Battery-type-selection mechanism for ups

Abstract

A power system includes a battery-type- selection mechanism having a lever bar configured to achieve a first position and a second position. When in the first position, the battery-type-selection mechanism is configured to mate a first type of replacement battery cartridge, mate a first type of external battery connector, block a second type of replacement battery cartridge, and block a second type of external battery connector. When in the second position, the battery-type- selection mechanism is configured to mate the second type of replacement battery cartridge, mate the second type of external battery connector, block the first type of replacement battery cartridge, and block the first type of external battery connector.

Description

[0001] BATTERY-TYPE-SELECTION MECHANISM FOR UPS

[0002] CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 664216, titled “BATTERY-TYPE-SELECTION MECHANISM FOR UPS,” filed lune 26, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF DISCLOSURE

[0005] 1. Field of Disclosure

[0006] This disclosure is directed to uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs), and more particularly to a mechanism configured to ensure the proper installation of a battery type in the UPS.

[0007] 2. Discussion of Related Art

[0008] Lithium-ion batteries are becoming increasingly used in power systems, including UPSs, because of the many advantages lithium-ion batteries have over conventional lead-acid batteries. Lithium-ion batteries offer smaller size, higher power density, long life cycle, and quicker recharging; however, from an initial investment standpoint, the high initial set-up cost is still a concern and inhibits many customers from adopting lithium-ion batteries as a power solution. There is a need for power systems, including UPSs, that are compatible with both lithium-ion and lead-acid battery packs.

[0009] SUMMARY OF DISCLOSURE

[0010] One aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a power system, comprising a batterytype-selection mechanism including a lever bar configured to achieve a first position and a second position. In one embodiment, the battery-type-selection mechanism is configured to mate a first type of replacement battery cartridge when the lever bar is in the first position, mate a first type of external battery connector when the lever bar is in the first position, block a second type of replacement battery cartridge when the lever bar is in the first position, block a second type of external battery connector when the lever bar is in the first position, mate the second type of replacement battery cartridge when the lever bar is in the second position, mate the second type of external battery connector when the lever bar is in the second position, block the first type of replacement battery cartridge when the lever bar is in the second position, and block the first type of external battery connector when the lever bar is in the second position.

[0011] Embodiments of the battery-type-selection mechanism further may include an enclosure configured to support the battery-type- selection mechanism. The lever bar may be pivotably coupled to the enclosure to enable the lever bar to achieve the first position and the second position. The battery-type- selection mechanism further may include at least one spring to maintain the lever bar in a neutral position. The enclosure may include a receiving slot configured to receive one of the first type of replacement battery cartridge or the second type of replacement battery cartridge therein. The power system further may include a first mating connector coupled to the enclosure. The first mating connector may be configured to mate with one of the first type of replacement battery cartridge or the second type of replacement battery cartridge when fully inserting the one of the first type of replacement battery cartridge or the second type of replacement battery cartridge into the receiving slot of the enclosure. The power system further may include a second mating connector coupled to the enclosure. The second mating connector may be configured to mate with one of the first type of external battery connector or the second type of external battery connector. The lever bar may include a first end configured to engage the first type of replacement cartridge to move the lever bar to the first position and the second type of replacement cartridge to move the lever bar to the second position. The first type of replacement cartridge may include a first feature configured to engage the first end of the lever bar to move the lever bar to the first position. The second type of replacement cartridge may include a second feature configured to engage the first end of the lever bar to move the lever bar to the second position. The lever bar may include a second end opposite the first end, with the second end being configured to manipulate a mating external battery connector to mate with the first type of external battery connector when the lever bar is in the first position, block the second type of external battery connector when the lever bar is in the first position, mate with the second type of external battery connector when the lever bar is in the second position, and block the first type of external battery connector when the lever bar is in the second position.

[0012] Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method of connecting a type of replacement battery cartridge and a type of external battery within a power system. In one embodiment, the method comprises: selecting one of a first position or a second position of a lever bar of a battery-type-selection mechanism, and when in the first position - mating a first type of replacement battery cartridge, mating a first type of external battery connector, blocking a second type of replacement battery cartridge, and blocking a second type of external battery connector, and when in the second position - mating the second type of replacement battery cartridge, mating the second type of external battery connector, blocking the first type of replacement battery cartridge, and blocking the first type of external battery connector.

[0013] Embodiments of the method further may include supporting the battery-type-selection mechanism with an enclosure. The method further may include pivotably coupling the lever bar to the enclosure to enable the lever bar to achieve the first position and the second position. The method further may include receiving one of the first type of replacement battery cartridge or the second type of replacement battery cartridge in a receiving slot of the enclosure. The method further may include coupling a first mating connector to the enclosure, with the first mating connector being configured to mate with one of the first type of replacement battery cartridge or the second type of replacement battery cartridge when fully inserting the one of the first type of replacement battery cartridge or the second type of replacement battery cartridge into the receiving slot of the enclosure. The method further may include coupling a second mating connector coupled to the enclosure, with the second mating connector being configured to mate with one of the first type of external battery connector or the second type of external battery connector. The method further includes engaging a first end of the lever bar with the first type of replacement cartridge to move the lever bar to the first position and engaging the first end of the lever bar with the second type of replacement cartridge to move the lever bar to the second position. The method further may include engaging a first feature of the first type of replacement cartridge with the first end of the lever bar to move the lever bar to the first position. The method further may include engaging a second feature of the second type of replacement cartridge with the first end of the lever bar to move the lever bar to the second position. The method further may include manipulating a mating external battery connector with a second end of the lever bar to mate with the first type of external battery connector when the lever bar is in the first position, block the second type of external battery connector when the lever bar is in the first position, mate with the second type of external battery connector when the lever bar is in the second position, and block the first type of external battery connector when the lever bar is in the second position.

[0014] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical component that is illustrated in various figures is represented by a like numeral. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing. In the drawings:

[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a power system and two types of replacement battery cartridges, namely a lithium-ion replacement battery cartridge and a lead-acid replacement battery cartridge;

[0017] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the power system with a top removed to reveal components of the power system supported by an enclosure;

[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the power system showing a lever bar of a battery-type-selection mechanism;

[0019] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the power system showing the lever bar in a neutral position and a first type of replacement battery cartridge, e.g., a lithium-ion replacement battery cartridge, disconnected from the power system;

[0020] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of the power system showing the lever bar in a first position and the first type of replacement battery cartridge connected to the power system and a first type of external battery connector disconnected from the power system;

[0021] FIG. 6 is a mirror image of a cross-sectional side view of the first type of external battery connector connected to a mating external battery connector of the power system;

[0022] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of the power system showing the lever bar in the first position and the first type of replacement battery cartridge connected to the power system and a second type of external battery connector, e.g., a lead-acid external battery connector, disconnected from the power system;

[0023] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of the second type of external battery connector blocked from being received with the mating external battery connector of the power system; FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of the power system showing the lever bar in a neutral position and a second type of replacement battery cartridge, e.g., a lead-acid replacement battery cartridge, in an unconnected position;

[0024] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of the power system showing the lever bar in a second position and the second type of replacement battery cartridge connected to the power system and a second type of external battery connector disconnected from the power system; and

[0025] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional side view of the power system showing the lever bar in the second position and the second type of replacement battery cartridge in the connected position and the first type of external battery connector in a blocked position.

[0026] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] In one embodiment, a power system, such as a UPS, can be configured to receive a lithium-ion replacement battery cartridge and to connect to an external lithium-ion battery or configured to receive a lead-acid battery cartridge and to connect to an external lead-acid battery. Aspects of the present disclosure enable the UPS to be configured to connect with any type of battery, not just lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries. Further, although a UPS is shown and described herein, aspects of the present disclosure can apply to any type of power system, including but not limited to power strips and power distribution units.

[0028] This disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The principles set forth in this disclosure are capable of being provided in other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. When specific dimensions, quantities or magnitudes are provided they should be considered in reference to the specific embodiment referenced as they may be scaled to suit other embodiments.

[0029] In one embodiment, a UPS is configured to be connected to an external battery by an external battery connector. The UPS further is configured to receive a replacement battery cartridge to provide back-up power to the UPS. In instances in which the UPS is connected to a lithium-ion external battery necessitates that a replacement battery cartridge be a lithium-ion replacement battery cartridge. Similarly, in instances in which the UPS is connected to a lead- acid external battery necessitates that a replacement battery cartridge be a lead-acid replacement battery cartridge.

[0030] Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a mechanism configured to ensure that a battery pack cartridge of a UPS is compatible with an external battery that provides external power to the UPS.

[0031] In some embodiments, a power system includes a battery-type-selection mechanism having a lever bar configured to select the type of replacement battery cartridge or external battery connector being installed. A position of the lever bar determines the type of replacement battery cartridge and external battery connector that can be connected to the power system.

[0032] Referring to the drawings and more particularly to FIG. 1, an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is generally indicated at 10. As is known, a UPS provides back-up power to a load when the main power source to the UPS fails. The UPS provides instantaneous or nearly instantaneous power to the load. The UPS receives power from an external source, such as mains power. In other embodiments, the UPS receives power from an external battery via an external battery connector configured to mate with a mating external battery connector associated with the UPS. In the event of failure of power from the mains power or the external battery, the UPS further is configured with one or more internal batteries, sometimes referred to herein as battery packs, housed within the UPS. The internal batteries are easily connected to and disconnected from the UPS since they require periodic replacement. The UPS further may include integrated surge protection to protect the load from voltage spikes.

[0033] Referring additionally to FIG. 2, the UPS 10 includes an enclosure, generally indicated at 12, having a front 14, a back 16, two sides 18, 20, a top 22, and a bottom 24. As shown, the enclosure 12 is a rectangular-cuboid structure that is shaped and sized to fit within an enclosure, such as an equipment rack. The interior of the enclosure 12 of the UPS 10 is configured to support the internal components of the UPS 10. As shown, the enclosure 12 includes a receiving slot 26 accessible through the front 14 of the enclosure 12. The receiving slot 26 is configured to receive a battery cartridge therein. FIG. 1 shows two types of replacement battery cartridges, a lithium-ion replacement battery cartridge, indicated at 30, and a lead-acid replacement cartridge, indicated at 32. As shown, the replacement battery cartridges 30, 32 are each shaped and sized to fit within the receiving slot 26 of the enclosure 12 of the UPS 10. The lithium-ion replacement battery cartridge 30 is a rechargeable battery that includes lithium-ion battery cells configured to generate power. Similarly, the lead-acid replacement battery cartridge 32 is a rechargeable battery that includes lead-acid battery cells configured to generate power.

[0034] The UPS 10 further includes a replacement battery cartridge connector 34, which is configured to mate with one of the lithium-ion replacement battery cartridge 30 or the lead-acid replacement battery cartridge 32. In some embodiments, the replacement battery cartridge connector 34 is sometimes referred to as a first mating connector. The replacement battery cartridge connector 34 can be particularly configured to mate with its appropriate replacement battery cartridge 30 or 32. The UPS 10 further includes a mating external battery connector 36, which is configured to mate with an external battery connector of an external battery. In some embodiments, the mating external battery connector 36 is sometimes referred to as second mating connector. The mating external battery connector 36 can be particularly configured to mate with its appropriate external battery connector.

[0035] As noted, it may be desirable to ensure that when the UPS 10 is connected to a lithium- ion external battery, that only a lithium-ion replacement battery pack is inserted into the receiving slot 26 of the enclosure 12 to mate with the replacement battery cartridge connector 34, or when the UPS 10 is connected to a lead- acid external battery, that only a lead- acid replacement battery pack is inserted into the receiving slot 26 to mate with the replacement battery cartridge connector 34. In one embodiment, the replacement battery cartridge 30, 32 and the external battery are connected in parallel within the UPS 10. If different battery types are connected through the replacement battery cartridge 30, 32 and the external battery, the differing characteristics of the power sources may lead to improper charging and excessive power current that may cause damage to the UPS 10.

[0036] In one embodiment, the lithium-ion replacement battery cartridge 30 and the lead-acid replacement battery cartridge 32 are designed with similar packaging while including differing mechanical features to differentiate the battery types. Similarly, as will be described in greater detail below, a lithium-ion external battery connector and a lead-acid external battery connector are designed with different mechanical features to differentiate the battery types from one another. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the UPS 10 further includes a battery-type-selection mechanism, which is configured to ensure that mating types of replacement battery cartridges, e.g., the lithium-ion replacement battery cartridge 30 and the lead-acid replacement battery cartridge 32, and external battery connectors are present. Specifically, the battery-type- selection mechanism includes a lever bar, generally indicated at 40, pivotally mounted by a shaft 42 to the enclosure 12 approximately mid-length on the lever bar 40. As shown, the shaft 42 is secured to a wall of the enclosure 12 that defines the receiving slot 26 of the enclosure, and extends through an extruded opening formed in the lever bar 40. A screw fastener is provided to secure the lever bar 40 to the shaft. The lever bar 40 includes a first end 44 and a second end 46, which is opposite the first end 44. The lever bar 40 is positioned within the enclosure 12 so that the lever bar 40 is proximate to the receiving slot 26 and extends in a direction that is parallel to the receiving slot 26.

[0037] The lever bar 40 is designed to pivot about the pin 42 between a first position in which the lever bar 40 is rotated counterclockwise so that the first end 44 of the lever bar 40 is lower than the second end 46 of the lever bar 40 and a second position in which the lever bar 40 is rotated clockwise so that the first end 44 of the lever bar 40 is higher than the second end 46 of the lever bar 40. FIG. 4 shows the lever bar 40 in a neutral position in which the lever bar 40 is generally horizontal prior to inserting the lithium-ion replacement battery cartridge 30 within the receiving slot 26 of the enclosure 12 of the UPS 10. In this position, the lithium-ion replacement battery cartridge 30 is not fully inserted within the receiving slot 26 of the enclosure 12 and the external battery connector is spaced from or remote with respect to the enclosure 12 of the UPS 10. The battery-type-selection mechanism further includes two springs, each indicated at 48, to maintain the lever bar 40 in the neutral position. As shown, one spring 48 is positioned on one side of the pin 42 and the other spring 48 is positioned on the opposite side of the pin 42. One end of each spring 48 is retained within a tab formed from the enclosure 12, with an opposite end of the spring 48 being secured to the lever bar 40. The springs 48 are spaced equidistant from the pin 42 to provide an approximate equal force on the lever bar 40.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 5, the lever bar 40 of the battery-type-selection mechanism is shown in the first position, which is achieved by inserting the lithium-ion replacement battery cartridge 30 within the receiving slot 26 of the enclosure 12 of the UPS 10. The lithium-ion replacement battery cartridge 30 includes a feature 50, sometimes referred to as a first feature, that engages the first end 44 of the lever bar 40 to rotate the lever bar 40 counterclockwise to achieve the first position. As shown, the first feature 50 embodies a wedge having a downwardly sloping surface that is designed to engage the first end 44 of the lever bar 40 to move the lever bar 40 downwardly so that it rotates counterclockwise to the first position.

[0039] With additional reference to FIG. 6, in the first position, the second end 46 of the lever bar 40 is configured to enable the mating external battery connector 36 to mate with a lithium- ion external battery connector, indicated at 52 in FIGS. 5 and 6. Although not shown, the lithium-ion external battery connector 52 is part of an external lithium-ion battery connected to the UPS 10 to provide power to the UPS 10. The lithium-ion external battery connector 52 includes a feature 54, sometimes referred to as a third feature, that is configured to enable the lithium-ion external battery connector 52 to mate with its mating external battery connector 36. As shown, the third feature 54 embodies a wedge-shaped member having an upwardly sloping surface that is positioned and designed to avoid directly engaging the second end 46 of the lever bar 40 to enable the lithium-ion external battery connector 52 to mate with the mating external battery connector 36. FIG. 6 illustrates the lithium-ion external batter)' connector 52 engaged with the mating external battery connector 36.

[0040] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the lever bar 40 of the battery-type- selection mechanism is in the first position, with a lead-acid external battery connector, indicated at 56, spaced from the enclosure 12 of the UPS 10. Although not shown, the lead-acid external battery connector 56 is part of an external lead-acid battery connected to the UPS 10 to provide power to the UPS 10. In this position, as shown in FIG. 8, the lead- acid external battery connector 56 is blocked from being received by and mate with the mating external battery connector 36. Specifically, the lead- acid external battery connector 56 includes a feature 58, sometimes referred to as a fourth feature, which directly engages the second end 46 of the lever bar 40 to prevent further movement of the lead-acid external battery connector 56 toward the mating external battery connector 36. Thus, the lever bar 40 of the battery-type-selection mechanism prevents the lead- acid external battery connector 56 from being connected to the UPS 10 when the lithium-ion replacement battery cartridge 30 is inserted within the receiving slot 26 of the enclosure 12 of the UPS 10.

[0041] Accordingly, when in the first position, the battery-type- selection mechanism is configured to 1) mate the lithium-ion replacement battery cartridge 30, sometimes referred to as a first type of replacement battery cartridge, 2) mate the lithium-ion external battery connector 52, sometimes referred to as a first type of external battery connector, 3) block the lead-acid replacement battery cartridge 32, sometimes referred to as a second type of replacement battery cartridge, and 4) block the lead-acid external battery connector 56, sometimes referred to as a second type of external battery connector. It should be understood that when the lever bar 40 is in the first position, and the lithium-ion external battery connector 52 is connected to the mating external battery connector 36, the lithium-ion replacement battery cartridge 30 can be connected to the replacement battery connector 34 and the lead-acid replacement battery cartridge 32 is prevented from being connected to the replacement battery connector 34.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 9, the lever bar 40 is in the neutral position in which the lever bar 40 is generally horizontal prior to inserting the lead-acid replacement battery cartridge 32 within the receiving slot 26 of the enclosure 12 of the UPS 10. In this position, the lead-acid replacement battery cartridge 32 is not fully inserted into the receiving slot 26 of the enclosure 12 and the external battery connector is spaced from the enclosure 12 of the UPS 10.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 10, the lever bar 40 of the battery-type-selection mechanism is shown in the second position, which is achieved by inserting the lead-acid replacement battery cartridge 32 within the receiving slot 26 of the enclosure 12 of the UPS 10. The lead-acid replacement battery cartridge 32 includes a feature 60, sometimes referred to as a second feature, that engages the first end 44 of the lever bar 40 to rotate the lever bar 40 clockwise to achieve the second position. As shown, the second feature 60 embodies a wedge having an upwardly sloping surface that is designed to engage the first end 44 of the lever bar 40 to move the lever bar 40 upwardly so that it rotates clockwise to the second position.

[0044] In the second position, the second end 46 of the lever bar 40 is configured to enable the mating external battery connector 36 to mate with the lead-acid external battery connector 56. The lead-acid external battery connector 56 includes the fourth feature 58, which is configured to enable the lead-acid external battery connector 56 to mate with the mating external battery connector 36. As shown, the fourth feature 58 embodies a wedge-shaped member having a downwardly sloping surface that is designed to avoid directly engaging the second end 46 of the lever bar 40 to enable the lead-acid external battery connector 56 to mate with the mating external battery connector 36. Ref erring to FIG. 11, the lever bar 40 of the battery-type-selection mechanism is in the second position, with a lithium-ion external battery connector 52 spaced from the enclosure 12 of the UPS 10. In this position, the lithium-ion external battery connector 52 is blocked from being received by and mate with the external battery connector 36. Specifically, the feature 54 of the lithium-ion external battery connector 52 directly engages the second end 46 of the lever bar 40 to prevent further movement of the lithium-ion external battery connector 52 toward the mating external battery connector 36. Thus, the lever bar 40 of the battery-type-selection mechanism prevents the lithium-ion external battery connector 52 from being connected to the UPS 10 when the lead-acid replacement battery cartridge 32 is inserted within the receiving slot 26 of the enclosure 12 of the UPS 10.

[0045] Thus, when in the second position, the battery-type-selection mechanism is configured to 1) mate the lead- acid replacement battery cartridge 32, 2) mate the lead-acid external battery connector 56, 3) block the lithium-ion replacement battery cartridge 30, and 4) block the lead- acid external battery connector 56. It should be understood that when the lever bar 40 is in the second position, and the lead-acid external battery connector 56 is connected to the mating external battery connector 36, the lead-acid replacement battery cartridge 32 can be connected to the replacement battery connector 34 and the lithium-ion replacement battery cartridge 30 is prevented from being connected to the replacement battery connector 34.

[0046] Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method of connecting a type of replacement battery cartridge, e.g., the lithium-ion replacement battery cartridge 30 or the lead- acid replacement battery cartridge 32, and a type of external battery, e.g., the lithium-ion external battery having the lithium-ion external battery connector 52 or the lead-acid external battery having the lead-acid external battery connector 56, within a power system, such as UPS 10. As discussed above, the method includes controlling the lever bar 40 of the battery-type-selection mechanism to achieve the first position and the second position. The method includes selecting one of the first position or the second position of the lever bar 40 of the battery-type-selection mechanism. When in the first position, the method includes mating a first type of replacement battery cartridge, e.g., the lithium-ion replacement battery cartridge 30, mating a first type of external battery connector, e.g., the lithium-ion external battery connector 52, blocking or otherwise impeding a second type of replacement battery cartridge, e.g., the lead-acid replacement battery cartridge 32, and blocking a second type of external battery connector, e.g., the lead-acid external battery connector 56. And when in the second position, the method includes mating the second type of replacement battery cartridge, mating the second type of external battery connector, blocking or otherwise impeding the first type of replacement battery cartridge, and blocking the first type of external battery connector.

[0047] In some embodiments, the method includes supporting the battery-type- selection mechanism with an enclosure 12.

[0048] In some embodiments, the method includes pivotably coupling the lever bar 40 to the enclosure 12 to enable the lever bar 40 to achieve the first position and the second position.

[0049] In some embodiments, the method includes receiving one of the first type of replacement battery cartridge or the second type of replacement battery cartridge in a receiving slot 26 of the enclosure 12.

[0050] In some embodiments, the method includes coupling a first mating connector to the enclosure, the first mating connector being configured to mate with one of the first type of replacement battery cartridge or the second type of replacement battery cartridge when fully inserting the one of the first type of replacement battery cartridge or the second type of replacement battery cartridge into the receiving slot 26 of the enclosure 12.

[0051] In some embodiments, the method includes coupling a second mating connector coupled to the enclosure, the second mating connector being configured to mate with one of the first type of external battery connector or the second type of external battery connector.

[0052] In some embodiments, the method includes engaging a first end 44 of the lever bar 40 with the first type of replacement cartridge to move the lever bar 40 to the first position and engaging the first end 44 of the lever bar 40 with the second type of replacement cartridge to move the lever bar 40 to the second position.

[0053] In some embodiments, the method includes engaging a first feature of the first type of replacement cartridge with the first end 44 of the lever bar 40 to move the lever bar 40 to the first position.

[0054] In some embodiments, the method includes engaging a second feature of the second type of replacement cartridge with the first end 44 of the lever bar 40 to move the lever bar 40 to the second position.

[0055] In some embodiments, the method includes manipulating a mating external battery connector with a second end 46 of the lever bar 40 to mate with the first type of external battery connector when the lever bar 40 is in the first position, block the second type of external battery connector when the lever bar 40 is in the first position, mate with the second type of external battery connector when the lever bar 40 is in the second position, and block the first type of external battery connector when the lever bar 40 is in the second position.

[0056] In some embodiments, both lithium-ion and lead-acid replacement battery cartridge battery packs are designed in a similar outline while existing a different mechanical feature to differentiate battery types when inserting the replacement battery cartridge within the receiving slot 26 of the enclosure 12 of the UPS 10.

[0057] In some embodiments, an opening, such as a circular opening may be located beside the battery connector of the battery pack are different between lithium-ion and lead-acid battery packs.

[0058] In some embodiments, both lithium-ion and lead-acid external battery pack connectors may be integrated with different mechanical outline keys to differentiate battery types during UPS insertion.

[0059] In some embodiments, a mechanical lever bar may be designed with lead-in features provided on both ends of the lever bar. The position of the lever bar can be self-switched by replacement battery cartridge or external battery pack connector insertion. The lever bar is switched to specific location while the replacement battery cartridge is inserted to stop different type external battery pack connector from insertion. The result is that if the lever bar is set to lithium-ion position then only the lithium-ion external battery pack can be connected and engaged to work with UPS. And if the lever bar is set to the lead-acid position then only the lead-acid external battery pack can be connected and engaged to work with the UPS.

[0060] In some embodiments, the switchable lever bar provides a complete solution to avoid different type battery packs from being connected through UPS internal and external battery pack connectors.

[0061] In some embodiments, the replacement battery cartridges can include special wedge features to differentiate replacement battery cartridge battery pack types.

[0062] In some embodiments, a key feature can be provided on the enclosure of the UPS and integrated on replacement battery cartridge to provide a way to differentiate different replacement battery cartridge been inserted into UPS. In some embodiments, a key feature can be provided to differentiate the external battery pack and the external battery pack connector.

[0063] In some embodiments, the lever bar can be self-switched by replacement battery cartridge and / or the external battery pack connector.

[0064] In some embodiments, a person installing the replacement battery cartridge and / or the external battery pack does not need to rely on a user manual to install the components.

[0065] Various controllers may execute various operations discussed herein. Using data stored in associated memory and / or storage, the controllers may also execute one or more instructions stored on one or more non-transitory computer-readable media that may result in manipulated data. In some examples, the controllers may include one or more processors or other types of controllers. In one example, the controllers are or include a commercially available, general- purpose processor. In another example, the controllers perform at least a portion of the operations discussed above using an application-specific integrated circuit tailored to perform particular operations in addition to, or in lieu of, a general-purpose processor. As illustrated by these examples, examples in accordance with the present invention may perform the operations described herein using many specific combinations of hardware and software and the invention is not limited to any particular combination of hardware and software components.

[0066] Further embodiments are described below.

[0067] Clause 1. A power system (10), comprising: a battery-type-selection mechanism including a lever bar (40) configured to achieve a first position and a second position, the battery-type- selection mechanism being configured to mate a first type of replacement battery cartridge (30) when the lever bar (40) is in the first position, mate a first type of external battery connector (52) when the lever bar (40) is in the first position, block a second type of replacement battery cartridge (32) when the lever bar (40) is in the first position, block a second type of external battery connector (56) when the lever bar (40) is in the first position, mate the second type of replacement battery cartridge (32) when the lever bar (40) is in the second position, mate the second type of external battery connector (56) when the lever bar (40) is in the second position, block the first type of replacement battery cartridge (30) when the lever bar (40) is in the second position, and block the first type of external battery connector (52) when the lever bar (40) is in the second position.

[0068] Clause 2. The power system (10) of clause 1, further comprising an enclosure (12) configured to support the battery-type- selection mechanism.

[0069] Clause 3. The power system (10) of clause 2, wherein the lever bar (40) is pivotably coupled to the enclosure (12) to enable the lever bar (40) to achieve the first position and the second position.

[0070] Clause 4. The power system (10) of clause 3, wherein the battery-type-selection mechanism further includes at least one spring (48) to maintain the lever bar (40) in a neutral position.

[0071] Clause 5. The power system (10) of clauses 1-4, wherein the enclosure (12) includes a receiving slot (26) configured to receive one of the first type of replacement battery cartridge (30) or the second type of replacement battery cartridge (32) therein.

[0072] Clause 6. The power system (10) of clause 5, further comprising a first mating connector (34) coupled to the enclosure (12), the first mating connector (34) being configured to mate with one of the first type of replacement battery cartridge (30) or the second type of replacement battery cartridge (32) when fully inserting the one of the first type of replacement battery cartridge (30) or the second type of replacement battery cartridge (32) into the receiving slot (26) of the enclosure (12).

[0073] Clause 7. The power system (10) of clause 6, further comprising a second mating connector (36) coupled to the enclosure (12), the second mating connector (36) being configured to mate with one of the first type of external battery connector (30) or the second type of external battery connector (32).

[0074] Clause 8. The power system (10) of clauses 1-7, wherein the lever bar (40) includes a first end (44) configured to engage the first type of replacement cartridge (30) to move the lever bar (40) to the first position and the second type of replacement cartridge (32) to move the lever bar (40) to the second position. Clause 9. The power system (10) of clause 8, wherein the first type of replacement cartridge (30) includes a first feature (50) configured to engage the first end (44) of the lever bar (40) to move the lever bar (40) to the first position.

[0075] Clause 10. The power system (10) of clause 9, wherein the second type of replacement cartridge (32) includes a second feature (60) configured to engage the first end (44) of the lever bar (40) to move the lever bar (40) to the second position.

[0076] Clause 11. The power system (10) of clauses 8-10, wherein the lever bar (40) includes a second end (46) opposite the first end (44), the second end (46) being configured to manipulate a mating external battery connector (36) to mate with the first type of external battery connector (52) when the lever bar (40) is in the first position, block the second type of external battery connector (56) when the lever bar (40) is in the first position, mate with the second type of external battery connector (56) when the lever bar

[0077] (40) is in the second position, and block the first type of external battery connector (52) when the lever bar (40) is in the second position.

[0078] Clause 12. A method of connecting a type of replacement battery cartridge (30, 32) and a type of external battery within a power system (10), the method comprising: selecting one of a first position or a second position of a lever bar (40) of a battery-type- selection mechanism; when in the first position - mating a first type of replacement battery cartridge (30), mating a first type of external battery connector (52), blocking a second type of replacement battery cartridge (32), and blocking a second type of external battery connector (56); and when in the second position - mating the second type of replacement battery cartridge (32), mating the second type of external battery connector (56), blocking the first type of replacement battery cartridge (30), and blocking the first type of external battery connector (52). Clause 13. The method of clause 12, further comprising supporting the battery-type- selection mechanism with an enclosure (12).

[0079] Clause 14. The method of clause 13, further comprising pivotably coupling the lever bar (40) to the enclosure (12) to enable the lever bar (40) to achieve the first position and the second position.

[0080] Clause 15. The method of clauses 13 or 14, further comprising receiving one of the first type of replacement battery cartridge (30) or the second type of replacement battery cartridge (32) in a receiving slot (26) of the enclosure (12).

[0081] Clause 16. The method of clause 15, further comprising coupling a first mating connector (34) to the enclosure (12), the first mating connector (34) being configured to mate with one of the first type of replacement battery cartridge (30) or the second type of replacement battery cartridge (32) when fully inserting the one of the first type of replacement battery cartridge (30) or the second type of replacement battery cartridge (32) into the receiving slot (26) of the enclosure (12).

[0082] Clause 17. The method of clause 16, further comprising coupling a second mating connector (36) coupled to the enclosure (12), the second mating connector (36) being configured to mate with one of the first type of external battery connector (52) or the second type of external battery connector (56).

[0083] Clause 18. The method of clauses 12 to 17, further comprising engaging a first end (44) of the lever bar (40) with the first type of replacement cartridge (30) to move the lever bar (40) to the first position and engaging the first end (44) of the lever bar (40) with the second type of replacement cartridge (32) to move the lever bar (40) to the second position.

[0084] Clause 19. The method of clause 18, further comprising engaging a first feature (50) of the first type of replacement cartridge (30) with the first end (44) of the lever bar (40) to move the lever bar (40) to the first position.

[0085] Clause 20. The method of clause 19, further comprising engaging a second feature (60) of the second type of replacement cartridge (32) with the first end (44) of the lever bar (40) to move the lever bar (40) to the second position.

[0086] Clause 21. The method of clauses 18-20, further comprising manipulating a mating external battery connector (36) with a second end (46) of the lever bar (40) to mate with the first type of external battery connector (52) when the lever bar (40) is in the first position, block the second type of external battery connector (56) when the lever bar (40) is in the first position, mate with the second type of external battery connector (56) when the lever bar

[0087] (40) is in the second position, and block the first type of external battery connector (52) when the lever bar (40) is in the second position.

[0088] Having thus described several aspects of at least one embodiment of this disclosure, it is to be appreciated various alterations, modifications, and improvements can readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications, and improvements are intended to be part of this disclosure, and are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings are by way of example only.

[0089] What is claimed is:

Claims

CLAIMS1. A power system, comprising: a battery-type-selection mechanism including a lever bar configured to achieve a first position and a second position, the battery-type- selection mechanism being configured to mate a first type of replacement battery cartridge when the lever bar is in the first position, mate a first type of external battery connector when the lever bar is in the first position, block a second type of replacement battery cartridge when the lever bar is in the first position, block a second type of external battery connector when the lever bar is in the first position, mate the second type of replacement battery cartridge when the lever bar is in the second position, mate the second type of external battery connector when the lever bar is in the second position, block the first type of replacement battery cartridge when the lever bar is in the second position, and block the first type of external battery connector when the lever bar is in the second position.

2. The power system of claim 1, further comprising an enclosure configured to support the battery-type- selection mechanism.

3. The power system of claim 2, wherein the lever bar is pivotably coupled to the enclosure to enable the lever bar to achieve the first position and the second position.

4. The power system of claim 3, wherein the battery-type-selection mechanism further includes at least one spring to maintain the lever bar in a neutral position.

5. The power system of claim 2, wherein the enclosure includes a receiving slot configured to receive one of the first type of replacement battery cartridge or the second type of replacement battery cartridge therein.

6. The power system of claim 5, further comprising a first mating connector coupled to the enclosure, the first mating connector being configured to mate with one of the first type of replacement battery cartridge or the second type of replacement battery cartridge when fully inserting the one of the first type of replacement battery cartridge or the second type of replacement battery cartridge into the receiving slot of the enclosure.

7. The power system of claim 6, further comprising a second mating connector coupled to the enclosure, the second mating connector being configured to mate with one of the first type of external battery connector or the second type of external battery connector.

8. The power system of claim 1, wherein the lever bar includes a first end configured to engage the first type of replacement cartridge to move the lever bar to the first position and the second type of replacement cartridge to move the lever bar to the second position.

9. The power system of claim 8, wherein the first type of replacement cartridge includes a first feature configured to engage the first end of the lever bar to move the lever bar to the first position.

10. The power system of claim 9, wherein the second type of replacement cartridge includes a second feature configured to engage the first end of the lever bar to move the lever bar to the second position.

11. The power system of claim 8, wherein the lever bar includes a second end opposite the first end, the second end being configured to manipulate a mating external battery connector tomate with the first type of external battery connector when the lever bar is in the first position, block the second type of external battery connector when the lever bar is in the first position, mate with the second type of external battery connector when the lever bar is in the second position, and block the first type of external battery connector when the lever bar is in the second position.

12. A method of connecting a type of replacement battery cartridge and a type of external battery within a power system, the method comprising: selecting one of a first position or a second position of a lever bar of a battery-type- selection mechanism; when in the first position - mating a first type of replacement battery cartridge, mating a first type of external battery connector, blocking a second type of replacement battery cartridge, and blocking a second type of external battery connector; and when in the second position - mating the second type of replacement battery cartridge, mating the second type of external battery connector, blocking the first type of replacement battery cartridge, and blocking the first type of external battery connector.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising supporting the battery-type-selection mechanism with an enclosure.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising pivotably coupling the lever bar to the enclosure to enable the lever bar to achieve the first position and the second position.

15. The method of claim 13, further comprising receiving one of the first type of replacement battery cartridge or the second type of replacement battery cartridge in a receiving slot of the enclosure.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising coupling a first mating connector to the enclosure, the first mating connector being configured to mate with one of the first type of replacement battery cartridge or the second type of replacement battery cartridge when fully inserting the one of the first type of replacement battery cartridge or the second type of replacement battery cartridge into the receiving slot of the enclosure, and coupling a second mating connector coupled to the enclosure, the second mating connector being configured to mate with one of the first type of external battery connector or the second type of external battery connector.

17. The method of claim 12, further comprising engaging a first end of the lever bar with the first type of replacement cartridge to move the lever bar to the first position and engaging the first end of the lever bar with the second type of replacement cartridge to move the lever bar to the second position.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising engaging a first feature of the first type of replacement cartridge with the first end of the lever bar to move the lever bar to the first position.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising engaging a second feature of the second type of replacement cartridge with the first end of the lever bar to move the lever bar to the second position.

20. The method of claim 17, further comprising manipulating a mating external battery connector with a second end of the lever bar to mate with the first type of external battery connector when the lever bar is in the first position,block the second type of external battery connector when the lever bar is in the first position, mate with the second type of external battery connector when the lever bar is in the second position, and block the first type of external battery connector when the lever bar is in the second position.

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