Uninterruptible power source and expanded unit

Abstract

To input a key code even if an external input device is not prepared.SOLUTION: The uninterruptible power source includes: a first battery; a first switch for a first function of the uninterruptible power source; a second switch for a second function of the uninterruptible power source; a switch unit for switching the first switch to a first input key of inputting a first letter when the first switch and the second switch are pressed with a first pressing pattern, and switching the second switch to a second input key of inputting a second letter; and a reception unit for receiving the input of a key code to permit discharge of the first battery by the first input key and the second input key.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an uninterruptible power supply and an extension unit. [Background technology]

[0002] Uninterruptible power supplies are used to protect electronic devices during power outages, etc. Some uninterruptible power supplies are capable of expanding the battery capacity by connecting an extension unit (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2001-093584 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] To ensure the safety and traceability of the battery, it is conceivable to prohibit discharging the uninterruptible power supply or the expansion unit until authentication using the key code is successful. However, uninterruptible power supplies are often not provided with keys for inputting letters and numbers. Therefore, to input the key code, an external input device such as a keyboard must be connected to the uninterruptible power supply, and the key code must be input from the input device. This method of inputting the key code requires the user to take the trouble of preparing an input device separate from the uninterruptible power supply.

[0005] One aspect of the disclosed technique is to provide an uninterruptible power supply and an add-on unit that allow a key code to be input without the need for an external input device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the disclosed technology is exemplified by the following uninterruptible power supply: The uninterruptible power supply includes a first battery, a first switch associated with a first function of the uninterruptible power supply, a second switch associated with a second function of the uninterruptible power supply, a switching unit that switches the first switch to a first input key for inputting a first character and switches the second switch to a second input key for inputting a second character when the first switch and the second switch are pressed in a first pressing pattern, and a receiving unit that receives input of a key code for permitting discharge of the first battery by the first input key and the second input key.

[0007] According to the uninterruptible power supply, a first switch related to a first function of the uninterruptible power supply and a second switch related to a second function of the uninterruptible power supply can be switched to a character input key to input a key code, so that a key code can be input without preparing an external input device. Here, the first switch may be a power key of the uninterruptible power supply. The uninterruptible power supply further includes an output unit that emits a sound when an abnormality is detected in at least one of the uninterruptible power supply and the expansion unit, and the second switch may be a stop key that stops the sound. The key code may be a string of numbers "0" and "1", the first character being the number "0", and the second character being the number "1".

[0008] The uninterruptible power supply may have the following characteristics: An input device is connected to the uninterruptible power supply, and the reception unit receives input of the key code from the input device as well. An uninterruptible power supply having such characteristics can also receive input of the key code from the input device. Therefore, the user can select a method of inputting the key code that is convenient for him / her.

[0009] The uninterruptible power supply may have the following feature: The reception unit receives an operation for permitting discharge of the battery for a predetermined time by pressing the first switch and the second switch in a second pressing pattern. An uninterruptible power supply having such a feature can avoid permanent release of the discharge of the battery by a key code, and can perform inspection of the uninterruptible power supply and the extension unit at the time of product shipment.

[0010] The uninterruptible power supply may have the following feature. An expansion unit having a built-in second battery is connected to the uninterruptible power supply, and the reception unit also receives input of a key code for permitting discharge of the second battery by the first input key and the second input key. With an uninterruptible power supply having such a feature, it is possible to realize input of a key code for permitting discharge of the second battery of the expansion unit without providing an external input device.

[0011] The above-described technology can also be understood from the aspect of an extension unit connected to an uninterruptible power supply. The extension unit includes a battery, a control unit for prohibiting discharge of the battery, a first switch related to a first function of the extension unit, a second switch related to a second function of the extension unit, and a switching unit for switching the first switch to a first input key for inputting a first character and switching the second switch to a second input key for inputting a second character when the first switch and the second switch are pressed in a first pressing pattern, and the control unit may receive an input of a key code for permitting discharge of the battery by the first input key and the second input key. With an extension unit having such characteristics, the first switch related to the first function of the extension unit and the second switch related to the second function of the extension unit can be switched to a character input key to input a key code, so that the key code can be input without preparing an external input device. Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the disclosed technology, a key code can be input without the need for an external input device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a first diagram showing an example of an uninterruptible power supply system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a second diagram showing an example of an uninterruptible power supply system according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the UPS main body. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an internal configuration of the extension unit. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a processing block of a control unit of the UPS main body. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing block of a control unit of the extension unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing flow of key code input by the UPS main body according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing block of a control unit included in an extension unit according to a first modified example. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a process flow of key code input by the add-on unit according to the first modified example. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an uninterruptible power supply system according to a second modified example. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a processing block of a control unit included in a UPS main body according to the second modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] <Application Examples> An application of the present invention will now be described. An uninterruptible power supply system 100 according to this application example includes a UPS main body 1 and expansion units 2A, 2B, and 2C, as shown in Fig. 1. The expansion units 2A, 2B, and 2C each have a battery 202 (see Fig. 4). By connecting the expansion units 2A, 2B, and 2C to the UPS main body 1, the battery capacity of the uninterruptible power supply system 100 increases.

[0015] Here, the battery 202 of the extension units 2A, 2B, and 2C is prohibited from discharging by the permission unit 211 (see FIG. 6) until a predetermined key code is input. Although the UPS main body 1 is provided with the power switch 131 and the alarm sound stop switch 132, no key for inputting characters is provided. In this application example, when the power switch 131 and the alarm sound stop switch 132 are pressed in a first pressing pattern, the switching unit 111 (see FIG. 5) switches the power switch 131 to a key for inputting a first character and switches the alarm sound stop switch 132 to a key for inputting a second character. In this application example, a key code is input using the power switch 131 and the alarm sound stop switch 132 switched by the switching unit 111. When the input key code matches the key code stored in the storage unit 212 (see FIG. 6), the permission unit 211 permits discharging of the battery 202. Therefore, according to this application example, the key code can be input without providing an external input device.

[0016] <Embodiment> Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Figures 1 and 2 are diagrams showing an example of an uninterruptible power supply system 100 according to an embodiment. Figure 1 illustrates an example of the appearance of the front side of the uninterruptible power supply system 100, and Figure 2 illustrates an example of the appearance of the rear side of the uninterruptible power supply system 100. The uninterruptible power supply system 100 comprises a UPS main body 1, an expansion unit 2A, an expansion unit 2B, and an expansion unit 2C. When there is no need to distinguish between the expansion units 2A, 2B, and 2C, they are also referred to as expansion units 2.

[0017] The uninterruptible power supply system 100 is a system that supplies power to electronic devices such as personal computers connected to an outlet 11 from batteries built into a UPS main unit 1 and an expansion unit 2 in the event of a failure such as a power outage in the commercial power supply.

[0018] The UPS main unit 1 is a module that supplies power to electronic devices and controls the extension unit 2. An operation panel 13 is disposed on the front side of the UPS main unit 1. The operation panel 13 includes a power switch 131, an alarm sound stop switch 132, an AC LED 133, a battery LED 134, and a warning LED 135.

[0019] The power switch 131 is a switch that switches the power supply of the UPS main body 1 on / off. By turning on the power supply of the UPS main body 1 with the power switch 131, it becomes possible to supply power from the batteries built into the UPS main body 1 and the expansion unit 2 to electronic devices connected to the outlet 11. The alarm sound stop switch 132 is a switch that stops an alarm sound that issues an alarm when some abnormality occurs in the UPS main body 1 and the expansion unit 2. The AC LED 133 is an LED that indicates the presence or absence of power supply from the commercial power source. The battery LED 134 is an LED that indicates the status of the batteries built into the UPS main body 1 and the expansion unit 2. The warning LED 135 is an LED that indicates an abnormality in the UPS main body 1 and the expansion unit 2.

[0020] Five outlets 11 and connection terminals 12 are arranged on the rear side of the UPS main unit 1. Although five outlets 11 are arranged in FIG. 2, there is no limitation on the number of outlets 11. For example, three outlets 11 may be arranged. The UPS main unit 1 provides power to electronic devices such as personal computers connected to the outlets 11 in the event of a power outage or the like in the commercial power supply. In the event of a failure in the power supply, power is supplied from a built-in battery. The extension unit 2 is connected to the connection terminal 12. The connection terminal 12 is, for example, a terminal that complies with RS485.

[0021] The extension unit 2 is a module that expands the battery capacity of the uninterruptible power supply system 100 by being connected to the UPS main body 1. An operation panel 23A is arranged on the front side of the extension unit 2A. The operation panel 23A includes an ID button 231A, a maintenance button 232A, an ID2 LED 234A, and a status LED 235A. Similarly, an operation panel 23B including an ID button 231B, a maintenance button 232B, an ID2 LED 234B, and a status LED 235B is arranged on the front side of the extension unit 2B. Furthermore, an operation panel 23C including an ID button 231C, a maintenance button 232C, an ID2 LED 234C, and a status LED 235C is arranged on the front side of the extension unit 2C. When the operation panels 23A, 23B, and 23C are not to be distinguished from one another, they are also referred to as operation panels 23. When the ID buttons 231A, 231B, and 231C are not differentiated from one another, they are also referred to as ID buttons 231. When the maintenance buttons 232A, 232B, and 232C are not differentiated from one another, they are also referred to as maintenance buttons 232. When the ID1 LEDs 233A, 233B, and 233C are not differentiated from one another, they are also referred to as ID1 LEDs 233. When the ID2 LEDs 234A, 234B, and 234C are not differentiated from one another, they are also referred to as ID2 LEDs 234. When the status LEDs 235A, 235B, and 235C are not differentiated from one another, they are also referred to as status LEDs 235.

[0022] The ID button 231 is a button for setting the ID of the expansion unit 2. The maintenance button 232 is a button for transitioning the expansion unit 2 to a maintenance mode. When the maintenance button 232 is pressed to transition to the maintenance mode, the expansion unit 2 sets the ID of the expansion unit 2 based on the number of times the ID button 231 is pressed. For example, when the ID button 231 is pressed once, the ID "1" is set, when the ID button 231 is pressed twice, the ID "2" is set, and when the ID button 231 is pressed three times, the ID "3" is set.

[0023] The ID1 LED 233 and the ID2 LED 234 are LEDs that indicate the ID set in the expansion unit 2. When the ID "1" is set in the expansion unit 2, the ID1 LED 233 lights up and the ID2 LED 234 turns off. When the ID "2" is set in the expansion unit 2, the ID1 LED 233 turns off and the ID2 LED 234 lights up. When the ID "3" is set in the expansion unit 2, both the ID1 LED 233 and the ID2 LED 234 light up. The status LED 235 lights up when an abnormality occurs in the expansion unit 2.

[0024] Connection terminals 21A and 22A are arranged on the rear side of extension unit 2A, connection terminals 21B and 22B are arranged on the rear side of extension unit 2B, and connection terminals 21C and 22C are arranged on the rear side of extension unit 2C. When there is no need to distinguish between connection terminals 21C and 22C, they are also referred to as connection terminals 21 and 22. Connection terminals 21 and 22 are, for example, terminals that comply with RS485.

[0025] The connection terminal 12 and the connection terminal 21A are connected by a cable 31. The connection terminal 22A and the connection terminal 21B are connected by a cable 32. The connection terminal 22B and the connection terminal 21C are connected by a cable 33. That is, the UPS main body 1 and the extension units 2A, 2B, and 2C are connected by a daisy chain. The cables 31, 32, and 33 are, for example, connection cables compliant with RS485.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the UPS main body 1. The UPS main body 1 includes a control unit 10. The UPS main unit 1 includes a power supply 102 and a battery 102. The control unit 101 includes a charging circuit that controls charging the battery 102 from a commercial power source, and a discharging circuit that controls power supply from the battery 102 to the electronic device. The control unit 101 also controls power supply to the electronic device from the battery 102 and a battery 202 (see FIG. 4) of the extension unit 2 connected via a connection terminal 12. The battery 102 is, for example, a lithium-ion battery. For safety reasons and to ensure traceability of the module, the discharge of the battery 102 is locked (prohibited) by the control unit 101 in the shipped state. The lock is released by the control unit 101 when a predetermined key code is input. The key code is issued, for example, when a user registers the UPS main unit 1 on a website of the manufacturer of the UPS main unit 1.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the expansion unit 2. The expansion unit 2 includes a control unit 201 and a battery 202. The control unit 201 includes a charging circuit that controls charging the battery 202 from a commercial power source, and a discharging circuit that controls power supply from the battery 202 to an electronic device. The control unit 201 controls discharging the battery 202 in response to an instruction from the control unit 101. The battery 202 is, for example, a lithium-ion battery. For safety reasons and to ensure traceability of the module, the discharge of the battery 202 is locked (prohibited) by the control unit 201 in the shipped state. The lock is released by the control unit 201 when a predetermined key code is input. The key code is issued, for example, when a user registers the expansion unit 2 on a website of the manufacturer of the expansion unit 2.

[0028] <Processing blocks of the control unit 101> 5 is a diagram showing an example of a processing block of the control unit 101 of the UPS main body 1. The control unit 101 has a switching unit 111, a designation unit 112, a reception unit 113, and an alarm unit 114. The control unit 101 can be regarded as a computer including a processor and a memory. The control unit 101 realizes processing blocks such as the switching unit 111, the designation unit 112, the reception unit 113, and the alarm unit 114 by the processor executing a predetermined program.

[0029] The switching unit 111 switches between the initial mode and the character input mode by accepting a predetermined operation. In the initial mode, the power switch 131 functions as a key for switching the power on / off, and the alarm sound stop switch 132 functions as a key for stopping the alarm sound. In the character input mode, the power switch 131 is a key for inputting the number "0", and the alarm sound stop switch 132 is a key for inputting the number "1". An example of a predetermined operation for switching between the initial mode and the character input mode is an operation in which the power switch 131 and the alarm sound stop switch 132 are pressed simultaneously.

[0030] The designation unit 112 accepts the designation of the expansion unit 2 to be the target of key code input. The designation of the expansion unit 2 is performed, for example, by ID. Since the ID is input using the power switch 131 for inputting the number "0" and the alarm sound stop switch 132 for inputting the number "1", the ID is designated, for example, in binary. The IDs of the expansion units 2 indicated in binary are, for example, ID "1" is "01", ID "2" is "10", and ID "3" is "11". That is, when designating the expansion unit 2 with ID "2", the alarm sound stop switch 132 is pressed, and then the power switch 131 is pressed. Note that, when designating the UPS main body 1, for example, the ID of the UPS main body 1 is set to "00", and the ID "00" is designated by pressing the power switch 131 twice.

[0031] The reception unit 113 receives a key code input by the power switch 131 and the alarm sound stop switch 132 in the character input mode. The reception unit 113 transmits the received key code to the extension unit 2 specified by the specification unit 112 via the connection terminal 12. The reception unit 113 also receives a key code authentication result from the extension unit 2 that transmitted the key code and from the permission unit 116 described later, and displays the authentication result on the AC LED 133, the battery LED 134, and the like. Alternatively, the result may be displayed using the AC LED 133 and the battery LED 134 and the warning LED 135. For example, if the authentication is successful, the AC LED 133 and the battery LED 134 may be blinked at a predetermined interval, and if the authentication is unsuccessful, the warning LED 135 may be blinked at a predetermined interval.

[0032] The alarm unit 114 outputs an alarm sound when it detects an abnormality in at least one of the UPS main body 1 and the extension unit 2. The alarm sound output by the alarm unit 114 is stopped by pressing an alarm sound stop switch 132.

[0033] The storage unit 115 is a non-volatile storage unit. A key code is stored in the storage unit 115. The key code is represented by, for example, a 10-digit binary number (a string of the numbers "0" and "1"). The key code is stored in the storage unit 212 when the extension unit 2 is manufactured.

[0034] When the key code is accepted by the accepting unit 113, the permission unit 116 compares the accepted key code with the key code pre-stored in the storage unit 115. If the accepted key code matches the key code pre-stored in the storage unit 115, the permission unit 116 permits discharging of the battery 102 and notifies the accepting unit 113 of authentication success. If the accepted key code does not match the key code pre-stored in the storage unit 115, the permission unit 116 maintains the prohibition of discharging the battery 102 and notifies the accepting unit 113 of authentication failure.

[0035] 6 is a diagram showing an example of a processing block of the control unit 201 of the extension unit 2. The control unit 201 has an authorization unit 211 and a storage unit 212. The control unit 201 can be regarded as a computer including a processor and a memory. The control unit 201 realizes processing blocks such as the authorization unit 211 and the storage unit 212 by the processor executing a predetermined program.

[0036] The storage unit 212 is a non-volatile storage unit. A key code is stored in the storage unit 212. The key code is represented by, for example, a 10-digit numerical value in binary (a sequence of the numbers "0" and "1"). The key code is stored in the storage unit 212 during the manufacture of the expansion unit 2.

[0037] When the permission unit 211 receives the key code input from the reception unit 113 of the UPS main body 1 via the connection terminal 21A, it collates the received key code with the key code previously stored in the storage unit 212. When the received key code matches the key code previously stored in the storage unit 212, the permission unit 211 permits the discharge of the battery 202 and notifies the UPS main body 1 of the authentication success via the connection terminal 21A. Also, when the received key code does not match the key code previously stored in the storage unit 212, the permission unit 211 maintains the prohibition of discharging the battery 202 and notifies the UPS main body 1 of the authentication failure via the connection terminal 21A.

[0038] <Processing Flow of Key Code Input by UPS Main Body 1> FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a processing flow of key code input by the UPS main body 1 according to the embodiment. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 7, an example of the processing flow of key code input by the UPS main body 1 will be described.

[0039] In step S1, the switching unit 111 of the UPS main body 1 accepts the transition to the character input mode. In step S2, the specifying unit 112 of the UPS main body 1 accepts the specification of the UPS main body 1 or the expansion unit 2 for which the key code is to be input. The specification of the UPS main body 1 and the expansion unit 2 is performed by designating the ID by key input using the power switch 131 and the alarm sound stop switch 132.

[0040] In step S3, the reception unit 113 of the UPS main body 1 accepts the key code input using the power switch 131 and the alarm sound stop switch 132. When the expansion unit 2 is specified in step S2, the reception unit 113 transmits the received key code to the expansion unit 2 specified in step S2.

[0041] In step S4, authentication is performed using a key code. When the UPS main body 1 is designated in step S2, the permission unit 116 of the UPS main body 1 compares the key code accepted in step S3 with the key code pre-stored in the storage unit 115. When the accepted key code matches the key code pre-stored in the storage unit 115 ("success" in step S4), the process proceeds to step S5. When the accepted key code does not match the key code pre-stored in the storage unit 115 ("failure" in step S4), the process proceeds to step S6.

[0042] Furthermore, when the extension unit 2 is designated in step S2, the permission unit 211 of the extension unit 2 receives the key code transmitted in step S3. The permission unit 211 compares the received key code with the key code pre-stored in the storage unit 212. When the received key code matches the key code pre-stored in the storage unit 212 ("Success" in step S4), the process proceeds to step S5. When the received key code does not match the key code pre-stored in the storage unit 212 ("Fail" in step S4), the process proceeds to step S6.

[0043] In step S5, discharging is permitted. When the UPS main body 1 is designated in step S2, the permission unit 116 of the UPS main body 1 permits discharging of the battery 102 and notifies the reception unit 113 of successful authentication. The reception unit 113, which has been notified of successful authentication, uses the AC LED 133, the battery LED 134, and the warning LED 135 to display the successful authentication.

[0044] Furthermore, when the extension unit 2 is specified in step S2, the permission unit 211 of the extension unit 2 permits discharging of the battery 202 and notifies the UPS main unit 1 of successful authentication. The reception unit 113 of the UPS main unit 1 that has been notified of successful authentication displays an indication of successful authentication using the AC LED 133, the battery LED 134, and the warning LED 135.

[0045] In step S6, the authentication failure is notified. When the UPS main body 1 is designated in step S2, the permission unit 116 of the UPS main body 1 maintains the prohibition of discharging the battery 102 and notifies the reception unit 113 of the authentication failure. The reception unit 113, which has been notified of the authentication failure, displays the authentication failure using the AC LED 133, the battery LED 134, and the warning LED 135.

[0046] Furthermore, when the extension unit 2 is designated in step S2, the permission unit 211 of the extension unit 2 maintains the prohibition of discharging the battery 202 and notifies the UPS main unit 1 of the authentication failure. The reception unit 113 of the UPS main unit 1 that has been notified of the authentication failure displays an indication of the authentication failure using the AC LED 133, the battery LED 134, and the warning LED 135.

[0047] <Effects of the embodiment> In this embodiment, a key code for permitting discharge of the battery 102 or the battery 202 can be input using the existing power switch 131 and alarm sound stop switch 132 in the UPS main body 1. That is, according to this embodiment, a key code can be input without providing an external input device.

[0048] <First Modification> In the embodiment described above, the key code is input using the power switch 131 and the alarm sound stop switch 132 of the UPS main body 1. In the first modified example, a technique for inputting a key code using the ID button 231 and the maintenance button 232 of the extension unit 2 will be described. The same components as in the embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. The first modified example will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0049] 8 is a diagram showing an example of a processing block of a control unit 2011 included in the extension unit 2 according to the first modified example. The control unit 2011 differs from the control unit 201 according to the embodiment in that the control unit 2011 includes a permission unit 211A instead of the permission unit 211, and further includes a switching unit 213 and a receiving unit 214.

[0050] The switching unit 213 switches between the initial mode and the character input mode by accepting a predetermined operation. In the initial mode, the ID button 231 is a key for setting the ID of the extension unit 2, and the maintenance button 232 is a key for transitioning the extension unit 2 to the maintenance mode. In the character input mode, the ID button 231 is a key for inputting the number "0", and the maintenance button 232 is a key for inputting the number "1". An example of a predetermined operation for switching between the initial mode and the character input mode is an operation in which the ID button 231 and the maintenance button 232 are pressed simultaneously.

[0051] The reception unit 214 receives key codes input by the ID button 231 and the maintenance button 232 in the character input mode.

[0052] The permission unit 211A compares the key code received by the reception unit 214 with the key code stored in advance in the storage unit 212. When the key code received by the reception unit 214 matches the key code stored in advance in the storage unit 212, the permission unit 211A permits discharging of the battery 202 and displays an indication of authentication success using the ID1 LED 233, the ID2 LED 234, and the status LED 235. When the key code received by the reception unit 214 does not match the key code stored in advance in the storage unit 212, the permission unit 211A maintains the prohibition of discharging the battery 202 and displays an indication of authentication failure using the ID1 LED 233, the ID2 LED 234, and the status LED 235.

[0053] <Process flow for entering key code using Expansion Unit 2> 9 is a diagram showing an example of a processing flow of key code input by the add-on unit 2 according to the first modified example. Hereinafter, an example of a processing flow of key code input by the add-on unit 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0054] In step S11, the switching unit 213 accepts a transition to the character input mode. In step S12, the accepting unit 214 accepts a key code input using the ID button 231 and the maintenance button 232.

[0055] In step S13, permission unit 211A compares the key code whose input was accepted in step S12 with the key code pre-stored in storage unit 212. If the key code whose input was accepted matches the key code pre-stored in storage unit 212 ("success" in step S13), the process proceeds to step S14. If the key code whose input was accepted does not match the key code pre-stored in storage unit 212 ("failure" in step S13), the process proceeds to step S15.

[0056] According to the first modification, the key code can be input using the ID button 231 and the maintenance button 232 provided in the extension unit 2. This allows you to enter a key code without having to prepare a keyboard.

[0057] <Second Modification> In the embodiment and first modified example described above, the key code is input using a button arranged on the front of the UPS main body 1 or the expansion unit 2. In the second modified example, a technology is described in which the key code is input by a personal computer connected to the UPS main body 1. The same components as in the embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. The second modified example is described below with reference to the drawings.

[0058] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an uninterruptible power supply system 100A according to a second modified example. In Fig. 10, the expansion units 2A, 2B, and 2C are collectively referred to as an expansion unit 2. The uninterruptible power supply system 100A differs from the uninterruptible power supply system 100 according to the embodiment in that it includes a UPS main body 1A instead of the UPS main body 1, and further includes a personal computer 4.

[0059] The UPS main body 1A differs from the UPS main body 1 according to the embodiment in that it further includes a USB terminal 14. The USB terminal 14 is a connection port that complies with the Universal Serial Bus (USB) standard. Various electronic devices that comply with the USB standard can be connected to the USB terminal 14.

[0060] The personal computer 4 is an information processing device equipped with a keyboard. The personal computer 4 is equipped with a USB terminal 41, and the USB terminal 41 of the personal computer 4 and the USB terminal 14 of the UPS main body 1A are connected by a USB cable 34.

[0061] 11 is a diagram showing an example of a processing block of a control unit 101A included in a UPS main body 1A according to Modification 2. The control unit 101A differs from the control unit 101 according to the embodiment in that it includes a reception unit 113A instead of the reception unit 113.

[0062] The reception unit 113A receives key code input from the power switch 131 and the alarm sound stop switch 132 in the character input mode, and also receives key code input from the personal computer 4 connected to the USB terminal 14.

[0063] According to the second modification, in addition to the key code input from the power switch 131 and the alarm sound stop switch 132, a key code input from the personal computer 4 can also be accepted, so that the user can select a key code input method that is convenient for him / her.

[0064] <Other variations> In the above-described embodiment and modified example, the discharge of the battery 202 of the expansion unit 2 is permitted by inputting a key code, but the discharge of the battery 202 may be permitted temporarily by a predetermined release operation other than the key code. As a temporary permission of discharge, for example, the discharge of the battery 202 may be permitted for 24 hours, and the discharge of the battery 202 may be prohibited after 24 hours have elapsed. If the power supply of the UPS main body 1 is turned off within 24 hours after the discharge is permitted, the discharge of the battery 202 is prohibited the next time the power supply of the UPS main body 1 is turned on. As a predetermined release operation, for example, the input of a command from the personal computer 4 connected to the UPS main body 1, a combination of pressing patterns of the power switch 131 and the alarm sound stop switch 132, a combination of pressing patterns of the ID button 231 and the maintenance button 232, etc. can be mentioned. By providing such a feature, the permanent release of the discharge of the battery 202 by the key code can be avoided, and inspection at the time of product shipment of the UPS main body 1 and the expansion unit 2 can be performed.

[0065] In the above-described embodiment and modified examples, the key code itself is stored in the storage unit 212, but the information stored in the storage unit 212 does not have to be the key code itself. For example, the storage unit 212 may store the serial number of the extension unit 2 and a function that generates a key code based on the serial number. In other words, it is sufficient that the storage unit 212 stores information related to the key code.

[0066] In the above-described embodiment and modified example, the control unit 201 of the extension unit 2 prohibits and permits discharging of the battery 202. However, the control unit 101 of the UPS main body 1 may prohibit and permit discharging of the battery 202.

[0067] In the above-described embodiment and modified examples, the key code is a string of numbers "0" and "1", but the key code may be a character string other than the numbers "0" and "1".

[0068] <Appendix 1> An uninterruptible power supply (1), A first battery (102); a first switch (131) associated with a first function of the uninterruptible power supply (1); and a second switch (132) associated with a second function of the uninterruptible power supply (1); a switching unit (111) that switches the first switch (131) to a first input key for inputting a first character and switches the second switch (132) to a second input key for inputting a second character when the first switch (131) and the second switch (132) are pressed in a first pressing pattern; a reception unit (113) that receives an input of a key code for permitting discharge of the first battery (102) by the first input key and the second input key, Uninterruptible power supply (1). <Appendix 2> The first switch (131) is a power key for the uninterruptible power supply. 2. An uninterruptible power supply (1) as described in appendix 1. <Appendix 3> The uninterruptible power supply (1) further includes an output unit (114) that emits a sound when an abnormality is detected in at least one of the uninterruptible power supply (1) and the extension unit (2), The second switch (132) is a stop key that stops the sound. 3. An uninterruptible power supply according to claim 1 or 2. <Appendix 4> The key code is a string of numbers "0" and "1", The first character is the number "0" and the second character is the number "1", 4. An uninterruptible power supply according to any one of claims 1 to 3. <Appendix 5> An input device (4) is connected to the uninterruptible power supply; The reception unit (113A) also receives input of the key code from the input device (4). An uninterruptible power supply (1) according to any one of appendixes 1 to 4. <Appendix 6> When the first switch (131) and the second switch (132) are pressed in a second pressing pattern, the control unit (211) permits discharging of the first battery (102) for a predetermined time. 6. An uninterruptible power supply (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5. <Appendix 7> An extension unit (2) incorporating a second battery (202) is connected to the uninterruptible power supply (1), the receiving unit (113) also receives input of a key code for permitting discharge of the second battery (202) by the first input key and the second input key. An uninterruptible power supply (1) according to any one of appendixes 1 to 6. <Appendix 8> An extension unit (2) connected to an uninterruptible power supply (1), A battery (202); a control unit (211A) for inhibiting discharging of the battery (202); a first switch (231) associated with a first function of the extension unit (2), and a second switch (232) associated with a second function of the extension unit; a switching unit (213) that switches the first switch (231) to a first input key for inputting a first character and switches the second switch (232) to a second input key for inputting a second character when the first switch (231) and the second switch (232) are pressed in a first pressing pattern, the control unit (211A) accepts input of a key code for permitting discharge of the battery (202) by the first input key and the second input key; Expansion unit (2).

[0069] The embodiments and modifications disclosed above can be combined with each other. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 1··UPS unit 1A·UPS unit 2. Expansion unit 2A Expansion unit 2B Expansion unit 2C Expansion unit 4. Personal computer 11··Outlet 12 Connection terminal 13 Operation Panel 14 USB port 21 Connection terminal 21A Connection terminal 21B Connection terminal 21C Connection terminal 22 Connection terminal 22A Connection terminal 22B Connection terminal 22C Connection terminal 31 Cable 32 Cable 33 Cable 34··USB cable 41 USB port 100··Uninterruptible Power System 100A··Uninterruptible Power System 101 Control section 101A··Control unit 102 Battery 201 Control section 202 Battery 23 Operation Panel 23A··Operation panel 23B Operation Panel 23B Operation Panel 231 ID button 231A ID button 231B ID button 231C ID button 232 Maintenance button 232A Maintenance button 232B Maintenance button 232C··Maintenance button 233··ID1LED 233A··ID1LED 233B··ID1LED 233C··ID1LED 234··ID2LED 234A··ID2LED 234B··ID2LED 234C··ID2LED 235 Status LED 235A Status LED 235B Status LED 235C··Status LED 111··Switching section 112...Specified part 113 Reception 113A Reception 114...Alarm section 115...Storage section 116·Permission Department 131 Power switch 132 Alarm stop switch 133·AC LED 134 Battery LED 135...Warning LED 211·Permission Department 211A·Permission Department 212...Storage section 213··Switching section 214 Reception 2011··Control unit

Claims

1. An uninterruptible power supply, A first battery; a first switch associated with a first function of the uninterruptible power supply; and a second switch associated with a second function of the uninterruptible power supply. a switching unit that switches the first switch to a first input key for inputting a first character and switches the second switch to a second input key for inputting a second character when the first switch and the second switch are pressed in a first pressing pattern; a reception unit that receives an input of a key code for permitting discharge of the first battery by the first input key and the second input key. Uninterruptible power supply.

2. the first switch is a power key of the uninterruptible power supply; 2. The uninterruptible power supply of claim 1.

3. The uninterruptible power supply further includes an output unit that emits a sound when an abnormality is detected in the uninterruptible power supply, The second switch is a stop key for stopping the sound.

2. The uninterruptible power supply of claim 1.

4. The key code is a string of numbers "0" and "1", The first character is the number "0" and the second character is the number "1".

2. The uninterruptible power supply of claim 1.

5. an input device is connected to the uninterruptible power supply; the reception unit also receives input of the key code from the input device.

2. The uninterruptible power supply of claim 1.

6. the accepting unit accepts an operation for permitting discharging of the first battery for a predetermined time by pressing the first switch and the second switch in a second pressing pattern; 2. The uninterruptible power supply of claim 1.

7. an expansion unit having a second battery built-in is connected to the uninterruptible power supply; the receiving unit also receives input of a key code for permitting discharge of the second battery by the first input key and the second input key.

2. The uninterruptible power supply of claim 1.

8. An extension unit connected to an uninterruptible power supply, A battery; A control unit that prohibits discharging of the battery; a first switch associated with a first function of the extension unit; and a second switch associated with a second function of the extension unit; a switching unit that switches the first switch to a first input key for inputting a first character and switches the second switch to a second input key for inputting a second character when the first switch and the second switch are pressed in a first pressing pattern, the control unit accepts input of a key code for permitting discharge of the battery by the first input key and the second input key. Expansion unit.

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