A cabin

Abstract

A cabin 1 comprising a plurality of wheels (2, fig 2), the wheels having a deployed state and an retracted state where the cabin can rest on the ground, and a plurality of solar panels 3 on the roof o

Description

The present disclosure relates to a cabin. In particular to such a cabin comprising a solar power system. Welfare units are movable enclosures, typically in the form of self-contained cabins, providing temporary accommodation and welfare facilities, such as basic sanitary and kitchen facilities, to site personnel at work locations, such as building sites or similar, where no other accommodation or welfare facilities may be provided. With recent changes to health and safety legislation, virtually all outside work sites will have to provide temporary accommodation and welfare facilities for site personnel. Welfare units have typically been powered using generators using nonrenewable energy sources, such as diesel generators. The generators are housed within the welfare units themselves. Such generators, whilst offering a reliable source of power, tend to be noisy and pollute the environment. To limit the runtime of generators one or more batteries for powering devices in the welfare unit may be provided, which batteries are housed within the welfare unit and may be charged by the generator. In addition, in an effort further limit runtime of the generator and further limit environmental impact, a secondary (renewable) energy source, such as one or more solar panels may be provided for charging the batteries. The larger a solar array that can be accommodated by a welfare unit the better, wherein with a large solar array it becomes possible to significantly reduce or or even eliminate the need for other power sources. The present invention arose in a bid to provide an improved power system, suitable for use in a welfare unit, offering reliable power, a reduced impact on the environment, and flexibility, whilst obviating issues that may otherwise result from the provision of a large solar array. Representative features are set out in the following clauses, which stand alone or may be combined, in any combination, with one or more features disclosed in the text and / or drawings of the specification. According to the present invention in a first aspect, there is provided a cabin that comprises: a plurality of retractable wheels, the wheels in a deployed state supporting the cabin during transportation with a base of the cabin raised from the ground, the wheels in a retracted stated being raised above the level of the base so that the base may rest upon the ground; a plurality of solar panels, which are mounted to a roof of the cabin, the solar panels comprising at least a fixed panel and a movable panel, the panels being configured to have a retracted state and an extended state, the movable panel being adapted to at least partially overlap with the fixed panel in the retracted state and being adapted such that in the extended state the degree of overlap is less than in the retracted state or there is no overlap; panel actuation means for effecting movement of the movable panel between the retracted and extended states; panel sensing means for sensing one or more positions of the movable panel; wheel actuation means for effecting movement of the wheels between the retracted and deployed states; wheel sensing means for sensing one or more positions of the wheels; and a controller, wherein the controller is configured to control operation of the panel actuation means and the wheel actuation means in dependence on signals received from the panel sensing means and the wheel sensing means. By virtue of such an arrangement it is possible to provide a large yet unobtrusive solar array on a cabin, whilst obviating safety risks that might arise from the use of the array. The provision of retractable wheels that permit the cabin to rest on its base enhances stability. The provision of overlapping / movable panels allows for a large solar array. The control mechanism prevents the cabin from being moved whilst the movable panel is in an extended state. Preferably, the controller is configured to permit operation of the panel actuation means only when it is sensed that the wheels are in the retracted state. Preferably, the controller is configured to permit operation of the wheel actuation means only when it is sensed that the movable panel is in the retracted state. Further, preferred, features are presented in the dependent claims. Non-limiting embodiments of the invention will now be discussed with reference to the following drawings: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a cabin according to an embodiment of the present invention with movable solar panels in an extended state and wheels in a retracted state; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the cabin of Figure 1 with the movable solar panels in a retracted position and the wheels in a deployed state. With reference to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown a cabin 1 according to an embodiment, which comprises a welfare unit. The cabin comprises a plurality of retractable wheels 2. The wheels 2 in a deployed state support the cabin during transportation with a base 4 of the cabin raised from the ground, as shown in Figure 2. The wheels 2 in a retracted state are raised above the level of the base 4 so that the base 4 may rest upon the ground, as seen in Figure 1. In the present arrangement, as is preferred, the wheels 2 retract into the unit through openings in the base (not shown). A retraction mechanism (not shown) for retracting the wheels is provided, which may be hydraulically or electrically powered. The cabin 1 comprises a plurality of solar panels 3, which are mounted to a roof of the cabin. The solar panels comprise at least a fixed panel 3a and a movable panel 3b. As shown in the present arrangement, there are preferably a plurality of fixed panels 3a and a plurality of movable panels 3b. In alternative arrangements there may be a single fixed panel and / or a single movable panel, a single fixed panel and multiple movable panels or multiple fixed panels and a single movable panel. Various arrays will be appreciated by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present disclosure. The panels 3 are configured to have a retracted state, as shown in Figure 2, and an extended state, as shown in Figure 1. The movable panels 3b are each adapted to at least partially overlap with one or more of the fixed panels 3a in the retracted state, wherein in the extended state the degree of overlap is less than in the retracted state or there is substantially no overlap. Most preferably, as shown, substantially the entire area of the roof of the cabin is covered by one or more fixed panels, and the movable panels 3b, which are overlapped with the movable panels 3a in their retracted state, also substantially cover the roof in their retracted state. The movable panels 3b being arranged to extend out beyond each of the two longer edges of the roof in the extended state, such that they may be considered to form wings. To effect movement of the movable panels 3b between their extended and retracted states, a panel actuation means is provided. Any suitable movement mechanism may be implemented as the actuation means. There may, for example, be provided one or more electric motors or one or more hydraulic actuators. The movable panels 3b are slidable in the present arrangement, as is preferred. Runners 5 are provided, which support the movable panels. The sliding of the panels may be guided using alternative mechanisms to the depicted runners, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. Moreover, instead of being slidable, the movable panels could be pivotally mounted. Although such an arrangement is less preferable. Suitable locking means (not shown) are preferably provided to lock the movable panels in the retracted and / or extended positions, as discussed further below. In the depicted arrangement, the movable panels 3b slide over the fixed panels 3a. In alternative arrangements, they could slide under the fixed panels. Panel sensing means are provided for sensing one or more positions of the movable panel(s). Wheel sensing means are provided for sensing one or more positions of the wheels. It should be noted that the wheel sensing means may be configured to monitor the wheels and / or the wheel retraction mechanism and / or an elevation of the base 4 above the ground, which elevation may be used as a determination of the wheel retraction / deployment status. The sensing means may take any suitable form. The panel sensing means may be configured to sense only when the movable panels 3b are in the retracted position (i.e. fully retracted), or may be configured to sense a number of positions of the movable panels 3b, such as the retracted and extended (i.e. fully extended) positions, or to sense the position continuously throughout the full range of movement of the movable panel(s) 3b. In a preferred arrangement, the panel sensing means comprises one or more switches (not shown) configured to be engaged when the movable panels are in their retracted positions. There may be a single switch per panel or multiple switches per panel. In one arrangement there will be a switch at either end of each panel. Any such switch may take any conventional form. The switch(es) being engaged upon full retraction of the respective panel(s). The switches, or any alternative form of sensing means, may be connected to a locking means (not shown), which is activated upon engagement of the switches / sensing means. The locking means, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, may take numerous forms. For example, there may be provided one or more solenoids, which comprise bolts that engage / disengage with corresponding openings in the movable solar panels 3b / runners 5 under control of the switches to prevent / allow sliding movement thereof. Notably, in the event the movable panels are pivotably / foldably mounted, the sensing and / or locking means may be adapted to suit, such as with switches that are otherwise mounted or sensing means for monitoring angle of rotation. The wheel sensing means may be configured to sense only when the wheels are in the retracted position (i.e. fully retracted), or may be configured to sense a number of positions of the wheels, such as the retracted and deployed (i.e. fully deployed) positions, or to sense the position continuously throughout the full range of movement of the wheels. As noted, the wheel sensing means may also be configured to infer the position of the wheels based on a monitored elevation of the base relative to the gorund. In a preferred arrangement, the wheel retraction mechanism is hydraulically powered and the wheel sensing means comprises a float switch in a hydraulic fluid reservoir forming part of the wheel retraction mechanism. Various other sensing means may be implemented, particularly in the case of an electrically actuated wheel retraction mechanism. A controller is provided, which is linked to panel actuation means, the panel sensing means, the wheel actuation means and the wheel sensing means. The controller is configured to control operation of the panel actuation means and the wheel actuation means in dependence on signals received from the panel sensing means and the wheel sensing means. In a preferred, exemplary, configuration, the sensing means are arranged to recognise: Cabin up (i.e. wheels deployed) = movable solar panels retracted Cabin down (i.e. wheels retracted) = movable solar panels extended Considering the exemplary preferred arrangement, as discussed above, in which the panel the panel sensing means comprises one or more (safety) switches activated upon retraction of the movable solar panels, the wheel actuation means is hydraulic, and the wheel sensing means comprises a float switch, the arrangement will be such that: *Safety switch activated (movable panels retracted) = wheel hydraulics work *Safety switch deactivated (movable panels extended) = wheel hydraulics do not work *Hydraulic float switch down (cabin up on wheels) = movable panel actuators do not work ‘Hydraulic float switch up (cabin on ground) = movable panel actuators work By such a configuration, the controller will prevent the cabin being raised if the movable solar panels are extended, and will prevent extension of the movable solar panels if the cabin is raised. Accordingly, a user will be prevented from moving the cabin whilst the movable solar panels are extended and will further be prevented from extending the solar panels unless the cabin is resting on its base. It should be appreciated that alternative sensing and control protocols may be implemented within the scope of the present invention, as will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, which sensing and control protocols will be dependent, at least in part, on the particulars of the arrangement implemented. In addition to the solar panels 3, there may be provided a wind turbine 6, as a supplementary clean power source. In addition to the cabin 1, there is shown a supplementary power source 10 in the form of a battery pack, which may be connected to the cabin 1 to supplement the power provided by the solar panels 3. The cabin is self-contained. It may be used on building sites, or the like, in particular where lavatory facilities are not otherwise available. The cabin is free standing and transportable. The cabin is preferably formed as a trailer as shown with a tow hitch 7 provided. The unit preferably comprises a typical rectangular box shape, as shown. It may be equipped, as will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, in accordance with any conventional welfare unit. It may, for example, be provided with one or more toilets and / or showers. It may comprise kitchen facilities. It may be configured as an office or as living accommodation. The present invention is not to be limited to any specific configuration. The welfare unit may be partitioned into two, three or more rooms. One room may comprise a kitchen provided with any or all of a work top, a sink supplied with water from a water tank, a kettle, and a microwave. A seating area may be provided of any desired configuration. It may, for example, comprise a table and seats, which may comprise benches, chairs or otherwise. One room may comprise a toilet, which may comprise a conventional chemical toilet, or otherwise and a sink supplied with water by a water tank. One room may comprise a drying room, which comprises a heater and a number of hooks. Any of the rooms may be accessible by an external door, although this need not be the case, one or more internal doors could be provided. Various storage areas may be provided for containing the required electrical installation. Numerous other arrangements, layouts and provided facilities will be possible, including arrangements with a single room or alternative partitioning into more or less individual rooms / storage areas. Irrespective of the layout / facilities, the welfare unit will feature at least one electrical device connected to an electric circuit (not shown), which receives power from the solar panels. There will most likely be a plurality of connected electrical devices and a plurality of plug sockets. Electrical devices may be hard wired to the electric circuit or connected via plug sockets, and may include, for example, any combination of electric lighting, proximity sensors, a water boiler, a heating and / or cooling unit, or otherwise. Numerous alternative arrangements and modifications to the embodiments as described herein will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art within the scope of the appended claims. In particular, features of the described embodiments may be readily combined. When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components. The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof. Although certain example embodiments of the invention have been described, 5 the scope of the appended claims is not intended to be limited solely to these embodiments. The claims are to be construed literally, purposively, and / or to encompass equivalents.

Claims

1. A cabin that comprises:a plurality of retractable wheels, the wheels in a deployed state supporting the cabin during transportation with a base of the cabin raised from the ground, the wheels in a retracted stated being raised above the level of the base so that the base may rest upon the ground;a plurality of solar panels, which are mounted to a roof of the cabin, the solar panels comprising at least a fixed panel and a movable panel, the panels being configured to have a retracted state and an extended state, the movable panel being adapted to at least partially overlap with the fixed panel in the retracted state and being adapted such that in the extended state the degree of overlap is less than in the retracted state or there is no overlap;panel actuation means for effecting movement of the movable panel between the retracted and extended states;panel sensing means for sensing one or more positions of the movable panel;wheel actuation means for effecting movement of the wheels between the retracted and deployed states;wheel sensing means for sensing one or more positions of the wheels; anda controller,wherein the controller is configured to control operation of the panel actuation means and the wheel actuation means in dependence on signals received from the panel sensing means and the wheel sensing means.

2. A cabin as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to permit operation of the panel actuation means only when it is sensed that the wheels are in the retracted state.

3. A cabin as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, wherein the controller is configured to permit operation of the wheel actuation means only when it is sensed that the movable panel is in the retracted state.

4. A cabin as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the panel sensing means comprises one or more switches, which are configured to be activated upon the movable panel reaching the retracted position.

5. A cabin as claimed in Claim 4, wherein two of the switches are provided, which are spaced from one another and are both arranged for engagement by the movable panel.

6. A cabin as claimed in Claim 4, wherein one of the switches is arranged at / adjacent a first end of the movable panel and the other switch is arranged adjacent a second end of the movable panel.

7. A cabin as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a plurality of fixed panels are provided, which substantially entirely cover the roof of the cabin.

8. A cabin as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a plurality of movable panels are provided, which substantially entirely cover the roof of the cabin when in the retracted position.

9. A cabin as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the roof is rectangular, and a plurality of movable panels are provided, which are arranged to extend out beyond each of two longer edges of the roof in the extended state.

10. A cabin as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the wheel actuation meams is hydraulically powered and comprises a hydraulic fluid reservoir, and the wheel sensing means comprises a float switch in the hydraulic fluid reservoir.

11. A cabin as claimed in any preceding claim, which comprises a welfare unit.

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