CN107706681B

CN107706681B - Energy distribution device for refrigerated container power supply

Info

Publication number: CN107706681B
Application number: CN201710552488.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 彼得·格雷
Original assignee: WISKA Hoppmann GmbH
Current assignee: WISKA Hoppmann GmbH
Priority date: 2016-07-25
Filing date: 2017-07-07
Publication date: 2021-11-02
Anticipated expiration: 2037-07-07
Also published as: CN107706681A; DE102017116819A1; KR20180011568A; KR102627712B1

Abstract

The invention relates to an energy distribution device for an electrically driven reefer container, comprising a housing separating an interior space from the environment and comprising a first opening and a second opening, an electrical power socket, and a first connection device comprising a first part and a second part and a flange part between the first part and the second part. The invention also relates to a connecting device for the electrical supply of a refrigerated container, comprising a first part and a second part and a flange part between the first part and the second part.

Description

Energy distribution device for refrigerated container power supply

Technical Field

The invention relates to an energy distribution device for an electrically driven reefer container, comprising a housing separating an interior space from the environment, said housing comprising a first opening and a second opening, the energy distribution device further comprising an electrical power socket and a first connection device comprising a first part, a second part and a flange part between the first part and the second part.

The invention also relates to a connecting device for electrically connecting an electrical outlet in a housing for the power supply of a refrigerated container, said connecting device comprising a first part and a second part and a flange part between the first part and the second part.

Background

Refrigerated containers are used to transport perishable food items that require controlled temperature transport, such as fruit, meat, fish, vegetables, dairy products, and other temperature sensitive items that require cooling or refrigeration for transport overseas or onshore. To ensure an uninterrupted cold chain, refrigerated containers contain integrated refrigeration units and therefore rely on external power supplies. Whenever such a reefer container is transported or stored, it is necessary to connect the reefer container to a power source by means of a cable. Power is provided from power points installed on container ships, onshore locations, or docks. Typically such refrigeration units are connected to a three-phase system. As such refrigerated containers are transported to various countries, the global standard IEC60309 is applicable to coordinate plugs and sockets.

A single 40 foot reefer container has a power input of up to 15kW and requires three phase power supply, so reefer containers are typically connected to a 440V power grid, rarely a 250V power grid. A load current of more than 15A requires a sufficient wire cross section of the cable.

Especially on marine vessels and docks a large number of refrigerated containers are closely packed and need to be supplied with electrical energy. The total power consumption rapidly increases to hundreds of kilowatts, which must be distributed through special power distribution infrastructure and provided to refrigerated containers located at marine vessels or onshore sites to ensure cooling of the cargo.

Typically, the refrigerated container is connected to the power distribution unit by a cable having a power plug. Such power distribution apparatus may include a plurality of power outlets, wherein each power outlet may be connected to a power plug of a cable to supply energy to one reefer container through the cable. An electrical outlet is understood to be a power point for a detachable electrical connection with an electrical plug. In particular, standardized power plugs and sockets are used for onboard applications of marine vessels, such as standardized three-phase current plugs and sockets, to allow handling of such connections in international trade and transport. It will be appreciated that the main purpose of the energy distribution apparatus according to the invention is to be used onboard a ship for energy supply of reefer containers, but other applications are also possible, for example in the case of energy supply onboard other electrical consumers, such as in an engine room, or energy supply for land-based applications, such as in quayside reefer containers, or any other energy supply apparatus requiring a variable and/or compact configuration of utility electrical consumers.

These specific requirements associated with such energy distribution create problems with the installation of the distribution infrastructure. First, in some applications, only one, two, or three power outlets are required to provide energy to a corresponding number of containers. However, in other applications, more than three, such as five, ten or even more than ten power outlets are required at a location to provide power to the container to avoid the need for long cables to connect the container to the power distribution infrastructure. Since multiple locations are typically present on a ship or on a boat, it is undesirable to install power outlets in separately designed infrastructure elements to reduce installation and maintenance costs.

Another problem associated with such energy distribution devices is the significant forces that occur during use or installation that act on the connecting cable and the socket and any additional electrical connectors used in such distribution base infrastructure. In order to provide safety protection for any personnel handling the electrical connections or working close to these, the distribution infrastructure must be able to withstand, for example, radial forces exerted with respect to the longitudinal axis of the cable, which radial forces frequently occur during loading and unloading of the container and when the electrical connections are installed through the power sockets.

Another problem resulting from high load currents is that the cables and wires are rather stiff and therefore handling of these cables and wires during establishing the electrical connection is rather difficult. Furthermore, it is possible to transmit a large amount of axial and radial forces via such stiff cables and wires. In addition, accessibility of the connection locations for establishing electrical connections of such wires and cables is an indispensable feature, and therefore the distribution infrastructure must be designed such that electrical connections can be easily established and released by a person.

Each time a refrigerated container is loaded or unloaded, dock or ship personnel need to manually connect or disconnect the electrical cables from the electrical outlets installed at the refrigerated container and at the energy distribution device. Thus, a quick operable plug and socket is used to reliably connect the refrigerated container to a power source. Since containers are loaded and unloaded in any weather condition, it is necessary to prevent marine personnel and dock workers from being injured by electric shock. In this regard, specific power outlets have been developed that improve the safety against electrical hazards. Such power outlets are known from DE202012005279U1, KR20130135105 or CN 103457114A. Disclosed herein is a container receptacle which is a switch type receptacle for energy supply of a refrigerated container of a ship. A circuit breaker is arranged in the socket. DE 19706358 a1 discloses a circuit breaker drive for the power supply of offshore cooling containers. EP 1766731B 1 and DE 102013209726 disclose outlet devices that solve this safety problem, wherein a power switch is connected to the outlet and driven by a plug inserted into the outlet.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved energy distribution device for electrically driven refrigerated containers of the aforementioned type, which energy distribution device has improved changeability and fulfils the electrical and mechanical requirements outlined above.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by an energy distribution device for electrically driven refrigerated containers, comprising:

a housing separating the interior space from the environment, said housing comprising a first opening and a second opening,

-an electrical power socket, and

-first connecting means comprising a first part, a second part and a flange part between the first part and the second part,

the first part has first electrical connection means adapted to be electrically connected to the cable and the second part has second electrical connection means, the first and second electrical connection means being electrically connected to each other by a conductor element extending through the flange portion,

wherein the first connection means is mounted to the housing by the flange portion and partially passes through the first opening of the housing such that a first portion of the first connection means is positioned outside the housing and a second portion of the first connection means is positioned inside the housing,

wherein the power socket is mounted into the second opening of the housing, and

wherein the second electrical connector is electrically connected to the power socket via an electrical connector inside the housing.

An energy distribution device is to be understood as a device which distributes energy originating from an electrical power source and distributed by the energy distribution device to at least one electrical power outlet, wherein the refrigerated container can be connected to the electrical power outlet via a cable with a plug.

A housing is to be understood as a box, a casing or an enclosure separating an inner space from an outer space. The housing in the sense of the invention can also be an electrical cabinet or a switch box. The enclosure may be sealed against dust, water and correspondingly against sea water, and preferably provides a higher level of protection, such as the IP65 standard in accordance with the IEC60529 standard. A housing is also understood to be a wall or wall part of a superstructure of a building or a vessel.

A cable is understood to be at least two wires that extend side by side and are bonded, twisted or braided together to form a single assembly. The stripped wire end of the cable may be connected to a connection means enabling the transfer of electrical energy from a power source or an energy distribution grid to an energy distribution device. It is particularly preferred that the cable is to be understood as a three-phase cable, also referred to as a three-phase power cable, and is used for transferring energy in a three-phase power system. In particular, three-phase cables connected to the connectors listed in the IEC 6030910 standard with a supply voltage in the range between 100V and 680V and a load current in the range from 16A to 125A may be within the scope of the present invention.

The wires of the cable have a large cross-section due to the strong current conducted by the wires. This in turn results in the wires being stiff and making the cable rigid and inflexible. The cable may be placed below the deck of an underground or marine vessel and may emerge close to the energy distribution device. For example, the cable may be present in an environment directly below or closer to the installation location of the energy distribution device. When the cable is not present under the energy distribution device, connection of the wires may become impossible or difficult because the inflexible cable cannot be bent enough to reach the energy distribution device. In other cases, it may be difficult to properly connect the wire to the connection device, for example when the wire and, therefore, the connection device connected thereto are under mechanical stress. Especially when inflexible cables and rigid wires need to be connected inside the energy distribution apparatus, it is difficult to connect the wires to the connection means due to the limited space available inside the housing of the energy distribution apparatus. This may be caused by heavy axial and radial loads at the connection point between the cable and the energy distribution device.

The invention is based on the following insight: the mounting operation of the energy distribution device can be significantly simplified if the electrical connection of the wires of the cable is made to the outside of the housing and remains there also after mounting. When the marine vessel is manufactured at a shipyard, one stage of the construction is the provision of an electrical grid, and said stage further comprises the installation of energy distribution devices for supplying the reefer containers through the energy distribution devices.

The connecting device is thus mounted to the housing in such a way that the first part of the connecting device comprising the first connecting means is outside the housing, so that the accessibility of the first connecting means is significantly improved. Thus, the three-phase cable may be connected to the energy distribution device without opening the housing of the energy distribution device to connect the wires of the cable. It may not even be necessary to remove the connecting means for mounting the wires of the cable. An advantage of such an integrated energy distribution apparatus is that it can be installed to the grid in a time-saving manner.

In addition to the advantages described above, the present invention provides additional advantages.

Since the energy distribution device can be pre-assembled according to the wiring diagram of the dock, the housing can be fully equipped with the power receptacle and the connection device during such pre-assembly. Since the openings have the same geometry, there is no limitation to installing a single or multiple connection device and power socket. Therefore, the mounting position can be freely selected. This provides greater flexibility when planning, manufacturing and locally installing energy distribution devices for the power supply of the refrigerated container. When the energy distribution device is mounted after pre-assembly of the energy distribution device, the housing does not need to be opened, but the power source can be connected via the first electrical connection means in the first part of the connection device. Thereby facilitating on-board installation and not easily damaging wiring within the housing.

As a further advantage of the invention, the housing of the energy distribution device can be reduced in size, since the three-phase cable is electrically connected to the energy distribution device outside the housing, and therefore no consideration needs to be given to the loop size or bending radius with respect to the cable and its wires when dimensioning the housing.

Conventional energy distribution devices must be sized to be able to connect the rigid wires of the three-phase cable within the housing. Since the wires of a three-phase cable conduct high voltages, e.g. 380V or above 380V, and high currents exceeding 10A or even exceeding 30A, wires with a large cable cross-section result in the cable being rigid and having a large minimum bending radius. Due to said large bending radius, the housing of the energy distribution device needs to provide sufficient free space within the housing to be able to occupy and couple at least the curves or loops of the wires of the three-phase cable to the connecting means.

According to the present invention, the housing space can be saved because the space required for connecting the device and the cable wiring can be moved from the inner space of the housing to the outside of the housing. Normally, there is sufficient space available outside the housing, in particular sufficient length, to perform the routing of the rigid wires and rigid cables. Even three-phase cables which are suitable for high-load currents and therefore have a large wire cross section can be connected to the energy distribution device without the need to adjust or enlarge the housing of the energy distribution device. On the one hand, the invention has the advantage that material and space can be saved, since the housing can be made smaller. On the other hand, the housing dimensions are uniform for many applications and thus product versatility is reduced, simplifying warehousing, reducing storage costs, and allowing for greater variability in the mounting arrangement of such uniform housings.

It is particularly preferred that the first part comprises a housing adapted to be mounted to the flange portion, the housing enclosing the first electrical connection means and comprising an opening opposite the flange portion for inserting the cable into the housing, wherein the flange portion is adapted to receive the housing and the housing may protect the current carrying wire or the connection device from damage caused by objects that may accidentally come into contact with the wire or the connection device. Furthermore, the risk of short circuits can be significantly reduced when the connecting means of the cable and the uncoated wire ends of the cable are completely or at least partially covered or shielded. Furthermore, the housing significantly increases the electrical safety and significantly reduces the risk of injury to a person from an electric shock, since the housing prevents direct contact with live parts.

The energy distribution devices of the refrigerated container are exposed to seawater, rain and dust. Therefore, it is particularly preferable that the inner space of the housing is sealed to prevent intrusion of moisture and dust. Thereby, the first electrical connection device can be protected from moisture, and thus corrosion can be prevented to avoid malfunction and short-circuiting of the connection device.

A seal may be used to seal the interface between the flange portion and the housing. Such a seal may be selected from a sealing ring, a flat seal, a sealing band or any other type of seal capable of sealing the interface between the flange portion and the housing. The material for such seals may comprise rubber, plastic, silicone, epoxy or adhesive material. Particularly preferably, the seal material is a thermoplastic elastomer. The seal may be placed at the contact surface of the flange portion and the housing.

It is also preferred that the seal is moulded onto or into the housing and/or the flange portion. The seal may be prepared by techniques such as injection molding or in particular by two-component injection molding, also known as 2C injection molding). In this case, the housing may be formed from a hard component, for example ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) and the seal may be provided from a soft component, for example a thermoplastic elastomer, for example TPE-E (copolyester), TPE-a (polyether block amide), TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) or polysiloxane. Accordingly, the sealing member is molded onto or into the housing and/or the flange portion, respectively, and connected to the housing or the flange portion, and thus the sealing member is prevented from being lost or forgotten during an installation or maintenance process, so that reliability can be improved.

Furthermore, it is preferred that the housing, in particular the seal providing protection against the ingress of dust and water, complies with the IEC60529 standard, which classifies and evaluates the provided enclosure protection classes. The housing of the energy distribution device for supplying the reefer container preferably has a rating of IP65 and is therefore dust proof (first number) and prevents strong water sprays (second number). However, the enclosure may also have a lower rating, such as IP64, or a higher rating, such as IP66 or IP 68.

It is also preferred that the opening through which the cable is guided into the housing comprises a seal to seal said cable to prevent dust and moisture from entering through the opening when the cable is inserted. This embodiment may or may illustratively comprise a cable gland comprising the seal.

More preferably, the housing extends along a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the plane of the first opening, and the housing is mounted to the flange portion by axial movement along the longitudinal axis of the first connection means, radial movement relative to the longitudinal axis, or combined radial-axial movement relative to the longitudinal axis, or a combination of axial and rotational movement along the longitudinal axis of the first connection means. A longitudinal axis is to be understood as an axis extending from the first part of the connecting piece through the flange part to the second part of the connecting device. Preferably, the longitudinal axis is perpendicular to a plane, wherein the flange portion is mounted to the housing of the energy distribution device, said plane corresponding to said plane of the first opening. Alternatively, the longitudinal axis may be an axis perpendicular to the centre of mass of the flange portion.

The housing may be mounted to the flange portion from within the first portion by axial movement of the housing. For example, the housing and flange portions may include special clips or spring elements that may interlock with each other. Alternatively, the flange portion and the housing are adapted to be connected to each other by a combination of an axial movement along a longitudinal axis and a rotational movement about the longitudinal axis, e.g. the longitudinal axis of a screw coupling or a bayonet coupling. For example, the flange portion may include external threads and the housing may include internal threads, or the housing may include external threads and the flange portion may include internal threads. The housing can thus be connected by a screw-on mounting, so that the housing can be removed if necessary. This may be advantageous when maintenance is to be performed on the connection means or when a damaged housing needs to be replaced. When the housing is tightened, a sealing member, for example a sealing ring or a flat sealing member, may be placed on or in the spherical annular element and/or the flange portion.

The above-mentioned coupling may preferably be a releasable coupling. It may be preferable to provide a releasable but non-detachable connection to prevent, for example, loosening or unauthorized removal of the housing. Furthermore, an inseparable connection, for example an integral connection, can be produced by using an adhesive or by interlocking elements such as locking clips.

Furthermore, it is preferred that the housing comprises a first housing element and a second housing element, which are sealingly coupled to each other and form a sealed coupling to the flange. A housing with two housing elements can be mounted along the longitudinal axis of the above-mentioned connecting device only with little or no axial movement of the housing elements. Thus, the mounting can be from any direction perpendicular to or inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the connecting device, i.e. a radial movement or a radial-axial movement. For example, the first housing element and the second housing element may be realized as two half-shells which are placed together and which completely or partially enclose the connector flange of the flange portion. When mounting the housing, it may be advantageous if there is no space or only little space for moving the housing along the longitudinal axis of the connecting device to access the electrical connection or for mounting the electrical wires to the first connecting means. In case the connection device of the energy distribution device and the cable to be connected to the connection device are not in line, the housing may not be mounted correctly. In this case, the screw-down housing may not be mounted sometimes because the male and female screws are not aligned correctly with each other.

It is furthermore preferred that the housing comprises a first housing element and a second housing element, which are sealingly coupled to each other and form a sealed coupling to the flange. The advantages with regard to the embodiments and the embodiment details of these seals are described with reference to the above description relating to the seal between the housing and the flange portion.

It is furthermore preferred that the first and second liquid crystal compositions,

the first housing element is fixed to the flange portion and the second housing element is fixed to the first housing, or

The first housing element is fixed to the flange portion and the second housing element is fixed to the flange, or

The first housing element is fixed to the flange portion and the second housing element is fixed to the flange portion and to the first housing element.

It is advantageous to connect the first housing element to the flange portion such that the first housing element is fixed and then to connect the second housing element to the first housing element, for example like a lid. In this case, the separate fixing of the second housing element to the flange portion may be omitted. Alternatively, it is preferred that both the first housing element and the second housing element are mounted or fixed to the flange portion, but may not be fixed to each other separately. Alternatively, it is preferred that the first housing element is fixed to the flange portion and to the second housing element to provide a mechanically strong interconnection and seal between the flange portion and the first and second housing elements.

Further, it is preferred that the first housing element and the flange portion form an integral part.

For example, the first housing element may extend from the flange portion to enclose the first connection means. This may be advantageous when connecting the second housing element, since the electrician does not need to hold both housing elements by hand, but can simply mount the second housing element to the fixed first housing element as an integral part of the flange.

Further, it is preferred that the housing is rotatably mounted to the flange portion, preferably to a hollow ball joint coupling the flange portion and the housing.

A rotatably mounted connection of the housing to the flange portion may be advantageous, as this provides the possibility of mounting the housing to the flange portion in an inclined orientation. Such an angled attachment may be necessary, for example, when the connection device of the energy distribution device and the cable to be connected to the connection device are not in line or have a positional or angular mismatch. In this case, the forces that would act on the housing would render the seal between the flange portion and the housing ineffective and, if a non-rotatable rigid connection were to be achieved, the risk of breakage would occur. Such mechanical stresses caused by forces acting on the material of the connecting device and/or the material of the housing can be avoided by the rotationally mounted connection, which may in turn prevent the housing from breaking and thus increase the service life of the energy distribution device.

Another advantage is that the installation can be simplified, since dimensional deviations of the assembly position of the housing of the energy distribution device and the position where the cables are placed or emerge from below the ground or deck can be compensated for.

The rotationally mounted connection may be achieved by a hollow ball joint allowing movement about a centre of rotation. Thus, the housing may form a hollow ring element having a cross section with a spherical inner geometry or a spherical outer geometry. The flange portion may comprise a portion having a spherical outer portion complementary to the corresponding inner geometry and having a radius substantially the same as the inner diameter of the housing. When installed, the housing surrounds a portion of the flange portion having the spherical outer geometry of the flange portion. Thus, the longitudinal movement aspect of the housing relative to the flange portion is fixed, but due to the engagement of the male and female spherical geometries, the housing may perform a tilting movement in relation to the flange.

Preferably, a seal is provided between the flange portion and the housing, preferably an annular seal mounted to the flange portion or the circumferential recess of the flange portion.

With regard to the advantageous function and embodiment of such a seal, reference is made to the above description of the seal between the housing and the flange portion.

It is further preferred that the energy distribution device further comprises an adapter element adapted to be mounted between the flange portion and the housing.

Such an adapter element may be advantageous in the following cases: for example when preassembling the connection device comprising a threaded flange portion into the energy distribution device, but during the mounting process, it is necessary to mount the housing at an angle to compensate for the deviation of the mounting position. When the orientations of the housing and the cable are misaligned, a deviation in the installation position may occur. The adapter element can then be used to compensate for the mismatch, thus allowing a simple and fast installation process. The adapter element may in particular provide an angular compensation or a compensation for radial offset of the cable and the housing.

Furthermore, it is preferred that the length of the housing is greater than the diameter or maximum width of the cross-section of the housing. The certain length of the housing ensures that the housing provides sufficient space to maintain the installation process of the wires of the cable to the connector device when the energy distribution apparatus is installed. Thus, the shipyard personnel can manually install the hull, since he can apply sufficient torque by using his hands without special tools. Another advantage of a certain length of the housing is that it provides sufficient length to compensate for misalignment of the cable and the connection means of the energy distribution device.

Bending the wire to match the desired position is in most cases impossible or very difficult because it is rigid. Thus, the length of the housing is greater than the diameter or maximum diameter of the cross-section of the housing to facilitate providing sufficient space for the wires within the housing.

It is also preferred that the cable inserted through the opening of the housing has a first minimum bend radius and the wires of the cable have a second minimum bend radius, wherein the length of the housing along its longitudinal axis is 0.05 to 2 times the first minimum bend radius and/or wherein the length of the housing along its longitudinal axis is 0.1 to 5 times the second minimum bend radius. The length of the housing may depend on the minimum bend radius of the cable, as the bend radius may affect the amount of space required to place the cable in an angled arrangement. Since the bend radius is a quality factor of the cable, the size of the housing may be related to the bend radius. This bending radius is suitable for the bending radius of the wires of a cable like a three-phase cable. Generally, the minimum bending radius of a cable or wire may be determined to be 15 times the diameter of the cable or wire, respectively.

Furthermore, it is preferred that the energy distribution device further comprises a valve unit connecting the interior space of the housing with an exterior space outside the housing and adapted to compensate for an air pressure difference between the interior space and the exterior space of the housing. Since the energy distribution device is connected to a high voltage, it may be preferable to prevent condensation humidity within the interior space. The valve unit thus performs a pressure equalization between the inner space of the housing and the environment, minimizing the risk of condensation water inside the housing. Therefore, the durability of the connection device covered by the housing is increased and electrical failure is prevented.

It is also preferred that the housing comprises fixing means for fixing the cable to the housing to protect the first electrical connection device from mechanical strain caused by a force applied to said cable. Whenever a force is applied to the cable, there is a risk that the wires of the cable, which are mechanically and electrically connected to the connecting device, come into loose contact with the conductor elements or even break. This will lead to a malfunction of the energy distribution device. Thus, the connection device may be modified to provide strain relief of the connection device by securing the cable to the housing. For example, the cable gland may be an integral part of the housing, or may be fixed, e.g. screwed, to the housing. When a cable is fed through such a cable gland, the electrical wires mechanically connected to the connecting device are protected from mechanical forces. In particular, such a strain relief device may be mounted to an opening in the housing in which the cable is inserted, and may have a sealing effect to seal the opening when the cable is inserted.

It is further preferred that the first electrical connecting means comprises a plurality of connectors and wherein a separator element made of an electrically insulating material is arranged between each two adjacent connectors.

The separator elements improve the electrical safety because they prevent accidental connection between adjacent connecting means of the connecting device. In order to make the cable more flexible and to reduce its bending radius, the wire consists of several wires. However, during installation, individual conductors may not be gripped by the connector devices and may protrude and may contact adjacent connector devices, thereby causing electrical failure. The separator element mechanically prevents the wire or wires from coming into contact with adjacent connecting means or wires, because the separator element forms a mechanical barrier between two adjacent connecting means. A separator element may be understood as a safety cover, a protective shield, a safety shield or a plate or panel made of plastic material mounted to or extending from the connecting device between two adjacent connecting means.

Another advantage is that the gap distance and creepage distance are increased and the insulation barrier is improved, which in turn prevents flashovers between two adjacent connected devices.

Furthermore, it is preferred that the first and/or second electrical connecting means comprise screw terminals, clamping terminals, solder cups or solder plates.

In general, different connection devices may be used for the connection devices, and in some applications, some connection devices may be more suitable than others. For example, when using a clamping terminal, the wires can be connected in a time-saving and easy manner, since no tools or cable joints are required when connecting the wires to the clamping terminal. Alternatively, the screw terminal provides a mechanically durable connection. When connecting the wires, a conventional tool, such as a screwdriver or a wrench, is required. Solder cups or solder plates provide the most durable wire connections, and these connection types require special tools.

Further, it is preferable that the power receptacle has a length in an axial direction of the connecting device, and a depth of the housing in the axial direction is smaller than 1.5 times the length of the power receptacle in the axial direction. The depth of the housing is to be understood as the dimension in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the connecting device. Preferably, the power socket has a longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the connection device. Since the first connection means of the connection device is placed outside the housing of the energy distribution device, the depth of the housing can be reduced. According to the invention, the minimum depth of the housing is substantially determined by the length of the power socket fitted into the housing. Often, it may be necessary to provide additional space for the wiring of the power socket within the housing of the energy distribution apparatus and the second connection means of the connection apparatus. In view of this, a depth smaller than the double length of the power socket is sufficient to enclose the second connection means of the connection device, the power socket and the second connection means of the connection device and the power socket wiring. Since the size of the housing can be reduced, housing materials such as metal or plastic can be saved and costs can be reduced. Alternatively, instead of the housing having a depth which is correspondingly less than twice the length of the power socket, the depth of the housing may be less than the length of the connecting device along said longitudinal axis, preferably less than 75% of said length.

Furthermore, it is preferred that the housing comprises a third opening and that a second connecting means is fitted into the third opening, wherein the second connecting means is configured in accordance with the first connecting means, and wherein the second electrical connecting means of the second connecting means is electrically connected to the second electrical connecting means of the first connecting means within the housing.

When installing energy distribution devices for the power supply of a refrigerated container, it may be desirable to provide a sub-distribution means for distributing energy to additional energy distribution devices to provide a complete infrastructure for supplying multiple refrigerated containers. Thus, the housing may comprise two connecting means electrically connected to each other within the housing. One of the connecting means may be directly connected to an energy source and may be used to supply energy to an electrical outlet mounted in the housing, while the other connecting means is used to tap energy from the first connecting means and supply the tapped energy to another electrical consumer, for example an electrical outlet mounted in another housing. In this regard, the energy distribution device may include a second housing having an electrical outlet and a third connection device mounted in the second housing, wherein the cable loop connects the second connection device and the third connection device outside the housing. Thereby, a complete infrastructure can be built from shells connected in a continuous manner.

An advantage of such an infrastructure is that it can be made up of uniform or even standardized shells to form the energy distribution device. Two, three or even more such housings may be electrically connected to each other to provide a desired number of power outlets. Doing so reduces the complexity of planning, installation and maintenance. Furthermore, with the use of the economy of size in such a modular arrangement of the housing, the cost per unit is also reduced.

the first housing has a first connection opening on a side wall of the housing,

-a second housing is arranged adjacent to the side wall,

the second housing has a second connection opening adjacent to the first connection opening of the first housing,

wherein the electrical conductor extends along the first connection opening and the second connection opening to establish an electrical connection between the electrical outlet mounted to the first housing and the electrical outlet mounted to the second housing.

The side wall of the housing should be understood as any wall different from the wall comprising the first opening and the second opening, which are understood to be provided in the front wall of the housing. Preferably, the side walls are rectangular with the front wall. The housings of two or more energy distribution devices may be mechanically connected to each other or to a common platform, forming a common unit. The advantage of such an arrangement is that a greater number of power outlets can be provided at the installation site and a single power cord supplied. This may provide additional flexibility in planning infrastructure electrical supply of refrigerated containers. Thus, the energy distribution device can be adapted to the needs of the actual local situation or technology or special conditions.

It may be preferable that the two housings may be fixed to each other by a hollow screw having a large diameter, for example, several tens of millimeters and a diameter of up to 100 millimeters in size, which is installed in the first and second connection openings. Thus, both housings may have respective connection openings, e.g. at their side walls, and then the hollow screw may be placed in such a way that a part of the thread protrudes inside one or both housings. A single nut or a plurality of nuts may then be screwed onto the hollow screw to mount the two housings to each other. A cable may be guided through the hollow screw, the cable may be used to electrically connect the power socket of the second housing with the second connecting means of the connecting device of the first housing.

Instead of a hollow screw with a large diameter, a plurality of screws may be arranged around the connecting opening of the two housings and fed through corresponding fixing holes placed in the two side walls of the housings.

Further, it is preferable that a third connecting means is installed in any opening of the first housing or the second housing instead of the power socket, wherein the third connecting means is configured according to the first connecting means, and wherein the first electrical connecting means of the third connecting means is electrically connected to the first electrical connecting means of the first connecting means or the second connecting means. The connecting device is mounted into one of the openings of the interconnected housings whenever the two housings of the energy distribution device are coupled to provide a greater number of power outlets at one location. The additional connection device distributes energy to another energy distribution device. Thus, energy may be transferred to a subsequent or downstream energy distribution device. Thus, when installed in a dock, dock or land-based site, more complex infrastructure can be implemented depending on local conditions or technology or special conditions.

According to another aspect of the invention, the above object is solved by a connection device for a power supply of a refrigerated container, comprising:

-a first part and a second part, and

-a flange portion between the first portion and the second portion, the flange portion being adapted to be fixed to the housing adjacent to the opening in the housing, the first portion having first electrical connection means adapted to be electrically connected to the cable, and the second portion having second electrical connection means, the first and second connection means being electrically connected by a conductor element extending through the flange portion.

It should be understood that preferred embodiments of the connection device may include the features and functions of the previously described connection device as part of the energy distribution device.

Drawings

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional view of an energy distribution device;

FIG. 2 is a three-dimensional view of the energy distribution device with the housing unscrewed;

FIG. 3 is a detailed three-dimensional view of a first portion of the connection device;

FIG. 4 is a three-dimensional view of a second embodiment of an energy distribution device;

FIG. 5 is a three-dimensional view of the energy distribution device with the housing cover removed and the half shell removed;

FIG. 6 is a detailed three-dimensional view of an energy distribution device with a removed housing cover and a removed half-shell housing according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a front view of an energy distribution device according to a second embodiment, showing the housing having an inclined orientation;

FIG. 8 is a detailed front view of the flange portion and first portion of the connection device;

fig. 9a) to 9c) are exemplary mounting positions of the connecting device in a housing with five openings;

FIG. 10 is a three-dimensional view of two housings including a connecting device coupled together;

FIG. 11 is a three-dimensional view of two housings including two connecting means connected together;

fig. 12 is a schematic view of a possible housing of a preferred combination f) to l) of energy distribution devices a) to e) and energy distribution devices a) to e);

fig. 13 is a schematic illustration of a cross-section of two interconnected housings of an energy distribution device according to the invention.

Detailed Description

A first embodiment of an energy distribution device 100 is shown in fig. 1-3. The housing 110 includes a releasable cover 112 and a front plate having four openings, three power outlets 180 being mounted in three of the four openings. The connection device has a first part 140, the first part 140 being located outside the housing. The first portion is adjacent to a flange portion 123, wherein the connection means is mounted into the fourth opening by means of screws attached to the flange portion 123 and a front plate adjacent to the fourth opening of the housing 110.

The flange portion includes external threads 124 defining a first connector piece 120, the first connector piece 120 being formed by a screw terminal 125. These screw terminals are integrated with the conductor element 130 extending through the flange portion. The electric wires 152 of the three-phase cables 150 are fastened to the screw terminals at the end of each cable by a cable tab 153 and electrically connected to the screw terminals. Thus, the wires of the three-phase cable may be connected to the energy distribution device without removing the cover 112 of the housing 110.

The housing 141 has an internal thread at its inner peripheral wall and is screwed to the thread 124. The first portion 140 also includes a cable gland 142 at its end opposite the internal threads. A cable gland 142 is secured to the housing 141. The cable gland includes seals that engage the outer circumference of the cable to protect the screw terminals 125, the wires 152 and the conductor members 130 from water, moisture and dust. The cable gland may also include strain relief means to relieve mechanical strain of the three-phase cable 250 and corresponding electrical wires 252. To provide electrical energy to the energy distribution device 100, the three-phase cable 150 is connected to an energy supply (not shown).

The housing 141 of the connection device shown in fig. 2 is unscrewed from the thread 124, thus providing a path to the screw terminal 125, the wire 152 and the conductor element 130. It can be seen from fig. 2 that the housing 141 is axially movable along the cable 150 in the unscrewed condition and that the housing 141 is short enough in said axial direction to allow access to said first connection means 120.

Fig. 3 shows a detailed three-dimensional view of the first connector piece 120 and the flange portion 123. The separator elements 127 are respectively placed between two adjacent conductor elements 130 and screw terminals 125.

Fig. 4 to 8 show a second embodiment of the energy distribution device according to the invention. Fig. 4 shows a housing 210, the housing 210 comprising a releasable housing cover 212 and a front plate having four openings, three power sockets 280 being mounted in three of the four openings. The connection means has a first portion 240 adjacent the flange portion 223. The connection means is mounted into the fourth opening by means of screws attached to said flange portion 223 and a front plate adjacent to the fourth opening. The first part 240 of the connection device is located outside the housing 210 and comprises the first connection means 220, the

housing

241, 241a, the housing screw 244 and the cable gland 242.

Fig. 5 and 6 illustrate the energy distribution device of fig. 4 with the housing cover 212 removed. The first connection device 220 of the connection apparatus is positioned outside the housing 210, and the electric wires 252 of the three-phase cable 250 are connected to the screw terminals 225 of the first connection device 220 through the cable tabs 253. The screw terminal 225 is connected to a conductor element 230. The separator element 227 is placed between any two adjacent conductor elements 230 and the screw terminal 225 connected thereto.

The second part of the connection device is positioned inside the housing 210 and comprises second connection means 260. The screw terminal 266 is mounted to the conductor element 230. The separator elements 268 are placed between any two adjacent conductor elements 230 and between two screw terminals 266, respectively. Electrical wires (not shown) are connected to the screw terminals 266 to provide electrical connection to the power receptacle 280 within the housing 210.

According to the present embodiment, the flange portion includes an outer spherical annular surface that constitutes a bearing surface of the ball joint bearing 224. The housing 241 is realized as two composable housing half-shells, of which only the first housing half-shell 241a is shown in fig. 5 and 6. The half shells 241a, b comprise inner bearing surfaces 224a, b mounted at one end to the annular surface 224. When the two half-shells are combined, they are fixed to the spherical annular element 224 of the flange portion and thus form a spherical joint. Alternatively, the half shells may also be fixed directly to the flange portion 223.

When the half shells are interconnected by the screws 244, the housing 241 is frictionally secured to the flange portion to prevent axial movement along the axial direction of the cable 250. The cable gland 242 is secured to the housing 241, for example by screwing or clamping. The inner space of the housing 241 includes the screw terminal 225, the electric wire 252, and the conductor element 230. The interior space is sealed to prevent ingress of water and dust through the housing seal positioned in the housing seal groove 243, the seal positioned in the seal groove 229 of the spherical annular member 224 and the seal provided by the cable gland 242. The cable gland may also include strain relief devices to relieve mechanical strain of the three-phase cable 250 and corresponding electrical wires 252.

The housings 241a, b are longer than the housing 141, thus allowing for easier access to the first connection means to allow handling and connection of stiffer cables having stiffer wires than the first embodiment. Due to the increased length of the housings 241a, b, the first connecting means cannot be accessed by axial movement of the housing along the cable in the mounting device. Alternatively, in this embodiment, one or both half-shells 141a, b of the housing may be removed in the radial direction.

Fig. 7 shows a front view of the energy distribution device 200. Fig. 7 shows that the longitudinal axis 290 of the three-phase cable 300 and the longitudinal axis 291 of the flange portion of the connecting device are not in line and thus exhibit an angular mismatch a. Such an angular misalignment may occur whenever the housing 210 of the energy distribution device 200 is installed such that the connection device of the energy distribution device and the cable 250 connected to the connection device are not in line or have a positional or angular misalignment. When the spherical annular surface 224 of the flange portion forms a rotational mounting with the housing 241, the housing may be mounted in an angular orientation to compensate for the angular mismatch a and simplify the mounting process of the housing 241.

Fig. 8 shows a detailed view of the flange portion 223 of the connection device and the first connection means 220. The shape of the spherical annular surface 224 is similar to a ball joint portion. The curved inner surface 224a of the housing 241 is in contact with the spherical annular surface 224 and is formed complementary to the spherical annular surface 224. This allows the housing to be mounted in a tilted orientation to compensate for the angular mismatch a. A seal groove 229 is provided in the spherical annular surface 224 in a circumferential manner. The seal groove 229 comprises a sealing ring, or the seal groove 229 may comprise a sealing member molded into the spherical annular surface 224, for example injection molded from two parts to provide a seal between the casing half 30 and the flange portion of the housing 241.

Fig. 9a) to 9c) show several options for mounting the connecting device according to the first embodiment of the invention to the housing of the energy distribution device. The housing has five openings with four power outlets mounted in four of the five openings.

Fig. 9a) shows an energy distribution device 300, wherein the connection device is mounted at the left-hand opening.

Fig. 9b) shows an energy distribution device 310, wherein the connection device is mounted at the opening in the middle.

Fig. 9c) shows an energy distribution device 320, wherein the connection device is mounted at the right-hand opening.

Without being limited thereto, the connecting means may also be fitted into two further openings 10 not shown in fig. 9a) to 9 c). Further, this example is not limited to the connection device of the first embodiment. Without being limited thereto, the connecting device according to the second embodiment may be used instead.

Fig. 10 and 11 illustrate

power distribution apparatus

400, 500 that provide an increased number of power outlets.

Fig. 10 shows an energy distribution device 400 having a first housing 410 and a second housing 420. The first housing 410 and the second housing are interconnected to each other at the side wall. The housing 410 includes a front plate having six openings, with five power outlets mounted in five of the six openings. The connecting device 401 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is installed in the sixth opening. The housing 420 includes a front plate having six openings in which six power outlets are mounted.

The power socket of the housing 410 is electrically connected to the connection device 401 inside the housing 410. An electrical outlet mounted to the housing 420 is also connected to the connection device 401 within the housing 410. The

housings

410 and 420 include corresponding connection openings in the sidewalls, which contact between the

housings

410 and 420. The wires are then passed through the connection openings to provide an electrical connection between the connection device 401 and an electrical outlet mounted to the housing 420. The connection device 401 may be connected to a power source via a cable (not shown).

Fig. 11 shows a modified energy distribution device 500 having interconnected first and

second housings

510, 520, the energy distribution device 500 being substantially similar to the energy distribution device 400 shown in fig. 4. The difference is that the energy distribution device 500 comprises two connection devices: a first connecting means 501 and a second connecting means 502, the first connecting means 501 being mounted to an opening in the front plate of the first housing 510, the second connecting means 502 being mounted to an opening in the front plate of the second housing 520.

The connection device 501 may be connected to a power source by a cable (not shown), while the connection device 502 may be used to distribute energy via the cable to another energy distribution device (not shown) for sub-distribution. In an alternative arrangement, both connecting

means

501 and 502 may be moved into the first housing 510 or into the second housing 520.

The examples shown in fig. 10 and 11 are not limited to the connecting device of the second embodiment of the present invention, and the connecting device of the first embodiment may be used.

Fig. 12a) to 12l) schematically show a preferred combination of interconnected housings of 15 energy distribution devices combined outside the modular system according to the invention. Fig. 12a) to 12e) show an energy distribution device with one to six openings in the front plate of the housing, wherein the connection device is exemplarily mounted to the left-hand opening of the housing and the power socket is mounted to the remaining opening. Fig. 12f) to 12k) show a preferred combination of a first housing and a second housing interconnected at their side walls to provide an energy distribution device with a greater number of power outlets. All of the power outlets are electrically interconnected within the housing of the power distribution apparatus. Thus, when the housings of the two energy distribution devices shown in fig. 12a) to 12e) are combined, six to eleven power outlets may be provided.

Fig. 12l) shows a first and a second housing which are interconnected, wherein the first and the second housing are electrically connected to each other by a cable via a connecting device which is connected to each of the housings via a cable arranged outside the housings. This example can also be applied to the energy distribution devices shown in fig. 12f) to 12 k).

Fig. 13 exemplarily shows a cross section through a mechanical interconnection of two

housings

710, 711 of an energy distribution device 700. The two

housings

710, 711 have connection openings 712, 213 in their side walls. A hollow screw 720, which has substantially a slightly smaller diameter than the

connection openings

712 and 713, is inserted into the connection openings of the first and

second housings

710 and 711 and is fastened, for example, by two hexagonal nuts 730 in the

housings

710, 711. As the nut is tightened, the sidewalls of the housing apply a force to the sealing ring 740 located radially outward between the two sidewalls and around the screw 720.

Accordingly, sealing of the hollow screw 720 and the

connection openings

712, 713 is provided, and intrusion of moisture, water, and dust into the inner space of the

housings

710 and 711 is prevented.

Fig. 13 will be understood as an example of how two housings may be interconnected and is not intended to limit the claimed invention to the proposed solution shown in the drawings. For example, a hollow screw need not be used. Alternatively, a plurality of screws may be arranged around the connection opening, and the plurality of screws may be fed through corresponding fixing holes provided in both side walls of the housing 710 and the housing 711.

Claims

1. An energy distribution device for an electrically driven refrigerated container, the energy distribution device being adapted to distribute a three phase high voltage load current of greater than 10A required to provide a cable with a sufficient wire cross section, the energy distribution device comprising:

a housing separating its inner space from the environment, the housing comprising a first opening and a second opening,

-an electric outlet, understood as an electric power point for the removable electrical connection with an electric plug, and

-first connecting means comprising a first portion, a second portion and a flange portion between the first portion and the second portion,

-the first part (140) has first electrical connection means (120), the first electrical connection means (120) being adapted to be electrically connected to an electrical cable, and the second part has second electrical connection means, the first and second electrical connection means being electrically connected to each other by a conductor element extending through the flange portion,

wherein the first connection means is mounted to the housing by the flange portion and extends partially through the first opening of the housing such that the first portion of the first connection means is positioned outside of the housing and the second portion of the first connection means is positioned inside of the housing,

wherein the power receptacle is mounted into the second opening of the housing,

wherein the second electrical connection means is electrically connected to the power socket via an electrical connection inside the housing, an

Wherein the first part comprises a housing which is protected against the ingress of dust and water and which complies with IEC60529 standard and has a rating of not less than IP65, the housing thus being dust tight and protected against water spray,

wherein the first electrical connection means comprise a plurality of connectors and wherein a separator element made of an electrically insulating material is arranged between each two adjacent connectors,

and/or wherein the at least one processor is,

said second electrical connection means comprising a plurality of connectors and wherein a separator element made of an electrically insulating material is arranged between each two adjacent connectors,

wherein the first electrical connector piece and/or the second electrical connector piece comprise screw terminals, clamping terminals, solder cups or solder plates.

2. The energy distribution device of claim 1, wherein the housing:

-adapted to be mounted to the flange portion,

-enclosing the first electrical connection means, and

-comprising an opening opposite to the flange portion for inserting the cable into the housing,

wherein the flange portion is adapted to receive the housing.

3. The energy distribution device of claim 2,

wherein the housing extends along a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the plane of the first opening and is mounted to the flange portion by means of:

-an axial movement along the longitudinal axis of the first connecting means,

-a radial movement or a combined radial-axial movement relative to the longitudinal axis, or

-a combined axial and rotational movement along the longitudinal axis of the first connecting means.

4. The energy distribution device of claim 2, wherein the housing comprises a first housing element and a second housing element that are sealingly coupled to each other and form a sealed coupling to the flange portion.

5. The energy distribution device of claim 4,

-the first housing element is fastened to the flange portion and the second housing element is fastened to the first housing element, or

-the first housing element is fastened to the flange portion and the second housing element is fastened to the flange portion, or

-the first housing element is fastened to the flange portion and the second housing element is fastened to the flange portion and to the first housing element.

6. The energy distribution device of claim 4 or 5, wherein the first housing element and the flange portion form a unitary body.

7. The energy distribution device of any of claims 2-5, wherein the housing is rotatably mounted to the flange portion.

8. The energy distribution device of claim 7, a hollow ball joint coupling the flange portion and the housing.

9. The energy distribution device of any of claims 2-5, further comprising an adapter element adapted to fit between the flange portion and the housing.

10. The energy distribution device of any of claims 2-5, wherein the length of the housing is greater than a diameter or maximum width of a cross-section of the housing.

11. The energy distribution device of any of claims 2-5, wherein the cable inserted through the opening of the housing has a first minimum bend radius and wires of the cable have a second minimum bend radius,

wherein the length of the housing along its longitudinal axis is 0.05 to 2 times the first minimum bending radius, and/or

Wherein a length of the housing along its longitudinal axis is 0.1 to 5 times the second minimum bend radius.

12. The energy distribution device of any one of claims 2 to 5, further comprising a valve unit connecting an interior space of the enclosure with an exterior space outside the enclosure, and adapted to compensate for a gas pressure difference between the interior space of the enclosure and the exterior space of the enclosure.

13. The energy distribution device of any of claims 2-5, wherein the housing comprises a securing device for securing an electrical cable to the housing to isolate the first electrical connection means from mechanical strain caused by a force applied to the electrical cable.

14. The energy distribution device of any of claims 1-5, wherein the electrical outlet has a length in an axial direction of the electrical outlet, and wherein a depth of the housing in the axial direction is less than 1.5 times the length of the electrical outlet in the axial direction.

15. The energy distribution device of any of claims 1-5,

the housing comprises a third opening, and

-a second connecting means is mounted in the third opening, wherein the second connecting means is configured in accordance with the first connecting means, and

wherein the second electrical connecting means of the second connecting device is electrically connected to the second electrical connecting means of the first connecting device within the housing.

16. The energy distribution device of any of claims 1-5,

the housing comprises a first housing and a second housing, the first housing having a first connection opening in a side wall of the first housing,

the second housing is arranged adjacent to the side wall,

-the second housing has a second connection opening adjacent to the first connection opening of the first housing,

-wherein electrical conductors extend through the first and second connection openings to establish an electrical connection between an electrical outlet mounted to the first housing and an electrical outlet mounted to the second housing.

17. The energy distribution device of claim 16,

in place of the power outlet, a third connecting means is mounted in the first connecting opening of the first housing or in the second connecting opening of the second housing, wherein the third connecting means is configured in accordance with the first connecting means, and

wherein the first electrical connecting means of the third connecting device is electrically connected to the first electrical connecting means of the first connecting device or the first electrical connecting means of the second connecting device.

18. An energy distribution device for an electrically driven refrigerated container, the energy distribution device being adapted to distribute a three phase high voltage load current of greater than 10A required to provide a cable with a sufficient wire cross section, the energy distribution device comprising:

-the first part has first electrical connection means adapted to be electrically connected to an electrical cable, and the second part has second electrical connection means, the first and second electrical connection means being electrically connected to each other by a conductor element extending through the flange portion,

wherein the power receptacle is mounted into the second opening of the housing,

wherein the second electrical connection means is electrically connected to the power socket via an electrical connection inside the housing,

wherein the first part comprises a housing which is protected against the ingress of dust and water and which complies with IEC60529 standard and has a rating of not less than IP65, whereby the housing is dust-tight and protected against water spray, and

wherein the energy distribution device further comprises a valve unit connecting an inner space of the housing with an outer space outside the housing and adapted to compensate for a gas pressure difference between the inner space of the housing and the outer space of the housing.

19. The energy distribution device of claim 18, wherein the housing:

-adapted to be mounted to the flange portion,

-enclosing the first electrical connection means, and

wherein the flange portion is adapted to receive the housing.

20. The energy distribution device of claim 19,

-an axial movement along the longitudinal axis of the first connecting means,

21. The energy distribution device of claim 19, wherein the housing comprises a first housing element and a second housing element that are sealingly coupled to each other and form a sealed coupling to the flange portion.

22. The energy distribution device of claim 21,

23. The energy distribution device of claim 21 or 22, wherein the first housing element and the flange portion form a unitary body.

24. The energy distribution device of any of claims 19-22, wherein the housing is rotatably mounted to the flange portion.

25. The energy distribution device of claim 24, a hollow ball joint coupling the flange portion and the housing.

26. The energy distribution device of any of claims 19-22, further comprising an adapter element adapted to fit between the flange portion and the housing.

27. The energy distribution device of any of claims 19-22, wherein the length of the outer shell is greater than a diameter or maximum width of a cross-section of the outer shell.

28. The energy distribution device of any of claims 19-22, wherein the cable inserted through the opening of the housing has a first minimum bend radius and wires of the cable have a second minimum bend radius,

29. The energy distribution device of any of claims 19-22, wherein the housing comprises a securing device for securing an electrical cable to the housing to isolate the first electrical connection means from mechanical strain caused by a force applied to the electrical cable.

30. The energy distribution device of any of claims 18-22, wherein the first electrical connection means comprises a plurality of connectors, and wherein a separator element made of an electrically insulating material is arranged between each two adjacent connectors,

and/or wherein the at least one processor is,

the second electrical connecting means comprises a plurality of connectors and wherein a separator element made of an electrically insulating material is arranged between each two adjacent connectors.

31. The energy distribution device of any of claims 18-22, wherein the first electrical connection means and/or the second electrical connection means comprises screw terminals, clamping terminals, solder cups, or solder plates.

32. The energy distribution device of any of claims 18-22, wherein the electrical outlet has a length in an axial direction of the electrical outlet, and wherein a depth of the housing in the axial direction is less than 1.5 times the length of the electrical outlet in the axial direction.

33. The energy distribution device of any of claims 18-22,

the housing comprises a third opening, and

34. The energy distribution device of any of claims 18-22,

the second housing is arranged adjacent to the side wall,

35. The energy distribution device of claim 34,

36. A connection device for the power supply of a refrigerated container, the connection device being adapted to distribute a three-phase high voltage load current of greater than 10A required to provide a cable with a sufficient wire cross-section, the connection device comprising:

a first part and a second part, and

a flange portion between the first portion and the second portion, the flange portion adapted to be secured to a housing adjacent an opening in the housing,

the first part having first electrical connection means adapted to be electrically connected to an electrical cable and the second part having second electrical connection means, the first and second electrical connection means being electrically connected to each other by a conductor element extending through the flange portion,

the first part comprises a housing which is protected against the ingress of dust and water and which complies with IEC60529 standard and has a rating of not less than IP65, so that the housing is dust tight and protected against water spray,

and/or wherein the at least one processor is,