Multiple socket with integrated automatic transfer switch

Abstract

A system for distributing a first power from a first power source and a second power from a second power source to a plurality of devices, comprising: a first multiple socket (10) for receiving the first power from the first power source and for distributing the received first power, comprising: - an input (A) connectable to the first current source for receiving the first current, - one or more first outputs (13), - one or more second outputs (14) and - an automatic transfer switch (12) integrated into the first multiple socket (10), wherein the automatic transfer switch (12) comprises a first input (15) and a second input (16), and wherein: - the one or more second outputs (14) are connected to the inlet (A) independently of the automatic transfer switch (12) for receiving and outputting the first current, - the first input (15) of the automatic transfer switch (12) for receiving the first current is connected to the inlet (A), - the second input (16) of the automatic transfer switch (12) is connectable to a second power source for receiving a second current, and - the automatic transfer switch (12) automatically switches between the first input (15) and the second input (16) in order to connect the first input (15) or the second input (16) to the one or more first outputs (13) of the first multiple socket (10), wherein the system comprises a second multiple socket (20) for receiving the second power from the second power source, - wherein the second multiple socket (20) comprises an input (B) for receiving the second current and one or more third outputs (24) connected to the input (B) for outputting the second current, - wherein the second input (16) of the first multiple socket (10) for receiving the first current is connected to the second multiple socket (20) for receiving the second current.

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present application relates to an electrical distribution system. In particular, the present application relates to a multiple socket in a server cabinet that can accommodate a plurality of devices and distribute power to the devices accommodated. Technical background

[0002] Servers, network switches, telecommunications equipment, and other electronic devices are typically used in computer rooms and data centers of various sizes. A server cabinet is often used to supply power to the devices and distribute power to them. Various methods, such as using a power rail with taps and individual cables, are provided for transferring power to the server cabinet.

[0003] Once power is applied to the server rack, the power is split again and distributed through one or more power strips. For the purposes of this application, the term power strip is interchangeable with the term power distribution unit and represents a unit provided within a server rack or electrical distribution system for distributing power. Power strips can come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes depending on power demand, the number of outlets, and monitoring and circuit breaker requirements. Typically, a server rack is provided with two power strips, one for each respective power feed. Higher-density racks may contain more than two power strips.Although most server racks have two power strips for two power supplies, it's not necessary to provide all devices in the server rack with dual power supplies. For example, one device can be connected to only one power strip for a single power supply. In this case, the device will lose power if the power supply to the single power strip to which the device is connected fails. This creates the problem that devices with a single power supply can easily lose power.

[0004] The conventional art provides an automatic transfer switch to prevent the aforementioned problem of a single-power-supply device. Generally, an automatic transfer switch includes two inputs, each connected to a corresponding power source, and is capable of automatically switching between the two inputs. The automatic transfer switch is located in front of the single-power-supply devices and can provide one or more outputs to be connected to the single-power-supply devices. By switching between the two inputs, the automatic transfer switch ensures that if one of the two inputs experiences a power failure, the connected single-power-supply devices continue to receive power from the remaining one of the two inputs.

[0005] US Patent No. 9,997,957 B2 discloses a socket with a first input and a second input. The socket includes multiple outlets and an integrated automatic transfer switch.

[0006] US 8 605 091 B2 discloses a sensor for monitoring each phase of the current.

[0007] In server cabinets, managing the internal space is of great importance in terms of increasing the density of the equipment and improving air cooling efficiency. In this regard, it should be noted that the conventional automatic transfer switch occupies valuable and limited cabinet space for accommodating equipment. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a method for efficiently arranging the automatic transfer switch and equipment in the server cabinet. Summary of the invention

[0008] In view of the above conventional problem, an object of the present application is to provide a system for improving the efficiency of a server cabinet by increasing the density of the contained devices and the air cooling efficiency. Therefore, the present application provides the following means for solving the problem.

[0009] A system for distributing a first stream and a second stream according to the present invention is provided in claim 1.

[0010] In another embodiment, the first input or the second input may be preset to be connected to the one or more first outlets of the power strip by the automatic transfer switch. The other of the first input or the second input is connected to the one or more first outlets of the power strip by the automatic transfer switch when there is a power failure of the power received by the preset first input or the second input.

[0011] The automatic transfer switch may further comprise a switching mechanism for automatically switching between the first input and the second input. The switching mechanism automatically switches to connect the other of the first input or the second input to the one or more first outlets of the power strip in response to the power failure of the first power supply.

[0012] In another embodiment, the power strip may further comprise a monitoring system. The monitoring system is powered by the first input and the second input and is configured to monitor the first current at the first input and the second current at the second input. The monitoring system may comprise a voltmeter or a current transformer for monitoring a voltage or current of the first input and the second input. Preferably, the monitoring system monitors a voltage at the first input and a voltage at the second input to determine whether a power failure has occurred. This allows the power failure to be detected even when there is no load at the first output.

[0013] The monitoring system may continue to be powered by the first input or the second input when a voltage at the other of the first input or the second input is no longer detected by the monitoring system. The monitoring system may further be configured to provide an indication when a voltage at the first input or a voltage at the second input is no longer detected by the monitoring system. The indication may indicate a failure of the first power when the voltage at the first input is no longer detected by the monitoring system, or the indication may indicate a failure of the second power when the voltage at the second input is no longer detected by the monitoring system.

[0014] By using both the first and second inputs to power the monitoring system, the monitoring system can continue to receive power even if there is a power failure in either the first or second power source. The power strip can thus continue to monitor the first and second inputs without providing an additional power source to the monitoring system.

[0015] In another embodiment, the power strip may further comprise a connector. The connector is connected to the power strip's inlet, the second input of the automatic transfer switch, and, if a monitoring system is provided, the monitoring system. The second input of the automatic transfer switch is connectable to the second power source via the connector. Preferably, the connector is a locking connector capable of creating a secure connection between the second input of the automatic transfer switch and the second power source.

[0016] By integrating the automatic transfer switch into the power strip, the power strip is capable of supplying power to single-powered devices simply by connecting them to the first outlets of the power strip. It is not necessary to provide both an automatic transfer device and power strips for each single-powered device. Furthermore, the automatic transfer device, which typically occupies valuable space, does not need to be located between the power strip and the second power source, where devices are typically housed in a server rack. The power strip thus allows for efficient device arrangement within the server rack, improving the density of the installed devices and air cooling efficiency.

[0017] In another embodiment of the system, the first power strip for receiving the first current comprises a first connector connected to the inlet of the first power strip, and the second power strip for receiving the second current comprises a second connector connected to the inlet of the second power strip. The first connector connects the second input of the automatic transfer switch of the first power strip to the second connector of the second power strip. This forms a connection between the first power strip and the second power strip for supplying the second current to the automatic transfer switch of the first power strip. Preferably, one of the first connector and the second connector is a locking connector capable of establishing a secure connection.Furthermore, it is preferred if both the first connector and the second connector are locking connectors capable of establishing secure connections.

[0018] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for distributing a first power from a first power source and a second power from a second power source to a plurality of devices. The method comprises providing a power strip as described above according to the present invention. The method further comprises connecting the inlet of the power strip to a first power source and connecting the second input to a second power source. The method further comprises switching the automatic transfer switch to connect the first input or the second input to the one or more first outputs of the power strip.

[0019] In another embodiment of the present invention, the method may include presetting and connecting the first input or the second input to the one or more first outlets of the power strip. The method further includes switching the automatic transfer switch to connect the other of the first input or the second input to the one or more first outlets of the power strip when there is a power failure of the first or second power received by the preset first input or the second input.

[0020] Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a study of the drawings, detailed description and claims which follow. Brief description of the drawings Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a multiple socket. Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a system that implements the Fig. 1 includes the multiple socket shown. Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a power strip and system. Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of another embodiment of a multiple socket outlet. Fig. Figure 5 is a schematic representation of another embodiment of a system that implements the Fig. 4 includes the multiple socket shown. Detailed description

[0021] The embodiments are described in more detail with reference to the schematic representations shown in the figures. It is understood that no limitation of the present invention to the specifically disclosed structural embodiments and methods is intended. Preferred embodiments are described to illustrate the present invention and not to limit its scope as defined by the claims.

[0022] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a power strip 10 according to the present invention. The power strip 10 is used as a first power strip 10 in an electrical distribution system. The first power strip 10 comprises an inlet A for receiving a first current from a first power source. The inlet A may, for example, be connected to a cable and a busbar provided to conduct the first current to the server cabinet. The first power strip 10 may be a power distribution unit with two types of outlets, the first outlets 13 and the second outlets 14. The second outlets 14 are connected to the inlet A of the first power strip 10. The second outlets 14 are thus capable of supplying the first current received by the first power strip 10 to connected devices.

[0023] In Fig. 1, the first outlets 13 comprise three outlets 13-1, 13-2, 13-3, and the second outlets 14 comprise more than three outlets 14-1 to 14-N. However, the number of first outlets 13 and the number of second outlets 14 are purely examples. There may also be only one first outlet 13, two first outlets 13, or more than three first outlets 13 in the first multiple socket 10. Likewise, there may be only one second outlet 14 in the first multiple socket 10. The number of first outlets 13 and the number of second outlets 14 can be modified according to the design of the server cabinet and the devices accommodated therein. For example, a server cabinet typically only contains a few devices with a single power supply. Therefore, the number of first outlets 13 may be fewer than the number of second outlets 14.

[0024] The first multiple socket 10 is further equipped with an automatic transfer switch 12 integrated into the first multiple socket 10. The automatic transfer switch 12 has a first input 15 and a second input 16. The first input 15 is connected to inlet A of the first multiple socket 10 to receive the first current. The second input 16 is connectable to a second power source via a connecting cable 30. An automatic transfer switch 12 may comprise an electrically operated switch, such as a solid-state relay and an electromagnetic latching relay, or a mechanically operated switch. The automatic transfer switch 12 is configured to switch between the first input 15 and the second input 16 to connect the first input 15 or the second input 16 to the first outputs 13 of the first multiple socket 10.As an example, the automatic transfer switch 12 may perform the switching in response to a power failure of the first power or the second power. As another example, the automatic transfer switch 12 may perform the switching in response to a signal indicating a power failure of the first power or the second power. This enables the first outputs 13 to receive power via the automatic transfer switch 12 from either the first input 15 or the second input 16.

[0025] As an example of switching between the first input 15 and the second input 16, the first input 15 can be preset as the primary input and connected to the first outputs 13. The first outputs 13 therefore receive the first power from the first input 15 and are capable of supplying the first power to connected devices. If there is a power failure of the first power, the automatic transfer switch 12 automatically switches to connect the second input 16 to the first outputs 13. In this case, the first outputs 13 are capable of supplying the second power received via the connecting cable 30 to the connected devices. As another example, the second input 16 can be preset by the automatic transfer switch 12 as the primary input to be connected to the first outputs 13.The first input 15 thus serves as a secondary input and is connected to the first outputs 13 when there is a power failure of the second power.

[0026] With the multiple socket 10 described above, a device equipped with a dual power supply can be powered through the second outlets 14 of the first multiple socket 10 and another power source. On the other hand, if a device equipped with a single power supply is provided, it can be powered through the first outlets 13 of the first multiple socket. In this case, depending on the setting of the automatic transfer switch 12, the device equipped with a single power supply can receive the first power or the second power as the primary power and the other of the first power or the second power as the secondary power. If there is a power failure of the primary power, the automatic transfer switch 12 automatically switches to supply the secondary power to the device equipped with a single power supply.As a result, the single-powered device continues to receive power even if a power source fails. The power strip 10 according to the present invention is thus capable of supplying power to both single-powered and multiple-powered devices.

[0027] Specifically, by integrating the automatic transfer switch 12 into the first power strip 10, the power strip 10 is capable of supplying power to the single-power devices simply by connecting them to the first outlets 13 of the first power strip 10. This eliminates the need to provide the automatic transfer device, which typically occupies valuable space, at a position between the power strip and the second power source where the devices are typically housed in a server cabinet. Furthermore, it is unnecessary to provide both an automatic transfer device and power strips for each single-power device. Therefore, the power strip according to the present invention enables the devices to be efficiently arranged in the server cabinet, thereby improving the density of the devices housed and the air cooling efficiency.By integrating an automatic transfer switch 12 into a multiple socket outlet 10, the automatic transfer switch 12 and the multiple socket outlet 10 are formed in a single housing. The automatic transfer switch 12 can be integrated into the multiple socket outlet 10, for example, by screwing, clamping, gluing, molding, or equivalent integration methods.

[0028] Fig. Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a system that implements the methods described above with respect to Fig. 1 described multiple socket. The Fig. The system shown in Figure 2 further includes a second multiple socket 20 for receiving a second current. The first multiple socket 10 and the second multiple socket 20 are typically housed in a server cabinet (not shown). Nevertheless, the first multiple socket 10 and the second multiple socket 20 can also be arranged outside of a server cabinet. Fig. In Figure 2, the first multiple socket 10 and the second multiple socket 20 are shown vertically. However, the first multiple socket 10 and the second multiple socket 20 can also be arranged differently, for example horizontally, in a server cabinet.

[0029] At the Fig. 2, the second multiple socket 20 corresponds to a conventional multiple socket. The second multiple socket 20 includes outlets 24 connected to the inlet B for outputting the current received by the second multiple socket 20. Referring to the first multiple socket 10 in Fig. 2, the second output 16 of the automatic transfer switch 12 is connected to the inlet B of the second power strip 20 and thereby receives the second current. Through the first power strip 10 and the second power strip 20, the system is capable of distributing the first current and the second current to both single-powered and multiple-powered devices.

[0030] To power a single-supply device, the single-supply device can simply be connected to the first outlets 13 of the multiple socket 10. It is not necessary to install an automatic transfer switch at a position between the two multiple sockets, where the single-supply devices are usually located. Therefore, the system is Fig. 2 capable of avoiding interference in the valuable and limited cabinet space in which equipment is housed.

[0031] Fig. Figure 3 shows another embodiment of a system and a multiple socket according to the present invention. For simplicity, like elements are provided with the same reference numerals as in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 are used.

[0032] Similar to the embodiment of Fig. 1 comprises the multiple socket 10 according to the embodiment of Fig. 3 first outlets 13, second outlets 14 and an automatic transfer switch 12 and can be used as the first multiple socket in an electrical distribution system. The multiple socket 10 according to the embodiment of Fig. 3 differs from the embodiment of Fig. 1, that the multiple socket 10 further comprises a monitoring system 17.

[0033] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the monitoring system 17 is connected to the first input 15 and the second input 16 of the power strip 10. The first input 15 is connected to inlet A of the first power strip 10, and the second input 16 is connectable to inlet B of the second power strip 20. Thus, the monitoring system 17 can be powered by the first power source at the first input 15 and by the second power source at the second input 16.

[0034] The monitoring system 17 may include a voltmeter for measuring a voltage at the first input 15 and a voltage at the second input 16. The monitoring system 17 may also include or be connected to a device, such as a current transformer, for measuring a current at the first input 15 and a current at the second input 16. By measuring a current or a voltage at the first input 15 and second input 16, the monitoring system 17 can decide whether a power failure has occurred. Preferably, the monitoring system 17 decides that a power failure has occurred when a voltage at the first input 15 or a voltage at the second input 16 is no longer detected by the monitoring system 17. This allows the power failure to be detected even when there is no load at the first output 13. The monitoring system 17 is further configured to provide a notification when a power failure is detected.As an example, the monitoring system 17 provides a message indicating a failure of the first current when a voltage at the first input 15 is no longer detected, and provides a message indicating a failure of the second current when a voltage at the second input 16 is no longer detected. In addition to measuring a voltage or current at the first input 15 and second input 16, the monitoring system 17 may also be configured to measure a voltage, current, temperature, or other physical / electrical properties at the second outputs 14, individual second outputs 14-1 through 14-N, inlet A, or another location of the system.

[0035] As explained above, the monitoring system 17 can be powered by the first input 15 and the second input 16. The monitoring system 17 can thus continue to be powered by the second input 16 if a power failure occurs at the first input 15. If a power failure occurs at the second input 16, the monitoring system 17 can also continue to be powered by the first input 15. For example, if a voltage is no longer detected at the second input 16, the monitoring system 17 can still be powered by the first current at the first input 15 and continue to monitor the current at the first input 15 and the current at the second input 16.As a result, the monitoring system 17 can continue to be supplied with power even if there is a power failure in the first power source or the second power source, and the multiple socket 10 does not require an additional power source for the monitoring system 17.

[0036] Fig. Figure 4 shows another embodiment of a multiple socket according to the present invention. As described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 described multiple sockets includes the multiple socket of Fig. 4 first outlets 13, second outlets 14 and an automatic transfer switch 12 and can be used as the first multiple socket in an electrical distribution system. For simplicity, the same elements are provided with the same reference numerals as in Fig. 3 are used. The multiple socket 10 according to the embodiment of Fig. 4 differs from the embodiment of Fig. 3, that the multiple socket 10 further comprises a locking connector 18.

[0037] As in Fig. 4, the locking connector 18 is connected to the monitoring system 17 and the second input 16 of the automatic transfer switch 12. In the Fig. In the embodiment of a multiple socket shown in Figure 4, the locking connector 18 is connectable to a second power source via a connecting cable 30. The locking connector 18 is thus capable of forming a secure connection between the multiple socket 10 and the second power source.

[0038] Fig. Figure 5 shows another embodiment of a system according to the present invention, which includes the system described with reference to Fig. 4. For the sake of simplicity, identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals as in Fig. 4 are used.

[0039] The Fig. The system shown in Figure 5 also includes a second multiple socket 20. The second multiple socket 20 in Fig. 5 is further equipped with a locking connector 28 connected to the inlet B for receiving the second stream. The system in Fig. 5 connects the locking connector 18 of the first multiple socket 10 to the locking connector 28 of the second multiple socket 20. As a result, the second input 16 of the automatic transfer switch and the monitoring system 17 are provided with a secure connection to the second multiple socket 20 and thus with a second power source for receiving a second current.

[0040] A method for supplying power to a plurality of devices according to the present invention comprises providing a multiple socket outlet as described above. The method comprises connecting the first input 15 to inlet A of the multiple socket outlet 10 for receiving a first current and connecting the second input 16 to a second power source. The method further comprises switching the automatic transfer switch 12 to connect the first input 15 or the second input 16 to the first outputs 13.In another embodiment, the method includes a step of presetting and connecting one of the first input 15 and the second input 16 to the first outputs 13, and a step of switching the automatic transfer switch 12 to connect the other of the first input 15 and the second input 16 to the first outputs 13 when there is a power failure at the preset first input 15 or the second input 16. In yet another embodiment, the method further includes a step of monitoring the current at the first input 15 and the current at the second input 16, and a step of providing an indication when a voltage at the first input 15 or a voltage at the second input 16 is no longer detected.

[0041] Although the present invention is disclosed by reference to the preferred embodiments and examples described in detail above, it should be understood that these examples are intended to serve an illustrative rather than a limiting purpose. For example, the orientations of the power strips shown in the figures are exemplary. The power strips can also be arranged in a different orientation, such as vertically, within the system. Furthermore, the positions of the power strips and the system are not limited. Although the power strips and the system are normally housed within a server cabinet, they can also be arranged at least partially outside the server cabinet. Furthermore, combinations between all the individual embodiments in the text are also possible.It will be apparent that the present invention may be varied in many ways within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

[1] A system for distributing a first power from a first power source and a second power from a second power source to a plurality of devices, comprising: a first multiple socket (10) for receiving the first power from the first power source and for distributing the received first power, comprising: - an input (A) connectable to the first current source for receiving the first current, - one or more first outputs (13), - one or more second outputs (14) and - an automatic transfer switch (12) integrated into the first multiple socket (10), wherein the automatic transfer switch (12) comprises a first input (15) and a second input (16), and wherein: - the one or more second outputs (14) are connected to the inlet (A) independently of the automatic transfer switch (12) for receiving and outputting the first current, - the first input (15) of the automatic transfer switch (12) for receiving the first current is connected to the inlet (A), - the second input (16) of the automatic transfer switch (12) is connectable to a second power source for receiving a second current, and - the automatic transfer switch (12) automatically switches between the first input (15) and the second input (16) in order to connect the first input (15) or the second input (16) to the one or more first outputs (13) of the first multiple socket (10), wherein the system comprises a second multiple socket (20) for receiving the second power from the second power source, - wherein the second multiple socket (20) comprises an input (B) for receiving the second current and one or more third outputs (24) connected to the input (B) for outputting the second current, - wherein the second input (16) of the first multiple socket (10) for receiving the first current is connected to the second multiple socket (20) for receiving the second current. [2] System according to claim 1, wherein - the first input (15) or the second input (16) is preset to be connected by the automatic transfer switch (12) to the one or more first outputs (13) of the first multiple socket (10), and - the other of the first input (15) or second input (16) is connected to the one or more first outputs (13) of the first multiple socket (10) by the automatic transfer switch (12) when there is a power failure of the first or second current received by the preset first input (15) or second input (16). [3] The system of claim 2, wherein the automatic transfer switch (12) comprises a switching mechanism for automatically switching between the first and second inputs (15, 16), the switching mechanism automatically switching to connect the other of the first input (15) or second input (16) to the one or more first outputs (13) of the first multiple socket outlet (10) in response to the power failure of the first or second power received by the preset first input (15) or second input (16). [4] The system of any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a connector (18) connected to the second input (16) of the automatic transfer switch (12), wherein the second input (16) of the automatic transfer switch (12) is connectable to the second power source via the connector (18), and wherein the connector (18) is a locking connector (18). [5] The system of any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a monitoring system (17) connected to and powered by the first input (15) and the second input (16), the monitoring system (17) being configured to monitor the first current at the first input (15) and the second current at the second input (16). [6] The system of claim 5, wherein the monitoring system (17) continues to be powered by the first input (15) when there is a power failure of the second power, and continues to be powered by the second input (16) when there is a power failure of the first power. [7] A system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the monitoring system (17) is arranged to provide a message when a voltage at the first input (15) or a voltage at the second input (16) is no longer detected by the monitoring system (17), and wherein: - the message indicates a failure of the first current when the voltage at the first input (15) is no longer detected by the monitoring system (17), or - the message indicates a failure of the second current when the voltage at the second input (16) is no longer detected by the monitoring system (17). [8] The system of any one of claims 5 to 7, further comprising a connector (18) connected to the second input (16) of the automatic transfer switch (12) and the monitoring system (17), wherein the second input (16) of the automatic transfer switch (12) is connectable to the second power source via the connector (18), and wherein the connector (18) is a locking connector (18). [9] System according to claim 1 to 8, wherein the first multiple socket (10) for receiving the first current comprises a first connector (18) and the second multiple socket (20) for receiving the second current comprises a second connector (28), - wherein the first connector (18) connects the second input (16) of the first multiple socket (10) for receiving the first current to the second locking connector (28), and - wherein the second connector (28) for receiving the second current is connected to the input (B) of the second multiple socket (20), and wherein the first connector (18) and the second connector (28) are locking connectors.

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