Pairing mechanism for UPS

Abstract

The invention relates to a pairing mechanism of UPSs. The power system includes a lever bar configured to move between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the lever bar is configured to enable the power system to mate with a first type of replacement battery cartridge, with a first type of external battery connector, block a second type of replacement battery cartridge, and block a second type of external battery connector. In the second position, the lever bar is configured to enable the power system to mate with the replacement battery cartridge of the second type, mate with the external battery connector of the second type, block the replacement battery cartridge of the first type, and block the external battery connector of the first type.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), and more specifically to mechanisms configured to ensure the correct type of battery is installed in a UPS. Background Technology

[0002] Lithium-ion batteries are increasingly used in power systems, including UPS systems, due to their numerous advantages over conventional lead-acid batteries. Lithium-ion batteries offer smaller size, higher power density, longer lifespan, and faster recharging; however, the high initial setup cost remains a concern from an initial investment perspective, deterring many customers from adopting lithium-ion batteries as their power solution. There is a need for power systems, including UPS systems, that are compatible with both lithium-ion and lead-acid battery packs. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One aspect of this disclosure relates to an electrical system including a lever bar configured to move between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the lever bar is configured to enable the electrical system to engage with a first-type replacement battery box and a first-type external battery connector, blocking a second-type replacement battery box and blocking the second-type external battery connector. In the second position, the lever bar is configured to enable the electrical system to engage with a second-type replacement battery box and a second-type external battery connector, blocking a first-type replacement battery box and blocking the first-type external battery connector.

[0004] Embodiments of the power system may further include a first type of battery connector and a second type of battery connector, the first type of battery connector being configured to connect to a first type of replacement battery box, and the second type of battery connector being configured to connect to a second type of replacement battery box. The power system may also include a first stop element associated with the first type of replacement battery box and a second stop element associated with the second type of replacement battery box. The first stop element may be configured to engage the second type of battery connector to prevent connection between the first type of replacement battery box and the second type of battery connector, and the second stop element may be configured to engage the first type of battery connector to prevent connection between the second type of replacement battery box and the first type of battery connector. The first type of battery connector may include a first member positioned to engage the second stop element to prevent connection between the first type of replacement battery box and the second type of battery connector, and the second type of battery connector may include at least one second member positioned to engage the first stop element to prevent connection between the second type of replacement battery box and the first type of battery connector. The power system may also include a housing configured to support a lever bar. The lever bar may be coupled to the housing to enable the lever bar to reach a first position and a second position. The housing may include a receiving slot configured to receive either a first-type or a second-type replacement battery box. The power system may also include a first-type battery connector coupled to the housing. The first-type battery connector is configured to engage with the first-type replacement battery box when it is fully inserted into the receiving slot. The power system may also include a second-type battery connector coupled to the housing. The second-type battery connector is configured to engage with the second-type replacement battery box when it is fully inserted into the receiving slot. The lever bar may include a tab portion configured to be gripped to move the lever bar between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the lever bar may be configured to actuate an external battery connector to engage with the first-type external battery connector and block the second-type external battery connector. In the second position, the lever bar may be configured to actuate an external battery connector to engage with the second-type external battery connector and block the first-type external battery connector. The power system may also include a spring configured to bias the lever bar into the first or second position. The first type of replacement battery box may include a lead-acid battery, and the external battery connected to the first type of external battery connector may include a lead-acid battery. The second type of replacement battery box may include a lithium-ion battery, and the external battery connected to the second type of external battery connector may include a lithium-ion battery.

[0005] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a method of connecting a type of replacement battery box and a type of external battery within a power system. In one embodiment, the method includes selecting one of a first position or a second position of a lever bar of the power system. In the first position, the power system is configured to engage with a first type of replacement battery box, engage with a first type of external battery connector, block a second type of replacement battery box, and block the second type of external battery connector. In the second position, the power system is configured to engage with a second type of replacement battery box, engage with a second type of external battery connector, block the first type of replacement battery box, and block the first type of external battery connector.

[0006] Embodiments of the method may further include connecting a first-type battery connector to a first-type replacement battery case and connecting a second-type battery connector to a second-type replacement battery case. The method may also include engaging a first stop associated with the first-type replacement battery case with the second-type battery connector to prevent connection between the first-type replacement battery case and the second-type battery connector, and engaging a second stop associated with the second-type replacement battery case with the first-type battery connector to prevent connection between the second-type replacement battery case and the first-type battery connector. The method may further include positioning a first member of the first-type battery connector to engage the second stop to prevent connection between the first-type replacement battery case and the second-type battery connector, and positioning a second member of the second-type battery connector to engage the first stop to prevent connection between the second-type replacement battery case and the first-type battery connector. A lever bar may be supported by a housing. The lever bar may be coupled to the housing to allow the lever bar to reach a first position and a second position. The housing may include a receiving slot configured to receive either a first-type replacement battery case or a second-type replacement battery case therein. The method may further include coupling the first-type battery connector to the housing. A first-type battery connector may be configured to mate with a first-type replacement battery case when the first-type replacement battery case is fully inserted into the receiving slot. The method may further include coupling a second-type battery connector to the housing. The second-type battery connector may be configured to mate with a second-type replacement battery case when the second-type replacement battery case is fully inserted into the receiving slot. A lever bar may include a tab portion configured to be gripped to move the lever bar between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the lever bar may be configured to actuate a mating external battery connector to mate with a first-type external battery connector and block a second-type external battery connector. In the second position, the lever bar may be configured to actuate a mating external battery connector to mate with a second-type external battery connector and block a first-type external battery connector. The method may further include biasing the lever bar with a spring in the first or second position. The first-type replacement battery case may include a lead-acid battery, and the external battery connected to the first-type external battery connector may include a lead-acid battery. The second-type replacement battery case may include a lithium-ion battery, and the external battery connected to the second-type external battery connector may include a lithium-ion battery. Attached Figure Description

[0007] The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical component shown in the various figures is indicated by the same reference numerals. For clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing. In the drawings:

[0008] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of the power system and two types of replacement battery boxes, namely lead-acid replacement battery box and lithium-ion replacement battery box;

[0009] Figure 2 This is a front perspective view of the power system and external batteries;

[0010] Figure 3 It is a top plan view of the power system, in which the top has been removed to expose the components of the power system supported by the casing;

[0011] Figure 4A This is a perspective view of the lead-acid battery replacement box;

[0012] Figure 4B Perspective view of the replacement battery box for lithium-ion batteries;

[0013] Figure 5A This is a plan view of the external battery connector used for lead-acid external batteries;

[0014] Figure 5B This is a plan view of the external battery connector used for lithium-ion external batteries;

[0015] Figure 6A This is a front view of a part of an electrical system, showing the mating battery connector for an external battery connector used for a lead-acid external battery.

[0016] Figure 6B This is a front view of a part of an electrical system, showing the mating battery connector for an external battery connector used for a lithium-ion external battery.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of a part of an electrical system, showing the external battery connector for a lead-acid external battery before it is connected to its corresponding mating battery connector.

[0018] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of a part of an electrical system, showing the external battery connector for a lithium-ion external battery before it is connected to its corresponding mating battery connector.

[0019] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of a part of an electrical system, showing a lead-acid replacement battery box inserted into the housing of the electrical system, with the lever bar shown in the first position;

[0020] Figure 10 A perspective view of a portion of an electrical system shows a lithium-ion replacement battery box inserted into the housing of the electrical system, with the lever bar shown in a second position;

[0021] Figure 11AThis is an exploded perspective view showing a lever bar that includes a stop, a horizontal lever arm, and an external knob or position indicator for operator contact.

[0022] Figure 11B This is a perspective view showing the lever bars within an electrical system;

[0023] Figure 12A This is a front view showing the torsion spring that biases the lever bar to the first position; and

[0024] Figure 12B This is a front view showing the torsion spring biasing the lever bar to the second position. Detailed Implementation

[0025] In one embodiment, a power system such as a UPS can be configured to receive a lithium-ion replacement battery box and connect to an external lithium-ion battery, or to receive a lead-acid battery box and connect to an external lead-acid battery. Aspects of this disclosure enable a UPS to be configured to connect to any type of battery, not just lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries. Furthermore, although a UPS has been shown and described herein, aspects of this disclosure can be applied to any type of power system, including but not limited to power strips and distribution units.

[0026] The application of this disclosure is not limited to the details of the construction and arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or shown in the accompanying drawings. The principles set forth in this disclosure can be provided in other embodiments and can be practiced or performed in various ways. Furthermore, the wording and terminology used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered limiting. The use of the terms “including,” “comprising,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” and variations thereof herein is intended to cover the items listed thereafter and their equivalents, as well as additional items. When particular dimensions, quantities, or orders of magnitude are provided, they should be considered in light of the specific embodiments referenced, as they can be scaled to accommodate other embodiments.

[0027] In one embodiment, the UPS is configured to connect to an external battery via an external battery connector. The UPS is also configured to receive a replacement battery box to provide backup power to the UPS. If the UPS is connected to a lithium-ion external battery, the replacement battery box must be a lithium-ion replacement battery box. Similarly, if the UPS is connected to a lead-acid external battery, the replacement battery box must be a lead-acid replacement battery box.

[0028] Embodiments of this disclosure relate to a mechanism configured to ensure that the battery compartment of a UPS is compatible with an external battery that supplies external power to the UPS.

[0029] In some embodiments, the power system includes a lever bar configured to select the type of replacement battery box or external battery connector being installed. The position of the lever bar determines the type of replacement battery box and external battery connector that can be connected to the power system.

[0030] Refer to the accompanying drawings and more specifically to... Figure 1 Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) are generally indicated by 10. As is well known, a UPS provides backup power to a load when the main power supply fails. UPS 10 provides instantaneous or near-instantaneous power to the load. UPS 10 receives power from an external source, such as mains power. In other embodiments, as will be described in more detail below, UPS 10 receives power from an external battery via an external battery connector configured to mate with a mating external battery connector associated with UPS 10. In the event of a power failure from the main power supply, UPS 10 may also be configured with internal batteries housed within UPS 10, sometimes referred to herein as battery packs or replacement battery boxes. Figure 1 Two replacement battery compartments are shown: a lead-acid replacement battery compartment (typically indicated by 12, sometimes referred to as a type 1 replacement battery compartment) and a lithium-ion replacement battery compartment (typically indicated by 14, sometimes referred to as a type 2 replacement battery compartment). Each replacement battery compartment 12, 14 is configured to be received within the UPS 10. The internal batteries can be easily connected to and disconnected from the UPS 10. The UPS 10 may also include integrated surge protection to protect the load from voltage spikes.

[0031] refer to Figure 2 The UPS 10 also includes an external battery 16 and an external battery connector 18. As described above, the external battery 16 is connected to the UPS 10 via the external battery connector 18 to provide power to the UPS in the event of a power failure from the mains power supply. As will be described in more detail below, in one embodiment, the external battery 16 may be a lead-acid external battery, and the external battery connector 18 may be specifically configured to connect the lead-acid external battery to a mating external battery connector of the UPS 10. In another embodiment, the external battery 16 may be a lithium-ion external battery, and the external battery connector 18 may be specifically configured to connect the lithium-ion external battery to a mating external battery connector of the UPS 10.

[0032] For further reference Figure 3The UPS 10 includes a housing generally indicated by 20, which has a front 22, a back 24, two sides 26 and 28, a top 30, and a bottom 32. As shown, the housing 20 is a rectangular cuboid structure, its shape and size adapted for fitting into a mounting slot, such as a mounting slot for an equipment rack. The interior of the housing 20 of the UPS 10 is configured to support the internal components of the UPS 10. As shown, the housing includes a receiving slot 34 accessible through the front 22 of the housing 20. The receiving slot 34 is configured to receive a battery compartment therein, such as a lead-acid replacement battery compartment 12 or a lithium-ion replacement battery compartment 14. As described above, Figure 1 Two types of replacement battery cases are shown: a lead-acid replacement battery case 12 and a lithium-ion replacement battery case 14. As shown, the replacement battery cases 12 and 14 are each shaped and sized to fit within the receiving slot 34 of the housing 20 of the UPS 10. The lead-acid replacement battery case 12 is a rechargeable battery that includes lead-acid battery cells configured to generate electricity. Similarly, the lithium-ion replacement battery case 14 is a rechargeable battery that includes lithium-ion battery cells configured to generate electricity.

[0033] The UPS 10 also includes a replacement battery compartment connector 36 configured to mate with either a lead-acid replacement battery compartment 12 or a lithium-ion replacement battery compartment 14. The replacement battery compartment connector 36 may be specifically configured to mate with its appropriate replacement battery compartment 12 or 14. The replacement battery compartment connector 36 is configured to detect the type of replacement battery compartment inserted into the receiving slot 34 of the housing 20. In one embodiment, the UPS 10 is configured to distinguish the type of replacement battery compartment by a signal transmitted via the replacement battery compartment connector 36. The UPS 10 also includes a mating external battery connector 38 configured to mate with an external battery connector (e.g., external battery connector 18 of external battery 16). As will be described in more detail below, the mating external battery connector 38 may be specifically configured to mate with its appropriate external battery connector. Similar to the replacement battery compartment connector 36, the mating external battery connector 38 is configured to distinguish the type of external battery. The manner in which the mating external battery connector 38 connects to an external battery will be described in more detail below.

[0034] As described above, it may be desirable to ensure that when the UPS 10 is connected to an external lead-acid battery, only the lead-acid replacement battery box 12 is inserted into the receiving slot 34 of the housing 20 to mate with the replacement battery box connector 36, or when the UPS 10 is connected to an external lithium-ion battery, only the lithium-ion replacement battery box 14 is inserted into the receiving slot 34 to mate with the replacement battery box connector 36. In one embodiment, the replacement battery boxes 12, 14 and the external battery are connected in parallel within the UPS 10. If different battery types are connected via the replacement battery boxes 12, 14 and the external battery, the different characteristics of the power supply can lead to incorrect charging and excessive power current, which can damage the UPS 10.

[0035] In one embodiment, the lead-acid replacement battery case 12 and the lithium-ion replacement battery case 14 are designed to have similar packaging while including different mechanical features to distinguish the battery types. Similarly, as will be described in more detail below, the external battery connectors 18, including lead-acid and lithium-ion external battery connectors, are designed to have different mechanical features to distinguish the battery types from each other.

[0036] refer to Figure 4A and Figure 4B , Figure 4A A lead-acid replacement battery case 12 is shown. As shown, the lead-acid replacement battery case 12 includes a cuboid body 40 with an end 42 including a mating connector 44 and a mating feature 46. The mating connector 44 is configured to be electrically (and mechanically) connected to a replacement battery case connector 36. In one embodiment, the replacement battery case connector 36 is implemented as a lead-acid battery connector coupled to a housing 20, wherein the mating connector 44 of the lead-acid replacement battery case 12 is configured to mate with the lead-acid replacement battery case connector when the lead-acid replacement battery case is fully inserted into the receiving slot. The mating feature 46 is implemented as a small opening located on the end 42 of the body 40 of the lead-acid replacement battery case 12 to receive a feature, such as a pin, independent of the replacement battery case connector 36. Specifically, this feature moves with a lever bar 80 when the operator manually sets up the UPS 10. The position of the mating feature 46 differs from the position of the mating feature of the lithium-ion replacement battery case 14 to prevent the lithium-ion replacement battery case from being accidentally inserted into the receiving slot 34 of the UPS 10. This arrangement ensures that when the lead-acid replacement battery box 12 is inserted into the receiving slot 34 of the housing 20 of the UPS 10, the mating feature 46 of the body 40 of the lead-acid replacement battery box 12 receives the feature of the replacement battery box connector 36, so that the lead-acid replacement battery box 12 can be fully received in the receiving slot 34, and the mating connector 44 fully engages the replacement battery box connector 36.

[0037] Similarly, the lithium-ion replacement battery case 14 includes a cuboid body 48 having an end 50 including a mating connector 52 and a mating feature 54. The mating connector 52 is configured to be electrically (and mechanically) connected to a replacement battery case connector 36. The mating feature 54 is implemented as a small opening positioned on the end 50 of the body 48 to receive features, such as pins, independent of the replacement battery case connector 36. Specifically, this feature moves with a lever bar 80 when the operator manually sets up the UPS 10. In one embodiment, the replacement battery case connector 36 is implemented as a lithium-ion battery connector coupled to the housing 20, wherein the mating connector 52 of the lithium-ion replacement battery case 14 is configured to mate with the lithium-ion replacement battery case connector when the lithium-ion replacement battery case is fully inserted into the receiving slot. The position of the mating feature 54 of the lithium-ion replacement battery case 14 differs from the position of the mating feature 46 of the lead-acid replacement battery case 12 to prevent the lead-acid replacement battery case 12 from being accidentally inserted into the receiving slot 34 of the housing 20 of the UPS 10. This arrangement ensures that when the lithium-ion replacement battery box 14 is inserted into the receiving slot 34 of the housing 20 of the UPS 10, the mating feature 54 of the body 48 of the lithium-ion replacement battery box 14 receives the feature of the replacement battery box connector 36, so that the lithium-ion replacement battery box 14 can be fully received in the receiving slot 34, and the mating connector 52 fully engages the replacement battery box connector 36.

[0038] refer to Figure 5A and Figure 5B , Figure 5A A lead-acid external battery connector 56 is shown, configured to connect a lead-acid external battery to a mating external battery connector 38 disposed in the housing 20 of the UPS 10, which will be described in more detail below. As shown, the lead-acid external battery connector 56 includes a first feature, such as a single pin 58, spaced a predetermined distance from the edge 60 of the connector 56. The first feature (e.g., pin 58) is configured to be received within a first mating feature of the mating external battery connector 38 of the housing 20 of the UPS 10.

[0039] Figure 5BA lithium-ion external battery connector 62 is shown, configured to connect a lithium-ion external battery to a mating external battery connector 38 disposed in the housing 20 of the UPS 10, which will be described in more detail below. As shown, the lithium-ion external battery connector 62 includes a second feature, such as two spaced-apart pins 64, 66, wherein pin 64 is spaced a predetermined distance from the edge 68 of the connector 62. The spacing between a first feature (e.g., pin 58) and the edge 60 of a lead-acid external battery connector 56 differs from the spacing between the second feature (e.g., pin 64) and the edge 68 of the lithium-ion external battery connector 62 to prevent the external battery connector from being connected to an incorrectly mating external battery connector. The second feature (e.g., pins 64, 66) is configured to be received within a second mating feature of the mating external battery connector 38 of the housing 20 of the UPS 10.

[0040] Except for providing pin 58 associated with lead-acid external battery connector 56 and pins 64, 66 associated with lithium-ion external battery connector 62, lead-acid external battery connector 56 and lithium-ion external battery connector 62 are substantially the same as each other.

[0041] refer to Figure 6A and Figure 6B An external battery connector 38 is disposed on the back 24 of the housing 20. The external battery connector 38 can be configured to implement a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the external battery connector 38 is configured to receive a lead-acid external battery connector 56. Figure 6A In the second configuration, the external battery connector 38 is configured to receive the lithium-ion external battery connector 62. Figure 6B A tab indicator 70 is provided to indicate to the operator whether the mating external battery connector 38 is in a first configuration (e.g., oriented toward the Lead-acid label) or a second configuration (e.g., oriented toward the Li-ion label). As will be described in more detail below, the tab indicator 70 is part of a lever bar designed to be movable by the operator to set the UPS 10 for lead-acid or lithium-ion replacement battery boxes 12, 14 and external batteries.

[0042] Figure 6A The first configuration of the mating external battery connector 38 shown includes a single opening 72, sometimes referred to as a first mating feature, which is positioned to receive a first feature of the lead-acid external battery connector 56, such as a single pin 58. Figure 6BThe second configuration of the mating external battery connector 38 shown includes two spaced-apart openings 74, 76, sometimes referred to as second mating features, which are positioned to receive second features of the lithium-ion external battery connector 62, such as two spaced-apart pins 64, 66. Therefore, when the mating external battery connector 38 is in the first configuration, the mating external battery connector 38 can only be connected to the lead-acid external battery connector 56 and is prohibited from being connected to the lithium-ion external battery connector 62. Figure 7 It is shown that in the first configuration, the lead-acid external battery connector 56 is received within the mating external battery connector 38. Furthermore, when the mating external battery connector 38 is in the second configuration, it can only be connected to the lithium-ion external battery connector 62 and is prohibited from being connected to the lead-acid external battery connector 56. Figure 8 A UPS10 setup for lead-acid replacement battery box 12 is shown, wherein the lithium-ion external battery connector 62 is prevented from being received within the mating external battery connector 38 in the first configuration.

[0043] refer to Figure 9 The UPS10 also includes a lever bar 80 configured to move between a first position and a second position. In one embodiment, the lever bar 80 includes a tab indicator 70, sometimes referred to as a tab portion, to enable an operator to grip the lever bar 80 to move it between the first and second positions. Figure 9 The lever bar 80 is shown in its first position. (See image.) Figure 6A and Figure 6B As best shown, a slot 82 is formed in the back surface 24 of the housing 20, allowing an operator to switch the tab indicator 70 of the lever bar 80 between a first position and a second position. In one embodiment, the end of the lever bar 80 is threaded and extends through the slot 82 formed in the back surface 24 of the housing, and the tab indicator 70 is threaded to the end of the lever bar 80. The lever bar 80 is allowed to move within the slot 82 between the first and second positions.

[0044] In the first position, the lever bar 80 is configured to enable the UPS 10 to 1) engage with a first type of replacement battery box (e.g., lead-acid replacement battery box 12), 2) engage with a first type of external battery connector (e.g., external battery connector 18 configured to connect to a lead-acid external battery), 3) block a second type of replacement battery box (e.g., lithium-ion replacement battery box 14), and 4) block a second type of external battery connector (e.g., external battery connector 18 configured to connect to a lithium-ion external battery). In the second position, the lever bar 80 is configured to enable the UPS 10 to 1) engage with a second type of replacement battery box (e.g., lithium-ion replacement battery box 14), 2) engage with a second type of external battery connector (e.g., external battery connector 18 configured to connect to a lithium-ion external battery), 3) block a first type of replacement battery box (e.g., lead-acid replacement battery box 12), and 4) block a first type of external battery connector (e.g., external battery connector 18 configured to connect to a lead-acid external battery).

[0045] like Figure 9 As shown, the lead-acid replacement battery box 12 is inserted into the receiving slot 34 of the housing 20 of the UPS 10. The lever bar 80 is switched to the first position so that the lead-acid replacement battery box 12 can be fully inserted into the receiving slot 34, allowing the mating connector 44 of the lead-acid replacement battery box 12 to be fully connected to the replacement battery box connector 36. Figure 10 As shown, when in the first position, the lever bar 80 prevents another type of replacement battery box (e.g., lithium-ion replacement battery box 14) from being inserted into the receiving slot 34 of the housing 20 of the UPS 10.

[0046] To facilitate preventing incorrect insertion of replacement battery cases into the receiving slot 34 of the UPS 10 housing 20, each replacement battery case 12, 14 includes a stop element 84 configured to engage a component of the replacement battery case connector 36. Specifically, the lead-acid replacement battery case 12 includes a first stop element located near its mating connector 44, and the lithium-ion replacement battery case 14 includes a second stop element also located near its mating connector 52. The first stop element of the lead-acid replacement battery case 12 is configured to engage a second component, such as pin 64, of the lithium-ion battery connector 62 to prevent connection between the lead-acid replacement battery case 12 and the lithium-ion battery connector. Similarly, the second stop element of the lithium-ion replacement battery case 14 is configured to engage a first component, such as pin 58, of the lead-acid battery connector 56 to prevent connection between the lithium-ion replacement battery case 14 and the lead-acid battery connector 56.

[0047] refer to Figure 12A and Figure 12BThe UPS10 also includes a spring, such as a torsion spring 86, to bias the lever bar 80 and its associated tab indicator 70 once the lever bar 80 has been moved to either the first or second position. In one embodiment, the torsion spring 86 includes a first end extending through a small opening in the rear face 24 and a second end engaging the lever bar 80. When the operator moves the lever bar 80 to the first position, the torsion spring 86 holds the lever bar 80 in the first position. Therefore, in order to move the lever bar 80 to the second position, the operator needs to overcome the bias of the torsion spring 86 to allow the lever bar 80 to move laterally. Once in the second position, the torsion spring 86 holds the lever bar 80 in the second position.

[0048] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a method for connecting a type of replacement battery box (e.g., lead-acid replacement battery box 12 or lithium-ion replacement battery box 14) and a type of external battery (e.g., a lead-acid external battery with a lead-acid external battery connector or a lithium-ion external battery with a lithium-ion external battery connector) within a power system such as a UPS 10. As described above, the method includes controlling a lever bar 80 to select one of a first position or a second position. When in the first position, the power system is configured to 1) engage with a first type of replacement battery box (e.g., lead-acid replacement battery box 12), 2) engage with a first type of external battery connector (e.g., external battery connector 18 configured to connect to a lead-acid external battery), 3) block a second type of replacement battery box (e.g., lithium-ion replacement battery box 14), and 4) block a second type of external battery connector (e.g., external battery connector 18 configured to connect to a lithium-ion battery). And when in the second position, the power system is configured to 5) engage with a second type of replacement battery box 14, 6) engage with a second type of external battery connector, 7) block a first type of replacement battery box 12, and 8) block a first type of external battery connector.

[0049] In some embodiments, the method further includes connecting a first type of battery connector to a first type of replacement battery box and a second type of battery connector to a second type of replacement battery box.

[0050] In some embodiments, the method further includes engaging a first stop element associated with a first type of replacement battery box with a second type of battery connector to prevent connection between the first type of replacement battery box and the second type of battery connector, and engaging a second stop element associated with a second type of replacement battery box with a first type of battery connector to prevent connection between the second type of replacement battery box and the first type of battery connector.

[0051] In some embodiments, the method further includes positioning a first component of a first type of battery connector to engage a second stop element to prevent connection between a first type of replacement battery case and a second type of battery connector, and positioning a second component of a second type of battery connector to engage a first stop element to prevent connection between a second type of replacement battery case and a first type of battery connector.

[0052] In some embodiments, the method further includes coupling a first type of battery connector to the housing, the first type of battery connector being configured to engage with a first type of replacement battery box when the first type of replacement battery box is fully inserted into the receiving slot, and coupling a second type of battery connector to the housing, the second type of battery connector being configured to engage with a second type of replacement battery box when the second type of replacement battery box is fully inserted into the receiving slot.

[0053] Various controllers can perform the various operations discussed herein. Using data stored in associated memory and / or storage devices, a controller can also execute one or more instructions stored on one or more non-transitory computer-readable media to produce processed data. In some examples, a controller may include one or more processors or other types of controllers. In one example, the controller is or includes a commercially available general-purpose processor. In another example, in addition to or instead of a general-purpose processor, the controller uses an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) customized to perform specific operations to perform at least a portion of the operations discussed above. As these examples illustrate, embodiments of the invention can use many specific combinations of hardware and software to perform the operations described herein, and the invention is not limited to any specific combination of hardware and software components.

[0054] Having described several aspects of at least one embodiment of this disclosure, it should be understood that various substitutions, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such substitutions, modifications, and improvements are intended to be part of this disclosure and are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings are merely exemplary.

Claims

1. An electric power system, comprising: A lever bar, configured to move between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the lever bar is configured to enable the power system to When used with the first type of replacement battery box, It mates with the first type of external battery connector. Blocking the second type of replacement battery box, and Blocking the second type of external battery connector, In the second position, the lever bar is configured to enable the power system to When used with the second type of replacement battery box, When used with the second type of external battery connector, Blocking the replacement battery box of the first type, and Blocks the external battery connector of the first type.

2. The power system according to claim 1, further comprising: A first type of battery connector, configured to connect to a first type of replacement battery case, and The second type of battery connector is configured to connect to the second type of replacement battery box.

3. The power system according to claim 2, further comprising: A first stop element, associated with a replacement battery box of the first type, and The second stop element is associated with the replacement battery box of the second type. Wherein, the first stop element is configured to engage the second type of battery connector to prevent connection between the first type of replacement battery box and the second type of battery connector, and the second stop element is configured to engage the first type of battery connector to prevent connection between the second type of replacement battery box and the first type of battery connector.

4. The power system according to claim 3, wherein, The first type of battery connector includes a first component positioned to engage a second stop element to prevent connection between the first type of replacement battery case and the second type of battery connector, and the second type of battery connector includes at least one second component positioned to engage the first stop element to prevent connection between the second type of replacement battery case and the first type of battery connector.

5. The power system of claim 1, further comprising a housing configured to support the lever bar.

6. The power system according to claim 5, wherein, The lever bar is connected to the housing so that the lever bar can reach the first position and the second position.

7. The power system according to claim 5, wherein, The housing includes a receiving slot configured to receive either a replacement battery box of the first type or a replacement battery box of the second type.

8. The power system according to claim 7, further comprising: A first type of battery connector, which is coupled to the housing, is configured to mate with the first type of replacement battery case when the first type of replacement battery case is fully inserted into the receiving slot. A second type of battery connector is attached to the housing and is configured to engage with the second type of replacement battery box when the second type of replacement battery box is fully inserted into the receiving slot.

9. The power system according to claim 1, wherein, The lever bar includes a tab portion configured to be gripped to move the lever bar between a first position and a second position.

10. The power system according to claim 1, in, In the first position, the lever bar is configured to actuate and engage with an external battery connector of the first type and block an external battery connector of the second type. In the second position, the lever bar is configured to manipulate the mating external battery connector to engage with the second type of external battery connector and block the first type of external battery connector.

11. The power system of claim 10, further comprising a spring configured to bias the lever bar at the first position or the second position.

12. The power system according to claim 1, wherein, The first type of replacement battery box includes lead-acid batteries. The external battery connected to the first type of external battery connector includes a lead-acid battery. The second type of replacement battery box includes lithium-ion batteries, and The external battery connected to the second type of external battery connector includes a lithium-ion battery.

13. A method for connecting a type of replacement battery box and a type of external battery within a power system, the method comprising: Select one of the first or second positions of the lever bar of the power system; When in the first position, the power system is configured to: When used with the first type of replacement battery box, It mates with the first type of external battery connector. Blocking the second type of replacement battery box, and Blocking the second type of external battery connector; and When in the second position, the power system is configured to: When used with the second type of replacement battery box, When used with the second type of external battery connector, Blocking the replacement battery box of the first type, and Blocks the external battery connector of the first type.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: Connect the first type of battery connector to the first type of replacement battery box, and Connect the second type of battery connector to the second type of replacement battery box.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: A first stop element associated with the first type of replacement battery box is engaged with the second type of battery connector to prevent connection between the first type of replacement battery box and the second type of battery connector; A second stop element associated with the second type of replacement battery box is engaged with the first type of battery connector to prevent connection between the second type of replacement battery box and the first type of battery connector.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: The first component of the first type of battery connector is positioned to engage the second stop element to prevent connection between the first type of replacement battery box and the second type of battery connector; The second component of the second type of battery connector is positioned to engage the first stop element to prevent connection between the second type of replacement battery box and the first type of battery connector.

17. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The lever bar is supported by the outer shell.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein, The lever bar is attached to the housing so that the lever bar can reach the first position and the second position.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein, The housing includes a receiving slot configured to receive either a replacement battery box of the first type or a replacement battery box of the second type.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: A first-type battery connector is attached to the housing, the first-type battery connector being configured to engage with the first-type replacement battery box when the first-type replacement battery box is fully inserted into the receiving slot; A second type of battery connector is attached to the housing, the second type of battery connector being configured to engage with the second type of replacement battery box when the second type of replacement battery box is fully inserted into the receiving slot.

21. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The lever bar includes a tab portion configured to be gripped to move the lever bar between a first position and a second position.

22. The method according to claim 13, in, In the first position, the lever bar is configured to actuate and engage with an external battery connector of the first type and block an external battery connector of the second type. In the second position, the lever bar is configured to manipulate the mating external battery connector to engage with the second type of external battery connector and block the first type of external battery connector.

23. The method of claim 13, further comprising biasing the lever bar at the first position or the second position with a spring.

24. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The first type of replacement battery box includes lead-acid batteries. The external battery connected to the first type of external battery connector includes a lead-acid battery. The second type of replacement battery box includes lithium-ion batteries, and The external battery connected to the second type of external battery connector includes a lithium-ion battery.

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