Connector for modular units of electrical apparatuses, modular unit of electrical apparatuses which comprises the connector, and uninterruptible power supply comprising a modular unit provided with the connector

Abstract

A connector (1) for modular units (100) of electrical apparatuses which comprises at least two terminals (2) which lead to corresponding conducting elements of an electrical apparatus and which have a predefined electrical potential; the at least two terminals (2) face outward from a portion of an electrical apparatus with a protrusion (S1, S2, S3) which differs from terminal to terminal; the connector (1) further comprises at least two clips (3) which are provided with a seat (4) the shape and dimensions of which are substantially complementary to those of a respective terminal (2) for the accommodation of the terminal (2) as a result of an elastic deformation of at least one delimiting wall of the seat (4); the clips (3) are connected, at an end (5) that is substantially opposite with respect to the end provided with at least one seat (4), to respective cables (6) for connection to electrical components.

Description

[0001] CONNECTOR FOR MODULAR UNITS OF ELECTRICAL APPARATUSES, MODULAR UNIT OF ELECTRICAL APPARATUSES WHICH COMPRISES THE CONNECTOR, AND UNINTERRUPTIBLE POWER SUPPLY COMPRISING A MODULAR UNIT PROVIDED WITH THE CONNECTOR

[0002] The present invention relates to a connector for modular units of electrical apparatuses, as well as to any modular unit that comprises the above mentioned connector, or any uninterruptible power supply that comprises a unit which has the above mentioned connector.

[0003] In the present description, reference will be made exclusively to uninterruptible power supplies, but these constitute only one possible example of an application of undoubted practical and applicative interest, in that the example concepts can analogously be applicable to any electrical apparatus.

[0004] An uninterruptible power supply is generally indicated with the acronym UPS: it is an electronic device that comprises electricity storage cells (i.e. batteries) with the purpose of providing a continuous electric power supply to an electrical load during power cuts. A UPS also makes it possible to protect the electronic apparatuses that make up such electrical load, if any voltage fluctuations should become manifest.

[0005] The presence of an uninterruptible power supply ensures operational continuity and, at the same time, protects electrical loads, allowing data to be saved and all apparatuses present to be safely shut down, so preventing malfunctions and unwanted inactive times.

[0006] If there is an outage or voltage spikes (for example owing to atmospheric events or maneuvers carried out on the electrical grid by the operator), all network apparatuses (firewalls, switches, access points, computers and the like) will suddenly find themselves without power, and consequently will shut down in an uncontrolled manner, or they may be subjected to a voltage and / or current spike, which could damage them irretrievably.

[0007] In order to ensure superior versatility and superior maintainability, modular uninterruptible power supplies, in which a plurality of modules comprising respective electricity storage cells (batteries) work together to supply the overall power ensured by that uninterruptible power supply, are becoming very widespread.

[0008] These uninterruptible power supplies are very versatile because they make it possible to vary the operating power of the UPS, simply by adding or removing (battery) modules; furthermore, maintenance operations can be performed on each individual module, simply by removing it from the uninterruptible power supply (which will continue to operate, even if in some cases with a reduced operating power) and proceeding directly with the respective refurbishing operations while that module is offline, or replacing it immediately with another one in perfect condition so as to minimize the time interval for which the uninterruptible power supply is without a module (in this second case, the extracted module can be repaired / refurbished in a separate environment, for example in a dedicated laboratory).

[0009] To ensure that the modules are correctly connected to the other components of the uninterruptible power supply, it is necessary for each electrical terminal thereof (both for signals and for power) to be correctly wired to the corresponding clip of the uninterruptible power supply. Correct wiring is generally ensured by clamping elements present on the clip, which are configured to clamp the terminal. Such clamping elements must be accessible and it must be possible for an operator to work on them in safety in order to execute the operations to mount and dismount each module. The correct electrical connection is ensured when the terminal and clip surfaces in mutual contact are ample and are clamped firmly against each other (for this reason clamping elements are used).

[0010] Inserting the terminals in the respective clips, precisely because of the need for a great clamping force, is a complex matter and, at insertion time when the terminal is subjected to a high bending and compressing stress, deformations of the terminal itself could occur, which could subsequently compromise the quality of the electrical connection.

[0011] For these reasons the indisputable advantages of the modularity of the battery units (which are provided as modules that can be added to and removed from the UPS) are not properly appreciated, since the insertion and extraction operations are very complex, and terminals and connectors that provide an effective mutual coupling are particularly cumbersome.

[0012] The set of terminal plus clip constitutes a connector.

[0013] The aim of the present invention is to solve the above mentioned drawbacks, by providing a connector for modular units of electrical apparatuses that enables an optimal electrical connection and provides superior simplicity and rapidity of insertion and extraction.

[0014] Within this aim, an object of the invention is to provide a connector for modular units of electrical apparatuses that offers reduced bulk, while ensuring a good electrical connection.

[0015] Another object of the invention is to provide a connector for modular units of uninterruptible power supplies that can provide the electrical connection of the respective terminals to the corresponding clips by exerting limited coupling forces, lower than the mechanical strength of the cited components.

[0016] Another object of the invention is to provide a modular unit for electrical apparatuses that is provided with at least one connector which is easily connected to and disconnected from the respective electrical apparatus, so facilitating maintenance and replacement operations.

[0017] Another object of the invention is to provide a modular unit for uninterruptible power supplies that is provided with at least one connector that ensures a high quality of its electrical connection to the respective apparatus. Another object of the invention is to provide a modular unit for electrical apparatuses that is provided with at least one connector that does not require the application of great force for its insertion into and extraction from the respective electrical apparatus.

[0018] Another object of the invention is to provide uninterruptible power supplies that comprise modular units fitted with connectors that have small dimensions.

[0019] Another object of the invention is to provide uninterruptible power supplies that comprise modular units fitted with connectors that ensure high quality electrical connections.

[0020] Another object of the invention is to provide uninterruptible power supplies that comprise modular units fitted with connectors that do not require great force to execute the steps of connection (insertion) and disconnection (extraction).

[0021] Another object of the present invention is to provide a connector for modular units of electrical apparatuses, a modular unit that comprises the above mentioned connector, and an uninterruptible power supply that comprises a unit fitted with the above mentioned connector which are low cost, easily and practically implemented, and safe in use.

[0022] This aim and these objects are achieved by a connector for modular units of electrical apparatuses according to claim 1.

[0023] Such aim and such objects are also achieved by way of a modular unit of electrical apparatuses according to claim 7.

[0024] The above mentioned aim and objects are also achieved by virtue of an uninterruptible power supply according to claim 9.

[0025] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the detailed description that follows of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of the connector for modular units of uninterruptible power supplies, of the modular unit that comprises the above mentioned connector, and of the uninterruptible power supply that comprises a unit fitted with the above mentioned connector, which is illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0026] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a possible embodiment of a modular unit according to the invention;

[0027] Figure 2 is a schematic front elevation view of an uninterruptible power supply of the type comprising at least two modular units according to the invention;

[0028] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of a connector according to the invention;

[0029] Figure 4 is an exploded schematic perspective view of the connector of Figure 3;

[0030] Figure 5 is an exploded schematic perspective view of a clip of the connector of Figure 3;

[0031] Figure 6 is a partially cross-sectional schematic perspective view of a connector according to the invention in the configuration in which the terminals and the clips are separated and facing each other;

[0032] Figure 7 is a partially cross-sectional schematic view from above of a connector according to the invention in the configuration of Figure 6;

[0033] Figure 8 is a partially cross-sectional schematic perspective view of a connector according to the invention in the configuration in which only some terminals are partially inserted into the respective clips;

[0034] Figure 9 is a partially cross-sectional schematic view from above of a connector according to the invention in the configuration of Figure 8;

[0035] Figure 10 is a partially cross-sectional schematic perspective view of a connector according to the invention in the configuration in which the terminals are inserted further into the respective clips;

[0036] Figure 11 is a partially cross-sectional schematic view from above of a connector according to the invention in the configuration of Figure 10;

[0037] Figure 12 is a partially cross-sectional schematic perspective view of a connector according to the invention in the configuration in which the terminals are inserted further along into the respective clips;

[0038] Figure 13 is a partially cross-sectional schematic view from above of a connector according to the invention in the configuration of Figure 12.

[0039] With particular reference to the figures, the reference numeral 1 generally designates a connector for modular units 100 of electrical apparatuses (such as for example uninterruptible power supplies 200) according to the invention.

[0040] The connector 1 according to the invention comprises at least two terminals 2 which lead to corresponding conducting elements of an electrical apparatus and which have a predefined electrical potential. Such at least two terminals 2 face outward from a portion of an electrical apparatus with a protrusion Si, S2, S3 which differs from terminal to terminal.

[0041] The connector 1 according to the invention further comprises at least two clips 3 which are provided with a seat 4 the shape and dimensions of which are substantially complementary to those of a respective terminal 2 for the accommodation thereof as a result of an elastic deformation of at least one delimiting wall of the seat 4.

[0042] The clips 3 are connected, at an end 5 that is substantially opposite with respect to the end provided with at least one seat 4, to respective cables 6 for connection to electrical components.

[0043] The connector 1 according to the invention, by virtue of the specific characteristics illustrated above relating to the terminals 2 and to the respective clips 3, ensures that the connection and disconnection operations are simple and do not require great force.

[0044] In fact, in the connection step, the different protrusion Si, S2, S3 of the terminals 2 will determine the contact, and subsequent entry, only of a part of the terminals into the respective seats 4 of the corresponding clips 3. Basically, therefore, in the connection step it will be necessary to defeat only the elastic force required to deform the walls of the seats 4 of only the clips 3 affected by the contact of the terminals 2 that have the greatest protrusion Si. A subsequent translation in the insertion of the clips 2 toward the terminals 3 will result in contact between the terminals 3 that have a shorter protrusion S2 and the respective walls of the corresponding seats 4: at that point it will then be necessary to defeat the elastic reaction of these walls (since the clips that were previously forced open by the terminals 3 with the maximum protrusion Si have already been splayed and therefore do not require a great insertion force, and the clips facing the terminals with less protrusion S3 have not yet been reached by those terminals).

[0045] Full insertion will be achieved when the terminals 2 are accommodated completely in the respective seats 4 (and therefore also the terminals 2 with less protrusion S3 will have come into contact with the walls of the seats 4 of the respective clips 3, splaying them).

[0046] The different lengths of the terminals 2, basically, spread the overall force necessary for the full connection of the connector 1 along the entire travel of insertion and therefore they make the connection (insertion) and disconnection (extraction) operations of the terminals 2 in the seats 4 of the clips 3 easier.

[0047] A possible embodiment of the connector 1 according to the invention comprises at least three terminals 2 of at least two different lengths (i.e. they may be of two different lengths, or three different lengths, so defining protrusions Si, S2, S3) and at least three corresponding clips 3.

[0048] Preferably the connector 1 according to the invention can comprise at least four terminals 3 of at least two different lengths (i.e. they may be of two different lengths, or three different lengths, or four different lengths, so defining different protrusions Si, S2, S3) and at least four corresponding clips 3.

[0049] It should be noted that there is also the case, represented by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying figures, in which even more preferably the connector 1 can comprise at least five terminals 2 of at least two different lengths (i.e. they may be of two different lengths, or three different lengths, or four different lengths, or five different lengths, so defining different protrusions Si, S2, S3), and at least five corresponding clips 3.

[0050] Through the connector 1 according to the invention (depending on the number of terminals 2 and clips 3 present) it will be possible to make power connections (through which to transfer power from upstream to downstream of the connector 1) and / or signal connections (through which it will be possible to transmit electrical signals to control and / or manage the various components present in the unit 100 and / or in the electrical apparatus, for example an uninterruptible power supply 200).

[0051] It should be noted that each terminal 2 can advantageously comprise a respective wedge-like tip 7 which is configured to facilitate its entry into the corresponding seat 4 of a respective clip 3 by causing the elastic deformation of at least one delimiting wall of the seat 4 proper.

[0052] The tapered shape of each wedge-like tip 7 ensures that, by forcing its insertion into the seat 4, the inclined planes that delimit its front will abut against parts of the delimiting walls of the respective seat 4, splaying them to a width such as to allow the accommodation of the terminal 2 (which will enter the seat 4 following an additional translation corresponding to a mutual insertion of the terminal 2 in the seat 4).

[0053] The adoption of wedge-like tips 7 furthermore facilitates the operations of connection (in particular) and disconnection, because it reduces the force necessary to ensure the entry of each single terminal 2 into the respective seat 4, using the inclined planes that define the terminal front of each wedge-like tip 7.

[0054] It should further be noted that each of the terminals 2 can conveniently be constituted by a lateral edge of a power bar of an electrical apparatus of the type of an uninterruptible power supply 200.

[0055] Some uninterruptible power supplies 200 (and also some different electrical apparatuses) comprise bars B connected to parts of respective circuits placed under specific electrical potentials (voltages). Such bars B are particularly useful because they make it possible to transfer large quantities of power: their large surface area, in fact, makes it possible to make electrical contacts with other components on extended areas, so facilitating the transit of high electric currents.

[0056] At the same time the high cross-section of the bars B means they can be passed through by currents of very high intensity.

[0057] A specific example of the application of this type of connectors 1 is the application on modular units 100 adapted to accumulate electric power (i.e. electric storage batteries or super-condensers) which can be connected to an uninterruptible power supply 200.

[0058] In such case, all the modular units 100 will be arranged in parallel and coupled, through respective connectors 1 according to the invention, to a respective uninterruptible power supply, which can draw high voltages (which correspond to the circulation of high currents) from them, and this will be possible because the electrical contact between the terminals 2 (constituted by edges of the power bars B) and the respective clips 3 will be made with ample contact surfaces, which make it possible to transfer high quantities of energy with negligible losses.

[0059] The fact that the walls of the seats 4 are elastically forced against the faces of the terminals 2 accommodated in them further contributes to ensuring that the quality of the electrical contact is high (in that the two metal surfaces are forced against each other).

[0060] It should be noted that the connector 1 according to the invention can profitably comprise a supporting frame 8 for the at least two clips 2.

[0061] This frame 8 will positively be provided with lanes 9 which are configured to laterally confine the delimiting walls of the at least one seat 4 of each clip 3. In such case the lanes 9 will positively be mutually laterally adjacent and parallel, arranged along the path of insertion / extraction of the terminals 2 into / out of the seats 4 of the clips 3. It will be possible, once the clips 3 are arranged correctly inside the frame 8, to apply a closing mask 8a above in order to fully confine the walls that delimit each one of the seats 4.

[0062] The closing mask 8a can preferably have recesses 8b at the seats 4 over which they will be placed: such recesses 8b will have different lengths in order to present a stroke limit for the terminals 2 inserted in the seats 4 (recall that the terminals have a different protrusion Si, S2 and S3 and therefore, for each one of these protrusions Si, S2 and S3, the recesses 8b will have a respective length, so as to prevent an overtravel when the terminals 2 are inserted into the seats 4, which could potentially damage some or part of the components involved).

[0063] The seat 4 of each clip 3 can usefully be constituted by a main body 10 (arranged at the end 5 of the clip 3) arranged in a substantially central position, to which at least one pair of mutually opposite leaf springs 11, 12, 13, 14 is fixed.

[0064] In particular, in the embodiment shown by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying figures (in particular Figure 5 clearly shows the various components), there is a first, outermost pair of leaf springs 11, 12 and a second, innermost pair of facing and converging leaf springs 13, 14 which constitute the delimiting walls between which a seat 4 is defined.

[0065] The innermost leaf springs 13, 14 have mutually diverging fronts 13a and 14a, so as to facilitate the entry of the wedge-like tip 7 of the respective terminal 2. Such leaf springs 13, 14 are convergent and therefore the respective fronts 13a and 14a are arranged at a small distance from each other.

[0066] The leaf springs 11, 12 abut against the outer surface of the leaf springs 13, 14, elastically forcing them so that the fronts 13a and 14a are brought together (their spacing apart, which entails splaying the leaf springs 13 and 14, requires the elastic forcing of the leaf springs 11 and 12, but also of the leaf springs 11 and 12 that abut against them). In order to exert greater elastic force on the leaf springs 13 and 14, without increasing the sliding friction on them, the leaf springs 11 and 12 comprise respective projections Ila and 12a which are configured to abut against the surface of the leaf springs 13 and 14.

[0067] The insertion of a terminal 2 into a corresponding seat 4 therefore causes a deformation of the leaf springs 11, 12, 13, 14 which corresponds to a mutual spacing apart of their free ends (the ends proximate to the fronts 13a and 14a), corresponding to a partial elastic splaying of the leaf springs 11, 12, 13 and 14.

[0068] The protection offered by the present invention also extends to any modular unit 100 that comprises at least one component (i.e. a terminal 2 and / or a clip 3) of at least one connector 1 of the type described previously.

[0069] In detail, each modular unit 100 can conveniently comprise at least two clips 3 which are laterally adjacent and proximate, at a surface thereof which is configured for juxtaposition against a corresponding portion of a respective electrical apparatus which will be provided with corresponding at least two terminals 2.

[0070] The unit 100 can preferably comprise at least three laterally adjacent and proximate clips 3 (which will need to correspond to respective terminals

[0071] 2 in the apparatus to which such unit 100 will be connected); more preferably it can comprise at least four laterally adjacent and proximate clips

[0072] 3 (which will need to correspond to respective terminals 2 in the apparatus to which such unit 100 will be connected); even more preferably it can comprise at least five laterally adjacent and proximate clips 2 (which will need to correspond to respective terminals 2 in the apparatus to which such unit 100 will be connected), and the latter case is illustrated by way of nonlimiting example in the accompanying figures.

[0073] Furthermore the present invention also extends its protection to include any uninterruptible power supply 200 that comprises at least one modular unit 100 of the type described previously. In more detail, the uninterruptible power supply 200 can conveniently comprise at least two receptacles, provided at specific respective portions of respective power bars B the lateral edge of which constitutes the cited terminals 2, which are configured to contain and support respective modular units 100 which can be electrically coupled to / uncoupled from such power bars B (in particular to / from the edges thereof which constitute the terminals 2) by means of the clips 3.

[0074] By having a plurality of receptacles, it will be possible for the uninterruptible power supply 200 to be reconfigured (by increasing or reducing the number of modular units 100 accommodated in it) in order to adapt it to the specific power to be dispensed to the respective electrical load. Furthermore, the capacity to easily connect and disconnect each modular unit 100 (by virtue of the particular shape of the connector 1 according to the invention, described above), will also facilitate the execution of operations to maintain and / or substitute individual units 100 while the uninterruptible power supply 200 is in service.

[0075] From an implementation point of view, furthermore, it should be noted that the connection between the power bars B of an uninterruptible power supply 200 and the individual modular units 100 (in particular the respective set of electricity storage cells) using conventional connectors translates to a plurality of junctions (i.e. interface surfaces between conducting elements placed in series). At each junction (interface surface between contiguous different conducting elements) there can be losses (of energy) which are due, mainly, to the quality of the electrical contact provided by that junction. It is therefore evident that, if the assembly of the components between which each junction is created is imperfect, there may be energy losses, even large losses, and technical problems of various nature (which may be potentially dangerous for the correct operation of the uninterruptible power supply 200 and for the operators present).

[0076] However, the connector 1 according to the invention minimizes the number of connectors present between the power bars B and the respective modular units 100 (in particular the respective set of electricity storage cells), so increasing the electrical yield of the entire uninterruptible power supply 200 that comprises them (because it determines a reduction in the energy losses that occur at the interface surface between different conducting elements) and reducing the risk of malfunctions and problems affecting the portion of circuit comprised between the bars B and the modular units 100 (in particular the electricity storage cells of the units).

[0077] Advantageously the present invention solves the above mentioned problems, by providing a connector 1 for modular units 100 of electrical apparatuses that enables an optimal electrical connection and provides superior simplicity and rapidity of insertion and extraction.

[0078] Conveniently the connector 1 for modular units 100 of electrical apparatuses according to the invention offers reduced bulk, while ensuring a good electrical connection.

[0079] Advantageously the connector 1 for modular units 100 of electrical apparatuses according to the invention can provide the electrical connection of the respective terminals 2 to the corresponding clips 3 by exerting limited coupling forces, lower than those necessary in all conventional technical solutions.

[0080] Profitably the modular unit 100 for electrical apparatuses according to the invention is easily connected to and disconnected from the respective electrical apparatus, so facilitating maintenance and replacement operations.

[0081] Positively the modular unit 100 for electrical apparatuses according to the invention ensures a high quality of its electrical connection to the respective apparatus.

[0082] Usefully the modular unit 100 for electrical apparatuses according to the invention does not require the application of great force for its insertion into and extraction from the respective electrical apparatus.

[0083] Conveniently the uninterruptible power supply 200 according to the invention comprises modular units 100 fitted with connectors 1 that have small dimensions.

[0084] Effectively the uninterruptible power supply 200 according to the invention ensures a high quality of the electrical connections of the modular units 100 that it accommodates.

[0085] Advantageously, the uninterruptible power supply 200 according to the invention does not require great force to execute the steps of connection (insertion) and disconnection (extraction) of the modular units 100 that it accommodates.

[0086] Positively the connector 1 for modular units 100 of electrical apparatuses, the modular unit 100 that comprises such connector 1 and the uninterruptible power supply 200 that comprises at least one unit 100 fitted with the abovementioned connector 1 are easily and practically implemented and are low cost: such characteristics make the connector 1, the unit 100 and the uninterruptible power supply 200 according to the invention innovations that are certain to be safe in use.

[0087] The invention, thus conceived, is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, all the details may be substituted by other, technically equivalent elements.

[0088] In the embodiments illustrated, individual characteristics shown in relation to specific examples may in reality be interchanged with other, different characteristics, existing in other embodiments.

[0089] In practice, the materials employed, as well as the dimensions, may be any according to requirements and to the state of the art.

[0090] The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. 102024000020728 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference.

[0091] Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly, such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A connector for modular units (100) of electrical apparatuses, characterized in that it comprises:- at least two terminals (2) which lead to corresponding conducting elements of an electrical apparatus and which have a predefined electrical potential, said at least two terminals (2) facing outward from a portion of an electrical apparatus with a protrusion (Si, S2, S3) which differs from terminal to terminal;- at least two clips (3) which are provided with a seat (4) the shape and dimensions of which are substantially complementary to those of a respective terminal (2) for the accommodation of said terminal (2) as a result of an elastic deformation of at least one delimiting wall of said seat (4), said clips (3) being connected, at an end (5) that is substantially opposite with respect to the end provided with said at least one seat (4), to respective cables (6) for connection to electrical components.

2. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least three terminals (2) of at least two different lengths and at least three corresponding clips (3), preferably at least four terminals (2) of at least two different lengths and at least four corresponding clips (3), even more preferably at least five terminals (2) of at least two different lengths, preferably at least three different lengths, and at least five corresponding clips (3).

3. The connector according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that each said terminal (2) comprises a respective wedgelike tip (7) configured to facilitate its entry into the corresponding seat (4) of a respective clip (3) by causing the elastic deformation of at least one delimiting wall of said seat (4).

4. The connector according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of said terminals (2) is constituted by a lateral edge of a power bar of an electrical apparatus of the type of anuninterruptible power supply (200).

5. The connector according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a supporting frame (8) for said at least two clips (3) which is provided with lanes (9) configured to laterally confine the delimiting walls of said at least one seat (4) of each clip (3), said lanes (9) being mutually laterally adjacent and parallel.

6. The connector according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said seat (4) of each clip (3) is constituted by a substantially central main body (10) to which at least one pair of mutually opposite facing and converging leaf springs (11, 12, 13, 14) is fixed, said leaf springs constituting said delimiting walls between which said seat (4) is defined, the insertion of one of said terminals (2) into a corresponding said seat (4) causing a deformation of said leaf springs (11, 12, 13, 14) which corresponds to a mutual spacing apart of the free ends thereof, with partial elastic splaying of said leaf springs (11, 12, 13, 14).

7. A modular unit of electrical apparatuses, characterized in that it comprises at least one component of at least one connector (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, said component being of a type selected from at least one terminal (2) and at least one clip (3).

8. The modular unit according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises at least two clips (3) which are laterally adjacent and proximate at a surface thereof which is configured for juxtaposition against a corresponding portion of a respective electrical apparatus provided with corresponding at least two terminals (2), preferably comprising at least three laterally adjacent and proximate clips (3), more preferably comprising at least four laterally adjacent and proximate clips (3), even more preferably comprising at least five laterally adjacent and proximate clips (3).

9. An uninterruptible power supply, characterized in that it comprises at least one modular unit (100) according to at least one of claims 7 and 8.

10. The uninterruptible power supply according to claim 9,18 characterized in that it comprises at least two receptacles, provided at respective portions of power bars defining at least two said terminals (2), which are configured to contain and support respective modular units (100) which can be electrically coupled to / uncoupled from said terminals (2) by means of said clips (3).

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