Electric power conversion systems – Current conversion – With conductive support mounting
Reexamination Certificate
2000-12-20
2001-11-13
Nguyen, Matthew (Department: 2838)
Electric power conversion systems
Current conversion
With conductive support mounting
Reexamination Certificate
active
06317348
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a chassis for a uninterruptible power supply (UPS), and more particularly to a modular UPS unit with an internal support structure which simplifies the construction of the UPS unit and allows the UPS unit to be easily expanded.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
An uninterruptible power supply, well known as a UPS, is typically used as a buffer between commercially supplied power and an electrical load, such as a computer, blood analyzer or other electronic equipment. If line voltage is interrupted, power to the load is maintained for a limited amount of time to operate the load during the interruption or to provide time to properly shut down the load without resulting damage. An on-line UPS typically comprises a converter, inverter, and battery charger. The UPS converts the commercially supplied AC power to DC power and then back to AC power. This conversion isolates the load equipment from spikes and sags in the commercially supplied power and corrects variances in line voltages. DC power is used to charge a battery. The battery can then be used to supply AC power to the load when the commercially supplied power is interrupted
In commercial applications, loads may change over time. As computer networks are expanded the load on the UPS increases. In order to meet this increase in demand, either a larger UPS is needed or a plurality of modular UPS units can be connected together to meet the required power level.
Known designs for a modular UPS have utilized one of two basic concepts. The first concept is to make each module an independent chassis. The modules can then be stacked or piled next to each other in order to make the necessary electrical connections. The problem with this concept is that it is difficult to move the unit and changing a module may require modules to be disconnected during the operation of the system. The second concept of designing a modular UPS has been to build a freestanding chassis that is essentially a large receptacle for the modules. This design solves the problems of mobility and service, but increases the size of the unit, makes the unit more difficult to manufacture, and limits field expandability. Thus, there is a need for a modular UPS unit that is easy to maintain, expandable and easy to manufacture.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In view of the foregoing background, it is therefore an object of the invention to provide a modular UPS unit in response to, and in satisfaction of, the aforementioned needs. The invention is a modular UPS unit with an internal support structure. By utilizing a central support structure, the UPS unit is mobile and each module can be removed from the structure independent of the others, thus allowing for hot swapping of the modules. By using an internal support structure rather than an external structure, the manufacture of the unit is greatly simplified, the size is kept to a minimum, and the unit can be easily expanded in the field.
According to one embodiment of the invention, an uninterrupted power supply chassis is disclosed. The uninterrupted power supply comprises a base section, a central support structure and uninterrupted power supply modules. The base section has a top and bottom wherein the top of the base section has a plurality of different slots for accepting a plurality of different protrusions. The central support structure is comprised of at least a first pair of panels which are fastened together back to back, each panel has a front, back, top and bottom, wherein the plurality of protrusions are provided on the bottom of each panel and the plurality of different slots are provided on the top of each panel so that the first pair of panels can be connected to the base and subsequent pairs of panels can be connected to existing pairs of panels, the panels having male fasteners and I/O connectors on the front of each panel. The uninterrupted power supply modules have female fasteners for connecting with the male fasteners on the panels and I/O connectors for connecting to the I/O connectors on the panel.
According to another embodiment of the invention, an uninterrupted power supply chassis is disclosed. The uninterrupted power supply comprises a base section, a central support structure and uninterrupted power supply modules. The base section has a top and bottom wherein the top of the base section has a plurality of different slots for accepting a plurality of different protrusions. The central support structure is comprised of at least a first pair of panels which are fastened together back to back, each panel has a front, back, top and bottom, wherein the plurality of protrusions are provided on the bottom of each panel and the plurality of different slots are provided on the top of each panel so that the first pair of panels can be connected to the base and subsequent pairs of panels can be connected to existing pairs of panels, the panels having fasteners and I/O connectors on the front of each panel. The uninterrupted power supply modules have fasteners for connecting with the fasteners on the panels and I/O connectors for connecting to the I/O connectors on the panel.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4772999 (1988-09-01), Fiorina et al.
patent: 5701244 (1997-12-01), Emmert et al.
patent: 5995400 (1999-11-01), Park et al.
Banner & Witcoff , Ltd.
Nguyen Matthew
Toshiba International Corporation
LandOfFree
UPS chassis design having an internal support structure does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with UPS chassis design having an internal support structure, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and UPS chassis design having an internal support structure will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2616573