Power outlet and wiring device system including same
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- PANASONIC ELECTRIC WORKS CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-03
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-06
Smart Images
Figure JP2025042112_06082026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Outlet, and wiring device system including the same
[0001] The present disclosure relates to an outlet and a wiring device system including the same. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to an outlet with a grounding electrode having a quick-connect type electric wire connection terminal, and a wiring device system including the same.
[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an outlet including a locking spring that holds an electric wire between a blade receiving member and a terminal piece provided on the blade receiving member, a release button for releasing the state of holding the electric wire between the terminal piece and the locking spring, and a housing. The dimensions of the housing are set to a single unit dimension (one module dimension) that can be attached to up to three mounting members (mounting frames).
[0003] In the outlet described in Patent Document 1, when attempting to accommodate a blade receiving member for a grounding electrode, a locking spring for a grounding electrode, and a release button for a grounding electrode in a housing of a single unit dimension, there is a problem that the housing becomes larger.
[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-313469
[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an outlet that can be miniaturized, and a wiring device system including the same.
[0006] An outlet according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises an outlet body into which a plug having a pair of plug blades and a grounding pin can be attached and detached. The outlet body includes a front cover in the front-to-back direction and a body attached to the rear of the cover. The front surface of the cover is provided with first and second plug blade insertion holes into which the pair of plug blades of the plug are respectively inserted, and a grounding pin insertion hole into which the grounding pin of the plug is inserted. The rear surface of the body is provided with first and second wire insertion holes into which two power wires are respectively inserted, and a third wire insertion hole into which a grounding wire is inserted. The outlet body houses a first blade receiving member, a second blade receiving member, a third blade receiving member, a first terminal plate, a second terminal plate, a first spring member, a second spring member, a first release button, and a second release button. The first blade receiving member is connected to the plug blade of the pair of plug blades that is inserted into the first plug blade insertion hole. The second blade receiving member is connected to the plug blade of the pair of plug blades that is inserted into the second plug blade insertion hole. The third blade receiving member is connected to the grounding pin that is inserted into the grounding pin insertion hole. The first terminal plate is connected to the first blade receiving member. The second terminal plate is connected to the second blade receiving member. The first spring member is capable of holding the power supply wire inserted into the first wire insertion hole between itself and the first terminal plate. The second spring member is capable of holding the power supply wire inserted into the second wire insertion hole between itself and the second terminal plate. The first release button makes the power supply wire held between the first spring member and the first terminal plate detachable. The second release button makes the power supply wire held between the second spring member and the second terminal plate detachable. At least one of the first release button and the second release button is exposed to at least a portion of the side surface of the body along the front-rear direction.
[0007] A wiring device system according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises an outlet and a mounting frame that can be attached to an object while holding the outlet.
[0008] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of an outlet according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a front view of the outlet mounted on a mounting frame. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the outlet before it is mounted on the mounting frame. Figure 4 is a side view of the main part of the outlet mounted on the mounting frame. Figure 5 is a rear view of the outlet. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B1-B1 in Figure 2. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B2-B2 in Figure 2. Figure 8 is a front view of the outlet with the shutter member moved to the closed position and the cover removed. Figure 9 is a front view of the outlet with the shutter member moved to the open position and the cover removed.
[0009] Hereinafter, an outlet and a wiring device system equipped therewith, according to the embodiments, will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the figures described in the following embodiments are schematic diagrams, and the dimensional ratios of the size of each component do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios. Furthermore, the configurations described in the following embodiments are merely examples of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications are possible depending on the design, etc., as long as the effects of the present disclosure can be achieved.
[0010] (Embodiment) (1) Overview As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the outlet 1 of this embodiment includes an outlet body 2 to which a plug 300 having a pair of plug blades 301 and a grounding pin 302 can be attached and detached.
[0011] The outlet body 2 includes a front cover 3 in the front-to-back direction and a body 4 attached to the rear of the cover 3.
[0012] The front surface 3a of the cover 3 is provided with first and second plug blade insertion holes 31 and 32 into which a pair of plug blades 301 of the plug 300 are inserted, and a grounding pin insertion hole 33 into which a grounding pin 302 of the plug 300 is inserted.
[0013] The rear surface 4a of the body 4 is provided with first and second wire insertion holes 41 and 42 into which two power lines W1 and W2 are inserted, respectively, and a third wire insertion hole 43 into which a grounding wire W3 is inserted.
[0014] The outlet body 2 houses a first blade receiving member 51, a second blade receiving member 52, a third blade receiving member 53, a first terminal plate 61, a second terminal plate 62, a first spring member 71, a second spring member 72, a first release button 81, and a second release button 82.
[0015] The first blade receiving member 51 is connected to the plug blade 301 of the pair of plug blades 301, which is inserted into the first plug blade insertion hole 31. The second blade receiving member 52 is connected to the plug blade 301 of the pair of plug blades 301, which is inserted into the second plug blade insertion hole 32. The third blade receiving member 53 is connected to the grounding pin 302, which is inserted into the grounding pin insertion hole 33.
[0016] The first terminal plate 61 is connected to the first blade receiving member 51. The second terminal plate 62 is connected to the second blade receiving member 52.
[0017] The first spring member 71 is capable of holding the power supply wire W1 inserted into the first wire insertion hole 41 between itself and the first terminal plate 61. The second spring member 72 is capable of holding the power supply wire W2 inserted into the second wire insertion hole 42 between itself and the second terminal plate 62.
[0018] The first release button 81 makes it possible to remove the power supply line W1 held between the first spring member 71 and the first terminal plate 61. The second release button 82 makes it possible to remove the power supply line W2 held between the second spring member 72 and the second terminal plate 62.
[0019] At least one of the first release button 81 and the second release button 82 is exposed to at least a portion of the side surface 4b of the body 4 along the front-rear direction.
[0020] Furthermore, the wiring device system A1 according to this embodiment (see Figure 2) comprises an outlet 1 and a mounting frame 200. The mounting frame 200 can be attached to an object while holding the outlet 1.
[0021] Here, the pair of plug blades 301 provided on the plug 300 may be flat plate plug blades or round pin type plug blades. The pair of power lines W1 and W2 are power supply wires. The pair of power lines W1 and W2 are, for example, wires for supplying AC power, and are wires that connect a branch breaker (not shown) housed in a distribution board (not shown) that distributes AC power to the outlet 1. The grounding wire W3 is, for example, a wire that connects a grounding terminal provided in the distribution board to the outlet 1. In the following embodiment, the outlet body 2 further houses a third terminal plate 63 and a third spring member 73. The third terminal plate 63 is connected to a third blade receiving member 53. The third spring member 73 is capable of holding the grounding wire W3, which is inserted into the third wire insertion hole 43, between itself and the third terminal plate 63. The first spring member 71, the second spring member 72, and the third spring member 73 have the same shape, and the first spring member 71, the second spring member 72, and the third spring member 73 may be collectively referred to as the spring member 70. In the following embodiment, the first release button 81 and the second release button 82 have the same shape, and the first release button 81 and the second release button 82 may be collectively referred to as the release button 80.
[0022] Furthermore, the first release button 81, upon receiving a pressing force, bends the first spring member 71 toward the first terminal plate 61, thereby making the power wire W1 held between the first spring member 71 and the first terminal plate 61 detachable. The second release button 82, upon receiving a pressing force, bends the second spring member 72 toward the second terminal plate 62, thereby making the power wire W2 held between the second spring member 72 and the second terminal plate 62 detachable. At least a portion of the first release button 81 and the second release button 82 being exposed on the side surface 4b means that at least a portion of the first release button 81 and the second release button 82 are visible on the side surface 4b in a state in which they do not protrude outward from the side surface 4b in the direction normal to the side surface 4b. In other words, "at least a portion of the first release button 81 and the second release button 82 being exposed to the side surface 4b" means that at least a portion of the first release button 81 and the second release button 82 are visible to the side surface 4b in a state where they are flush with the side surface 4b or located inside the side surface 4b in the direction normal to the side surface 4b. For example, at least a portion of the first release button 81 and the second release button 82 are located in through holes 44 and 45 provided in the side surface 4b, and are visible from the outside of the outlet body 2 without protruding outward from the side surface 4b in the direction normal to the side surface 4b.
[0023] Furthermore, the mounting object to which the mounting frame 200 is attached is, for example, the wall 400 of a residential or non-residential building (see Figure 2). The mounting frame 200 is attached to the wall 400 with the rear part of the outlet 1 held by the mounting frame 200 inserted into a mounting hole (not shown) provided in the wall 400. In this way, the outlet 1 is attached to the wall 400 via the mounting frame 200. Note that the mounting object is not limited to the wall 400 of a residential or non-residential building, but may also be, for example, equipment installed inside or outside a building, or walls on moving objects such as railway cars, aircraft, or ships.
[0024] If the entirety of the first release button 81 and the second release button 82 is housed inside the body 4, it is necessary to secure a housing space inside the body 4 to accommodate the entirety of the first release button 81 and the second release button 82. In this embodiment, at least a part of at least one of the release buttons 80 of the first release button 81 and the second release button 82 is exposed on the side surface 4b of the body 4, so it is not necessary to secure a housing space inside the body 4 to accommodate the entirety of the first release button 81 and the second release button 82, and the body 4 can be made smaller. Therefore, in this embodiment, a miniaturized outlet 1 can be provided.
[0025] Furthermore, since the wiring device system A1 is equipped with the outlet 1 described above, it is possible to provide a wiring device system A1 equipped with a miniaturized outlet 1.
[0026] (2) Details Below, the outlet 1 and the wiring device system A1 equipped therewith according to this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Figures 1 to 9.
[0027] In the following description, the X-axis direction in Figure 1, etc., is defined as the front-to-back direction (depth direction), the Y-axis direction as the left-to-right direction, and the Z-axis direction as the up-to-down direction. Furthermore, the positive direction in the X-axis direction is defined as the front, the positive direction in the Y-axis direction as the right side, and the positive direction in the Z-axis direction as the top. In this embodiment, the shape of the outlet body 2 when viewed from the front is rectangular. The outlet body 2 is mounted to the object to be mounted (wall 400) via the mounting frame 200 with its longitudinal direction parallel to the left-to-right direction and its short direction parallel to the up-to-down direction. However, these directions are just examples and are not intended to limit the direction in which the outlet 1 and wiring device system A1 are used. The outlet body 2 may also be mounted to the object to be mounted (wall 400) via the mounting frame 200 with its longitudinal direction parallel to the up-to-down direction and its short direction parallel to the left-to-right direction. Note that the arrows indicating each direction in the drawings are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent actual objects.
[0028] (2.1) Outlet The outlet 1 according to this embodiment is, for example, a two-pole outlet with a grounding terminal and a door.
[0029] As described above, the outlet 1 of this embodiment includes an outlet body 2 formed by joining a body 4 and a cover 3. The outlet body 2 also houses first to third blade receiving members 51 to 53, first to third terminal plates 61 to 63, first to third spring members 71 to 73, and first and second release buttons 81 and 82. The outlet body 2 further houses a third release button 83, a shutter member 100, a support plate 110, and two coil springs 120.
[0030] Cover 3 is formed from a synthetic resin material such as PC (polycarbonate) and has a rectangular parallelepiped shape with the entire rear surface open.
[0031] The front surface 3a of the cover 3 is provided with first and second plug blade insertion holes 31 and 32 into which a pair of plug blades 301 are inserted, and a grounding pin insertion hole 33 into which a grounding pin 302 is inserted. The first and second plug blade insertion holes 31 and 32 are located at the lower part of the front surface 3a of the cover 3, aligned in the left-right direction. Each of the first and second plug blade insertion holes 31 and 32 is formed in a shape that connects a rectangular hole into which a flat plug blade can be inserted and an oval-shaped hole into which a round pin-type plug blade can be inserted. Both flat plug blades and round pin-type plug blades can be inserted into each of the first and second plug blade insertion holes 31 and 32. The grounding pin insertion hole 33 is located at the upper part of the front surface 3a of the cover 3, in the center in the left-right direction.
[0032] The cover 3 has four sides 3b that run along the front-rear direction. Two of the four sides 3b that face each other in the left-right direction are provided with two projections 34 that are inserted into insertion grooves 211 provided in the first frame piece 210 of the mounting frame 200. The cover 3 is also provided with rectangular assembly pieces 35 that protrude rearward from each of the two sides 3b that face each other in the left-right direction. The assembly pieces 35 are provided with two fitting holes 36, and the body 4 and the cover 3 are joined by fitting the fitting projections 47 of the body 4 into the fitting holes 36 of the assembly pieces 35.
[0033] Body 4 is formed from a synthetic resin material such as PC, in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped with the entire front surface open. The interior of body 4 is divided into three storage compartments (first storage compartment R1, second storage compartment R2, and third storage compartment R3) by a partition wall 48 that is integrally provided with body 4. The first storage compartment R1 on the lower left side of body 4 houses a wire connection terminal including a first blade receiving member 51, a first terminal plate 61, two first spring members 71, and a first release button 81. The second storage compartment R2 on the lower right side of body 4 houses a wire connection terminal including a second blade receiving member 52, a second terminal plate 62, two second spring members 72, and a second release button 82. The third housing chamber R3 in the upper center of the body 4 houses a wire connection terminal including a third blade receiving member 53, a third terminal plate 63, two third spring members 73, and a third release button 83.
[0034] The rear surface 4a of the body 4 is provided with two first wire insertion holes 41, two second wire insertion holes 42, and two third wire insertion holes 43. Of the two first wire insertion holes 41, two second wire insertion holes 42, and three third wire insertion holes 43, one of each set is used to connect jumper wires.
[0035] The body 4 has four sides 4b that are aligned in the front-rear direction. Of the four sides 4b, two sides 4b that face each other in the left-right direction include a first side 4ba on the left and a second side 4bb on the right. Each of the first side 4ba and the second side 4bb is provided with two fitting protrusions 47 that fit into two fitting holes 36 provided on the assembly piece 35 of the cover 3. As described above, the multiple sides 4b of the body 4 include a first side 4ba and a second side 4bb that face each other in one direction intersecting the front-rear direction, with at least a portion of the first release button 81 exposed on the first side 4ba and at least a portion of the second release button 82 exposed on the second side 4bb.
[0036] The two first wire insertion holes 41 are located on the left side of the rear surface 4a of the body 4, at the bottom of the first storage chamber R1. The two first wire insertion holes 41 are arranged vertically. The rear surface 4a of the body 4 is provided with a through hole 44 between the two first wire insertion holes 41 into which a part of the first release button 81 is inserted. The through hole 44 is located at the corner between the rear surface 4a of the body 4 and the left side surface 4b (first side surface 4ba). The through hole 44 only needs to be sized to allow the insertion of a part of the first release button 81 (for example, a projection 811) and also sized to allow the insertion of the tip of a tool.
[0037] The two second wire insertion holes 42 are located on the right side of the rear surface 4a of the body 4, at the bottom of the second storage chamber R2. The two second wire insertion holes 42 are arranged vertically. The rear surface 4a of the body 4 has a through hole 45 between the two second wire insertion holes 42 into which a part of the second release button 82 is inserted. The through hole 45 is located at the corner between the rear surface 4a of the body 4 and the right side surface 4b (second side surface 4bb). The through hole 45 only needs to be sized to allow the insertion of a part of the second release button 82 (for example, a projection 821) and also sized to allow the insertion of the tip of a tool.
[0038] The two third wire insertion holes 43 are located in the central part of the rear surface 4a of the body 4 in the left-right direction, at the bottom of the third storage chamber R3. The two third wire insertion holes 43 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. On the rear surface 4a of the body 4, an opening 46 is provided between the two second wire insertion holes 42 into which a part of the third release button 83 is inserted. That is, at least a part of the third release button 83 is exposed from the opening 46 provided on the rear surface 4a of the body 4. Note that "at least a part of the third release button 83 is exposed from the opening 46" means that at least a part of the third release button 83 is visible to the outside of the outlet body 2 through the opening 46. More specifically, at least a part of the third release button 83 is visible to the outside of the outlet body 2 in a state in which it does not protrude outward beyond the peripheral portion 461 in the direction normal to the peripheral portion 461 of the opening 46. In other words, at least a portion of the third release button 83 is positioned in the opening 46 and is visible from outside the outlet body 2 without protruding outward beyond the peripheral portion 461 in the direction normal to the peripheral portion 461 of the opening 46.
[0039] The first blade receiving member 51 is made of an elastic conductive metal material (for example, a copper alloy). The first blade receiving member 51 has a pair of elastic pieces 511 arranged to face each other, and an elastic piece 512 arranged to face one edge portion of the pair of elastic pieces 511. When a round pin-type plug blade is inserted as a plug blade 301 between the pair of elastic pieces 511, the round pin-type plug blade is elastically held between the pair of elastic pieces 511. When a flat plug blade is inserted as a plug blade 301 between one edge portion of the pair of elastic pieces 511 and the elastic piece 512, the flat plug blade is elastically held between the edge portion of the pair of elastic pieces 511 and the elastic piece 512.
[0040] Two first terminal plates 61 are integrally provided on the first blade receiving member 51. Two first spring members 71 are arranged opposite each other on the two first terminal plates 61 (see Figure 6). The spring members 70 (first to third spring members 71 to 73) have the same shape. The spring members 70 are formed by bending a sheet of elastic conductive metal material (for example, stainless steel). The spring member 70 has a locking piece 701 formed by bending the first end of the sheet into a J shape, and a pressing piece 702 formed by bending the second end of the sheet into an S shape. The locking piece 701 and the pressing piece 702 of the first spring member 71 face the first terminal plate 61.
[0041] The first release button 81 is a molded product of an electrically insulating synthetic resin. The first release button 81 is positioned between the two first spring members 71. The first release button 81 is provided with a rectangular plate-shaped projection 811 that is inserted into a through hole 44 provided in the first side surface 4ba of the body 4. The first release button 81 that is exposed from the side surface 4b of the body 4 (the left first side surface 4ba) is located inward from the side surface 4b. The first release button 81 that is exposed from the side surface 4b (first side surface 4ba) of the body 4 may be flush with the side surface 4b (first side surface 4ba). In other words, the first release button 81 that is exposed from the side surface 4b (first side surface 4ba) of the body 4 only needs to be flush with the side surface 4b (first side surface 4ba) or located inward from the side surface 4b (first side surface 4ba). Here, if the side surface 4b on which the first release button 81 is exposed is the first side surface 4ba, then the statement that the first release button 81 is flush with the first side surface 4ba or positioned inside the first side surface 4ba means that, in the direction normal to the first side surface 4ba, the projection 811 located in the through hole 44 does not protrude outward (to the left) from the first side surface 4ba. Since the projection 811 located in the through hole 44 is flush with the first side surface 4ba or positioned inside the first side surface 4ba, it is less likely for an object to come into contact with the projection 811 compared to the case where the projection 811 protrudes outward from the first side surface 4ba. Therefore, the possibility of the power line W1 becoming disconnected due to unintentional contact of a person or object with the projection 811 can be reduced. Furthermore, the rear end of the projection 811 positioned in the through hole 44 of the first side surface 4ba is flush with or in front of the peripheral edge 441 of the through hole 44 on the rear surface 4a of the body 4. Therefore, compared to the case where the projection 811 protrudes further back than the peripheral edge 441 of the through hole 44, it is less likely for an object to come into contact with the projection 811, and the possibility of the power line W1 becoming detached due to unintentional contact of a person or object with the projection 811 is reduced.
[0042] Furthermore, the first release button 81 is provided with two projections 812 on two surfaces facing the two first spring members 71, respectively, which contact the locking pieces 701 of the two first spring members 71 from the rear.
[0043] The second blade receiving member 52 is formed of a conductive metal material having elasticity (for example, a copper alloy). The second blade receiving member 52 has a pair of elastic pieces 521 arranged to face each other, and an elastic piece 522 arranged to face an edge portion on one side of the pair of elastic pieces 521. When a round pin type plug blade is inserted as the plug blade 301 between the pair of elastic pieces 521, the round pin type plug blade is elastically held between the pair of elastic pieces 521. When a flat plug blade is inserted as the plug blade 301 between an edge portion on one side of the pair of elastic pieces 521 and the elastic piece 522, the flat plug blade is elastically held between the edge portion of the pair of elastic pieces 521 and the elastic piece 522.
[0044] Two second terminal plates 62 are integrally provided on the second blade receiving member 52. Two second spring members 72 are arranged to face each other on the two second terminal plates 62. More specifically, the locking piece 701 and the pressing piece 702 of the second spring member 72 face the second terminal plate 62.
[0045] The second release button 82 is a molded product of an electrically insulating synthetic resin. The second release button 82 is positioned between the two second spring members 72. The second release button 82 is provided with a rectangular plate-shaped projection 821 that is inserted into a through hole 45 provided in the second side surface 4bb of the body 4. The second release button 82 that is exposed from the side surface 4b of the body 4 (the second side surface 4bb on the right) is located inside the side surface 4b. The second release button 82 that is exposed from the side surface 4b (second side surface 4bb) of the body 4 may be flush with the side surface 4b (second side surface 4bb). In other words, the second release button 82 that is exposed from the side surface 4b (second side surface 4bb) of the body 4 may be flush with the side surface 4b (second side surface 4bb) or located inside the side surface 4b (second side surface 4bb). Here, if the side surface 4b on which the second release button 82 is exposed is the second side surface 4bb, then the statement that the second release button 82 is flush with the second side surface 4bb or positioned inside the second side surface 4bb means that, in the direction normal to the second side surface 4bb, the projection 821 located in the through hole 45 does not protrude outward (to the right) from the second side surface 4bb. Since the projection 821 located in the through hole 45 is flush with the second side surface 4bb or positioned inside the second side surface 4bb, it is less likely that a person or object will come into contact with the projection 821 compared to the case where the projection 821 protrudes outward from the second side surface 4bb. Therefore, the possibility of the power line W2 coming loose due to unintentional contact of a person or object with the projection 821 can be reduced. Furthermore, the rear end of the projection 821 positioned in the through hole 45 of the second side surface 4bb is flush with or in front of the peripheral edge 451 of the through hole 45 on the rear surface 4a of the body 4. Therefore, compared to the case where the projection 821 protrudes further back than the peripheral edge 451 of the through hole 45, it is less likely for a person or object to come into contact with the projection 821, and the possibility of the power line W2 becoming detached due to unintentional contact of a person or object with the projection 821 is reduced.
[0046] Furthermore, the second release button 82 is provided with two projections 822 on two surfaces facing the two second spring members 72, respectively, which contact the locking pieces 701 of the two second spring members 72 from the rear.
[0047] The third blade receiving member 53 is formed of an elastic conductive metal material (e.g., copper alloy). The third blade receiving member 53 has a pair of elastic pieces 531 arranged to face each other. When a round pin type ground pin 302 is inserted between the pair of elastic pieces 531, the pair of elastic pieces 521 elastically hold the round pin type ground pin 302 inserted between the pair of elastic pieces 521.
[0048] Two third terminal plates 63 are integrally provided on the third blade receiving member 53. Two third spring members 73 are arranged to face each other on the two third terminal plates 63. More specifically, the locking piece 701 and the pressing piece 702 of the third spring member 73 face the third terminal plate 63.
[0049] The third release button 83 can remove the ground wire W3 held between the third spring member 73 and the third terminal plate 63 by receiving a pressing force and deflecting the third spring member 73 away from the third terminal plate 63. The third release button 83 is a molded product of synthetic resin having electrical insulation. The third release button 83 is arranged between the two third spring members 73. The third release button 83 includes a rectangular plate-like main body portion 831 arranged in a groove portion 49 provided along the front-rear direction in the partition wall 48 of the body 4. The rear surface of the main body portion 831 is exposed from an opening 46 provided in the rear surface 4a of the body 4. Here, the third release button 83 is located on the front side of the peripheral portion 461 of the opening 46 in the body 4. Therefore, compared with the case where the third release button 83 protrudes to the rear side of the peripheral portion 461 of the opening 46, it is less likely for a human body or an object to hit the third release button 83, and the possibility of the ground wire W3 coming off due to an unintentional contact of a human body or an object with the third release button 83 can be reduced. Further, the main body portion 831 is provided with protrusions 832 that contact the locking pieces 701 of the two third spring members 73 from the rear side.
[0050] Further, inside the cover 3, a shutter member 100, two coil springs 120, and a support plate 110 are incorporated.
[0051] The shutter member 100 can open and close the first and second plug blade insertion holes 31 and 32 provided on the front surface 3a of the cover 3. The shutter member 100 is movable between a closed position and an open position. The closed position (position of the shutter member 100 in Figure 8) is the position of the shutter member 100 when it overlaps the first and second plug blade insertion holes 31 and 32 when viewed along the front-rear direction. The open position (position of the shutter member 100 in Figure 9) is the position of the shutter member 100 when it does not overlap the first and second plug blade insertion holes 31 and 32 when viewed along the front-rear direction.
[0052] The shutter member 100 is, for example, a molded product of a synthetic resin having electrical insulating properties.
[0053] The shutter member 100 has a pair of closing portions 101 and 102 that close the first and second plug blade insertion holes 31 and 32, respectively, when the shutter member 100 moves to the closed position. The shutter member 100 in the open position is located above the shutter member 100 in the closed position. Contact portions 104 are provided at both ends of the shutter member 100 in the left-right direction, against which the first end of the coil spring 120 makes contact. The second end of the coil spring 120 is in contact with the upper side wall of the cover 3, so the coil spring 120 applies a downward force to the shutter member 100, that is, a force that moves it from the open position to the closed position. The surfaces of the pair of closing portions 101 and 102 are inclined surfaces that slope towards the back surface of the front surface 3a of the cover 3 as they go upwards.
[0054] Furthermore, the shutter member 100 is provided with a recess 103 between the pair of closing portions 101 and 102 into which the third blade receiving member 53 fits when the shutter member 100 moves to the open position. When the shutter member 100 moves from the closed position to the open position, the third blade receiving member 53 and the grounding pin 302 connected to the third blade receiving member 53 fit into the recess 103, so the shutter member 100 does not interfere with the third blade receiving member 53 and the grounding pin 302. Therefore, the shutter member 100 can be moved smoothly from the closed position to the open position.
[0055] The support plate 110 is, for example, a molded product of an electrically insulating synthetic resin. The support plate 110 is fixed to the cover 3 with the shutter member 100 and a pair of coil springs 120 sandwiched between the back surface of the front surface 3a of the cover 3 and the support plate 110. The support plate 110 is provided with plug blade insertion holes 111 and 112 for passing a pair of plug blades 301 through, at positions corresponding to the first and second plug blade insertion holes 31 and 32 provided on the front surface 3a of the cover 3. The support plate 110 is also provided with a recess 113 for passing a grounding pin 302 through, at a position corresponding to the grounding pin insertion hole 33 provided on the front surface 3a of the cover 3.
[0056] (2.2) Wiring device system The wiring device system A1 comprises an outlet 1 and a mounting frame 200.
[0057] The mounting frame 200 is formed in a rectangular frame shape from, for example, an electrically insulating synthetic resin.
[0058] The mounting frame 200 is formed in a rectangular frame shape by a pair of first frame pieces 210 extending along the shorter side of the outlet body 2, and a pair of second frame pieces 220 connecting the ends of the pair of first frame pieces 210.
[0059] The mounting frame 200 has a rectangular opening 230 surrounded by a pair of first frame pieces 210 and a pair of second frame pieces 220. Up to three outlets 1 are arranged in a row in the shorter direction within the opening 230. Each of the pair of first frame pieces 210 is provided with three sets of two insertion grooves 211 into which two projections 34, provided on the left and right sides 3b of the cover 3, are inserted.
[0060] Each of the pair of second frame pieces 220 is provided with an elongated hole 221 for inserting a screw member (not shown) for screw-fixing the mounting frame 200 to a switch box (not shown) embedded in the wall 400, for example. Each of the pair of second frame pieces 220 is also provided with two round holes 222 for inserting a screw member (not shown), such as a tapping screw, for fixing the mounting frame 200 to the wall 400, such as a plasterboard wall.
[0061] The outlet body 2 is held in the mounting frame 200 with two projections 34, each provided on the left and right sides of the cover 3, inserted into two insertion grooves 211 provided in a pair of first frame pieces 210. Then, with the rear of the outlet body 2 held in the mounting frame 200 inserted into a recessed hole provided in the wall 400, the mounting frame 200 is fixed to the wall 400 using screw members inserted into the elongated holes 221 or round holes 222 of the second frame piece 220. In this way, the outlet 1 is attached to an object to be mounted, such as a wall 400, via the mounting frame 200.
[0062] In this embodiment, the size of the outlet body 2 is designed to be a single module size, allowing three outlet bodies 2 to be mounted side-by-side on a mounting frame 200 that can be attached to an object (e.g., a wall 400) while holding the outlet body 2. In this embodiment, at least one of the first release button 81 and the second release button 82 is exposed at least partially from the side surface 4b of the body 4, thus enabling miniaturization of the outlet 1. As a result, it becomes possible to accommodate three sets of quick-connect wire connectors, each capable of connecting a pair of power lines W1, W2 and a ground wire W3, in an outlet body 2 with a single module size, thereby realizing a compact (single module size) outlet 1 equipped with quick-connect wire connectors. Therefore, up to three outlets 1 can be mounted and used on the mounting frame 200.
[0063] (3) Operation Description The operation of the outlet 1 in this embodiment when in use will be described below.
[0064] (3.1) Explanation of operation when connecting and disconnecting power and ground wires The connection method for connecting power wires W1 and W2 and ground wire W3 to outlet 1 will be explained.
[0065] When a user (for example, a contractor) inserts a power wire W1 into the first wire insertion hole 41 located at the bottom of the first storage chamber R1, the power wire W1 inserted from the first wire insertion hole 41 is inserted between the first terminal plate 61 and the first spring member 71. At this time, the locking piece 701 of the first spring member 71 bites into the power wire W1, preventing the power wire W1 from being pulled out of the first wire insertion hole 41. In addition, the pressing piece 702 of the first spring member 71 presses the power wire W1 against the first terminal plate 61, thereby electrically connecting the power wire W1 to the first terminal plate 61 and the first blade receiving member 51.
[0066] When a user (for example, a contractor) inserts a power wire W2 into the second wire insertion hole 42 located at the bottom of the second storage chamber R2, the power wire W2 inserted from the second wire insertion hole 42 is inserted between the second terminal plate 62 and the second spring member 72. At this time, the locking piece 701 of the second spring member 72 bites into the power wire W2, preventing the power wire W2 from being pulled out of the second wire insertion hole 42. In addition, the pressing piece 702 of the second spring member 72 presses the power wire W2 against the second terminal plate 62, thereby electrically connecting the power wire W2 to the second terminal plate 62 and the second blade receiving member 52.
[0067] When a user (for example, a contractor) inserts the grounding wire W3 into the third wire insertion hole 43 located at the bottom of the third storage chamber R3, the grounding wire W3 inserted from the third wire insertion hole 43 is inserted between the third terminal plate 63 and the third spring member 73. At this time, the locking piece 701 of the third spring member 73 bites into the grounding wire W3, preventing the grounding wire W3 from being pulled out of the third wire insertion hole 43. In addition, the pressing piece 702 of the third spring member 73 presses the grounding wire W3 against the third terminal plate 63, thereby electrically connecting the grounding wire W3 to the third terminal plate 63 and the third blade receiving member 53.
[0068] Next, we will explain how to remove the power lines W1 and W2 and the grounding wire W3 from outlet 1.
[0069] When removing the power wire W1 held between the first terminal plate 61 and the first spring member 71, the user (e.g., a contractor) pushes forward the projection 811 of the first release button 81, which is located in the through hole 44 of the first side surface 4ba of the body 4, using a tool such as a flathead screwdriver. When the first release button 81 is pushed forward by the force applied, the projection 812 of the first release button 81 pushes forward the locking piece 701 of the first spring member 71, causing the locking piece 701 to bend away from the power wire W1. At this time, the tip of the locking piece 701 separates from the power wire W1, making it possible to pull out the power wire W1 and remove the power wire W1 held between the first terminal plate 61 and the first spring member 71. Furthermore, the two protrusions 812 of the first release button 81 cause the locking pieces 701 of the two first spring members 71 to bend away from the power line W1, so that the two power lines W1 held between the two first spring members 71 and the two first terminal plates 61 can be removed simultaneously.
[0070] Furthermore, when removing the power wire W2 held between the second terminal plate 62 and the second spring member 72, the user (for example, a contractor) pushes forward the projection 821 of the second release button 82, which is located in the through hole 45 of the second side surface 4bb of the body 4, with a tool such as a flathead screwdriver. When the second release button 82 is pushed forward by the pushing force, the projection 822 of the second release button 82 pushes forward the locking piece 701 of the second spring member 72, causing the locking piece 701 to bend away from the power wire W2. At this time, the tip of the locking piece 701 separates from the power wire W2, making it possible to pull out the power wire W2 and remove the power wire W2 held between the second terminal plate 62 and the second spring member 72. Furthermore, the two protrusions 822 of the second release button 82 cause the locking pieces 701 of the two second spring members 72 to bend away from the power line W2, so that the two power lines W2 held between the two second spring members 72 and the two second terminal plates 62 can be removed simultaneously.
[0071] Furthermore, when removing the grounding wire W3 held between the third terminal plate 63 and the third spring member 73, the user (for example, a contractor) pushes the main body 831 of the third release button 83, which is located in the opening 46 on the rear surface 4a of the body 4, forward with a tool such as a flathead screwdriver. When the third release button 83 is pushed forward by the force, the projection 832 of the third release button 83 pushes the locking piece 701 of the third spring member 73 forward, causing the locking piece 701 to bend away from the grounding wire W3. At this time, the tip of the locking piece 701 separates from the grounding wire W3, making it possible to remove the grounding wire W3 held between the third terminal plate 63 and the third spring member 73. Furthermore, the projection 832 of the third release button 83 causes the locking pieces 701 of the two third spring members 73 to bend away from the grounding wire W3, so that the two grounding wires W3 held between the two third spring members 73 and the two third terminal plates 63 can be removed simultaneously.
[0072] (3.2) Explanation of operation when plugging in and unplugging the power cord The operation of the outlet 1 when plugging in the power cord 300 provided on the power cord of an electrical device is connected to the outlet 1 will be explained.
[0073] When the plug 300 is not connected to the outlet 1, the shutter member 100 is pushed downward by a pair of coil springs 120, moving the shutter member 100 to the closed position. At this time, the first and second plug blade insertion holes 31 and 32 are blocked by a pair of closing parts 101 and 102 of the shutter member 100, so the first blade receiving member 51 and the second blade receiving member 52, which are the charging parts, are not exposed. Therefore, the possibility of a person or object coming into contact with the first blade receiving member 51 and the second blade receiving member 52, which are the charging parts, can be reduced.
[0074] When connecting the plug 300 to the outlet 1, the user brings the plug 300 close to the outlet 1, inserts the pair of plug blades 301 into the first and second plug blade insertion holes 31 and 32, and inserts the grounding pin 302 into the grounding pin insertion hole 33. When the pair of plug blades 301 are inserted into the first and second plug blade insertion holes 31 and 32, the pair of plug blades 301 contact the pair of closing parts 101 and 102 of the shutter member 100, which is in the closed position. When the user pushes the plug 300 further into the outlet 1, the pair of plug blades 301 press against the inclined surfaces of the pair of closing parts 101 and 102, applying an upward force to the shutter member 100, and moving the shutter member 100 from the closed position to the open position. In this way, the shutter member 100 is movable to the open position by being pushed by the pair of plug blades 301 inserted from the first and second plug blade insertion holes 31 and 32. When the shutter member 100 moves to the open position, a pair of plug blades 301 are connected to the first blade receiving member 51 and the second blade receiving member 52, and the grounding pin 302 is connected to the third blade receiving member 53. Here, when the shutter member 100 moves from the closed position to the open position, the third blade receiving member 53 and the grounding pin 302 connected to the third blade receiving member 53 enter the recess 103, so the shutter member 100 does not interfere with the third blade receiving member 53 and the grounding pin 302. Therefore, the shutter member 100 can be moved smoothly from the closed position to the open position.
[0075] As described above, when the electrical device's plug 300 is connected to the outlet 1, power is supplied from the outlet 1 to the electrical device via the plug 300.
[0076] Next, the operation of the outlet 1 when the plug 300 is unplugged from the outlet 1 will be described. When the user unplugs the plug 300 from the outlet 1, the pair of plug blades 301 move out of the first and second plug blade insertion holes 31 and 32, and the grounding pin 302 moves out of the grounding pin insertion hole 33. When the pair of plug blades 301 move out of the first and second plug blade insertion holes 31 and 32, the spring force of the pair of coil springs 120 moves the shutter member 100 from the open position to the closed position, and the pair of closing parts 101 and 102 close the first and second plug blade insertion holes 31 and 32. When the plug 300 is not connected to the outlet 1, the shutter member 100 is in the closed position, so the first blade receiving member 51 and the second blade receiving member 52, which are the charging parts, can be covered by the shutter member 100.
[0077] (4) Modification The above embodiments are merely one of many embodiments of the present disclosure. The above embodiments can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the objectives of the present disclosure are achieved.
[0078] The following lists some modifications of the above embodiment. The modifications described below can be combined and applied as appropriate.
[0079] The first blade receiving member 51 and the second blade receiving member 52 are formed in a shape that can accommodate either a flat plug blade or a round pin plug blade, but they may accommodate only one of the two. Furthermore, the shapes of the first and second plug blade insertion holes 31 and 32 can be appropriately changed depending on the type of plug blade 301 that can be connected to the first blade receiving member 51 and the second blade receiving member 52. Furthermore, the arrangement of the first and second plug blade insertion holes 31 and 32 can also be appropriately changed depending on the type of plug blade 301 that can be connected to the first blade receiving member 51 and the second blade receiving member 52.
[0080] (Summary) Based on the embodiments described above, the following embodiments are disclosed.
[0081] The outlet (1) of the first embodiment includes an outlet body (2) into which a plug (300) having a pair of plug blades (301) and a grounding pin (302) can be attached and detached. The outlet body (2) includes a front cover (3) in the front-to-back direction and a body (4) attached to the rear of the cover (3). The front surface of the cover (3) is provided with first and second plug blade insertion holes (31, 32) into which the pair of plug blades (301) of the plug (300) are inserted, and a grounding pin insertion hole (33) into which the grounding pin (302) of the plug (300) is inserted. The rear surface of the body (4) is provided with first and second wire insertion holes (41, 42) into which two power wires (W1, W2) are inserted, and a third wire insertion hole (43) into which a grounding wire (W3) is inserted. The outlet body (2) houses a first blade receiving member (51), a second blade receiving member (52), a third blade receiving member (53), a first terminal board (61), a second terminal board (62), a first spring member (71), a second spring member (72), a first release button (81), and a second release button (82). The first blade receiving member (51) is connected to the plug blade (301) of a pair of plug blades (301) that is inserted into the first plug blade insertion hole (31). The second blade receiving member (52) is connected to the plug blade (301) of a pair of plug blades (301) that is inserted into the second plug blade insertion hole (32). The third blade receiving member (53) is connected to the grounding pin (302) that is inserted into the grounding pin insertion hole (33). The first terminal board (61) is connected to the first blade receiving member (51). The second terminal board (62) is connected to the second blade receiving member (52). The first spring member (71) is capable of holding the power wire (W1) inserted into the first wire insertion hole (41) between itself and the first terminal board (61). The second spring member (72) is capable of holding the power wire (W2) inserted into the second wire insertion hole (42) between itself and the second terminal board (62). The first release button (81) makes it possible to remove the power wire (W1) held between the first spring member (71) and the first terminal board (61). The second release button (82) makes it possible to remove the power wire (W2) held between the second spring member (72) and the second terminal board (62). At least one of the first release button (81) and the second release button (82) is exposed to at least a portion of the side surface (4b) of the body (4) along the front-rear direction.
[0082] In this embodiment, at least a portion of at least one of the first release button (81) and the second release button (82), namely the release button (80), is exposed on the side surface (4b) of the body (4). This eliminates the need to secure a housing space inside the body (4) that can accommodate the entirety of the first release button (81) and the second release button (82), thus enabling miniaturization of the body (4). Therefore, this embodiment provides a miniaturized outlet (1).
[0083] In the outlet (1) of the second embodiment, in the first embodiment, the first release button (81) makes the power wire (W1) held between the first spring member (71) and the first terminal plate (61) detachable by receiving a pressing force and bending the first spring member (71) away from the first terminal plate (61). The second release button (82) makes the power wire (W2) held between the second spring member (72) and the second terminal plate (62) detachable by receiving a pressing force and bending the second spring member (72) away from the second terminal plate (62).
[0084] According to this embodiment, the power lines (W1, W2) can be made detachable by applying pressing force to the first release button (81) and the second release button (82).
[0085] In the outlet (1) of the third embodiment, there are multiple sides (4b) as in the first or second embodiment. The multiple sides (4b) include a first side (4ba) and a second side (4bb) that face each other in one direction intersecting the front-rear direction. At least a portion of the first release button (81) is exposed on the first side (4ba), and at least a portion of the second release button (82) is exposed on the second side (4bb).
[0086] According to this embodiment, the outlet (1) can be further miniaturized by exposing at least a portion of the first release button (81) to the first side surface (4ba) and at least a portion of the second release button (82) to the second side surface (4bb).
[0087] In the outlet (1) of the fourth embodiment, in any of the first to third embodiments, the release button (80) of the first release button (81) and second release button (82) that is exposed from the side (4b) is located flush with the side (4b) or inside the side (4b).
[0088] In this embodiment, compared to the case where the release button (80) protrudes outward from the side (4b), it becomes less likely for a person or object to come into contact with the release button (80). Therefore, the possibility of the power line (W1) being disconnected due to unintentional contact of a person or object with the release button (80) can be reduced.
[0089] In the fifth embodiment of the outlet (1), in any of the first to fourth embodiments, the outlet body (2) further accommodates a third terminal plate (63) and a third spring member (73). The third terminal plate (63) is connected to a third blade receiving member (53). The third spring member (73) is capable of holding the ground wire (W3), which is inserted into the third wire insertion hole (43), between itself and the third terminal plate (63).
[0090] According to this embodiment, the grounding wire (W3) can be held between the third terminal plate (63) and the third spring member (73) simply by inserting the grounding wire (W3) into the third wire insertion hole (43).
[0091] In the sixth embodiment of the outlet (1), as in the fifth embodiment, the outlet body (2) further accommodates a third release button (83). The third release button (83) makes the ground wire (W3) held between the third spring member (73) and the third terminal plate (63) detachable by receiving a pressing force and bending the third spring member (73) away from the third terminal plate (63). At least a portion of the third release button (83) is exposed through an opening (46) provided on the rear surface (4a) of the body (4).
[0092] According to this embodiment, the grounding wire (W3) held between the third spring member (73) and the third terminal plate (63) can be removed by applying a pressing force to the third release button (83).
[0093] In the outlet (1) of the seventh embodiment, as in the sixth embodiment, the third release button (83) is located in front of the peripheral edge (461) of the opening (46) in the body (4).
[0094] In this embodiment, compared to the case where the third release button (83) protrudes further back than the peripheral edge portion (461) of the opening (46), it becomes less likely for a person or object to come into contact with the third release button (83). Therefore, the possibility of the grounding wire (W3) being disconnected due to unintentional contact of a person or object with the third release button (83) can be reduced.
[0095] In the outlet (1) of the eighth embodiment, in any of the first to seventh embodiments, the outlet body (2) further houses a shutter member (100) that is movable between a closed position and an open position. The closed position is the position in which the shutter member (100) overlaps with the first and second plug blade insertion holes (31, 32) when viewed along the front-rear direction. The open position is the position in which the shutter member (100) does not overlap with the first and second plug blade insertion holes (31, 32) when viewed along the front-rear direction. The shutter member (100) is movable to the open position by being pushed by a pair of plug blades (301) inserted from the first and second plug blade insertion holes (31, 32).
[0096] According to this embodiment, when the plug (300) is not connected to the outlet (1), the first blade receiving member (51) and the second blade receiving member (52), which are the charging parts, can be covered by the shutter member (100).
[0097] In the outlet (1) of the ninth embodiment, as in the eighth embodiment, the shutter member (100) has a pair of closing parts (101, 102) that close the first and second plug blade insertion holes (31, 32) respectively when moved to the closed position. The shutter member (100) has a recess (103) between the pair of closing parts (101, 102) into which the third blade receiving member (53) fits when the shutter member (100) moves to the open position.
[0098] According to this embodiment, the possibility of the shutter member (100) interfering with the third blade receiving member (53) and the grounding pin (302) connected to the third blade receiving member (53) can be reduced, and the shutter member (100) can be moved smoothly to the open position.
[0099] In the tenth embodiment of the outlet (1), in any of the first to ninth embodiments, the size of the outlet body (2) is the size of a single module. The size of a single module is the size that allows three outlet bodies (2) to be mounted side by side on a mounting frame (200) that can be attached to an object to be mounted while holding the outlet body (2).
[0100] According to this embodiment, a single module-sized outlet body (2) can accommodate three sets of quick-connect wire connectors to which a pair of power lines (W1, W2) and a grounding wire (W3) can be connected.
[0101] The wiring device system (A1) of the eleventh embodiment comprises an outlet (1) of any of the first to tenth embodiments and a mounting frame (200) that can be attached to an object while holding the outlet (1).
[0102] According to this embodiment, a wiring device system (A1) equipped with a miniaturized outlet (1) can be provided.
[0103] The configurations relating to the second to tenth aspects are not essential to the outlet (1) and can be omitted as appropriate.
[0104] 1 Outlet 2 Outlet body 3 Cover 4 Body 4a Rear view 4b Side view 4ba First side view 4bb Second side view 31 First plug blade insertion hole 32 Second plug blade insertion hole 33 Grounding pin insertion hole 41 First wire insertion hole 42 Second wire insertion hole 43 Third wire insertion hole 46 Opening 51 First blade receiving member 52 Second blade receiving member 53 Third blade receiving member 61 First terminal board 62 Second terminal board 63 Third terminal board 71 First spring member 72 Second spring member 73 Third spring member 80 Release button 81 First release button 82 Second release button 83 Third release button 100 Shutter member 101, 102 Closing part 103 Recess 200 Mounting frame 300 Plug 301, Plug blade 302, Grounding pin 461, Peripheral part A1, Wiring device system W1, W2, Power line W3, Grounding line
Claims
1. The outlet body comprises a plug with a pair of plug blades and a grounding pin that can be attached to and detached, the outlet body includes a front cover in the front-to-back direction and a body attached to the rear of the cover, the front of the cover is provided with first and second plug blade insertion holes into which the pair of plug blades of the plug are each inserted, and a grounding pin insertion hole into which the grounding pin of the plug is inserted, the rear of the body is provided with first and second wire insertion holes into which two power wires are each inserted, and a third wire insertion hole into which a grounding wire is inserted, the outlet body comprises a first blade receiving member to which the plug blade inserted into the first plug blade insertion hole of the pair of plug blades is connected, a second blade receiving member to which the plug blade inserted into the second plug blade insertion hole of the pair of plug blades is connected, a third blade receiving member to which the grounding pin inserted into the grounding pin insertion hole is connected, and a first terminal board connected to the first blade receiving member, An electrical outlet comprising: a second terminal plate connected to the second blade receiving member; a first spring member capable of holding the power wire inserted into the first wire insertion hole between itself and the first terminal plate; a second spring member capable of holding the power wire inserted into the second wire insertion hole between itself and the second terminal plate; a first release button for detaching the power wire held between the first spring member and the first terminal plate; and a second release button for detaching the power wire held between the second spring member and the second terminal plate, wherein at least one of the first release button and the second release button is exposed at least in part on the side surface of the body along the front-rear direction.
2. The outlet according to claim 1, wherein the first release button, upon receiving a pressing force, bends the first spring member toward the first terminal plate, thereby making the power wire held between the first spring member and the first terminal plate detachable, and the second release button, upon receiving a pressing force, bends the second spring member toward the second terminal plate, thereby making the power wire held between the second spring member and the second terminal plate detachable.
3. The outlet according to claim 1 or 2, wherein there are multiple sides, and the multiple sides include a first side and a second side that face each other in one direction intersecting the front-rear direction, and at least a portion of the first release button is exposed on the first side and at least a portion of the second release button is exposed on the second side.
4. The outlet according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the release button of the first release button and the second release button that is exposed on the side surface is located flush with the side surface or inward from the side surface.
5. The outlet according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the outlet body further houses a third terminal plate connected to the third blade receiving member, and a third spring member capable of holding the ground wire inserted into the third wire insertion hole between itself and the third terminal plate.
6. The outlet according to claim 5, wherein the outlet body further houses a third release button that, when subjected to a pressing force, bends the third spring member toward the third terminal plate, thereby making the ground wire held between the third spring member and the third terminal plate detachable, and at least a portion of the third release button is exposed through an opening provided on the rear surface of the body.
7. The outlet according to claim 6, wherein the third release button is located in front of the peripheral edge of the opening in the body.
8. The outlet according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the outlet body further houses a shutter member that is movable between a closed position and an open position, the closed position being a position in which the shutter member overlaps the first and second plug blade insertion holes when viewed along the front-rear direction, the open position being a position in which the shutter member does not overlap the first and second plug blade insertion holes when viewed along the front-rear direction, and the shutter member is movable to the open position by being pressed by the pair of plug blades inserted through the first and second plug blade insertion holes.
9. The outlet according to claim 8, wherein the shutter member has a pair of closing portions that close the first and second plug blade insertion holes, respectively, when moved to the closed position, and the shutter member has a recess between the pair of closing portions into which the third blade receiving member fits when the shutter member moves to the open position.
10. The size of the outlet body is such that three outlet bodies can be mounted side by side on a mounting frame that can be attached to an object while holding the outlet body, according to any one of claims 1 to 9.
11. A wiring device system comprising: an outlet according to any one of claims 1 to 10; and a mounting frame that can be attached to an object while holding the outlet.