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WO2007008176A1 - Modular power distribution device - Google Patents

Modular power distribution device Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2007008176A1
WO2007008176A1 PCT/SG2006/000189 SG2006000189W WO2007008176A1 WO 2007008176 A1 WO2007008176 A1 WO 2007008176A1 SG 2006000189 W SG2006000189 W SG 2006000189W WO 2007008176 A1 WO2007008176 A1 WO 2007008176A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
power
power supplying
supplying portion
receiving portion
power receiving
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/SG2006/000189
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Yi Han Ng
Jun Wei Choo
Tze Hian Cedric Tay
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
COPPER RED Pte Ltd
Original Assignee
COPPER RED Pte Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by COPPER RED Pte Ltd filed Critical COPPER RED Pte Ltd
Priority to GB0802658A priority Critical patent/GB2442912B/en
Publication of WO2007008176A1 publication Critical patent/WO2007008176A1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/46—Bases; Cases
    • H01R13/514—Bases; Cases composed as a modular blocks or assembly, i.e. composed of co-operating parts provided with contact members or holding contact members between them
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R24/00—Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure
    • H01R24/84—Hermaphroditic coupling devices
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R25/00—Coupling parts adapted for simultaneous co-operation with two or more identical counterparts, e.g. for distributing energy to two or more circuits
    • H01R25/006—Coupling parts adapted for simultaneous co-operation with two or more identical counterparts, e.g. for distributing energy to two or more circuits the coupling part being secured to apparatus or structure, e.g. duplex wall receptacle
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R27/00—Coupling parts adapted for co-operation with two or more dissimilar counterparts
    • H01R27/02—Coupling parts adapted for co-operation with two or more dissimilar counterparts for simultaneous co-operation with two or more dissimilar counterparts

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a modular device for distributing electrical power from a single power supply source to a plurality of power demand sources.
  • a single power supply source such as a wall socket
  • a single power supply source such as a wall socket
  • multi-socket power distributors have a single plug portion for connection into the wall socket and two power outlet sockets. These may be arranged in a side-by-side fashion or maybe angularly displaced.
  • a more complex form of power distributor comprises a rigid casing containing several (typically four or six) power outlet sockets, with a single cable extending from the casing and having a plug portion for connection into a wall socket.
  • Such distributors are bulky, and lack flexibility. In some cases, where all power outlet sockets are not in use, unused sockets remain exposed and electrically live, presenting a hazard. Further, where additional power outlets are required, it is necessary to join subsequent distributors through the use of further cables. This is undesirable.
  • the present invention attempts to overcome at least in part some of the aforementioned disadvantages of previous electrical power distributors.
  • a device for distributing electrical power including a power receiving portion, a first power supplying portion and a second power supplying portion, the power receiving portion being complementary in shape to the second power supplying portion such that a first device may be rigidly connected to a second device by connection of the second power supplying portion of the first device to the power receiving portion of the second device, whereby the respective first power supplying portions of the first and second devices are substantially co-planar when the devices are connected.
  • the first power supplying portion is an electrical socket.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of two devices for distributing electrical power in accordance with the present invention; shown in an unconnected state;
  • Figure 2 is a perspective view of the two devices of Figure 1 shown in a connected state
  • Figure 3 is a top plan view of one of the devices of Figure 1;
  • Figure 4 is a bottom plan view of the device of Figure 3; and
  • Figure 5 is a side view of the device of Figure 4.
  • first device 10 and a second device
  • Each device 10, 12 for distributing electrical power.
  • Each device 10, 12 is substantially cylindrical in shape, having a height approximately equal to its radius.
  • Each of the devices 10, 12 include a first power supplying portion 14.
  • the first power supplying portion 14 of each device 10 is not limited to the embodiment of the drawings.
  • the power supplying portion 14 is contained within an outward face 16 of thedevice l ⁇ , 12.
  • Each device 10, 12 further includes a power receiving portion 18 located at a first side
  • the device 10, 12 includes first and second recesses 26, 28 located at the first and second sides 20, 24 respectively.
  • Each of the first and second recesses 26, 28 is substantially L-shaped in cross section, and extends inwardly through the device 10,
  • the L-shape of the first recess 26 is inverted with respect to the L- shape of the second recess 28.
  • the arc 30 is of similar curvature to the device 10, 12.
  • the power receiving portion 18 comprises a plurality of electrically conductive prongs.
  • these comprise first, second and third prongs 32, 34 and 36.
  • the prongs 32, 34, 36 extend inwardly from the outward face 16 within the first recess 26.
  • the second prong 34 is centrally located, and acts as the ground wire for electrical connection.
  • the first and third prongs 32, 36 represent the 'live' and 'neutral' wires.
  • the second power supplying portion comprises a plurality of slots arranged to receive the prongs.
  • these comprise first, second and third slots 38, 40 and 42.
  • these slots are both deeply recessed and covered by spring shutters when not in use, in order to eliminate the risk of accidental electric shock.
  • an initial device (not shown) is connected to an electrical outlet such as a wall socket.
  • the initial device may be provided with a standard electrical plug portion for this purpose, either at the rear of the device or on an electrical cable.
  • the wall socket may be arranged to complement a power receiving portion 18.
  • Subsequent devices 10, 12 are then sequentially attached.
  • a subsequent second device 12 is connected to a subsequent first device 10 by insertion of the power receiving portion 18 of the second device 12 into the second power supplying portion 22 of the first device 10.
  • Firm pushing of the second device 12 results in the first and second recesses 26, 28 engaging each other, with the outward faces 16 of the first and second devices 10, 12 being substantially co-planar.
  • each device 10, 12 can be added sequentially, "daisy-chained", in a linear fashion. It will be appreciated that the first power supplying portion 14 of different devices may be different.
  • the first power supplying portion 14 may be a three-pin socket, a 2- pin socket, or a designated unit such as a battery charging station.
  • each device 10, 12 has an associated switch which selectively permits the supply of power to the first power supplying portion 14.

Landscapes

  • Connector Housings Or Holding Contact Members (AREA)
  • Coupling Device And Connection With Printed Circuit (AREA)
  • Details Of Connecting Devices For Male And Female Coupling (AREA)

Abstract

A modular power distribution device is disclosed, having power supplying and power receiving portions of complementary shape on opposed sides of the device. A further power supplying portion such as an electrical socket is centrally disposed. A plurality of devices can be connected together to provide a plurality of electrical sockets connected to a wall socket.

Description

TITLE
MODULAR POWER DISTRIBUTION DEVICE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a modular device for distributing electrical power from a single power supply source to a plurality of power demand sources.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
It is known to use a single power supply source, such as a wall socket, to provide electrical power to a plurality of devices by the connection of multi-socket power distributors. In their simplest form, such distributors have a single plug portion for connection into the wall socket and two power outlet sockets. These may be arranged in a side-by-side fashion or maybe angularly displaced.
Where more than two power outlets are desired, it is possible to "piggyback" several distributors on top of each other. This presents dangers to users, however, as the resultant structure is bulky, and each distributor is solely supported by its connection through its plug portion. It is easy for a distributor to become partially dislodged, thus exposing live electrical elements.
A more complex form of power distributor comprises a rigid casing containing several (typically four or six) power outlet sockets, with a single cable extending from the casing and having a plug portion for connection into a wall socket. Such distributors are bulky, and lack flexibility. In some cases, where all power outlet sockets are not in use, unused sockets remain exposed and electrically live, presenting a hazard. Further, where additional power outlets are required, it is necessary to join subsequent distributors through the use of further cables. This is undesirable. The present invention attempts to overcome at least in part some of the aforementioned disadvantages of previous electrical power distributors.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided a device for distributing electrical power, the device including a power receiving portion, a first power supplying portion and a second power supplying portion, the power receiving portion being complementary in shape to the second power supplying portion such that a first device may be rigidly connected to a second device by connection of the second power supplying portion of the first device to the power receiving portion of the second device, whereby the respective first power supplying portions of the first and second devices are substantially co-planar when the devices are connected. Preferably, the first power supplying portion is an electrical socket.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of two devices for distributing electrical power in accordance with the present invention; shown in an unconnected state;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the two devices of Figure 1 shown in a connected state;
Figure 3 is a top plan view of one of the devices of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a bottom plan view of the device of Figure 3; and Figure 5 is a side view of the device of Figure 4.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to the Figures 1 and 2, there is shown a first device 10 and a second device
12 for distributing electrical power. Each device 10, 12 is substantially cylindrical in shape, having a height approximately equal to its radius.
Each of the devices 10, 12 include a first power supplying portion 14. In the embodiment of the drawings the first power supplying portion 14 of each device 10,
12 is an electrical socket arranged to receive a plug of an electrical appliance (not shown). The power supplying portion 14 is contained within an outward face 16 of thedevice lθ, 12.
Each device 10, 12 further includes a power receiving portion 18 located at a first side
20 of the device 10, 12 and a second power supplying portion 22 located at an opposed second side 24 of the device 10, 12.
The device 10, 12 includes first and second recesses 26, 28 located at the first and second sides 20, 24 respectively. Each of the first and second recesses 26, 28 is substantially L-shaped in cross section, and extends inwardly through the device 10,
12 in an arc 30. The L-shape of the first recess 26 is inverted with respect to the L- shape of the second recess 28. The arc 30 is of similar curvature to the device 10, 12.
In this way the second recess 28 of the first device 10 is complementary in shape to the first recess 26 of the second device 12, and the two devices 10, 12 can nest together as shown in Figure 2. The power receiving portion 18 comprises a plurality of electrically conductive prongs. In the embodiment of the drawings these comprise first, second and third prongs 32, 34 and 36. The prongs 32, 34, 36 extend inwardly from the outward face 16 within the first recess 26. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the second prong 34 is centrally located, and acts as the ground wire for electrical connection. The first and third prongs 32, 36 represent the 'live' and 'neutral' wires. The second power supplying portion comprises a plurality of slots arranged to receive the prongs. In the embodiment of the drawings these comprise first, second and third slots 38, 40 and 42. In a preferred embodiment of the invention these slots are both deeply recessed and covered by spring shutters when not in use, in order to eliminate the risk of accidental electric shock.
In use, an initial device (not shown) is connected to an electrical outlet such as a wall socket. The initial device may be provided with a standard electrical plug portion for this purpose, either at the rear of the device or on an electrical cable. Alternately, the wall socket may be arranged to complement a power receiving portion 18. Subsequent devices 10, 12 are then sequentially attached. A subsequent second device 12 is connected to a subsequent first device 10 by insertion of the power receiving portion 18 of the second device 12 into the second power supplying portion 22 of the first device 10. Firm pushing of the second device 12 results in the first and second recesses 26, 28 engaging each other, with the outward faces 16 of the first and second devices 10, 12 being substantially co-planar. Further devices 10, 12 can be added sequentially, "daisy-chained", in a linear fashion. It will be appreciated that the first power supplying portion 14 of different devices may be different. The first power supplying portion 14 may be a three-pin socket, a 2- pin socket, or a designated unit such as a battery charging station. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, each device 10, 12 has an associated switch which selectively permits the supply of power to the first power supplying portion 14.
Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention. For instance, the shape of the device may be altered whilst retaining the same essential features, without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A device for distributing electrical power, the device including a power receiving portion, a first power supplying portion and a second power supplying portion, the power receiving portion being complementary in shape to the second power supplying portion such that a first device may be rigidly connected to a second device by connection of the second power supplying portion of the first device to the power receiving portion of the second device, whereby the respective first power supplying portions of the first and second devices are substantially co-planar when the devices are connected.
2. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the power receiving portion and the second power supplying portion are on opposed sides of the device.
3. A device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the power receiving portion and the second power supplying portion are within substantially L-shaped recesses.
4. A device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the device is substantially cylindrical, and wherein the L-shaped recesses extend through arcs with substantially similar curvature to that of the device.
5. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the power receiving portion comprises a plurality of prongs and the second power supplying portion comprises a plurality of slots arranged to receive prongs of an adjacent device.
6. A device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the power receiving portion comprises three prongs.
7. A device as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the slots are covered by spring shutters when not in use.
8. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the device includes a switch for selectively providing electrical power to the first power supplying portion.
9. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the first power supplying portion comprises an electrical socket.
PCT/SG2006/000189 2005-07-13 2006-07-07 Modular power distribution device Ceased WO2007008176A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0802658A GB2442912B (en) 2005-07-13 2006-07-07 Modular power distribution device

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
SG200504838A SG129318A1 (en) 2005-07-13 2005-07-13 Modular power distribution device
SG200504838-4 2005-07-13

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2007008176A1 true WO2007008176A1 (en) 2007-01-18

Family

ID=37637430

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/SG2006/000189 Ceased WO2007008176A1 (en) 2005-07-13 2006-07-07 Modular power distribution device

Country Status (4)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2442912B (en)
MY (1) MY147824A (en)
SG (1) SG129318A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2007008176A1 (en)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2926930A1 (en) * 2008-01-25 2009-07-31 Legrand France Electrical appliance base i.e. electric outlet base, has conducting elements comprising connection tab and recess located on sides of faces, respectively, where tab extends parallel to general orientation of one of faces
GB2468495A (en) * 2009-03-10 2010-09-15 Roger Leslie Brown Inter-engaging electrical socket blocks
EP2489102A4 (en) * 2009-10-12 2013-05-22 Chun Hing Business Dev Company Ltd Power strip
US9685730B2 (en) 2014-09-12 2017-06-20 Steelcase Inc. Floor power distribution system
CN106921077A (en) * 2017-02-20 2017-07-04 哈尔滨研拓科技发展有限公司 Electric power source distribution device
US10524377B2 (en) 2018-01-31 2019-12-31 Eaton Intelligent Power Limited Power distribution unit with interior busbars

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2493351A (en) * 2011-08-01 2013-02-06 Peter Degg Connecting plural devices to a power supply

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5658158A (en) * 1995-08-28 1997-08-19 Milan; Henry Modular surge protection system with interchangeable surge protection modules
US5885109A (en) * 1997-10-16 1999-03-23 Lee; Chiu-Shan Electrical adapters
US20010027066A1 (en) * 1999-12-20 2001-10-04 Pit-Kin Loh Modular power connector system
US6315617B1 (en) * 1998-03-27 2001-11-13 Sabah Naser Al-Sabah Apparatus and method for distributing power from a power supply
DE10035880A1 (en) * 2000-07-24 2002-02-21 Aydin Arslan Adaptive expansion facility for electrical power socket strips uses plug in modules
DE10037179A1 (en) * 2000-07-31 2002-11-28 Constantin Schnura-Felbinger Multiple distribution plug socket has individual plug-in recesses separated from each other in modular manner, joined by linkage joints and pivotable so as to be able to form ring structure
GB2401731A (en) * 2003-05-13 2004-11-17 On Tat Bakelite Electric Works Modular electrical socket board

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5658158A (en) * 1995-08-28 1997-08-19 Milan; Henry Modular surge protection system with interchangeable surge protection modules
US5885109A (en) * 1997-10-16 1999-03-23 Lee; Chiu-Shan Electrical adapters
US6315617B1 (en) * 1998-03-27 2001-11-13 Sabah Naser Al-Sabah Apparatus and method for distributing power from a power supply
US20010027066A1 (en) * 1999-12-20 2001-10-04 Pit-Kin Loh Modular power connector system
DE10035880A1 (en) * 2000-07-24 2002-02-21 Aydin Arslan Adaptive expansion facility for electrical power socket strips uses plug in modules
DE10037179A1 (en) * 2000-07-31 2002-11-28 Constantin Schnura-Felbinger Multiple distribution plug socket has individual plug-in recesses separated from each other in modular manner, joined by linkage joints and pivotable so as to be able to form ring structure
GB2401731A (en) * 2003-05-13 2004-11-17 On Tat Bakelite Electric Works Modular electrical socket board

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
"Student 13-03-04: PowerClip - modulator power board with twist plug", AUSTRALIAN DESIGN AWARDS, 31 October 2004 (2004-10-31), Retrieved from the Internet <URL:http://www.designawards.com.au/ADA/03-04/student/139/139.htm> *

Cited By (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2926930A1 (en) * 2008-01-25 2009-07-31 Legrand France Electrical appliance base i.e. electric outlet base, has conducting elements comprising connection tab and recess located on sides of faces, respectively, where tab extends parallel to general orientation of one of faces
GB2468495A (en) * 2009-03-10 2010-09-15 Roger Leslie Brown Inter-engaging electrical socket blocks
WO2010103272A1 (en) * 2009-03-10 2010-09-16 Roger Leslie Brown Modular mains power distribution system
EP2489102A4 (en) * 2009-10-12 2013-05-22 Chun Hing Business Dev Company Ltd Power strip
US9685730B2 (en) 2014-09-12 2017-06-20 Steelcase Inc. Floor power distribution system
US10050424B2 (en) 2014-09-12 2018-08-14 Steelcase Inc. Floor power distribution system
US11063411B2 (en) 2014-09-12 2021-07-13 Steelcase Inc. Floor power distribution system
US11594865B2 (en) 2014-09-12 2023-02-28 Steelcase Inc. Floor power distribution system
CN106921077A (en) * 2017-02-20 2017-07-04 哈尔滨研拓科技发展有限公司 Electric power source distribution device
US10524377B2 (en) 2018-01-31 2019-12-31 Eaton Intelligent Power Limited Power distribution unit with interior busbars
US11109504B2 (en) 2018-01-31 2021-08-31 Eaton Intelligent Power Limited Power distribution unit with interior busbars

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2442912A (en) 2008-04-16
GB2442912B (en) 2009-09-23
GB0802658D0 (en) 2008-03-19
SG129318A1 (en) 2007-02-26
MY147824A (en) 2013-01-31

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