Patent Description:
Patent Literature <NUM> describes an electrical outlet (wiring device) including: a terminal member (a first connector) to which an electric wire from an external power supply is electrically connected; and a connection member (a second connector) to which an attachment plug provided to an electric wire from an electric apparatus is to be detachably connected. The electrical outlet includes: a temperature detector (a temperature measuring unit) attached to, for example, at least one location of the terminal member and the connection member; and an interrupter for electrical interruption of the terminal member from the connection member.

When the electrical outlet described in Patent Literature <NUM> determines an abnormality with reference to a temperature detected by the temperature detector, the electrical outlet causes the interrupter to bring its contact point to be in an off state. Thus, when the influence or the like of a wire connection failure during construction or vibration applied during use increases Joule heat generated at a contact part at which the terminal member is in contact with the electric wire, a measured temperature by the temperature detector increases, and the contact point of the interrupter is brought into the off state to cut off electric power supply to the electric apparatus. Patent Literature <NUM> describes an electrical safety outlet for accepting a plug to provide power to electrical appliances including a power supply and an intelligent circuitry for controlling the power supply to the electrical outlet. Patent Literature <NUM> describes an electrical receptacle including a housing having an inwardly directed side and an electrical resistor thermally coupled to the inwardly directed side of the housing.

The claimed invention is defined by the independent claims, while preferred embodiments form the subject of the dependent claims. When in the configuration described in Patent Literature <NUM>, an abnormality is determined even once with reference to the temperature detected by the temperature detector, the terminal member is electrically interrupted from the connection member by the interrupter, and therefore, in order to use the electrical outlet thereafter again, the electrical outlet has to be replaced. Replacement of the electrical outlet is basically unnecessary in the case of a temperature rise caused by, for example, a transient event, the electric apparatus connected to the electrical outlet, or the like, but the configuration described in Patent Literature <NUM> requires the replacement of the electrical outlet even in such a case and thus reduces convenience.

In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide an electrical outlet system with improved convenience.

An electrical outlet system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a terminal member, a connection member, a temperature detector, and an open/close unit. To the terminal member, a feed line is to be connected. To the connection member, a plug is to be connected. The temperature detector is configured to detect, as a detection temperature, a temperature of the connection member and detect a temperature of the terminal member as an auxiliary detection temperature. The open/close unit is electrically connected between the terminal member and the connection member. The open/close unit is configured to be switched from a conduction state to an interruption state when a determination condition is satisfied. The determination condition includes that the detection temperature is higher than or equal to a threshold temperature. The open/close unit is switchable from the interruption state to the conduction state when the determination condition is not satisfied. When an auxiliary determination condition including that the auxiliary detection temperature is higher than or equal to an auxiliary threshold temperature is satisfied, the open/close unit being switched from the conduction state to the interruption state, and switching of the open/close unit from the interruption state to the conduction state being restricted. According to this aspect, even when the open/close unit once enters the interruption state, restoration of the open/close unit makes the electrical outlet system reusable without replacing the electrical outlet system. Thus, in the case where the replacement of the electrical outlet system is basically unnecessary, such as in the case of a temperature rise caused by, for example, a transient event, the replacement of the electrical outlet system is unnecessary, and convenience as the electrical outlet system is thus improved. Furthermore, this aspect enables switching from the interruption state to the conduction state to be restricted when the temperature of the terminal member increases. Thus, for example, when electrical work such as reconnection of a feed line is required, unconsidered restoration of the open/close unit is suppressed.

As illustrated in <FIG>, an electrical outlet system <NUM> according to the present embodiment includes an electrical outlet <NUM>. The electrical outlet <NUM> (an outlet) includes a terminal member <NUM>, a connection member <NUM>, and a housing <NUM> (see <FIG>). In the present embodiment, all of components (the terminal member <NUM>, the connection member <NUM>, and the like) except for the housing <NUM> of the electrical outlet system <NUM> are accommodated in or held by the housing <NUM>. That is, in the present embodiment, all of the components of the electrical outlet system <NUM> are collected in one electrical outlet <NUM>, and the electrical outlet system <NUM> and the electrical outlet <NUM> are identical.

The electrical outlet <NUM> (the electrical outlet system <NUM>) according to the present embodiment is a wiring device, that is, an outlet to which a plug <NUM> (see <FIG>) of, for example, an electric apparatus is to be connected and which is configured to supply electric power to the electric apparatus. The electrical outlet <NUM> is installed in, for example, a dwelling facility such as a detached dwelling house or a multiple residential dwelling complex, or a non-dwelling facility such as an office, a retail establishment, a school, a nursing facility, or the like. The electrical outlet <NUM> is attached to, for example, a construction surface <NUM> (see <FIG>) such as a wall surface, a ceiling surface, or a floor surface of a facility (a building).

As illustrated in <FIG>, the electrical outlet system <NUM> of the present embodiment further includes a temperature detector <NUM> and an open/close unit <NUM> in addition to the terminal member <NUM> and the connection member <NUM>. The terminal member <NUM> is a member to which a feed line <NUM> (see <FIG>) is to be connected. The connection member <NUM> is a member to which the plug <NUM> is to be connected. The temperature detector <NUM> detects, as a detection temperature, a temperature of at least one of the terminal member <NUM> or the connection member <NUM>. The open/close unit <NUM> is electrically connected between the terminal member <NUM> and the connection member <NUM>. Here, the open/close unit <NUM> is switched from a conduction state to an interruption state when a determination condition is satisfied. The determination condition includes that the detection temperature is higher than or equal to a threshold temperature. The open/close unit <NUM> is switchable from the interruption state to the conduction state when the determination condition is not satisfied.

As used herein, "switchable from the interruption state to the conduction state" means a state where switching of the open/close unit <NUM> from the interruption state to the conduction state is allowed, that is, a state where the open/close unit <NUM> in the interruption state is allowed to be switched to the conduction state. Thus, if not being "switchable from the interruption state to the conduction state", the open/close unit <NUM> in the interruption state is prohibited from being switched to the conduction state and maintains the interruption state. Here, the switching of the open/close unit <NUM> from the interruption state to the conduction state may be manually performed by a user or automatically performed by the electrical outlet system <NUM> when a restoration condition, for example, that a restoration signal from the outside of the electrical outlet <NUM> is received or that a predetermined time elapses is satisfied.

According to the above-described configuration, in the electrical outlet system <NUM>, when the detection temperature by the temperature detector <NUM> is higher than or equal to the threshold temperature and the determination condition is satisfied, the open/close unit <NUM> is switched from the conduction state to the interruption state, thereby electrically disconnecting the terminal member <NUM> from the connection member <NUM>. Thus, the electrical outlet system <NUM> enables the connection member <NUM> to be electrically disconnected from the terminal member <NUM> automatically if the detection temperature increases due to, for example, a contact failure between the terminal member <NUM> and the feed line <NUM> or a contact failure between the connection member <NUM> and the plug <NUM>. Thus, for example, even when the plug <NUM> of the electric apparatus remains connected to the connection member <NUM>, electric power supply to the electric apparatus stops, and further heat generation can be suppressed.

In addition, in the electrical outlet system <NUM>, when the determination condition is not satisfied, the open/close unit <NUM> is switchable from the interruption state to the conduction state. That is, in the electrical outlet system <NUM>, even when the determination condition is satisfied and the open/close unit <NUM> thus enters the interruption state once, the open/close unit <NUM> can thereafter be restored to the conduction state by removing a factor for satisfaction of the determination condition so that the determination condition is no longer satisfied.

Thus, according to the electrical outlet system <NUM>, even when the open/close unit <NUM> enters the interruption state once, restoration of the open/close unit <NUM> makes the electrical outlet system <NUM> (the electrical outlet <NUM>) reusable without replacing the electrical outlet system <NUM> (the electrical outlet <NUM>). Thus, in the case of a temperature rise caused by, for example, a transient event, the electric apparatus connected to the electrical outlet <NUM>, or the like, a conventional electrical outlet has to be replaced, but the replacement of the electrical outlet <NUM> of the present disclosure is unnecessary, and convenience as the electrical outlet system <NUM> is thus improved. That is, in such a case, restoring the open/close unit <NUM> without replacing the electrical outlet <NUM> makes the electrical outlet <NUM> reusable, and therefore, labor, cost, and time taken to replace the electrical outlet <NUM> are omitted. Moreover, a configuration in which restoration of the open/close unit <NUM> makes the electrical outlet <NUM> reusable as in the case of the electrical outlet system <NUM> according to the present embodiment is, in particular, useful, for example, for electric apparatuses, such as a refrigerator, a laundry machine, and a television set, in which changing the outlet feeding power to another electrical outlet <NUM> is difficult.

Next, the electrical outlet system <NUM> according to the present embodiment will be described in detail.

First, the overall configuration of the electrical outlet system <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG>.

The electrical outlet system <NUM> according to the present embodiment further includes a controller <NUM>, an operation member <NUM>, a display section <NUM>, a buzzer <NUM>, and a switch <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG> in addition to the terminal member <NUM>, the connection member <NUM>, the housing <NUM> (see <FIG>), the temperature detector <NUM>, and the open/close unit <NUM>.

<FIG> are perspective views each illustrating the electrical outlet <NUM> of the electrical outlet system <NUM> attached to the construction surface <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the electrical outlet <NUM> is an embedded wiring device to be attached to a mounting frame of an interchangeable wiring devices of large square boss type standardized in Japanese Industrial Standards. Specifically, the electrical outlet <NUM> is attached to the construction surface <NUM> via the mounting frame. Here, the mounting frame is fixed to the construction surface <NUM> via an embedded box or directly. That is, the mounting frame is fixed to the construction surface <NUM>, and thereby, the electrical outlet <NUM> is attached to the construction surface <NUM> via the mounting frame. A decorative plate <NUM> is attached to the mounting frame, and as illustrated in <FIG>, the electrical outlet <NUM> is exposed on an inner side of the decorative plate <NUM>. Here, the mounting frame may be a member separated from the housing <NUM> of the electrical outlet <NUM> or may be integrated with the housing <NUM>. In the present embodiment, a case where the electrical outlet <NUM> is configured to be used indoors, that is, the construction surface <NUM> is an inner wall surface of a building (a facility) will be described, but the electrical outlet <NUM> is not limited to this example and may be configured to be used outdoors.

In the following description, in a state where the electrical outlet <NUM> is attached to the inner wall surface, which is the construction surface <NUM>, of the building, a direction vertical (orthogonal) to a horizontal plane is referred to as an "upward/downward direction", and a downward direction (a gravity direction) when the electrical outlet <NUM> is viewed from the front side is referred to as "downward". Moreover, a direction orthogonal to the upward/downward direction and parallel to the construction surface <NUM> is referred to as a "rightward/leftward direction", and when the electrical outlet <NUM> is viewed from the front side, the rightward direction is referred to as "rightward" and the leftward direction is referred to as "leftward". Furthermore, a direction orthogonal to both the upward/downward direction and the rightward/leftward direction, that is, orthogonal to the construction surface <NUM>, will be hereinafter referred to as a "forward/backward direction", and the rear of the construction surface <NUM> (i.e., the region behind the wall) will be hereinafter referred to as "backward". Note that these directions are not to limit the directions of the electrical outlet system <NUM> in use. For example, when the electrical outlet <NUM> is attached to, not the wall surface, but the floor surface, the "forward and rearward direction" is a direction vertical to the horizontal plane, and the "upward/downward direction" and the "rightward/leftward direction" are directions parallel to the horizontal plane. Moreover, also when the electrical outlet <NUM> is attached to the wall surface, the "rightward/leftward direction" is a direction vertical to the horizontal plane if the electrical outlet <NUM> is attached to the wall surface such that the "upward/downward direction" is a direction parallel to the horizontal plane (i.e., sideways).

Moreover, in the present embodiment, a two-port electrical outlet <NUM> to which two plugs <NUM> are connectable at the same time is illustrated as the electrical outlet system <NUM>. That is, the electrical outlet <NUM> has two connection ports <NUM> so that the electrical outlet <NUM> is available to the two plugs <NUM>. The two connection ports <NUM> are configured such that each plug <NUM> is connectable to a corresponding one of the two connection ports <NUM>. The two connection ports <NUM> are arranged on a front surface of the housing <NUM> along the upward/downward direction (gravity direction). Of the two connection ports <NUM>, one (upper) connection port <NUM> is a <NUM>-V AC double-pole electrical outlet with a ground electrode, and the other (lower) connection port <NUM> is a <NUM>-V AC double-pole electrical outlet without a ground electrode.

In the present embodiment, the electrical outlet <NUM> has a pair of terminal members <NUM> having opposite polarities so that the electrical outlet <NUM> is available to a double-pole plug <NUM>. That is, to one terminal member <NUM> of the pair of terminal members <NUM>, an L (LIVE) pole-side (i.e., HOT) feed line <NUM> is connected, and to the other terminal member <NUM>, an N (NEUTRAL) pole-side (i.e., COLD) feed line <NUM> is connected. Similarly, the electrical outlet <NUM> includes a pair of connection members <NUM> having opposite polarities for each connection port <NUM> and thus includes a total of two pairs of (that is, four) connection members <NUM>. Here, each two connection members <NUM> having the same polarities are connected to each other via a lead plate <NUM> (see <FIG>). Moreover, the connection members <NUM> and the terminal member <NUM> having the same polarities are electrically connected to each other via the open/close unit <NUM>.

The electrical outlet <NUM> includes the housing <NUM> and interior components such as the terminal members <NUM> and the connection members <NUM> accommodated in or held by the housing <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the housing <NUM> includes an outer body <NUM>, an outer cover <NUM>, an inner cover <NUM>, an inner block <NUM>, and a terminal block <NUM>. The outer body <NUM>, the outer cover <NUM>, the inner cover <NUM>, the inner block <NUM>, and the terminal block <NUM> are combined with one another to form the housing <NUM>. The housing <NUM> is made of a synthetic resin having an electrical insulation property.

The outer body <NUM> has a box shape having an opening in a front surface thereof. An opening surface (the front surface) of the outer body <NUM> has a rectangular shape whose dimension in the upward/downward direction is larger than that in the rightward/leftward direction. The inner block <NUM> holds the connection members <NUM>, and in this state, the inner block <NUM> is, together with the other interior components (e.g., the terminal members <NUM> and the open/close unit <NUM>), accommodated in the outer body <NUM>. The inner cover <NUM> is attached to the front surface of the outer body <NUM>. Thus, between the outer body <NUM> and the inner cover <NUM>, the interior components including the connection members <NUM> held by the inner block <NUM> are accommodated. The outer cover <NUM> is attached to a front surface of the inner cover <NUM>. In this way, the connection members <NUM> are accommodated between the inner block <NUM> and the outer cover <NUM>. Here, the inner cover <NUM> has a part which corresponds to the inner block <NUM> and which has an opening window <NUM> formed to penetrate the inner cover <NUM> in the forward and rearward direction. Thus, a front surface of the inner block <NUM> holding the connection members <NUM> is covered with the outer cover <NUM>. In a state where the outer cover <NUM> is removed, the front surface of the inner block <NUM> is exposed forward through the opening window <NUM>. The terminal block <NUM> holds the terminal members <NUM>, and in this state, the terminal block <NUM> is, together with the other interior components, accommodated in the outer body <NUM>.

That is, the inner block <NUM> and the outer cover <NUM> constitute a holder member which holds the connection members <NUM>. The terminal block <NUM> constitutes a holder member which holds the terminal members <NUM>. In other words, the electrical outlet system <NUM> further includes a holding member holding at least the terminal members <NUM> or the connection members <NUM>.

In the present embodiment, the outer cover <NUM> is further configured to be divided into a plurality of members (e.g., three members), but the outer cover <NUM> may be integral (one member). Here, the inner block <NUM> and a part, covering the inner block <NUM> of the output cover <NUM> are made of, for example, a urea-formaldehyde resin.

The part of the outer cover <NUM> covering the inner block <NUM> has the two connection ports <NUM> described above. One (upper) connection port <NUM> of the two connection ports <NUM> has a pair of insertion holes <NUM> to which a pair of blades <NUM> (see <FIG>) of the plug <NUM> is to be inserted. The other (lower) connection port <NUM> of the two connection ports <NUM> has a grounding insertion hole <NUM> to which a grounding pin of a plug with a ground electrode is to be inserted, and an earth lid <NUM> in addition to a pair of insertion holes <NUM>. In the interior of the housing <NUM>, the connection members <NUM> are disposed at location corresponding to the respective insertion holes <NUM>, a first grounding member <NUM> is disposed at a location corresponding to the grounding insertion hole <NUM>, and a second grounding member <NUM> is disposed at a location corresponding to the earth lid <NUM>. The first grounding member <NUM> is a spring member to which the grounding pin of the plug with the ground electrode is to be connected. The second grounding member <NUM> is a screw-type terminal to which an earth conductor of the electric apparatus is to be connected. The earth conductor is detachably attachable to the second grounding member <NUM> in a state where the earth lid <NUM> is open.

Moreover, in a space which is located between the outer body <NUM> and the inner cover <NUM> and which is located on the left of the inner block <NUM>, the open/close unit <NUM> and a substrate <NUM> are accommodated. The substrate <NUM> is provided above the open/close unit <NUM>. A first indicator lamp <NUM> and a second indicator lamp <NUM>, which constitute the display section <NUM>, and the switch <NUM> are mounted on the substrate <NUM>. For example, the first indicator lamp <NUM> and the second indicator lamp <NUM> are Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) with different light emission colors, and the switch <NUM> is a push button switch. Thus, the open/close unit <NUM>, the display section <NUM>, and the switch <NUM> are accommodated in the housing <NUM> (the outer body <NUM> and the inner cover <NUM>). However, the inner cover <NUM> is provided with a light transmitting part <NUM> and a cantilever <NUM> such that light of the display section <NUM> is visually perceivable from the front of the housing <NUM> and a push operation can be given to the switch <NUM> from the front of the housing <NUM>. That is, the light of the display section <NUM> is visually perceivable from the front of the housing <NUM> through the light transmitting part <NUM>, and the push operation can be given to the switch <NUM> from the front of the housing <NUM> via the cantilever <NUM>. In <FIG>, for the sake of convenience, locations corresponding to the display section <NUM> (the first indicator lamp <NUM> and the second indicator lamp <NUM>) and the switch <NUM> on the front surface of the housing <NUM> are denoted by the signs of the display section <NUM> and the switch <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> is accommodated in the housing <NUM> and is mounted on a control board disposed, for example, behind the inner block <NUM>. The buzzer <NUM> is also accommodated in the housing <NUM> and is mounted on, for example, the control board. The controller <NUM> is electrically connected to the open/close unit <NUM>, the display section <NUM>, the buzzer <NUM>, the switch <NUM>, and the temperature detector <NUM>. The controller <NUM> controls at least the open/close unit <NUM>, the display section <NUM>, and the buzzer <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> includes, for example, a microcomputer as a main component. The microcomputer executes a program stored in a memory of the microcomputer by a Central Processing Unit (CPU) to realize the function as the controller <NUM>. The program may be stored in a memory of the microcomputer in advance, provided by a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card storing the program, or via telecommunications network. In other words, the program is a program for causing the microcomputer to function as the controller <NUM>.

Moreover, the controller <NUM> has a function as a notifier <NUM> and a function as a state presentation unit <NUM>. The notifier <NUM> performs notification when a caution determination condition including that the detection temperature by the temperature detector <NUM> is higher than or equal to a caution temperature lower than the threshold temperature is satisfied. In the present embodiment, for example, the notification by the notifier <NUM> is realized by outputting a caution sound from the buzzer <NUM> and displaying a caution by the display section <NUM>. That is, the controller <NUM> controls the buzzer <NUM> and the display section <NUM> to realize the notification by the notifier <NUM>. The state presentation unit <NUM> presents whether the open/close unit <NUM> is in the conduction state or in the interruption state. In the present embodiment, for example, presentation by the state presentation unit <NUM> is realized by outputting a warning sound from the buzzer <NUM> and displaying a warning by the display section <NUM>. That is, the controller <NUM> controls the buzzer <NUM> and the display section <NUM> to realize the presentation by the state presentation unit <NUM>. The controller <NUM> (including the notifier <NUM> and the state presentation unit <NUM>) will be described in detail in "(<NUM>) Operation".

An operation is given to the switch <NUM> to stop the sound output from the buzzer <NUM>. That is, when a push operation is given to the switch <NUM> while the buzzer <NUM> outputs a caution sound or a warning sound, the controller <NUM> controls the buzzer <NUM> such that the buzzer <NUM> is stopped. Moreover, the switch <NUM> is also used as a test switch and is used also when the open/close unit <NUM> is forcibly switched from the conduction state to the interruption state.

The open/close unit <NUM> is electrically connected between the terminal member <NUM> and the connection member <NUM>. The open/close unit <NUM> is a device configured to be switched between two states, namely, the conduction state and the interruption state. That is, when the open/close unit <NUM> is in the conduction state, the terminal member <NUM> electrically conducts the connection member <NUM> via the open/close unit <NUM>, and when the open/close unit <NUM> is in the interruption state, the terminal member <NUM> is electrically disconnected (insulated) from the connection member <NUM> via the open/close unit <NUM>. In the present embodiment, as described above, the electrical outlet <NUM> includes the pair of terminal members <NUM> having opposite polarities, and the open/close unit <NUM> is electrically connected to both the pair of terminal members <NUM>. Therefore, when the open/close unit <NUM> is in the interruption state, all of the two pairs (that is, four) connection members <NUM> are electrically disconnected from the terminal members <NUM>.

Specifically, the open/close unit <NUM> includes a pair of contact devices having opposite polarities and an electromagnetic release device. Each of the pair of contact devices includes a fixed contact point and a movable contact point. The movable contact point moves between a closed position at which the movable contact point is in contact with the fixed contact point and an open position at which the movable contact point is apart from the fixed contact point. To the fixed contact point, the terminal member <NUM> is electrically connected, and to the movable contact point, the connection member <NUM> is electrically connected. Specifically, the movable contact point is provided to a movable contact, and the movable contact is connected to the lead plate <NUM> via a braided wire, thereby electrically connecting the movable contact to the connection member <NUM>.

The open/close unit <NUM> having such a configuration in a regular state is in the conduction state in which the movable contact point is located in the closed position, and the open/close unit <NUM> electrically connects the terminal member <NUM> to the connection member <NUM>. On the other hand, when receiving a drive signal from the controller <NUM>, the open/close unit <NUM> activates the electromagnetic release device to drive the movable contact and moves the movable contact point to the open position, so that the open/close unit <NUM> is switched to the interruption state where the terminal member <NUM> is electrically interrupted from the connection member <NUM>. As described above, the open/close unit <NUM> is switched from the conduction state to the interruption state by the driving signal from the controller <NUM>.

Moreover, the operation member <NUM> is mechanically connected to the open/close unit <NUM>. The operation member <NUM> is a lever handle rotatable about a rotary shaft as the center. Here, the inner cover <NUM> and the outer cover <NUM> respectively has a first operation hole <NUM> and a second operation hole <NUM> such that an operation can be given to the operation member <NUM> from the front of the housing <NUM>. That is, the operation member <NUM> is exposed at the front of the housing <NUM> through the first operation hole <NUM> and the second operation hole <NUM>, and an operation can be given from the front of the housing <NUM>.

The operation member <NUM> rotates along with the open/close unit <NUM> and moves between an on-position (see <FIG>) and an off-position (see <FIG>). The on-position is a position corresponding to the conduction state of the open/close unit <NUM>, and the off-position is a position corresponding to the interruption state of the open/close unit <NUM>. That is, when the open/close unit <NUM> is in the conduction state, as illustrated in <FIG>, the operation member <NUM> is located in the on-position. When the operation member <NUM> is in the on-position, a front surface of the operation member <NUM> is substantially flush with the front surface of the housing <NUM>. On the other hand, when the open/close unit <NUM> is switched from the conduction state to the interruption state, the operation member <NUM> rotates and moves a tip end of the operation member <NUM> to the front (near side), and as illustrated in <FIG>, the operation member <NUM> moves to the off-position. When the operation member <NUM> is in the off-position, the operation member <NUM> protrudes forward from the front surface of the housing <NUM>.

As described above, the operation member <NUM> moves along with the open/close unit <NUM>, and therefore, when the open/close unit <NUM> receives the drive signal from the controller <NUM>, and then the open/close unit <NUM> is switched from the conduction state to the interruption state, the operation member <NUM> moves from the on-position to the off-position. In contrast, when the operation member <NUM> moves from the off-position to the on-position, the open/close unit <NUM> is switched from the interruption state to the conduction state. Thus, a user gives an operation to the operation member <NUM> in the off-position and moves the operation member <NUM> to the on-position, and thereby, the open/close unit <NUM> in the interruption state can be switched to the conduction state. In the following description, the operation that moves the operation member <NUM> from the off-position to the on-position is referred to a "restoration operation". The restoration operation will be described in detail in "(<NUM>) Operation".

Moreover, in the present embodiment, the open/close unit <NUM> is switched from the conduction state to the interruption state not only when receiving the drive signal from the controller <NUM> but also when the operation member <NUM> is moved from the on-position to the off-position. Thus, the conduction state and the interruption state of the open/close unit <NUM> is manually switchable by an operation given to the operation member <NUM> by a user. In other words, the open/close unit <NUM> functions as a switching device configured to be turned on/off in accordance with the operation given to the operation member <NUM>.

Next, configurations of the connection member <NUM> and the terminal member <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG>.

The two pairs (that is, four) connection members <NUM> are, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, held by the inner block <NUM>. Here, the two pairs of connection members <NUM> are disposed at locations corresponding to the respective two pairs of insertion holes <NUM> formed in the outer cover <NUM>, specifically, at four corners of the inner block <NUM> in front view. Moreover, as described above, each two connection members <NUM>, having the same polarities, that is, each two connection members <NUM> aligned in the upward/downward direction are connected to each other via the lead plate <NUM>. Each of the pair of lead plates <NUM> having opposite polarities has a strip plate shape elongated more in the upward/downward direction than in the rightward/leftward direction. Here, each two connection members <NUM> having the same polarities and the lead plates <NUM> are integrally formed from one metal plate. In <FIG> and <FIG>, metal plates forming the connection members <NUM> and the lead plates <NUM> are hatched (hatched with dots).

Each connection member <NUM> is a blade reception member, to which the blade <NUM> of the plug <NUM> is inserted when the plug <NUM> is connected. Each connection member <NUM> is made of conductive and elastic metal such as copper or a copper alloy. Each connection member <NUM> has a pair of blade receiving pieces <NUM> facing each other in the rightward/leftward direction. Each connection member <NUM> is electrically connected to the blade <NUM> in a state where the blade <NUM> is sandwiched between the pair of blade receiving pieces <NUM>, and each connection member <NUM> mechanically holds the blade <NUM>.

The pair of terminal members <NUM> are held by the terminal block <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. Here, the pair of terminal members <NUM> are disposed to correspond to the pair of terminal holes <NUM> formed in a rear surface of the terminal block <NUM>. Each terminal member <NUM> is an insertion-type quick connection terminal into which a core wire <NUM> of the feed line <NUM> is inserted for connection of the feed line <NUM>. Specifically, each terminal member <NUM> includes a terminal plate <NUM> and a lock spring <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. The terminal plate <NUM> is made of conductive metal such as a copper or a copper alloy. The lock spring <NUM> is mad of elastic metal such as stainless steel. When the feed line <NUM> is inserted into the terminal hole <NUM> formed in a rear surface of the housing <NUM>, each terminal member <NUM> is electrically connected to the feed line <NUM> and mechanically holds the blade <NUM> in a state where a core wire of the feed line <NUM> is pinched between the terminal plate <NUM> and the lock spring <NUM>.

The terminal block <NUM> further holds a grounding terminal <NUM> (see <FIG>) for connection of a grounding cable. The grounding terminal <NUM> is an insertion-type quick connection terminal similar to the terminal member <NUM> and is disposed to correspond to a grounding terminal hole <NUM> formed in the rear surface of the terminal block <NUM>. In the housing <NUM>, the grounding terminal <NUM> is electrically connected to the first grounding member <NUM> and the second grounding member <NUM>.

The temperature detector <NUM> detects, as a detection temperature, a temperature of at least one of the terminal member <NUM> or the connection member <NUM>. The temperature detector <NUM> is accommodated in the housing <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the temperature detector <NUM> includes a first temperature sensor <NUM> (see <FIG>) and a second temperature sensor <NUM> (see <FIG>). The first temperature sensor <NUM> is a sensor for detecting a temperature of the terminal member <NUM>. The second temperature sensor <NUM> is a sensor for detecting a temperature of the connection member <NUM>. Thus, the first temperature sensor <NUM> is thermally coupled to the terminal member <NUM>, and the second temperature sensor <NUM> is thermally coupled to the connection member <NUM>. Each of the first temperature sensor <NUM> and the second temperature sensor <NUM> is realized by, for example, a thermistor, a thermocouple, a bimetal, or a thermopile.

The temperature detector <NUM> outputs detection signals according to the detection temperatures detected by the first temperature sensor <NUM> and the second temperature sensor <NUM> to the controller <NUM>. As used herein, "detection signal" is at least a signal (electric signal) for transmitting information according to a temperature by a specific symbol and is a signal whose electric quantity such as a resistance value, a voltage value, or a current value changes in accordance with the temperature. Moreover, the detection signal may be, for example, a signal whose two values, namely, on/off (or high level/low level) are switched in accordance with whether the temperatures detected by the temperature detector <NUM> are higher than or equal to the threshold temperature or lower than the threshold temperature. Moreover, the temperature detector <NUM> may include a processing circuit configured to process outputs of the first temperature sensor <NUM> and the second temperature sensor <NUM> to output the detection signal.

Next, the configuration of the temperature detector <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG>.

The second temperature sensor <NUM> for detecting the temperature of the connection member <NUM> is disposed, for example, behind a central part of the lead plate <NUM> in the upward/downward direction, as illustrated in <FIG>, in a state where the second temperature sensor <NUM> is thermally coupled to the lead plate <NUM>. The second temperature sensor <NUM> is thermally coupled to the lead plate <NUM> by, for example, directly fixing the second temperature sensor <NUM> to the lead plate <NUM> with a clip or the like. Here, a pair of second temperature sensors <NUM> are provided to correspond to the pair of lead plates <NUM> having opposite polarities. That is, the temperature detector <NUM> includes the pair of second temperature sensors <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the temperature of the connection member <NUM> detected by the temperature detector <NUM> is for example, a temperature at any one of a plurality of detection points P1 to P11 shown in <FIG>. That is, a temperature rise of the connection member <NUM> occurs in many cases when a contact part of the connection member <NUM> to the blade <NUM> becomes a heat source. Thus, the temperature detector <NUM> may detect, as the temperature of the connection member <NUM>, a temperature at a detection point P1, P2, P10, P11 or the like close to the contact part of the connection member <NUM> to the blade <NUM>. Moreover, when the temperature rise of any one of the connection members <NUM> occurs, heat of the connection member <NUM> is transmitted by thermal conduction to the lead plate <NUM> and another connection member <NUM> coupled to the lead plate <NUM>. Thus, the temperature detector <NUM> may detect, as the temperature of the connection member <NUM>, a temperature at, for example, the detection point P7 set to the central part of the lead plate <NUM> in the upward/downward direction.

When a further temperature rise of the connection member <NUM> occurs, heat from the connection member <NUM> or the lead plate <NUM> may be transmitted to the holder member that holds the connection member <NUM>. In particular, as in the present embodiment, when the holder member is a member constituted by, for example, the inner block <NUM> and the outer cover <NUM> which are made of a synthetic resin, properties of the holder member (the inner block <NUM> and the outer cover <NUM>) are influenced by the heat, which may lead to a change (including a change in quality, discoloring, and deformation) of the properties of the holder member. Thus, the temperature detector <NUM> may detect, as the temperature of the connection member <NUM>, a temperature at the detection point P5, P6, P8, P9 or the like close to the contact part of the connection member <NUM> and the lead plate <NUM> to the holder member (the inner block <NUM> and the outer cover <NUM>).

The first temperature sensor <NUM> for detecting the temperature of the terminal member <NUM> is, for example, as illustrated in <FIG>, disposed in front of the terminal plate <NUM> of the terminal member <NUM> in a state where the first temperature sensor <NUM> is thermally coupled to the terminal plate <NUM>. The first temperature sensor <NUM> is mounted on a sensor substrate <NUM>. The first temperature sensor <NUM> is thermally coupled to the terminal plate <NUM> by, for example, providing a heat transfer sheet <NUM> being heat conductive property and electrically insulating between the terminal plate <NUM> and the first temperature sensor <NUM>. Thus, heat of the terminal plate <NUM> is transmitted via the heat transfer sheet <NUM> to the first temperature sensor <NUM> by the thermal conduction. Here, a pair of first temperature sensors <NUM> are provided to correspond to the pair of thermal members <NUM> such that they have opposite polarities. That is, the temperature detector <NUM> includes the pair of first temperature sensors <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the temperature of the terminal member <NUM> detected by the temperature detector <NUM> is for example, a temperature at any one of plurality of detection points P21 to P25 shown in <FIG>. That is, a temperature rise of the terminal member <NUM> occurs in many cases when a contact part of the terminal member <NUM> to the core wire <NUM> becomes a heat source. Thus, the temperature detector <NUM> may detect, as the temperature of the terminal member <NUM>, a temperature at the detection point P24, P25, or the like of the terminal member <NUM>, the detection point P24, P25, or the like being close to the contact part to the core wire <NUM>. Moreover, when the temperature rise of the terminal member <NUM> occurs, heat of the terminal member <NUM> is transmitted to the entirety of the terminal plate <NUM> by thermal conduction. Thus, the temperature detector <NUM> may detect, as the temperature of the terminal member <NUM>, a temperature at the detection point P22 or the like of the terminal plate <NUM>, the detection point P22 being close to the first temperature sensor <NUM>.

Moreover, when the temperature rise of the terminal member <NUM> occurs, heat from the terminal member <NUM> may be transmitted to the holder member that holds the terminal member <NUM>. In particular, as in the present embodiment, when the holder member is for example, the terminal block <NUM> made of a synthetic resin, the property of the holder member (the terminal block <NUM>) is influenced by the heat, which may lead to a change (including a change in quality, discoloring, and deformation) of the properties of the holder member. Thus, the temperature detector <NUM> may detect, as the temperature of the terminal member <NUM>, a temperature at the detection point P21, P23, or the like of the terminal member <NUM>, the detection point P21, P23, or the like being close to the contact part to the holder member (the terminal block <NUM>).

When a further temperature rise of the connection member <NUM> occurs, heat dissipation from the connection member <NUM> or the lead plate <NUM> also increases the temperature in an internal space <NUM> (see <FIG>) of the housing <NUM>. Similarly, when the temperature rise of the terminal member <NUM> occurs, heat dissipation from the terminal plate <NUM> or the lock spring <NUM> increases the temperature in the internal space <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. Thus, the temperature detector <NUM> may detect a temperature, not on the connection member <NUM>, the lead plate <NUM>, or the terminal member <NUM>, but at the detection point P12, P13, P14 (see <FIG>) or the like set in the internal space <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, thereby indirectly detecting the temperature of the connection member <NUM> or the terminal member <NUM>.

The arrangement of the first temperature sensor <NUM> and the second temperature sensor <NUM> and the locations of the detection points P1 to P14 and P21 to P25 shown in <FIG> are mere examples and thus may be modified.

Next, operation of the electrical outlet system <NUM> according to the present embodiment will be described.

The electrical outlet system <NUM> basically operates such that the open/close unit <NUM> is switched from the conduction state to the interruption state when the determination condition is satisfied. The determination condition includes that the detection temperature is higher than or equal to a threshold temperature. Here, the detection temperature is the temperature of at least one of the terminal member <NUM> or the connection member <NUM> detected by the temperature detector <NUM>. The open/close unit <NUM> is switchable from the interruption state to the conduction state when the determination condition is not satisfied.

In the present embodiment, the controller <NUM> receives the detection signal from the temperature detector <NUM> to acquire the detection temperature. Then, the controller <NUM> compares the detection temperature with the threshold temperature stored in memory or the like to determine whether or not the determination condition is satisfied. If the controller <NUM> determines that the determination condition is satisfied, the controller <NUM> outputs the drive signal to the open/close unit <NUM>, thereby switching the open/close unit <NUM> from the conduction state to the interruption state. Moreover, in the present embodiment, for example, the determination condition includes only that the detection temperature is higher than or equal to the threshold temperature. That is, when the detection temperature is higher than or equal to the threshold temperature, the determination condition is satisfied, and when the detection temperature is lower than the threshold temperature, the determination condition is not satisfied.

Here, in the present embodiment, the temperature detector <NUM> detects the temperature of the connection member <NUM> as the detection temperature and detects the temperature of the terminal member <NUM> as an auxiliary detection temperature. When an auxiliary determination condition including that the auxiliary detection temperature is higher than or equal to an auxiliary threshold temperature is satisfied, the open/close unit <NUM> is switched from the conduction state to the interruption state, and switching of the open/close unit <NUM> from the interruption state to the conduction state is restricted. That is, in the present embodiment, the temperature detector <NUM> detects only the temperature of the connection member <NUM> of the terminal member <NUM> and the connection member <NUM> as the detection temperature and detects the temperature of the terminal member <NUM> as the auxiliary detection temperature different from the detection temperature.

Thus, when the temperature of the connection member <NUM> of the terminal member <NUM> and the connection member <NUM> satisfies the determination condition, the open/close unit <NUM> is switched from the conduction state to the interruption state, and when the temperature of the connection member <NUM> does not satisfy the determination condition, the open/close unit <NUM> is switchable from the interruption state to the conduction state. When the temperature of the terminal member <NUM> (auxiliary detection temperature) satisfies the auxiliary determination condition, the open/close unit <NUM> is switched from the conduction state to the interruption state, but switching of the open/close unit <NUM> from the interruption state to the conduction state is restricted. That is, when the auxiliary detection temperature satisfies the auxiliary determination condition, the switching of the open/close unit <NUM> from the interruption state to the conduction state is restricted (e.g., prohibited) even after the auxiliary determination condition is no longer satisfied.

In the present embodiment, for example, the auxiliary determination condition includes, similar to the determination condition, only that the auxiliary detection temperature is higher than or equal to the auxiliary threshold temperature. That is, when the auxiliary detection temperature is higher than or equal to the auxiliary threshold temperature, the auxiliary determination condition is satisfied, and when the auxiliary detection temperature is lower than the auxiliary threshold temperature, the auxiliary determination condition is not satisfied. Similarly, the caution determination condition used to determine whether or not the notification by the notifier <NUM> is performed includes, in the present embodiment, only that the detection temperature is higher than or equal to the caution temperature. That is, when the detection temperature is higher than or equal to the caution temperature, the caution determination condition is satisfied, and when the detection temperature is lower than the caution temperature, the caution determination condition is not satisfied.

Moreover, in the present embodiment, examples of a display form of the display section <NUM> include a plurality of patterns of display forms depending on combinations of lighting states (e.g., extinction, lighting, or blinking) of the first indicator lamp <NUM> and the second indicator lamp <NUM>. For example, the display section <NUM> lights the first indicator lamp <NUM> and extinguishes the second indicator lamp <NUM> in a regular state where the open/close unit <NUM> is in the conduction state to perform "normal" display. On the other hand, when the caution determination condition including that the detection temperature by the temperature detection unit <NUM> is higher than or equal to the caution temperature lower than the threshold temperature is satisfied, the display section <NUM> lights the first indicator lamp <NUM> and causes the second indicator lamp <NUM> to blink to perform "caution" display. Moreover, when the open/close unit <NUM> is switched from the conduction state to the interruption state, the display section <NUM> lights the first indicator lamp <NUM> and lights the second indicator lamp <NUM> to perform "warning" display.

Similarly, examples of a form of an output sound from the buzzer <NUM> include a plurality of patterns of forms including a caution sound realizing the notification by the notifier <NUM>, and a warning sound realizing the presentation by the state presentation unit <NUM>. That is, the buzzer <NUM> is off in the regular state where the open/close unit <NUM> is in the conduction state, and when the caution determination condition including that the detection temperature by the temperature detection unit <NUM> is higher than or equal to the caution temperature lower than the threshold temperature is satisfied, the buzzer <NUM> outputs the caution sound. Moreover, when the open/close unit <NUM> is switched from the conduction state to the interruption state, the buzzer <NUM> outputs a warning sound different from the caution sound.

Moreover, in the present embodiment, the threshold temperature is set to be lower than the detection temperature at which a prescribed change is caused in the property of the holder member. That is, as described above, heat from the connection member <NUM> may be transmitted to the holder member (the inner block <NUM> and the outer cover <NUM>) holding the connection member <NUM>, the property of the holder member is influenced by the heat, which may lead to a change (including a change in quality, discoloring, and deformation) of the properties of the holder member. On the other hand, in the electrical outlet system <NUM> according to the present embodiment, the open/close unit <NUM> is preferably opened to avoid the property of the holder member being out of an allowable range, so that the electrical outlet <NUM> is reusable even after the occurrence of a temperature rise. As used herein "prescribed change" is a change of the property of the holder member, the change being caused when the property reaches the upper limit of the allowable range. For example, when the allowable range of the property of the holder member is defined in accordance with a certain standard, the property of the holder member is preferably within the allowable range even in the case of the temperature rise. Thus, a temperature lower than the detection temperature when a prescribed change of the property of the holder member occurs is defined as the threshold temperature, and thereby, the open/close unit <NUM> is allowed to be in the interruption state before the property of the holder member changes beyond the prescribed range. Thus, before the property of the holder member is deteriorated, the open/close unit <NUM> is brought into the interruption state to reduce a further temperature rise, thereby preparing for reuse of the electrical outlet <NUM>.

Moreover, the electrical outlet system <NUM> according to the present embodiment includes the operation member <NUM> configured to receive an operation given by a user as described above, and the electrical outlet system <NUM> is configured to cause the operation member <NUM> to operate along with the open/close unit <NUM>. Thus, the open/close unit <NUM> is switched from the interruption state to the conduction state by an operation (a restoration operation) given to the operation member <NUM> when the determination condition is not satisfied. That is, after the determination condition is satisfied and the open/close unit <NUM> is switched from the conduction state to the interruption state, a factor based on which the determination condition is satisfied is eliminated, and if the restoration operation is given in a state where the determination condition is no longer satisfied, the open/close unit <NUM> is switched from the interruption state to the conduction state. Therefore, a user can manually switch the open/close unit <NUM> from the interruption state to the conduction state.

Moreover, in the present embodiment, as described above, the operation member <NUM> moves, along with the open/close unit <NUM>, between an on-position and an off-position. That is, the location of the operation member <NUM> also presents whether the open/close unit <NUM> is in the conduction state or in the interruption state, and therefore, the operation member <NUM> also functions as a state presentation unit configured to present the state of the open/close unit <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the operation member <NUM> has a part which is visually perceivable only when the operation member <NUM> is in the off-position and which is colored red or the like, and thereby, whether the operation member <NUM> is in the on-position or the off-position is visually perceivable from a distance.

An example of operation of the electrical outlet system <NUM> according to the present embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart in <FIG>. Moreover, the flowchart in <FIG> is a mere example, and the order of the steps may accordingly be changed, or a step may accordingly be added, or one or more of the steps may be omitted.

In <FIG>, first, the controller <NUM> receives a detection signal from the temperature detector <NUM> to acquire (S1) a measured temperature T1. The measured temperature T1 includes both the temperature (detection temperature) of the connection member <NUM> and the temperature (auxiliary detection temperature) of the terminal member <NUM>.

Next, the controller <NUM> compares (S2) the measured temperature T1 to a caution temperature Tth1. The caution temperature Tth1 is a temperature compared to the detection temperature to determine whether or not the caution determination condition is satisfied, that is, whether or not the notifier <NUM> is caused to perform notification. The caution temperature Tth1 is a temperature lower than the threshold temperature Tth2. If the measured temperature T1 is lower than the caution temperature Tth1 (S2: No), the controller <NUM> determines that the caution determination condition is not satisfied, and the controller executes a stop process (S3) of the buzzer <NUM>, and the "normal" display (S4) performed by the display section <NUM>, and the process returns to step S1.

On the other hand, if in step S2, the measured temperature T1 is higher than or equal to the caution temperature Tth1 (S2: Yes), the controller <NUM> determines that the caution determination condition is satisfied, and the controller <NUM> performs the notification by the notifier <NUM>, that is, outputting (S5) of a caution sound from the buzzer <NUM> and performing (S6) of the "caution" display by the display section <NUM>. In this state, if a push operation is given to the switch <NUM>, that is, a stop button of the buzzer <NUM> is pushed (S7: Yes), the controller <NUM> executes the stop process (S8) of the buzzer <NUM> and acquires (S9) the measured temperature T1. If the push operation is not given to the switch <NUM>, that is, the stop button of the buzzer <NUM> is not pushed (S7: No), the controller <NUM> skips the stop process (S8) of the buzzer <NUM> and acquires (S9) the measured temperature T1.

Next, the controller <NUM> compares (S10) the measured temperature T1 acquired in step S9 to the threshold temperature Tth2. The threshold temperature Tth2 is a temperature to be compared to the detection temperature to determine whether or not the determination condition is satisfied, that is, whether or not the open/close unit <NUM> enters the interruption state. Moreover, in the present embodiment, the threshold temperature Tth2 also serves as the auxiliary threshold temperature to be compared to the auxiliary detection temperature to determine whether or not the auxiliary determination condition is satisfied. That is, the auxiliary threshold temperature is equal to the threshold temperature Tth2. If the measured temperature T1 is lower than the threshold temperature Tth2 (S10: No), the controller <NUM> determines that neither the determination condition nor the auxiliary determination condition is satisfied, and the process returns to step S1.

Thus, even when it is once determined that the caution determination condition is satisfied and the notification by the notifier <NUM> is performed, if the measured temperature T1 thereafter decreases and falls below the caution temperature Tth1 (S2: No), the stop process (S3) of the buzzer <NUM> and the "normal" display (S4) by the display section <NUM> are performed. Thus, for example, even when a transient event causes a temperature rise, the measured temperature T1 decreases, and it is determined that the measured temperature T1 is higher than or equal to the caution temperature Tth1, the notification by the notifier <NUM> is automatically stopped when the measured temperature T1 decreases thereafter.

In contrast, in step S10, if the measured temperature T1 is higher than or equal to the threshold temperature Tth2 (S10: Yes), the controller <NUM> determines that the determination condition or the auxiliary determination condition is satisfied, and the controller <NUM> outputs a drive signal to the open/close unit <NUM> to switch (S <NUM>) the open/close unit <NUM> from the conduction state to the interruption state. Then, the controller <NUM> performs presentation by the state presentation unit <NUM>, that is, outputting (S12) of a warning sound from the buzzer <NUM> and performing (S13) of the "warning" display by the display section <NUM>. In this state, if a push operation is given to the switch <NUM>, that is, the stop button of the buzzer <NUM> is pushed (S14: Yes), the controller <NUM> executes the stop process (S15) of the buzzer <NUM>, and the process proceeds to step S16. If the push operation is not given to the switch <NUM>, that is, the stop button of the buzzer <NUM> is not pushed (S14: No), the controller <NUM> skips the stop process (S15) of the buzzer <NUM>, and the process proceeds to step S16.

In step S16, the controller <NUM> determines whether or not the measured temperature T1, which has been determined to be higher than or equal to the threshold temperature Tth2, is the temperature of the connection member <NUM>. That is, if the measured temperature T1 at this time is the temperature of the connection member <NUM> (S16: Yes), this means that it is determined in step S10 that the determination condition is satisfied, and therefore, The process proceeds to step S17 in which the controller <NUM> can switch the open/close unit <NUM> from the interruption state to the conduction state. In this state, if the restoration operation is given to the operation member <NUM> (S17: Yes), the open/close unit <NUM> is switched (S18) from the interruption state to the conduction state, and the process proceeds to step S9. At this time, if the factor for satisfaction of the determination condition is not eliminated, that is, if the measured temperature T1 is still higher than or equal to the threshold temperature Tth2 (S10: Yes), the controller <NUM> immediately switches (S1 <NUM>) the open/close unit <NUM> from the conduction state to the interruption state. In contrast, if the factor for satisfaction of the determination condition is eliminated, and the measured temperature T1 is lower than the threshold temperature Tth2 (S10: No), the controller <NUM> determines that neither the determination condition nor the auxiliary determination condition is satisfied, and the process returns to step S1. Thus, the open/close unit <NUM> maintains the conduction state, and the electrical outlet <NUM> enters a reusable state.

In contrast, if in step S16, the measured temperature T1, which has been determined to be higher than or equal to the threshold temperature Tth2, is determined not to be the temperature of the connection member <NUM> (S16: No), this means that it is determined in step S10 that the auxiliary determination condition is satisfied. In this case, the process proceeds to step S19 in which the controller <NUM> cannot switch the open/close unit <NUM> from the interruption state to the conduction state. In this state, when the restoration operation is given to the operation member <NUM> (S19: Yes), the controller <NUM> forcibly maintains (S11) the open/close unit <NUM> in the interruption state by the drive signal.

Moreover, if the restoration operation is given in neither the step S17 nor step S19 (S17: No or S19: No), the controller <NUM> proceeds to step S14.

Various modifications may be made depending on design and the like as long as the object of the present disclosure as disclosed in the appended claims is achieved. Moreover, functions similar to those of the controller <NUM> according to the embodiment may be embodied by a control method, a computer program, a non-transitory storage medium storing a computer program, or the like of the electrical outlet <NUM>.

Variations of the embodiment will be described below. Note that any of the variations to be described below may be combined as appropriate.

The electrical outlet system <NUM> in the present disclosure includes a computer system in its controller <NUM>, for example. The computer system includes, as principal hardware components, a processor and a memory. The processor executes a program stored in the memory of the computer system, thereby realizing functions as the controller <NUM> in the present disclosure. The program may be stored in the memory of the computer system in advance, provided via telecommunications network, or provided as a non-transitory recording medium such as a computer system-readable memory card, optical disc, or hard disk drive storing the program. The processor of the computer system may be made up of a single or a plurality of electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or a largescale integrated circuit (LSI). Those electronic circuits may be either integrated together on a single chip or distributed on multiple chips, whichever is appropriate. Those multiple chips may be integrated together in a single device or distributed in multiple devices without limitation.

Collecting the plurality of functions in the electrical outlet system <NUM> in a single housing <NUM> is not an essential configuration of the electrical outlet system <NUM>. The components of the electrical outlet system <NUM> may be distributed in a plurality of housings. Still alternatively, at least some functions of, for example, the controller <NUM>, of the electrical outlet system <NUM> may be implemented as a cloud computing system as well. Conversely, all of those functions of the electrical outlet system <NUM> may also be integrated together in a single housing <NUM> as in the embodiment described above.

Moreover, the controller <NUM> is not an essential component for the electrical outlet system <NUM> and may accordingly be omitted. Thus, the electrical outlet system <NUM> operates at least such that when the determination condition is satisfied, the open/close unit <NUM> is switched from the conduction state to the interruption state, and when the determination condition is not satisfied, the open/close unit <NUM> is switchable from the interruption state to the conduction state. Thus, for example, when an output (the detection signal) of the temperature detector <NUM> is input directly to the open/close unit <NUM>, and the open/close unit <NUM> operates in response to the detection signal, the controller <NUM> may be omitted. Moreover, for example, also when the temperature detector <NUM> is bimetal or the like and directly drives the open/close unit <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may be omitted.

Moreover, the determination condition includes at least that the detection temperature is higher than or equal to the threshold temperature, and the determination condition may include other conditions in addition to that the detection temperature is higher than or equal to the threshold temperature. For example, the determination condition may include that a situation that the detection temperature is higher than or equal to the threshold temperature continues for a predetermined time, occurs a prescribed number of times, or occurs at a frequency higher than or equal to a prescribed value. Similarly, the auxiliary determination condition includes at least that the auxiliary detection temperature is higher than or equal to the auxiliary threshold temperature, and the auxiliary determination condition may include other conditions in addition to that the auxiliary detection temperature is higher than or equal to the auxiliary threshold temperature. Similarly, the caution determination condition includes at least that the detection temperature is higher than or equal to the caution temperature, and the determination condition may include other conditions in addition to that the detection temperature is higher than or equal to the caution temperature.

Moreover, the electrical outlet <NUM> is not limited to an electrical outlet with a ground electrode but may be an electrical outlet without a ground electrode or, for example, a <NUM>-V AC electrical outlet or a DC outlet. Moreover, the electrical outlet <NUM> is not limited to a Type-A electrical outlet but may be, for example, an electrical outlet, such as a Type-B or Type-C electrical outlet, to which a plug having a pin-shaped blade is connectable. The electrical outlet <NUM> is not limited to a <NUM>-port electrical outlet but may be, for example, a <NUM>-port electrical outlet or a <NUM>-port electrical outlet. Moreover, the electrical outlet system <NUM> may further include, for example, a motion sensor, a timer, a switch, or the like in addition to the electrical outlet <NUM>. Moreover, the terminal member <NUM> does not have to be a quick connection terminal but may be, for example, a screw terminal. Moreover, the electrical outlet <NUM> is not limited to a configuration (embedded installation type) installed in a state where a rear portion of the electrical outlet <NUM> is embedded in the construction surface <NUM> by using a mounting frame, but the electrical outlet <NUM> may have a configuration (exposed installation type) installed on the construction surface <NUM> with the entirety of the electrical outlet <NUM> being exposed.

Moreover, the electrical outlet <NUM> may have a lock mechanism which prevents falling off of the plug <NUM>. In the lock mechanism, for example, the plug <NUM> is rotated to prevent falling off of the blade <NUM> of the plug <NUM>. The electrical outlet <NUM> may be an electrical outlet with a safety shutter.

Moreover, in the above-described embodiment, when the electromagnetic release device operates and the open/close unit <NUM> is switched from the conduction state to the interruption state, the operation member <NUM> also moves, along with the open/close unit <NUM>, to the off-position, but this should not be construed as limiting. For example, when the open/close unit <NUM> is switched from the conduction state to the interruption state, the operation member <NUM> may remain in the on-position. In this case, the restoration operation is realized by once moving the operation member <NUM> from the on-position to the off-position, and then moving the operation member <NUM> from the off-position to the on-position.

Moreover, the open/close unit <NUM> may be realized by, for example, a mechanical relay or a semiconductor switch.

Moreover, in the above-described embodiment, the form of presentation by the state presentation unit <NUM> is the same in both cases where the determination condition is satisfied and where the auxiliary determination condition is satisfied, but the form is not limited to this example. The state presentation unit <NUM> may provide different forms of presentation for the case where the determination condition is satisfied and the case where the auxiliary determination condition is satisfied. For example, the display form of the display section <NUM> may be changed such that when the measured temperature T1, which has been determined to be higher than or equal to the threshold temperature Tth2, is the temperature of the connection member <NUM>, the first indicator lamp <NUM> is lit, and when the measured temperature T1 is the temperature of the terminal member <NUM>, the first indicator lamp <NUM> is caused to blink.

Claim 1:
An electrical outlet system (<NUM>), comprising:
a terminal member (<NUM>) to which a feed line (<NUM>) is to be connected; and
a connection member (<NUM>) to which a plug (<NUM>) is to be connected, the electrical outlet system (<NUM>) further comprises:
a temperature detector (<NUM>) configured to detect a temperature of the connection member (<NUM>) as a detection temperature and detect a temperature of the terminal member (<NUM>) as an auxiliary detection temperature; and
an open/close unit (<NUM>) electrically connected between the terminal member (<NUM>) and the connection member (<NUM>),
the open/close unit (<NUM>)
being configured to be switched from a conduction state to an interruption state when a determination condition including that the detection temperature is higher than or equal to a threshold temperature is satisfied,
being switchable from the interruption state to the conduction state when the determination condition is not satisfied,
when an auxiliary determination condition including that the auxiliary detection temperature is higher than or equal to an auxiliary threshold temperature is satisfied, the open/close unit (<NUM>) being switched from the conduction state to the interruption state, and switching of the open/close unit (<NUM>) from the interruption state to the conduction state being restricted.