KR20180011568A - Energy distribution arrangement for the electrical supply of reefer containers - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an energy distribution device for an electric refrigerator container. The energy distribution device includes: a housing including a first opening and a second opening separating an interior space from an environment; a power socket; and a first connection device including a first section, a second section and a flange section between the first section and the second section. The present invention also relates to a connection device for the electrical supply of a refrigeration container. The connection device includes a first section, a second section and a flange section between the first section and the second section.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to an energy distribution apparatus for supplying electricity to a refrigeration container,

The present invention relates to an energy distribution device for the electrical supply of a refrigeration container comprising a housing separating an interior space from the environment, said housing comprising a first opening and a second opening, said energy distribution device comprising a power socket And a first connecting device including a first section, a second section and a flange section between the first section and the second section.

The present invention also relates to a connecting device for electrically connecting a power socket in a housing for electrical supply of a refrigeration container, said connecting device comprising a first section and a second section and a second section, Flange section.

Refrigerated containers are used to transfer corrosive materials that require temperature-controlled transfer, such as fruits, meats, vegetables, dairy products, and other temperature sensitive cargo that need to be cooled or kept refrigerated during sea or land transport . In order to ensure a cold chain without interruption, the freezing container includes an integral cooling unit and thus is dependent on an external power source. Every time such a refrigerated container is transported or stored, it needs to be connected to a power source by a cable. Electrical energy is provided to the container line or to a ground site or from a power source installed at the quay. Such a cooling unit is typically connected to a three-phase system. If such refrigerated containers are to be sent to each country, the global standard IEC 60309 applies to fit the plugs and socket-outlets.

A single 40ft refrigerator container has a power input of up to 15kW which needs to be supplied by a three-phase power source, where the refrigerator container is typically connected to a 440V grid, and rarely to a 250V grid. A load current greater than 15A requires a cable with a sufficiently large wire cross-section.

In particular, when boarded on a marine vessel and on a pier, a large number of refrigerated containers need to be densely shipped and supplied with electrical energy. The total power consumption expands rapidly to hundreds of kilowatts, which must be distributed by a special distribution infrastructure and provided to the marine vessel or landfloor to the freezer container to ensure the cooling of the cargo.

Generally, the cooling container is connected to the electric power distributing device through a power plug and an electric cable. Such an electric distribution apparatus may include a plurality of power sockets, each of which may be connected to a power plug of an electric cable to supply energy to one of the cooling containers through the cable. A power socket is understood as an electrical power point for a detachable electrical connection to a power plug. In particular, standardized power plugs and power sockets, such as standardized three-phase current plugs and sockets, are employed in marine vessel mounting applications to enable handling of such connections in international maritime trade. The main object of the energy distributing apparatus according to the present invention is to provide energy to the refrigeration container at the time of loading the vessel, but it is also possible to use various kinds of consumables such as an engine room or a freezing container, Or energy supply in land applications in other conditions where a compact configuration is required.

These specific requirements related to such energy distribution cause problems associated with the installation of the distribution infrastructure. First, in some applications, a single, two or three power sockets are needed to supply energy to a corresponding number of containers. However, in other applications, it may be desirable to provide three or more, e.g., five, ten, or even more than one, at one location to supply electrical energy to the container, in order to avoid the need for long cables for connection to the container and the distribution infrastructure. More than 10 power sockets are required. Since there are usually multiple sites on board or on the quay, it is not desirable to have power sockets installed on individually designed infrastructure elements to reduce installation and maintenance costs.

Another problem associated with such energy distribution devices is the generation of significant forces acting on the connecting cables and sockets in addition to the additional electrical connections used in such distribution infrastructure during use or installation. In order to provide security to personnel handling or working with electrical connections, the distribution infrastructure is used in the process of loading and unloading containers added in connection with the longitudinal axis of the cable, It must be able to withstand the frequent radial forces that occur during installation of the connection.

As a further problem, due to the high load currents, the cables and wires are somewhat stiff and thus the manipulation of such cables and wires in the process of electrical connection is somewhat difficult. Moreover, significant axial and radial forces can be transmitted through such rigid cables and wires. Accessibility of the connection site for the electrical connection of such wires and cables is also an essential feature, and thus the distribution infrastructure must be designed such that the electrical connection is easily installed and separated by the individual.

Every time the freezer container is loaded or unloaded, the dock or ship operator needs to manually connect or disconnect the cable from the power receptacle mounted on the freezer container and the energy dispensing device. Therefore, a plug and socket that can be operated quickly are used to reliably connect the refrigerated container to the power source. Since the container is loaded and unloaded under any weather conditions, it is necessary to prevent the source and the dock operator from being injured by electric shock. In this regard, certain power sockets have been developed that improve the safety of electrical hazards. Such power sockets are known from DE202012005279U1, KR20130135105 or CN103457114A. Disclosed herein is a container socket which is a switch-type socket used for energy supply of a ship freezer container. A circuit breaker is located inside the socket. From DE 19706358 A1, a circuit breaker actuating device is known which is used for powering refrigeration containers at sea. EP 1766731 B1 and DE 10 2013209726 disclose a socket arrangement for addressing this safety problem wherein the power switch is coupled to a socket and is operated by a plug inserted in the socket.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved energy distribution device for an electric refrigerated container of the type described above, which improves the variability and meets the electrical and mechanical requirements described above.

This object is achieved by an energy distribution device for a motorized refrigeration container, the energy distribution device comprising:

A housing separating the interior space from the environment and including a first opening and a second opening,

- Power socket, and

- a first connecting device comprising a first section, a second section and a flange section between said first section and said second section,

The first section having a first electrical connection means adapted to be electrically connected to the cable and the second section having a second electrical connection means, said first and second electrical connection means having a first electrical connection means Are electrically interconnected using extending conductor elements,

The first connecting device being mounted to the housing using the flange section and partially penetrating the first opening of the housing such that the first section of the first connecting device is located outside the housing, The second section of the first connector is located inside the housing,

The power socket is mounted to the second opening of the housing,

The second electrical connection means is electrically connected to the power socket through an electrical connection inside the housing.

An energy distribution device is understood to be a device that is sourced by an energy source and distributes energy to be distributed to at least one power socket by an energy distribution device, and the refrigeration container is connected to the power socket through a cable using a plug.

The housing is understood as a box, case or enclosure separating the internal space from the external space. The housing in the sense of the present invention may also be an electrical cabinet or switch box. The housing may be sealed against dust, water and seawater, and preferably provides a high degree of watertightness, such as IP 65 according to the IEC 60529 standard. The housing can be understood as a wall or a wall section of a building or ship superstructure.

The cables are understood to be at least two wires running side by side, joined together, twisted or twisted together to form a single assembly. The stripped wire end of the cable can be connected by means of a connection to enable the transfer of electrical energy from the energy supply or energy distribution grid to the energy distribution device. It is particularly desirable that the cable be understood as a three-phase cable, also known as a three-phase power cable, and is used to transfer energy in a three-phase power system. In particular, three-phase cables listed in the IEC 60309 standard and connected to connectors with supply voltages in the range of 100 V to 680 V and load currents of 16 A to 125 A are within the scope of the present invention.

Since a strong current is conducted by the wire, the wire of the cable has a large cross section. This again results in a stiff wire, making the cable strong and flexible. The cable can be placed underneath the ship's bottom or deck, and can appear close to the energy distribution device. For example, the cable may appear in an environment directly under or near the installation location of the energy distribution device. If the cable does not appear below the energy distribution device, the in-flexible cable can not be bent sufficiently to reach the energy distribution device, thus making the connection of the wire impossible or difficult. In other cases, for example, the wires and the connecting means connected thereto are under mechanical stress, so it may be difficult to properly connect the wires to the connecting means. It is difficult to connect the wire to the connecting means, especially when the in-flexible cable and the stiff wire need to be connected inside the energy dispensing device because the available space is limited within the housing of the energy dispensing device. Excessive axial and radial load on the connection point between the cable and the energy distribution device can result in such a condition.

The present invention is based on the perception that the installation of the energy distribution device can be significantly simplified if the electrical connection of the cable to the wire is made outside the housing and the electrical connection is also maintained outside the housing after installation. When a ship is manufactured in a shipyard, one stage of drying is the installation of a power grid, which also involves the installation of an energy distribution for the supply of refrigeration containers by an energy distribution system.

Wherein the connecting device is mounted to the housing such that the first section of the connecting device including the first connecting means is external to the housing, whereby the accessibility of the first connecting means is significantly improved. Therefore, it is possible to connect a three-phase cable to the energy distribution device without opening the housing of the energy distribution device to connect the wires of the cable. Also, it may not be necessary to remove the connecting device for the installation of the wires of the cable. Such an integrated energy distribution apparatus has the advantage that it can be mounted on the power grid in a time-saving manner.

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

It is possible to fully mount the forward sockets and connecting devices in the housing in such pre-assembly process since the energy distribution devices can be pre-assembled according to the wiring plans of the shipyard. Since the openings have the same shape, there is no restriction on mounting single or multiple connecting devices and power sockets. Therefore, the mounting position can be freely selected. This provides great flexibility when planning, manufacturing, and locally deploying energy distribution devices for the electrical supply of refrigeration containers. When the energy distribution device is installed after the pre-assembly, it is not necessary to open the housing, and the energy supply can be connected through the first electrical connection means in the first section of the connection device. This facilitates the installation on the signboard of the ship and tends to less damage the wiring inside the housing.

As another advantage of the present invention, the housing of the energy distribution device can be reduced in size because the three-phase cable is electrically connected to the energy distribution device outside the housing, so that when determining the dimensions of the housing, Loop dimensions or curvature radius need not be considered.

Prior art energy distribution devices must have certain dimensions in order to be able to connect the stiff wires of the three-phase cable to the interior of the housing. Since the wire of the three-phase cable conducts a high voltage of, for example, 380 V or more, for example, 10 A or more, or a high current of 30 A or more, the wire has a large cable cross section, so that the cable becomes stiff and has a large minimum radius of curvature. Due to the large radius of curvature, the housing of the energy distribution device needs to provide sufficient free space inside the housing to occupy the curves or loops of the wires of at least three-phase cables and to couple them to the connecting means.

According to the present invention, the space required for the connecting means and for the routing of the wire can be moved from the inner space of the housing to the outside of the housing, so that the housing space can be saved. Under normal conditions there is sufficient free space outside the housing to carry the routing of rigid and rigid cables, especially long enough to perform routing of stiff wires and stiff cables. The three-phase cable, which is suitable for high load currents and thus has a large wire cross-section, can also be connected to the energy distribution device without the need to adjust or extend the dimensions of the housing of the energy distribution device. On the one hand, the present invention has the advantage that the housing and the space can be saved since the housing can be made smaller. On the other hand, for a large number of applications, the housing size is uniform and thus reduces the variety of products, which in turn simplifies warehousing, reduces storage costs, and allows for high variability in the mounting arrangement of such uniform housings .

The first section being adapted to be mounted on the flange section and enclosing the first electrical connection means and having an opening facing the flange section for inserting the cable into the casing, And the flange section is adapted to receive the casing and the casing can protect the wire or connecting means presently carrying from damage by an object which may inadvertently come into contact with the wire or the connecting means. Moreover, the risk of short circuits can be significantly reduced when fully covering or partially covering or uncovering the uncoated wire-ends of the connecting means and the cable. Furthermore, the casing significantly increases the electrical stability, and the direct contact of the live part is prevented by the casing, thereby significantly reducing the risk of human injury due to electric shock.

Energy distribution devices for refrigeration containers are exposed to seawater, rain and dust. Therefore, it is particularly preferable that the inner space of the casing be sealed against penetration of moisture or dust. Thereby, the first electrical connecting means is protected against moisture, thereby preventing corrosion and preventing defective and short circuiting of the connecting means.

The seal ring can be used to seal the interface between the flange section and the casing. Such a seal ring may be selected from a sealing ring, a flat seal, a sealing tape, or any other type of sealing type that can seal the interface between the flange section and the casing. The material used for such sealing may comprise rubber, plastic, silicone, epoxy resin or an adhesive material. It is particularly preferred that the sealing material is a thermoplastic elastomer. The seal ring may be located on the contact surface of the flange section and the casing.

It is further preferred that the seal ring is molded on or in the casing and / or the flange section. The sealing can be produced by a technique such as two-part injection molding known as injection molding or especially 2C injection molding. In such a case, the casing may be formed by a hard component such as ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), and the seal ring may be formed of a flexible component such as a thermoplastic elastomer such as TPE-E (copolyesters), TPE-A polyether block amides, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), or polysiloxane. The seal rings are molded into or into the casing and / or flange sections and respectively bonded to the casing or flange sections, whereby the seal rings are prevented from being lost or lost during the installation or maintenance procedure, .

In casings, it is particularly desirable for the sealing to provide protection against the ingress of dust and water in accordance with the IEC 60529 standard for classifying and evaluating the degree of protection provided in the enclosure. The casing of the energy distribution device for the supply of the freezing container preferably has an IP65 rating and thus is protected against a dust tightness (first digit) and also against a strong ultrahigh-pressure water jet (second digit). However, the casing may also have a lower rating, e.g. IP64, or a higher rating, e.g. IP66 or IP68.

Preferably, the opening through which the cable is guided to the casing includes a seal ring that seals against the cable to prevent dirt and moisture entering through the opening when the cable is inserted. This embodiment may include a cable gland including the seal ring.

The casing extending along a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the plane of the first opening and the casing including an axial movement along a longitudinal axis of the first connecting device, a radial or radial- , Or by an axial and rotational direction combination movement along the longitudinal axis of the first linkage. The longitudinal axis will be understood as an axis extending from the first section of the connecting device through the flange section to the second section of the connecting device. Preferably, the longitudinal axis is perpendicular to the plane and the flange section is mounted to the housing of the energy distribution device, said plane corresponding to the plane of said first opening. Alternatively, the longitudinal axis may be an axis perpendicular to the flange section and centered on the flange section.

The casing can be mounted in the flange section from within the first section by axial movement of the casing. For example, the casing and flange sections may include a particular clip or spring that may engage each other. Alternatively, the flange sections and the casings may be connected to each other by a circumferential axial and rotational direction combination movement along a longitudinal axis, such as a screw or Baronette coupling. For example, the flange section may include external threads, and the casing may include internal threads, or vice versa. Therefore, the casing can be connected by a screwable mount which can be used to remove the casing whenever necessary. This may be advantageous, for example, when performing maintenance on the connection means or when the damaged casing needs to be replaced. When the casing is threaded, a sealing ring, such as a sealing ring or a flat seal, may be located on or within the spherical ring element and / or the flange section.

The above-described connection is preferably a detachable connection. For example, it is desirable to provide a detachable but non-removable connection to prevent loosening or unacceptable removal of the casing. In addition, an inseparable connection, such as an integral connection, can be made with an adhesive or by an engagement element such as a locking clip.

The casing includes first and second casing elements, wherein the first and second casing elements are sealingly coupled to each other and form a sealing ring engagement with the flange. The casing with the two casing elements can be mounted with little or no axial movement of the casing element along the longitudinal axis of the coupling device defined above. Therefore, the mounting can occur in any direction perpendicular or inclined to the longitudinal axis of the connecting device, i.e. from radial or radial axis movements. For example, the first and second casing elements may be embodied as two half-shells that are assembled together and completely or partially surround the connector flange of the flange section. This may be advantageous when there is no or very little space for moving the casing along the longitudinal axis of the connecting device to mount the wire to the first connecting means with access to the electrical connection when the casing is installed. When the cable connected to the connecting device of the energy distribution device and the connecting device is not straight, it may not be possible to properly mount the casing. In such conditions, the external and internal threads can not be properly aligned with respect to each other, so that a screwable casing is often not mountable.

The casing includes first and second casing elements, wherein the first and second casing elements are sealingly coupled to each other and form a sealing ring connection to the flange. With regard to the advantages of such a seal, the version and details of the embodiment, the above description relating to the sealing between the casing and the flange section is referred to.

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

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

- the first casing element is fixed to the flange section and the second casing element is fixed to the flange section and to the first casing element.

It may be advantageous to connect the first housing element to the flange section such that the first housing element is fixed and the second housing element is then connected to the first housing element, for example a lead. In such a case, the individual fastening of the second casing element to the flange section can be omitted. Alternatively, both the first and second housing elements may be mounted or fixed to the flange section, but not individually fixed to each other. Alternatively, it is preferred that the first casing element be secured to the flange section and the second casing element to provide a mechanically strong interconnect and seal between the first and second casing elements and the flange section.

More preferably, the first casing element and the flange section form an integral part.

For example, the first housing element may extend from the flange section to surround the first connecting means. An electrician can advantageously connect the second casing element since it is not necessary to hold the two casing elements with his hand and the second casing element can easily be mounted on the fixed first casing element which is easily integrated with the flange .

Preferably, the casing is swivel-mounted to the flange section, and preferably, a cavity ball joint joins the flange section and the casing.

The swivel mounting connection to the flange section of the casing may be advantageous because it provides the possibility of mounting to the angled orientation of the casing to the flange section. Such inclined attachments may be necessary, for example, if the cable to be connected to the connecting device of the energy distribution device and the connecting device is not straight, or if the position or angle is inconsistent. In this case, a force may be exerted on the casing, which may render the sealing between the flange section and the casing ineffective and a risk of breakage if stiff connection impossible to swivel is implemented. Such mechanical stresses induced by the force exerted on the material of the connecting device and / or the material of the casing can be avoided by swivel mounting connection, which again can prevent breakage due to breakage, Increase service life.

Another advantage is that the mounting position of the housing of the energy distribution device and the dimensional deviation of the position of the cable where the cable is placed or emerges from underground or below the deck can be compensated for, which is convenient to install.

The swivel-mount connection can be implemented by a hollow ball joint that allows movement about a rotational center. Therefore, the casing can form a ring ring element having a section having a spherical inner or outer shape. The flange section may comprise a section having a compensating spherical outer and inner shape having a radius essentially equal to the inner radius of the casing. The casing surrounds a section of the flange section having a spherical external shape of the flange section upon mounting. Therefore, the casing is fixed relative to the longitudinal movement associated with the flange, but due to the engagement of the convex-concave spherical shape, the casing can perform a tilting movement with respect to the flange.

Preferably, a seal ring may be provided between the flange section and the casing, which may preferably be a ring seal ring mounted to the flange section or to the circumferential recess of the flange section.

For the advantageous function and embodiment of such sealing, reference is made to the above description of sealing between the casing and the flange section.

Preferably, the energy distribution device further comprises an adapter element adapted to be mounted between the flange section and the casing.

Such an adapter element may be advantageous if, for example, a connecting device comprising a flanged section with threads is preassembled in the energy distribution device, but the casing may be mounted with a certain angle to compensate for the deviation of the mounting position There is a need. The deviation of the mounting position may occur when the orientation of the casing and the cable do not match. Next, the adapter element can be used to compensate for the mismatch, thus enabling a simple and rapid installation process. The adapter element may in particular provide compensation for angular compensation or radiation shift of cables and cables.

Preferably, the length of the casing is larger than the diameter or the maximum width of the cross section of the casing. The specific length of the casing ensures that the casing provides sufficient space to simply maintain the mounting procedure of the wires of the cable to the connecting means when installing the energy distribution device. Therefore, the operator can install the casing manually because he can apply sufficient torque by using his own hand without special tools. Another advantage to the specific length of the casing is that it is provided with a sufficient length to compensate for the misalignment of the coupling device of the cable with the energy distribution device.

As the wire is stiff, bending to match the desired location is impossible or very difficult in most cases. The casing having a cross-sectional diameter of the casing or a length greater than the maximum dimension is therefore advantageous to provide sufficient space for the wire inside the casing.

More preferably, the cable inserted through the opening of the casing has a first minimum radius of curvature, the wire of the cable has a second minimum radius of curvature, and the casing has the first minimum curvature Has a length of 0.05 to 2 times the radius and / or the casing has a length of 0.1 to 5 times the second minimum radius of curvature along its longitudinal axis. The length of the casing may depend on the minimum radius of curvature of the cable since the radius of curvature affects the amount of space required to place the cable in the angular device. Since the radius of curvature is the performance index of the cable, the size of the casing can be related to the radius of curvature. The same applies to the radius of curvature of a wire of a cable, such as a three-phase cable. Often, the minimum radius of curvature of a cable or wire can be determined to be 15 times the diameter of the cable or wire, respectively.

More preferably, the energy distribution device further includes a valve unit connecting the inner space of the casing and the outer space outside the casing, the valve unit being adapted to compensate for the air pressure difference between the inner and outer spaces of the casing. Since the energy distribution device is connected to the high pressure, it is desirable to prevent condensation of moisture in the internal space. Therefore, the valve unit performs pressure equalization between the internal space of the casing and the environment, thereby minimizing the risk of condensate in the casing. Therefore, the durability of the connecting means covered by the casing is increased, and electrical failure is prevented.

More preferably, the casing includes a fixture that secures the cable to the casing to stabilize the first electrical connection means from mechanical pressure induced by a force applied to the cable. Whenever there is a force applied to the cable, the wires of the cable mechanically and electrically connected to the connecting means are also loosened or destroyed in contact with the conductor element. This will result in failure of the energy distribution device. Therefore, the connecting device can be adapted to provide strain-relief of the connecting means by securing the cable to the casing. For example, the cable gland may be a portion integral with the casing or may be fixed, for example, as screwed onto the casing. If the cable penetrates such a cable gland, the wire mechanically connected to the connecting means will deviate from the mechanical force. In particular, such a strain relief fixture can be mounted in an opening in a casing into which a cable is inserted, and can also have a sealing effect for sealing the opening when the cable is inserted.

More preferably, the first electrical connection means includes a plurality of connectors, and a separation element made of an electrically insulating material is disposed between each two adjacent connectors.

The separation elements improve electrical stability because they prevent unintended connection between adjacent connecting means of the connecting device. In order to make the cables more flexible and to reduce their radius of curvature, the wire consists of several connectors. However, during the installation procedure, the single conductor may not be gripped by the connecting means, may protrude, and possibly also come into contact with the adjacent connecting means, which may lead to electrical failure. The separating element mechanically prevents the single or multiple conductors of the wire from coming into contact with the adjacent connecting means, or the wire as the separating element forms a mechanical barrier between the two adjacent connecting means. The separating element can be understood as a plate or panel made of a plastic material which is mounted on or extends from the connecting device between the safety cover, the protective shield, the safety shield, or between two adjacent connecting means.

Another advantage is that the clearance distance and the creepage distance are increased and the insulation barrier is improved, thereby preventing flashover between the two adjacent connection means.

More preferably, the first and / or second electrical connection means comprise a screw terminal, a clamping terminal, a solder cup or a welding plate.

In general, different connecting means may be used for the connecting means, and some may be more suitable than others in certain applications. For example, if a clamping terminal is used, no tools or cable lugs are required when connecting the wire to the clamping terminal, so the wire can be connected in an easy and time-saving manner. Alternatively, the screw terminal provides a mechanically durable connection. When connecting the wires, a common tool such as a screwdriver or a spanner is required, for example. Solder cups or welded plates provide the most durable connection of the wire, and these connection types require special tools.

More preferably, the power socket has a length in the axial direction of the power socket, and the depth of the housing in the axial direction is less than 1.5 times the length of the power socket in the axial direction. It is understood that the depth of the housing is a 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 connecting device. Since the first connecting means of the connecting device is located 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 basically determined by the length of the power socket mounted on the housing. In general, there is a need to provide additional space in the housing of the energy distribution device for the wiring of the power socket and the second connecting means of the connecting device. In this regard, a depth less than twice the length of the power socket is sufficient to surround the second connecting means of the connecting device, the power socket and its wiring. The size of the housing can thereby be reduced, so that housing material such as metal or plastic can be saved and costs can be saved. Alternatively, instead of having a depth corresponding to less than twice the length of the power socket of the housing, the depth of the housing may be less than the length of the connecting device along the longitudinal axis, preferably 75% Lt; / RTI >

More preferably, the housing includes a third opening, a second connecting device is mounted to the third opening, the second connecting device is configured according to the first connecting device, Is electrically connected to the second electrical connection means of the first connection device within the housing.

When installing an energy distribution device for the electrical supply of the refrigeration container, it may be necessary to provide a way of sub-distribution of energy to the additional energy distribution device to provide a complete infrastructure for supplying a plurality of refrigeration containers. Therefore, the housing may include two connecting devices electrically connected to each other in the housing. One of the connecting devices can be directly connected to a source of energy and serves to supply energy to a power socket installed in the housing and the other connecting device serves to divert energy from the first connecting device, For example, the branch of energy to a power socket installed in another housing. In this regard, the energy distribution device may include a second housing having a power socket and a third connection device installed therein, wherein the cable loop connects the second and third connection devices to the outside of the housing. As a result, a complete infrastructure can be built up by a continuously connected housing.

The advantage of such an infrastructure is that it can be constructed from a uniform or standardized housing to form the energy distribution device. Two, three or more such housings may be electrically connected to one another to provide a desired number of power sockets. This, in turn, reduces the complexity of design, installation and maintenance. Also, economies of scale are applied to such modular installation of the housing, thereby reducing cost per unit.

More preferably,

The first housing has a first connecting opening on the side wall of the housing,

A second housing disposed adjacent said side wall,

The second housing has a second connecting opening adjacent to the first connecting opening of the first housing,

An electrical conductor extends through the first and second connection openings to establish an electrical connection between a power socket mounted on the first housing and a power socket mounted on the second housing.

The sidewall of the housing is understood as a wall different from the wall comprising the first and second openings which are understood to be provided on the front wall of the housing. Preferably, the sidewalls are oriented at right angles to the front wall. Two or more housings of the energy distribution device are mechanically connected to each other or to a common platform to form a common unit. An advantage of such a device is that a large number of power sockets can be provided at the installation site and can be supplied on a single power line. This provides additional flexibility when the infrastructure is planned to provide electrical supply to the refrigeration container. It is therefore possible to adapt the energy distribution device to the actual local environment or to the need for technical or special conditions.

Preferably, the two housings may be secured to one another by a hollow screw having a diameter of a size ranging from a few tens of millimeters to a hundred millimeters mounted on a large diameter, e.g., the first and second connecting openings. Thus, the two housings can, for example, have a corresponding opening corresponding to the side wall, and the cavity screw can be positioned in such a way that a part of the thread protrudes inside one or both of the housings. Single nuts or nuts are screwed onto the joint screw to mount the two housings together. The cable may pass through a joint screw which will be used to electrically connect the power socket of the second housing and the second connecting means of the connecting device of the first housing.

Instead of a hollow screw having a large diameter, a plurality of screws can be arranged around the associated openings of the two housings and pass through corresponding fixing holes located on the two side walls of the housing.

More preferably, the third connecting device is mounted in the connecting opening of any one of the first and second housings instead of the power socket, the third connecting device is constructed in accordance with the first connecting device, The first electrical connecting means of the connecting device is electrically connected to the first electrical connecting means of the first or second connecting device. Each time the two housings of the energy distribution device are combined to provide a large number of power sockets in one place, the connecting device is mounted in one of the openings of the interconnected housing. This additional connection device sub-distributes the energy to the additional energy distribution device. Therefore, energy can be delivered to the next or downstream energy distribution device. Therefore, more complex infrastructures can be implemented to adapt to local circumstances or technical or special conditions when mounted on shipyards, docks or grounds.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the above-mentioned object is solved by a connecting device for electrical supply of a freezing container,

- a first section and a second section; And

A flange section between the first section and the second section, the flange section adapted to be secured to the housing adjacent to an opening in the housing, the first section being electrically connected to the cable The second section having a second electrical connection means and the first and second electrical connection means being electrically interconnected using a conductor element extending through the flange section .

A preferred embodiment of this connection device may comprise the features and functions of the connection device described above as part of the energy distribution device.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described by way of example with reference to the drawings.
1 is a three-dimensional view of an energy distribution device.
Figure 2 is a three-dimensional view of an energy distribution device with a unscrewed casing.
Figure 3 is a detailed three-dimensional view of the first section of the connecting device.
4 is a three-dimensional view of a second embodiment of an energy distribution device.
5 is a three-dimensional view of a second embodiment of an energy distribution device with a housing lead and a half shell removed.
6 is a detailed three-dimensional view of an energy distribution device according to a second embodiment in which a housing lead and a half shell casing are removed.
7 is a front view of an energy distribution device according to a second embodiment showing a casing having a tilted orientation.
Figure 8 is a detailed front view of the flange section and first section of the connecting device.
9A to 9C are illustrations of mounting positions of the connecting device in a housing having five openings.
Figure 10 is a three dimensional view of two housings connected together including one connecting device.
11 is a three-dimensional view of two housings connected together including two connecting devices.
12 is a schematic view of a possible housing a) -e) and its preferred combination f) -l) of the energy distribution device.
13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of two interconnected housings of an energy distribution device according to the present invention.

A first embodiment of the energy dispensing apparatus 100 is shown in Figs. The housing 110 includes a detachable lid 112 and a faceplate having four openings wherein three power sockets 180 are mounted on three of the four openings. The connecting device has a first section (140) located outside the housing. The first section is adjacent to the flange section 123 and the connecting device is mounted to the fourth opening by a screw attached to the flange section 123 and the faceplate adjacent to the fourth opening of the housing 110.

The flange section includes an external thread 124 circumscribing the first connecting means 120 formed by the screw terminal 125. These screw terminals are integral with the conductor element 130 extending through the flange section. The wires 152 of the three-phase cable 150 are bound and electrically connected to the screw terminals through cable lugs 153 at the end of each cable. The wires of the three-phase cable can thus be connected to the energy distribution device without removing the lid 112 of the housing 110.

The casing 141 has an internal thread at the inner peripheral wall and is screwed into the thread 124. [ The first section 140 further includes a cable stop 142 at the opposite end of the internal thread. The cable stopper 142 is engaged with the casing 141. The cable closure includes a seal ring that engages the outer periphery of the cable to protect the screw terminal 125, the wire 152, and the conductor element 130 from water, moisture, and dust. The cable stop further includes a three-phase cable 250 and strain-relief to mitigate mechanical deformation of each wire 252. To provide electrical energy to the energy distribution apparatus 100, a three-phase cable 150 is connected to an energy supply (not shown).

Figure 2 shows the casing 141 of the coupling device that is unscrewed from the thread 124 to provide access to the screw terminal 125, the wire 152 and the conductor element 130. As can be seen from FIG. 2, if the casing 141 is unscrewed and moves axially along the cable 150 and is shorted sufficiently in the axial direction, the access to the first connecting means 120 is permitted.

3 shows a three-dimensional detail of the first connecting means 120 and the flange section 123. FIG. A separation element 127 is placed between the two adjacent conductor elements 130 and between the screw terminals 125, respectively.

4 to 8 show a second embodiment of the energy distribution device according to the present invention. Figure 4 illustrates a housing 210 including a detachable housing lid 212 and a faceplate having four openings, with three power sockets 280 mounted on three of the four openings. The connecting device has a first section (240) adjacent the flange section (223). The connecting device is mounted to the fourth opening by a screw attached to the flange section 223 and the face plate adjacent to the fourth opening. The first section 240 of the connecting device is located outside the housing 210 and includes a first connecting means 220, casings 241 and 241a, a casing screw 244 and a cable stopper 242.

Figures 5 and 6 illustrate the energy distribution device of Figure 4 with the housing lid 212 removed. The first connecting means 220 of the connecting device is located outside the housing 210 and the wire 252 of the three-phase cable 250 is connected to the screw terminal of the first connecting means 220 by the cable lug 253. [ (Not shown). The screw terminal 225 is connected to the conductor element 230. A separation element 225 is positioned between any two adjacent conductor elements 230 and the screw terminals 225 connected thereto.

A second section of the connecting device is located inside the housing 210 and includes a second connecting means 260. A screw terminal 266 is mounted to the conductor element 230. Separation element 268 is positioned between any two adjacent conductor elements 230 and screw terminals 266, respectively. A wire (not shown) is connected to the screw terminal 266 to provide an electrical connection of the power socket 280 within the housing 210.

According to this embodiment, the flange section comprises an outer spherical ring-shaped surface which constitutes the bearing surface of the ball joint bearing 224. The casing 241 is embodied as two engageable casing half shells, wherein only the first casing half shell 241a is shown in Figures 5 and 6. The half shells 241a, b include an inner bearing surface 224a, b at one end that is mounted to the ring shaped surface 224. When the two half shells are engaged, the half shell is fixed to the spherical ring-element 224 of the flange section and thus forms a ball joint. Alternatively, the half shell may be secured directly to the flange section 223.

The casing 241 is frictionally secured to the flange section from axial movement along the axial direction of the cable 250 when the half shells are interconnected by the screws 244. The cable stopper 242 is fastened to the casing 241 by, for example, a screw or clipping. The internal space of the casing 241 includes a screw terminal 225, a wire 252, and a conductive element 230. The inner space includes a casing seal positioned within the casing sealing recess 243 to resist intrusion of water and dust, a seal ring positioned within the sealing recess 229 of the spherical ring element 224, Is sealed by the seal provided by the seal 242. The cable closure further includes a three-phase cable 250 and a strain relief to mitigate mechanical deformation of each wire 252.

The casings 241a, b are longer than the casing 141 and provide easier access to the first connecting means, allowing for the connection and treatment of somewhat stiffer cables with stiffer wires than in the first embodiment. Due to the increased length of the casings 241a, b, access to the first connecting means can not be provided by the axial movement of the casing along the cable in the installation device. Instead, half shells 141a, b of one or both of the casings may be radially removed in this embodiment.

7 shows a front view of the energy distribution device 200. Fig. The longitudinal axis 290 of the three-phase cable 300 and the longitudinal axis 291 of the flange section of the coupling device are not straight and represent an angle discrepancy (?). Such an angle discrepancy may occur whenever the housing 210 of the energy dispensing apparatus 200 is mounted in such a way that the connecting device of the cable 250 to be connected to the energy distributing device and the connecting device is not straight or has a position or angle discrepancy have. As the spherical ring-shaped surface 224 of the flange section forms a swivel-mount with the casing 241, the casing compensates for the angle mismatch (?) And simplifies the installation procedure of the casing 241 It can be mounted at a constant angular orientation.

8 shows a detailed view of the flange section 223 and the first connecting means 220 of the connecting device. The spherical ring-shaped surface 224 is similar in shape to the ball joint section. The curved inner surface 224a of the casing 241 contacts the spherical ring-shaped surface 224 and is formed complementary to the spherical ring-shaped surface 224. This allows the casing to be mounted in an inclined orientation to compensate for the angle mismatch (?). A sealing recess 229 is provided in the circumferential direction within the spherical ring-shaped surface 224. The sealing recess 229 may comprise a spherical ring-shaped surface 224, for example by two part injection molding, to include a sealing ring or to provide a sealing ring between the half shell of the casing 241 and the flange section ). ≪ / RTI >

Figures 9A-9C illustrate several options for mounting the connecting device according to the first embodiment of the present invention to the housing of the energy distribution device.

The housing has five openings and four power sockets are mounted on four of the five openings.

9A shows the energy dispensing apparatus 300, wherein the connecting device is mounted in the leftmost opening.

FIG. 9B shows an energy distribution device 310 in which a coupling device is mounted in the middle opening.

9C shows the energy distribution device 320, in which the connection device is mounted in the rightmost opening.

Without limitation, the connecting device may be mounted in two other openings not shown in Figures 9A-9C. Further, this example is not limited to the connection device of the first embodiment. Without limitation, the connecting device according to the second embodiment can be used instead.

Figures 10 and 11 illustrate an energy distribution device 400, 500 providing an increased number of power sockets.

10 shows an energy distribution device 400 having a first housing 410 and a second housing 420. [ The first and second housings 410, 420 are interconnected to one another at the side walls. The housing 410 includes a front plate with six openings, with five power sockets mounted on five of the six openings. The connecting device 401 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is mounted to the sixth opening. The housing 420 includes a front plate having six openings, and six power sockets are mounted in six openings.

The power socket of the housing 410 is electrically connected to the connection device 401 in the housing 410. The power socket mounted on the housing 420 is also connected to the connecting device 401 in the housing 410. The housings 410 and 420 include corresponding connec- tion openings in the side walls that contact between the housings 410 and 420. [ A wire then passes through the connection opening to provide an electrical connection between the connection device 401 and the power socket mounted on the housing 420. The connecting device 401 may be connected to a power source by a cable (not shown).

Fig. 11 shows a modified energy distribution apparatus 500 similar to the energy distribution apparatus 400 shown in Fig. 4, essentially having interconnected first and second housings 510, 520. Fig. The difference is that the energy distributing apparatus 500 has two connecting devices: a first connecting device 501 mounted in an opening in the front plate of the first housing 510 and a second connecting device 501 mounted in the opening of the front plate of the second housing 520 And includes a second connector 502.

While the connecting device 501 can be connected to the power source by a cable (not shown), the connecting device 502 can be used to sub-distribute energy to other energy dispensing devices (not shown) via the cable. In other arrangements, both connectors 501 and 502 can be moved to either the first housing 510 or the second housing 520. [

The example shown in Figs. 10 and 11 is 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 instead.

Figures 12 a) to 121 l schematically illustrate a preferred combination of interconnected housings of an energy distribution device coupled from a modular system in accordance with the invention. Figures 12a-12e illustrate an energy distribution device having one to six openings in the front plate of the housing, with the connection device being illustratively mounted at the very left-hand side of the opening of the housing, Respectively. Figures 12f-12k illustrate a preferred combination of first and second housings that are interconnected at the sidewalls to provide an energy distribution device having a larger number of power sockets. The entire power socket is electrically interconnected within the housing of the energy distribution device. Therefore, six to eleven power sockets may be provided when coupling two of the housings of the energy distribution apparatus shown in Figs. 12 a) to 12 e).

Figure 12 l) shows interconnected first and second housings wherein the first and second housings are electrically interconnected via cables connected to each of the housings through a cable arranged outside the housing . This example can also be applied to the energy distribution device shown in Figs. 12F-12K.

13 shows an exemplary cross section of the mechanical interconnection of the two housings 710, 711 of the energy distribution device 700. Fig. The two housings 710 and 711 have connecting openings 712 and 713 on their side walls. A hollow screw 720 having a diameter somewhat smaller than that of the connecting openings 712 and 713 is inserted into the connecting openings of the first and second housings 710 and 711 from the inside of the housings 710 and 711, And is fastened by two hexagonal nuts 730. When the nut is tightened, the side walls of the housing are located between the two side walls and exert a force on the sealing ring 740 radially outward from the screw and circumscribing the screw 720. Therefore, the sealing rings of the joint screw 720 and the connecting openings 712, 713 are provided, and moisture, water and dust are prevented from intruding into the inner space of the housings 710, 711.

Figure 13 will be understood as an example of a method of interconnecting two housings together and is not intended to limit the invention to the proposed solution shown in the figures. For example, it is not necessary to use a joint screw. Alternatively, a plurality of screws may be disposed around the connec- tion openings and may be feed through to corresponding fastening holes that lie on the two sidewalls of the housing 710, 711.

Claims (20)

An energy distribution device for an electric refrigerator container,
A housing separating the interior space from the environment and including a first opening and a second opening,
- Power socket, and
- a first connecting device comprising a first section, a second section and a flange section between said first section and said second section,
Said first section (140) has a first electrical connection means (120) adapted to be electrically connected to a cable, said second section having a second electrical connection means, said first and second electrical connection means Are electrically interconnected using a conductor element extending through the flange section,
The first connecting device being mounted to the housing using the flange section and partially penetrating the first opening of the housing such that the first section of the first connecting device is located outside the housing, The second section of the first connector is located inside the housing,
The power socket is mounted to the second opening of the housing,
And the second electrical connection means is electrically connected to the power socket through an electrical connection inside the housing. The method according to claim 1,
The first section includes a casing,
- adapted to be mounted on said flange section,
- surrounding said first electrical connection means,
- an opening opposite said flange section for inserting said cable into said casing, said flange section adapted to receive said casing. The method of claim 2,
The casing extending along a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the plane of the first opening,
An axial movement along a longitudinal axis of said first connecting device,
A radial or radial-axial combination movement with respect to said longitudinal axis, or
- axial and rotational direction combination movements along the longitudinal axis of said first connecting device
Is mounted to said flange section by means of said flange section. The method of claim 2,
Wherein the casing comprises first and second casing elements, the first and second casing elements being sealingly coupled to each other and forming a sealing ring engagement with the flange. The method of claim 4,
The first housing element is fixed to the flange section and the second housing element is fixed to the first housing, or
The first housing element is fixed to the flange section and the second housing element is fixed to the flange, or
The first housing element being fixed to the flange section and the second housing element being fixed to the flange section and to the first housing element. The method according to claim 4 or 5,
Wherein the first housing element and the flange section form an integral part. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 5,
The casing is swivel-mounted to the flange section, and preferably, a cavity ball joint joins the flange section and the casing. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 7,
And an adapter element adapted to be mounted between the flange section and the casing. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 8,
Wherein the length of the casing is larger than the diameter or the maximum width of the cross section of the casing. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 9,
Wherein the cable inserted through the opening of the casing has a first minimum radius of curvature, the wire of the cable has a second minimum radius of curvature,
The casing has a length of 0.05 to 2 times the first minimum radius of curvature along its longitudinal axis, and / or
Wherein the casing has a length along its longitudinal axis of 0.1 to 5 times the second minimum radius of curvature. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 10,
Further comprising a valve unit connecting the inner space of the casing and the outer space outside the casing and compensating for the air pressure difference between the inner and outer spaces of the casing. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 11,
Wherein the casing comprises a fixture for securing the cable to the casing to stabilize the first electrical connection means from mechanical pressure induced by a force applied to the cable. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
Wherein the first electrical connection means comprises a plurality of connectors, a separation element made of an electrically insulating material is disposed between each two adjacent connectors, and /
Wherein the second electrical connection means comprises a plurality of connectors and a separation element made of an electrically insulating material is disposed between each two adjacent connectors. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13,
Wherein the first and / or second electrical connection means comprise a screw terminal, a clamping terminal, a solder cup or a welding plate. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14,
Wherein the power socket has a length in the axial direction of the power socket and the depth of the housing in the axial direction is less than 1.5 times the length of the power socket in the axial direction. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15,
The housing comprises a third opening,
A second connecting device is mounted to the third opening, the second connecting device is configured according to the first connecting device, and
Wherein the second electrical connection means of the second connection device is electrically connected to the second electrical connection means of the first connection device in the housing. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 16,
The first housing has a first connecting opening on the side wall of the housing,
A second housing disposed adjacent said side wall,
The second housing has a second connecting opening adjacent to the first connecting opening of the first housing,
Characterized in that the electrical conductor extends through the first and second connected openings to establish an electrical connection between a power socket mounted on the first housing and a power socket mounted on the second housing, Distribution device. 18. The method of claim 17,
The third connecting device is mounted in a connecting opening of any one of the first and second housings instead of the power socket and the third connecting device is constructed in accordance with the first connecting device,
Wherein the first electrical connection means of the third connection device is electrically connected to the first electrical connection means of the first or second connection device. A connecting device for electrical supply of a refrigerator container, comprising:
A first section and a second section; And
A flange section between the first section and the second section, the flange section adapted to be secured to the housing adjacent the opening in the housing,
The first section having a first electrical connection means adapted to be electrically connected to the cable and the second section having a second electrical connection means and the first and second electrical connection means extending through the flange section Wherein the connecting elements are electrically interconnected using conductive elements that are electrically conductive. The connecting device according to claim 19, wherein the connecting device is modified according to any one of claims 2 to 15.

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