hole 313 formed in the upper right, in the order of third insertion hole 313, sixth insertion hole 316, fifth insertion hole 315, second insertion hole 312, first insertion hole 311, and fourth insertion hole 314.

[0062] The first insertion hole 311 and the fourth insertion hole 314 are formed vertically and horizontally on the left side of the lid body 31. A pair of pins of a Type B or Type C plug can be inserted into the first insertion hole 311 and the fourth insertion hole 314.

[0063] The third insertion hole 313 and the sixth insertion hole 316 are formed vertically and horizontally on the right side of the lid body 31. A pair of pins of a Type B or Type C plug can be inserted into the third insertion hole 313 and the sixth insertion hole 316.

[0064] The second insertion hole 312 and the fifth insertion hole 315 are formed side by side on the lower part of the lid body 31. A pair of pins of a Type B or Type C plug can be inserted into the second insertion hole 312 and the fifth insertion hole 315.

[0065] Furthermore, a seventh insertion hole 317, which is a circular through-hole that penetrates the lid body 31 from front to back, is formed near the center of the lid body 31. The pair of pins and ground pin of a B3 type plug can be inserted into the second insertion hole 312, the fifth insertion hole 315, and the seventh insertion hole 317.

[0066] With the lid 3 attached to the support 2, the first to sixth insertion holes 311 to 316 of the lid 3 overlap with the first to sixth holes 221 to 226 (see Figure 3) of the support 2 in the front-to-back direction. Also, the first specific part 441 of the first conductive component 41 overlaps with the edge of the first insertion hole 311, the second specific part 442 overlaps with the edge of the second insertion hole 312, and the third specific part 443 overlaps with the edge of the third insertion hole 313. The fourth specific part 444 of the second conductive component 42 overlaps with the edge of the fourth insertion hole 314, the fifth specific part 445 overlaps with the edge of the fifth insertion hole 315, and the sixth specific part 446 overlaps with the edge of the sixth insertion hole 316.

[0067] As a result, when the pins of the plug are inserted into the insertion holes (first insertion holes 311 to sixth insertion holes 316) of the cover 3, the inserted pins come into contact with the specific parts 404 (first specific parts 441 to sixth specific parts 446) and are electrically connected to the conductive parts 40. In other words, the specific parts 404 function as pin receivers for receiving the pins of the plug.

[0068] As described above, the specific parts 404 (first specific parts 441 to sixth specific parts 446) of the conductive component 40 (first conductive component 41, second conductive component 42) include a pair of curved parts 405 arranged so that their concave surfaces face each other. Therefore, when the plug pins are inserted into the insertion holes (first insertion holes 311 to sixth insertion holes 316), the pair of curved parts 405 of the specific parts 404 (first specific parts 441 to sixth specific parts 446) elastically contact the pins. This improves the reliability of the electrical connection between the pins and the conductive component 40. In addition, because the specific parts 404 include a pair of curved parts 405, the contact area between the conductive component 40 (specific parts 404) and the pins is larger compared to the case where the specific parts 404 do not include curved parts and the straight portion of the conductive component 40 contacts the pins. As a result, the portion of the conductive component 40 that transmits current between itself and the pins is larger, thus reducing the temperature rise of the conductive component 40.

[0069] Furthermore, with the lid 3 coupled to the support 2, the seventh insertion hole 317 of the lid 3 overlaps with the recess 229 of the support plate portion 22 in the front-rear direction and overlaps with the third conductive component 5. When a grounding pin is inserted into the seventh insertion hole 371 of the lid 3, the inserted grounding pin comes into contact with the third conductive component 5 and is electrically connected. The third conductive component 5 can function as a ground. The third conductive component 5 may be electrically connected to the ground wire of the cord 8, for example, by soldering.

[0070] The outlet body 1, including the support body 2 and the cover body 3, is housed in the housing 9 with the ribs 911 of the body 91 fitted inside the side wall portion 21 of the support body 2, and the cover body 31 of the cover body 3 exposed through the opening 921 of the cover 92 (see Figure 1).

[0071] As shown in Figure 1, a pair of operating recesses 310 are further formed on the front surface of the cover 3. The user can rotate the outlet body 1 relative to the housing 9 by hooking their fingers into the pair of operating recesses 310 and rotating the outlet body 1. This allows the cord 8 extending to the outside from the cord hole in the housing 9 to be wound around the side wall portion 21 of the support 2.

[0072] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the outlet body 1 further includes a push-button switch 61 and a notification unit 62.

[0073] The push-button switch 61 is positioned in a through-hole formed above the recess 229 in the support plate portion 22 of the support body 2. The push-button switch 61 is exposed to the front through a through-hole 318 formed in the cover 3. When operated by a user, the push-button switch 61 switches the state of the wiring device 100 between a conductive state and a non-conductive state. The conductive state is a state in which the first conductive component 41 is electrically connected to one of the pair of wires 81 of the cord 8, and the second conductive component 42 is electrically connected to the other of the pair of wires 81 of the cord 8. The conductive state is, for example, the state in which the push-button switch 61 is ON. The non-conductive state is a state in which at least one of the first conductive component 41 and the second conductive component 42 is not electrically connected to the corresponding wire 81. The non-conductive state is, for example, the state in which the push-button switch 61 is OFF.

[0074] The notification unit 62 includes a light-emitting diode. The notification unit 62 is positioned above the push-button switch 61 on the support plate 22. The notification unit 62 is exposed to the front through a through-hole 319 formed in the cover 3. The notification unit 62 switches between an illuminated or flashing state and an off state to indicate whether the wiring device 100 is in a conductive or non-conductive state.

[0075] Figure 8 shows an example of the electrical connection relationships of each component within the outlet body 1. In the example in Figure 8, the notification unit 62 includes a rectifier circuit (bridge diode), but the configuration of the notification unit 62 is not limited to this, and for example, it may have a configuration that includes two light-emitting diodes connected in antiparallel. Also, in the case of the connection relationship in Figure 8, a wire is further soldered to the first end 411 of the first conductive component 41 in Figure 7 to connect the first end 411 of the first conductive component 41 to the notification unit 62, but this is omitted from the illustration in Figure 7. The connection relationships within the outlet body 1 are not limited to the example in Figure 8 and can be changed as appropriate.

[0076] In the wiring device 100, the plug 80 at the end of the cord 8 is electrically connected to an external outlet. In addition, in the wiring device 100, the pair of pins of the plug connected to the electrical equipment are inserted into the first insertion hole 311 and the fourth insertion hole 314, or the second insertion hole 312 and the fifth insertion hole 315, or the third insertion hole 313 and the sixth insertion hole 316, thereby electrically connecting the pair of pins to the first conductive component 41 and the second conductive component 42, respectively. This makes it possible to supply power to the electrical equipment to which the plug is connected via the first conductive component 41 and the second conductive component 42 of the wiring device 100.

[0077] (2) Variant The embodiments described above are merely one of many embodiments of this disclosure. These embodiments can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the objectives of this disclosure are achieved. The following lists some modifications of the embodiments. The embodiments described above and the modifications described below can be combined and applied as appropriate.

[0078] (2.1) Variation 1 In the modified wiring device 100, as shown in Figure 9, the flattened portion 45 of the conductive component 40 is semi-cylindrical. The width W2 of the flattened portion 45 of the conductive component 40 is the same as the diameter D1 of the main body portion 403. Such a flattened portion 45 is formed, for example, by cutting the end of the wire material that will be used as the raw material for the conductive component 40.

[0079] Even with the conductive component 40 of this modified example, it is possible to improve the workability of connecting the conductive component 40 to the electric wire 81.

[0080] (2.2) Modification example 2 In the modified wiring device 100, as shown in Figure 10, the flattened portion 45 of the conductive component 40 has an inclined surface 452. The inclined surface 452 is inclined in a direction in which the cross-sectional area of ​​the conductive component 40 gradually decreases from the tip of the first end portion 401 toward the main body portion 403. In the conductive component 40, a step 453 is provided between the end of the inclined surface 452 and the cylindrical portion. Such a flattened portion 45 is formed, for example, by cutting the end of the wire material that will be used as the raw material for the conductive component 40.

[0081] In this modified example, the conductive component 40 suppresses heat transfer to the copper wire due to soldering, thereby improving the workability of connecting the conductive component 40 to the electric wire 81.

[0082] In this modified example, the entire flattened portion 45 has an inclined surface 452, but the invention is not limited to this, and the inclined surface 452 may be provided only on a part of the flattened portion 45. In this case, the remaining part of the flattened portion 45 may have, for example, a flat surface 451.

[0083] (2.3) Modification 3 In the modified wiring device 100, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, the flattened portion 45 of the conductive component 40 has a curved surface 454 with a certain curvature. In this modified example, the flattened portion 45 is formed in a semi-cylindrical shape, and its axis is aligned with the extending direction of the first end portion 401.

[0084] In this modified example, the conductive component 40 allows for connection work (soldering) between the conductive component 40 and the electric wire 81 while the electric wire 81 is receiving the electric wire 81 inside the curved surface 454. This further improves the workability of the connection work between the conductive component 40 and the electric wire 81.

[0085] In this modified example, the entire flattened portion 45 has a curved surface 454, but the invention is not limited to this, and the curved surface 454 may be provided only on a part of the flattened portion 45. In this case, the remaining part of the flattened portion 45 may have, for example, a flat surface 451 or an inclined surface 452.

[0086] (2.4) Modification 4 In the modified wiring device 100, as shown in Figures 13 and 14, the flat portion 45 of the conductive component 40 has an uneven structure 455. The uneven structure 455 in the illustrated example has a regular structure, but is not limited to this and may have a random structure. Also, the uneven structure 455 in the illustrated example has a structure in which a plurality of protrusions are provided on a flat surface, but is not limited to this and may have a structure in which a plurality of recesses are provided on a flat surface, or a structure in which recesses and protrusions are provided, or a structure in which regular square pyramids are arranged regularly in the vertical and horizontal directions. Furthermore, in the example in Figures 13 and 14, the height of the protrusions of the uneven structure 455 is exaggerated, but the height of the protrusions is not particularly limited. In one example, the uneven structure 455 may be such that the arithmetic mean roughness Ra of the surface on which the uneven structure 455 is provided is 64 or more.

[0087] In this modified example of the conductive component 40, the flattened portion 45 has an uneven structure 455, which makes it possible to suppress the slippage of the electric wire 81 against the flattened portion 45, and also makes it easier for solder to adhere to the flattened portion 45. This makes it possible to further improve the workability of the connection work between the conductive component 40 and the electric wire 81.

[0088] In this modified example, the uneven structure 455 is provided on the entire flattened portion 45, but the invention is not limited to this, and the uneven structure 455 may be provided only on a part of the flattened portion 45.

[0089] (2.5) Modification 5 In this modified wiring device 100, as shown in Figure 15, the flattened portion 45 of the conductive component 40 has a through hole 456.

[0090] In this modified example of the conductive component 40, it is possible to connect the conductive component 40 and the electric wire 81 with the electric wire 81 inserted into the through hole 456. This makes it possible to further improve the workability of connecting the conductive component 40 and the electric wire 81.

[0091] (2.6) Variation 6 In this modified wiring device 100, as shown in Figure 16, the flattened portion 45 of the conductive component 40 has a leaf spring shape 457. This allows the flattened portion 45 to elastically contact the electric wire 81. Furthermore, the flattened portion 45 has multiple bends. This increases the elastic force of the flattened portion 45.

[0092] In this modified version of the conductive component 40, the flattened portion 45 can be elastically brought into contact with the electric wire 81. This makes it possible to further improve the workability of connecting the conductive component 40 and the electric wire 81.

[0093] Furthermore, the wiring device 100 equipped with the conductive component 40 of this modified example may further include a rectangular tubular metal member in which the flattened portion 45 is disposed, with the flattened portion 45 being located inside the metal member. In other words, the wiring device 100 may have a quick-connect terminal structure. In this case, the conductive component 40 and the electric wire 81 can be electrically connected simply by inserting the electric wire 81 into the metal member. Therefore, soldering is not required, and the workability of connecting the conductive component 40 and the electric wire 81 can be further improved.

[0094] (2.7) Other variations The power strip used as the wiring device 100 to which the conductive component 40 is applied is not limited to that of the embodiment, but may be any power strip.

[0095] Furthermore, the wiring device 100 to which the conductive component 40 is applied is not limited to a power strip, but may be any wiring device.

[0096] Furthermore, the conductive component 40 may be applied to any device other than the wiring device 100.

[0097] In short, the conductive component 40 is composed of a conductive linear member and only needs to have a first end portion 401 with a flattened portion 45 (and optionally a specific portion 404 including a pair of curved portions 405), and the applications of the conductive component 40 are not particularly limited.

[0098] (3) Appearance As can be seen from the above embodiments and modifications, the following embodiments are disclosed herein.

[0099] The conductive component (40) of the first embodiment is used in a wiring device (100). The conductive component (40) is composed of a conductive linear member. The conductive component (40) integrally comprises a first end (401), a second end (402), and a main body (403) with a circular cross-section connecting the first end (401) and the second end (402). The first end (401) includes a flattened portion (45) formed in a flattened shape.

[0100] According to this embodiment, it is possible to improve the workability of connecting the conductive component (40) and the electric wire (81).

[0101] In the conductive component (40) of the second embodiment, the main body (403) has a specific portion (404) which includes a pair of curved portions (405) arranged so that their concave surfaces face each other.

[0102] According to this embodiment, the temperature rise of the conductive component (40) can be reduced.

[0103] In the third embodiment, the conductive component (40) is such that, in the second embodiment, the specific portion (404) functions as a pin receiver for receiving the pins of the plug.

[0104] According to this embodiment, it is possible to improve the workability of connecting a conductive component (40) having a pin receiver to an electric wire (81).

[0105] In the conductive component (40) of the fourth embodiment, in any one of the first to third embodiments, the flattened portion (45) has an inclined surface (452).

[0106] According to this embodiment, it is possible to improve the workability of connecting the conductive component (40) and the electric wire (81).

[0107] In the conductive component (40) of the fifth embodiment, in any one of the first to fourth embodiments, the flattened portion (45) has a flat surface (451).

[0108] According to this embodiment, it is possible to improve the workability of connecting the conductive component (40) and the electric wire (81).

[0109] In the conductive component (40) of the sixth embodiment, in any one of the first to fifth embodiments, the flattened portion (45) has a curved surface (454) with a certain curvature.

[0110] According to this embodiment, it is possible to improve the workability of connecting the conductive component (40) and the electric wire (81).

[0111] In the conductive component (40) of the seventh embodiment, in any one of the first to sixth embodiments, the flattened portion (45) has an uneven structure (455).

[0112] According to this embodiment, it is possible to improve the workability of connecting the conductive component (40) and the electric wire (81).

[0113] In the conductive component (40) of the eighth embodiment, in any one of the first to seventh embodiments, the flattened portion (45) has a through hole (456).

[0114] According to this embodiment, it is possible to improve the workability of connecting the conductive component (40) and the electric wire (81).

[0115] In the conductive component (40) of the ninth embodiment, in any one of the first to eighth embodiments, the flattened portion (45) has a leaf spring shape (457).

[0116] According to this embodiment, it is possible to improve the workability of connecting the conductive component (40) and the electric wire (81).

[0117] In the conductive component (40) of the tenth embodiment, in any one of the first to ninth embodiments, the width (W1) of the flattened portion (45) is greater than the diameter (D1) of the main body portion (403).

[0118] According to this embodiment, it is possible to improve the workability of connecting the conductive component (40) and the electric wire (81).

[0119] The wiring device (100) of the eleventh embodiment comprises a conductive component (40) of any one of the first to tenth embodiments, a housing (9) housing the conductive component (40), and a cord (8). The wire (81) of the cord (8) is connected to the flat portion (45) inside the housing (9) by soldering.

[0120] According to this embodiment, it is possible to improve the workability of connecting the conductive component (40) and the electric wire (81). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0121] 100 Wiring Devices 40 Conductive components 401 First end 402 Second end 403 Main body 404 Specific part 405 Curved section 45 Flat part 451 Flat surface 452 Slope 454 Curved surface 455 Uneven structure 456 Through hole 457 Leaf spring shape 8 Codes 81 Electric wire 9 cabinets D1 diameter W1 width

Claims

1. A conductive component made of a conductive linear member, used in wiring devices, The first end and, The second end and It integrally comprises a main body portion with a circular cross-section that connects the first end and the second end, The first end portion is provided with a flattened portion formed in a flattened shape. Conductive components.

2. The main body portion includes a specific portion which contains a pair of curved portions arranged so that their concave surfaces face each other. The conductive component according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned specific part functions as a pin receiver for receiving the pins of the plug. The conductive component according to claim 2.

4. The flattened portion has an inclined surface, The conductive component according to claim 1.

5. The flattened portion has a flat surface. The conductive component according to claim 1.

6. The flattened portion has a curved surface with a certain curvature. The conductive component according to claim 1.

7. The flattened portion has an uneven structure. The conductive component according to claim 1.

8. The flattened portion has a through hole, The conductive component according to claim 1.

9. The flattened portion has a leaf spring shape. The conductive component according to claim 1.

10. The width of the flattened portion is greater than the diameter of the main body. The conductive component according to claim 1.

11. The conductive component according to claim 1, A housing for the aforementioned conductive component, Equipped with a code, The wires of the aforementioned cord are connected to the flat portion inside the housing by soldering. Wiring devices.

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