DC power system for modular workstations

Abstract

The workspace includes a power input receptor configured to receive input power at a first voltage level, wherein the first voltage level is an ultra-low voltage. The workspace also includes a voltage regulator configured to regulate the input power and output regulated power at a second voltage level, and a power distribution bus. The power distribution bus is configured to receive input power from the power input recipient. The workspace also includes a secure disconnect device configured to disconnect the input power from the power distribution bus in response to detecting an adverse condition.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a furniture system, and more particularly, to a mechanism for distributing power within a furniture system. Summary of the Invention

[0002] In one aspect, the present embodiment provides a workspace that includes a power input receptacle configured to receive input power at a first voltage level, where the first voltage level is an ultra-low voltage. The workspace further includes a voltage regulator and a power distribution bus, the voltage regulator being configured to regulate the input power and output regulated power at a second voltage level. The power distribution bus is configured to receive the input power from the power input receptacle. The workspace further includes a safety disconnect device configured to disconnect the input power from the power distribution bus in response to detecting an adverse condition.

[0003] In one aspect, the workspace further includes one or more auxiliary power outputs, where the one or more auxiliary power outputs receive power via the voltage regulator.

[0004] In another aspect, the one or more auxiliary power outputs are configured to output accessory power at a third voltage level.

[0005] In another aspect, the second voltage level is greater than the first voltage level.

[0006] In another aspect, the second voltage is less than the first voltage level.

[0007] In another aspect, the workspace further includes an auxiliary power source configured to receive input power and output auxiliary power.

[0008] In another aspect, the first voltage level is a level configured to charge the auxiliary power source.

[0009] In another aspect, the workspace further includes an actuator configured to raise and lower a work surface of the workspace, where the actuator is configured to receive power via the power distribution bus.

[0010] In another aspect, the adverse condition is one or more of an overvoltage condition and an overcurrent condition.

[0011] In another aspect, the safety disconnect device is programmable to set a threshold associated with the adverse condition.

[0012] Another embodiment provides a workspace system that includes a power distribution device and one or more mobile workspaces. The power distribution device includes a power converter configured to convert utility power into distributed power at a first voltage level, and a power rail configured to receive the distributed power from the power converter. The first voltage level is an ultra-low voltage level. Each of the one or more workspaces includes a power input receptacle configured to removably couple to the power rail to receive the distributed power, and a distributed power bus configured to provide the received distributed power to one or more devices.

[0013] In one aspect, the workspace system further includes an auxiliary power source configured to provide auxiliary power to the power distribution bus in response to the first voltage level dropping below a predetermined threshold.

[0014] In another aspect, the one or more mobile workspaces further include a voltage regulator coupled to the power distribution bus and configured to output regulated power that is different from the distributed power.

[0015] In another aspect, the regulated power has a lower voltage compared to the distributed power.

[0016] Another embodiment provides an adjustable-height workspace that includes a work surface, legs coupled to the work surface, a power input receptacle configured to receive input power, and an auxiliary power source configured to receive input power. The input power is DC power. The adjustable-height workspace further includes a power distribution bus configured to receive the input power, a voltage regulator coupled to the power distribution bus and configured to output a first regulated voltage, and an actuator located within the legs. The actuator is configured to raise and lower the work surface and is further configured to receive power from the power distribution bus. The adjustable-height workstation further includes one or more auxiliary power ports configured to receive power from the power distribution bus.

[0017] In one aspect, the adjustable-height workspace further includes one or more auxiliary power output ports, where the one or more auxiliary power output ports receive power at the first regulated voltage via the voltage regulator.

[0018] In another aspect, the one or more auxiliary power output ports are configured to output a second regulated voltage.

[0019] In another aspect, the one or more auxiliary power output ports include USB-C ports.

[0020] In another aspect, the adjustable-height workspace further includes a safety disconnect device configured to disconnect the input power from the power distribution bus in response to detecting adverse electrical conditions.

[0021] In another aspect, the auxiliary power source is configured to supply auxiliary power to the power distribution bus in response to removal of the input power. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 is a front view of an adjustable-height workstation according to some embodiments.

[0023] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a rear view of the adjustable-height workstation of

[0024] Figure 3 is a block diagram of an adjustable-height workstation according to some embodiments.

[0025] Figure 4 is a system view of a multi-workstation system according to some embodiments.

[0026] Figure 5 is according to some embodiments Figure 4 a block diagram of the multi-workstation system of

[0027] Figure 6 is a block diagram of a multi-workstation system using an integrated power rail system according to some embodiments.

[0028] Before explaining any embodiments of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Further, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The embodiments described herein generally relate to various furniture systems and components, such as workstations (e.g., desks, including adjustable-height desks), display walls, battery carts, cubicles, and / or other furniture as required for a given application. While the embodiments described herein generally relate to furniture for commercial and / or workplace settings, it is contemplated that the power distribution systems and controls described below can be used in other furniture systems, such as commercial or residential furniture systems.

[0030] The furniture system described below is configured to allow a single-point connection to an ultra-low power connection, such as a DC voltage connection below 50 VDC. Various components of the furniture system (e.g., a table, a display wall, a battery cart, etc.) may be capable of receiving a single ultra-low power connection and distributing and / or converting the input voltage to other voltages as required for a given application. This allows multiple devices (e.g., actuators, USB devices, monitors, lights, etc.) to be powered via a single input power connection. Additionally, since the input power is at an ultra-low voltage level, the various components of the furniture system can be more easily moved or reconfigured as needed without requiring a qualified person (e.g., an electrician) to supply power to the furniture system components. Individual furniture system components may further be configured to connect to each other to allow power to be distributed from component to component, where only a single connector to a power source is required, thus providing additional flexibility to the furniture system.

[0031] Turning now to Figure 1 , a front view of an example workstation 100 is shown in accordance with some embodiments. Workstation 100 is shown as an adjustable-height table having a first leg 102, a second leg 104, and a tabletop 106. Workstation 100 may also include a control panel 108 for adjusting the height of workstation 100. Workstation 100 may also include one or more power ports 110, which will be described in more detail below.

[0032] Figure 2 is a rear view of workstation 100, showing a power control housing 112. Power control housing 112 may be attached to the underside of tabletop 106. However, in other embodiments, power control housing 112 may be integrated into tabletop 106, attached to and / or integrated into one of first leg 102 and second leg 104, or otherwise placed on a portion of workstation 100. Workstation 100 may also include a power input port 114. As shown in Figure 2 , power input port 114 is separate from power control housing 112. However, in some embodiments, power input port 114 may be integrated into the power control housing. Alternatively, power input port 114 may be integrated into one of the components of workstation 100, such as first leg 102, second leg 104, and / or tabletop 106. As will be described in more detail below, power input port 114 is configured to receive a DC power input.

[0033] Now turning to Figure 3, According to some embodiments, a block diagram of a power control system 300 for a workstation such as workstation 100 is shown. The power control system 300 is shown as being located within a power control enclosure 112; however, it is contemplated that one or more of the components of the power control system 300 may be located or positioned external to the power control enclosure 112. The power control system 300 may receive input power (“Vi”) from a power input 302. The power input 302 may be a DC power supply configured to supply a DC voltage to an input receiver 304 of the power control system 300. In one embodiment, the input receiver 304 is similar to the power input port 114 described above. In one example, the power input 302 may be an AC-DC converter that converts a standard utility AC voltage (e.g., 120VAC, 240VAC, etc.) into one or more DC voltages (e.g., 30VDC, 24VDC, 12VDC, 5VDC, and / or other voltage levels) as required for a given application. In other examples, the power input 302 may be a DC power supply configured to output one or more DC voltages. The power input 302 is configured to provide one or more DC voltages, such as 24VDC, to the power control system 300. However, as described above, DC voltages greater than 24VDC or less than 24VDC are also contemplated. In one embodiment, the input voltage is an ultra-low voltage (e.g., less than 50VDC).

[0034] According to some embodiments, the input power Vi is provided from the input receiver 304 to a safety disconnect device 306. The safety disconnect 306 may be configured to sense one or more parameters associated with the input voltage Vi and perform a safety operation (e.g., disconnect the input power Vi from the remaining components of the power control system 300) based on the sensed parameters. For example, the safety disconnect device 306 may be configured to detect one or more of the input voltage and input current. The safety disconnect device 306 may also be configured to determine other parameters, such as temperature (e.g., the temperature of the power distribution bus as described below), ripple current, ground fault data, short circuit data, and / or other parameters as required for a given operation. The safety disconnect device 306 may perform a safety operation in response to one or more sensed values exceeding a threshold, such as a threshold associated with an overvoltage condition, an undervoltage condition, an overcurrent condition, an overheat condition, a short circuit condition, a ground fault condition, or other conditions as required for a given application. In some examples, the safety disconnect device 306 may be a switch (e.g., a mechanical switch, a solid state switch, an intelligent switch, and / or an electronically controlled switch), a fuse, a circuit breaker, or other device as required for a given application.

[0035] In some embodiments, the safety disconnect device 306 may be programmable to allow a user to set one or more thresholds. For example, the user may be able to set a preferred voltage level for Vi (e.g., 24 VDC, 12 VDC, 5.5 VDC, etc.), as required for a given application. This can achieve versatility by facilitating the use of a single safety disconnect device 306 with various workstation types.

[0036] The input power Vi is then provided to the distribution bus 308. The distribution bus 308 may be a bus bar, a power strip, or other power distribution device for applications. The distribution bus 308 is configured to provide power to one or more components within the power control system 300. For example, as Figure 3 shown, the distribution bus 308 provides the input power Vi to the auxiliary power management system 310, the power converter module 312, one or more DC output ports 314, and one or more motors 316. In some examples, the distribution bus 308 may include multiple power buses, such as two power buses and a common bus, thereby allowing multiple inputs to be provided to the workstation 100 via the power input 302. This may be useful in cases where there are multiple electrical loads on the workstation 100 such that the loads can be balanced across the two power buses. In other examples, the distribution bus 308 may include multiple power buses with different voltages. For example, the first power bus of the distribution bus 308 may be a 24 VDC power bus, and the second power bus of the distribution bus may be a 12 VDC power bus. However, one or more additional power buses of the distribution bus may include additional voltage levels, as required for a given application.

[0037] The auxiliary power management system 310 communicates electronically with the auxiliary power source 318. In one embodiment, the auxiliary power source 318 is an energy storage device, such as a battery. The battery can be a lithium-ion battery, a lithium iron phosphate battery, a lead-acid battery, or other battery types as required for a given application. Other possible energy storage devices can include supercapacitors, fuel cells, or other suitable energy storage devices. The auxiliary power source 318 is configured to provide power to the distribution bus 308 in the event of a loss of input power Vi, e.g., via the auxiliary power management system 310, which can occur when moving the workstation 100 from one location to another or if utility power is lost. This allows the workstation 100 to operate fully but temporarily even when disconnected from the power input 302. In some embodiments, the auxiliary power source 318 can also or alternatively provide supplementary power to the distribution bus 308 in the event of insufficient input power Vi. For example, if multiple devices are connected to the distribution bus 308 and draw power from the distribution bus 308, the auxiliary power source 318 can supplement the input power Vi. In one example, when the input power Vi drops below a predetermined threshold, the auxiliary power source 318 can supply supplementary power to the distribution bus 308. The predetermined threshold can be 85% of the optimal Vi value; however, values greater than or less than 85% are also contemplated as required for a given application. When the input power Vi is available, the auxiliary power source 318 is charged by the auxiliary power management system 310 as needed.

[0038] The power converter module 312 receives power from the distribution bus 308 and is configured to convert the input power Vi into one or more additional voltages for further distribution within the workstation 100. For example, the power converter module 312 may step down the input voltage (e.g., 24 VDC) to one or more lower voltages, such as 12 VDC, 5 VDC, 3.3 VDC, etc. In other examples, the power converter module 312 may also step up the input voltage Vi to a higher voltage, such as 48 VDC. However, other voltages are also contemplated as required for a given application. The power converter module 312 may provide power to one or more auxiliary output ports 320, 322. The auxiliary output ports 320, 322 may be USB-A ports, USB-C ports, or other suitable output ports as required for a given application. The auxiliary output ports 320, 322 may each have protection devices 324, 326 (respectively) between the auxiliary output ports 320, 322 and the power converter module 312. The protection devices 324, 326 may be fuses, circuit breakers, or other protection devices configured to protect the output of the auxiliary ports in the event of an event, such as an overvoltage event, an overcurrent event, a ground fault event, a short circuit event, or other events / faults as required for a given application. Although shown as having only two auxiliary output ports 320, 322, it is contemplated that the workstation may have more than two or fewer than two auxiliary output ports. Additionally, as required for a given application, the workstation 100 may have multiple types of auxiliary output ports. In some examples, the auxiliary output ports 320, 322 may further include voltage regulators for allowing the output voltage provided by the power converter module 312 to be further regulated. For example, in the case where the power converter module 312 is configured to output a 12 VDC voltage, one or more of the auxiliary output ports may be configured to further regulate the voltage to a lower voltage, such as 5 VDC or 3.3 VDC as required for a given application.

[0039] One or more output ports 314 may provide the input power Vi to one or more external devices, such as monitors, displays, lights, etc. One or more output ports 314 may utilize one or more port types, such as USB ports, barrel connectors, magnetic connectors, etc.

[0040] One or more motors 316 may be used to raise and / or lower an adjustable height work station. Thus, in some examples, the motors 316 may be omitted in the case where the work station is not an adjustable height work station. The motors 316 may be directly coupled to the distribution bus 308 to receive input power Vi. In some embodiments in which there are two or more motors, the motors 316 may communicate with each other via a communication protocol (such as LIN communication). However, other communication protocols are also contemplated as required for a given application. Although not shown, the work station 100 may also include one or more motor controllers and user inputs for allowing control of one or more motors 316. In one embodiment, the motor 316 may be an actuator, such as a linear actuator.

[0041] Now turning to Figure 4 , the multi-workstation system 400 is shown as having a first table 402, a second table 404, and a display board 406. Each of the first table 402, the second table 404, and the display board 406 may include a power control system similar to the power control system 300 described above. The system 400 may further include a power source 408. The power source 408 may be an AC-to-DC converter configured to regulate AC utility power to a lower DC voltage (such as 24 VDC). The power source 408 may be coupled to a power rail 410. The power rail 410 may be configured to receive the output voltage of the power source and include one or more connection points to allow various work stations (such as the first table 402, the second table 404, and / or the display board 406) to be electrically coupled to the power rail 410. In some embodiments, the first table 402, the second table 404, and / or the display board 406 may be configured to be coupled to the power rail using a connector 450. In some embodiments, the connector 450 may be quick-turn. In some examples, a magnetic connector (such as from Exceltec ) may be used as the connector 450. The use of the magnetic connector protects the power rail 410 and / or the associated work station from damage in the case where excessive stress is applied to the connector 450, such as when the work station is moved or rearranged. However, other connectors are also contemplated as required for a given application.

[0042] In some examples, the power rail 410 can receive more than one voltage output from the power source 408 and / or be coupled to multiple power sources 408 having different output voltages. For example, the power rail 410 can be configured to provide multiple voltage connections, such as 30 VDC, 24 VDC, 12 VDC, and / or other voltage levels as required for a given application. This can allow different workstations to be coupled to the same power rail without requiring all associated workstations to include circuit modules for regulating the voltage on a single voltage power rail 410 (e.g., 24 VDC). For example, a height-adjustable workstation having one or more motors can be connected to a higher-potential voltage output of the power rail, such as 30 VDC or 24 VDC; while a non-height-adjustable workstation can be connected to a lower-potential voltage output of the power rail, such as 12 VDC.

[0043] Figure 5 is a block diagram of a multi-workstation system, such as multi-workstation system 400. The first table 402 includes a power control system 600, the second table 404 includes a power control system 602, and the display board includes a power control system 604. The power control systems 600, 602, 604 can be similar to the power control system 300 described above. For example, the power control systems 600, 602 can include the same or additional components as the power control system 300 described above, while the power control system 604 may not include one or more motors 316. However, in some examples, the display board 406 can be height-adjustable and can include one or more motors to allow the display portion of the display board to be raised and / or lowered.

[0044] As Figure 5 shown, the power control systems 600, 602, 604 receive power at input receivers 608, 610, 612, respectively. The input receivers 608, 610, 612 can be similar to the input receiver 304 described above. The input receivers 608, 610, 612 are coupled to the power rail 410 of the power source 408 using connectors 614 such as those described above. However, other connection devices and methods are also contemplated as required for a given application. The input power is then distributed and / or regulated using the power control systems 600, 602, 604 as described above. The power source 408 is coupled to a utility power connection via the input receiver 612 (e.g., a 120 VAC or 240 VAC supply) and receives power from the utility power connection. However, other utility voltages are also contemplated. While Figure 5Three workstations coupled to power rail 410 are shown, but it is envisioned that multiple workstations of different or similar types can be coupled to the power rail. This can allow various combinations of workstations to be arranged in a given location and connected to the ultra-low voltage via power rail 410. As described above, power rail 410 can include multiple voltage levels to allow various types of workstations to be coupled to the power rail.

[0045] Turning now to Figure 6 , a block diagram of an interconnection-capable workstation system 700 is shown in accordance with some embodiments. System 700 is shown as having a first workstation 702 and a second workstation 704; however, it is envisioned that system 700 can include more than two workstations. As Figure 6 shown, a power source 706 can provide an ultra-low voltage (e.g., 24 VDC) to a first DC connector 708 on the first workstation 702. In some embodiments, DC connector 708 is similar to one or more of the connectors described above, such as quick-turn and / or magnetic connectors. However, other types of connectors are also envisioned as required for a given application. Power source 706 is coupled to a utility power supply 710, such as 120 VAC utility power. DC connector 708 can be coupled to an integrated power rail 712 of the first workstation 702. Integrated power rail 712 can provide power to a power control system 714 of the first workstation 702 via an input receptacle 716. In one embodiment, input receptacle 716 is similar to input receptacle 304 described above. In some examples, integrated power rail 712 can be coupled to a distribution bus of one or more power control systems 718, 720 of the first workstation 702 and the second workstation 704, respectively.

[0046] The first workstation 702 can also include a second DC connector 722 configured to be coupled to a first DC connector 724 of the second workstation 704 to provide power to an integrated power rail 726 of the second workstation 704, which can be coupled to an input receptacle 728 of the second workstation 704. The second workstation 704 can further include a second DC connector 730 for coupling to an additional workstation (not shown). The DC connectors described above can also be configured to allow two or more voltage levels to be transferred from workstation to workstation, thereby further increasing the flexibility of system 700.

[0047] Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of one or more of the independent aspects of the invention as described. The various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A workspace, comprising: A power input receiver configured to receive input power at a first voltage level, wherein the first voltage level is an ultra-low voltage; A voltage regulator configured to regulate the input power and output regulated power at a second voltage level; A power distribution bus, wherein the power distribution bus is configured to receive the input power; And A safety disconnect device configured to disconnect the input power from the power distribution bus in response to detecting an adverse condition.

2. The workspace according to claim 1, further comprising one or more auxiliary power outputs, wherein the one or more auxiliary power outputs receive power via the voltage regulator.

3. The work space according to claim 2, wherein, The one or more auxiliary power outputs are configured to output accessory power at a third voltage level.

4. The working space according to claim 1, wherein, The second voltage level is greater than the first voltage level.

5. The working space according to claim 1, wherein The second voltage level is less than the first voltage level.

6. The workspace according to claim 1, further comprising an auxiliary power source configured to receive the input power and output auxiliary power.

7. The workspace according to claim 6, wherein, The first voltage level is a level configured to charge the auxiliary power source.

8. The workspace according to claim 1, further comprising an actuator configured to raise and lower a work surface of the workspace, wherein the actuator is configured to receive power via the power distribution bus.

9. The work space according to claim 1, wherein, The adverse condition is one or more of an overvoltage condition and an overcurrent condition.

10. The working space according to claim 1, wherein, The safety disconnect device is programmable to set a threshold associated with the adverse condition.

11. A workspace system, comprising: A power distribution device, comprising: A power converter for converting utility power into distributed power at a first voltage level, wherein the first voltage level is an ultra-low voltage; and A power rail, wherein the power rail receives the distributed power from the power converter; One or more mobile workspaces, each of the one or more mobile workspaces comprising: A power input receiver configured to be removably electrically coupled to the power rail to receive the distributed power; and A power distribution bus configured to provide the received distributed power to one or more devices.

12. The workspace system according to claim 11, further comprising an auxiliary power source configured to provide auxiliary power to the power distribution bus in response to the first voltage level dropping below a predetermined threshold.

13. The workspace system according to claim 11, wherein, The one or more mobile workspaces further comprise a voltage regulator coupled to the power distribution bus and configured to output regulated power different from the distributed power.

14. The workspace system according to claim 13, wherein, The regulated power has a lower voltage compared to the distributed power.

15. An adjustable-height workspace, comprising: A desktop; Legs connected to the desktop; A power input receiver configured to receive input power, wherein the input power is DC power; An auxiliary power source configured to receive the input power; A power distribution bus, wherein the power distribution bus is configured to receive the input power; A voltage regulator coupled to the power distribution bus and configured to output a first regulated voltage; An actuator located within the leg and configured to raise and lower the work surface, wherein the actuator is further configured to receive power from the power distribution bus; And One or more auxiliary power ports configured to receive power from the power distribution bus.

16. The height - adjustable workspace according to claim 15, further comprising one or more auxiliary power output ports, wherein the one or more auxiliary power output ports receive power at the first regulated voltage via the voltage regulator.

17. The height-adjustable working space according to claim 16, wherein, The one or more auxiliary power output ports are configured to output a second regulated voltage.

18. The height-adjustable work space according to claim 16, wherein, The one or more auxiliary power output ports include USB - C ports.

19. The height - adjustable workspace according to claim 15, further comprising a safety disconnect device configured to disconnect the input power from the power distribution bus in response to detecting an adverse electrical condition.

20. The height-adjustable working space according to claim 15, wherein, The auxiliary power source is configured to supply auxiliary power to the power distribution bus in response to the input power being removed.

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