NO20200311A1 - Support element for a column for an electrical equipment, a system, and a method of using the same - Google Patents

Description

SUPPORTING ELEMENT FOR A COLUMN FOR AN ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT, SYSTEM, AND METHOD USING THE SAME

The present invention relates to an element for receiving a column. More specifically, the invention relates to a support element for a column for an electrical equipment, where the support element has a top part arranged to receive the column, at least one side surface and a bottom, and a system comprising the support element and a method of using the support element.

The electrical equipment can, for example, be a light fixture for an outdoor area, a charging station for an electric vehicle, or a combination of these. The following description is particularly aimed at so-called charging stations for electric vehicles, but is therefore not limited to this.

The proportion of vehicles that are driven wholly or partly with the help of electric energy is increasing in relation to vehicles that are driven with the help of fossil fuel. Due to an ever-increasing number of vehicles that require a regular supply of electrical energy, there is a great need to establish charging stations. The need is just as great in already built-up areas as in areas under construction. Likewise, there is a need to be able to offer temporary charging stations, for example in connection with trade fair events where visitors need to charge the vehicle's battery pack.

In areas under construction, necessary infrastructure such as water and drainage networks, electrical cables and fiber optic cables are installed in the ground. Thus, charging stations for electric vehicles can be planned and installed in areas under construction.

However, in already established areas it can be time-consuming and very expensive, and in some cases impossible, to retrofit infrastructure such as electrical cables; expensive because trenches are required which, after installation, must be restored to their original state; and impossible in those cases where ditches are not permitted. For example, it will not normally be permitted to make trenches for electrical cables in a concrete deck in a parking facility because the construction could be weakened if the concrete reinforcement in such a concrete deck is cut.

The purpose of the invention is to remedy or to reduce at least one of the disadvantages of known technology, or at least to provide a useful alternative to known technology.

The purpose is achieved by the features indicated in the description below and in the subsequent patent claims.

The invention is defined by the independent patent claims. The independent claims define advantageous embodiments of the invention.

The applicant has surprisingly found that an electrical installation, for example for charging stations for electric vehicles and/or lighting, can be retrofitted in a cost-effective and simple manner essentially without encroachment on the existing ground, which is referred to below as the ground level. In this document, the term ground plane means a plane arranged to be able to support a vehicle. The ground level can thus be a temporary or permanent parking space at ground level or in a parking facility in a building structure consisting of one or more floors.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a support element for a column for an electrical equipment, where the support element has a top part adapted to receive the column, at least one side surface, and a bottom part. The support element is provided with a guide channel for an electric cable, where the guide channel extends from an opening in a part of the side surface and to the top part arranged to receive the column, the bottom part of the support element in a position of use being placed against a ground plane so that the support element can be installed without intervention in the ground plane. Thus, the support element can be placed in a temporary or permanent position of use on top of the ground level without the need for a so-called digging permit from, for example, a public agency.

It is an advantage if the guide channel has at least two openings which are placed at a distance from each other in the side part in order to be able to guide the cable through a part of the support element. This has the effect that two or more carrier elements can be placed in series, where the cable can be routed via the electrical equipment, such as, for example, a charging station.

In one embodiment, the support element is provided with a junction box arranged in communication with the guide channel, and where the junction box is provided with at least one removable cover for access to the inside of the junction box so that a connection branch extending from the electrical equipment into the junction box can be connected to the cable after that the carrier element is placed in its position of use. Thus, the electrical equipment can be operatively connected to the carrier element after this has been placed in the desired position. Alternatively, the electrical equipment can be connected to the carrier element before the carrier element is placed at a place of use.

In some places, a power supply cable may be installed that can be used for the electrical equipment carried by the carrier element. In cases where such a power supply cable protrudes from the ground level and fits with the desired location of the support element, it can be an advantage if the power supply cable is led into the connection box in the support element. In one embodiment, the junction box is therefore provided with two covers, one of which is arranged in the bottom part of the carrier element.

Two or more supporting elements can be arranged at a distance from each other on a ground plane. In order to avoid damage to an electric cable that has to extend above the ground level between the side surfaces of such support elements which are placed at a distance from each other, such a cable will have to be protected from the external environment by means of a protective tube. In one embodiment, the opening in the portion of the side surface is therefore adapted to receive a protective tube for electric cable.

In one embodiment, the guide channel and its opening in the part of the side surface are placed at a distance from the bottom part of the support element. A guide channel which is placed at a distance from the bottom part of the support element may be enclosed by the support element's material, such as concrete, and can thereby produce a "closed" channel. With such a design, there will be a reduced risk of water ingress caused by surface water. Furthermore, a protective pipe which in such an embodiment is introduced into the opening of the guide channel will be placed at a distance from the ground level. A protective pipe that is routed between two support elements, possibly between a support element and a separating element which is discussed below, will therefore not be dependent on a flat ground plane between the support elements.

In order to provide a stable support element at the same time that the support element in a position of use in a car park occupies as little as possible of the parking area, it is an advantage if the support element has an elongated shape, for example with a length that is preferably at least three times greater than the width of the support element.

In a prototype of the present invention, the length of the support element is 5.5 times greater than its width. In order to provide a stable support element which at the same time cannot easily be moved, it is an advantage if the support element is made of a material with a relatively high specific weight. By high specific weight is meant here a specific weight that is higher than 1300 kg/m<3>. In a preferred embodiment, the support element is made of concrete with a specific weight of the order of 2400 kg/m<3>. In an alternative embodiment, the support element is made of, for example, polymer concrete, rubber or a plastic material. In cases where the volume of the carrier element is of secondary importance, the carrier element can be made of a material with a specific weight that is lower than the aforementioned 1300 kg/m<3>, but where the lower specific weight is compensated by a larger volume.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a system is provided which comprises the carrier element according to the first aspect of the invention, and a separator element for placement in series with the carrier element, where the separator element has a top part, at least one side surface and a bottom part, and where the separator element is provided with a cable channel for an electric cable, the cable channel extending through a part of the separating element. In a preferred embodiment, the separating element has an outer shape which is substantially similar to the outer shape of the support element, but without a top part arranged to receive a column for an electrical equipment.

It is an advantage if the cable channel has at least two openings that are placed at a distance from each other in the side part in order to be able to pass the cable through a part of the separating element. This has the effect that two or more separating elements can be placed in series with another separating element or with a supporting element.

In order to have access to an internal part of the cable duct, for example to allow the splicing of a cable in the separating element, it is an advantage if the separating element is provided with a junction box arranged in communication with the cable duct, and where the junction box is provided with at least one removable cover for access to the junction box.

For the same reason as for the carrier element, it is an advantage if the junction box is provided with two covers, one of which is arranged in the bottom part of the junction box so that access to the interior of the junction box can be provided via the bottom part of the separating element.

As with the carrier element, it is an advantage if the openings in the part of the side surface of the separating element are arranged to be able to receive a protective tube for electric cable.

In order to provide a stable separating element, and for aesthetic reasons, it is an advantage if the separating element is made of the same material as the carrier element. Thus, in one embodiment, the separating element can be made of concrete.

In a third aspect of the present invention, a system is provided which comprises at least two carrier elements 1 according to the first aspect of the invention, where the carrier elements 1 are placed in series with a mutual distance by means of protective tubes that project into openings in the side parts of the carrier elements.

In a fourth aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for using the support element according to the first aspect of the invention, the method comprising the steps: placing the support element on top of a desired part of the ground plane; to lead a cable into the guide channel through a first opening in the side part of the support element and connect the cable to the electrical equipment.

The method can further include leading the cable out through a second opening in the side part of the carrier element, where the second opening is placed at a distance from the first opening, so that two or more carrier elements can be placed in series, or provide a system according to the second aspect of the invention.

In the following, examples of preferred embodiments are described which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, where:

Fig.1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the carrier element according to the present invention, where a column with an electrical equipment is connected to the carrier element;

Fig.2 shows the support element shown in Fig.1 partially transparent, but without the column and the electrical equipment;

Fig.3 shows a separating element which is part of a system according to the invention;

Fig.4 shows the separating element shown in Fig.3 partially transparent; and

Fig.5 shows on a smaller scale a part of a system according to the invention, where the system alternately comprises support elements and a separation element.

In the description, position indications refer to the positions shown in the figures.

Similar or equivalent elements may be indicated with the same reference number in the figures.

For illustrative reasons, the mutual size ratio between individual elements may be somewhat exaggerated.

In some of the figures, some of the elements are not indicated with reference numbers.

In the figures, the reference number 1 denotes a support element for supporting a column S for an electrical equipment E. The electrical equipment E is illustrated as a charging station for an electrically powered vehicle.

In the embodiment shown, the support element has a top part 3 with a projection 3' adapted to receive the column S. The column S is attached to a foot F which is bolted to the projection 3' of the top part 3 by means of four bolts (not shown.

In the embodiment shown, the support element 1 has a side part which comprises a first end surface 5, a second end surface 5' on the opposite side of the first end surface 5, a first side surface 7 and a second side surface 7' on the opposite side of the first side surface 7. an alternative design (not shown, the concrete element 1 can be oval or circular, i.e. with a side part with only one side surface. However, in many cases the rectangular design as shown is preferred, as it occupies the least area of a parking area for vehicles.

The support element 1 is provided with a guide channel 10 which is best shown in fig.2. The guide channel 10 extends from an opening 12 in a part of the first end face 5 and is in communication with an opening 14 in the projection 3' of the top part 3 via a junction box 16 which is also in communication with a further guide channel 18 which extends between the junction box 16 and the opening 14 in the projection 3'. From the connection box 16 and to the second end face 5' extends a guide channel 10' corresponding to the guide channel 10 which extends from the first end face 5 and to the connection box 16. In an alternative embodiment (not shown) the concrete element 1 can be designed without the connection box 16. The guide channels 10, 10' can in such an alternative embodiment be provided with bends that connect the guide channels 10, 10' with the further guide channel 18. In yet another alternative embodiment (not shown) the support element 1 can be designed without the guide channel 10' which extends from the opening 12 ' in the other end surface 5' and to the junction box 16. Such an alternative design can be particularly expedient in a case where the support element 1 constitutes a last support element in a system which will be discussed below.

As shown in Fig.2, a bottom part 20 of the support element 1 is provided with two feet 22 in order to be able to place the bottom part 20 of the support element 1 somewhat elevated in relation to a ground plane against which the support element 1 is placed. The feet 22 are particularly advantageous if the ground plane is somewhat uneven, but are also advantageous with regard to keeping the junction box 16 at a distance from the ground plane, and especially in an embodiment where a bottom part 16' of the junction box 16 is provided with a removable cover, as it will be explained below.

The junction box 16 is provided with a removable cover 17 (see fig.1) which is fixed with the help of screws designed to engage with threaded sleeves or so-called embedding sleeves 17'.

Although it is not shown specifically in fig.2, a bottom part 16' of the junction box 16 can be constituted by or comprise a cover of the same or similar nature as the cover 17. Such a cover in the bottom part 16' of the junction box 16 is useful if a power supply cable protrudes up from ground level. Such a power supply cable can then be led from the ground level and directly into the junction box 16.

In the embodiment shown, the projection 3' of the top portion 3' is provided with embedding sleeves 25 (four shown arranged to receive bolts (not shown) to attach the column S foot F to the support element 1. In an alternative embodiment (not shown) bolts can be partially cast in in the projection 3' of the top part 3 so that the bolts are passed through the complementary suitable hole FH arranged at the foot F of the column S.

Figures 3 and 4 show a separating element 100 which is designed for use in a system 101 which includes the carrier element 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2. The separating element 100 has many similarities with the carrier element 1, but is designed without the protrusion 3' shown in Figures 1 and 2. In the embodiment shown, the separating element has two opposite side surfaces 107, 107', two opposite end surfaces 105, 105', a top part 103, a bottom part 120 and two feet 122.

In the embodiment shown, the separation element 100 has a continuous cable channel 110 which extends between openings 112, 112' in the end parts 105, 105' of the separation element 100.

The dividing element 100 is further provided with feet 122 which protrude from the bottom part 120 of the dividing element 100, as mentioned above.

In an alternative embodiment (see fig. 5, the separating element 100 can be provided with a junction box 116 corresponding to the junction box 16 shown in fig. 2. Such a junction box 116 will be provided with a cover 117 arranged in the side part 107 of the separating element 100. It should be understood that the junction box's 116 bottom part can be provided with a cover corresponding to the cover in the bottom part 16' of the junction box 16 mentioned for the carrier element 1.

In the embodiment shown, both the carrier element 1 and the separating element 100 are provided with engagement means for a lifting tool, shown here as a lifting anchor 30 known from the concrete industry.

Fig.5 shows on a smaller scale a part of a system 101 where a separating element 100 is placed at a distance from two carrier elements 1. Between the separating element 100 and the carrier elements 1, a protective tube 130 is placed to protect an electrical cable that extends between electrical equipment E which is carried by the carrier elements 1. An end part of the protective tube is led into the openings 12, 112 of the carrier element 1 and the separation element 100 respectively.

Although only two support elements 1 and one separation element 100 are shown in Fig. 5, it should be understood that the system 101 can comprise several support elements 1 and several separation elements 100. It should also be understood that the support elements 1 and the separation elements 100 do not need to be placed alternately. For example, two or more separating elements 100 can be placed one after the other, and two or more carrier elements 1 can be placed one after the other. The protective pipe 130 does not have to be straight either, but can be arc-shaped or be provided with pipe bends in order to be able to follow the contours of or delimit a parking area.

In a prototype of a system according to the present invention, a steel protective tube with an external diameter of 110 mm is used. Such a protective tube is significantly oversized in relation to what is normally required to be able to receive the cable to be passed through the tube, but is advantageous in terms of being able to withstand external forces, particularly in an embodiment where the tube is placed at a distance from the ground level.

In a prototype of the present invention, the support element 1 is produced as an elongated element made of concrete, where the support element has an extension in a longitudinal direction of 1650 mm, and a width of 300 mm and a total height of approx. 550 mm. The weight of such a carrier element is 345 kg. A dividing element with the same length and width, but without the top part's 3 protrusions 3' and a junction box, also has a weight of 345 kg.

From the description above, it should be understood that each of the support elements 1 and each of the separation elements 100, which are part of a system 101, will be able to be installed without intervention in the ground plane. Thus, the system 101 will be able to be quickly and easily installed both in parking facilities on, above and below ground, and in temporary parking areas such as in connection with trade fair events.

It should be noted that all of the above embodiments illustrate the invention, but do not limit it, and those skilled in the art will be able to devise many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

The use of the verb "to comprise" and its various forms does not exclude the presence of elements or steps not mentioned in the claims. The indefinite articles "an", "ei" or "et" before an element do not exclude the presence of several such elements.

Claims (15)

Patent claims 1. Support element (1) for a column (S) for an electrical equipment (E), where the support element (1) has a top part (3) adapted to receive the column (S), at least one side surface and a bottom part (20 ), characterized in that the carrier element (1) is provided with a guide channel (10, 18) for an electric cable, where the guide channel (10) extends from an opening (12) in a part of the side surface and to the top part (3) arranged to receive the column (S), as the bottom part (20) of the support element (1) in a position of use is placed against a ground plane so that the support element (1) can be installed without intervention in the ground plane. 2. Carrier element (1) according to claim 1, where the guide channel (10, 10') has at least two openings (12, 12') which are placed at a distance from each other in the side part in order to be able to guide the cable through a part of the carrier element (1 ). 3. Carrier element (1) according to claim 1 or 2, where the carrier element (1) is provided with a junction box (16) arranged in communication with the guide channel (10, 10'; 18), and where the junction box (16) is provided with at least one removable cover (17) for access to the inside of the junction box (16). 4. Carrier element (1) according to claim 3, where the junction box (16) is provided with two covers, one of which is arranged in the bottom part (16') of the carrier element (1). 5. Support element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, where the opening (12) in the part of the side surface (7) is arranged to be able to receive a protective tube 130) for electric cable. 6. Support element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, where the guide channel (20) and its opening (12) in the part of the side surface (7) are placed at a distance from the bottom part (20) of the support element (1) . 7. Bearing element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims where the bearing element (1) is made of concrete. 8. System (101) comprising the carrier element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, and a separator element (100) for placement in series with the carrier element (1), where the separator element (100) has a top part (103) ), at least one side surface (107) and a bottom part (120), where the separating element (100) is provided with a cable channel (110) for an electric cable, where the cable channel (110) extends through a part of the separating element (100). 9. System (101) according to 8, where the cable channel (110) has at least two openings (112, 112') which are spaced apart in the side part (107) in order to be able to pass the cable through a part of the separating element (100) . 10. System (101) according to claim 8 or 9, where the separating element (100) is provided with a junction box (116) arranged in communication with the cable channel (110), and where the junction box (116) is provided with at least one removable cover ( 117) for access to the junction box (116). 11. System (101) according to claim 10, where the junction box (116) is provided with two covers, one of which is arranged in the bottom part of the junction box (116). 12. System (101) according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the openings (112, 112') in the portion of the side surface (107) are adapted to receive a protective tube (130) for electrical cable . 13. System (101) according to any one of claims 8 to 12, where the separating element (100) is made of concrete. 14. Method using the support element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the method comprises the steps: placing the support element (1) on top of a desired part of the ground plane; to lead a cable into the guide channel (20) through a first opening (12) in the side part (7) of the carrier element (1) and connect the cable to the electrical equipment (E). 15. Method according to claim 14, where the method further comprises passing the cable out through a second opening (12') in the side part (107) of the carrier element (1), where the second opening (12') is placed at a distance from the first opening ( 12), so that two or more support elements (1) can be placed in series, or provide a system (101) according to any one of claims 8 to 13.