Outlet devices, storage devices, and wiring duct devices
A base with a recess and movable lid using a biasing force mechanism ensures the lid remains flush with the surface, addressing obstruction issues while maintaining simplicity and ease of use for power outlets and storage spaces on tabletops.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- KOKUYO CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-01
AI Technical Summary
Lids for protecting power outlets and storage spaces on tabletops often obstruct users when open, and existing solutions with retractable designs complicate the structure.
A base with a recess housing the outlet or storage space and a lid that moves along the surface, using a biasing force conversion mechanism to maintain a flush closure and allow easy opening without protrusion, featuring an inclined surface to guide the lid outward.
The solution prevents the lid from obstructing the user while maintaining a sleek appearance and simple operation, allowing easy access to the outlet or storage space without complicating the structure.
Smart Images
Figure 2026109364000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a power outlet device, a storage device, or a wiring duct device suitable for providing a power outlet, a storage space, a wiring duct, etc. on the top plate of a table.
Background Art
[0002] When providing a power outlet on the top surface of a tabletop, etc., in order to prevent dust, etc. from entering the plug insertion hole of the power outlet, a lid may be provided at the opening of the space where the power outlet is arranged.
[0003] However, when a lid is provided so as to be openable and closable in a recess or the like that houses the power outlet, there are many cases where the opened lid gets in the way of the tabletop user.
[0004] As a solution to such a problem, for example, as shown in Patent Document 1, there is also known a power outlet device having a structure in which the power outlet can selectively take a use position protruding from the outer surface and a retracted position recessed into the outer surface, but such a power outlet device tends to have a complicated structure.
[0005] The same situation applies when providing a storage space, a wiring duct, etc. on the upper surface of the tabletop of a table.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0006]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0007] An object of the present invention is to solve the problem that a lid for protecting a power outlet or the like is likely to get in the way in an open state without causing complication of the structure.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0008] The outlet device according to claim 1 comprises a base having a recess on its flat outer surface and housing a power outlet within the recess, and a lid provided to be movable along the outer surface of the base, wherein the lid is movable between a closed position in which it fits into the opening end of the recess and whose outer surface is substantially flush with the outer surface of the base, and an open position in which it opens the recess and whose lower surface slides against the outer surface of the base, and the recess is provided with a biasing force conversion mechanism that uses a biasing force applied to the lid along its outer surface to move the lid outward.
[0009] The outlet device according to claim 2 is based on the configuration described in claim 1, wherein the recessed portion of the base and the cover are substantially circular, and the cover is pivotally supported at an eccentric position of the recessed portion.
[0010] The outlet device according to claim 3 is based on the configuration described in claim 2, wherein the biasing force conversion mechanism has an inclined surface formed on the inner circumference of the opening end of the recessed portion, which gradually increases in diameter toward the outside, so that the outer edge of the cover portion can be guided toward the outside by this inclined surface.
[0011] The outlet device according to claim 4 is based on the configuration described in claim 1, and the recessed portion is provided with a bottom surface located further back than the outer end face of the power outlet.
[0012] The outlet device according to claim 5 is based on the configuration described in claim 1, wherein the base is made of a tabletop.
[0013] The storage device according to claim 6 is provided with a storage space instead of the power outlet described in claim 1, and preferably also has the configurations described in claims 2 to 5.
[0014] However, the storage device according to claim 6 is a storage device comprising a base having a recessed portion on a flat exterior surface and forming a storage space within the recessed portion, and a lid provided to be movable along the exterior surface of the base, wherein the lid is movable between a closed position in which it fits into the opening end of the recessed portion and whose outer surface is substantially flush with the exterior surface of the base, and an open position in which the recessed portion is opened and its lower surface slides against the exterior surface of the base, and the recessed portion is provided with a biasing force conversion mechanism that uses a biasing force applied to the lid along its exterior surface to bring the lid outward.
[0015] The wiring duct device according to claim 7 is provided with a wiring duct in place of the power outlet described in claim 1, and preferably also includes the configurations described in claims 2 to 5.
[0016] However, the wiring duct device according to claim 7 is a wiring duct device comprising a base having a recessed portion on a flat outer surface and a wiring duct formed in the recessed portion, and a lid provided to be movable along the outer surface of the base, wherein the lid is movable between a closed position in which it fits into the open end of the recessed portion and its outer surface is substantially flush with the outer surface of the base, and an open position in which it opens the recessed portion and its lower surface slides against the outer surface of the base, and the recessed portion is provided with a biasing force conversion mechanism that uses a biasing force applied to the lid along its outer surface to bring the lid outward. [Effects of the Invention]
[0017] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an outlet device that can solve the problem of the protective cover of the power outlet being easily obstructive when open, without complicating the structure. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0018] [Figure 1] A perspective view showing one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] A perspective view from the bottom side of the same embodiment. [Figure 3] A front view of the same embodiment. [Figure 4] Left side view of the same embodiment. [Figure 5] Plan view of the same embodiment. [Figure 6] Bottom view of the same embodiment. [Figure 7] End view taken along line A-A in FIG. 3. [Figure 8] Operation explanatory view corresponding to FIG. 7. [Figure 9] End view taken along line B-B in FIG. 3. [Figure 10] Cross-sectional view taken along line X-X in FIG. 5. [Figure 11] Cross-sectional view taken along line Y-Y in FIG. 5. [Figure 12] Perspective view for explaining the operation of this embodiment. [Figure 13] Operation explanatory view of the same embodiment. [Figure 14] Operation explanatory view of the same embodiment. [Figure 15] Operation explanatory view of the same embodiment. [Figure 16] Exploded perspective view of the same embodiment.
Mode for Carrying Out the Invention
[0019] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 16.
[0020] The furniture Z (hereinafter referred to as "table Z") according to this embodiment has a top plate 1 that is a flat outer surface and has a recess 12, and a power outlet 13 is accommodated in the recess 12. The top plate 1 is a base body, and a lid body 2 that can be opened and closed is attached to the recess 12 of the top plate 1. The furniture Z also includes leg bodies 3 that support the top plate 1, and cords 14 extend downward from the power outlet 13. Thus, the outlet device Y is constituted by the top plate 1 and the lid body 2.
[0021] Hereinafter, after explaining the structure of the table Z as furniture, the outlet device Y will be described in detail.
[0022] This table Z comprises a base tabletop 1, a lid 2 fitted onto a recessed portion 12 of the tabletop 1, and legs 3 that support the tabletop 1.
[0023] The tabletop 1 is a circular disc-shaped object with a circular outline in plan view, and its outer surface, the upper surface 11, is smoothly formed. A recessed area 12 is provided on the upper central surface of the tabletop 1, and a power outlet 13 is installed within this recessed area 12. In other words, the tabletop 1 is equipped with a power outlet 13 with cords 14 extending downwards, and is supported by the legs 3.
[0024] The leg body 3 comprises multiple leg supports 31a, 31b, 31c, and 31d, a tabletop support 32 for fastening the upper ends of the leg supports 31a, 31b, 31c, and 31d to the tabletop 1, and a base portion 33 for supporting the lower ends of the leg supports 31a, 31b, 31c, and 31d on the floor.
[0025] To explain in more detail, in this embodiment, the leg body 3 is equipped with four leg supports 31a, 31b, 31c, and 31d, each having a substantially circular cross-section. Two specific leg supports 31a and 31b are arranged in parallel and in close proximity to each other, and the other two leg supports 31c and 31d are also arranged in parallel and in close proximity to each other.
[0026] Furthermore, a wiring guide groove 34 is formed between the two parallel-arranged leg supports 31a and 31b to accommodate and guide the aforementioned cords 14 (see Figures 7 and 8). That is, when a pair of linear leg supports 31a and 31b, each having a substantially circular cross-section, are arranged in parallel, close together or tangent to each other, a pair of vertically continuous spaces 3s that gradually widen laterally are formed between the leg supports 31a and 31b, and these spaces 3s are used as the wiring guide groove 34. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner space 3s, which is difficult to see from the outer surface, is used as the wiring guide groove 34, and in Figure 8, a pattern is applied to this wiring guide groove 34.
[0027] However, the two leg supports 31a and 31b are detachably provided with locking straps 35 that partially cover the wiring guide groove 34. The locking strap 35 comprises a strap body 351 that covers the open end of the wiring guide groove 34 and prevents the cords 14 inside the wiring guide groove 34 from protruding to the outside, and engaging parts 352 provided at both ends of the strap body 351 that tightly engage with the outer surfaces of the leg supports 31a and 31b. It is integrally constructed from, for example, synthetic resin (see Figure 8). In this embodiment, the upper and lower pair of locking straps 35 can be detachably attached to the leg supports 31a and 31b using elastic deformation, and their attachment position can be changed as appropriate in the vertical direction.
[0028] Similar spaces 3s are formed between the other two leg supports 31c and 31d, but in the illustrated embodiment, these spaces 3s are not used as wiring guide grooves 34. However, it is of course possible to use the spaces 3s formed between these leg supports 31c and 31d as wiring guide grooves 34.
[0029] In other words, although the illustrated embodiment shows the leg supports 31c and 31d without the locking straps 35 attached (see Figures 7 to 9), the locking straps 35 can also be attached to these leg supports 31c and 31d, and the space s between them can be used as a wiring guide groove 34. In this case, if the wiring guide groove 34 formed between one pair of leg supports 31a and 31b is positioned to face the wiring guide groove 34 formed between the other pair of leg supports 31c and 31d, the effect is obtained that it becomes difficult to see inside the wiring guide groove 34 from the outside. Note that 36 is a connecting member for connecting the lower ends of the leg supports 31a, 31b, 31c, and 31d to each other, and is rigidly connected to the leg supports 31a, 31b, 31c, and 31d by welding or the like.
[0030] The leg supports 31a, 31b, 31c, and 31d described above are each made of circular pipe material, and their upper ends are rigidly connected by welding or other means to a metal plate tabletop support 32 which is screwed to the tabletop 1. The lower ends of the leg supports 31a, 31b, 31c, and 31d are each integrally connected to a base portion 33 made of circular pipe material.
[0031] Here, Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the entire table Z, and Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the entire underside of the table Z. Figure 3 is a front view of the table Z, Figure 4 is a left side view, Figure 5 is a top view of the table Z, and Figure 6 is a bottom view of the table Z. Figure 7 is a plan cross-sectional view showing the portion near the upper end of the leg body 3, Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an exploded view of the portion corresponding to Figure 7, and Figure 9 is a plan cross-sectional view showing the portion at the intermediate height of the leg body 3. These drawings disclose that spaces 3s that can be used as wiring guide grooves 34 are formed between the parallel-arranged leg supports 31a, 31b, 31c, and 31d.
[0032] Next, the outlet device Y applied to the table Z described above will be explained with reference to Figures 10 to 16.
[0033] This outlet device Y comprises a top plate 1, which is a base body having a recessed portion 12 on its flat outer surface top 11, and a power outlet 13 housed within the recessed portion 12, and a cover 2 that is movable along the top surface 11 of the top plate 1.
[0034] The top panel 1 has a smooth, disc-shaped upper surface 11, which is the exterior surface. A circular recess 12 is formed in the center of the upper surface 11, recessed by a certain dimension L. A power outlet mounting hole 122 is provided on the bottom surface 121 of the recess 12, which is smaller in area than the recess 12 when viewed from above. A power outlet 13 is fixed through this mounting hole 122. The mounting hole 122 is shaped to match the shape of the power outlet 13 when viewed from above and penetrates to the bottom surface 15 of the top panel 1. A cord insertion hole 321 is provided in the center of the top panel support 32 that supports the top panel 1, and the cords 14 that are led out from the bottom surface of the power outlet 13 downwards are guided through this cord insertion hole 321 into the space below the top panel 1.
[0035] The power outlet 13 is a standard type with multiple plug insertion holes 132 on its upper surface 131 for inserting plugs (not shown), and is fitted into and fixed in the outlet mounting hole 122. In this fixed state, the upper surface 131, which is the outer end face of the power outlet 13, is located above the bottom surface 121 of the recessed portion 12, and a surrounding space 133 is formed around the power outlet 13 to facilitate the attachment of plugs connected to bulky AC adapters, etc. In other words, the recessed portion 12 has a bottom surface 121 that is located further back than the upper surface 131, which is the outer end face of the power outlet 13.
[0036] The lid 2 is positioned at the open end 123 of the recessed portion 12 and is movable between a closed position M in which the upper surface 22 is fitted into the open end 123 of the recessed portion 12 and is substantially flush with the upper surface 11 of the top plate 1, and an open position N in which the recessed portion 12 is opened and the lower surface 21 slides against the upper surface 11 of the top plate 1.
[0037] An upward-facing, annular inclined surface p is formed at the open end 123 of the recessed portion 12, with the diameter gradually increasing upwards. A downward-facing, annular inclined surface q is formed at the peripheral edge 23 of the lid 2, with the diameter gradually decreasing downwards. The inclination angles of these inclined surfaces p and q with respect to the horizontal plane are set to the same value. When the lid 2 is fitted into the open end 123 of the recessed portion 12, the upper surface 22 of the lid 2 and the upper surface 11 of the top plate 1 are substantially flush and continuous, and these inclined surfaces p and q are in close contact with each other (see Figure 13).
[0038] The recessed portion 12 of the top plate 1 and the lid 2 are approximately circular in shape, and the lid 2 is pivotally supported at an eccentric position in the recessed portion 12 via an eccentric pivot mounting portion 24. As shown in Figures 10 and 15, the eccentric pivot mounting portion 24 is formed by creating a shaft hole 241 at an eccentric position on the bottom surface 121 of the recessed portion 12, and fitting a hollow shaft 242, which protrudes at an eccentric position on the lower surface 21 of the lid 2, into this shaft hole 241 so that it can rotate and move up and down. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a small-diameter fixed shaft 243 is fixed to the bottom of the shaft hole 241 of the top plate 1, with its axis aligned with the shaft hole 241, and smooth rotation of the lid 2 is ensured by fitting this fixed shaft 243 into the hollow portion of the axial center of the hollow shaft 242 of the lid 2.
[0039] However, the recessed portion 12 is provided with a biasing force conversion mechanism 4 that utilizes the biasing force applied to the lid 2 along the upper surface 11 of the top plate 1 to lift the lid 2 upward. The biasing force conversion mechanism 4 comprises an upward-facing annular inclined surface p formed on the open end 123 of the recessed portion 12 of the top plate 1, a downward-facing annular inclined surface q formed on the peripheral edge 23 of the lid 2, and the aforementioned eccentric pivot portion 24 (see Figure 15).
[0040] Now, let's explain the operation of the outlet device Y. As shown in Figures 1, 10, and 13, in the closed position M where the cover 2 is fitted into the open end 123 of the recess 12, the recess 12 is closed by the cover 2, and the power outlet 13 housed within the recess 12 is protected from being exposed to the outside. In this closed position M, the lower surface 21 of the cover 2 is in contact with or close to the upper surface 131 of the power outlet 13, and the upward-facing annular inclined surface p formed on the open end 123 of the recess 12 and the downward-facing annular inclined surface q formed on the peripheral edge 23 of the cover 2 are in close contact.
[0041] When a finger r is placed on the finger rest 25 of the lid 2 in this closed position M and biased horizontally (see Figure 14), the lid 2 begins to rotate horizontally around the eccentric pivot 24. At this time, the downward-facing annular inclined surface q of the lid 2 is guided to ride up onto the upward-facing annular inclined surface p of the recess 12 (see Figure 14), and finally the entire lid 2 is guided onto the upper surface 11 of the top plate 1 (see Figure 15). In this state, the lid 2 becomes slidable on the upper surface 11 of the top plate 1, and the degree to which the recess 12 is opened can be freely changed by rotating the lid 2 horizontally with one finger (see Figures 12 and 15).
[0042] As described above, this outlet device Y comprises a top plate 1 having a recessed portion 12 on its flat top surface 11 and housing a power outlet 13 within the recessed portion 12, and a cover 2 that is movable along the top surface 11 of the top plate 1. The cover 2 is movable between a closed position M in which the top surface 22 is fitted into the open end 123 of the recessed portion 12 and is substantially flush with the top surface 11 of the top plate 1, and an open position N in which the recessed portion 12 is opened and the bottom surface 21 slides against the top surface 11 of the top plate 1. Therefore, regardless of whether the cover 2 is in the closed position M or the open position N, the cover 2 does not protrude significantly away from the top surface 11 of the top plate 1. As a result, the problem of the cover 2 easily getting in the way of the user of the table Z can be eliminated. In particular, in the closed position N, the upper surface 22 of the lid 2 is continuous with the upper surface 11 of the top plate 1, so the entire upper surface 11 of the top plate 1 can be used without being aware of the presence of the outlet device Y. Note that "approximately flush" of the upper surface 11 of the top plate 1 and the upper surface 22t of the lid 2 does not mean that they are perfectly flush, but also includes cases where they are at heights that differ by only a small amount. For example, if the upper surface 22 of the lid 2 is set to be about 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm lower than the upper surface 11 of the top plate 1, the design will be aesthetically pleasing. In other words, even if the top plate 1 and the lid 2 are manufactured aiming for perfect flushness, errors may cause a misalignment between them, resulting in the lid 2 floating or tilting slightly, and even a small misalignment can be noticeable. In contrast, by setting the positions between them as described above, even if there is a slight misalignment between them, the effect is obtained that the misalignment is less noticeable.
[0043] Furthermore, the recessed portion 12 is equipped with a biasing force conversion mechanism 4 that utilizes the biasing force applied to the lid 2 along the upper surface 11 of the top plate 1 to lift the lid 2 upwards. Therefore, to open and close the lid 2, it is only necessary to apply an operating force to the lid 2 in a substantially horizontal direction along the upper surface 11 of the top plate 1. As a result, the recessed portion 12 can be easily opened and closed to use the power outlet 13 without having to press the lid 2 downwards or pull it upwards.
[0044] Furthermore, since the recessed portion 12 of the top plate 1 and the lid 2 are both roughly circular, the annular inclined surfaces p and q of the biasing force conversion mechanism 4 can be formed relatively easily, and the lid 2 can be opened and closed without complicating the structure. That is, Forming an inclined surface p on the inner circumference of the open end 123 of the roughly circular recessed portion 12, which gradually increases in diameter towards the outside, can be done quickly and accurately by a relatively simple operation similar to chamfering, making it easy to implement.
[0045] Furthermore, since the recessed portion 12 has a bottom surface 121 located further back than the outer end surface of the power outlet 13, a surrounding space 133 is formed within the recessed portion 12 that encloses the power outlet 13. Therefore, when plugging into the power outlet 13 with a plug that, for example, has an AC adapter or the like connected in a swivelable manner, the surrounding space 133 functions as a space that suppresses interference between the bottom surface 121 of the recessed portion 12 and the AC adapter or the like.
[0046] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from its spirit.
[0047] In other words, although the illustrated embodiment describes a case where the base having a recess is the top surface of a table, the present invention is not necessarily limited to this, and the base may be an armrest of a sofa, a wall of a room, etc. Therefore, the exterior surface of the base is not limited to a surface called the top surface, but may be an upright surface, an inclined surface, etc.
[0048] Furthermore, the recessed portion and cover are not limited to being approximately circular in shape when viewed from above; for example, they may be oval, elliptical, or polygonal.
[0049] Furthermore, the lid does not necessarily need to be easily removable from the base; in short, it can be anything that can be attached to the outer surface of the base when opened.
[0050] Furthermore, the power outlet housed within the recessed portion is not limited to that of the illustrated embodiment; for example, it may have only one pair of plug insertion holes, three or more pairs of plug insertion holes, or a so-called line-type outlet.
[0051] Furthermore, the power outlet can be replaced with one equipped with USB ports such as USB Type-A or USB Type-C, instead of a standard outlet. In other words, this concept of a power outlet also includes "output ports" commonly used in mobile batteries.
[0052] Furthermore, the storage device according to claim 6 is provided with a storage space instead of the power outlet described in claim 1, and it is desirable that it has a structure similar to the configurations described in claims 2 to 5.
[0053] Furthermore, the wiring duct device according to claim 7 is provided with a wiring duct in place of the power outlet described in claim 1, and it is desirable that it has a structure similar to the configurations described in claims 2 to 5.
[0054] Furthermore, various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]
[0055] Z... Fixtures 1…Base (top panel) 11...Exterior surface (top surface) 12…Depressed area 121...Bottom 123...Open end 13…Power outlet 131...Outer end surface (top surface) 133... Surrounding space 14… Codes 2... Lid 22...Outer surface (top surface) 24...Eccentric shaft attachment part 25...Finger rest part 3…Leg body 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d...Leg support 34…Wiring guide groove 35… Mooring band 4. Force Conversion Mechanism
Claims
1. An outlet device comprising a base having a recessed portion on its flat exterior surface and housing a power outlet within the recessed portion, and a cover provided to be movable along the exterior surface of the base, The cover is movable between a closed position in which it fits into the opening end of the recess and whose outer surface is substantially flush with the outer surface of the base, and an open position in which it opens the recess and whose lower surface slides against the outer surface of the base. The outlet device is provided with a biasing force conversion mechanism in the recessed portion that utilizes the biasing force applied to the cover along its outer surface to propel the cover outward.
2. The outlet device according to claim 1, wherein the recessed portion of the base and the cover are substantially circular, and the cover is pivotally supported at an eccentric position of the recessed portion.
3. The outlet device according to claim 2, wherein the biasing force conversion mechanism has an inclined surface formed on the inner circumference of the opening end of the recessed portion, which gradually increases in diameter toward the outward direction, and is configured such that the outer peripheral edge of the cover portion can be guided toward the outward direction by this inclined surface.
4. The outlet device according to claim 1, wherein the recessed portion has a bottom surface located further back than the outer end face of the power outlet.
5. The outlet device according to claim 1, wherein the base is composed of a tabletop.
6. A storage device comprising a base having a recessed portion on its flat exterior surface and a storage space formed within the recessed portion, and a lid provided to be movable along the exterior surface of the base, The cover is movable between a closed position in which it fits into the opening end of the recess and whose outer surface is substantially flush with the outer surface of the base, and an open position in which it opens the recess and whose lower surface slides against the outer surface of the base. The storage device is provided with a biasing force conversion mechanism in the recessed portion that utilizes the biasing force applied to the lid along its outer surface to propel the lid outward.
7. A wiring duct device comprising a base having a recessed portion on its flat exterior surface and a wiring duct formed within the recessed portion, and a cover provided to be movable along the exterior surface of the base, The cover is movable between a closed position in which it fits into the opening end of the recess and whose outer surface is substantially flush with the outer surface of the base, and an open position in which it opens the recess and whose lower surface slides against the outer surface of the base. A wiring duct device is provided in the recessed portion with a biasing force conversion mechanism that uses the biasing force applied to the cover along its outer surface to propel the cover outward.