WO2009037666A2

WO2009037666A2 - Power supply system

Info

Publication number: WO2009037666A2
Application number: PCT/IB2008/053814
Authority: WO
Inventors: Raymond Mazzullo
Original assignee: Raymond Mazzullo
Priority date: 2007-09-20
Filing date: 2008-09-19
Publication date: 2009-03-26
Also published as: WO2009037666A3

Abstract

The power supply system disclosed comprises a vertically elongate movable structure (14) and a structure (16) which is fixed to a work top by means of a clamping ring (20). The structure (14) is free to move vertically with respect to the fixed structure between an upwardly projecting operative position as shown in Figure 1 and a lower retracted position within the structure (16). An electric motor, when activated, lifts the movable structure with respect to the fixed structure. The transmission between the motor and the fixed structure in the illustrated embodiments comprises a rotatable shaft with a spiral groove in it and a follower in the groove, or a drive using an endless element such as a chain or a belt.

Description

POWER SUPPLY SYSTEMS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to power supply systems.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Power supply systems which comprise a vertical casing that passes through a work surface are well-known. The casing carries electrical sockets and other electrical components. In its "in use" position, the casing extends upwardly from the work surface and all or some of the electrical components are accessible from above the work surface. When in its retracted inoperative position, all the electrical components are below the work surface.

A power supply system of this type is disclosed in WO2006/34513. In this system, the casing is displaced manually both in the upward direction to its operative position and in the downward direction to its inoperative position.

It has been proposed that movement of the vertical casing be assisted. Proposals of this type are found in UK specification 2305855A and United States Specifications 3794956, 4551577, 5023396, 5888078 and 5954525.

The form disclosed in US specifications 3794956 comprises a fixed outer part and a vertically movable inner part. A spring pushes the inner part upwardly when a lock is released. US 4551577 and US 5954525 also make use of springs to raise the inner component. In US 502396 the springs used are tape spring and not coil springs. The movable components disclosed in US 5888078 and GB 2305855 A are raised by pneumatic jacks instead of by springs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention there is provided a power supply system comprising a vertically elongate movable structure carrying power and/or data sockets and a fixed vertically extending structure, the movable structure being capable of movement vertically with respect to the fixed structure between an upper, operative position in which it projects upwardly from the fixed structure and a lower, retracted, inoperative position, there being an electric motor and transmission means connecting the motor to the movable structure whereby activation of the motor lifts the movable structure with respect to the fixed structure.

The transmission means can include a rod with a spiral groove in its outer surface, the rod being rotatable by said motor and there being a non-rotatable component through which the rod passes, said component being part of said movable structure and including a follower which is in said spiral groove.

In another form said transmission includes an endless drive element between said motor and said movable structure, the drive element passing around pulleys or sprockets and being fastened to said movable structure. Said fixed structure and said movable structure can both include electrical contacts, the mains power supply, in use, being connected to the contacts of the fixed structure, and the contacts of the movable structure being connected to power outlets sockets of the movable structure, the contacts of the movable structure touching the contacts of the fixed structure as the movable structure reaches its uppermost position.

In another form the system can include coiled electrical supply cable with its cores connected to power receiving sockets carried by the fixed structure and to power supplying sockets of the movable structure, the turns of said cable moving apart as said movable structure lifts and moving together as said movable structure moves down.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which:-

Figure 1 is a pictorial view of a power supply system in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 is a pictorial view of the system of Figure 1 with an outer sleeve removed;

Figure 3 is a pictorial view similar to Figure 2 but with further parts removed to enable internal structure to be illustrated; Figure 4 dramatically illustrates the configuration of the system when fully extended;

Figure 5 illustrates the mechanism for displacing the inner structure;

Figure 6 to 8 show a further system; Figures 9 and 10 are pictorial views of another form of power supply system, and

Figures 11 and 12 are pictorial views of another form of power supply system, incorporating a motorised belt lifting mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The power supply system 10 shown in Figures 1 to 4 comprises a lower, outer sleeve 12 and an inner structure 14 which moves vertically within the sleeve 12.

The upper section of the sleeve 12 is constituted by a separate collar

16 which has external threading. There is a flange 18 at the upper end of the collar 16.

A locking ring 20, having internal threading compatible with the threading of the collar 16, is screwed onto the collar 16 and tightened to clamp a work surface (not shown) between the flange 18 and the ring 20. A seal 19 is provided to prevent ingress of liquid in the event of a spill on the work surface.

Connectors 22 of any desired type are provided at the lower end of the sleeve 12 to enable data and power cables (not shown) to be connected to the system 10.

The inner structure 14 include sockets 24, 26 which enable the power cables (not shown) of equipment to be plugged in, and also enable data cables (not shown) to be plugged in. The structure 14 is closed at its upper end by a top cap 28.

The motor module designated 30 (see particularly Figure 5) is attached to the lower end of the sleeve 12 and is thus immovable. The power and data connectors 22 are carried by the module 30. The module 30 includes a top plate 32 which has three supports 34 moulded integrally with it. Columns 36 have their lower ends inserted into the supports 34.

The inner structure 14 comprises two opposed extrusions 42 (Figure 2) which are connected by a plate 44 on which the sockets 24, 26 are mounted.

A stop plate 52 is provided which limits upward movement of the structure 14.

A tube 54 is mounted on the plate 32 and data cables (not shown) extend upwardly through this tube. The base of the inner structure 14 is designated 56 and carries a sleeve 58 which forms a mounting for a tube 60. The tube 54 is within the tube 60. The base 56 also carries three electrical contacts 62. The base 56 is not free to rotate.

Live, neutral and earth power supply wires 64 (see Figure 4) are attached to the columns 36 and extend from below the plate 32 to contacts 66 at the upper ends of the columns 36. Each column 36 includes a part circular, vertically elongate groove into which the wires 64 are pressed and retained.

The motor module 30 (Figure 5) contains an electric motor and a gearbox. The motor drives, via the gearbox, a vertical shaft 70 which has a spiral groove 72 in its outer surface. The shaft 70 passes through the base 56 and there is a follower 74 mounted on the top surface of the base. The follower 74 has an element (not shown) in the groove 72.

An operating button 80 is carried by the cap 28, this operating a switch 76 in circuit with the motor in the module 30. The switch has sufficient poles and is so wired that it can supply power to the motor in either direction. "Power on" lights are mounted on the cap and referenced 82. The connection between the switch 76 and the motor is shown at 78.

When it is desired to raise the inner structure 14, the button 80 is depressed to close the switch 76 and supply power to the motor in the module 30. The motor rotates the shaft 70. As the base 56 cannot rotate, rotation of the shaft causes the follower 74 to move upwardly along the spiral groove 72 carrying the base 56 and the entire structure 14 with it.

As the structure 14 reaches its uppermost position, the earth, neutral and live contacts 62 of the movable structure encounter the undersides of the earth, neutral and live contacts 66 at the tops of the columns. For safety, the live contacts are the last to touch. Power is thus supplied to the sockets 24, 26. The lights 82 illuminate. The motor in the motor module 30 is simultaneously switched off.

The sleeve 58 and the tube 60 move telescopically with respect to the tube 54. This is best seen in Figure 4.

To return the system to its inoperative condition, the button 80 is pressed again to activate the switch 76 and reverse the direction of rotation of the motor which then drives the inner structure 14 down.

Power supply to the sockets 24 ceases as soon as the live contact 62 and live contact 66 separate. The lights 82 go out.

Potentially the power supply system described above will be used in places where liquid spillage is a possibility. Kitchens and laboratories are places where the systems can be used. A number of seals are provided to prevent spilled liquid reaching the electrical components.

A loose sealing membrane of thin plastics material covers the top cap 28, the membrane having an upward bulge that receives the button 80. A metal cover disc with an opening in it through which the membrane covered button 80 protrudes is clipped onto the top cap 28.

A sealing ring encircles the top cap 28, this ring being against the top face of the flange 18 when the inner structure is in its lowermost position. A thin sealing ring can also be provided on the underside of the flange 18. This ring is squeezed between the flange 18 and the work top.

The collar 16 clips onto the sleeve 12. An annular seal extends around the upper end of the collar 16. The top surface of the ring on the collar slopes in the radially outward direction so that any liquid that does fall on it runs outwardly and then down the outside of the collar rather than inwardly into the collar. The inner periphery of this seal is in contact with the sleeve 12.

The system shown in Figures 6 to 8 has components in common with the system of Figures 1 to 4. Like parts have been designated with like numerals to which the suffix ".1 " has been added.

In this form the columns 36 have been omitted and a coiled power supply cable 84 is used. The lower end of the cable 84 is tied to the module 30.1 by a cable tie 86. The cable cores 88 which emerge from one end of the cable's outer sheath are connected to the connectors 22. It will be noted that the tie 86 encircles the part of the cable 84 which includes the outer sheath. Hence no pulling forces are exerted on the cores 88. The other end of the coiled cable 84 is tied to the base 56.

The tie is shown at 90 and encircles the cable 84 adjacent the end of the sheath. Consequently no pulling action is exerted on the cores 88 from either end.

The drive for the system shown in Figures 6 to 8 is as shown in Figure 5.

When the inner structure moves up (see Figure 8) the coils of the cable 84 separate permitting the lifting action to take place.

The system shown in Figures 9 and 10 is designated 10.3 and includes a rotatable rod 94.3 with a helical groove 96.3 in its outer surface and a non- rotatable sleeve 98.3 with an internal follower in the helical groove, similar to the corresponding features shown in Figures 5. The system 10.3 includes an electric motor 102 that is attached to the bottom of the plate 32.3 and is configured to rotate the rod 94.3.

The inner structure 14.3 is lowered and raised by rotation of the rod 94.3 in either direction by the motor 102 and the motor can include a reduction gear set to allow it to deliver the necessary torque and drive speed for this purpose. The system shown in Figures 10 and 11 is designated 10.6. Other corresponding parts have the same reference numerals with 6 as a suffix. The system includes an endless belt 114 that extends around a top pulley 116 in the collar 16.6 and a bottom pulley 118, driven by an electric motor 120 mounted below the plate 32.6. The belt 114 is attached to the base 56.6.

The inner structure 14.6 is raised and lowered by rotation of the motor 120, which drives the belt 114 around the pulleys 116,118 so that the part of the belt that is connected to the base plate 56.6 of the inner structure is moved up or down.

The motorised belt 114 thus performs the same function as the motohsed rod 94.3 shown in Figures 9 and 10. The belt can be replaced by a chain and the pulleys by chain sprockets.

Claims

1. A power supply system comprising a vertically elongate movable structure carrying power and/or data sockets and a fixed vertically extending structure, the movable structure being capable of movement vertically with respect to the fixed structure between an upper, operative position in which it projects upwardly from the fixed structure and a lower, retracted, inoperative position, there being an electric motor and transmission means connecting the motor to the movable structure whereby activation of the motor lifts the movable structure with respect to the fixed structure.

2. A structure as claimed in claim 1 , and including a rod with a spiral groove in its outer surface, the rod being rotatable by said motor and there being a non-rotatable component through which the rod passes, said component being part of said movable structure and including a follower which is in said spiral groove.

3. A structure as claimed in claim 1 and including an endless drive element between said motor and said movable structure, the drive element passing around pulleys or sprockets and being fastened to said movable structure.

4. A system as claimed in any one of claims 1 , 2 and 3, wherein said fixed structure and said movable structure both include electrical contacts, the mains power supply, in use, being connected to the contacts of the fixed structure, and the contacts of the movable structure being connected to power outlets sockets of the movable structure, the contacts of the movable structure touching the contacts of the fixed structure as the movable structure reaches its uppermost position.

5. A system is claimed in any one of claims 1 , 2 and 3 and including a coiled electrical supply cable with its cores connected to power receiving sockets carried by the fixed structure and to power supplying sockets of the movable structure, the turns of said cable moving apart as said movable structure lifts and moving together as said movable structure moves down.