Electric trolley

Abstract

A power trolley comprises: a planar platform supported by at least three wheels; a battery mechanically coupled to the planar platform and located between the wheels; the commercial power input connector is configured to receive commercial power and charge the battery; a battery charger electrically coupled to the mains supply input connector, and configured to charge the battery using the mains supply received at the mains supply input connector; an inverter configured to receive direct current (DC) power from the battery and provide alternating current (AC) power at an inverter output connector; and a wireless communication receiver configured to receive the control signal and output the received control signal via the control output connector.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to an electric trolley, which has a particular but non-exclusive function in transporting lighting equipment on a stage. Background Technology

[0002] Carts typically consist of a plate on wheels and are used to move relatively heavy objects. They are best known for transporting items (such as electrical equipment) from one place to another. Once the electrical equipment has been moved to the desired location, it is usually removed from the cart and power is supplied to it. This typically requires laying cables between the power connector and the electrical equipment. This can restrict the placement of the electrical equipment and may pose a tripping hazard.

[0003] Alternatively, batteries can be used to power electrical equipment. However, this also requires laying cables between the battery and the electrical equipment, which can pose a tripping hazard. Some batteries can be portable and moved closer to the electrical equipment. However, this requires more space to accommodate both the electrical equipment and the battery, necessitates moving both, and still presents a tripping hazard due to the cables laid between them. These problems are exacerbated on stages (such as theatrical production stages), where space is extremely limited.

[0004] Another drawback of the aforementioned prior art systems is that moving both the electrical equipment and the power supply can be time-consuming, and it may not be possible to move these two components without interrupting the power supply to the electrical equipment. For example, the electrical equipment may need to be disconnected from a first power connector and connected to a second power connector. Alternatively, moving both the electrical equipment and the battery simultaneously may be too difficult, potentially requiring these components to be disconnected, moved to different locations, and reconnected. This is the purpose of this disclosure to overcome such problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, an electric trolley is provided, which includes a planar platform supported on at least three wheels for movement of the platform, and the electric trolley further includes a battery located between the wheels, the battery being configured to provide power to electrical equipment supported on the platform.

[0006] In this way, electrical equipment can be placed on top of the platform, thus saving space. Examples of such electrical equipment include video panels, audio amplifiers, directional spotlights, and automatic lighting fixtures.

[0007] Furthermore, the electric trolley according to this disclosure can move to different locations while supplying power to the electrical equipment, thereby improving the portability and safety of the electrical equipment by avoiding the need to lay cables between the power source (e.g., a power outlet) and the electrical equipment. In addition, both the electrical equipment and the battery can be moved simultaneously and easily without interrupting the power supply to the electrical equipment.

[0008] The electric trolley may further include one or more attachment points configured to mechanically attach the planar platform to a truss or other structure. As an example, the attachment point may be configured to (i) secure electrical equipment to the platform, (ii) secure a frame to the platform, wherein the frame is configured to support the electrical equipment, or (iii) secure the electric trolley to a truss, wherein the electric trolley is configured to be supported by the truss. In some embodiments, the attachment point includes a hole, which may be threaded or configured to receive a quarter-turn fastener and configured to receive a fastening device (e.g., a bolt, screw, clamp, or other fastener). Additionally or alternatively, the attachment point may include a clamp configured to engage around a truss or frame member.

[0009] In this way, electrical equipment can be secured to the power trolley (e.g., directly or via a frame), thereby reducing the risk of the equipment falling off the trolley when it is stationary. Additionally, the attachment points further reduce the risk of the equipment falling off the trolley as it moves between different locations. The attachment points also reduce the risk of the equipment falling off the trolley due to accidental collisions by the user.

[0010] Another advantage associated with the one or more attachment points configured to secure the frame to the platform is that the frame can be securely held by a power trolley while power is supplied from the trolley to the electrical equipment supported by the frame. The frame is a structure to which electrical equipment (e.g., stage lighting) can be attached. The frame may be referred to as an attachment mount. The ability to secure the frame to the platform reduces the need to secure the frame to a structure or surface outside the platform (e.g., the ground). Furthermore, the ability to secure the frame to the platform allows the electrical equipment, the frame configured to support the electrical equipment, and the batteries in the power trolley to move simultaneously without interrupting the power supply to the electrical equipment.

[0011] One or more of the attachment points can be configured to secure the power trolley to a truss for support by the truss. The truss can be used to secure the power trolley and other electrical equipment (such as stage lighting) at a raised position relative to the stage. The attachment points are configured to allow either or both of securing the power trolley to the truss and securing electrical equipment or frames to the platform.

[0012] By securing the power trolley to the truss, the power trolley can be supported in a position above the stage. Advantageously, this feature allows electrical equipment supported by the truss to be powered by the power trolley, avoiding the need to run cables from the truss to the ground, which could involve laying cables along the truss and associated support structure. Furthermore, since the battery is a component of the power trolley, only the power trolley needs to be supported by the truss. In some embodiments, one or more attachment points may be located on the same side of the platform as the wheels.

[0013] The wheels can be arranged such that they do not protrude beyond the perimeter of the platform supporting the electrical equipment. In this way, the electric trolley according to this disclosure can be positioned such that the edge of the platform abuts another structure (e.g., a wall), with substantially no gap between the platform edge and the structure. Furthermore, this allows two or more trolleys to be positioned such that the edge of one platform abuts the edge of another platform, with substantially no gap between the platform edges. For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "substantially no gap" means a gap no larger than that caused by manufacturing errors in the trolley platform. This feature allows two or more trolleys to support electrical equipment, for example, by providing a larger surface area, to support larger electrical equipment. This feature also provides for two or more batteries for supplying power to the electrical equipment.

[0014] In one example, four trolleys can be arranged together in a square shape, with the frame positioned in the center, connected to one or more attachment points on each trolley and mechanically linked to all four trolleys. This arrangement allows for supporting a frame taller than a single trolley can support, as the four linked trolleys provide a larger support area (or floor space).

[0015] According to this disclosure, the height of the trolley can be 40% or less of the longer of the width and length of the trolley, and the height of the trolley is the dimension of the trolley measured vertically from the plane where the wheels are placed to the plane platform supporting the electrical equipment when in use.

[0016] The platform height can range from 130mm to 160mm, and can even be 138mm. In this way, the trolley can have a relatively low center of gravity, making it more stable and less likely to tip over, especially when the platform is used to support electrical equipment (particularly via a frame). This feature also improves the trolley's portability when not in use (e.g., when not in use, the user can more easily pick up the trolley due to its more portable shape).

[0017] The trolley according to this disclosure may further include one or more handles configured to be carried by hand. In this way, the trolley can be more easily moved or transported between different locations. The trolley may further include a wireless DMX512 (512-channel digital multiplexer) receiver configured to provide wireless communication with electrical equipment (communically coupled to the platform). In this way, the DMX512 receiver can wirelessly receive instructions from a console or other remote device. These instructions can then be transmitted to the electrical equipment communicatively coupled to the platform. Such instructions can be transmitted from the trolley to the electrical equipment via wireless and / or wired communication.

[0018] A single cable is laid between the trolley and the electrical equipment, and can be used to supply power from the battery and control signals received at the wireless DMX512 receiver to the electrical equipment via separate power and control signal connectors at each end of the cable. Alternatively, a first cable laid between the trolley and the electrical equipment can supply power from the battery to the electrical equipment, and a second cable laid between the trolley and the electrical equipment can supply signals received at the wireless DMX512 receiver to the electrical equipment.

[0019] The trolley according to this disclosure may further include a charging system for charging the battery. The charging system may be a fully integrated system. The battery may be configured to be powered via a DC-DC converter at a selected direct current (DC) voltage and / or via an inverter at a selected alternating current (AC) voltage. The trolley may include independent control switches to control the DC-DC converter and / or the inverter.

[0020] The trolley according to this disclosure can be further configured to charge the battery from an external power source and simultaneously supply power from the external power source to electrical equipment electrically connected to the platform, without affecting the battery charging. This "loop-through" feature allows power to be supplied to electrical equipment while the battery is charging, without affecting the battery charging process.

[0021] The above and other features, characteristics, and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate the principles of this disclosure by way of example. This description is given for illustrative purposes only and does not limit the scope of this disclosure. The references to the drawings cited below refer to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] In one embodiment, the electric trolley includes: a planar platform supported by at least three wheels; a battery mechanically coupled to the planar platform and located between the wheels; an AC input connector configured to receive AC power and charge the battery; a battery charger electrically coupled to the AC input connector and configured to charge the battery using the AC power received at the AC input connector; an inverter configured to receive DC power from the battery and provide AC power at an inverter output connector; and a wireless communication receiver configured to receive control signals and output the received control signals via a control output connector. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of the trolley disclosed herein.

[0024] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the trolley, including the frame attached to it.

[0025] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the power and control system of the trolley. Detailed Implementation

[0026] This disclosure will be described with reference to certain accompanying drawings, but the disclosure is not limited thereto, but is defined only by the claims. The drawings described are illustrative only and are not restrictive. Each drawing may not include all features of this disclosure and should therefore not be considered as an embodiment of this disclosure. In the drawings, the dimensions of some elements may be exaggerated for illustrative purposes and are not drawn to scale. Dimensions and relative dimensions do not correspond to an actual reduction in practice of this disclosure.

[0027] Furthermore, the terms first, second, third, and similar in the specification and claims are used to distinguish similar elements and are not necessarily used to describe an order in time, space, sequence, or any other way. It should be understood that the terms thus used are interchangeable where appropriate, and operations can be performed in any order other than that described or shown herein. Similarly, a method step described or claimed in a particular order can be understood as being performed in a different order.

[0028] Furthermore, the terms top, bottom, above, below, and similar words in the specification and claims are for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing relative positions. It should be understood that such terms are interchangeable where appropriate, and operation can be performed in directions other than those described or shown herein.

[0029] It should be noted that the term "comprising" as used in the claims should not be construed as limiting to the means listed herein; it does not exclude other elements or steps. Therefore, it should be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated feature, integer, step, or component, but not excluding the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, or components, or groups thereof. Thus, the scope of the expression "device comprising means A and B" should not be limited to a device consisting solely of components A and B. This means that, with respect to this disclosure, the components involved in the device are only A and B.

[0030] Similarly, it should be noted that the term "connection" as used in this specification should not be interpreted as limited to a direct connection. Therefore, the statement "device A connected to device B" should not be limited to devices or systems where the output of device A is directly connected to the input of device B. This implies that there is a path between the output of A and the input of B, which can include other devices or apparatuses. "Connection" can mean two or more elements that are in direct physical or electrical contact, or two or more elements that are not in direct contact but still cooperate or interact with each other. For example, a wireless connection can be envisioned.

[0031] References to "embodiment" or "aspect" in this specification mean that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic relating to that embodiment or aspect is included in at least one embodiment or aspect of the invention. Therefore, the phrases "in one embodiment," "in one embodiment," or "in one aspect" appearing throughout this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or aspect, but may refer to different embodiments or aspects. Furthermore, a specific feature, structure, or characteristic of any embodiment or aspect of this disclosure may be combined in any suitable manner with any other specific feature, structure, or characteristic of another embodiment or aspect of this disclosure, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art based on this disclosure in one or more embodiments or aspects.

[0032] Similarly, it should be understood that, in the description, various features of this disclosure are sometimes combined in a single embodiment, drawing, or description therein for the purpose of simplifying this disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various aspects of the invention. However, this manner of disclosure should not be construed as reflecting the purpose of claiming more features than those expressly stated in each claim. Furthermore, the description of any single drawing or aspect should not be considered an embodiment of this disclosure. Rather, as reflected in the following claims, the inventive aspect lies in fewer than all features of a single embodiment of the foregoing disclosure. Therefore, the claims following the detailed description are hereby expressly incorporated into this detailed description, each claim existing independently as a separate embodiment of this disclosure.

[0033] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include features included in other embodiments, combinations of features from different embodiments are intended to be within the scope of this disclosure and to form other embodiments, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. For example, any claimed embodiment may be used in any combination as described in the appended claims.

[0034] Numerous specific details are set forth in the description provided herein. However, it should be understood that embodiments of this disclosure can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures, and techniques have not been shown in detail so as not to obscure the understanding of this specification.

[0035] In the discussion of this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, the disclosure of alternative values ​​for the upper or lower limits of the permissible range of a parameter, along with an indication that one of the values ​​is more highly preferred than the other, should be interpreted as an implicit statement that each intermediate value of the parameter located between the more and less preferred alternatives is itself preferred to the less preferred value and also preferred to each value located between the less preferred value and the intermediate value.

[0036] The use of the term "at least one" can in some cases mean only one. In other cases, the use of the term "any" can mean "all" and / or "each".

[0037] The principles of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to at least one accompanying drawing in relation to the exemplary features. It will be apparent that other arrangements may be configured based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art without departing from the basic concepts or technical teachings, and this disclosure is limited only by the terminology of the appended claims.

[0038] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a trolley 100 according to the present disclosure. The trolley 100 has a planar rectangular platform 110 supported on four caster-like wheels 120, one wheel at each corner, and the trolley is configured to move the platform 110 relative to the surfaces supporting the wheels 120. In various embodiments, the wheels 120 may be configured as swivel casters and / or fixed-direction wheels. In various embodiments, one or more wheels 120 may be configured with brakes that can be activated by a user of the trolley 100 to prevent rotation of their associated wheels 120. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, platform 110 is supported on four wheels, while in other embodiments, the platform of the trolley according to this disclosure may be supported on three wheels or five or more wheels. Figure 1In the illustrated embodiment, platform 110 is directly supported by wheels 120, while in other embodiments, platform 110 may be indirectly supported by wheels 120 attached to a structure directly supporting platform 110. Platform 110 may have dimensions ranging from 200 mm to 1000 mm on each side. In one example, each side has a length of 750 mm.

[0039] The battery compartment 115 is located between the wheels 120 and below the platform 110. Its depth is less than the distance between the bottom of the platform 110 and the underside of the wheels 120, resulting in a gap between the underside of the battery compartment 115 and the surface of the support trolley 100. Two recessed handles 130 are arranged on a first side of the battery compartment 115. Handles (not shown) may additionally or alternatively be arranged on opposite sides of the battery compartment 115 and / or within the top of the platform 110.

[0040] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the power and control system 300 of the trolley 100. The power and control system 300 is installed in and on the battery compartment 115. For... Figure 3 The presentation is clear. Figure 3 The arrangement of components in the schematic diagram has been changed from Figure 1 The layout has been changed.

[0041] Now for reference Figure 1 and Figure 3 A control panel 135 is arranged on the second side of the battery compartment 115. The control panel 135 includes an AC input connector (or socket) 140 configured to connect the trolley 100 to an AC power supply. "AC power" may also be referred to as "line power" or "mains power." AC power from the AC input connector 140 passes through a fuse 137 and an on / off switch 145 before being electrically connected to the battery charger 302. In some embodiments, the on / off switch 145 includes an integrated indicator light that illuminates when AC power is applied and the switch 145 is in the "on" position. In other embodiments, the on / off switch 145 is coupled to a separate indicator light mounted in the control panel 135.

[0042] Battery charger 302 receives mains power from on / off switch 145 and is configured to charge battery 117 housed in battery compartment 115 using mains power. Battery charger 302 is also configured to charge battery 117 using DC power received via DC input connector 162. Battery charger 302 can also be configured to receive this DC power from a solar panel, enabling charging of battery 117 even when mains input connector 140 is not connected to a mains power supply.

[0043] Inverter 304 is configured to convert DC power from battery 117 and supply AC power to inverter output connectors (or sockets) 150 and 160. In some applications, external cables can connect inverter output connectors 150 and / or 160 to one or more electrical devices, allowing the devices to receive AC power from battery 117 of trolley 100 via inverter 304. Inverter 304 can selectively supply 120V or 230V power at inverter output connectors 150 and 160.

[0044] Battery 117 is electrically connected to other components of power and control system 300 via battery management system 310. Battery management system 310 is configured to control the charging of battery 117, including preventing overcharging. Battery management system 310 is also configured to control the discharging of the battery, for example, via inverter 304, DMX wireless receiver 306, and / or controller 308. This discharge control may include preventing over-discharge, such as discharging below a specified charge level. In some embodiments, battery management system 310 may be a component of battery 117.

[0045] The control panel 135 further includes a display device 132 with a touchscreen, both communicatively coupled to the controller 308. The touchscreen is configured to operate as a user input device. In other embodiments, alternatively or additionally, different user input devices, such as physical buttons, may be provided for the touchscreen. In various embodiments, the controller 308 includes a microcontroller or other programmable processing system. The controller 308 is configured to receive control signals from the touchscreen and / or other input devices and to control (i) information displayed on the display device 132, (ii) parameters of components of the power and control system 300, and (iii) the output of the inverter 304. In one example, the touchscreen is used to select between 120V and 230V outputs from the inverter 304. In some embodiments, the controller 308 is configured to cause the display device 132 to display the current charge level in the battery.

[0046] The DMX512 wireless receiver 306 (or other wireless communication receiver) is located on or within the battery compartment 115 and is configured to receive one or more wireless control signals for electrical equipment connected to the trolley 100. The DMX512 wireless receiver 306 is also configured to output such received control signals to such connected electrical equipment via a control output connector (or socket) 170. A DMX reset switch 138 is configured to reset and restart the DMX512 wireless receiver 306. Components of the power and control system 300 (e.g., the DMX512 wireless receiver 306, controller 308, display device 132 and touchscreen, and inverter 304) are powered by DC power from the battery 117.

[0047] exist Figure 3 In one embodiment, the DMX512 wireless receiver 306 is mounted behind the display device 132, wherein received wireless signals can pass through the display device 132 to reach the DMX512 wireless receiver 306. In other embodiments, the DMX512 wireless receiver 306 may be coupled to an antenna mounted on the outside of the battery compartment 115 to improve the reception of wireless signals.

[0048] In some embodiments, controller 308 is configured to cause display device 132 to display parameters of DMX512 wireless receiver 306. In some such embodiments, controller 308 is further configured to set parameters of DMX512 wireless receiver 306 based on control signals received from touchscreen and / or other input devices. Such parameters may include DMX512 universe, DMX512 channels, and other similar parameters. One or more of connectors 140, 150, 160, 162, and 170 may include standardized power and control connectors used in the stage lighting industry.

[0049] In some embodiments, the battery compartment 115 is sealed to meet an IP65 protection rating to reduce damage from dust or moisture. Such embodiments may include a diaphragm vent valve 136 through which air passes as it enters the battery compartment 115. The diaphragm vent valve 136 is configured to allow air passage while reducing or preventing the passage of water and / or moisture in the form of droplets. In some such embodiments, the air passing through the diaphragm vent valve 136 is further passed through a desiccant configured to remove water vapor (or humidity) from such incoming air.

[0050] Figure 2 A trolley 100 is shown in a perspective view, with four linear support members 210 attached to the top of a platform 110. The support members 210 extend from each corner to the center of the platform 110, forming an integral cross shape. The support members 210 are attached to the platform 110 by bolts 200 extending through flanges arranged on both sides of the ends of the support members 210 closest to the corners of the platform 110. Corresponding attachment points (at...) Figure 2 (Not visible in the center) Arranged within platform 110 and configured to receive and engage bolts 200. Bolts may be threaded bolts, quarter-turn fasteners, or other suitable fasteners.

[0051] A square plate 220 is arranged at the center of the platform 110 where the support members 210 intersect. The square plate 220 is bolted to the four support members 210. A rod 230 extends vertically from the plate 220. An angle brace 225 extends between the rod 230 and the plate 220 to reinforce the structure.

[0052] Six stage lights 240 are vertically attached to pole 230. The stage lights 240 can be daisy-chained to inverter output connector 160 to receive inverter power and to control output connector 170 to receive control signals. Therefore, it can be seen that the trolley 100 can movably support these six stage lights 240, independently powering and controlling them.

[0053] In some embodiments, attachment points in platform 110 are configured to mechanically attach a structure (e.g., a frame or truss) to the top of platform 110, wherein the structure is supported by trolley 100. In other embodiments, attachment points in platform 110 are configured to mechanically attach trolley 100 to a structure, wherein trolley 100 is supported by the structure and can be kept off the ground.

[0054] In some embodiments, battery 117 and inverter 304 are configured to provide a maximum continuous power delivery of 2000W (watts) at 230V for 3 hours and a continuous power delivery of 500W for 12 hours at inverter output connector 160. In some embodiments, battery 117 and inverter 304 are configured to provide a maximum surge power delivery of 4000W at 230V. In some embodiments, the trolley is configured to support and move a 550kg load. In some embodiments, battery 117 consists of multiple batteries connected in a combination of parallel and / or series connections.

Claims

1. An electric trolley, comprising: A planar platform, the planar platform being supported by at least three wheels; A battery, mechanically coupled to the planar platform and located between the wheels; A mains input connector configured to receive mains power and charge the battery; A battery charger, which is electrically connected to the AC input connector and configured to charge the battery using AC power received at the AC input connector; An inverter configured to receive direct current (DC) power from the battery and provide alternating current (AC) power at the inverter output connector; as well as A wireless communication receiver configured to receive control signals and output the received control signals via a control output connector.

2. The electric trolley of claim 1, further comprising a DC input connector electrically connected to the battery charger, wherein the battery charger is further configured to charge the battery using DC power received at the DC input connector.

3. The electric trolley according to claim 1, further comprising an attachment point configured to mechanically connect the planar platform to another structure.

4. The electric trolley of claim 3, wherein the attachment point is configured to mechanically connect the electric trolley to a structure, wherein the electric trolley is supported by the structure.

5. The electric trolley according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communication receiver comprises a wireless 512-channel digital multiplexer (DMX512) receiver.

6. The electric trolley of claim 1, wherein the inverter is configured to selectively provide 120V or 230V AC power at the inverter output connector.

7. The electric trolley according to claim 1, further comprising a diaphragm vent valve configured to allow air to pass through when air enters the electric trolley.

8. The electric trolley of claim 1, wherein the electric trolley further includes a display configured to display the current charge level in the battery.

9. The electric trolley according to claim 8, further comprising a user input device configured to control information displayed on the display.

10. The electric trolley of claim 9, wherein the user input device is configured to control parameters of the wireless communication receiver.

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