GB2637490A - Power distribution apparatus - Google Patents

Power distribution apparatus

Info

Publication number
GB2637490A
GB2637490A GB2400763.5A GB202400763A GB2637490A GB 2637490 A GB2637490 A GB 2637490A GB 202400763 A GB202400763 A GB 202400763A GB 2637490 A GB2637490 A GB 2637490A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
power distribution
edge surface
distribution apparatus
housing
elongate members
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.)
Pending
Application number
GB2400763.5A
Other versions
GB202400763D0 (en
Inventor
Priestly Gordon
William James Fraser Ross
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.)
S A Equipment Ltd
Original Assignee
S A Equipment 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 S A Equipment Ltd filed Critical S A Equipment Ltd
Priority to GB2400763.5A priority Critical patent/GB2637490A/en
Publication of GB202400763D0 publication Critical patent/GB202400763D0/en
Publication of GB2637490A publication Critical patent/GB2637490A/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
    • H05K5/00—Casings, cabinets or drawers for electric apparatus
    • H05K5/30—Side-by-side or stacked arrangements
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02B—BOARDS, SUBSTATIONS OR SWITCHING ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE SUPPLY OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02B1/00—Frameworks, boards, panels, desks, casings; Details of substations or switching arrangements
    • H02B1/26—Casings; Parts thereof or accessories therefor
    • H02B1/52—Mobile units, e.g. for work sites
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D21/00—Nestable, stackable or joinable containers; Containers of variable capacity
    • B65D21/02—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together
    • B65D21/0209—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together stackable or joined together one-upon-the-other in the upright or upside-down position
    • B65D21/0212—Containers presenting local stacking elements protruding from the upper or lower edge of a side wall, e.g. handles, lugs, ribs, grooves
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02B—BOARDS, SUBSTATIONS OR SWITCHING ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE SUPPLY OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02B1/00—Frameworks, boards, panels, desks, casings; Details of substations or switching arrangements
    • H02B1/26—Casings; Parts thereof or accessories therefor
    • H02B1/30—Cabinet-type casings; Parts thereof or accessories therefor
    • H02B1/308—Mounting of cabinets together
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
    • H05K5/00—Casings, cabinets or drawers for electric apparatus
    • H05K5/02—Details
    • H05K5/0204—Mounting supporting structures on the outside of casings
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
    • H05K7/00—Constructional details common to different types of electric apparatus
    • H05K7/18—Construction of rack or frame

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Patch Boards (AREA)

Abstract

A housing 12 for a power distribution apparatus 14, the housing comprising: a pair of end plates 16; and a plurality of elongate members 18, each elongate member extending between the pair of end plates; wherein each end plate comprises a first edge surface 24 and a second edge surface 26 opposing the first edge surface; wherein the first edge surface and the second edge surface of at least one of the end plates respectively comprise at least one complimentary engaging protrusion 28 and pocket 30. The power distribution apparatus is secured to the housing via fasteners 17 attached to two of the elongate members. A plurality of said housings may be stacked by engagement of said protrusion(s) of one housing with the pocket(s) of another to form an assembly. The power distribution equipment may be a transformer, a mains distribution unit (MDU), or a splitter box.

Description

POWER DISTRIBUTION APPARATUS
FIELD
This relates to a housing for a power distribution apparatus, a power distribution apparatus comprising the housing, and an assembly comprising a plurality of power distribution apparatus.
BACKGROUND
Power distribution equipment may be used in many industrial settings to distribute power, e.g. electrical power. Power distribution equipment can come in varying sizes. Electrical power distribution equipment can include, amongst other things, transformers of varying sizes, mains distribution units (MDUs) and/or splitter boxes.
Often, power distribution equipment is for temporary use, therefore the handling and/or storage capabilities of power distribution equipment are important.
Moreover, power distribution equipment is often commonly required for use in hazardous environments such as 'explosive atmospheres'. 'Explosive atmospheres' are defined as atmospheres where there is a mixture of dangerous substances mixed in air under certain atmospheric conditions, e.g. temperatures of -20 to 40°C and pressures of 0.8 to 1.1 bar. The dangerous substances may be in the form of gases, e.g. flammable gases, or airborne particulates, e.g. combustible dust, in which, if ignition occurs, combustion will spread to the entire mixture. This can give rise to the risk of explosion.
Handling and/or storage of power distribution equipment, and in particular electrical power distribution equipment, in hazardous environments can pose a particular risk. As such, safety is highly critical in hazardous environments and in many jurisdictions, including the UK and EU, there is a legal requirement to ensure equipment used in 'explosive atmospheres' meets at least minimum safety requirements.
Known portable electrical power distribution apparatus comprise a housing formed of bent metal tubing.
SUMMARY
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a housing for a power distribution apparatus, a power distribution apparatus comprising the housing, and an assembly comprising a plurality of the power distribution apparatus'. In particular, aspects of the present disclosure relate to a portable power distribution apparatus and/or assembly for use in hazardous environments such as explosive atmospheres.
In a first aspect there is provided a housing for a power distribution apparatus, the housing comprising: a pair of end plates; and a plurality of elongate members, each elongate member extending between the pair of end plates, wherein each end plate comprises a first edge surface, and a second edge surface opposing the first edge surface, and wherein the first edge surface and the second edge surface of at least one of the end plates respectively comprise at least one complimentary engaging protrusion and pocket.
The housing may be suitable for a portable power distribution apparatus, e.g. a portable electrical power distribution apparatus. The housing may be suitable for use in hazardous environments.
The first edge surfaces may be top surfaces of the end plates of the housing, and the second edge surfaces may be bottom surfaces of the end plates of the housing, or vice versa.
The protrusion and pocket form a coupling arrangement of the housing, for coupling the housing to one or more other of the housings.
In use, and as will be described further below, a plurality of the housings, e.g. housings of the same size, may be stacked, for example such that the first edge surfaces of the housing are adjacent the second edge surfaces of a second housing. The protrusions of the first housing may engage, e.g. be located in, the pockets of the second housing.
The housing provides a number of benefits over conventional equipment.
For example, the housing permits power distribution equipment to be stored safely and securely.
The housing permits multiple apparatus to be arranged, e.g. stacked, on top of each other in a robust and/or secure fashion. Amongst other things, the ability to stack apparatus provides benefits with regard to reducing the footprint of apparatus in an industrial setting where space may be limited.
Beneficially, the stacked housings/apparatus may have improved stability due to the engagement between the complimentary engaging protrusions and pockets of the adjacent housings. In particular, the complimentary engaging protrusions and pockets of the adjacent housings may prevent a second housing atop a first housing from slipping off the first housing, and therefore prevent collapse of the stack. It will be recognised that power distribution equipment may be utilised in marine and/or offshore environments, e.g. related to energy infrastructure, e.g. oil and gas infrastructure or renewable energy infrastructure, where equipment must be portable but may be at greater risk of moving. Not only does this pose a risk to personnel and/or surrounding equipment, this may result in power supply interruptions to what is often critical infrastructure. The housing may therefore provide improved operational assurance of the power distribution apparatus.
Stability of a stack of power distribution apparatus may be particularly critical in hazardous environments such as explosive environments.
Beneficially, the housing may also provide improvements over existing power distribution apparatus housings, for example with regard to robustness, weight, portability and/or reliability in hazardous environments.
For example, the end plates may form a physical barrier to protect the power distribution apparatus. This may be particularly beneficial in hazardous environments. The end plates may provide improved physical protection to the power distribution apparatus. The end plates may provide fuller coverage of protection for a power distribution apparatus, e.g. as compared to known housings formed only of bent tubing.
The combination of the end plates and the elongate members may optimise protection with accessibility to the power distribution apparatus.
The elongate members may provide stiffness and strength to the housing. This may be particularly beneficial in hazardous environments. The elongate members may provide resistance to significant deformation of the housing.
The elongate members may also be convenient for gripping by personnel to carry the housing, thus facilitating ease of portability of the housing.
Moreover, the housing may have a simple construction, with associated reduced manufacturing complexity and cost, e.g. compared to known steel tubing housings and/or power distribution equipment.
The housing may be defined as a power distribution apparatus housing, e.g. a portable power distribution housing. More particularly but not exclusively, the housing may be defined as a power distribution apparatus housing for use in hazardous environments, e.g. a portable power distribution housing for use in hazardous environments.
The first edge surface and the second edge surface of both of the end plates may respectively comprise at least one complimentary engaging protrusion and pocket.
Power distribution apparatus may have different functions and accordingly come in different sizes. The housing may have different sizes depending on the apparatus, for example the length of the elongate members may be reduced or increased.
Each end plate may comprise at least one notch. Each end plate may comprise a plurality of notches. The notch(es) may be in the first edge surface and/or the second edge surface of the end plate. The edge surface may comprise two notches. In use, the notches may be in the bottom edge of the end plates.
Each notch may be a concave portion in the edge surface. The notches and the elongate members may have complimentary engaging profiles. Each notch may be configured, e.g. sized and/or shaped, to engage the elongate member. Each notch may be configured to be conformal to the outer surface of an elongate member.
Beneficially, the notches may allow for stable stacking of housings having different length elongate members, e.g. a second housing having elongate members shorter than those of a first housing atop which the second housing is stacked. In use, the notches of a second housing, stacked atop a first housing, may engage one or more, preferably at least two, elongate members of the first housing. The engagement between the notches and the elongate members may enhance stability of the stack and prevent the second housing from slipping off the first housing. Stability of a stack of power distribution apparatus may be particularly critical in hazardous environments such as explosive environments.
Collectively, the complimentary engaging protrusions and pockets, and the complimentary engaging profiles of the notches and elongate members, may provide dual stacking mechanisms.
The end plates may comprise or be formed of plastic. Using a non-metallic material such as plastic may reduce spark risk, which is particularly beneficial in hazardous environments such as explosive atmospheres. Using plastic may allow for more deformation, e.g. elastic deformation, than metal, which may absorb impact energy, thus providing benefits with regard to impact and drop resistance.
The end plates may be solid or hollow.
Beneficially, the end plates may be lightweight.
Each edge surface may extend in a length-wise direction of the end plate. Each edge surface may have a thickness in the width-wise direction of the end plate.
Each edge surface may be contoured. Each edge surface may comprise at least one lobe portion. The respective protrusion or pocket may be provided on the lobe portion. In use, during stacking of a plurality of housings, the at least one lobe portion of the first edge surface of the first housing may engage the at least one lobe portions of the second edge surface of the second housing.
Each edge surface may comprise a plurality of lobe portions, e.g. a pair of lobe portions at each end of the edge surface.
The notches may be in the lobe portions of the respective edge surfaces.
Each edge surface may comprise a recessed portion between the lobe portions. Each recessed portion may be recessed height-wise of the end plate. In use, during stacking of a plurality of housings, the recessed portion of the first edge surface of the first housing may be spaced apart from the recessed portion of the second edge surface of the second housing, thereby reducing the risk of trapping between the stacked housings.
In use, the recessed portions of the first edge surfaces and the second edge surface may provide a convenient recess for holding a reeled cable or the like of the power distribution apparatus. This may be particularly beneficial during transportation and/or storage of the power distribution apparatus.
Each end plate may comprise a handle. The handle may be in the form of a through-hole. Alternatively, the handle may be in the form of a recess, e.g. a width wise recess. The handle may be proximal an edge surface, or adjacent an edge surface, in particular the recessed portion of the edge surface.
Each end plate may comprise a central web portion of reduced thickness, e.g. width-wise thickness, as compared to the rest of the end plate. The central web portion may reduce weight and improve portability. Information, e.g. written, pictorial or tactile information, may be provided on the central web portion, for example in the form of a label or decal. The width-wise reduction in thickness of the central web portion may protect the label or decal, for example from abrasion.
The central web portion may also have reduced length-wise thickness, as compared to the rest of the end plate.
In use, the central web portion may provide a convenient recess for holding a reeled cable or the like of the power distribution apparatus. This may be particularly beneficial during transportation and/or storage of the power distribution apparatus.
The elongate members may have any suitable cross-sectional shape, e.g. circular, square, etc. The elongate members may be solid or hollow. The elongate members may be tubes, e.g. cylindrical tubes.
The elongate members may comprise or be formed of metal, e.g. stainless steel or aluminium. Alternatively, the elongate members may comprise or be formed of a non-metallic material which may reduce spark risk, which is particularly beneficial in hazardous environments such as explosive atmospheres. Beneficially, the elongate members may be optimally strong and light.
The elongate members may be generally straight along their length. This may provide benefits with regard to manufacturing complexity and cost of the housing, due to simplicity.
The elongate members, in particular the ends of the elongate members, may be connected to the end plates by fasteners, e.g. bolts, screws, etc. The fasteners may be releasable fasteners. This may facilitate replacement of elongate members and/or end plates.
The elongate members may be spaced, e.g. spaced height-wise, from the edge surfaces of the end plates.
In use, the elongate members may be positioned below the top edge surfaces of the end plates and above the bottom edge surfaces of the end plates. Elongate members, in particular round metal tubes, can be slippery, e.g. have low friction, therefore contact between elongate members of stacked apparatus may cause instability in the stack. Spacing the elongate members away from the edge surfaces of the end plates permits stacking of like housings without contact between the elongate members of the housings, thus reducing the risk of a housing slipping from another housing.
In a second embodiment there is provided a power distribution apparatus comprising: the housing according to the first aspect; and power distribution equipment.
The power distribution apparatus may be a portable power distribution apparatus.
The power distribution equipment may be electrical power distribution equipment such as a transformer, a mains distribution unit (MDU), a splitter box, etc. The power distribution equipment may be positioned between the pair of end plates. The plurality of elongate members may surround the power distribution equipment. The plurality of elongate members may be generally evenly distributed around the power distribution equipment.
The power distribution equipment may be attached to the housing, in particular at least one of the elongate members, via fastenings, e.g. clips, straps, etc. The fastenings may be releasable fastenings. The power distribution equipment may be removable from the housing such that if either the housing or the power distribution equipment is damaged then components can be replaced.
In a third aspect there is provided an assembly comprising a plurality of power distribution apparatus according to the second aspect.
The plurality of power distribution apparatus may comprise the same or different power distribution equipment.
The plurality of power distribution apparatus may be the same size.
Alternatively, the plurality of power distribution apparatus may have different sizes, e.g. different lengths of elongate members.
In a fourth aspect there is provided a kit of parts for a power distribution apparatus housing, the kit comprising: a pair of end plates, wherein each end plate comprises a first edge surface and a second edge surface opposing the first edge surface, and wherein the first edge surface and the second edge surface respectively comprise at least one complimentary engaging protrusion and pocket; and a plurality of elongate members.
The kit may further comprise fasteners for connecting the plurality of elongate members between the pair of end plates.
The kit may further comprise power distribution equipment. The kit may further comprise fasteners for connecting the power distribution equipment to the housing, in particular to the plurality of elongate members.
It should be understood that features defined above in accordance with any aspect of the present disclosure or below relating to any specific embodiment of the disclosure may be utilised, either alone or in combination with any other defined feature, in any other aspect or embodiment or to form a further aspect or embodiment of the disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figures 1a and lb show a power distribution apparatus; Figure 2 shows an assembly comprising two of the power distribution apparatus of Figure la in a stack; Figure 3 shows a detailed view of engagement between the power distribution apparatus in the assembly of Figure 2; Figure 4 shows another power distribution apparatus; Figure 5 shows another assembly comprising the power distribution apparatus of Figure la and the power distribution apparatus of Figure 4 in a stack; Figure 6 shows a detailed view of engagement between the power distribution apparatus in the assembly of Figure 5; Figure 7 shows another power distribution apparatus; and Figure 8 shows another assembly comprising the power distribution apparatus of Figure la, the power distribution apparatus of Figure 4 and the power distribution apparatus of Figure 7 in a stack.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Figure la shows a perspective view of a power distribution apparatus 10. Figure lb shows a bottom view of the power distribution apparatus 10. The power distribution apparatus 10 comprises a housing 12. The power distribution apparatus comprises power distribution equipment 14, e.g. electrical power distribution equipment in the form of a mains distribution unit (MDU). The power distribution equipment 14 is located within the housing 12.
The housing 12 comprises a pair of end plates 16. The housing 12 comprises a plurality of elongate members 18. In this embodiment, the housing 12 comprises four elongate members 18. In other embodiments the housing may comprise less than or more than four elongate members, e.g. the housing may comprise 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, n elongate members. Each elongate member 18 has the form of a straight cylindrical tube. In other embodiments the elongate member may have any other suitable form as may be apparent to the skilled person. Each elongate member 18 extends between the pair of end plates 16. Each end of each elongate member 18 is received within a bore 20, e.g. a blind bore, in the respective end plate 16. Each bore 20 may have a diameter larger than the diameter of the elongate member 18. Each end of each elongate member 18 is attached to the respective end plate 16 via a fastener 22, e.g. a screw or bolt, to connect the elongate member 18 and the end plate 16. In this manner, the housing 12 forms a rigid structure. The power distribution equipment 14 is secured to the housing 12 via fasteners 17, e.g. straps, clips, or the like, attached to two, e.g. the bottom two, of the elongate members 18.
Each end plate 16 comprises a first edge surface 24 (see Figure la), e.g. a top edge surface, and a second edge surface 26 (see Figure lb), e.g. a bottom edge surface, opposing the first edge surface 24. Each edge surface 24, 26 extends in a length-wise direction of the end plate 16. Each edge surface 24, 26 has a thickness in the width-wise direction of the end plate 16. The first edge surface 24 and the second edge surface 26 respectively comprise two complimentary engaging protrusions 28 and pockets 30, e.g. the protrusions 28 and pockets 30 are configured, e.g. shaped and sized, such that a pocket 30 would conform to a protrusion 28 if the protrusion 28 were inside the pocket 30. In other embodiments there may be one protrusion and one pocket on each end plate, or there may be more than two protrusions and pockets on each end plate, for example 3, 4, 5, 6, n protrusions and pockets. In the apparatus 10 the protrusions 28 are provided on the first (top) edge surface 24 and the pockets 30 are provided on the second (bottom) edge surface 26. In other embodiments the protrusions may be provided on the bottom edge surface and the pockets may be provided on the top edge surface.
Each edge surface 24, 26 of the end plates 16, e.g. each first edge surface 24 and each second edge surface 26, is contoured. Each edge surface 24, 26 comprises two lobe portions 32. In other embodiments, one lobe portion may be provided on each edge surface, or more than two lobe portions may be provided on each edge surface, e.g. 3, 4, 5, 6, n lobe portions. The number of lobe portions may correspond to the number of protrusions and pockets. The protrusions 28 are provided on the lobe portions 32 of the first edge surface 24. The pockets 30 are provided on the lobe portions 32 of the second edge surface 26. Each edge surface 24, 26 may further comprise a recessed portion 34, e.g. a height-wise recessed portion, extending between the lobe portions 32.
Each end plate 16 may further comprise two handles 36. The handles 36 may respectively be proximal the first edge surface 24 and the second edge surface 26.
Each handle 36 handle is a through-hole in the end plate 16. The through-hole is elongate e.g. having the form of a slot. The handle 36 is configured to receive fingers of personnel carrying the power distribution apparatus 10. In other embodiments each handle may be a width-wise recessed portion in the end plate.
Each end plate 16 further comprises a central web portion 38. The central web portion 38 is a region of the end plate 16 having reduced thickness, e.g. width-wise thickness, to reduce the weight of the end plate 16. The central web portion 36 extends in the length-wise direction of the end plate 16. The central web portion 38 is generally longitudinally aligned with the top edge surface 24 and the bottom edge surface 26. The central web portion 38 is located generally equidistant between the top edge surface 24 and the bottom edge surface 26.
Each end plate 16 may be generally symmetrical along an axis h extending between the top edge portion 24 and the bottom edge portion 26, e.g. an axis in the height-wise direction. Each end plate 16 may be generally symmetrical along an axis I extending along the central web portion 38, e.g. in the length-wise direction, with the exception of the protrusions 28 and pockets 30.
Figure 2 shows an assembly 50 comprising two of the power distribution apparatus 10 in a stack, for example for efficient storage purposes. A first power distribution apparatus 10a supports a second power distribution apparatus 10b, which is stacked atop the first power distribution apparatus 10a.
As shows in more detail in Figure 3, the protrusions 28a of the first power distribution apparatus 10a are received within and engage the pockets 30b of the second power distribution apparatus 10b, to prevent the second power distribution apparatus 10b from slipping off the first power distribution apparatus 10a.
The lobe portions 32a of the first edge surface 24a of the first power distribution apparatus 10a engage the lobe portions 32b of the second edge surface 26b of the second power distribution apparatus 10b. The recessed portions 34a, 34b of the first edge surface 24a of the first power distribution apparatus 10a and the bottom edge surface 26b of the second power distribution apparatus 10b are spaced apart, to reduce the risk of trapping between the first power distribution apparatus 10a and the second power distribution apparatus 10b.
Figure 4 shows another power distribution apparatus 110. The power distribution apparatus 110 substantially corresponds to the power distribution apparatus 10, with the exception of the features described below. Like features are denoted with like reference numerals, increased by 100.
The power distribution equipment 114 is in the form of a transformer.
The housing 112 has shorter elongate members 118 than the elongate members 18 of the power distribution apparatus 10. The elongate members 118 and the elongate members 18 have generally the same diameter.
The second edge surface 126 comprises two notches 140. Each notch 140 is in a respective lobe portion 132 of the second edge surface 126. In particular, each notch 140 is at the end, e.g. the outer end of the respective lobe portion 132. Each notch 140 is generally aligned, e.g. axially aligned along a length-wise axis I across the end plate, with an elongate member 118 proximal the first edge surface 124. As such, in use, each notch 140 is vertically aligned with an elongate member 118 proximal the first edge surface 124. The notches 150 and the elongate members 118 have complimentary engaging profiles. Each notch 150 is configured, e.g. shaped and sized, such that it could receive and engage the elongate members 118. Each notch 140 has a conformal shape to the elongate members 118.
The handles 136 take the form of recessed portions, e.g. width-wise recessed portions, respectively adjacent the recessed portions 134, e.g. height-wise recessed portions, of the first edge surface 124 and the second edge surface 126.
Figure 5 shows another assembly 150. The assembly 150 comprises the power distribution apparatus 10 and the power distribution apparatus 110 in a stack.
The power distribution apparatus 10 supports the power distribution apparatus 110, which is stacked atop the power distribution apparatus 10. Collectively, the assembly 150 forms a large transformer.
As shown in more detail in Figure 6, the notches 140 of the power distribution apparatus 110 sit on and engage elongate members 18 of the power distribution apparatus 10. The notches 140 receiving the elongate members 18 prevents the power distribution apparatus 110 from slipping off the power distribution apparatus 10. Height-wise overlap between the power distribution apparatus 110 and the power distribution apparatus 10 is also achieved which provides some space saving.
Figure 7 shows another power distribution apparatus 210. The power distribution apparatus 210 substantially corresponds to the power distribution apparatus 110, with the exception of the features described below. Like features are denoted with like reference numerals, increased by 100.
The power distribution equipment 214 is in the form of a splitter box.
The housing 212 has shorter elongate members 218 than the elongate members 118 of the power distribution apparatus 110. The elongate members 218 and the elongate members 118 have generally the same diameter.
Figure 8 shows another assembly 250. The assembly 250 comprises the power distribution apparatus 10, the power distribution apparatus 110 and the power distribution apparatus 210 in a stack. The power distribution apparatus 10 supports the power distribution apparatus 110, which is stacked atop the power distribution apparatus 10. In turn, the power distribution apparatus 110 supports the power distribution apparatus 210, which is stacked atop the power distribution apparatus 110.
The power distribution apparatus 10 and the power distribution apparatus 110 are engaged as described in relation to Figure 6.
The notches 240 of the power distribution apparatus 210 sit on and engage elongate members 118 of the power distribution apparatus 110. The notches 250 receiving the elongate members 118 prevents the power distribution apparatus 210 from slipping off the power distribution apparatus 110.
It should be understood that features defined above in accordance with any aspect of the present disclosure or any specific embodiment of the disclosure may be utilized, either alone or in combination with any other defined feature, in any other aspect or embodiment or to form a further aspect or embodiment of the disclosure.

Claims (13)

  1. CLAIMS1. A housing for a power distribution apparatus, the housing comprising: a pair of end plates, and a plurality of elongate members, each elongate member extending between the pair of end plates, wherein each end plate comprises a first edge surface, and a second edge surface opposing the first edge surface, wherein the first edge surface and the second edge surface of at least one of the end plates respectively comprise at least one complimentary engaging protrusion and pocket, and wherein each of the first and second edge surfaces are contoured to form a plurality of lobe portions and a recessed portion extending between adjacent lobe portions, and wherein the complimentary engaging protrusions and pockets are respectively LO located on the lobe portions.
  2. CO 2. The housing of claim 1, wherein the first edge surface and/or the second edge surface of at least one of the end plates comprises at least one notch, wherein the C\I 20 notch and the elongate members have complimentary engaging profiles.
  3. 3. The housing of claim 1 or 2, wherein the end plates comprise or are formed of plastic.
  4. 4. The housing of any preceding claim, wherein the elongate members are straight metal tubes.
  5. 5. The housing of any preceding claim, wherein the elongate members are connected to the end plates at positions spaced from the first and second edge surfaces.
  6. 6. The housing of any preceding claim, wherein each end plate comprises a handle.
  7. 7. The housing of any preceding claim, wherein each end plate comprises a central web portion.
  8. A power distribution apparatus comprising: the housing according to any preceding claim; and power distribution equipment.
  9. 9. The power distribution apparatus of claim 8, wherein the power distribution equipment is electrical power distribution equipment such as a transformer, a mains distribution unit (MDU), or a splitter box.
  10. 10. The power distribution apparatus of claim 8 or 9, wherein the power distribution equipment is positioned between the pair of end plates, and the plurality of elongate members surround the power distribution equipment.
  11. 11. An assembly comprising a plurality of the power distribution apparatus according to any of claims 8 to 10. CO
  12. 12. The assembly of claim 11, wherein a first power distribution apparatus of the plurality of power distribution apparatus have shorter elongate members than a second C\I power distribution apparatus of the plurality of power distribution apparatus.
  13. 13. A kit of parts for a power distribution apparatus housing, the kit comprising: a pair of end plates, wherein each end plate comprises a first edge surface and a second edge surface opposing the first edge surface, and wherein the first edge surface and the second edge surface respectively comprise at least one complimentary engaging protrusion and pocket, wherein each of the first and second edge surfaces are contoured to comprise a plurality of lobe portions and a recessed portion extending between adjacent lobe portions, and wherein the complimentary engaging protrusions and pockets are respectively located on the lobe portions; and a plurality of elongate members configured to extend between the pair of end plates.
GB2400763.5A 2024-01-19 2024-01-19 Power distribution apparatus Pending GB2637490A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB2400763.5A GB2637490A (en) 2024-01-19 2024-01-19 Power distribution apparatus

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB2400763.5A GB2637490A (en) 2024-01-19 2024-01-19 Power distribution apparatus

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB202400763D0 GB202400763D0 (en) 2024-03-06
GB2637490A true GB2637490A (en) 2025-07-30

Family

ID=90057993

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB2400763.5A Pending GB2637490A (en) 2024-01-19 2024-01-19 Power distribution apparatus

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2637490A (en)

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6126492A (en) * 1997-06-30 2000-10-03 Compaq Computer Corporation Tower building block biased latching system
GB2524076A (en) * 2014-03-14 2015-09-16 Equip Llp Sa Improved Heater
CN106864929A (en) * 2017-04-21 2017-06-20 刘可 It is easy-to-mount to recycle folding carton

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6126492A (en) * 1997-06-30 2000-10-03 Compaq Computer Corporation Tower building block biased latching system
GB2524076A (en) * 2014-03-14 2015-09-16 Equip Llp Sa Improved Heater
CN106864929A (en) * 2017-04-21 2017-06-20 刘可 It is easy-to-mount to recycle folding carton

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB202400763D0 (en) 2024-03-06

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
KR101561723B1 (en) Apparatus and methods for supporting an elongated member
US8763755B2 (en) Portable work platforms and method therefor
US8465242B2 (en) Fastener for strut channel
US9464735B2 (en) Systems and methods for supporting tubular members
US20110204013A1 (en) Welding Power Supply External Protective Support Structure
GB2637490A (en) Power distribution apparatus
MXPA01008113A (en) Adjustable pallet protector assembly for a single pallet or an array of pallets.
US20110204202A1 (en) Systems and methods for supporting tubular members
WO2018046971A1 (en) Battery pack enclosure
AU2020389897B2 (en) Cabin cover and wind turbine generator set
US20150247316A1 (en) Container/Building System
CA2816727C (en) Busbar clamping systems
US5271387A (en) Harness connector for scuba tanks and the like
US9310022B2 (en) Portable tanking system and method
US9701442B1 (en) General use of a strapless pallet
JP4700339B2 (en) Manifold mounting device for fuel cell stack
US20150048097A1 (en) Storage container lining and insulation system
KR102754646B1 (en) An integrated connector of graound transformer with different diameter parts
US10770702B2 (en) Jig set including handle for mounting energy storage system
US20060102055A1 (en) Rectangular parallelepiped paper made entrainer
US10065780B1 (en) Connector assembly
EP1929488B1 (en) Yoke structure for the lamination core of a static electrical machine, composed of unwelded cut-to­ measure members
CN223251564U (en) Anti-heel rotation auxiliary tool for nut
CN218958427U (en) Bridge connection rotary lock catch
CN208209596U (en) A kind of mobile direct current emergency power supply case