Socket device

Abstract

To provide an outlet device capable of adding various functions without adding additional members.SOLUTION: An outlet device 1 includes a housing 5 and a connection member 6. The housing 5 has a front part 501. The connection member 6 is housed in a housing 5 and is electrically connected to a plug. In the front part 501, an outlet 7 is formed for plugging in. At least a part of the front part 501 is an undulating surface 8 including at least one of multiple recesses and multiple convexes. A depression is formed around the outlet 7. At least some of the depressions, the undulating surface 8 is formed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to an outlet device, and more particularly to an outlet device that supplies power to a load.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an outlet cover that is inserted into and attached to an insertion port (plug insertion port) of an outlet device (outlet). In this outlet cover, an electrically insulating protrusion that can be inserted into the insertion port is formed on one side surface of a plate-shaped cover body, and a finger hook portion is provided on the other side surface of the cover body.

[0003] By using such an outlet cover, when the outlet device is not in use, the outlet cover can be attached to the outlet device to cover the front side of the insertion port with the outlet cover. That is, if the insertion port of the outlet device is left exposed without being used, for example, dust may adhere and accumulate on the opening periphery of the insertion port on the front surface (surface) of the outlet device, and if this is left unattended, it may induce a tracking phenomenon. The outlet cover covers the front side of the insertion port, making it less likely to cause such problems.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] As described above, for example, when imparting a function such as making it difficult for dirt to adhere to the front surface of the outlet device to the outlet device, it is necessary to use a separate member such as an outlet cover.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an outlet device capable of imparting various functions without adding separate members.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The outlet device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a housing and a connection member. The housing has a front surface. The connection member is housed in the housing and is electrically connected to a plug. An insertion port for inserting the plug is formed in the front surface. At least a part of the front surface is a corrugated surface formed with a plurality of recesses and a plurality of protrusions. A depression is formed around the insertion port. At least a part of the depression is formed with the corrugated surface. The minimum radius of curvature of the plurality of concave portions is larger than the minimum radius of curvature of the plurality of convex portions. The power strip device according to one aspect includes a housing and a connection member. The housing has a front surface. The connection member is housed in the housing and is electrically connected to a plug. An insertion port for inserting the plug is formed in the front surface. At least a part of the front surface is an undulating surface formed with a plurality of concave portions and a plurality of convex portions. A depression is formed around the insertion port. At least a part of the depression is formed with the undulating surface. The plurality of concave portions and the plurality of convex portions form an isotropic concavo-convex shape. The power strip device according to one aspect includes a housing and a connection member. The housing has a front surface. The connection member is housed in the housing and is electrically connected to a plug. An insertion port for inserting the plug is formed in the front surface. At least a part of the front surface is an undulating surface formed with a plurality of concave portions and a plurality of convex portions. A depression is formed around the insertion port. At least a part of the depression is formed with the undulating surface. The undulating surface formed in the depression has a smaller depth of each of the plurality of concave portions or a smaller height of each of the plurality of convex portions compared to the undulating surface of the front surface.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, there is an advantage that various functions can be imparted without adding separate members.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] (Embodiment 1) (1) Overview As shown in FIGS. 1A to 3, the socket device 1 according to the present embodiment is a socket device 1 to which a plug 2 can be connected. The plug 2 has a pair of insertion pieces 21. The "insertion piece" referred to in the present disclosure means a conductive member that is inserted into the socket device 1 of the plug 2, and is, for example, a plug blade or a pin.

[0011] In the present embodiment, the socket device 1 has a function of a socket (Outlet) to which a plug 2 of a load is connected to supply power to the load. The "load" referred to in the present disclosure is an electric device (including equipment, devices, and systems) that is supplied with power from the socket device 1 or is controlled by the socket device 1, and includes, for example, lighting fixtures, air-conditioning equipment, refrigerators, ventilation fans, information processing devices, or mobile terminals.

[0012] The socket device 1 is fixed to an object to be attached 3 (see FIG. 2). The "object to be attached" referred to in the present disclosure is an object to which the socket device 1 is fixed, and includes, for example, structures such as walls, ceilings, or floors of buildings, or furniture (including fittings) such as desks, shelves, or counter tops. In addition, the socket device 1 is provided with terminals for connecting wiring (electric wires). For example, by connecting the wiring routed in the wall (attachment object 3) to the terminals, the socket device 1 is electrically connected to a power source such as a system power source via the wiring. The wiring may be directly connected to the power source (system power source or the like) or indirectly connected via a distribution board or the like.

[0013] Incidentally, the socket device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a housing 5 and a connecting member 6 (see FIG. 1B). The housing 5 has a front surface 501. The connecting member 6 is housed in the housing 5. The connecting member 6 is electrically connected to the plug 2. An insertion port 7 for inserting the plug 2 is formed in the front surface 501. At least a part of the front surface 501 is a uneven surface 8 including at least one of a plurality of concave portions 801 (see FIG. 5A) and a plurality of convex portions 802 (see FIG. 5A).

[0014] According to the configuration described above, since at least a part of the front surface 501 is the undulating surface 8, various functions by the undulating surface 8 can be imparted to the front surface 501 of the housing 5 in which the insertion port 7 is formed. As an example of the function by the undulating surface 8, there are functions such as being less likely to get dirty (easier to fall off), being less likely to get scratched, or being less likely to cause excessive light reflection. For example, if it becomes less likely to get dirty, a change in the electrical properties of the socket device 1 due to dirt is less likely to occur. Thus, in the socket device 1 according to the present embodiment, there is an advantage that various functions can be imparted to the socket device 1 without adding a separate member such as a socket cover to the socket device 1.

[0015] Further, the socket device 1 according to the present embodiment constitutes a socket system 10 (see FIG. 2) together with the socket plate 4 (see FIG. 2). In other words, the socket system 10 according to the present embodiment includes the socket device 1 and the socket plate 4. The socket plate 4 is a frame-shaped member having a window hole 401 (see FIG. 3), and is combined with the socket device 1 so as to expose the front surface 501 of the socket device 1 from the window hole 401. In the socket system 10 according to the present embodiment, at least a part of the surface 411 of the socket plate 4 is the undulating surface 8.

[0016] (2) Details Hereinafter, the configurations of the socket device 1 and the socket system 10 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5B.

[0017] (2.1) Premise In the present embodiment, as the socket device 1, an example is given of a two-port type socket for alternating current 100V without a ground electrode and capable of connecting two plugs 2. Further, in the present embodiment, as the socket device 1, an example is given of an indoor socket used inside a building. The building in which the socket device 1 is used is, for example, a residential facility such as a detached house or an apartment house, or a non-residential facility such as an office, a store, a school, a factory, a hospital, or a nursing facility.

[0018] Also, in this embodiment, as an example, the case where the socket device 1 is fixed to the wall of a housing facility will be described. That is, the object to be attached 3 is the wall of the housing facility (building). Further, in this embodiment, as an example, the case where the socket device 1 is an "embedded type" wiring device whose rear part is embedded in the construction hole 31 (see FIG. 3) of the object to be attached 3 will be described.

[0019] Hereinafter, in a state where the socket device 1 is fixed to the wall of the housing facility which is the object to be attached 3, the direction perpendicular (orthogonal) to the horizontal plane will be referred to as the "vertical direction", and the downward direction (vertical direction) when the socket device 1 is viewed from the front may be referred to as the "downward direction". Also, the direction orthogonal to the vertical direction and parallel to the surface of the object to be attached 3 may be referred to as the "left - right direction", and the right side when the socket device 1 is viewed from the front may be referred to as the "right side", and the left side may be referred to as the "left side". Further, the direction orthogonal to both the vertical direction and the left - right direction, that is, the direction orthogonal to the surface of the object to be attached 3 may be referred to as the "front - rear direction", and the back side (inside the wall) of the object to be attached 3 may be referred to as the "rear". However, these directions are not intended to limit the direction of use of the socket device 1.

[0020] Also, the front surface 501 of the housing 5 will basically face forward in a state where the socket device 1 is fixed to the wall of the housing facility which is the object to be attached 3, but it is not intended to limit that the front surface 501 faces forward. For example, when the socket device 1 is installed on the ceiling, the front surface 501 will face downward (in the direction of gravity).

[0021] As used in this disclosure, the "undulating surface" means a surface including at least one of a plurality of concave portions 801 (see FIG. 5A) and a plurality of convex portions 802 (see FIG. 5A). That is, the undulating surface 8 may be composed only of a plurality of concave portions 801, or may be composed only of a plurality of convex portions 802. Further, the undulating surface 8 may be composed of a plurality of concave portions 801 and one convex portion 802. In this case, as an example, the undulating surface 8 is composed of one convex portion 802 in a net shape and a plurality of concave portions 801 formed by the mesh portions surrounded by this convex portion 802. Similarly, as an example, the undulating surface 8 may be composed of one concave portion 801 in a net shape and a plurality of convex portions 802 formed by the mesh portions surrounded by this concave portion 801.

[0022] In this embodiment, as an example, the undulating surface 8 includes a plurality of concave portions 801 and a plurality of convex portions 802. And the plurality of concave portions 801 and the plurality of convex portions 802 on the undulating surface 8 have extremely small sizes that cannot be individually identified by the naked eye, and one undulating surface 8 includes a large number of concave portions 801 and a large number of convex portions 802. That is, the concave portions 801 and the convex portions 802 are finer than the entire undulating surface 8. As a result, when a person looks at the undulating surface 8, the undulating surface 8 appears rough like a "pebbled finish" due to the presence of the concave portions 801 and the convex portions 802. The undulating surface 8 including a large number of such fine concave portions 801 and convex portions 802 is formed, for example, by embossing.

[0023] Such an undulating surface 8 as a whole has a pattern (concavo-convex shape) such as a pebbled finish, a wrinkle pattern (embossing), a wood grain, a rock pattern, a sand pattern, or a geometric pattern due to a large number of concave portions 801 and convex portions 802.

[0024] Further, the sizes of such fine concave portions 801 and convex portions 802 can be represented by the surface roughness of the undulating surface 8. That is, the shapes of the concave portions 801 and the convex portions 802 are reflected in the roughness curve among the contour curves of the undulating surface 8. Therefore, the sizes of the concave portions 801 and the convex portions 802 on the undulating surface 8 correspond to the arithmetic mean roughness (Ra) of the undulating surface 8.

[0025] In each figure (such as FIGS. 1A and 1B) in the present disclosure, hatching is applied to the range (area) where the undulating surface 8 is formed. That is, the hatching representing the undulating surface 8 is merely attached for convenience to represent the range of the undulating surface 8, and the actual undulating surface 8 is not hatched. Further, as will be described in detail in the section of "(2.4) Undulating surface", depending on the sizes of the concave portion 801 and the convex portion 802 on the undulating surface 8 (that is, the arithmetic mean roughness of the undulating surface 8), the undulating surface 8 is classified into a first undulating surface 81 and a second undulating surface 82. Therefore, by changing the type of hatching between the first undulating surface 81 and the second undulating surface 82, the first undulating surface 81 and the second undulating surface 82 can also be distinguished in the drawing. However, when the first undulating surface 81 and the second undulating surface 82 are not particularly distinguished, each of the first undulating surface 81 and the second undulating surface 82 is simply referred to as the "undulating surface 8".

[0026] In addition, the "orthogonal" in the present disclosure means not only a state of intersecting at exactly 90 degrees, but also including a state of being approximately orthogonal within a certain error range. That is, the angle between the surface of the object to be attached 3 and the front-rear direction falls within a certain error range (for example, 10 degrees or less) with respect to 90 degrees. In this embodiment, as an example, the angle between the surface of the object to be attached 3 and the front-rear direction is 90 degrees. Similarly, the "parallel" in the present disclosure means not only a state where the angle between the two is exactly 0 degrees, but also including a state of being approximately parallel within a certain error range.

[0027] (2.2) Overall configuration First, the overall configuration of the socket system 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0028] The socket system 10 according to this embodiment includes, as described above, a socket device 1 and a socket plate 4. Here, the socket device 1 is fixed to the object to be attached 3 using a mounting frame 43. In this embodiment, the mounting frame 43 is included as a component of the socket system 10, but it is not essential for the socket system 10 to include the mounting frame 43 as a component.

[0029] In this embodiment, since the socket device 1 is an embedded wiring device as described above, for example, it is attached to the object to be attached 3 (here, the wall) using a mounting member such as an embedded switch box. That is, a construction hole 31 is formed in the object to be attached 3, and the socket device 1 is attached through the construction hole 31 to a mounting member such as a switch box disposed on the back side (inside the wall) of the object to be attached 3.

[0030] The mounting frame 43 is, for example, a mounting frame for a large angular continuous wiring device standardized according to Japanese Industrial Standards. In this embodiment, the mounting frame 43 is integrated with the socket device 1. Specifically, the mounting frame 43 is formed in a rectangular frame shape when viewed from the front. The socket device 1 and the mounting frame 43 are integrated such that the socket device 1 is located inside the mounting frame 43. Although it will be described in detail in the section of “(2.3) Configuration of Socket Device”, the cover 51 and the body 52 that constitute the housing 5 of the socket device 1 are joined by the mounting frame 43.

[0031] The mounting frame 43 is made of metal as an example. A pair of mounting holes 431 and a pair of plate fixing holes 432 are formed in the mounting frame 43. The mounting frame 43 is attached to the object to be attached 3 by tightening a pair of mounting screws 44 through the pair of mounting holes 431 to a mounting member such as a switch box.

[0032] The socket plate 4 has a decorative plate 41 and a fixing plate 42. That is, in this embodiment, the socket plate 4 is composed of two members, namely, the decorative plate 41 and the fixing plate 42. The socket plate 4 (the decorative plate 41 and the fixing plate 42) is made of a thermoplastic resin such as PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate), ABS resin, or PC (Polycarbonate) as an example. In particular, in this embodiment, the resin constituting the socket plate 4 is a so-called original color (raw material coloring) resin that is colored at the raw material stage before molding by containing a pigment in the base material. By using this type of original color resin, even without painting (paintless), the socket plate 4 (the decorative plate 41 and the fixing plate 42) can achieve coloring such as white or gray.

[0033] The fixing plate 42 is fixed to the mounting frame 43. The decorative plate 41 is attached to the fixing plate 42 so as to cover the front surface (frame surface 421) of the fixing plate 42. In this way, the decorative plate 41 is indirectly fixed to the mounting frame 43 integrated with the socket device 1 via the fixing plate 42. A window hole 401 is formed in the decorative plate 41, and in a state where the socket plate 4 is attached to the mounting frame 43, the front surface 501 of the socket device 1 is exposed from the window hole 401.

[0034] That is, the socket plate 4 is a frame-shaped member having a window hole 401, and is combined with the socket device 1 so that the front surface 501 of the socket device 1 is exposed from the window hole 401. In other words, in a state where the socket device 1 and the socket plate 4 are combined, when viewed from the front, the front surface 501 of the socket device 1 is located inside the socket plate 4 (inside the window hole 401) of the decorative plate 41. Thereby, in a state where the socket plate 4 and the socket device 1 are attached to the attachment object 3 together, the socket plate 4 covers the periphery of the socket device 1, and the mounting frame 43, the construction hole 31, etc. are not exposed and the appearance looks good.

[0035] More specifically, the decorative plate 41 is formed in a rectangular frame shape when viewed from the front. A window hole 401 penetrating the decorative plate 41 in the front-rear direction is formed in the central portion of the decorative plate 41. The decorative plate 41 has a front surface 411 and side surfaces 412. The front surface 411 corresponds to the front surface of the decorative plate 41 and is located around the window hole 401. The side surfaces 412 correspond to the outer peripheral surfaces of the decorative plate 41, intersect the front surface 411, and are surfaces adjacent to the front surface 411. The decorative plate 41 is mechanically coupled to the fixing plate 42 in a removable state by a snap-fit structure. That is, the decorative plate 41 and the fixing plate 42 are mechanically coupled by hooking a claw on one of the decorative plate 41 and the fixing plate 42 onto a hole in the other using the elasticity of at least one of the decorative plate 41 and the fixing plate 42.

[0036] Further, the fixing plate 42 is formed in a rectangular frame shape when viewed from the front. The fixing plate 42 has a frame front surface 421 and frame side surfaces 422. The frame front surface 421 corresponds to the front surface of the fixing plate 42, and when the decorative plate 41 is attached to the fixing plate 42, the frame front surface 421 is covered by the decorative plate 41. The frame side surfaces 422 correspond to the outer peripheral surfaces of the fixing plate 42, intersect the frame front surface 421, and are surfaces adjacent to the frame front surface 421. Further, a pair of through holes 423 are formed in the fixing plate 42. The fixing plate 42 is attached to the mounting frame 43 by tightening a pair of fixing screws 45 through the pair of through holes 423 into a pair of plate fixing holes 432 of the mounting frame 43.

[0037] In the state where the outlet plate 4 configured as described above is attached to the attachment object 3 together with the outlet device 1, as shown in FIG. 2, only the front surface 411, the side surface 412, and the frame side surface 422 of the outlet plate 4 are exposed. That is, in the state where the outlet system 10 is installed, among the outlet plate 4, the front surface 411 and the side surface 412 of the decorative plate 41 and the frame side surface 422 of the fixing plate 42 are exposed, and the other surfaces are not exposed. Therefore, in the present embodiment, in addition to the front surface 411, at least a part of the side surface 412 and the frame side surface 422 is also the uneven surface 8. That is, at least a part of the front surface 411, the side surface 412, and the frame side surface 422 of the outlet plate 4 is the uneven surface 8.

[0038] Specifically, it will be described in the column of "(2.4) Uneven surface". Among the front surface 411, the side surface 412, and the frame side surface 422, the front surface 411 is the first uneven surface 81, and the side surface 412 and the frame side surface 422 are the second uneven surface 82.

[0039] (2.3) Configuration of the outlet device Next, the configuration of the outlet device 1 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 4A to 4D.

[0040] As described above, the outlet device 1 includes a housing 5 and a connection member 6. Further, the outlet device 1 includes terminals and the like for connecting wiring (electric wires).

[0041] The housing 5 has a cover 51 and a body 52.

[0042] The cover 51 is formed in a box shape having an opening surface on the rear surface. The body 52 is combined with the cover 51 from the rear to cover the opening surface (rear surface) of the cover 51. The body 52 is formed in a box shape having an opening surface on the front surface, that is, the surface facing the cover 51. In the present embodiment, both the cover 51 and the body 52 are formed in a rectangular shape that is longer in the vertical direction than in the horizontal direction when viewed from the front. Further, the shapes of the cover 51 and the body 52 when viewed from the front are substantially the same.

[0043] When such a cover 51 and a body 52 are combined in the front-rear direction, a rectangular parallelepiped housing 5 is formed. The housing 5 houses a connection member 6 and internal components such as a terminal plate that constitutes a terminal. In short, the power outlet device 1 includes a housing 5 composed of a cover 51 and a body 52, and the cover 51 and the body 52 are joined so as to house internal components in the internal space of the housing 5.

[0044] Here, both the cover 51 and the body 52 that constitute the housing 5 are made of a synthetic resin having electrical insulation properties. The cover 51 and the body 52 are made of a thermosetting resin excellent in tracking resistance, such as urea resin (urea resin), for example. In particular, in the present embodiment, the portion including the front surface 501 of the housing 5, that is, the cover 51 is made of urea resin. Also, in the present embodiment, not only the cover 51 but also the body 52 is made of urea resin. If at least one of the cover 51 and the body 52 is made of a thermoplastic resin, a snap-fit structure can be realized by providing claws on one of the cover 51 and the body 52 and holes into which the claws fit on the other. That is, the cover 51 and the body 52 can be joined by fitting the claws into the holes while elastically deforming either the cover 51 or the body 52.

[0045] On the other hand, when the cover 51 and the body 52 are made of a thermosetting resin as in the present embodiment, it is difficult to impart sufficient elasticity to the cover 51 and the body 52, and it is difficult to adopt the snap-fit structure as described above. Therefore, in the power outlet device 1 according to the present embodiment, as described above, the cover 51 and the body 52 are mechanically joined by a mounting frame 43 made of a member different from the cover 51 and the body 52.

[0046] In this embodiment, as an example, the mounting frame 43 mechanically couples the cover 51 and the body 52 at four locations. Specifically, the cover 51 has first protrusions 512 that protrude from both end faces in the left - right direction (cover side faces 511) of the cover 51. Similarly, the body 52 has second protrusions 522 that protrude from both end faces in the left - right direction (body side faces 521) of the body 52. The mounting frame 43 is attached to the housing 5 so as to hold these first protrusions 512 and second protrusions 522 from both sides in the front - rear direction, thereby coupling the body 52 and the cover 51. In other words, the mounting frame 43 sandwiches the first protrusions 512 and the second protrusions 522 in the front - rear direction in a state where the body 52 and the cover 51 are combined in the front - rear direction, preventing the first protrusions 512 and the second protrusions 522 from moving relatively apart. Thereby, the opening between the body 52 and the cover 51 is prevented, and the body 52 and the cover 51 are coupled.

[0047] In this embodiment, two pairs (2 sets) of first protrusions 512, each set consisting of two, are provided on both end faces in the left - right direction (left end face and right end face) of the cover 51. The two pairs of first protrusions 512 are provided at the four corners of the housing 5 as viewed from the front so as to be arranged vertically at each end face in the left - right direction (left end face or right end face) of the housing 5. Similarly, two pairs (2 sets) of second protrusions 522, each set consisting of two, are provided on both end faces in the left - right direction (left end face and right end face) of the body 52. The two pairs of second protrusions 522 are provided at the four corners of the housing 5 as viewed from the front so as to be arranged vertically at each end face in the left - right direction (left end face or right end face) of the housing 5. Therefore, the body 52 and the cover 51 are coupled at the four corners of the housing 5 as viewed from the front.

[0048] More specifically, the cover 51 has a front surface 501 and a cover side surface 511. The front surface 501 corresponds to the front surface 501 of the housing 5. Also, the cover side surface 511 corresponds to the outer peripheral surface of the cover 51, intersects the front surface 501, and is a surface adjacent to the front surface 501. A plurality of insertion openings 7 for inserting the plug 2 are formed in the front surface 501. When the insertion pieces 21 of the plug 2 are inserted into these plurality of insertion openings 7, the plug 2 is electrically connected to the socket device 1. Here, as shown in FIG. 4A, the socket device 1 has two sets of two pairs of insertion openings 7 so as to be compatible with a plug 2 having a pair of power electrodes (L pole and N pole). Each set of insertion openings 7 is formed in a shape compatible with the A-type plug 2. The two insertion openings 7 in each set are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. Further, the two sets of insertion openings 7 are arranged side by side in the up-down direction.

[0049] Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 1B and 4C, the inner peripheral surface 71 of the insertion opening 7 has a tapered surface 701 and an inner surface 702. The tapered surface 701 is a surface that is inclined with respect to the front-rear direction (the insertion direction of the plug 2) such that the cross-sectional area of the insertion opening 7 orthogonal to the insertion direction of the plug 2 becomes larger toward the front end side. The inner surface 702 is continuous with the rear end portion of the tapered surface 701 and is a surface orthogonal to the front surface 501. In other words, a tapered surface 701 directed obliquely forward is provided near the front end (opening surface) of the inner peripheral surface 71 of the insertion opening 7. That is, the insertion opening 7 is configured such that the cross-sectional area of the insertion opening 7 becomes smaller toward the rear end side by the tapered surface 701 near the front end (opening surface). Therefore, when the insertion piece 21 of the plug 2 is inserted into the insertion opening 7, the insertion piece 21 is guided by the tapered surface 701 and is inserted into the region surrounded by the inner surface 702.

[0050] Further, the body 52 has a body side surface 521. The body side surface 521 corresponds to the outer peripheral surface of the body 52 and is a surface that intersects the front surface 501. The body side surface 521, together with the cover side surface 511, constitutes the outer peripheral surface 502 of the housing 5. Here, a terminal hole for connecting an electric wire (wiring) is formed in the rear surface of the body 52 that serves as the rear surface of the housing 5. At a position corresponding to the terminal hole within the housing 5, a terminal portion including a terminal plate or the like is housed. The terminal portion is a so-called quick-connect terminal of the wire insertion type, where the electric wire is connected by inserting the electric wire through the terminal hole.

[0051] As described above, the front surface 501 of the cover 51 corresponds to the front surface 501 of the housing 5. The cover side surface 511 and the body side surface 521 constitute the outer peripheral surface 502 of the housing 5. In other words, the outer peripheral surface 502 of the housing 5 includes the cover side surface 511 and the body side surface 521.

[0052] In the state where the socket device 1 configured as described above is attached to the attachment object 3 together with the socket plate 4, as shown in FIG. 2, only a part of the front surface 501, a part of the cover side surface 511, and a part of the inner peripheral surface 71 of the insertion port 7 of the socket device 1 are exposed. That is, in the state where the socket system 10 is installed, a part of the front surface 501 of the housing 5, a part of the outer peripheral surface 502 of the housing 5, and a part of the inner peripheral surface 71 of the insertion port 7 of the socket device 1 are exposed, and the other surfaces are not exposed. Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4A to 4D, in addition to the front surface 501, at least a part of the outer peripheral surface 502 and at least a part of the inner peripheral surface 71 of the insertion port 7 are also uneven surfaces 8. That is, at least a part of the front surface 501, the outer peripheral surface 502, and the inner peripheral surface 71 of the insertion port 7 of the housing 5 are uneven surfaces 8.

[0053] Specifically, it will be described in the section of "(2.4) Uneven surface". Among the front surface 501, the outer peripheral surface 502, and the inner peripheral surface 71 of the insertion port 7, the front surface 501 is the first uneven surface 81, and the outer peripheral surface 502 and the inner peripheral surface 71 of the insertion port 7 are the second uneven surfaces 82.

[0054] (2.4) Uneven surface Next, the uneven surface 8 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5B.

[0055] As described above, in this embodiment, the uneven surface 8 is formed on at least a part of the front surface 501 and the outer peripheral surface 502 of the housing 5 of the socket device 1. Further, at least a part of the inner peripheral surface 71 of the insertion port 7 is the uneven surface 8. In other words, at least a part of the front surface 501, the outer peripheral surface 502 of the housing 5, and the inner peripheral surface 71 of the insertion port 7 is the uneven surface 8. Among the front surface 501, the outer peripheral surface 502, and the inner peripheral surface 71 of the insertion port 7, the front surface 501 is the first uneven surface 81, and the outer peripheral surface 502 and the inner peripheral surface 71 of the insertion port 7 are the second uneven surface 82 (see FIGS. 4A to 4D).

[0056] Here, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4A, the entire area of the front surface 501 is the uneven surface 8 (the first uneven surface 81). That is, a plurality of concave portions 801 and a plurality of convex portions 802 are formed substantially uniformly over the entire area of the front surface 501 of the housing 5. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4B and 4D, the corner between the front surface 501 of the cover 51 and the cover side surface 511 is formed in an R (round) shape in a side view. That is, the corner between the front surface 501 of the housing 5 and the outer peripheral surface 502 (the cover side surface 511) is formed in a rounded shape. Therefore, the corner between the front surface 501 and the outer peripheral surface 502 of the housing 5 is visible in a front view and is included in the front surface 501 of the housing 5. Thus, the corner between the front surface 501 and the outer peripheral surface 502 of the housing 5 is the uneven surface 8 (the first uneven surface 81).

[0057] Also, regarding the outer peripheral surface 502 (cover side surface 511), as shown in FIGS. 4B to 4D, when the outer peripheral surface 502 is divided into two regions in the front-rear direction, only the region on the front end side (front surface 501 side) is the undulating surface 8 (second undulating surface 82). That is, on the cover side surface 511, when divided in the front-rear direction, a plurality of concave portions 801 and a plurality of convex portions 802 are formed only in the region on the front end side (front surface 501 side), and no concave portions 801 and convex portions 802 are formed in the region on the rear end side (body 52 side). Further, regarding the region on the front end side (front surface 501 side) of the cover side surface 511, in a front view, an undulating surface 8 (second undulating surface 82) including the concave portions 801 and the convex portions 802 is formed over the entire circumference so as to surround the front surface 501.

[0058] Also, regarding the inner peripheral surface 71 of the insertion port 7, as shown in FIG. 4C, among the tapered surface 701 and the inner side surface 702, only the tapered surface 701 is the undulating surface 8 (second undulating surface 82). That is, on the inner peripheral surface 71 of the insertion port 7, a plurality of concave portions 801 and a plurality of convex portions 802 are formed only in the region that becomes the tapered surface 701 directed obliquely forward, and no concave portions 801 and convex portions 802 are formed in the region that becomes the inner side surface 702. Further, regarding the tapered surface 701, in a front view, an undulating surface 8 (second undulating surface 82) including the concave portions 801 and the convex portions 802 is formed over the entire circumference so as to surround the insertion port 7.

[0059] Also, as described above, in this embodiment, the undulating surface 8 is also formed on the surface 411, side surface 412, and frame side surface 422 of the socket plate 4. In other words, at least a part of the surface 411, side surface 412, and frame side surface 422 of the socket plate 4 is the undulating surface 8. Among the surface 411, side surface 412, and frame side surface 422, the surface 411 is the first undulating surface 81, and the side surface 412 and the frame side surface 422 are the second undulating surface 82 (see FIGS. 2 and 3).

[0060] Here, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the entire area of the surface 411 is a undulating surface 8 (first undulating surface 81). That is, on the surface 411 of the socket plate 4, a plurality of concave portions 801 and a plurality of convex portions 802 are formed almost uniformly over the entire area. In the present embodiment, the corner between the surface 411 and the side surface 412 of the socket plate 4 is formed in an R (round) shape in a side view. That is, the corner between the surface 411 and the side surface 412 of the socket plate 4 is formed in a rounded shape. Therefore, the corner between the surface 411 and the side surface 412 of the socket plate 4 is visible in a front view and is included in the surface 411 of the socket plate 4. Thus, the corner between the surface 411 and the side surface 412 of the socket plate 4 is the undulating surface 8 (first undulating surface 81).

[0061] Also, as shown in FIG. 2, with respect to the side surface 412 of the socket plate 4 and the frame side surface 422, the entire area thereof is the undulating surface 8 (second undulating surface 82). That is, on the side surface 412 of the socket plate 4 and the frame side surface 422, a plurality of concave portions 801 and a plurality of convex portions 802 are formed almost uniformly over the entire area. Further, with respect to the side surface 412 of the socket plate 4 and the frame side surface 422, in a front view, an undulating surface 8 (second undulating surface 82) including the concave portions 801 and the convex portions 802 is formed over the entire circumference so as to surround the surface 411.

[0062] By the way, in the present embodiment, the first undulating surface 81 and the second undulating surface 82 as the undulating surface 8 are classified according to the sizes of the concave portions 801 and the convex portions 802 included in the undulating surface 8 (that is, the arithmetic mean roughness of the undulating surface 8). That is, between the first undulating surface 81 and the second undulating surface 82, the depth of each concave portion 801 or the height of each convex portion 802 included in the undulating surface 8 is different, and the second undulating surface 82 has a smaller depth of each concave portion 801 or a smaller height of each convex portion 802 than the first undulating surface 81. In other words, the arithmetic mean roughness (Ra) of the second undulating surface 82 is smaller than the arithmetic mean roughness (Ra) of the first undulating surface 81. Further in other words, the first undulating surface 81 has larger sizes of the concave portions 801 and the convex portions 802 and is a rougher surface than the second undulating surface 82.

[0063] In this embodiment, as an example, the ten-point average roughness (Rzjis) of the first undulating surface 81 is 1 μm or more and 100 μm or less. Here, the ten-point average roughness (Rzjis) of the first undulating surface 81 is preferably 10 μm or more. Also, the ten-point average roughness (Rzjis) of the first undulating surface 81 is preferably 35 μm or less. More preferably, the ten-point average roughness (Rzjis) of the first undulating surface 81 may be 25 ± 10 μm. More preferably, the ten-point average roughness (Rzjis) of the first undulating surface 81 may be 25 ± 5 μm. The ten-point average roughness mentioned here is a surface roughness parameter standardized in "JIS B 0601-2001".

[0064] And, as described above, the housing 5 has an outer peripheral surface 502 that intersects the front surface 501 and is adjacent to the front surface 501. Here, at least a part of the outer peripheral surface 502 is an undulating surface 8 (second undulating surface 82). The undulating surface 8 (second undulating surface 82) of the outer peripheral surface 502 has a smaller depth of each of the plurality of concave portions 801 or a smaller height of each of the plurality of convex portions 802 compared to the undulating surface 8 (first undulating surface 81) of the front surface 501. Thereby, for example, when the housing 5 is molded, even if the mold M1 (see FIG. 6A) is separated in a direction orthogonal to the front surface 501, the concave portions 801 or the convex portions 802 of the undulating surface 8 (second undulating surface 82) of the outer peripheral surface 502 are less likely to be crushed (collapsed).

[0065] Also, in this embodiment, not only the outer peripheral surface 502 but also the inner peripheral surface 71 (tapered surface 701) of the insertion port 7 is the second undulating surface 82. Therefore, the undulating surface 8 (second undulating surface 82) of the inner peripheral surface 71 of the insertion port 7 has a smaller depth of each of the plurality of concave portions 801 or a smaller height of each of the plurality of convex portions 802 compared to the undulating surface 8 (first undulating surface 81) of the front surface 501.

[0066] Furthermore, also in the socket plate 4, the surface 411 is the first undulating surface 81, and the side surface 412 and the frame side surface 422 are the second undulating surface 82. Therefore, the undulating surface 8 (second undulating surface 82) of the side surface 412 and the frame side surface 422 has a smaller depth of each of the plurality of concave portions 801 or a smaller height of each of the plurality of convex portions 802 compared to the undulating surface 8 (first undulating surface 81) of the surface 411.

[0067] Incidentally, in the present embodiment, the uneven surface 8 has a substantially uniform pattern (i.e., concavo-convex shape) within the same plane. For example, the uneven surface 8 on the front surface 501 has a substantially uniform pattern throughout its entire area. In other words, if any two portions of the uneven surface 8 included in the same plane (for example, the front surface 501) are partially cut out and compared, these two portions will include substantially the same pattern. However, the uneven surface 8 only has a substantially uniform pattern, and does not have the same pattern continuously like a geometric pattern.

[0068] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the uneven surface 8 has an isotropic pattern (i.e., concavo-convex shape) within the same plane. For example, the uneven surface 8 on the front surface 501 has substantially the same pattern with respect to any of two directions (vertical direction and horizontal direction) parallel to the front surface 501 and perpendicular to each other. In other words, for the uneven surface 8 included in the same plane (for example, the front surface 501), if a longitudinal section (a section along the vertical direction) and a transverse section (a section along the horizontal direction) are cut out and compared, these two sections will include substantially the same concavo-convex shape.

[0069] More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the uneven surface 8 adopts an asymmetric shape rather than a symmetric shape with respect to the concave portion 801 and the convex portion 802. In particular, in the present embodiment, a difference in shape is provided between the concave portion 801 and the convex portion 802 such that the minimum curvature radius of the concave portion 801 is larger than the minimum curvature radius of the convex portion 802. In other words, the concave portion 801 of the uneven surface 8 constitutes a smoother surface than the convex portion 802. Furthermore, as described above, since the same pattern does not continuously exist strictly for the uneven surface 8, the plurality of concave portions 801 and the plurality of convex portions 802 will have a non-uniform shape strictly speaking.

[0070] Regarding the concave portion 801 and the convex portion 802, by adopting such an asymmetric shape, for example, as shown in FIG. 5A, even if a fine foreign object X1 adheres to the uneven surface 8, as shown in FIG. 5B, the foreign object X1 is likely to be discharged from the concave portion 801. As a result, it is difficult for foreign objects X1 such as dirt to accumulate on the uneven surface 8. As the uneven surface 8, for example, the effect that dirt such as fingerprints or dust hardly adheres (is likely to fall off) becomes remarkable. As a result, for example, a change in the electrical properties of the socket device 1 due to dirt is less likely to occur. The shape of the uneven surface 8 as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B is applicable to both the first uneven surface 81 and the second uneven surface 82.

[0071] The functions of the uneven surface 8 as described above are listed below.

[0072] First, the uneven surface 8 formed on the front surface 501 has functions such as being less likely to have dirt adhere (be likely to fall off) as described above, being less likely to be scratched, being less likely to have excessive light reflection, having a good touch feeling, or having an anti-slip function. In particular, by being less likely to have excessive light reflection, for example, the apparent difference between the socket device 1 and the mounting object 3 (such as a wall) around the socket device 1 becomes smaller, and the socket device 1 is more likely to fit in with the mounting object 3 (such as a wall). Moreover, the uneven surface 8 improves the texture in terms of appearance and touch feeling, and produces a high-class feeling. As a result, there is an advantage that even when the socket device 1 is installed everywhere in the room, for example, the presence of the socket device 1 does not overly assert itself and is less likely to damage the atmosphere of the room. Further, the uneven surface 8 may also have a buffering function of mitigating the impact of a collision when a relatively hard object collides with the front surface 501 by the convex portion 802 being crushed.

[0073] In addition, the uneven surface 8 formed on the outer peripheral surface 502 has functions such as making it difficult for dirt as described above to adhere, making it difficult for scratches to occur, making it difficult for excessive light reflection to occur, improving the touch feeling, anti-slip, or buffering, and in addition, it has a function of reducing frictional resistance. That is, in the case of the uneven surface 8, when sliding with respect to the mating member, it comes into contact with the mating member at the tip of the convex portion 802, and compared with a flat surface, the contact area with the mating member becomes smaller, and the frictional resistance with the mating member becomes smaller. In particular, in the present embodiment, when the socket system 10 is attached to the object 3 to be attached, the socket device 1 is combined with the socket plate 4 so as to expose the front surface 501 from the window hole 401 of the socket plate 4. At this time, since the outer peripheral surface 502 of the socket device 1 slides with respect to the inner peripheral surface of the window hole 401 in the socket plate 4, the uneven surface 8 can reduce the frictional resistance between the socket plate 4 and the socket device 1.

[0074] In addition, the uneven surface 8 formed on the inner peripheral surface 71 (tapered surface 701) of the insertion port 7 also has functions such as making it difficult for dirt to adhere, making it difficult for scratches to occur, making it difficult for excessive light reflection to occur, improving the touch feeling, anti-slip, or buffering, and in addition, it has a function of reducing frictional resistance. In particular, on the inner peripheral surface 71 of the insertion port 7, when the plug 2 is inserted into and removed from the socket device 1, the insertion piece 21 of the plug 2 slides, so the uneven surface 8 can reduce the frictional resistance between the plug 2 (insertion piece 21) and the socket device 1.

[0075] In addition, the uneven surface 8 formed on the socket plate 4 also has functions such as making it difficult for dirt to adhere, making it difficult for scratches to occur, making it difficult for excessive light reflection to occur, improving the touch feeling, anti-slip, or buffering. In particular, since the socket plate 4 is located around the front surface 501 of the socket device 1, by aligning the texture with the front surface 501 of the socket device 1, it becomes difficult for a sense of incongruity in the appearance of the socket system 10 to occur.

[0076] As described above, the power strip device 1 according to the present embodiment has the advantage that various functions can be imparted to the power strip device 1 without adding a separate member such as a power strip cover to the power strip device 1.

[0077] (3) Manufacturing method Hereinafter, the manufacturing method of the power strip device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6A to 6C.

[0078] The manufacturing method of this power strip device 1 has a molding step of molding the housing 5. In this manufacturing method, in the molding step, the uneven shape on the transfer surface M11 is transferred to the front surface 501 of the housing 5 by using a mold M1 having an uneven shape on the transfer surface M11, thereby forming the undulating surface 8.

[0079] That is, the cover 51 and the body 52 constituting the housing 5 are created by resin molding using the mold M1 as shown in FIG. 6A. In the present embodiment, as an example, compression molding is employed in the molding step. That is, in the molding step, a molding material (resin material) is placed in the cavity of the heated mold M1, and the housing 5 (cover 51 and body 52) is created by pressurizing and curing it with a compression molding machine.

[0080] Here, when the resin material is cured, as shown in FIG. 6B, the mold M1 is separated from the housing 5 (here, the cover 51) by moving the transfer surface M11 of the mold M1 in a direction away from the front surface 501. As shown in FIG. 6C, the transfer surface M11 has an uneven shape. The uneven shape on the transfer surface M11 of the mold M1 is formed by, for example, chemical treatment by etching, or physical treatment such as sandblasting or polishing treatment that does not result in a mirror finish.

[0081] As described above, during compression molding, the concavo-convex shape of the transfer surface M11 is transferred to the front surface 501 of the housing 5 (cover 51), and a undulating surface 8 is formed on the front surface 501. Thus, the undulating surface 8 is formed by embossing (boss processing). Also, the undulating surface 8 other than the front surface 501 is formed by transferring the concavo-convex shape of the transfer surface M11 of the mold M1 to the housing 5.

[0082] That is, in this embodiment, the housing 5 of the socket device 1 can realize a configuration in which the undulating surface 8 is formed on the front surface 501 and the like even if it is unpainted (paintless).

[0083] According to such a manufacturing method of the socket device 1, the undulating surface 8 can be integrally formed with the housing 5 when the housing 5 (cover 51 and body 52) is molded. Therefore, for example, compared with the case where the undulating surface 8 is formed on the front surface 501 and the like of the housing 5 by sandblasting or the like after the housing 5 is molded, the number of steps can be reduced and the productivity is improved.

[0084] For the socket plate 4 (decoration plate 41 and fixing plate 42) as well, the undulating surface 8 can be formed by the same manufacturing method as that of the housing 5.

[0085] (4) Modification Embodiment 1 is only one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. Embodiment 1 can be variously modified according to design and the like as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. Each figure described in the present disclosure is a schematic figure, and the ratio of the size and thickness of each component in each figure does not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratio.

[0086] Hereinafter, modification examples of Embodiment 1 will be listed. The modification examples described below can be applied in appropriate combinations. Hereinafter, for the same configurations as those in Embodiment 1, common reference numerals are given and the description will be omitted as appropriate.

[0087] As a modification of Embodiment 1, as shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C, the cross-sectional shape of the uneven surface 8, that is, the shapes of the concave portions 801 and the convex portions 802 included in the uneven surface 8 can be appropriately changed. In the example of FIG. 7A, the uneven surface 8A has a configuration in which a plurality of concave portions 801 having the same shape and a plurality of convex portions 802 having the same shape are regularly arranged so that exactly the same pattern is continuous. That is, the uneven surface 8A has an exactly uniform shape. Further, in the example of FIG. 7B, the uneven surface 8B adopts a shape symmetric with respect to the concave portion 801 and the convex portion 802. That is, the minimum curvature radius of the concave portion 801 and the minimum curvature radius of the convex portion 802 are substantially the same for the uneven surface 8B. Further, in the example of FIG. 7C, the uneven surface 8C has a difference in shape between the concave portion 801 and the convex portion 802 such that the minimum curvature radius of the concave portion 801 is smaller than the minimum curvature radius of the convex portion 802. In other words, the convex portion 802 of the uneven surface 8C constitutes a smoother surface than the concave portion 801.

[0088] Also, as a modification of Embodiment 1, as shown in FIGS. 8A to 8C, the range of the uneven surface 8 in the outlet device 1 or the outlet system 10 can be appropriately changed.

[0089] In the example of FIG. 8A, the uneven surface 8 is formed only on the outlet device 1 in the outlet system 10. That is, in the example of FIG. 8A, the uneven surface 8 is not formed on the outlet plate 4. Further, in the example of FIG. 8A, on the front surface 501 of the outlet device 1, chamfered portions 72 are formed around the insertion openings 7, respectively. The chamfered portion 72 is a depression formed on the front surface 501 so as to gradually become deeper as it approaches the peripheral edge of the insertion opening 7. Therefore, when the insertion piece 21 of the plug 2 is inserted into the insertion opening 7, the insertion piece 21 is guided to the insertion opening 7 at the bottom surface of the chamfered portion 72. In the example of FIG. 8A, an uneven surface 8 (second uneven surface 82) is also formed on the bottom surface of the chamfered portion 72.

[0090] In the example of FIG. 8B, the uneven surface 8 is formed only on the socket device 1 of the socket system 10. Further, in the example of FIG. 8B, the uneven surface 8 is formed not over the entire front surface 501 of the socket device 1 but in a range excluding the outer peripheral portion of the front surface 501. In other words, the uneven surface 8 is not formed on the outer peripheral portion of the front surface 501.

[0091] In the example of FIG. 8C, the uneven surface 8 is formed only on the socket device 1 of the socket system 10. Further, in the example of FIG. 8C, the uneven surface 8 is not formed on the inner peripheral surface 71 of the insertion port 7 in the socket device 1.

[0092] Also, it is not essential that the uneven surface 8 be classified into the first uneven surface 81 and the second uneven surface 82 as in the first embodiment. That is, for example, the uneven surface 8 formed on the socket device 1 and the socket plate 4 may be unified into one type of uneven surface 8. Alternatively, the uneven surface 8 formed on the socket device 1 and the socket plate 4 may be classified into three or more types.

[0093] Also, the socket device 1 is not limited to having no ground electrode and may have a ground electrode, or may be, for example, a socket (Outlet) for AC 200V or DC. Further, the socket device 1 is not limited to the A-type plug 2 in which the insertion piece 21 is a plug blade, and may be, for example, for a B-type or C-type plug 2 in which the insertion piece 21 is a pin. Also, the socket device 1 is not limited to a two-port type socket, and may be, for example, a three-port type socket capable of simultaneously connecting three plugs 2, or a socket with four or more ports.

[0094] Also, the plug 2 connected to the socket device 1 is not limited to the plug 2 provided at the tip of the cable of the load, and may be, for example, a plug 2 of a load in which the housing and the plug 2 are integrated, such as a charger.

[0095] In addition, the power outlet device 1 may further include, for example, a switch that switches between the energized state and the non-energized state of the load, and a protection circuit that detects abnormal currents such as overcurrent or leakage current or overheating and cuts off the power supply to the load. Further, the power outlet device 1 may further include a sensor such as a human presence sensor or a function such as a timer.

[0096] In addition, the power outlet device 1 and the power outlet system 10 are not limited to indoor use, and may be used, for example, in a specific space in an outdoor facility such as a park or a ground. In the case of outdoor use, it is preferable that the power outlet device 1 satisfies predetermined performance with respect to waterproofness (including rainproofness and drip-proofness) and weather resistance.

[0097] In addition, the power outlet device 1 is not limited to an embedded wiring device. That is, the power outlet device 1 may be an "exposed type" wiring device that is entirely arranged from the surface of the attachment object 3 such as a wall. In this case, the power outlet device 1 is attached to the attachment object 3 using an exposed type switch box instead of an embedded type. Further, the power outlet device 1 may be attached to the attachment object 3 using an attachment member other than a switch box, such as a clip. Furthermore, it is not essential that the power outlet device 1 and the power outlet system 10 be attached to the attachment object 3 such as a wall, and they may not be attached to the attachment object 3. Also, when the body 52 is exposed, the uneven surface 8 may be formed not only on the cover 51 but also on the body 52.

[0098] Also, it is not an essential configuration of the power outlet system 10 that at least a part of the surface 411 of the power outlet plate 4 of the power outlet system 10 is the uneven surface 8. That is, the surface 411 of the power outlet plate 4 may not be the uneven surface 8. Even in this case, by having at least a part of the front surface 501 of the power outlet device 1 be the uneven surface 8, there is an advantage that various functions can be imparted to the power outlet device 1 without adding a separate member such as a power outlet cover.

[0099] Also, if the uneven surface 8 is in the same plane, having a substantially uniform pattern (i.e., concave-convex shape) is not an essential configuration of the socket device 1. For example, even if the uneven surface 8 is in the same plane, the pattern may vary depending on the part. Alternatively, the uneven surface 8 may have a strictly identical pattern continuously, like a geometric pattern.

[0100] Also, if the uneven surface 8 is in the same plane, having an isotropic pattern (i.e., concave-convex shape) is not an essential configuration of the socket device 1. For example, even if the uneven surface 8 is in the same plane, it may have an anisotropic pattern with a pattern varying depending on the direction. An example of this type of anisotropic pattern is a wood grain pattern or a hairline pattern.

[0101] Also, the mounting frame 43 does not have to be integral with the socket device 1. That is, the socket device 1 may be fixed to the mounting object 3 using a mounting frame 43 that is separate from the socket device 1. Furthermore, the mounting frame 43 is not limited to being made of metal and may be made of resin or may be configured by combining metal and resin.

[0102] Also, the housing 5 and the socket plate 4 of the socket device 1 are not limited to being unpainted (paintless) and at least a part thereof may be painted.

[0103] Also, the socket device 1 may have a locking mechanism that prevents the plug 2 from coming off. The locking mechanism, for example, prevents the insertion piece 21 of the plug 2 from coming off by rotating the plug 2.

[0104] Also, the supply of power from the socket device 1 to the plug 2 is not an essential configuration of the socket device 1, and power may be supplied from the plug 2 to the socket device 1. For example, when the plug 2 of a power generation device is connected to the socket device 1, power is supplied from the plug 2 of the power generation device to the socket device 1.

[0105] Further, the socket device 1 may include a door body that is movable between a closed position and an open position within the insertion port 7. The closed position is a position where the door body covers the connection member 6, and the open position is a position where the door body does not cover (exposes) the connection member 6.

[0106] Also, the manufacturing method of the socket device 1 (and the socket plate 4) is not limited to the method described in Embodiment 1. For example, after forming the housing 5, an uneven surface 8 may be formed by performing a surface treatment such as sandblasting on the front surface 501 of the housing 5 or the like.

[0107] (Embodiment 2) The socket device 1D according to the present embodiment is different from the socket device 1 according to Embodiment 1 in that it is a single-outlet type socket as shown in FIG. 9. Hereinafter, for the same configurations as those in Embodiment 1, the same reference numerals will be given and the description will be omitted as appropriate.

[0108] That is, in the present embodiment, the socket device 1D has a pair of insertion ports 7 so as to correspond to one plug 2. Also in the present embodiment, the socket device 1D includes a housing 5. The housing 5 has a cover 51 and a body 52.

[0109] Here, a pair of first protrusions 512 are provided on both end faces in the left-right direction (left end face and right end face) of the cover 51. Similarly, a pair of second protrusions 522 are provided on both end faces in the left-right direction (left end face and right end face) of the body 52. In the present embodiment, the body 52 and the cover 51 are mechanically coupled by an assembly frame different from the mounting frame 43 using these first protrusions 512 and second protrusions 522.

[0110] That is, in the present embodiment, the assembly frame is attached to the housing 5 so as to hold the first protrusion 512 and the second protrusion 522 from both sides in the front-rear direction, thereby coupling the body 52 and the cover 51. In other words, in the state where the body 52 and the cover 51 are combined in the front-rear direction, the assembly frame sandwiches the first protrusion 512 and the second protrusion 522 in the front-rear direction, thereby preventing the first protrusion 512 and the second protrusion 522 from moving relatively apart. As a result, the opening between the body 52 and the cover 51 is prevented, and the body 52 and the cover 51 are coupled.

[0111] Also in the power outlet device 1D according to the present embodiment, the uneven surface 8 is formed on at least a part of the front surface 501 and the outer peripheral surface 502 of the housing 5 (cover 51), in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Further, the uneven surface 8 is also formed on at least a part of the inner peripheral surface 71 of the insertion port 7. In other words, at least a part of the front surface 501, the outer peripheral surface 502, and the inner peripheral surface 71 of the insertion port 7 of the housing 5 is the uneven surface 8. Among the front surface 501, the outer peripheral surface 502, and the inner peripheral surface 71 of the insertion port 7, the front surface 501 is the first uneven surface 81, and the outer peripheral surface 502 and the inner peripheral surface 71 of the insertion port 7 are the second uneven surface 82 (see FIGS. 10A to 10D).

[0112] As shown in FIG. 10A, the entire area of the front surface 501 is the uneven surface 8 (first uneven surface 81). Regarding the outer peripheral surface 502 (cover side surface 511), as shown in FIGS. 10B to 10D, when the outer peripheral surface 502 is divided into two regions in the front-rear direction, only the region on the front end side (the front surface 501 side) is the uneven surface 8 (second uneven surface 82). Regarding the inner peripheral surface 71 of the insertion port 7, as shown in FIG. 10C, only the tapered surface 701 among the tapered surface 701 and the inner side surface 702 is the uneven surface 8 (second uneven surface 82).

[0113] Also in the power outlet device 1D according to the present embodiment, there is an advantage that various functions can be imparted to the power outlet device 1D without adding another member such as a power outlet cover to the power outlet device 1D.

[0114] Further, as a modification of Embodiment 2, as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the power strip device 1D may form a power strip system 10D, 10E together with the power strip plate 4 and another power strip device 1E.

[0115] In the example of FIG. 11A, the power strip device 1E included in the power strip system 10D is a power strip device with a size of two modules, which has a function as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) outlet. This power strip device 1E has an insertion port 7 (USB receptacle) on its front surface 501 into which a USB plug of a load can be inserted and connected, and is configured to output a 5V DC voltage to the load through the insertion port 7. In this example, in both the power strip device 1D and the power strip device 1E, at least on its front surface 501, a corrugated surface 8 (first corrugated surface 81) is formed.

[0116] In the example of FIG. 11B, the power strip system 10E includes two power strip devices 1D and one USB power strip device 1E. The power strip device 1E is a power strip device with a size of one module, which has a function as a USB outlet. In this example, in both the two power strip devices 1D and the power strip device 1E, at least on its front surface 501, a corrugated surface 8 (first corrugated surface 81) is formed.

[0117] The configurations (including modifications) described in Embodiment 2 can be adopted in appropriate combination with the various configurations (including modifications) described in Embodiment 1.

[0118] (Summary) As described above, the power strip device (1, 1A to 1E) according to the first aspect includes a housing (5) and a connection member (6). The housing (5) has a front surface (501). The connection member (6) is housed in the housing (5) and is electrically connected to the plug (2). A plug insertion port (7) for inserting the plug (2) is formed in the front surface (501). At least a part of the front surface (501) is an uneven surface (8, 8A to 8C) including at least one of a plurality of concave portions (801) and a plurality of convex portions (802).

[0119] According to this aspect, since at least a part of the front surface (501) is an uneven surface (8, 8A to 8C), various functions due to the uneven surface (8, 8A to 8C) can be imparted to the front surface (501) of the housing (5) in which the plug insertion port (7) is formed. Examples of the functions due to the uneven surface (8, 8A to 8C) include functions such as being less likely to get dirty, less likely to get scratched, or less likely to cause excessive light reflection. Therefore, there is an advantage that various functions can be imparted to the power strip device (1, 1A to 1E) without adding a separate member such as a power strip cover to the power strip device (1, 1A to 1E).

[0120] In the power strip device (1, 1A to 1E) according to the second aspect, in the first aspect, the entire front surface (501) is an uneven surface (8, 8A to 8C). The portion of the housing (5) including the front surface (501) is made of urea resin.

[0121] According to this aspect, various functions due to the uneven surface (8, 8A to 8C) can be imparted to at least the entire front surface (501).

[0122] In the power strip device (1, 1A to 1E) according to the third aspect, in the first or second aspect, the housing (5) further has an outer peripheral surface (502) that intersects the front surface (501) and is adjacent to the front surface (501). At least a part of the outer peripheral surface (502) is a corrugated surface (8, 8A to 8C). The corrugated surface (8, 8A to 8C) of the outer peripheral surface (502) has a smaller depth of each of the plurality of recesses (801) or a smaller height of each of the plurality of protrusions (802) compared to the corrugated surface (8, 8A to 8C) of the front surface (501).

[0123] According to this aspect, since the corrugated surface (8, 8A to 8C) is also formed on at least a part of the outer peripheral surface (502), various functions by the corrugated surface (8, 8A to 8C) can be imparted not only to the front surface (501) but also to the outer peripheral surface (502).

[0124] In the power strip device (1, 1A to 1E) according to the fourth aspect, in any of the first to third aspects, at least a part of the inner peripheral surface (71) of the insertion port (7) is a corrugated surface (8, 8A to 8C).

[0125] According to this aspect, the corrugated surface (8, 8A to 8C) can reduce the frictional resistance between the plug (2) and the inner peripheral surface (71) of the insertion port (7), and the operating feeling when inserting and removing the plug (2) is improved.

[0126] The power strip system (10, 10A to 10E) according to the fifth aspect includes the power strip device (1, 1A to 1E) according to any of the first to fourth aspects and a frame-shaped power strip plate (4). The power strip plate (4) has a window hole (401). The power strip plate (4) is combined with the power strip device (1, 1A to 1E) so as to expose the front surface (501) from the window hole (401). At least a part of the surface (411) of the power strip plate (4) is a corrugated surface (8, 8A to 8C).

[0127] According to this aspect, since at least a part of the front surface (501) is a corrugated surface (8, 8A to 8C), various functions due to the corrugated surface (8, 8A to 8C) can be imparted to the front surface (501) of the housing (5) in which the insertion port (7) is formed. As an example of the functions due to the corrugated surface (8, 8A to 8C), there are functions such as being less likely to get dirty, less likely to get scratched, or less likely to cause excessive light reflection. Therefore, according to the power outlet system (10, 10A to 10E), there is an advantage that various functions can be imparted to the power outlet device (1, 1A to 1E) without adding a separate member such as a power outlet cover to the power outlet device (1, 1A to 1E).

[0128] The manufacturing method of the power outlet device (1, 1A to 1E) according to the sixth aspect is the manufacturing method of the power outlet device (1, 1A to 1E) according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, and in the molding step of molding the housing (5), a corrugated surface (8, 8A to 8C) is formed. In the molding step, by using a mold (M1) having an uneven shape on the transfer surface (M11) and transferring the uneven shape of the transfer surface (M11) to the front surface (501) of the housing (5), a corrugated surface (8, 8A to 8C) is formed.

[0129] According to this aspect, for example, compared with the case where a corrugated surface (8, 8A to 8C) is formed on the front surface (501) of the housing (5) by sandblasting or the like after the housing (5) is molded, the number of steps can be reduced and the productivity is improved. Moreover, there is an advantage that various functions can be imparted to the power outlet device (1, 1A to 1E) without adding a separate member such as a power outlet cover to the power outlet device (1, 1A to 1E).

[0130] Regarding the configurations according to the second to fourth aspects, they are not essential configurations for the power outlet device (1, 1A to 1E) and can be appropriately omitted.

Explanation of Signs

[0131] 1, 1A to 1E Power outlet device 2 Plug 4 Power outlet plate 5 Housing 6 Connecting member 7 Insertion port 8, 8A~8C Undulating surface 10, 10A~10E Outlet system 71 Inner peripheral surface 401 Window hole 411 Surface 501 Front surface 502 Outer peripheral surface 801 Recess 802 Protrusion M1 Mold M11 Transfer surface

Claims

1. A housing having a front surface, and a connection member housed within the housing and electrically connected to a plug, wherein an insertion opening for inserting the plug is formed in the front surface, at least a part of the front surface is an undulating surface formed with a plurality of concave portions and a plurality of convex portions, a recess is formed around the insertion opening, and at least a part of the recess is formed with the undulating surface, a minimum radius of curvature of the plurality of concave portions is larger than a minimum radius of curvature of the plurality of convex portions, A socket device.

2. A housing having a front surface, and a connection member housed within the housing and electrically connected to a plug, wherein an insertion opening for inserting the plug is formed in the front surface, at least a part of the front surface is an undulating surface formed with a plurality of concave portions and a plurality of convex portions, a recess is formed around the insertion opening, and at least a part of the recess is formed with the undulating surface, the plurality of concave portions and the plurality of convex portions form an isotropic concavo-convex shape, A socket device.

3. A housing having a front surface, and a connection member housed within the housing and electrically connected to a plug, wherein an insertion opening for inserting the plug is formed in the front surface, at least a part of the front surface is an undulating surface formed with a plurality of concave portions and a plurality of convex portions, a recess is formed around the insertion opening, and at least a part of the recess is formed with the undulating surface, the undulating surface formed in the recess has a smaller depth of each of the plurality of concave portions or a smaller height of each of the plurality of convex portions as compared with the undulating surface of the front surface, A socket device.

4. The undulating surface is formed on a bottom surface of the recess. The socket device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3.

5. The housing further has an outer peripheral surface that intersects the front surface and is adjacent to the front surface, and at least a part of the outer peripheral surface is the undulating surface. The socket device according to any one of Claims 1 to 4.

6. The undulating surface is formed in a region excluding an outer peripheral portion of the front surface. The socket device according to any one of Claims 1 to 5.

7. An inner peripheral surface surrounding the plug of the insertion opening has a tapered surface and an inner surface, and the undulating surface is formed on the tapered surface. The socket device according to any one of Claims 1 to 6. According to claim 8, the inner peripheral surface surrounding the plug of the insertion port has a tapered surface and an inner surface, and the undulating surface is not formed on the tapered surface and the inner surface. The power outlet device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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