Floor outlet plate block and floor outlet

Abstract

To enable smooth opening and closing of a cord chip and stably maintain an opened state.SOLUTION: A floor receptacle 1 comprises a plate block 10 and a fixture block 80. The plate block 10 includes: a plate frame 11; and a lid 12 that opens and closes an open part 21 of the plate frame 11. The lid 12 includes: a lid body 30 including projections 34a and 34b; and a cord chip 40 held by the projections 34a and 34b. The cord chip 40 includes: a top board 41; and leg pieces 42a and 42b formed with grooves 44 in which the projections 34a and 34b are fitted. The floor receptacle is configured to take a first state where an upper surface of the top board 41 is arranged along the upper surface of a base part 31 of the lid body 30 and the open part 21 is closed, and a second state where the top board 41 is inclined so that a part of the open part 21 is opened.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a floor outlet plate block and a floor outlet using the plate block.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, floor outlets embedded in the floor have been widely known (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3). A floor outlet includes, for example, a plate block disposed on the floor surface, a socket unit into which a plug is inserted, and an appliance block embedded in the floor, and the lid of the plate block is configured to be openable and closable. When the outlet is not in use, the lid of the plate block is closed and the appliance block is concealed, and by opening this lid, a plug can be inserted. Further, a cord chip for passing a cord is provided on the lid of the plate block.

[0003] Floor outlets are installed, for example, in a free access floor (also called an OA floor). A free access floor is formed by laying floor panels on top of the original floor and has a double structure in which electrical wiring, network wiring, etc. can be arranged in the space created under the floor panels. Panel openings for installing outlets are formed in the floor panels. Also, in a free access floor, generally, a surface material such as a tile carpet is disposed on the floor panels to conceal the floor panels.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

[0005] When a cord is connected to a floor outlet, the cord tip opens. However, with conventional outlets, the cord tip may not open and close smoothly. Furthermore, it may not be able to maintain the open position stably. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The plate block for a floor outlet according to this disclosure is a plate block for a floor outlet, comprising a plate frame and a lid rotatably supported with respect to the plate frame and opening and closing an opening in the plate frame, wherein the lid has a lid body and a cord tip held by the lid body, and the cord tip includes a top plate and a leg piece extending downward from the top plate, and is configured to take a first state in which the opening is closed such that the upper surface of the top plate is aligned with the upper surface of the lid body, and a second state in which the top plate is lifted and a part of the opening is opened, and a projection or shaft is provided on one of the lid body and the leg piece, and a receiving portion for the projection or shaft is formed on the other of the lid body and the leg piece.

[0007] The floor outlet according to this disclosure is a floor outlet installed in an opening in a floor panel, comprising: a plate frame disposed on the lower surface of a step formed at the edge of the opening; a plate block rotatably supported with respect to the plate frame and including a lid for opening and closing the opening of the plate frame; and an appliance block including an outlet unit to which the plate block is fixed, wherein the lid has a lid body and a cord tip held by the lid body, and the cord tip includes a top plate and a leg piece extending downward from the top plate, and is configured to take a first state in which the opening is closed such that the upper surface of the top plate is aligned with the upper surface of the lid body, and a second state in which the top plate is lifted and a part of the opening is opened, and a projection or shaft is provided on one of the lid body and the leg piece, and a receiving portion for the projection or shaft is formed on the other of the lid body and the leg piece. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The plate block for floor outlets according to this disclosure allows the cord tip to open and close smoothly. For example, when a cord is connected, the height of the cord tip protruding from the floor surface can be kept low, while stably maintaining the cord tip open at the desired angle. In this case, the cord tip is less likely to get in the way, and the risk of it being kicked is reduced. In addition, the inside of the outlet becomes less visible, improving its appearance. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a floor outlet, which is an example of an embodiment, showing the cord tip in an open state. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of an embodiment, where a floor outlet is installed on a raised access floor. [Figure 3] Figure 2 shows the state after removing part of the surface material and floor panel. [Figure 4] This is a diagram showing an example of a floor panel. [Figure 5] This is an exploded perspective view of a floor outlet, which is an example of an embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of the plate block from below, showing the code chip in the open position. [Figure 7] This is a plan view of the plate frame that makes up the plate block. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of a floor outlet installed in an opening in a floor panel, with the cord tip in the open position. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 8. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view of the code chip that makes up the lid of the plate block. [Figure 11] This diagram shows the code tip in the closed position. [Figure 12]This is a diagram showing the state where the code chip is open. [Figure 13] This is a diagram for explaining the usage mode of a floor outlet which is an example of an embodiment. [Figure 14] This is a diagram for explaining the usage mode of a floor outlet which is an example of an embodiment. [Figure 15] This is a diagram showing a first modification example of the code chip, showing the state where the code chip is closed. [Figure 16] This is a diagram showing a first modification example of the code chip, showing the state where the code chip is open. [Figure 17] This is a diagram showing a second modification example of the code chip, showing the state where the code chip is closed. [Figure 18] This is a diagram showing a second modification example of the code chip, showing the state where the code chip is open. [Figure 19] This is a diagram showing a first modification example of the plate frame constituting the plate block. [Figure 20] This is a diagram showing a second modification example of the plate frame constituting the plate block.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, an example of an embodiment of a plate block for a floor outlet according to the present disclosure and a floor outlet using the plate block will be described in detail. Note that a form formed by selectively combining the components of a plurality of embodiments and modification examples described below is included in the scope of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a floor outlet 1, which is an example of an embodiment, showing the cord tip 40 of the plate block 10 in an open state. As shown in Figure 1, the floor outlet 1 comprises a plate block 10, a fixture block 80 including an outlet unit 81, and a cover 90 covering the fixture block 80. The plate block 10 is a component placed on the floor surface, and the surface of the block, together with the tile carpet 102 described later, forms the floor surface. The plate block 10 is also commonly called a floor plate. The floor outlet 1 is installed with the fixture block 80 and cover 90 embedded in the floor.

[0012] The floor outlet 1 may be circular, square, or the like in plan view, but in this embodiment it has a rectangular shape in plan view. The plan view shape (shape when viewed from above) of the floor outlet 1 depends on the shape of the plate block 10. The plan view shape of the plate block 10 may be circular, square, or the like, but in this embodiment it is rectangular.

[0013] In this specification, for the sake of explanation, terms indicating up / down, front / back, and left / right directions are used. In this embodiment, the up / down direction of the floor outlet 1 and its components refers to the direction along the vertical direction when the outlet is mounted on a flat floor with a horizontal surface. The direction along the rotation axis of the cover 12 of the plate block 10 is defined as the left / right direction, and the direction perpendicular to the up / down and left / right directions is defined as the front / back direction. In a rectangular floor outlet 1 in plan view, the direction along the longer side of the rectangle is the front / back direction, and the direction along the shorter side is the left / right direction (left and right are relative to the front).

[0014] Floor outlet 1 is a power outlet equipped with an outlet unit 81 into which a plug is inserted. However, the floor outlet according to this disclosure is not limited to a power outlet for supplying electricity, but in a broad sense any outlet to which a cable is connected, such as an optical outlet, a LAN outlet, a telephone line outlet, or other information outlets or various outlets called modular outlets.

[0015] The plate block 10, fixture block 80, and cover 90 that make up the floor outlet 1 are each made as separate components and are integrated by screw fastening. Therefore, for example, if the plate block 10 is damaged, only the plate block 10 can be replaced. Also, if the shape and size match, the plate block 10 can be attached to a fixture block other than the fixture block 80 and used.

[0016] The plate block 10 comprises a plate frame 11 and a lid 12. The plate frame 11 has a frame body 20 with an opening 21 (see Figure 5, etc.) formed therein, and is a member that rotatably supports the lid 12. The lid 12 is a member that opens and closes the opening 21 of the frame body 20, and is closed when the floor outlet 1 is not in use. When a plug is inserted into the outlet unit 81, the lid 12 opens and the opening 21 is opened wide (see Figure 13). The lid 12 has a lid body 30 and a cord tip 40 that is rotatably supported relative to the lid body 30. Figure 1 shows the state in which the lid body 30 is closed and only the cord tip 40 is open.

[0017] As will be explained in more detail later, the plate frame 11 has protrusions 27a and 27b that project outward from the ends of the frame body 20, along the surface direction of the plate. The protrusions 27a and 27b support the tile carpet 102, suppressing the sinking of the tile carpet 102 around the outlet, and ensuring a beautiful installation condition is maintained over the long term. In addition, the screw insertion holes 24a and 24b used to fix the plate block 10 and the fixture block 80 are elongated holes that extend in at least one direction. In this case, the position of the plate block 10 can be easily adjusted according to the arrangement of the tile carpet 102.

[0018] The cord tip 40, which forms part of the lid 12, is a component that forms an opening for passing a cord through, and is also called a wire-passing tip. When the cord tip 40 is opened while the lid body 30 is closed, a part of the opening 21 is opened, making it possible to pass a cord through. That is, when the floor outlet 1 is in use and a cord is connected, the cord tip 40 shown in Figure 1 is in an open state. The cord tip 40 has a top plate 41 and leg pieces 42a and 42b extending downward from the top plate 41, and is held in place by projections 34a and 34b formed on the lid body 30 (see Figure 5 for projection 34b) fitting into grooves 44 formed on the leg pieces 42a and 42b.

[0019] In this embodiment, the lid body 30 is provided with protrusions 34a and 34b, and grooves 44 are formed in the leg pieces 42a and 42b of the cord tip 40 to serve as receiving parts for the protrusions. However, it is also possible to adopt a structure in which the leg pieces are provided with protrusions or shafts, and the lid body is provided with receiving parts for the protrusions or shafts.

[0020] The code tip 40 is configured to rotate in the same direction as the lid body 30 by changing the positions of the protrusions 34a and 34b within the groove 44. In this case, as will be described later, it is possible to easily and quickly switch from a first state in which the upper surface of the top plate 41 is flush with the upper surface of the base 31 and the opening 21 of the plate frame 11 is closed, to a second state in which the top plate 41 is lifted and a part of the opening 21 is opened, and vice versa. In this specification, the first state may be referred to as the state in which the code tip 40 is closed (closed state), and the second state may be referred to as the state in which the code tip 40 is open (open state).

[0021] Furthermore, the plate frame 11 and lid 12 are preferably made of metal from the viewpoint of durability, etc. Although resin tips can be used for the code tips 40, metal tips are preferably used. The code tips 40 can be manufactured, for example, by die-casting a metal mainly composed of aluminum.

[0022] The fixture block 80 includes an outlet unit 81 into which a plug is inserted, and a mounting bracket 82 that supports the outlet unit 81. The mounting bracket 82 supports the outlet unit 81 so that it faces the direction of the cord tip 40 and is tilted in the vertical and horizontal directions. The plate block 10 is also screwed to the mounting bracket 82. The cover 90 surrounds the fixture block 80. The cover 90 is screwed to the fixture block 80, similar to the plate block 10.

[0023] The structure of the floor 100 on which the floor outlet 1 is installed, and the installation configuration of the floor outlet 1, will be described below with reference to Figures 2 to 4. Figures 2 and 3 show the floor outlet 1 installed on the floor 100. Figure 4 shows the floor panel 101 that makes up the floor 100.

[0024] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the floor outlet 1 is installed in a panel opening 103 formed in the floor panel 101. The floor outlet 1 is installed with the fixture block 80 inserted into the panel opening 103 and embedded in the floor, and the plate block 10 exposed on the floor surface. The floor 100 is a free-access floor and has a double structure formed by laying the floor panel 101 on top of the original floor. The space created between the original floor and the floor panel 101 is used as space for arranging electrical wiring, network wiring, etc.

[0025] The floor outlet 1 is installed in a panel opening 103, sandwiched between two floor panels 101, which are rectangular in plan view. The floor outlet 1 is inserted into a panel opening 103 formed at the end of the first floor panel 101, and is sandwiched from both sides by the first floor panel 101 and the second floor panel 101, which is positioned adjacent to it. As will be described in more detail later, the second floor panel 101, for example, does not have an opening and is positioned so that its straight-extending panel end abuts against the floor outlet 1.

[0026] A tile carpet 102 is arranged on the floor panel 101 as a surface material covering the panel surface. The floor outlet 1 is installed in the panel opening 103 such that the surface of the plate block 10 is aligned with the surface of the tile carpet 102, and more preferably, the surfaces of the tile carpet 102 and the plate block 10 are flush. In this specification, "flush" includes not only a state where there is absolutely no step difference, but also a state where there is substantially no step difference. The plate block 10, together with the tile carpet 102, forms a flat floor surface without any step difference. Generally, the tile carpet 102 has an opening formed in the floor 100 at the position corresponding to the floor outlet 1 into which the outlet is fitted. In this specification, the surface of the floor outlet 1 and its components that faces vertically upward is referred to as the "top surface".

[0027] The floor panel 101 may be made of resin or metal, but in this embodiment, a concrete panel is used. The floor panel 101 is made of fiber-reinforced concrete containing, for example, glass fibers. The tile carpet 102 is a panel-shaped surface material having a size similar to that of the floor panel 101. Various types of carpets made of different materials can be used for the tile carpet 102. An example of the thickness of the tile carpet 102 is about 5 mm.

[0028] As shown in Figure 4, the floor panel 101 has a square shape in plan view and a panel opening 103 formed in the center of one side of the square. The panel opening 103 is a roughly U-shaped recess in plan view, formed as if the panel had been cut out from the edge of the panel. The panel opening 103 is also elongated in the direction along that side of the panel. As shown in Figure 3, the floor outlet 1 is installed in the opening such that its long side (front-to-back direction) is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the panel opening 103.

[0029] A step is formed along the edge of the panel opening 103 in the floor panel 101. A lower section 104 is formed at the edge of the panel opening 103, which is lower than the surface of the panel. The lower section 104 has a constant width and depth along its entire length, for example. An example of the depth of the lower section 104 is 1 mm to 7 mm, or 4 mm to 6 mm. The size of the panel opening 103 is generally standardized among floor panel manufacturers, but the shape and size of the step portion differ among manufacturers.

[0030] The floor outlet 1 can be installed on various panels due to the function of the plate block 10. The floor outlet 1 consists of the plate frame 11 of the plate block 10 and the mounting bracket 82 of the fixture block 80, which are positioned on the lower surface 104. In addition, a portion of the plate frame 11 is positioned on the surface of the floor panel 101. At this time, the surface (top surface) of the plate block 10 protrudes from the surface of the floor panel 101, but by placing the tile carpet 102 on the floor panel 101, it becomes flush with the floor surface.

[0031] The size of the plate block 10 is not particularly limited, but as an example, its length in the front-to-back direction is 90 mm to 110 mm, and its length in the left-to-right direction is 45 mm to 55 mm. In this size, it is difficult to reach inside the outlet, so it is preferable to place the outlet unit 81 close to the floor. The floor outlet 1 is fixed to the panel by sandwiching the floor panel 101 from both sides in the thickness direction with a mounting bracket 82 and a fixing bracket 88 that is screwed to the mounting bracket 82. The fixing bracket 88 includes, for example, a stopper that hooks onto the back surface of the floor panel 101 and a screw that extends vertically to support the stopper.

[0032] In the plate block 10, when the lid 12 is closed, the lid 12 and the upper surface of the frame body 20 are flush. The lid 12 is opened by placing a finger on the finger rest 43 formed at the front end of the cord tip 40, lifting it, and rotating it backward. The finger rest 43 is a recess formed as if the top plate 41 has been cut out from its edge. The finger rest 43 is formed in a long, narrow shape in the left-right direction at the center of the top plate 41 in the left-right direction. The width (length in the front-back direction) of the finger rest 43 is, for example, 6 mm or more and 9 mm or less. In this case, good opening and closing operation of the lid 12 can be ensured while preventing the heel from getting caught in the finger rest 43. The length (length in the left-right direction) of the finger rest 43 is, for example, 10 mm or more and 20 mm or less.

[0033] The overall structure of floor outlet 1 will be explained in more detail below, with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of floor outlet 1.

[0034] As shown in Figure 5, the floor outlet 1 has a structure in which the plate block 10 and cover 90 are screwed to the mounting bracket 82 of the fixture block 80, and these three components are integrated. The screws 50 that fix the plate block 10 are passed through holes 24a and 24b formed in the plate frame 11 and fixed to screw holes 87a and 87b formed in the mounting bracket 82. For example, countersunk screws with a flat top surface and a conical seating surface are used for the screws 50. Similarly, the cover 90 is fixed to the mounting bracket 82 using screws 51.

[0035] The plate frame 11 has a rectangular frame body 20 in plan view and is positioned on the appliance block 80 so as to cover the entire block from above. The frame body 20 has thickened edges along the sides of the rectangle, and the upper surface of the inner portion surrounded by the edges is lower. A lid 12 is positioned on the inner portion of the frame body 20, and an opening 21 is formed to allow access to the outlet unit 81. A small opening 22 is formed behind the opening 21 of the frame body 20, and a shaft 25 that supports the lid 12 is positioned inside the opening 22.

[0036] Thin, plate-like fixing parts 23a and 23b are formed on the front and back of the opening 21 of the frame body 20. The fixing parts 23a and 23b each have insertion holes 24a and 24b and are screwed to the mounting bracket 82. The fixing parts 23a and 23b are thinner than the peripheral edge of the frame body 20, and their upper surfaces are one step lower than the upper surface of the peripheral edge. The fixing parts 23a and 23b also function as support parts for the lid 12. As will be described in more detail later, the leg pieces 42a and 42b of the cord tip 40 catch on the fixing part 23a, thereby maintaining the open state of the cord tip with the top plate 41 of the cord tip 40 tilted at a predetermined angle.

[0037] The lid 12 is positioned inside the frame body 20 and is rotatably supported relative to the frame body 20 by a shaft 25 fixed to the rear of the frame body 20. When closed, the lid 12 fits inside the frame body 20, and its upper surface is flush with the upper surface of the peripheral edge of the frame body 20. As described above, the lid 12 consists of a lid body 30 and a cord tip 40. The lid body 30 has a base 31 and two arm portions 32a and 32b extending from the base 31. The projections 34a and 34b that support the cord tip 40 (see Figure 1 for projection 34a, etc.) are formed on the tip sides of the arm portions 32a and 32b, respectively.

[0038] As described above, the fixture block 80 has a mounting bracket 82 for holding the outlet unit 81. The outlet unit 81 illustrated in Figure 5 is capable of holding one plug, but it may be a unit capable of holding multiple plugs. The outlet unit 81 is positioned so as to overlap the opening 21 of the plate frame 11 in the vertical direction, and is held with the plug insertion hole facing the cord tip 40. Fixing brackets 88 are attached one each to the front and rear ends of the mounting bracket 82.

[0039] The mounting bracket 82 is formed, for example, by bending a single metal plate so that the central part in the front-to-back direction is convex downwards. The first part 83 and the second part 84 located on both sides of the mounting bracket 82 in the front-to-back direction are formed flat along the front-to-back direction and are positioned on the lower surface 104 of the floor panel 101. The first part 83 and the second part 84 each have screw holes 87a and 87b, respectively, in areas that do not overlap with the lower surface 104, for which screws 50 are fixed.

[0040] The mounting bracket 82 has a fourth portion 86 that extends downward and forward from the second portion 84, to which the outlet unit 81 is attached, and a third portion 85 that connects the first portion 83 and the fourth portion 86. The fourth portion 86 has an opening into which the outlet unit 81 is inserted and is inclined to gradually move downward from the rear to the front. The third portion 85 is formed in a roughly L-shape in cross-section.

[0041] The structure of the plate block 10 that constitutes the floor outlet 1 will be explained in more detail below, with reference to Figures 6 to 12. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the plate block 10 seen from below, showing the cord tip 40 in the open position. Figure 7 is a plan view of the plate frame 11.

[0042] As shown in Figure 6, the plate block 10 is configured such that when the lid body 30 of the lid 12 is closed, a portion of the lid 12 is inserted into the opening 21 of the plate frame 11. More specifically, the arm portions 32a and 32b of the lid body 30 and the leg pieces 42a and 42b of the cord tip 40 are inserted into the opening 21 from above. That is, the opening 21 of the plate frame 11 is formed so that the arm portions 32a and 32b and the leg pieces 42a and 42b can be inserted into it. When the cord tip 40 is open, only the tips of the leg pieces 42a and 42b are inserted into the opening 21, and when the cord tip 40 is closed, most of the leg pieces 42a and 42b are inserted into the opening 21.

[0043] A shaft 25 that rotatably supports the lid 12 is provided along the left-right direction within the opening 22 of the plate frame 11. A bearing portion 33 formed on the rear end side of the lid body 30 is located within the opening 22. The opening 22 is smaller than the opening 21 in both the left-right and front-back directions, and shaft fixing portions 26 for fixing the shaft 25 to the frame body 20 are provided on both the left and right sides of the opening 22. The frame body 20 also has protruding portions 29a and 29b formed along one long side and one short side. The upper portions of the protruding portions 29a and 29b are formed so that they protrude outward more than the lower portions.

[0044] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the plate frame 11 has protrusions 27a and 27b that project outward from the ends of the frame body 20 along the surface direction of the plate. The upper surfaces of the protrusions 27a and 27b are lower than the upper surface of the frame body 20. The protrusions 27a and 27b are formed, for example, by the lower side portion of the plate frame 11 protruding outward more than the upper side portion. Here, the surface direction of the plate means the direction along the upper surface of the plate block 10 when the lid 12 is closed, or in other words, the direction along the floor surface. It is preferable that the upper surfaces of the protrusions 27a and 27b are parallel to the upper surface of the plate block 10.

[0045] The protrusions 27a and 27b are positioned on the lower surface 104 of the floor panel 101 and support the tile carpet 102 placed on the floor panel 101. The support of the tile carpet 102 by the protrusions 27a and 27b effectively suppresses the sinking of the tile carpet 102 around the floor outlet 1. The protrusions 27a and 27b serve as support parts for the tile carpet 102 and also reinforce the frame body 20, for example, to suppress deformation of the plate frame 11. The height difference between the upper surface of the frame body 20 and the upper surfaces of the protrusions 27a and 27b corresponds to the thickness of the tile carpet 102 and is substantially the same as the thickness of the carpet. An example of such a height difference is approximately 5 mm.

[0046] The protrusion 27a is provided along the long side of the frame body 20 and protrudes to the right from the right end of the frame body 20. The protrusion 27b is provided along the short side of the frame body 20 and protrudes forward from the front end of the frame body 20. In other words, in the plate frame 11, protrusions 27a and 27b are provided along one long side and one short side of the frame body 20, respectively. Note that the protrusions may be formed along only the long side or the short side of the frame body 20, but by forming two protrusions 27a and 27b, the sinking of the tile carpet 102 around the floor outlet 1 is more effectively suppressed.

[0047] The protrusion 27a may be formed along the entire length of the long side of the frame body 20, but in this embodiment, it is formed at a position away from both ends of the long side. The protrusion 27a is formed, for example, with a length of 50% to 95% or 70% to 90% of the long side of the frame body 20, and is located on the front end side of the frame body 20, rather than the rear end. Similarly, the protrusion 27b may be formed along the entire length of the short side of the frame body 20, but in this embodiment, it is formed at a position away from both ends of the short side. The protrusion 27b is formed, for example, with a length of 80% to 98% or 85% to 95% of the short side of the frame body 20.

[0048] The protrusions 27a may be formed intermittently along the long side of the frame body 20, but in this embodiment they are formed continuously. The longitudinal ends of the protrusions 27a may be curved to give them a rounded shape. The protrusions 27a have a constant protruding length (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "width") over the entire length, for example, excluding both ends in the longitudinal direction. An example of the width of the protrusions 27a is 3 mm or more and 6 mm or less. Similarly, the protrusions 27b may be formed intermittently along the short side of the frame body 20, but in this embodiment they are formed continuously. The longitudinal ends of the protrusions 27b may also be chamfered and curved to give them a rounded shape.

[0049] The width of the protrusion 27a may be the same as or different from the width of the protrusion 27b. In this embodiment, the protrusion 27a is formed to be slightly wider than the protrusion 27b. The width of the protrusion 27b is, for example, 80% to 99% of the width of the protrusion 27a. The protrusion 27b has a constant width over its entire length, excluding the chamfered portion. The upper surface of the protrusion 27a is at the same height as the upper surface of the protrusion 27b. The protrusions 27a and 27b are positioned on the lower cross section 104 such that their upper surfaces are at the same height as the surface of the floor panel 101.

[0050] A second protrusion 28 is formed on the lower surface of the protrusion 27a, projecting downward at a position that does not overlap with the fixture block 80. The protrusion 28 abuts against the lower cross section 104 of the floor panel 101, for example, under normal circumstances or when a load is applied to the plate frame 11. The protrusion 28 is formed at a position away from both ends of the protrusion 27a in the longitudinal direction, and in a range that does not abut against the mounting bracket 82. Both ends of the protrusion 27a in the longitudinal direction are positioned on the first part 83 and the second part 84 of the mounting bracket 82, respectively, but the central part of the protrusion 27a in the longitudinal direction is floating above the lower cross section 104, as there is no bracket below it. In other words, the protrusion 28 functions as a support column for the protrusion 27a.

[0051] The protrusion 28 has a projection length (thickness) that corresponds to, for example, the thickness of the mounting bracket 82 (first portion 83 and second portion 84). Furthermore, the length of the protrusion 28 is preferably close to the distance between the first portion 83 and the second portion 84 in the front-rear direction, but within a range shorter than this distance. The protrusion 28 may be formed wider than the protrusion 27a, but preferably it does not extend into the opening 21. The width of the protrusion 28 may be less than or equal to the width of the protrusion 27a. The protrusion 28 is formed, for example, in the left-right direction of the plate frame 11, from the outer edge of the protrusion 27a to within the range of the protrusion 27a.

[0052] On the other hand, the lower surface of the protrusion 27b is flat and does not have a protrusion. Since the protrusion 27b is positioned on the first portion 83 over substantially its entire length, it is preferable that its lower surface be flat. That is, when only a part of the protrusion is positioned on the lower cross section 104 via the mounting bracket 82, as in the case of the protrusion 27a, it is preferable to provide a second protrusion that functions as a support column.

[0053] As described above, the frame body 20 has protruding portions 29a and 29b at the ends opposite to the ends where the protrusions 27a and 27b are formed. The protruding portions 29a and 29b are formed by the upper side portion of the frame body 20 protruding outward more than the lower side portion. The protruding portion 29a is formed along one long side with a constant width, and the protruding portion 29b is formed along one short side with a constant width. That is, the protrusions 27a and the protruding portion 29a are arranged parallel to each other on both the left and right sides of the plate frame 11, and the protrusions 27b and the protruding portion 29b are arranged parallel to each other on both the front and rear sides of the plate frame 11.

[0054] The widths of the protruding portions 29a and 29b may be the same or different. The widths of the protruding portions 29a and 29b are, for example, 2 mm to 5 mm, and are about the same as the widths of the convex portions 27a and 27b. The protruding portion 29a may be formed along the entire length of the long side of the frame body 20, and the protruding portion 29b may be formed along the entire length of the short side of the frame body 20. The protruding portions 29a and 29b may also be formed continuously. The protruding portions 29a and 29b are arranged, for example, on the surface of the floor panel 101. The lower surface of the protruding portion 29a is at the same height as the lower surface of the protruding portion 29b.

[0055] As described above, the frame body 20 has through holes 24a and 24b through which screws 50 for fixing the plate frame 11 to the fixture block 80 are passed. The through holes 24a and 24b are elongated holes that extend in at least one of the long side direction (front-to-back direction) and the short side direction (left-to-right direction) of the frame body 20. By making the through holes 24a and 24b elongated holes, for example, the position of the plate block 10 can be moved forward or backward or left or right to make fine adjustments, and a good finish can be easily achieved without large gaps between the plate block 10 and the tile carpet 102.

[0056] The insertion hole 24a is formed in the fixing part 23a located on the front end side of the frame body 20 relative to the opening 21, and the insertion hole 24b is formed in the fixing part 23b located on the rear end side of the frame body 20 relative to the opening 21. In other words, the frame body 20 has a structure in which, from front to back, the fixing part 23a with the insertion hole 24a, the opening 21, and the fixing part 23b with the insertion hole 24b are arranged, and the insertion holes 24a and 24b are provided on both sides of the opening 21 in the front-rear direction of the frame body 20. In this case, the plate frame 11 can be stably fixed to the mounting bracket 82 on both sides of the opening 21. In addition, the length of the plate frame 11 in the left-right direction can be shortened, making it more compact.

[0057] The through holes 24a and 24b are formed to penetrate the fixing parts 23a and 23b in the vertical direction, and the heads of the screws 50 are locked to the periphery of the holes. Note that no screw threads are formed in the through holes 24a and 24b, and the screws 50 are fastened to the screw holes 87a and 87b of the mounting bracket 82. The through hole 24a is formed in the fixing part 23a, which is positioned on the first part 83 of the mounting bracket 82, at a position that overlaps vertically with the screw hole 87a formed in the first part 83. Similarly, the through hole 24b is formed in the fixing part 23b, which is positioned on the second part 84, at a position that overlaps vertically with the screw hole 87b formed in the second part 84.

[0058] The through holes 24a and 24b preferably have a shape that can accommodate the head of the screw 50 so that the head of the screw 50 does not protrude from the upper surface of the fixing part 23a. As described above, the screw 50 is a countersunk screw with a flat upper head and a conical seating surface. The peripheral edges of the through holes 24a and 24b are tapered to follow the seating surface of the screw 50. That is, the through holes 24a and 24b gradually increase in size from the lower side to the upper side of the fixing parts 23a and 23b. The tapered surface is formed along the entire length of the elongated hole, so that the head of the screw 50 fits into the through holes 24a and 24b regardless of the position in which the screw 50 is inserted, and for example, the upper surface of the head of the screw 50 is flush with the upper surface of the fixing parts 23a and 23b.

[0059] In this embodiment, both the insertion holes 24a and 24b are formed straight along the left-right direction. The insertion hole 24a is longer in the left-right direction than the screw hole 87a, allowing the plate block 10 to be moved left-right relative to the mounting bracket 82 by the length of the insertion hole 24a (the same applies to the insertion hole 24b). In this case, the gap between the long side of the frame body 20 and the tile carpet 102 can be effectively suppressed. Since gaps along the long side of the frame body 20 are more noticeable than gaps along the short side, it is preferable that the insertion holes 24a and 24b extend at least in the direction of the short side of the frame body 20.

[0060] The insertion holes 24a and 24b have the same length and their longitudinal directions are parallel to each other. The lengths of the insertion holes 24a and 24b are not particularly limited, but as an example, they are 5% to 40% or 10% to 30% of the left-right length of the plate frame 11. Furthermore, the insertion holes 24a and 24b are not aligned in the front-back direction, with the insertion hole 24a formed on one side of the fixing part 23a in the left-right direction and the insertion hole 24b formed on the other side of the fixing part 23b in the left-right direction.

[0061] Figure 8 shows the floor outlet 1 installed on the floor panel 101, with the cord tip 40 in the open position. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 8. Note that the tile carpet 102 is not shown in Figure 8, but it is shown in Figure 9. In Figures 8 and 9, the panel with the panel opening 103 is referred to as the first floor panel 101a, and the panel without the panel opening 103 is referred to as the second floor panel 101b.

[0062] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, when the floor outlet 1 is installed on the floor panel 101, the plate frame 11 of the plate block 10 is positioned on the lower cross section 104 of the stepped portion formed on the edge of the panel opening 103. Since the first part 83 and the second part 84 of the mounting bracket 82 are positioned on the lower cross section 104, the plate frame 11 is positioned on the lower cross section 104 via the mounting bracket 82. In addition, the through holes 24a and screw holes 87a are formed in positions that do not overlap with the lower cross section 104 so that the screws 50 that fix the plate frame 11 to the mounting bracket 82 do not interfere with the floor panel 101a (the same applies to the through holes 24b and screw holes 87b).

[0063] The protrusions 27a and 27b of the plate frame 11 are positioned on the lower cross section 104 via mounting brackets 82, and their upper surfaces are at the same height as the surface of the floor panel 101. If the lower cross section 104 is deep, the height of the plate frame 11 may be adjusted using spacers (not shown). The carpet tiles 102 are positioned abutting against the frame body 20 of the plate frame 11, and the opening edges of the carpet are supported by the protrusions 27a and 27b. As a result, no large gap is created between the frame body 20 and the carpet tiles 102, and the carpet tiles 102 do not sink around the floor outlet 1, resulting in a good finish on the floor surface.

[0064] As described above, the floor outlet 1 is sandwiched from both sides by two floor panels 101a and 101b. The floor outlet 1 is installed so as to be pushed into the panel opening 103 by the straight panel edge of floor panel 101b. Floor outlets are often installed in the opening formed by joining the openings of two panels, but with floor outlet 1, it can be installed in the opening of a single floor panel 101a. Therefore, there is a high degree of flexibility in the installation location of the outlet, and installation is easy.

[0065] In the examples shown in Figures 8 and 9, a portion of the plate frame 11 is positioned on the surface of the floor panel 101. Specifically, the overhang portion 29a formed along the long side of the frame body 20 is positioned on the surface of the floor panel 101b, and the overhang portion 29b formed along the short side of the frame body 20 is positioned on the surface of the floor panel 101a. In this case, a portion of the load acting on the plate frame 11 can be received by the surface of the floor panel 101, thereby improving the load-bearing capacity of the plate frame 11. Depending on the size of the step portion, the overhang portion 29b may not be positioned on the surface of the floor panel 101a, but it is preferable that at least the overhang portion 29a is positioned on the surface of the floor panel 101b.

[0066] The lid 12 is housed in an inner portion that is lower than the periphery of the plate frame 11 and is supported by fixing portions 23a and 23b of the frame body 20, which are screwed to the mounting bracket 82. Specifically, the lid body 30 is supported by the fixing portion 23b, and the cord tip 40 is supported by the fixing portion 23a. As will be described in more detail later, locking portions 45a and 45b are formed on the leg pieces 42a and 42b of the cord tip 40, and the locking portions 45a and 45b catch on the fixing portion 23a, thereby maintaining the open state of the cord tip 40 with the top plate 41 inclined relative to the floor surface. A screw 50 is placed on the fixing portion 23a, but its head is housed in the insertion hole 24a and does not protrude from the upper surface of the fixing portion 23a, so the screw 50 may be fixed in a position where it contacts the leg pieces 42a and 42b.

[0067] The outlet unit 81, fixed to the mounting bracket 82, is positioned in the center of the panel opening 103 in the longitudinal direction of the opening. The surface of the outlet unit 81 in which the insertion holes are formed (hereinafter referred to as the "unit surface") is inclined so as to be gradually positioned downward from the rear to the front of the outlet, and is oriented toward the cord tip 40. The unit surface is inclined backward at an angle of 30° to 60° or 40° to 50° with respect to the vertical direction, for example.

[0068] The unit surface is positioned so as to overlap the opening 21 of the plate frame 11 in the vertical direction, for example, so that at least all of the insertion holes overlap the opening 21 in the vertical direction. Furthermore, it is preferable that the unit surface be located close to the surface of the floor panel 101. In this embodiment, the entire unit surface is positioned within the panel opening 103. Therefore, plugs can be easily inserted and removed without having to reach inside the outlet.

[0069] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the code chip 40. Figure 11 shows the code chip 40 in the closed state, and Figure 12 shows the code chip 40 in the open state.

[0070] As shown in Figures 10 to 12, the cord tip 40 has a top plate 41 and two leg pieces 42a and 42b that are positioned opposite each other in the left-right direction along the axis 25 of the lid 12, and is held in place by projections 34a and 34b of the lid body 30 (see Figure 5 for projection 34b). The lid body 30 has a structure in which two arm portions 32a and 32b (see Figure 5, etc. for arm portion 32b) extend forward from both the left-right sides of a plate-shaped base portion 31 positioned behind the plate frame 11. The base portion 31 of the lid body 30 and the upper surface of the top plate 41 of the cord tip 40 are flush when the cord tip 40 is closed and are positioned along the floor surface. The arm portions 32a and 32b extend forward from the lower surface of the base portion 31, and their upper surfaces are lower than the upper surface of the base portion 31.

[0071] The cord tip 40 is positioned on the arm portions 32a and 32b. In this embodiment, the base portion 31 and the top plate 41 have the same length in the left-right direction, and the base portion 31 and the top plate 41 are positioned to completely fill the inner portion of the frame body 20. The leg pieces 42a and 42b extending from the lower surface of the top plate 41 extend slightly inward from both the left and right ends of the lower surface of the top plate 41 so that they fit inside the arm portions 32a and 32b. As a result, the leg pieces 42a and 42b are inserted between the arm portions 32a and 32b, and with the cord tip 40 closed, both the left and right ends of the top plate 41 are positioned on the arm portions 32a and 32b.

[0072] The front-to-back length of the top plate 41 may be shorter or longer than the front-to-back length of the base 31 of the lid body 30, but in this embodiment, the front-to-back lengths of the base 31 and the top plate 41 are the same. The front-to-back length of the top plate 41 is, for example, 40% to 60% of the total length of the lid 12. The arm portions 32a and 32b are formed to a length that fits into the opening 21 so as not to interfere with the plate frame 11. Therefore, the tip of the top plate 41 extends forward beyond the tips of the arm portions 32a and 32b. Similarly, the leg pieces 42a and 42b are formed to a length that fits into the opening 21 when the cord tip 40 is closed. The leg pieces 42a and 42b are formed to avoid the front end of the top plate 41 that abuts against the fixing portion 23a of the plate frame 11.

[0073] The cord tip 40 is configured to be able to take on two states: a first state (closed state) in which the top surface of the top plate 41 is positioned along the top surface of the base 31 and the opening 21 of the plate frame 11 is closed, and a second state (open state) in which the top plate 41 is tilted relative to the top surface of the base 31 and a part of the opening 21 is open. In this embodiment, the cord tip 40 rotates by changing the position of the protrusions 34a and 32b in the groove 44. That is, the cord tip 40 is configured to change from the closed state to the open state and from the open state to the closed state by the protrusions 34a and 34b formed on the arm portions 32a and 32b moving within the groove 44 formed on the leg pieces 42a and 42b. In the closed state, the top surface of the top plate 41 and the top surface of the base 31 are flush.

[0074] The projection 34a is inserted into the groove 44 of the leg piece 42a from the outside of the leg piece 42a, and the projection 34b is inserted into the groove 44 of the leg piece 42b from the outside of the leg piece 42b. That is, grooves 44 are formed on the outer surfaces facing outward opposite the inner surfaces of the leg pieces 42a and 42b, and each leg piece is held from the outside by the arm portions 32a and 32b. Note that the groove 44 of the leg piece 42b (see Figure 8) is formed with a pattern that is a projection of the groove 44 of the leg piece 42a.

[0075] The protrusions 34a and 34b may, for example, have a rectangular prism shape, but their shape is not particularly limited and may be cylindrical or other polygonal prism shapes. Rectangular prism-shaped protrusions 34a and 34b have advantages such as the sides of the rectangle catching on the groove wall and staying stably in the desired position within the groove 44, and being easy to die-cast. Furthermore, if the corners of the rectangle are chamfered, the intended operation of the chip can be performed more smoothly.

[0076] The details of the groove 44 will be described later, but the groove 44 is a projection receiving portion formed on the surface of the leg pieces 42a, 42b into which the projections 34a, 34b fit, and has a width that allows the projections 34a, 34b to move within the groove. The groove 44 is formed to a constant depth along its entire length, for example. In this embodiment, the groove 44 is formed on the outer surface of the leg pieces 42a, 42b, but if the arm portion is positioned inside the leg pieces, the groove may be formed on the inner surface of the leg pieces. Furthermore, the projection receiving portion can also be a groove formed through the leg piece, or a recess that is not groove-shaped, such as a circular or polygonal shape. However, for the strength of the leg pieces 42a, 42b and for various reasons described later, it is preferable to use a groove 44 as the receiving portion.

[0077] The leg pieces 42a and 42b have locking portions 45a and 45b that hook onto the fixing portion 23a of the plate frame 11 when the cord tip 40 is in the open position. The locking portions 45a and 45b are convex portions that protrude downward and are formed on the front end side of the leg pieces 42a and 42b. In this embodiment, a triangular recess is formed at the lower end of the leg pieces 42a and 42b, and the front end portions of the leg pieces 42a and 42b that protrude relatively from this recess become the locking portions 45a and 45b. When the cord tip 40 is in the open position, for example, the locking portions 45a and 45b contact the fixing portion 23a, and the rear end of the inclined top plate 41 contacts the arm portions 32a and 32b, respectively, and are stably supported at four points.

[0078] In other words, the cord tip 40 is supported from below only by the fixing portion 23a of the plate frame 11, which the arm portions 32a, 32b and the locking portions 45a, 45b catch on. In the opening formed when the cord tip 40 opens, surrounded by the top plate 41, the leg pieces 42a, 42b and the plate frame 11, it is possible to provide, for example, a member for fixing the tip to the plate frame 11, but in this embodiment, no member is provided that crosses the opening, and there are no obstacles that would interfere with inserting or removing the plug (see Figure 8, etc.).

[0079] The degree to which the cord tip 40 opens can be adjusted, for example, by changing the length of the leg pieces 42a, 42b, the shape of the locking parts 45a, 45b, etc. Increasing the distance from the top plate 41 to the locking parts 45a, 45b will cause the top plate 41 to open wider. The angle between the upper surfaces of the arm parts 32a, 32b and the top plate 41 can be 90° (the top plate 41 is perpendicular to the upper surface of the circuit board 31) or an angle greater than 90°, but from the viewpoint of preventing the cord tip 40 from getting in the way and preventing the inside of the outlet from being completely exposed, it is preferable to keep it small within a range that does not interfere with cord connection. A suitable example of the angle between the upper surfaces of the arm parts 32a, 32b and the top plate 41 in a side view of the outlet (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "inclination angle of the top plate 41") is 30° to 60° or 40° to 50°. In this case, interference between the cord tip 40 and the plug can be prevented while addressing the above problems.

[0080] The groove 44 includes a first groove 44a that opens behind the cord tip 40 and extends at least in the front-rear direction, and a second groove 44b that extends in the direction of extension (up and down direction) of the leg piece 42a. The groove 44b is in communication with the groove 44a. In the following explanation, the groove 44 of the leg piece 42a will be used as an example, but the same explanation can be applied to the groove 44 of the leg piece 42b. The groove 44a that opens toward the rear allows the projection 34a to be easily inserted into the groove 44, for example, when the lid 12 shown in Figure 13 is open. The groove 44a extends along the front-rear direction to the front end of the leg piece 42a.

[0081] Here, the fact that the groove 44a opens to the rear means that there is no groove wall at the rear end of the leg piece 42a, and the rear end of the groove 44a is not closed. The groove 44 opens perpendicular to the outer surface of the leg piece 42a, but there is no clearance between the arm portion 32a and the leg piece 42a greater than the height of the projection 34a. For this reason, the projection 34a can only be introduced into the groove through the opening formed at the rear end of the groove 44a. For example, by aligning the position of the opening at the rear end of the groove 44a with the projections 34a and 34b, and sliding the leg pieces 42a and 42b from their tip side between the arm portions 32a and 32b, the projections 34a and 34b can be introduced into the groove 44a.

[0082] The groove 44 further includes a third groove 44c extending from the first groove 44a toward the top plate 41. The grooves 44b and 44c communicate with the front end of groove 44a, with groove 44b extending downward from groove 44a and groove 44c extending upward from groove 44a. That is, the groove 44 branches at the front end of the leg piece 42a. The cord tip 40 rotates as the projection 34a moves within the groove 44, but the projection 34a is located in groove 44b when the cord tip 40 is open and in groove 44c when it is closed. The longitudinal ends of grooves 44b and 44c opposite to groove 44a (hereinafter referred to as "tip ends") are closed and not open. That is, the groove 44 is open only at the rear end of groove 44a.

[0083] The groove 44a functions as an introduction path for introducing the projection 34a into grooves 44b and 44c. The groove 44a is formed at the upper part of the leg piece 42a, with a predetermined gap between it and the top plate 41. This predetermined gap corresponds to the length of groove 44c. The groove 44a may be widened towards the rear to facilitate insertion of the projection 34a. The width (vertical length) of the groove 44a is slightly greater than the vertical length of the projection 34a. In this case, the projection 34a can be moved smoothly in the front-rear direction while its vertical movement is restricted. When the projection 34a is located in groove 44a, a step is formed between the upper surface of the top plate 41 and the upper surface of the base 31, and when the projection 34a is located in groove 44c, the upper surfaces of the top plate 41 and the base 31 become flush and closed.

[0084] The groove 44b extends in a direction intersecting the front-rear and up-down directions, such that its tip is located behind the intersection with the groove 44a. In this case, the cord tip 40 rotates as the projection 34a moves within the groove 44b, causing the cord tip 40 to change from a closed state to an open state, or from an open state to a closed state. The groove 44b is also curved so as to be convex in the direction of the front of the cord tip 40, more specifically in the direction of the locking portion 45a. In this case, smoother rotation of the cord tip 40 can be achieved while restricting the movement of the projection 34a in unintended directions (e.g., the front-rear direction). The groove 44b only needs to have a curved front groove wall, while the rear groove wall may be formed in a straight shape.

[0085] It is preferable that the groove 44b is formed to a length such that the projection 34a does not come into contact with the tip of the cord tip 40 when the cord tip 40 is in the open position. That is, it is preferable that the projection 34a does not come into contact with the tip of the groove 44b when the locking portion 45a is hooked onto the fixing portion 23a. The tip of the groove 44b is located below the locking portion 45a when the cord tip 40 is in the open position. On the other hand, the tip of the groove 44b restricts the rotation of the cord tip 40 from exceeding the inclination angle intended by the top plate 41. As will be described in more detail later, if you try to pull the cord tip 40 further up from the open position, the lid body 30 rotates and the entire lid 12 opens (see Figure 13).

[0086] It is preferable that the groove 44b is formed such that the projection 34a abuts against the groove wall at the tip of the groove 44b when the lid body 30 is open. That is, it is sufficient that the tip of the groove 44b is closed without opening, in which case the groove wall at the tip functions as a stopper. It is also preferable that the groove 44b is formed on an extension of the groove 44c. In this case, the cord tip 40 and the lid 12 itself can be easily opened by simply placing a finger on the finger rest 43 of the cord tip 40 in the closed state and pulling up the front end of the tip.

[0087] The groove 44c is a short groove extending vertically from the front end of the groove 44a, and restricts the forward and backward movement of the projection 34a. The width (length in the forward and backward direction) of the groove 44c is slightly larger than the forward and backward length of the projection 34a. To prevent the top plate 41 from lifting up when the cord tip 40 is closed, it is preferable that the groove 44c is formed to a length such that the projection 34a does not come into contact with its tip. The length (length in the vertical direction) of the groove 44c may be shorter than the vertical length of the projection 34a, for example, 30% to 70% or 40% to 60% of the vertical length of the projection 34a.

[0088] The groove 44 may consist only of a first groove 44a formed in the front-to-back direction close to the top plate 41, and a second groove 44b communicating with groove 44a. However, in this case, the projection 34a is more likely to slip out of the opening of groove 44a. By forming groove 44a with a predetermined gap between it and the top plate 41, and forming a third groove 44c extending from groove 44a towards the top plate 41, the unintended slippage of the projection 34a can be effectively suppressed.

[0089] The usage of the floor outlet 1 will be explained in detail below with reference to Figures 13 and 14. Figure 13 is a side view showing the state in which the cover 12 is opened and the opening 21 of the plate frame 11 is open. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the plug 110 is inserted into the outlet unit 81.

[0090] As shown in Figure 13, the lid body 30 and the cord tip 40 rotate in the same direction, so by pulling up the cord tip 40, the lid body 30 rotates around the axis 25, allowing the entire lid 12 to be opened. When inserting the plug 110 (see Figure 14) into the outlet unit 81, the entire lid 12 is opened, and the opening 21 of the plate frame 11 is opened wide. At this time, the rear end of the lid body 30 comes into contact with the frame body 20, restricting the rotation of the lid 12. Also, as described above, the projections 34a and 34b of the arm portions 32a and 32b come into contact with the tips of the grooves 44b of the leg pieces 42a and 42b, restricting the rotation of the cord tip 40 and maintaining the state in which the cord tip 40 is held by the lid body 30.

[0091] As shown in Figure 14, when the outlet unit 81 is in use with the plug 110 inserted, the cover body 30 is closed and only the cord tip 40 is open. At this time, the legs 42a and 42b of the cord tip 40 catch on the fixing part 23a of the plate frame 11, and the top plate 41 tilts with respect to the upper surface of the arm parts 32a and 32b at an angle of, for example, 40° to 50°. Since the outlet unit 81 is located in a shallow position within the panel opening 103, a portion of the plug 110 protrudes upward from the opening 21.

[0092] The cord tip 40 is supported by the locking portions 45a and 45b of the leg pieces 42a and 42b, which are supported by the fixing portion 23a of the plate frame 11, and the rear end of the top plate 41 is supported by the arm portions 32a and 32b, thereby stably maintaining the top plate 41 in an inclined open state. In order to avoid interference between the top plate 41 and the plug 110, it is necessary to incline the top plate 41 to match the incline of the plug 110, but if the top plate 41 is at an angle close to vertical, the cord tip 40 will get in the way and the inside of the outlet will be completely exposed, which is undesirable. For this reason, the inclination angle of the top plate 41 with respect to the upper surface of the arm portions 32a and 32b is preferably 60° or less, and more preferably 50° or less.

[0093] In this embodiment, after inserting the plug 110 into the outlet unit 81 with the entire cover 12 shown in Figure 13 open, closing the cover 12 results in only the cord tip 40 being open, as shown in Figure 14. In other words, there is no need to remove the cord tip 40 or change its orientation; simply closing the cover 12 results in the state shown in Figure 14. When opening and closing the cover 12, the front end of the cord tip 40 is gripped, but the cord tip 40 is stably supported by the arms 32a and 32b due to the engagement of the projections 34a and 34b with the groove 44. Therefore, the cord tip 40 does not come off during opening and closing operations, and smooth opening and closing is possible.

[0094] When the outlet is not in use, for example, after opening the cover 12 and unplugging the plug 110 from the outlet unit 81, the cover 12 is closed so that the leg pieces 42a and 42b do not catch on the plate frame 11. That is, by closing the cover 12 so that the leg pieces 42a and 42b are inserted into the opening 21, a closed state of the cord tip 40 is obtained in which the base 31 and the top surface of the top plate 41 are flush. When closing the cord tip 40, there is no need to remove the cord tip 40 or change its orientation; it is sufficient to simply close the cover 12.

[0095] As described above, with the plate block 10 having the above configuration, when the outlet is in use with the plug 110 inserted, the height of the cord tip 40 protruding from the floor surface can be kept low, and the open state of the cord tip 40 at the desired tilt angle can be stably maintained. For this reason, for example, the cord tip 40 is less likely to get in the way, the risk of being kicked is reduced, and the inside of the outlet is less visible, improving the appearance. Furthermore, it can be attached to various floor panels, and the tile carpet 102 does not sink around the outlet, nor are large gaps created between the tile carpet 102 and the outlet, resulting in a good finish on the floor surface.

[0096] The above embodiments can be modified as appropriate without impairing the purpose of this disclosure. For example, in the above embodiments, a pair of leg pieces 42a, 42b arranged opposite each other in the left-right direction were exemplified, but a modification can be made to have a code tip that does not have one of the leg pieces 42a, 42b. Another modification is to provide an axis connecting the two arm portions instead of the protrusions 34a, 34b formed on the arm portions 32a, 32b, and to adopt a structure in which the axis is inserted into the receiving portion of the leg piece. In the above embodiments, a protrusion integrally molded with the lid body was exemplified, but the protrusion or axis of the lid body may be provided by attaching a separate member such as a pin to the arm portion. Furthermore, the convex portion of the plate frame may also be provided by attaching a separate member such as a pin to the frame body.

[0097] Hereinafter, another example (modified version) of the embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 15 to 20. In the following, common or similar components of the above embodiment will be referred to with the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted (referencing the above explanation).

[0098] The code tip 60 shown in Figures 15 and 16 differs from the code tip 40 in that the second groove 61 extending downward from the first groove 44a extending in the front-rear direction of the leg piece 42a is curved so as to be convex toward the rear. The leg piece 42b has a groove formed in a pattern that projects the groove of the leg piece 42a (the same applies to the code tip 62 described later). The second groove 61 further differs from the second groove 44b of the code tip 40 in that it communicates with the longitudinal center of the groove 44a and is not formed on the extension of the third groove 44c.

[0099] Similar to the cord tip 40, the cord tip 60 rotates as the projection 34a of the arm portion 32a moves within the second groove 61, changing from a closed state to a closed state, or from an open state to a closed state. In the closed state, the projection 34a is located within the third groove 44c, and in the open state, it is located within the second groove 61. Since the second groove 61 is not located on the extension of the third groove 44c, when opening the cord tip 60, it is necessary to pull the tip slightly forward, for example. This causes the projection 34a to move backward within the first groove 44a and be introduced into the second groove 61. In the case of the cord tip 60 as well, since the tip of the second groove 61 is closed, it is possible to prevent the cord tip 60 from unintentionally falling out when opening and closing the lid 12.

[0100] The code tip 62 shown in Figures 17 and 18 differs from the code tips 40 and 60 in that a first groove 63 that opens to the rear and extends at least in the front-rear direction and a second groove 64 that extends in the direction of extension of the leg piece 42a are separated and not in communication. The first groove 63 is formed on the lower part of the leg piece 42a and is inclined with respect to the front-rear direction such that its front end is located below its rear end. The groove formed in the leg piece 42a further includes a third groove 65 that extends from the front end of the first groove 63 toward the top plate 41 and restricts the front-rear movement of the projection 34a, and a fourth groove 66 formed parallel to the second groove 64.

[0101] In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 17 and 18, the projection 34a of the arm portion 32a is located in the second groove 64 when the cord tip 62 is closed, and in the third groove 65 when it is open. Note that the second groove 64 and the third groove 65 are not connected to each other, so the tip must be removed from the arm portion 32a when opening and closing the cord tip 62. In addition, in the embodiments illustrated in Figures 17 and 18, a second projection 67a is formed on the arm portion 32a and is inserted into the fourth groove 66 when the cord tip 62 is open. The second projection 67a is longer and thinner in the vertical direction than projection 34a and is formed on the base side of the arm portion 32a.

[0102] The second groove 64 is formed on the front end side of the leg piece 42a, extending along the entire vertical length of the leg piece 42a, and opening downwards. The projection 34a can be inserted into and removed from the opening at the lower end of the second groove 64. The fourth groove 66 is an elongated groove into which only the projection 67a can be inserted, and is formed on the rear end side of the leg piece 42a, crossing the first groove 63, extending along the entire vertical length of the leg piece 42a, and opening downwards. The third groove 65 is perpendicular to the first groove 63 and extends in the direction of the second groove 64. The third groove 65 is formed to a length such that its tip is located above the locking portion 45a when the cord tip 62 is in the open position.

[0103] The cord tip 62 does not rotate as the projection 34a moves within the second groove 64, but moves vertically relative to the arm portion 32a, allowing it to assume a closed state where the upper surface of the top plate 41 is flush with the upper surface of the base portion 31. The cord tip 62 can also assume an open state where the top plate 41 is inclined relative to the upper surface of the base portion 31 (arm portions 32a, 32b) by inserting the projection 34a into the third groove 65 via the first groove 63. In other words, the cord tip 62, like the cord tips 40 and 60, is configured to change from a closed state to an open state and from an open state to a closed state by changing the position of the projections 34a and 34b within the groove.

[0104] The plate frame 70 shown in Figure 19 is similar to the plate frame 11 in that it has screw insertion holes 71a and 71b, one each, formed in the fixing parts 23a and 23b located on both sides of the opening 21 in the front-rear direction. On the other hand, it differs from the insertion holes 24a and 24b of the plate frame 11, which extend straight in the short-side direction, in that a portion of the insertion holes 71a and 71b extends in a direction that intersects the long-side and short-side directions of the frame body 20. The insertion holes 71a and 71b have a central portion in the length direction that extends in the short-side direction of the frame body 20, and both ends in the length direction that extend in a direction that intersects the long-side and short-side directions.

[0105] The insertion hole 71a has a plan view shape in which the central part protrudes forward so that the central part in the longitudinal direction is located in front of the plate frame 70 than both ends. The insertion hole 71b may have the same plan view shape as the insertion hole 71a, but in the example shown in Figure 19, the central part protrudes backward so that the central part in the longitudinal direction is located behind the plate frame 70 than both ends. With the plate frame 70, the position of the frame can be finely adjusted not only in the left-right direction but also in the front-back direction, making it easy to achieve a good finish without large gaps between the plate block and the tile carpet 102.

[0106] The plate frame 75 shown in Figure 20 is similar to the plate frame 70 in that the longitudinal centers of the through holes 76a and 76b are curved or bent so as to be convex in the direction opposite to the opening 21. The through holes 76a and 76b, like the through holes 71a and 71b, extend in directions intersecting the long and short sides of the frame body 20. The through hole 76a is gently curved so as to be convex forward, and the through hole 76b is gently curved so as to be convex backward. The two through holes 76a and 76b are arranged on concentric circles. In the example shown in Figure 20, the through holes 76a and 76b are formed along the arc of a circle α whose center is within the opening 21 in a plan view of the plate frame 75. In this case, it is possible to fine-tune the position of the frame by rotating the plate frame 75.

[0107] While the plate block and floor outlet equipped with the above embodiment are highly valuable products with excellent usability, it is possible to change or omit other components of the plate block, such as the lid. For example, this could involve changing the screw insertion holes formed in the plate frame from elongated holes to circular holes, or omitting the protrusions that support the surface material formed on the plate frame. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 1 Floor outlet, 10 Plate block, 11 Plate frame, 12 Cover, 20 Frame body, 21, 22 Opening, 23a, 23b Fixing part, 24a, 24b Through hole, 25 Shaft, 26 Shaft fixing part, 27a, 27b, 28 Protrusion, 29a, 29b Overhang, 30 Cover body, 31 Base, 32a, 32b Arm part, 33 Bearing part, 34a, 34b Projection, 40 Cord tip, 41 Top plate, 42a, 42b Leg piece, 43 Finger rest part, 44, 44a, 44b, 44c Groove, 45a, 45b Locking part, 50, 51 Screw, 80 Fixture block, 81 Outlet unit, 82 Mounting bracket, 83 First part, 84 Second part, 85 Third part, 86 Part 4, 87a, 87b Screw holes, 88 Fixing bracket, 90 Cover, 100 Floor, 101, 101a, 101b Floor panels, 102 Tile carpet, 103 Panel opening, 104 Lower surface, 110 Plug

Claims

1. It is a plate block for a floor outlet, Plate frame and A lid that is rotatably supported with respect to the plate frame and opens and closes the opening of the plate frame, Equipped with, The lid comprises a lid body and a code chip held by the lid body. The aforementioned code chip includes a top plate and a leg piece extending downward from the top plate, and is configured to take on a first state in which the upper surface of the top plate is positioned along the upper surface of the lid body and the opening is closed, and a second state in which the top plate is lifted and a part of the opening is opened. A plate block for a floor outlet, wherein one of the lid body and the leg piece is provided with a projection or shaft, and the other of the lid body and the leg piece has a receiving portion for the projection or shaft.

2. The projection or shaft is provided on the lid body, and the receiving portion is formed on the leg piece. The leg piece includes first and second leg pieces that are arranged opposite to each other in the left-right direction along the rotation axis of the lid, The floor outlet plate block according to claim 1, wherein the cord tip is configured to change from the first state to the second state by changing the position of the projection or the shaft within the receiving portion.

3. The plate block for a floor outlet according to claim 2, wherein the cord tip rotates in the same direction as the lid body due to a change in the position of the projection or the shaft within the receiving portion, thereby changing from a first state to a second state.

4. The receiving portion is a groove formed on the surface of the leg piece into which the projection fits. The plate block for a floor outlet according to claim 2, wherein the groove includes a first groove that opens behind the cord tip and extends at least in the front-rear direction, and a second groove that extends in the direction in which the leg piece extends.

5. The second groove communicates with the first groove, The floor outlet plate block according to claim 4, wherein the cord tip rotates as the position of the projection changes within the second groove.

6. The plate block for a floor outlet according to claim 5, wherein the second groove is curved so as to be convex in front of or behind the cord tip.

7. The plate block for a floor outlet according to claim 5, wherein the second groove is formed such that the end opposite to the first groove is closed, and the projection abuts against the groove wall at the end when the lid body is open.

8. The plate block for a floor outlet according to claim 5, wherein the groove includes a third groove that extends from the first groove toward the top plate and restricts the forward and backward movement of the projection.

9. The plate block for a floor outlet according to claim 8, wherein the second groove is formed on an extension of the third groove.

10. The plate block for a floor outlet according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the leg piece has a locking portion that catches on the plate frame in the second state.

11. The lid body includes the arm portion on which the projection is provided, The floor outlet plate block according to claim 10, wherein the cord tip is supported from below only at the portion where the top plate is placed on the arm portion and the locking portion of the arm portion and the plate frame engage.

12. The projection is inserted into the receiving portion from the outside of the leg piece, as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, for a floor outlet plate block.

13. A floor outlet installed in an opening in the floor panel, A plate frame positioned on the lower surface of a step formed at the edge of the opening, and a plate block including a lid that is rotatably supported with respect to the plate frame and opens and closes the opening of the plate frame, A fixture block including an outlet unit, to which the plate block is fixed, Equipped with, The lid comprises a lid body and a code chip held by the lid body. The aforementioned code chip includes a top plate and a leg piece extending downward from the top plate, and is configured to take on a first state in which the upper surface of the top plate is positioned along the upper surface of the lid body and the opening is closed, and a second state in which the top plate is lifted and a part of the opening is opened. A floor outlet, wherein one of the lid body and the leg piece is provided with a projection or shaft, and the other of the lid body and the leg piece has a receiving portion for the projection or shaft.

14. The floor outlet according to claim 13, wherein the outlet unit is arranged to overlap the opening of the plate frame in the vertical direction.

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