GB2452964A

GB2452964A - Electrical sockets on structure with lifting means

Info

Publication number: GB2452964A
Application number: GB0718413A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ray Mazzullo
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-09-20
Filing date: 2007-09-20
Publication date: 2009-03-25
Also published as: GB0718413D0

Abstract

A power supply system has a vertically elongate movable structure carrying power and/or data sockets, with means for lifting the movable structure from a lower, retracted, inoperative position to an upper, operative position. The lifting means may be a spring or a motor. The sockets may be connected via contacts (62, 66, Fig 4) so that the sockets are only live when the structure is fully raised. There may be means to limit the speed of ascent and descent.

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 W02006134513. In this system, the casing is displaced manually both in the upward direction to its operative position and in the downward direction to its in operative position.

The present invention provides a power supply system in which movement at least in one direction is not manual but is assisted.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention there is provided a power supply 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 means for lifting the movable structure with respect to the fixed structure.

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 a further parts removed to enable internal structure to be illustrated; Figure 4 dramatically illustrates the configuration of the system when fully extended; Figure 5 is a side elevation, with outer parts removed, of a further form of power supply system, the inner structure being shown in its lowered position; Figure 6 is a side elevation at right angles to that of Figure 5; Figure 7 is a view, similar to that of Figure 5, but showing the inner structure lifted; and Figures 8 and 9 are pictorial views of another form of power supply system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The power supply system 10 shown in Figure 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 moulded structure designated 30 (see particularly Figure 2) is attached to the lower end of the sleeve 12 and is thus immovable. The power and data connectors 22 are carried by the structure 30. The structure 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. A lift spring 38 of the coil type has its lower end seated in a boss 40 at the centre of the plate 32.

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 locking button 46 is movably carried by a guide 48 which is itself mounted on the plate 44. A spring (not shown) pushes the button 46 radially outwardly. As best seen in Figure 1, the collar 16 has an aperture 50 which the button 48 enters when the structure 14 is fully raised with respect to the sleeve 12.

Below the button 46 there is a stop plate 52 which, as will be described, 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.

Live, neutral and earth power supply wires 64 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.

A vertically extending rack 68 has its lower end connected to the plate 32 and its upper end connected to a mounting plate designated 70. The plate 70 forms part of the fixed sleeve 72. A pinion 72 is mounted on the base 56 and meshes with the rack 68. Rotation of the pinion 72 is resisted by a friction clutch or the like which inhibits free rotation of the pinion.

One part 74 of a latch is mounted on the inner surface of the vertical plate 44. The locking element of the latch is designated 76 and is at the lower end of a rod 78 which extends downwardly from an operating button 80 of the cap 28.

When the inner structure 14 is in its lowermost, inoperative position, the part 74 of the latch engages the element 76 and locks the structure 14 in its lowermost position.

"Power on" lights 82 are carried by the cap 28.

To enable the power supply system to be used, downward pressure is exerted on the button 80. This forces the rod 78 downwards, and disengages the element 76 from the part 74 of the latch.

The spnng 38 is at this stage compressed between the plate 32 and the base 56. Once the element 76 is freed from the latch part 74, the spring 30 can push the inner structure 14 upwards. This movement is sufficient to open up a gap between the cap 28 and the work surface. The structure 14 is gripped and slid upwardly until the stop plate 52 encounters the underside of the plate 70 on which this contacts 66 are mounted. This limits upward movement. The button 46 enters the aperture 50 to lock the structure 14 against accidental downward movement.

The rack 68 causes the pinion 72 to rotate as the structure 14 is lifted, and the resistance to rotation of the pinion that is provided limits the rate at which the structure 14 can be raised.

As the structure 14 reaches its uppermost position, the earth, neutral and live contacts 62 of the moveable 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. The tell-tale lights 82 illuminate.

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 46 is pushed in to disengage it from the collar 16. The inner structure 14 can then be pushed down. Engagement between the rack and the pinion limits the rate at which the structure 14 can be caused to descend.

Power supply to the sockets 24 ceases as soon as the live contact 62 and live contacts 66 separate. The lights 82 go out. Eventually the latch part 74 and the element 76 re-engage and the inner structure 14 is locked in its lowermost position.

In a modified form the pinion is on the output shaft of an electric motor.

The button 80 can then operate the switch which connects power to the motor. The motor drives the inner structure 14 up or down. The button 46, latch 74/76 and spring 38 can be omitted if the pinion is driven.

The system shown in Figures 5 to 7 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 structure 30 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.

When the inner structure moves up (see Figure 7) the coils of the cable 84 separate permitting the lifting action to take place.

The lift spring 38.1 and, the latch 74.1/76.1 are shown in Figures 5 to 7.

It will be understood, however, that these can be omitted and a rack and a driven pinion as described above can be used to move the inner structure 14.1.

Turning finally to Figures 8 and 9, these illustrate a system which includes a rod 94 having a spiral groove 96 cut in its outer surface. The rod 94 passes through the bore of a sleeve 98 which is formed internally so that there is a follower of the sleeve in the spiral groove 96. The sleeve 98 is non-rotatably fixed to the base 56 of the inner structure 14. The rod 94 and sleeve 98 replace the rack and pinion of the embodiments described above.

A spiral spring 100 (Figure 8) of the clock spring type is provided within the structure 30. The lower end of the rod 94 is connected to the free end of the centre coil of the spring 100. The free end of the outer coil of the spring is fixed with respect to the structure 30.

The clock-type spring 100 is fully wound when the structure 14 is in its lowermost position. Winding occurs as the structure 14 is pressed downwardly, the follower of the non-rotatable sleeve running down the spiral groove and rotating the rod 94 in the direction which winds the spring's turns closer together.

When the element 76 is released from the latch part 74 (as described above) the structure 14 is free to lift. The spring 100 begins to unwind rotating the rod 94. As the sleeve cannot rotate, it is forced to follow the spiral groove 94 moving in an upward direction.

The rack and pinion 68, 72 of Figures 1 to 4 can be replaced by a rod and follower as described. By frictionally or otherwise restraining the rod against free rotational movement, the rate at which upward and downward motion can occur can be controlled.

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 means for lifting the movable structure with respect to the fixed structure.

2. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said means is a spring, and the system further includes a latch which is released to permit said spring to move the movable structure upwardly.

3. A system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the spring lifts the movable structure upwardly so that it projects sufficiently far above the fixed structure to enable it to be gripped and lifted manually to its full extent.

4. A system as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3 and including means for resisting movement of said movable structure in both the upward and downward directions thereby to slow its rate of movement.

5. A system as claimed in claim 4, and including a meshing rack and pinion, the rack being part of the fixed structure and the pinion being part of the movable structure, rotation of said pinion being resisted.

6. A system as claimed in claim 5, with the modification that said spring is omitted and there is a motor for driving the pinion to displace the pinion along said rack, and hence displace said movable structure in the vertical direction.

7. A system as claimed in any preceeding claim, 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 moveable structure, the contacts of the movable structure touching the contacts of the fixed structure as the movable structure reaches its uppermost position.

8. A system as claimed in any one of claims ito 6, 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.

9. A structure as claimed in claim 1, and including a rod with a spiral groove in its outer surface, the rod being rotatable, a non-rotatable sleeve through which the rod passes, the sleeve including a follower which is in said groove, a clock spring to the centre coil of which said rod is connected whereby, upon said movable structure being pushed down, said follower runs along spiral groove rotating the rod and winding the spring thereby to store energy which is available for lifting the movable structure when a latch is released.

10. A structure as claimed in claim 9, with the modification that the clock spring is omitted and said rod is driven by a motor thereby to raise and lower the movable structure.