Sockets

Abstract

To provide an outlet capable of preventing the generation of heat at a contact point and the occurrence of malfunction of the outlet.SOLUTION: An outlet 1 includes: a contact point that interrupts or conducts an electric circuit; a case 5 formed with an opening part; and a rotating handle 41 disposed in the opening part in a state of being exposed from the surface of the case 5 and causing the contact point to interrupt or conduct the electric circuit. When the rotating handle 41 is subjected to a turn-off operation which is an operation for the contact point to interrupt the electric circuit, a tip 41b1 of the rotating handle 41 protrudes from the surface of the case 5. When the rotating handle 41 is subjected to a turn-on operation which is an operation for the contact point to conduct the electric circuit, an end surface 42b of the tip 41b1 of the rotating handle 41 is arranged opposing inner wall surfaces 14a1, 11d1 of the opening part. The distances between the end surface 42b of the tip 41b1 and the inner wall surfaces 14a1, 11d1 are gradually shortened from the surface of the case 5 toward the depth direction of the opening part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electrical outlet. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventional Patent Document 1 discloses a circuit breaker that includes an operating handle, a contact arm having contacts that open or close in response to operation of the operating handle, and a main body outer case that houses the operating handle and the contact arm. In the circuit breaker, the contacts can be opened by rotating the operating handle counterclockwise, and the contacts can be closed by rotating the operating handle clockwise. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 3141973 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in conventional circuit breakers, even if the operating handle is operated to close the contacts, it may be possible to rotate the operating handle by inserting a fingernail or the like through a gap between the operating handle and the outer casing of the main body, or by pinching the operating handle. In this case, the contacts can be opened by manually operating the operating handle. If the operating handle is operated repeatedly and carelessly by hand, the increased number of operations may cause, for example, heat generation at the contacts and malfunction of the circuit breaker.

[0005] In view of the above, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an outlet that can suppress heat generation at the contacts and malfunction of the outlet. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an outlet comprising: contacts for interrupting or conducting an electric path for supplying power to receiving blades connected to blades of a power plug; a case having an opening; and a rotating handle that is disposed in the opening while being exposed from a surface of the case and that is operated to interrupt or conduct the electric path with the contacts. When the rotating handle is turned off, which is an operation for interrupting the electric path, a tip of the rotating handle protrudes from the surface of the case, and when the contact is turned on, which is an operation for conducting the electric path, an end face of the tip of the rotating handle is disposed opposite an inner wall surface of the opening, and a distance between the end face of the tip and the inner wall surface gradually becomes shorter from the surface of the case in a depth direction of the opening. When the contact is turned on, a depth distance A from the surface of the case to a point where the distance between the end face of the tip portion and the inner wall surface is shortest is greater than a projection distance B from the point to the end face of the tip portion in a direction opposite to the direction toward the inner wall surface, and the depth distance A and the projection distance B are greater than the width of the gap between the inner wall surface and the point. . Moreover, an outlet according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes contacts for interrupting or conducting an electric path for supplying power to receiving blades connected to blades of a power plug, a case having an opening, and a rotating handle that is disposed in the opening while exposed from a surface of the case and that is operated to interrupt or conduct the electric path with the contacts, wherein when the contacts are turned off, which is an operation for interrupting the electric path, a tip of the rotating handle protrudes from the surface of the case, and when the contacts are turned on, which is an operation for conducting the electric path, an end face of the tip of the rotating handle is disposed opposite an inner wall surface of the opening, a distance between the end face of the tip and the inner wall surface gradually decreases from the surface of the case toward the depth of the opening, the narrowest distance between the inner wall surface and the end face of the tip is narrower than the thickness of an average human finger, and a claw portion is formed on the inner wall surface that extends toward the end face of the tip when the contacts are turned on. . Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the outlet of the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent heat generation at the contacts and malfunction of the outlet. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an outlet according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the outlet according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 1 when the contacts are turned on. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the contacts when they are turned off. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a rotating handle and the like of the outlet according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a rotating handle and other parts of a socket according to another modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] The embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component arrangements and connection forms, steps, and order of steps shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in the independent claims are described as optional components.

[0010] Moreover, each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily illustrated precisely. In each figure, the same components are given the same reference numerals. In the following embodiments, expressions such as "approximately parallel" are used. For example, "approximately parallel" does not only mean completely parallel, but also means substantially parallel, that is, including an error of, for example, about several percent. Furthermore, "approximately parallel" means parallel within a range in which the effects of the present disclosure can be achieved. The same applies to other expressions using "approximately".

[0011] In the following embodiments, the overlapping direction of the main body case and the main body cover is defined as the Y-axis direction, the longitudinal direction of the outlet is defined as the Z-axis direction, and the direction perpendicular to the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction is defined as the X-axis direction. In the X-axis direction, the direction of the first opening side of the main body cover relative to the second opening side of the main body cover is defined as the positive direction, in the Y-axis direction, the direction in which the plug blades of the power plug are connected to the receiving blades is defined as the positive direction, and in the Z-axis direction, the direction of the push contact side relative to the rotating handle is defined as the positive direction.

[0012] Hereinafter, the embodiment will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] (Embodiment) <Configuration: 1 outlet> FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a socket 1 according to an embodiment.

[0014] As shown in Fig. 1, outlet 1 is a connection device that supplies or cuts off power to equipment systems, such as lighting devices and air blowers, installed in a facility. The facility in question may be, for example, a large facility consisting of several floors, a detached house, an apartment or other collective housing, or a factory. Outlet 1 is installed in a structure such as a wall. Outlet 1 is formed in a vertically long rectangular parallelepiped shape when viewed from the front.

[0015] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the outlet 1 according to the embodiment.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 2, the outlet 1 includes a mounting frame 3, a case 5, and an opening / closing unit 40.

[0017] [Mounting frame 3] The mounting frame 3 is a plate-like frame body, and allows the outlet 1 to be installed on a structure such as a wall. The mounting frame 3 has a vertically long rectangular shape when viewed from the front, and has mounting holes formed therein for fitting the case 5. The mounting frame 3 is formed by punching and bending a metal plate.

[0018] [Case 5] The case 5 has a main body case 10, a main body cover 11, a receptacle cover 12, and a switch cover 14. The main body cover 11 is provided so as to cover the front opening of the main body case 10, and is connected and fixed to the main body case 10. The receptacle cover 12 and the switch cover 14 are connected and fixed to the main body cover 11 so as to cover the main body cover 11 in a front view seen from the front. The main body case 10, the main body cover 11, the receptacle cover 12, and the switch cover 14 are all resin molded products.

[0019] The main body case 10 has a cubic outer shape, has a bottom on the positive side of the Y axis, and is open on the negative side of the Y axis. The main body case 10 houses the opening / closing unit 40, a circuit board, etc. A plurality of protrusions are formed on the bottom of the main body case 10. The protrusions support the opening / closing unit 40, the circuit board, etc. housed in the main body case 10.

[0020] The body cover 11 has a front wall 11a and a side wall 11b.

[0021] The front wall 11a is a strip-shaped wall that is integrated with the side wall 11b and extends in the Z-axis direction. The side wall 11b is a rectangular frame that is formed to surround the opening of the main body case 10 when fixed to the main body case 10. In addition, the front surface of the main body cover 11 is formed with a first opening 11c that exposes the receiving blade 71 connected to the plug blade 7a of the power plug 7, the grounding terminal of the terminal portion 21, screws, etc., and a second opening 11d that is arranged in a state where the rotating handle 41 is exposed. Both the first opening 11c and the second opening 11d are formed so as to straddle from the front wall 11a to the side wall 11b. In this embodiment, three receiving blades 71 are arranged. The number of receiving blades 71 is not limited to three. The number of receiving blades 71 may be two or less, or four or more. In this embodiment, each receiving blade 71 is disposed on the positive side of the first opening 11c in the Z-axis direction, and the terminal portion 21 is disposed on the negative side of the Z-axis direction of each receiving blade 71. Each receiving blade 71 constitutes a part of the electric circuit.

[0022] Further, an operation piece 11e is formed on the front wall 11a on the positive side of the second opening 11d in the Z-axis direction. A push switch 73 mounted on a switch board is disposed behind the operation piece 11e (in the positive direction of the Y-axis). In other words, the operation piece 11e can be used to push the push switch 73.

[0023] The outlet cover 12 forms part of the outer shell of the front surface (the surface on the negative Y-axis direction side) of the outlet 1. The outlet cover 12 is disposed on the negative Y-axis direction side of the main body cover 11 so as to substantially cover the entire first opening 11c of the main body cover 11, and is fixed to the main body cover 11 by connecting with the main body cover 11. Therefore, the outlet cover 12 covers the receiving blade 71, the terminal portion 21, etc. through the first opening 11c. The outlet cover 12 is composed of an upper cover 13a that covers the receiving blade 71, and a lower cover 13b that covers the terminal portion 21, etc.

[0024] The upper cover 13a is formed with a blade insertion section 12a. The blade insertion section 12a is formed with three blade insertion openings 12a1 into which the two plate-like blades 7a of the power plug 7 and a rod-like grounding terminal are inserted. In the present embodiment, one blade insertion section 12a is formed, but this is not limited thereto. For example, a plurality of blade insertion sections 12a may be formed. The number of blade insertion openings 12a1 of the blade insertion section 12a is also not limited to three. The number of blade insertion openings 12a1 may be two or less, or four or more.

[0025] Further, lower cover 13b is provided so as to cover terminal portion 21 housed within case 5. Lower cover 13b is detachably attached to upper cover 13a. When lower cover 13b is removed from outlet 1, terminal portion 21 is exposed.

[0026] The switch cover 14 is disposed adjacent to the outlet cover 12 and, like the outlet cover 12, forms part of the outer shell of the front of the outlet 1. The switch cover 14 is L-shaped when viewed from the front.

[0027] The switch cover 14 is disposed on the negative Y-axis side of the body cover 11 so as to cover substantially the entire front wall 11a of the body cover 11, and is fixed to the body cover 11 by being connected to the body cover 11.

[0028] A third opening 14a that is long along the Z-axis direction and a circular through hole 14b located on the positive side of the Z-axis direction of the third opening 14a are formed in the switch cover 14. The third opening 14a is an example of an opening.

[0029] The third opening 14a corresponds to the second opening 11d of the main body cover 11. In other words, the third opening 14a overlaps with the second opening 11d in a front view of the outlet 1. Therefore, the rotating handle 41 is arranged in the third opening 14a in an exposed state through the second opening 11d.

[0030] A push switch 73 mounted on the circuit board is disposed inside the through hole 14b. For example, the push switch 73 can be pressed by inserting a thin rod-shaped tool, the tip of a pen, or the like into the through hole 14b. By pressing the push switch 73, it is possible to perform an operation test of the opening / closing unit 40, stop the buzzer, and the like. Furthermore, if the push switch 73 includes a light-emitting unit, the through hole 14b functions as a light-transmitting window for checking the lighting state of the light-emitting unit from the outside.

[0031] [Opening and closing unit 40] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in Fig. 1 when the contact is turned on, and Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view when the contact is turned off.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the opening / closing unit 40 interrupts or connects an electric path for supplying power to the receiving blades 71 connected to the blades 7a of the power plug 7.

[0033] The opening / closing unit 40 comprises a rotating handle 41, a support lever 56, an operating plate 57, a pressure spring 58, an operating member 59, pressure springs 60, 65, an N-phase movable terminal board 61 and an N-phase movable terminal portion 62, an L-phase movable terminal board 63 and an L-phase movable terminal portion 64, an N-phase fixed terminal board 66 and an N-phase fixed terminal portion 67, and an L-phase fixed terminal board 68 and an L-phase fixed terminal portion 69.

[0034] The rotating handle 41 is disposed in the third opening 14a in a state exposed from the surface (the surface on the Y-axis negative direction side) of the case 5, and is a handle for causing the contacts to interrupt or establish a current path.

[0035] When the rotating handle 41 is turned off (sometimes simply referred to as "the contact is turned off"), which is an operation for breaking the electrical path, the tip 41b1 of the rotating handle 41 protrudes from the surface of the case 5. Specifically, when the contact is turned off, the tip 41b1 of the rotating handle 41 protrudes from the surface of the case 5, i.e., from the surface 14h of the switch cover 14, toward the negative Y-axis direction. When the rotating handle 41 is turned on (sometimes simply referred to as "the contact is turned on"), which is an operation for connecting the electrical path, at least the tip 41b1 of the rotating handle 41 is accommodated within the third opening 14a, and at least the tip 41b1 does not protrude from the opening surface of the third opening 14a. Preferably, when the contacts of the rotating handle 41 are turned on, the entire tip 41b1 of the rotating handle 41, in this embodiment, the entire rotating handle 41, is accommodated in the third opening 14a, and the entire tip 41b1 or the entire rotating handle 41 does not protrude from the opening surface of the third opening 14a. Here, the off operation is mainly an operation in which the electric circuit is automatically interrupted, and is an operation in which the N-phase movable terminal portion 62 and the N-phase fixed terminal portion 67 are electrically disconnected from the L-phase movable terminal portion 64 and the L-phase fixed terminal portion 69, which will be described later. Meanwhile, the on operation is mainly an operation by a person to conduct the electric circuit, and is an operation in which the N-phase movable terminal portion 62 and the N-phase fixed terminal portion 67 are electrically connected to the L-phase movable terminal portion 64 and the L-phase fixed terminal portion 69. In the present embodiment, for example, when the commercial power supply is 100V, the N-phase movable terminal portion 62 and the N-phase fixed terminal portion 67, and the L-phase movable terminal portion 64 and the L-phase fixed terminal portion 69 are used. In addition, in the present embodiment, when the commercial power supply is 200V, the L-phase movable terminal portion and the L-phase fixed terminal portion may be used instead of the N-phase movable terminal portion 62 and the N-phase fixed terminal portion 67. In other words, when the commercial power supply is 200V, the L phase may be used at any of the contacts.

[0036] The rotating handle 41 has a rotating portion 41a and an extending portion 41b.

[0037] The rotating part 41a rotates around the shaft part 41a1. The shaft part 41a1 of the rotating part 41a is rotatably provided on the main body case 10. One end of a substantially U-shaped pressure spring 58 is connected to the rotating part 41a. When the other end of the pressure spring 58 connected to the operating plate 57 moves with the rotation of the operating plate 57, the one end of the pressure spring 58 also moves in conjunction with the rotation of the operating plate 57, so that the rotating part 41a rotates around the shaft part 41a1. For example, when the contact is turned off, the rotating part 41a rotates clockwise around the shaft part 41a1. When the contact is turned on, the rotating part 41a rotates counterclockwise around the shaft part 41a1.

[0038] The extension portion 41b also serves as a gripping portion extending in a predetermined direction from the rotating portion 41a. The extension portion 41b rotates together with the rotation of the rotating portion 41a around the shaft portion 41a1 of the rotating portion 41a.

[0039] When the contact is turned off, the extension part 41b projects from the surface of the case 5. Specifically, the extension part 41b projects in the negative Y-axis direction relative to the rotating part 41a, and the tip part 41b1 of the extension part 41b, which is the tip part 41b1 of the rotating handle 41, projects from the surface 14h of the switch cover 14.

[0040] When the contact is turned on, the extension 41b is housed within the third opening 14a. When the contact is turned on, the extension 41b has a planar surface 42a that is parallel to the surface of the case 5, except for an end surface 42b of the tip 41b1 of the extension 41b. The surface 42a is exposed from the third opening 14a and is approximately parallel to the XZ plane. The surface 42a is an example of a planar surface.

[0041] A surface 42a of the extension portion 41b is flush with the surface of the case 5 or is located in the depth direction (positive Y-axis direction) from the opening surface of the third opening 14a. In the present embodiment, when the contact is turned on, a surface 14h of the switch cover 14 is flush with the surface 42a of the extension portion 41b.

[0042] The tip 41b1 of the extension 41b has an end surface 42b (end surface 42b of the tip 41b1) inclined with respect to the surface 42a of the extension 41b. When the contact is turned on, the end surface 42b of the tip 41b1 is inclined downward with respect to the surface 42a of the extension 41b when viewed along the Z-axis positive direction. In this embodiment, the end surface 42b of the tip 41b1 is curved. Specifically, the end surface 42b of the tip 41b1 is curved so as to gradually incline toward the Z-axis positive direction, but may be curved so as to gradually incline toward the Z-axis positive direction. The end surface 42b of the tip 41b1 is not limited to being curved, and may be flat. The tip of the tip 41b1 of the extension 41b is pointed.

[0043] A torsion spring is disposed around the rotation center, which is the shaft portion 41a1 of the rotating portion 41a. When the opening / closing unit 40 is operated to cut off power, the rotating portion 41a, i.e., the rotating handle 41, rotates due to the biasing force of the torsion spring and becomes a state in which it protrudes from the surface of the case 5. When the opening / closing unit 40 is operated to supply power, the rotating handle 41 rotates against the biasing force of the torsion spring and becomes a state in which the longitudinal direction of the rotating handle 41 is approximately parallel to the surface of the case 5 (a state in which it does not protrude from the surface of the case 5).

[0044] The support lever 56 is long along the Y-axis direction, and is provided on the main body case 10 so as to be rotatable around a shaft 56a formed in the central portion of the support lever 56. One end of the support lever 56 is disposed so as to be engageable with an operating member 59.

[0045] The other end of a pressure spring 58, which is connected to the rotating handle 41, is connected to the operating plate 57. One end of the operating plate 57 is pressed against one end of the support lever 56 by the pressing force of the pressure spring 58 generated by the rotation of the rotating handle 41.

[0046] The operating member 59 is disposed adjacent to the support lever 56 and the operating plate 57, and is provided in the main body case 10 so as to be rotatable about a shaft portion 59a formed on the operating member 59. A rear end portion (the end portion on the Y-axis positive side) of the operating member 59 is biased by a pressure spring 60. As a result, the operating member 59 is biased by the pressure spring 60 in a direction to rotate counterclockwise about the shaft portion 59a. The operating member 59 is also connected to an N-phase movable terminal plate 61 at approximately the center in the Y-axis direction.

[0047] One end of the N-phase movable terminal board 61 is electrically connected to a receiving blade 71 that corresponds to one of the two plate-shaped plug blades 7a of the power plug 7. An N-phase movable terminal portion 62 is fixed to the other end of the N-phase movable terminal board 61. The N-phase movable terminal board 61 is pressed against the operating member 59 by the biasing force of a pressure contact spring 65. The N-phase movable terminal board 61 and the N-phase movable terminal portion 62 form part of the electric circuit.

[0048] Furthermore, when the actuating member 59 rotates counterclockwise around the shaft portion 59a due to the biasing force of the pressure spring 60, the N-phase movable terminal plate 61 is released from the pressure applied by the actuating member 59 and is pushed up by the biasing force of the pressure spring 65. At this time, the N-phase movable terminal portion 62 moves away from the N-phase fixed terminal portion 67. The N-phase movable terminal portion 62 and the N-phase fixed terminal portion 67 are examples of contacts.

[0049] One end of the L-phase movable terminal board 63 is electrically connected to a receiving blade 71 that corresponds to the other of the two plate-shaped blades 7a of the power plug 7. Furthermore, an L-phase movable terminal portion 64 is fixed to the other end of the L-phase movable terminal board 63. An intermediate portion of the L-phase movable terminal board 63 is pressed against the operating member 59. The L-phase movable terminal board 63 and the L-phase movable terminal portion 64 form part of an electric circuit.

[0050] Furthermore, when the operating member 59 rotates clockwise about the shaft portion 59a against the biasing force of the pressure spring 60, the N-phase movable terminal plate 61 is pressed down by the operating member 59 against the biasing force of the pressure spring 65. At this time, the N-phase movable terminal portion 62 comes into contact with the N-phase fixed terminal portion 67.

[0051] An N-phase fixed terminal portion 67 is fixed to one end of the N-phase fixed terminal plate 66 by crimping, etc. The other end of the N-phase fixed terminal plate 66 extends relative to the main body case 10.

[0052] An L-phase fixed terminal portion 69 is fixed to one end of the L-phase fixed terminal plate 68 by crimping, etc. The other end of the L-phase fixed terminal plate 68 extends relative to the main body case 10.

[0053] When the operating member 59 rotates clockwise around the shaft portion 59a, the N-phase movable terminal portion 62 moves rearward (toward the positive direction of the Y axis) and comes into contact with the N-phase fixed terminal portion 67, thereby becoming electrically connected. When the operating member 59 rotates counterclockwise around the shaft portion 59a, the N-phase movable terminal portion 62 is pushed up by the rear end of the operating member 59, and the N-phase movable terminal portion 62 moves forward (toward the negative direction of the Y axis) and becomes separated from the N-phase fixed terminal portion 67, thereby becoming electrically disconnected.

[0054] When the operating member 59 rotates counterclockwise around the shaft portion 59a, the L-phase movable terminal plate 63 is pushed up by the rear end of the operating member 59, and the L-phase movable terminal portion 64 moves forward (toward the negative direction of the Y-axis) and is separated from the L-phase fixed terminal portion 69, thereby becoming electrically disconnected. When the operating member 59 rotates clockwise around the shaft portion 59a, the L-phase movable terminal plate 63 is pushed down by the rear end of the operating member 59, and the L-phase movable terminal portion 64 moves rearward (toward the positive direction of the Y-axis) and comes into contact with the L-phase fixed terminal portion 69, thereby becoming electrically connected. The L-phase movable terminal portion 64 and the L-phase fixed terminal portion 69 are also examples of contacts.

[0055] In the opening / closing unit 40, when power is supplied to the coil 53 by an actuation signal from the circuit board, the movable piece 55 is attracted by the magnetic force of the coil 53 and moves. The movement of the movable piece 55 pushes the trigger lever, which in turn pushes the support lever 56, causing the support lever 56 to rotate counterclockwise around the shaft 56a. One end of the actuation plate 57 supported on the upper end of the support lever 56 is released, causing the actuation plate 57 to rotate counterclockwise due to the pressing force of the pressure spring 58. At this time, the rotating handle 41 rotates around the shaft 41a1 due to the reaction force of the pressure spring 58 and the biasing force of the torsion spring, causing the rotating handle 41 to protrude from the surface of the case 5 at its tip 41b1.

[0056] In addition, as the support lever 56 is released from the operating plate 57, the operating member 59, which has been pushed and supported in the clockwise direction by the operating plate 57, rotates in the counterclockwise direction by the biasing force of the pressure spring 60. As a result, the N-phase movable terminal board 61 moves by the biasing force of the pressure spring 65, and the N-phase movable terminal portion 62 moves away from the N-phase fixed terminal portion 67. At the same time, the L-phase movable terminal board 63 moves in a lifted manner as it is pushed by the operating member 59 rotating in the counterclockwise direction. As a result, the L-phase movable terminal portion 64 moves away from the L-phase fixed terminal portion 69. As a result of the N-phase movable terminal portion 62 and the L-phase movable terminal portion 64 moving away from the N-phase fixed terminal portion 67 and the L-phase fixed terminal portion 69, respectively, the opening / closing unit 40 switches from the closed circuit state to the open circuit state. As a result, the power supply path to the receiving blade 71 is interrupted, and the power supplied to the load from the outlet 1 via the plug is turned off. When the abnormal condition is released and the rotating handle 41 is manually returned from the state shown in Figure 4 to the state shown in Figure 3, each component part inside the opening / closing unit 40 also returns from the state shown in Figure 4 to the state shown in Figure 3, and the open circuit state can be returned to the closed circuit state.

[0057] [Relationship between the rotating handle 41 and the third opening 14a] Here, the relationship between the rotating handle 41 and the third opening 14a will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the rotating handle 41 and other parts of the outlet 1 according to the embodiment.

[0058] The outlet 1 is configured so that when the contact is turned on, it is difficult to manually turn it off.

[0059] As shown in Fig. 5, the third opening 14a is provided with a rotating handle 41 that protrudes from the surface of the case 5 when the contact is turned off and is accommodated in the third opening 14a when the contact is turned on. That is, when the contact is turned on, the end surface 42b of the tip 41b1 of the rotating handle 41 is arranged to face the inner wall surfaces 14a1 and 11d1 of the third opening 14a and the second opening 11d in a state in which a gap S is formed between the tip 41b1 of the rotating handle 41 and the inner wall surfaces 14a1 and 11d1 of the third opening 14a and the second opening 11d. In other words, when the contact is turned on, the tip 41b1 of the rotating handle 41 moves to a position facing the inner wall surfaces 14a1 and 11d1, so that at least the end surface 42b of the tip 41b1 is accommodated in the third opening 14a.

[0060] When the contact of the rotating handle 41 is turned on, a gap S is formed between the end face 42b of the tip 41b1 and the inner wall surfaces 14a1, 11d1 of the third opening 14a and the second opening 11d. At this time, the distance between the end face 42b of the tip 41b1 and the inner wall surfaces 14a1, 11d1 gradually decreases from the surface of the case 5 toward the depth direction of the third opening 14a. Specifically, the distance between the end face 42b of the tip 41b1 of the extending part 41b of the rotating handle 41 and the inner wall surfaces 14a1, 11d1 of the third opening 14a and the second opening 11d gradually decreases toward the positive direction of the Y axis. Then, the distance between the tip 41b3, which is the pointed part of the tip 41b1, and the inner wall surface 11d1 of the second opening 11d is narrowest. The narrowest distance is narrower than the average finger size of a person.

[0061] In this embodiment, the inner wall surface 14a1 of the third opening 14a is a surface that faces the end surface 42b of the extension portion 41b when the contact is turned on, and is an inclined surface that slopes downward toward the negative direction of the Z axis. The inner wall surface 14a1 of the third opening 14a is formed on the edge of the third opening 14a on the positive side of the Z axis. Note that the inner wall surface 14a1 of the third opening 14a does not have to be inclined, and may be a wall surface that is approximately parallel along the Y axis direction.

[0062] On the inner wall surface 14a1, a claw portion 14c is formed, which extends toward the end surface 42b of the tip portion 41b1 when the contact is turned on. Specifically, since the inner wall surface 14a1 of the third opening 14a is inclined, it becomes the edge of the third opening 14a. In the present embodiment, the claw portion 14c is formed on the inner wall surface 14a1, but the claw portion 14c may not be formed.

[0063] A tip 41b3 of the tip portion 41b1 of the extending portion 41b of the rotating handle 41 is disposed on the positive side of the Y axis from the claw portion 14c of the inner wall surface 14a1 which is the inner peripheral edge of the third opening 14a. In other words, the tip 41b3 of the tip portion 41b1 is disposed in a position recessed in the positive direction of the Y axis from the surfaces 14h of the main body cover 11 and the switch cover 14. For this reason, the tip 41b3 of the tip portion 41b1 is disposed in a position where it is difficult for a person's finger, nail, or the like to get caught.

[0064] 5, when the rotating handle 41 and the third opening 14a are viewed from the side, a depth distance A from the surface 14h of the switch cover 14 to a point (tip 41b3 in this embodiment) where the distance between the end face 42b of the tip 41b1 and the inner wall surface 11d1 is the shortest is greater than a projection distance B of the end face 42b of the tip 41b1 in the direction opposite to the direction toward the inner wall surface 11d1 side from the point when the contact is turned on. In addition, the distance A and the projection distance B may be greater than the gap S.

[0065] <Action and effect> Next, the effects of the outlet 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0066] As described above, the outlet 1 of the present embodiment includes a contact for interrupting or conducting an electric path for supplying power to the receiving blade 71 connected to the blade 7a of the power plug 7, a case 5 having openings (third opening 14a and second opening 11d) formed therein, and a rotating handle 41 that is arranged in the opening while being exposed from the surface of the case 5 and is operated to interrupt or conduct the electric path with the contact. When the rotating handle 41 is turned off, which is an operation for interrupting the electric path with the contact, a tip 41b1 of the rotating handle 41 protrudes from the surface of the case 5. When the rotating handle 41 is turned on, which is an operation for conducting the electric path with the contact, an end surface 42b of the tip 41b1 of the rotating handle 41 is disposed opposite the inner wall surfaces 14a1 and 11d1 of the opening, and the distance between the end surface 42b of the tip 41b1 and the inner wall surfaces 14a1 and 11d1 gradually decreases from the surface of the case 5 toward the depth of the opening.

[0067] According to this, when the tip 41b1 of the rotating handle 41 protrudes from the surface of the case 5, a person can recognize that the contacts are turned off when looking at the outlet 1. Furthermore, when the end face 42b of the tip 41b1 of the rotating handle 41 is disposed opposite the inner wall surfaces 14a1, 11d1 of the third opening 14a and the second opening 11d, a person can recognize that the contacts are turned on when looking at the outlet 1.

[0068] When the contacts are turned on, the gap between the tip 41b1 of the rotating handle 41 and the inner wall surfaces 14a1, 11d1 of the third opening 14a and the second opening 11d is narrowed, making it difficult for a person to easily insert a finger or the like between them. In other words, when the contacts are turned on, it becomes difficult for a person to pinch or hook the rotating handle 41 with their fingers.

[0069] This makes it difficult to easily manually turn off a contact that has been turned on in the outlet 1. This makes it possible to prevent repeated inadvertent manual turning off of the contact, thereby preventing an increase in the number of times the contact is operated.

[0070] Therefore, with this outlet 1, heat generation at the contacts (N-phase movable terminal portion 62 and N-phase fixed terminal portion 67, L-phase movable terminal portion 64 and L-phase fixed terminal portion 69) and malfunction of the outlet 1 can be suppressed.

[0071] Furthermore, in outlet 1 of the present embodiment, when the contact is turned on, end face 42b of tip portion 41b1 is inclined with respect to the surface of case 5. When the contact is turned on, depth distance A from the surface of case 5 to the point where the distance between end face 42b of tip portion 41b1 and inner wall surfaces 14a1, 11d1 is shortest is greater than projection distance B of end face 42b of tip portion 41b1 in the direction opposite to the direction toward inner wall surfaces 14a1, 11d1 from the point.

[0072] According to this, tip 41b3 of tip portion 41b1 is disposed in the depth direction relative to the opening surface of third opening 14a. This makes it difficult for a person to catch tip portion 41b1 with a fingernail or the like. As a result, with this outlet 1, it is possible to make it more difficult to manually turn off a contact that has been turned on.

[0073] In outlet 1 of the present embodiment, the surface of rotating handle 41 is flush with the surface of case 5 or is located deeper than the opening plane of the opening.

[0074] According to this, since the rotating handle 41 is disposed at a position recessed from the opening surface of the third opening 14a, it is possible to make it difficult for a person to insert a fingernail or the like into the third opening 14a and catch it on the rotating handle 41. Therefore, with this outlet 1, it is possible to make it even more difficult to manually turn off the contacts that have been turned on.

[0075] In the outlet 1 of the present embodiment, the rotating handle 41 has a planar surface 42a that is parallel to the surface of the case 5, except for the end surface 42b of the tip portion 41b1, when the contacts are turned on.

[0076] This makes it difficult for people to easily grasp rotating handle 41. Therefore, with this outlet 1, it is possible to make it even more difficult to manually turn off a contact that has been turned on.

[0077] In outlet 1 of the present embodiment, inner wall surface 14a1 of third opening 14a is formed with claw portion 14c that extends toward end surface 42b of tip portion 41b1 when the contact is turned on.

[0078] With this, even if someone tries to insert, for example, a fingernail between inner wall surface 14a1 of third opening 14a and tip 41b1, claw portion 14c can prevent this. Also, even if a fingernail can be hooked on tip 41b1, tip 41b3 of claw portion 14c serves as a fulcrum, and a large force acts on the fulcrum portion, so that a large load is applied to the fingernail, preventing the rotating handle 41 from rotating. Therefore, with this outlet 1, it is possible to make it more difficult to manually turn off a contact that has been turned on.

[0079] In the outlet 1 of the present embodiment, the end face 42b of the tip portion 41b1 is curved.

[0080] According to this, when the outlet 1 is placed higher than the average person's height, there are cases where the person operates the rotating handle 41 manually by feeling for it. Even in this case, by making the end surface 42b of the tip 41b1 into a curved shape, it becomes possible for a person to easily recognize the position of the rotating handle 41 even when working by feeling for it.

[0081] In outlet 1 of the present embodiment, a gap S is formed between end face 42b of tip portion 41b1 and inner wall surfaces 14a1, 11d1 of the opening.

[0082] This allows the tip 41b3 of the rotating handle 41 to rotate without interfering with the third opening 14a.

[0083] (Other variations) Although the outlet according to the present disclosure has been described based on the above-mentioned embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. As long as the modifications do not deviate from the spirit of the present disclosure, modifications that occur to those skilled in the art may also be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0084] For example, in the outlet 1 according to the present embodiment, when the contacts are turned on, so that the N-phase movable terminal portion 62 and the N-phase fixed terminal portion 67 come into contact with each other (open circuit state) and the L-phase movable terminal portion 64 and the L-phase fixed terminal portion 69 come into contact with each other (open circuit state), the surface of the rotating handle on which the character "ON" is displayed may be exposed from the outlet 1. Also, in the outlet 1, when the contacts are turned off, so that the N-phase movable terminal portion 62 and the N-phase fixed terminal portion 67 are separated from each other (closed circuit state) and the L-phase movable terminal portion 64 and the L-phase fixed terminal portion 69 are separated from each other (closed circuit state), the surface of the rotating handle on which the character "OFF" is displayed may be exposed from the outlet 1. This allows a person to easily recognize whether the state of the outlet is in the open circuit state or the closed circuit state.

[0085] Furthermore, in the outlet 1 according to the present embodiment, for example, the claw portion 14c may extend beyond an extension line including the inner wall surface 11d1 to such an extent that it does not come into contact with (does not interfere with) the rotating handle 41. In this manner, the outlet 1 is configured so that when the contact is turned on, it is difficult to manually turn it off.

[0086] Also, the outlet 1a according to the present embodiment may have a configuration as shown in FIG. 6, for example. FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the rotating handle 41 of the outlet 1a according to another modified example. The claw portion 14c3 may extend beyond an extension line including the inner wall surface 11d1 to such an extent that it does not come into contact (does not interfere) with the rotating handle 41. In other words, the inner wall surface 14a3 of the third opening 14a may be curved so as not to come into contact (do not interfere) with the trajectory of the tip 41b3 of the rotating handle 41 when the rotating handle 41 rotates. In this way, the outlet 1a is configured such that when the contact is turned on, it is difficult to manually turn off the outlet 1a.

[0087] In addition, in the outlet according to the present embodiment, it has been shown that the outlet is configured such that when the contacts are turned on, it is difficult to perform a manual off operation. However, in special circumstances, such as during maintenance of the outlet and in an emergency, the outlet may be manually turned off even if the contacts are turned on. The manual off operation may be, for example, an operation of turning the rotating handle by hooking it with a tool, or an operation of turning the rotating handle by hooking it with a person's fingernail or the like without using a tool. In special circumstances, the rotating handle may be turned so that the tip of the rotating handle can protrude by hooking a tool or a person's fingernail on the rotating handle in this way. In this case, the rotating handle may be formed with a convex or concave hooking portion for hooking a dedicated tool or fingernail, and the rotating handle may be pulled and turned by being hooked on the hooking portion. The hooking portion may be formed, for example, at the tip. Since the manual off operation is possible in this way, in special circumstances such as an emergency, the rotating handle can be manually turned, so that a certain level of safety can be ensured.

[0088] In addition, the present disclosure also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to the above-described embodiments that a person skilled in the art may conceive, and forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment within the scope that does not deviate from the spirit of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 1, 1a outlet 5 Cases 7 Power plug 7a Bung blade 11d 2nd opening (opening) 11d1, 14a1, 14a3 Inner wall surface 14a 3rd opening (opening) 14c, 14c3 Claw part 14h surface 41 Rotating handle 41b1 Tip 42a Surface (flat surface) 42b End face 62 N-phase movable terminal (contact) 64 L phase movable terminal section (contact) 67 N phase fixed terminal section (contact) 69 L phase fixed terminal section (contact) 71 Blade S Gap

Claims

1. a contact for interrupting or conducting an electric path for supplying electric power to a receiving blade connected to the plug blade of the power plug; A case having an opening formed therein; a rotating handle that is disposed in the opening while being exposed from a surface of the case and that is operated to cause the contact to break or make a current path, The rotating handle is When the contact is turned off, which is an operation for breaking the electric circuit, a tip of the rotating handle protrudes from the surface of the case, When the contact is turned on, which is an operation for conducting the electric circuit, an end face of the tip of the rotating handle is disposed opposite to an inner wall surface of the opening, and a distance between the end face of the tip and the inner wall surface gradually decreases from the surface of the case toward the depth direction of the opening, when the contact is turned on, a depth distance A from the surface of the case to a point where the distance between the end face of the tip portion and the inner wall surface is shortest is greater than a projection distance B from the point to the end face of the tip portion in a direction opposite to a direction toward the inner wall surface, The depth distance A and the projection distance B are greater than the width of the gap between the inner wall surface and the point. Electrical outlet.

2. A contact for interrupting or conducting an electric path for supplying electric power to a receiving blade connected to the plug blade of a power plug; A case having an opening formed therein; a rotating handle that is disposed in the opening while being exposed from a surface of the case and that is operated to cause the contact to break or make a current path, The rotating handle is When the contact is turned off, which is an operation for breaking the electric circuit, a tip of the rotating handle protrudes from the surface of the case, When the contact is turned on, which is an operation for conducting the electric circuit, an end face of the tip of the rotating handle is disposed opposite to an inner wall surface of the opening, and a distance between the end face of the tip and the inner wall surface gradually decreases from the surface of the case toward the depth direction of the opening, the narrowest gap between the inner wall surface and the end surface of the tip portion is narrower than the thickness of an average human finger; A claw portion is formed on the inner wall surface, the claw portion extending toward the end surface of the tip portion when the contact is turned on. Electrical outlet.

3. The end face of the tip portion is inclined with respect to the surface of the case when the contact is turned on.

3. The socket according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The surface of the rotating handle is flush with the surface of the case or is located further in the depth direction than the opening surface of the opening. The socket according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The rotating handle has a planar surface that is parallel to the surface of the case, except for the end face of the tip portion, when the contact is turned on.

5. The outlet according to claim 4.

6. A claw portion is formed on the inner wall surface, the claw portion extending toward the end surface of the tip portion when the contact is turned on. The socket according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The end surface of the tip portion is curved. The socket according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A gap is formed between the end face of the tip portion and the inner wall surface. The socket according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

Images