NL2004471C2 - Power distribution device. - Google Patents
Power distribution device. Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- NL2004471C2 NL2004471C2 NL2004471A NL2004471A NL2004471C2 NL 2004471 C2 NL2004471 C2 NL 2004471C2 NL 2004471 A NL2004471 A NL 2004471A NL 2004471 A NL2004471 A NL 2004471A NL 2004471 C2 NL2004471 C2 NL 2004471C2
- Authority
- NL
- Netherlands
- Prior art keywords
- cord
- power
- distribution device
- power distribution
- housing
- Prior art date
Links
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 title claims description 28
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000007779 soft material Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000011084 recovery Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 238000004804 winding Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 description 8
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000001012 protector Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000000903 blocking effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003086 colorant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003292 diminished effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000012858 resilient material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
- H02G11/00—Arrangements of electric cables or lines between relatively-movable parts
- H02G11/02—Arrangements of electric cables or lines between relatively-movable parts using take-up reel or drum
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H75/00—Storing webs, tapes, or filamentary material, e.g. on reels
- B65H75/02—Cores, formers, supports, or holders for coiled, wound, or folded material, e.g. reels, spindles, bobbins, cop tubes, cans, mandrels or chucks
- B65H75/34—Cores, formers, supports, or holders for coiled, wound, or folded material, e.g. reels, spindles, bobbins, cop tubes, cans, mandrels or chucks specially adapted or mounted for storing and repeatedly paying-out and re-storing lengths of material provided for particular purposes, e.g. anchored hoses, power cables
- B65H75/38—Cores, formers, supports, or holders for coiled, wound, or folded material, e.g. reels, spindles, bobbins, cop tubes, cans, mandrels or chucks specially adapted or mounted for storing and repeatedly paying-out and re-storing lengths of material provided for particular purposes, e.g. anchored hoses, power cables involving the use of a core or former internal to, and supporting, a stored package of material
- B65H75/44—Constructional details
- B65H75/4418—Arrangements for stopping winding or unwinding; Arrangements for releasing the stop means
- B65H75/4428—Arrangements for stopping winding or unwinding; Arrangements for releasing the stop means acting on the reel or on a reel blocking mechanism
- B65H75/4431—Manual stop or release button
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/72—Means for accommodating flexible lead within the holder
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R25/00—Coupling parts adapted for simultaneous co-operation with two or more identical counterparts, e.g. for distributing energy to two or more circuits
- H01R25/003—Coupling parts adapted for simultaneous co-operation with two or more identical counterparts, e.g. for distributing energy to two or more circuits the coupling part being secured only to wires or cables
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H2701/00—Handled material; Storage means
- B65H2701/30—Handled filamentary material
- B65H2701/34—Handled filamentary material electric cords or electric power cables
Landscapes
- Storing, Repeated Paying-Out, And Re-Storing Of Elongated Articles (AREA)
Description
Power Distribution Device
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a power distribution device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
5 Electrical power distribution devices, also known as socket multipliers, are known in the art. A typical power distribution device comprises a power plug, to be plugged into an electrical power supply or socket, a power cord, usually spanning several metres, and connected to the end of the power cord is a unit, comprising several power outlets (typically 4 sockets). A popular type of power distribution device is the cable reel, 10 wherein the power cord can be stored away on a cord reel, and power sockets are integrated in the centre of the cord reel. Although such power distribution devices provide a relatively compact way to store the power cord, the rewinding of the cord on the cord reel after use is rather cumbersome.
15 OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The object of the invention is to provide an improved electrical power distribution device. The invention provides a power distribution device, comprising a housing, provided with multiple power outlets, a retractable power cord electrically connected to the multiple power outlets, wherein the power cord is arranged in the housing on a pivotable cord 2 0 reel for storing the power cord in an at least partially rewound position of the power cord, wherein the cord reel is provided with rewinding means for rewinding the power cord from an extended position towards a rewound position, wherein the cord reel is provided with releasable fixating means, adapted to switch between at least a cable fixing position and a cable releasing position by an operating element, the cable fixing 2 5 position preventing rewinding of the power cord, and the cable releasing position allowing rewinding of the power cord on the cord reel. Such a power distribution is more convenient to use than the known power distribution devices of the cable reel type. During use the power cord can be extracted out of the housing and extended as needed, and the length of the cable extending out of the housing is fixed by the 30 releasable fixating means. After use, the releasable fixing means are manually switched to the cable releasing position, allowing automatic retraction of the power cord by rewinding onto the cord reel. The rewinding means may comprise a spring, but may 2 also be an electrically driven motor. The housing may be partially open but is preferably closed, leaving an opening for at least the power cord and optionally also the power plug connected at the end of the power cord.
5 Preferably, the multiple power outlets are arranged on a side of the housing essentially parallel to the plane of rotation of the cord reel. This configuration allows for a relatively compact design.
It is advantageous if the housing comprises resting means for stably resting the power 10 distribution device on a flat surface. Thus, the device remains stable during use and when stored away.
In a preferred embodiment, the resting means define a plane essentially parallel with the plane of rotation of the cord reel, wherein the power outlets are located on a top side 15 of the housing opposite to the resting means. This provides the most stable configuration, in particular during use. Most preferably, the cord reel is located between the power outlets and the plane defined by the resting means, enabling a very compact configuration.
2 0 In another preferred embodiment, the resting means define a plane essentially perpendicular to the plane of rotation of the cord reel, wherein the power outlets are essentially perpendicular to the resting means. This configuration allows for an easier accessibility of the power outlets. Also, when using straight power plugs in the power outlets, the strain on power cords connected to the device is minimized.
25 It is advantageous if the resting means comprise at least one anti-slip element. This makes the device more stable. The anti-slip element may for instance be a profiled housing part, or rubber pads.
It is preferred if the operating element is arranged to be operated by pressing essentially 30 towards the bottom side. This allows for the best stability when rewinding the power cord.
3
In a preferred embodiment, the housing is wider at the bottom side than at the top side, wherein the power outlets are arranged at the narrower side of the housing. This allows or a greater stability of the device. Also, the wider housing at the bottom side yields more space on the inside of the housing to accommodate the power cord on the reel. It 5 was discovered that having a wider space within the housing near the bottom side decreases the chance of jamming of the power cord during rewinding. In a preferred embodiment, the housing has an essentially frusto-conical or hemispherical shape.
It is preferred if the power outlets are electrically connected to the power cord through sliding electrical contacts on the pivotable cord reel, arranged for rotating of the cord 10 reel without rotating the power outlets. Thus, if external power plugs are connected to the device, the cluttering of power cables during unwinding or rewinding is avoided. The sliding electrical contacts may for instance be electrically conducting brushes or spring elements.
15 In a preferred embodiment, the sliding electrical contacts are arranged to slidingly connect to an inner ring electrode and an outer ring electrode representing the electrical poles. Thus, a reliable electrical connection is ensured in all rotational positions of the cord reel.
2 0 It is advantageous if the rewinding means comprise a clockwork spring. A clockwork spring, which may be incorporated in the cord reel, ensures a reliable source of power for rewinding the cord reel.
In a preferred embodiment, the power cord exits the housing through an aperture in the 2 5 housing. Thus, the cord exit position with respect to the cord reel is controlled, leading to a more reliable unwinding and rewinding process. It is preferred if the aperture is essentially in the plane of rotation of the cord reel.
Preferably, the edge of the aperture is lined with a relatively soft material. Thus, the 3 0 chance of damaging the power cord during unwinding or rewinding is diminished.
In a preferred embodiment, the releasable fixating means comprise at least one stop-motion wheel guiding the power cord and/or the cable reel, wherein in the fixing position the stop-motion wheel allows movement of the cable in the extending direction while the 4 wheel does not rotate in the cable rewinding direction, exerting bias on the cable and/or cable reel to prevent rewinding, and wherein in the cable releasing position the stop motion the stop motion wheel is moved away from the cable and/or the cable reel, lowering the bias. Thus, the fixing position allows unwinding the power cord while 5 resisting retraction of the power cord, while in the released position the power cord may freely rewind until the user decides to halt the rewinding process by switching back to the fixing position, offering an excellent control of the cord extension.
The invention will now be discussed in detail in the following examples.
10
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 shows an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of a retractable cord power divider according to the invention.
15 Figure 2 shows the preferred embodiment according to figure 1 in the assembled state.
Figure 3 shows a detail of the cord retraction system in the embodiment according to figures 1 and 2.
2 0 Figure 4 shows an alternative embodiment of a retractable cord power divider according to the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Figure 1 shows an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of a retractable cord 25 power divider according to the invention. The parts depicted are labelled as follows in Table I:
Table I: Labels of technical parts in figure 1.
Item Part name Item Part name 30 1 ornamental ring 15 seat for insert 2 top cover 16 seat for big and small ring 3 stop-motion wheel core 17 big ring 4 stop-motion wheel 18 small ring 5 5 stop-motion wheel frame 19 touch parcel 6 Rewind Button 20 top plate for rewind 7 Rewind Spring 21 power cord and plug 8 body case 22 bottom plate for rewind 5 9 protect for wire out 23 clockwork spring 10 protect block 24 cover for clockwork spring 11 spring for protect block 25 axes for rewind 12 cover for protect block 26 basal 13 metal insert 1 27 rubber pad 10 14 metal insert 2
The parts shown in figure 1 can be assembled into the device according to the invention according to figure 2.
15 Figure 1 shows the power distributing device in parts, wherein the housing is formed by the body case 8 which is fitted on top of the base plate 26. Within the housing, the power cord 21 can be wound up on a cord reel made up of the upper cord reel part 20 and the lower cord reel part 22. The housing is preferably made out of resins and plastics suitable for electrical applications. The power connector at the end of the cord 2 0 22 can be pulled out of the housing through an aperture in the body case 8, which is lined by the cord protector 9, which has a relatively smooth surface in order to prevent damage to the cord during use. Alternatively, the cord protector may be made of a resilient material such as rubber.
25 The power cord 21 is electrically connected to multiple power outlets provided in at the top cover 2, placed parallel to the plane of rotation of the cord reel in order to allow for a compact design. The top cover 2 bearing the electrical sockets is separate unit, which allows for flexibility at the production stage to easily make an electrical power divider for different types of electrical sockets by replacing only the top cover part. The top cover 30 may be provided with an ornamental ring 1, which may have different colours then the main body 8, which may make it easier to distinguish different power devices, for instance types with different power cords 22 having different lengths.
6
In this embodiment, the top cover 2 does not rotate when the power cord 21 is extended or rewound by rotating the cord reel (20, 21), which is preferable compared to socket rotating designs which may put strain and twisting to electrical cords plugged into the sockets of the power divider, and lead to disorganization of power cords of more then 5 one power cord was plugged into the sockets during unwinding or rewinding of the main power cord 22. In order to ensure a continuous and reliable power supply for the electrical sockets located in the top cover 2 in all rotational positions of the cord reel, the poles of the power cord 21 are connected to sliding contacts 19 located on the top reel part 20. These sliding contacts 19 are in contact with an inner circular contact 18 and an 10 outer circular contact 17, providing an excellent electrical connection to the sockets in the top cover 2 through electrical contact plates 10.
The cord reel (20, 22) is provided with a clockwork spring 23, which is arranged to provide a continuous rotating force on the cord reel in the rewind direction. In order to 15 prevent unwanted rewinding, the cord reel is provided with a stop-motion wheel 4 which is forced against the cord reel by a spring 7, preventing rewinding, but allowing the cord 21 to be pulled out of the case 8 by a user. By pushing the rewind button 6, the stop-motion wheel 4 is moved away from the cord reel, resulting in an automatic rewinding of the cord reel under the forces exerted by the clockwork spring 23.
20
The top of the body case 8 is narrower in diameter than the base plate 26, and has an essentially frusto-conical shape, leading to greater stability. Also, the wider bottom side of the housing leads to a lower chance of the wound-up power cord 21 blocking rotation of the cord reel in case of an irregularities in the rewinding process. The base plate 26 is 25 provided with rubber pads 27 (or other anti-sliding means) in order to prevent sliding of the device on the floor, for instance when the rewind button 6 is pushed by the foot of a user.
Figure 2 shows the preferred embodiment according to figure 1 in the assembled state. 30 The figure shows the housing 8 accommodating the power cord 21 placed horizontally on a flat surface. The power cord 21 is protected by the housing in its retracted state on the cord reel (20, 22). The housing provides an aperture for the rewind button 6 on the top side of the housing, next to the electrical sockets located in the top cover 2, which 7 makes the button 6 easily accessible for operation by hand or foot. The rubber pads 27 on the bottom side of the housing ensure a stable positioning of the device during use.
Figure 3 shows a detail of the cord retraction system in the embodiment according to 5 figures 1 and 2. The spring 7 urges the one-way rotating wheel 4 mounted in its bracket 5 against the top part of the cord reel. The force of the spring 7 is selected to induce enough friction between the cord reel and the wheel 4 to withstand the retracting force of the clockwork spring (not visible in this figure), but still allowing the unrolling the power cord from the reel by hand without exerting excessive force. Pushing the button 6 10 moves the wheel away from the reel, against the bias of the spring. This releases the reel, allowing retraction of the power cord by the force of the clockwork spring 23.
Figure 4 shows an alternative embodiment of a retractable cord power divider according to the invention. This embodiment has a vertical orientation of the cord reel instead of a 15 horizontal orientation, but has a comparable reel functioning and electrical connections on the inside. The button 6 for retracting the cord is mounted on the top of the housing. The advantage of this embodiment compared to the horizontally oriented version shown in figures 1-3 is that the base portion covers a smaller area, although the vertical embodiment is less stable than the horizontal version.
Claims (15)
Priority Applications (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| NL2004471A NL2004471C2 (en) | 2010-03-29 | 2010-03-29 | Power distribution device. |
| DE202010007828U DE202010007828U1 (en) | 2010-03-29 | 2010-06-10 | Energy distribution device |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| NL2004471 | 2010-03-29 | ||
| NL2004471A NL2004471C2 (en) | 2010-03-29 | 2010-03-29 | Power distribution device. |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| NL2004471C2 true NL2004471C2 (en) | 2011-10-03 |
Family
ID=42733624
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| NL2004471A NL2004471C2 (en) | 2010-03-29 | 2010-03-29 | Power distribution device. |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| DE (1) | DE202010007828U1 (en) |
| NL (1) | NL2004471C2 (en) |
Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPS57190674U (en) * | 1981-05-28 | 1982-12-03 | ||
| JPS6064960U (en) * | 1983-10-12 | 1985-05-08 | 富士電線工業株式会社 | Cord winding device |
| US5180040A (en) * | 1990-07-31 | 1993-01-19 | Gold Star Co., Ltd. | Automatic electric card rewinding apparatus with contacts for supplying electric power |
| US20050098405A1 (en) * | 2003-11-07 | 2005-05-12 | Chang Kuang P. | Power cord winding and releasing device |
-
2010
- 2010-03-29 NL NL2004471A patent/NL2004471C2/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2010-06-10 DE DE202010007828U patent/DE202010007828U1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Patent Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPS57190674U (en) * | 1981-05-28 | 1982-12-03 | ||
| JPS6064960U (en) * | 1983-10-12 | 1985-05-08 | 富士電線工業株式会社 | Cord winding device |
| US5180040A (en) * | 1990-07-31 | 1993-01-19 | Gold Star Co., Ltd. | Automatic electric card rewinding apparatus with contacts for supplying electric power |
| US20050098405A1 (en) * | 2003-11-07 | 2005-05-12 | Chang Kuang P. | Power cord winding and releasing device |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| DE202010007828U1 (en) | 2010-09-09 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US7189106B2 (en) | Electric adapter organizer | |
| EP2312716B1 (en) | Retractable cord reel | |
| US5690198A (en) | Ganged electric cord reels | |
| US9960539B2 (en) | Wall outlet with extendable electrical receptacles | |
| US6702077B2 (en) | Nested cables and reel assembly | |
| US6942079B2 (en) | Power cord winding and releasing device | |
| US5489010A (en) | Retractable video game cable storage device | |
| US6349808B1 (en) | Cord rewinder device and horizontally-mounted electrical cord rewinder device for a vacuum cleaner | |
| US20080156922A1 (en) | Apparatus for secure display of small electronic devices having an essential signal or power cord | |
| CN104577565B (en) | Automatic winder and electrical equipment | |
| WO2012172536A2 (en) | Rewindabte electrical cable extension device | |
| US10273115B2 (en) | Detachable spring loaded headphone reel and method of use | |
| US8757339B2 (en) | Cord dispensing apparatus | |
| US20150097066A1 (en) | Cord reel | |
| US8931743B2 (en) | Apparatus for retaining wires and cords | |
| NL2004471C2 (en) | Power distribution device. | |
| US9793699B2 (en) | Automated cord reel apparatus | |
| US20150034752A1 (en) | Dual self-winding retractable device for a wire of a headphone | |
| CN108892063A (en) | A kind of integrated form winding device and the electric clothes hanger using the device | |
| CN211106631U (en) | Storage pen holder and touch device | |
| CN119078573A (en) | A high-performance tensile-resistant charging pile for new energy vehicles | |
| CN217478790U (en) | Automatic take-up and coiling disc | |
| NL2010540C2 (en) | Battery charging unit having an extractable carrier tape for its wiring. | |
| CN201503981U (en) | Power wire holding structure | |
| CN117748671A (en) | High-voltage remote fee-control metering device |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MM | Lapsed because of non-payment of the annual fee |
Effective date: 20180401 |