Connector for modular units of electrical equipment, modular unit of electrical equipment including the connector and uninterruptible power supply including a modular unit provided with the connector

Description

Connector for modular equipment units electrical, modular unit of equipment electrical including the connector and assembly continuity comprising a modular unit provided of the connector DESCRIPTION The present invention has as its object a connector for modular equipment units electric, as well as any modular unit including the above mentioned connector or a any UPS that includes a unit equipped with the mentioned connector. In the following part of this discussion we will reference exclusively to UPS but these are just a possible example of an application of undoubted practical interest and applicative, as the concepts exemplified may similarly be referable to any electrical equipment. A UPS is generally indicated by the acronym UPS for Uninterruptible Power Supply Power Supply: This is a device electronic comprising accumulators electric (i.e. batteries) with the purpose of provide a continuous electrical supply to a electrical load during power outages power supply. UPS also allows to safeguard electronic equipment constituting such electrical load, if it is check for any voltage fluctuations. Thanks to the presence of a group of continuity ensures operational continuity and, at the same time, the protection of electrical loads, allowing data saving and safe shutdown of all existing equipment, avoiding breakdowns and unwanted downtime. In the event of a blackout or voltage fluctuations (due for example to atmospheric events or maneuvers on the network electricity operated by the manager), all devices network (Firewall, Switch, Access Point, computer, and others) would suddenly find themselves without power supply, resulting in their shutdown in uncontrolled manner, or they may be subjected to a surge in voltage and / or current, damaging themselves irreparably. In order to ensure better versatility and better maintainability, are spreading a lot of modular UPS, in which a plurality of modules which include respective electric accumulators (batteries) contributes to the supply of the overall power ensured by the UPS itself. These UPS are very versatile because they allow you to vary the power of UPS operation, simply by adding or removing (storage) modules; furthermore the operations maintenance can be carried out on each single module, simply by removing it from the UPS (which will continue to to function, although in some cases with a power of reduced operating) and proceeding directly to their respective recovery operations while this module is offline, or replacing it immediately with another in perfect condition so as to minimize the time interval in which the UPS is missing a module (in in this second case, the extracted form will be able to be repaired / restored even in the environment separate, for example in a dedicated laboratory). To ensure that the modules connect correctly to the other members of the group continuity is necessary that each of their terminals electrical (both signal and power) and correctly wired to the corresponding terminal of the UPS. Correct wiring is generally guaranteed by means of governing bodies tightening present on the clamp configured for clamp the terminal. These clamping devices they must be accessible and it must be possible for an operator to operate on them safely for carrying out assembly operations and disassembly of each module. Correct connection electrical is guaranteed when the surfaces of terminal and clamp in mutual contact are wide and tightly closed on each other (for for this reason, clamping devices are used). The insertion of the terminals into their respective clamps, precisely because of the need for a high clamping force, is complex and, in insertion phase when the terminal is subject at a high peak load, may occur of the deformations of the terminal itself which could subsequently compromise the quality of the electrical connection. For these reasons the indisputable advantages of the modularity of the accumulators (made precisely in insertable and detached modules in the UPS) are not validly valued, making the operations very complex of engagement and disengagement and in particular bulky terminals and connectors that allow for effective mutual coupling. The terminal and clamp set constitutes a connector. The main task of this invention is that of solving the problems mentioned above, proposing a connector for modular units of electrical equipment that allows a optimal electrical connection and high simplicity and speed of engagement and disengagement. Within this task, one aim of the found is to propose a connector for modular units of electrical equipment that have small dimensions, while still guaranteeing a good electrical connection. Another purpose of the invention is to propose a connector for modular units of UPS that can achieve the electrical connection of the respective terminals to the corresponding clamps by exerting forces of limited coupling, lower than the resistance mechanics of the components mentioned. Another purpose of the invention is to propose a modular unit for equipment electrical equipped with at least one connector that can be easily inserted and removed from the respective electrical equipment, facilitating maintenance and replacement operations. Another purpose of the invention is to propose a modular unit for groups of continuity provided with at least one connector that guarantees a high quality of its electrical connection to the respective equipment. Another purpose of the invention is to propose a modular unit for equipment electric provided with at least one connector that does not require the application of high forces to its insertion and its removal from the respective electrical equipment. Another purpose of the invention is to propose UPS comprising units modular ones equipped with connectors that have compact size. Another purpose of the invention is to propose UPS comprising units modular ones equipped with connectors that ensure a high quality of electrical connections. Another purpose of the invention is to propose UPS comprising units modular ones equipped with connectors that do not require high forces to perform the connection (insertion) and disconnection phases (disconnection). A further aim of this invention is to to make a connector for modular units of electrical equipment, a modular unit comprising the above mentioned connector and a UPS comprising a unit equipped with of the mentioned connector of low cost relatively simple practical implementation and safe application. This task and these goals are achieved from a connector for modular equipment units electric according to claim 1. This task and these purposes are also achieved by means of a modular unit of electrical equipment according to claim 7. The task and objectives above are achieved illustrated also thanks to a UPS according to claim 9. Further features and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, form of execution of the connector for modular units of groups of continuity, of the modular unit comprising the above mentioned connector and the UPS which includes a unit equipped with the connector quoted, illustrated for illustrative purposes only and not limiting, in the attached drawings, where: Fig. 1 represents, in front view partially sectioned schematic, a possible embodiment of a modular unit according to the invention; Fig. 2 represents, in front view schematic, a UPS of the type comprising at least two modular units according to the found; Fig. 3 represents, in axonometric view schematic, a connector according to the invention; Fig. 4 represents, in axonometric view exploded schematic, the connector in figure 3; Fig. 5 represents, in axonometric view exploded schematic, a connector terminal figure 3; Fig. 6 represents, in axonometric view partially sectioned schematic, a connector according to the invention in the configuration in which the terminals and clamps are separate and facing each other; Fig. 7 represents, in top view partially sectioned schematic, a connector according to the invention in the configuration of figure 6; Fig. 8 represents, in axonometric view partially sectioned schematic, a connector according to the invention in the configuration in which only some terminals are partially inserted in the respective terminals; Fig. 9 represents, in top view partially sectioned schematic, a connector according to the invention in the configuration of figure 8; Fig. 10 represents, in axonometric view partially sectioned schematic, a connector according to the invention in the configuration in which the terminals are more inserted in their respective clamps; Fig. 11 represents, in top view partially sectioned schematic, a connector according to the invention in the configuration shown in the figure 10; Fig. 12 represents, in axonometric view partially sectioned schematic, a connector according to the invention in the configuration in which the terminals are further inserted into their respective clamps; Fig. 13 represents, in top view partially sectioned schematic, a connector according to the invention in the configuration shown in the figure 12; Fig. 14 represents, in axonometric view partially sectioned schematic, a connector according to the invention in the configuration in which the terminals are fully inserted into their respective clamps; Fig. 15 represents, in top view partially sectioned schematic, a connector according to the invention in the configuration shown in the figure 14. With particular reference to these figures it is globally indicated with 1 one connector per unit 100 modular electrical equipment (such as for example UPS 200) according to the found. The connector 1 according to the invention comprises at least two terminals 2 pertaining to corresponding ones conductive elements of an electrical device having a predefined electrical potential. Such at least two terminals 2 face towards the outside of a portion of a piece of equipment electric with a different protrusion S , S , S 1 2 3 one in relation to the other. The connector 1 according to the invention comprises also at least two terminals 3 provided with a seat 4 of substantially the same shape and size conjugated with respect to those of a respective terminal 2 for housing the same in following an elastic deformation of at least one boundary wall of site 4. Terminals 3 are connected, correspondingly of an extremity 5 substantially opposite to the one equipped with at least one 4th seat respective 6 component connection cables electric. Connector 1 according to the invention, thanks to the specific characteristics illustrated in priority with respect to terminals 2 and respective terminals 3, ensures that the operations connection and disconnection are simple and do not require the application of high forces. In fact, during the connection phase, the different protrusion S , S , S of the terminals 2 will determine the 1 2 3 contact, and the subsequent entry, of only one part of the same in their respective locations 4 of the corresponding terminals 3. In practice, therefore, in connection phase you will only need to win the elastic force required to deform the walls of the 4 seats of the 3 terminals only affected by the contact of terminals 2 having greater protrusion S . A subsequent translation in insertion of the terminals 2 to terminals 3 will determine the contact between terminals 3 having a protrusion S lower and the respective walls of the corresponding locations 4: in this case it will therefore be it is necessary to overcome the elastic reaction of such walls (since those previously forced from the 3 terminals having maximum protrusion S are already been spread apart and therefore do not require a high insertion force and those facing at the terminals having less protrusion S they are not have not yet been reached by the same ones). The complete insertion will be completed when the Terminals 2 will be fully housed within the respective locations 4 (and therefore also the terminals 2 having less protrusion S will have come into contact with the walls of the seats 4 of the respective terminals 3, spreading them apart). The different lengths of the terminals 2, in in practice, they distribute the overall force required upon complete connection of connector 1 the length the entire insertion stroke and therefore make it more facilitate connection (insertion) operations and disconnection (unplugging) of terminals 2 in the seats 4 of the terminals 3. A possible embodiment of the connector 1 according to the invention comprises at least three terminals 2 of at least two different lengths (that is, they could be of two different lengths, or of three different lengths, thus defining different protrusions S , S , S ) and at least three 1 2 3 corresponding terminals 3. Preferably connector 1 according to the found may include at least four terminals 3 of at least two different lengths (that is, they could be of two different lengths, or of three different lengths or four lengths different, thus defining different protrusions S , S , S ) and at least four corresponding ones 1 2 3 clamps 3. It is specified that the case is also foreseen, represented by way of example and not limiting in the attached figures, in which even more preferably connector 1 can include at least five terminals 2 of at least two lengths different (that is, they could be of two lengths different, or of three different lengths or of four different lengths, or five different lengths, thus defining different protrusions S , S , S ), and at least five 1 2 3 corresponding terminals 3. Through connector 1 according to the invention (depending on the number of terminals 2 and terminals 3 present) it will be possible to make connections of power (through which to transfer power from upstream to downstream of connector 1 itself) and / or of signal connections (through which it will be possible to transmit electrical signals relating to the control and / or management of the various components present in unit 100 and / or in the electrical equipment, such as a power supply continuity 200). It is highlighted that each terminal 2 can advantageously understand a respective wedge apical 7 configured to facilitate the relative entry into the corresponding location 4 of a respective clamp 3 determining the deformation elastic deformation of at least one wall of delimitation of the seat 4 itself. The tapered shape of each wedge apical 7 ensures that by forcing the same in insertion within the seat 4 the inclined planes that delimit its front match on parts of the boundary walls of the respective seat 4, spreading them apart to a width such to allow the housing of terminal 2 (which will enter location 4 following a further translation corresponding to a reciprocal graft of terminal 2 in seat 4). The adoption of apical wedges 7 favors further connection operations (in particular) and disconnection, because it reduces the force necessary to ensure the entry of each single terminal 2 in its respective seat 4, exploiting the inclined planes that define the terminal front of each apical wedge 7. It is also highlighted that each of the terminals 2 can conveniently be constituted from a side edge of a power bar an electrical appliance of the type of a UPS 200. Some UPS 200 (and also some different electrical equipment) comprise B-bars connected to parts of respective circuits placed at specific potentials electrical (voltages). These B bars are particularly useful because they allow you to transfer large amounts of energy: their large surface area, in fact, allows for the creation electrical contacts with other components on areas extended, thus facilitating the passage of high electric currents. At the same time, the high cross-section of the B bars allows them to be crossed ca currents even of very intense intensity. A particular example of the application of this type of connector 1 is relative for application on 100 modular units to the accumulation of electrical energy (i.e. electric or super storage batteries capacitors) which can be connected to a UPS 200. In this case all 100 modular units they will be arranged in parallel with each other and coupled, through respective connectors 1 according to the invention, to a respective group of continuity, which will be able to draw from the same high electrical powers (which corresponds to the circulation of high current values) precisely in relation to the fact that the contact electric between the 2 terminals (consisting of edges of the power bars B) and the respective terminals 3 will be made with large contact surfaces, which allow for transfers with losses negligible high amounts of energy. The fact that the walls of the 4 seats are elastically forced on the faces of the terminals 2 housed in them also contributes to ensure that the quality of the electrical contact is high (since the two metal surfaces are forced onto each other). It is important to specify that connector 1 according to the invention it can profitably include a support frame 8 for at least two clamps 2. This frame 8 will be validly provided with 9 lanes configured for lateral confinement of the boundary walls of at least one location 4 of each terminal 3. In this case the lanes 9 will be positively mutually supported and parallel, arranged according to the trajectory of insertion / disinsertion of terminals 2 in the terminal seats 4 3. The possibility is foreseen, once correctly arranged the 3 terminals inside of frame 8, to juxtapose a mask top 8a closing for a complete confinement of the walls that delimit each of the 4 locations. The closing mask 8a may present preferably 8b recesses in correspondence of the 4 seats that will be surmounted: these recesses 8b will have different length to form a limit switches for terminals 2 inserted in seats 4 (please remember that the terminals have S , S and S protrusion different and therefore, for 1 2 3 each of such protrusions S , S and S , the recesses 1 2 3 8b will have to present a respective length, so as to prevent an extra insertion stroke of the terminals 2 in the seats 4 which could potentially damage some or all of the components involved). The seat 4 of each clamp 3 can usefully be made up of a main body 10 (located at the end 5 of the clamp 3) arranged in a substantially vertical position central, to which at least one pair of blades 11, 12, 13, 14 opposite each other. In particular the implementation solution represented by way of example and not limiting in the attached figures (in particular Figure 5 clearly illustrates the various components) requires the presence of a first pair of slats 11, 12 outermost and one second pair of innermost blades 13, 14 facing and converging which constitute the boundary walls between which it is defined a seat 4. The innermost lamellae 13, 14 have fronts 13a, 14a mutually diverging, so as to favor the entry of the apical wedge 7 of the respective terminal 2. These blades 13, 14 are convergent and therefore the respective fronts 13a, 14a they are located at a short distance from each other. The lamellae 11, 12 meet on the surface external of the slats 13, 14, forcing them elastically so that the fronts 13a, 14a are close together (the relative distance, which involves the spreading of the lamellae 13 and 14, requires the elastic forcing of the slats 11 and 12, but also of the slats 11 and 12 which meet on the same. In order to exercise greater spring force on lamellae 13 and 14, without increase the sliding friction on the same, the slats 11 and 12 include respective 11th and 12th sports configured to match the surface of lamellae 13 and 14. Inserting a terminal 2 into a corresponding seat 4 therefore determines a deformation of lamellae 11, 12, 13, 14 corresponding to a mutual estrangement of the relative free ends (the next ones on fronts 13a and 14a) corresponding to a partial elastic divarication of the lamellae 11, 12, 13 and 14. The protection offered by this invention is also extends to any 100 modular unit which includes at least one component (i.e. a terminal 2 and / or a terminal 3) of at least one connector 1 of the type described above. In detail each modular unit 100 may conveniently include at least two 3 terminals side by side and close together, in correspondence of its surface configured for the juxtaposition with a corresponding portion of a respective electrical equipment which will be instead provided with at least two corresponding terminals 2. Unit 100 may preferably comprise at least three terminals 3 side by side and close together (which their respective terminals must match 2 in the equipment to which it will be connected such unit 100), more preferably may include at least four 3 terminals side by side and next (which will have to correspond to respective terminals 2 in the equipment to which it will be connected be connected such unit 100), even more preferably it will be able to include at least five 2 terminals side by side and close (which will have to match respective terminals 2 in the equipment to which such will be connected unit 100), this last case is illustrated in by way of example and not as a limitation in the attached figures. Furthermore, the present invention extends its protection also for any UPS 200 comprising at least one modular unit 100 of the type described above. More specifically, the UPS 200 can conveniently include at least two housings, provided in correspondence with specific respective portions of respective bars B of power whose lateral edge constitutes the mentioned terminals 2, configured to contain and support respective modular units 100 electrically coupleable / decoupleable to such power B bars (especially at the edges of the same constituents of the terminals 2) by means of the clamps 3. Having a plurality of housings, the UPS 200 will be suitable to be reconfigured (by increasing or decreasing the number of modular units 100 housed in it) to adapt it to the specific power to be delivered to the respective electrical load. Furthermore, the ability to connect and disconnect easily each modular unit 100 (thanks to the particular shape of connector 1 according to the invention described above), will also allow for the easier execution of maintenance and / or replacement operations single units 100 while the UPS 200 is in service. From a manufacturing point of view, moreover, It should be emphasized that the connection between the power bars B of a 100 UPS and the individual modular units 100 (in particular the respective set of electric accumulators) adopting connectors of known type provides a plurality of joints (intended as surfaces of interface between conductive elements placed in series). At each junction (interface surface between conductive elements different and contiguous) can occur losses (of energy) due, mainly, to quality of electrical contact ensured by junction itself. It is therefore evident that, in case of imperfect assemblies that components between the which each joint is made, could losses may occur, even of a significant nature, and technical problems of various kinds (also potentially dangerous for the correct operation of the UPS 200 and the operators present). Connector 1 according to the invention, instead minimizes the number of joints present between the B power bars and their respective modular units 100 (in particular the respective set of electric accumulators), increasing the efficiency electrical of the entire UPS 200 which includes them (as it determines a reduction of the energy losses that occur in correspondence of the interface surfaces between different conductive elements) and reducing the risk of failures and problems affecting the portion of the circuit between bars B and the 100 modular units (in particular the electric accumulators of the same). Advantageously, the present invention solves the problems exposed above, proposing a connector 1 for 100 modular units of electrical equipment that allows a optimal electrical connection and high simplicity and speed of engagement and disengagement. Conveniently 1 connector per unit 100 modular electrical equipment according to the invention has small dimensions, although ensuring a good electrical connection. Favorably the connector 1 per unit 100 modular electrical equipment according to the invention can make the electrical connection of the respective terminals 2 to the corresponding ones 3 clamps exerting coupling forces limited, lower than those foreseen in all the known type of technical solutions. Profitably the 100 modular unit for electrical equipment according to the invention is easily inserted and removed from the respective electrical equipment, facilitating maintenance and replacement operations. Positively the modular unit 100 for electrical equipment according to the invention guarantees a high quality of your connection electrical to the respective equipment. Usefully the 100 modular unit for electrical equipment according to the invention not requires the application of high forces to the its insertion and its disinsertion in the respective electrical equipment. Efficiently the UPS 200 according to the invention it comprises 100 modular units equipped with connectors 1 which have compact size. Effectively the UPS 200 according to the invention it ensures high quality of the electrical connections of the modular units 100 who stays. Fruitfully the UPS 200 according to the invention it does not require high forces to performing the connection (insertion) phases and disconnection (switching off) of the units 100 modular housing. Valid connector 1 for modular units 100 of electrical equipment, the unit modular 100 comprising such connector 1 and the UPS 200 which includes at least a unit 100 equipped with the above-mentioned connector 1 they are relatively simple to make practical and low cost: these characteristics make connector 1, unit 100 and group of continuity 200 according to the invention of the innovations of certain application. The invention, thus conceived, is susceptible to numerous changes and variants all included within the scope of the inventive concept; furthermore, all the details may be replaced by others technically equivalent elements. In the illustrated examples of implementation individual characteristics, reported in relation to specific examples, may actually be interchangeable with other different characteristics, existing in other examples of embodiment. In practice the materials used, as well as the dimensions, they can be any according to the needs and the state of the art.

Claims

1. Connector for modular units (100) of electrical equipment characterised by the fact that it comprises - at least two terminals (2) pertaining to corresponding conductive elements of an electrical equipment having a predefined electrical potential, said at least two terminals (2) being facing outwards from a portion of an electrical equipment with a different protrusion (S1, S2, S3) with respect to each other; - at least two terminals (3) provided with a seat (4) of shape and dimensions substantially conjugated with respect to those of a respective terminal (2) for the housing of said terminal (2) following an elastic deformation of at least one wall delimiting said seat (4), said terminals (3) being connected at an end (5) substantially opposite to that provided with said at least one seat (4) to respective cables (6) for connection to electrical components. M607967 2. Connector, according to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises at least three terminals (2) of at least two different lengths and at least three corresponding terminals (3), preferably at least four terminals (2) of at least two different lengths and at least four corresponding terminals (3), even more preferably at least five terminals (2) of at least two different lengths, preferably at least three different lengths, and at least five corresponding terminals (3).

3. Connector, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that each said terminal (2) comprises a respective apical wedge (7) configured to facilitate the relative entry into the corresponding seat (4) of a respective clamp (3) determining the elastic deformation of at least one delimiting wall of said seat (4).

4. Connector, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that each of said terminals (2) is constituted by a lateral edge of a power bar of an electrical device such as a UPS (200).

5. Connector, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises a support frame (8) for said at least two terminals (3) provided with lanes (9) configured for the lateral confinement of the delimiting walls of said at least seat (4) of each terminal (3), said lanes (9) being mutually adjacent and parallel.

6. Connector, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that said seat (4) of each terminal (3) is made up of a substantially central main body (10) to which at least one pair of opposite, facing and converging plates (11, 12, 13, 14) is fixed, constituting said boundary walls between which said seat (4) is defined, the insertion of said terminal (2) into a corresponding said seat (4) causing a deformation of said plates (11, 12, 13, 14) corresponding to a mutual distancing of the relative free ends with partial elastic divarication of said plates (11, 12, 13, 14).

7. Modular unit of electrical equipment characterised in that it comprises at least one component of at least one connector (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, said component being of a type chosen between at least one terminal (2) and at least one terminal (3).

8. Modular unit, according to the previous claim, characterised in that it comprises at least two terminals (3) placed side by side and close to each other in correspondence with one of its surfaces configured for juxtaposition with a corresponding portion of a respective electrical device provided with corresponding at least two terminals (2), preferably comprising at least three terminals (3) placed side by side and close to each other, more preferably comprising at least four terminals (3) placed side by side and close to each other, even more preferably comprising at least five terminals (5) placed side by side and close to each other.

9. UPS characterised by M607967 which comprises at least one modular unit (100) according to at least one of claims 7 and 8.

10. UPS, according to claim 9, characterised in that it comprises at least two housings, provided in correspondence with respective portions of power bars defining at least two said terminals (2), configured to contain and support respective modular units (100) which can be electrically coupled / uncoupled to said terminals (2) by means of said terminals (3).