EP2057718A1

EP2057718A1 - Power rail system

Info

Publication number: EP2057718A1
Application number: EP07819008A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Arthur Huber; Josef Feigl; Christian Stepputat
Original assignee: Knuerr GmbH
Current assignee: Vertiv Integrated Systems GmbH
Priority date: 2006-10-16
Filing date: 2007-10-15
Publication date: 2009-05-13
Anticipated expiration: 2027-10-15
Also published as: US7891993B2; WO2008046577A1; US20100041277A1; MX2009003358A; JP5101624B2; DE202006015827U1; EP2057718B1; JP2010507202A; PL2057718T3; RU2398322C1; BRPI0717518A2; CN101553959A; ES2388001T3

Abstract

The invention relates to a power rail system comprising a power conducting base structure and at least one power distribution and/or power feeder module that can be attached to the base structure. According to the invention, the power conducting base structure has power conductors that are designed as first contact devices and are distributed substantially over the whole length of the structure. The power distribution and/or power feeder module or modules has or have second contact devices for contacting the first contact devices of the base structure and contact on or with the base structure can be made at any point.

Description

Enerqieschienensystem

The invention relates to a power rail system according to the preamble of claim 1.

In order to supply consumers with power in housings and cabinets of computer science technology, mostly socket strips are used. These box strips are often provided with fastening devices to which they can be fixed in or on such housings and cabinets. However, the type of sockets is fixed in such socket strips, so that consumers who need a different type of socket, another socket strip must be installed.

A similar system is known for 19 "server cabinets, where there is a base structure that is vertically mounted in the server cabinet, which has fixed pitch connections to which any of the modular sockets can be plugged. In this basic structure here the power lines are provided.

A disadvantage of this construction is that the connector strips at fixed, predetermined intervals, the socket strips can only be attached to certain, predetermined positions.

One goal is therefore to keep the cabling effort as low as possible, that is, to use cables as short as possible, so that it is desirable to provide the sockets as close as possible to the corresponding consumers. The invention is based on the object of providing a power rail system for supplying consumers, in which distribution devices can be arranged as close as possible to the consumer and which is constructed simply expandable and adaptable.

The object is achieved by a power rail system with the features of claim 1.

Accordingly, it is provided that the energy-conducting base structure has at least energy lines over the entire length which are designed as first contact devices and that at least one module for energy distribution and / or energy supply has second contact devices for contacting with the first contact devices of the base structure. Furthermore, the contacting takes place at any point on or with the base structure.

Further advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims, the description and the figures and their explanation.

A basic idea of the invention can be seen in the design of the energy rail system to ensure that when positioning the modules for energy distribution and / or energy supply as high a degree of freedom is available. This is achieved according to the invention in that the energy-conducting base structure has contact devices over its entire length. These contact devices can be designed, for example, in the form of energy rails. The power distribution modules have another second contact means to contact the power rails. The contacting establishes an energy transferring connection between the base structure and the modules. Since the energy rails extend continuously over the entire length of the base structure as a contact device, it is possible to connect the modules for power distribution at an arbitrary position with the base structure. As a result, the modules can be installed as close as possible to the respective consumers for power distribution. Another advantage is the possibility of simultaneous use of different power distribution modules. The various modules may, for example, have different slots for the consumers, or, depending on the design, also offer different voltages or be protected differently by means of fuses.

In principle, the modules for energy distribution can be designed as desired. Preferably, they are designed for the respective connection options or specifications of the consumer. For example, it is possible to provide the power distribution modules as terminal strips for open wiring. On the other hand, it is advantageous to carry out these modules in the manner of a socket strip. This facilitates the connection of consumers. By using individual modules, it is possible to design several modules with a different socket arrangement adapted to the particular consumer. Thus, other special connector types or different country and / or standard specific socket systems can be used.

In a preferred development, the basic structure has data lines in addition to the power lines. These are designed as further third contact devices. It is advantageous if at least one module has a further contact device in order to connect with the third contact means.

In this way a data transfer over the data lines is made possible.

In principle, communication via the data lines can be controlled from anywhere. For example, a corresponding communication device can be provided directly on the energy-conducting base structure. Another advantageous possibility is to provide a further module as a communication module, which has at least contact devices for contacting the data lines. Furthermore, this module should be designed to send and / or receive information on the data lines. When using an additional module for data communication, the basic version can be provided without these additional facilities for data distribution and be upgraded later, if such additional functionality is needed.

In this context, it is advantageous if at least the module for energy distribution and / or for energy supply also has devices for transmitting and / or receiving information on the data lines. This makes it possible for the communication module or another communication device to receive data from the power feed modules and / or power distribution modules. For example, a check or control of the total power supplied or the individual modules can be easily performed.

It is also possible to implement further control mechanisms via such a functionality. For example, the communication module can be designed so that the position of the individual distribution modules can be determined by appropriate algorithms. If the communication module also has an interface to the network or to administrative and operating systems, then this information can be used or queried for maintenance or the current operating conditions. As a result, on-site maintenance is no longer mandatory. Other options also exist in a targeted shutdown of individual sockets or consumers.

The communication module can be advantageously designed so that the current or voltage measurement can be broken down to individual modules or cans or is determined individually.

The securing of the individual modules or socket strips can also be displayed or controlled by the communication module.

In order to improve the contact of the modules to the base structure, it is advantageous if the modules have tong-like coupling elements for engagement with this base structure. These are preferably attached to the respective edge region of the modules. For a secure contacting, it has proven to be advantageous if the first and / or third contact devices are designed as female contact devices and the second and / or fourth contact devices are provided as matching male contact devices. This results on the one hand, the advantage that the power lines and contact devices on the base structure, which are designed as female devices, are protected and prevents unwanted contact is prevented. The projecting pincer-like coupling elements provided on the modules serve to protect the males also protruding Kontaktierungseinrichtun- so that they can not be bent or damaged.

In principle, the contact devices can be male / female or female / male, with an embodiment with contact protection being preferred.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the modules are equipped with at least one locking device. This is preferably mounted in the end region of the respective module. Such a locking device is used for additional attachment of the modules to the base structure, so that accidental slipping or removal is prevented.

In addition to the possibility of remote diagnosis via the communication module, which is advantageously designed for communication with control and / or control systems, it is also possible to provide additional display devices for outputting information to the individual modules. For example, LEDs with different colors may be provided to indicate the occupancy status of the individual outlets on a distribution module. Likewise, LCD monitors or multi-segment displays for the modules can be provided to display information about the current energy load, the connected consumers or error messages.

Similarly, display displays may be provided anywhere in the base structure or adaptable with modules.

This facilitates on-site inspection so that such maintenance does not involve lengthy and extensive diagnostic and verification tests must be in order to test the functionality. The display devices may additionally include input devices to initiate or interrogate any error analyzes or specific outputs.

In an advantageous embodiment, the end pieces of the base structures have the possibility of setting up a further energy-conducting base structure. As a result, the energy rail system according to the invention can be easily expanded, so that it can be adapted to a larger number of consumers without having to make major changes in the overall system.

As the electronic components and consumers in electronic housings and cabinets, in short electronics cabinets or 19 "server cabinets, are placed more and more dense, the energy requirement of such a cabinet also increases, which is why the energy distribution system is in an advantageous embodiment for transmission and transmission The base structure then has at least one power line per phase, and the power modules are able to provide different phases or even several phases for the consumers to be connected, as it is possible to contact only certain power lines in that different power distribution modules use different phases in order, for example, to distribute the load evenly across all phases.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to embodiments and schematic drawings. In these drawings show:

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a power rail system according to the invention;

2 is a plan view of a power rail system with various modules.

Fig. 3 is a sectional view through a module and a base structure prior to insertion;

Fig. 4 is a sectional view through the module and base structure of Fig. 3 after insertion; 5 is a sectional view through a module and a base structure with locking device.

6 shows a server cabinet with two built-in energy rail systems; and

Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of a double energy rail system with coupling end.

1 shows a schematic diagram of an energy rail system 1 according to the invention. The energy rail system 1 shown here has a base structure 2 with two end pieces 6 each. On the base structure 2, a power feed module 3, a power distribution module 4 and a communication module 5 are applied. In another design, it may be convenient to integrate the communication module into the feed module, e.g. that it is provided on a plug-in card in the supply module.

According to FIG. 1, the energy supply module 3 is connected to the local energy supply system. In addition to the simple feeding of the current from the local power supply system to the base structure 2, it can perform other functions. For example, transformer devices or additional fuses such as overvoltage fuses may be provided. After the energy, ie the current, is applied to the base structure 2 via the energy feed module 3, it is possible for the energy distribution module 4 to deliver energy, which it receives via the base structure 2, to the connected consumers (not shown here). In addition, a communication module 5 is mounted on the base structure 2. This serves for data transmission with known control or monitoring systems. For this purpose, 14 data lines 15 are provided on the base structure 2 in addition to the power lines. Via these data lines it is the communication module 5 possible to get information or commands to / from the power supply module 3 and the power distribution module 4. For example, it can determine the exact position of the individual modules on the base structure. Also, multiple power distribution modules may be mounted and deployed simultaneously on the base structure 2. In Fig. 2 is a plan view of a power rail system 1 is shown. This energy rail system 1 is equipped with three different power distribution modules 4, which are designed as socket strips 17, 18, 19. Here, the socket strip 17 is provided with connections for Schuko plug. The socket strip 18 has sockets for IEC connector. On the socket strip 19, for example, sockets are designed according to American three-plug standard. In principle, all types of desired sockets, including three-phase sockets, or multi-phase sockets, can be provided. By implementing the power distribution module as a module, it can be easily replaced and adapted to local conditions and standards. As shown in Fig. 2, it is also possible to operate different types of box strips 17, 18, 19 with a base structure 2.

The socket strips 17, 18 and 19 shown here additionally have a display device 13 for each socket. This may indicate, for example, when the consumer connected to this outlet is receiving energy or has experienced a problem or error. At the left end of the base structure 2, a power feed module 3 is attached. This energy supply module 3 has three display devices 13. These serve to display the three available phases. If an error has occurred and a phase no longer provides the desired power, this can be indicated by the corresponding display device 13. In a simplified form, the display device may also display only "failure" or "function".

In the end portions of the socket strips 17, 18 and 19 are provided actuators for the locking devices.

The basic structure 2 shown in FIG. 2 has both energy supply lines 14 and data lines 15. In this illustration, five power supply lines 14 and at least four data lines 15 are provided. The exact design of the base structure 2 and the application of a module 3, 4 or 5 on this base structure 2 will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4.

The basic structure 2 shown in FIG. 3 has five power supply lines 14. This base structure 2 is intended for use with a three-phase three-phase system. Here, the power line 21 for the first phase, the power line 22 for the second phase and the power line 23 for the third phase. The power line 24 serves for example as neutral and the power line 25 for the PE conductor. The power lines 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25 shown here are designed as female contact devices 32. For contacting and energy transfer, the module 4 adapted male contact means 33 for the energy transfer. The data lines 15 and the corresponding contactors 35 and 34 are made similar to the contactors 32 and 33 for the power transmission. However, since no high powers are transmitted via the data lines 15, they can be dimensioned smaller. The number of both the power lines 14 and the data lines 15 depends on the exact system used, for example, the communication system.

When applying a module 4, it is not always necessary that all five power lines 14 are contacted by the module 4. If a module is to be operated only single-phase, i. Only one phase are available to consumers, so for example, the contact with the power lines 21, 24 and 25 is sufficient.

In order to achieve a good contact between the base structure 2 and the module 4, the module 4 is equipped at its lateral regions with projecting coupling elements 26. These coupling elements 26 engage, when the module 4 is placed on the base structure or pushed together, in corresponding counterparts 27 on the base structure. Since the coupling elements 26 are provided in the lower region of the modules, it is also possible to provide modules that are wider than the base structure 2. hereby It is also possible to use electronic assemblies with particularly wide connectors.

In order to impede unintentional release of a module 3, 4, 5, which is mounted on a base structure 2, a locking device 16 is additionally provided on the modules 3, 4, 5. This locking device 16 engages, as shown in Fig. 5, in a recess 30 provided therefor. In the form shown here, the locking device 16 is formed by a pin with a perpendicular thereto transverse pin. Due to the rotation of the locking device 16 by 90 °, the transverse pin can no longer be pulled out of the Bäsismodul 2 and the module 3, 4, 5 is fixed to the base structure 2. In principle, however, other locking structures are possible.

In Fig. 5, the contact means 37 is designed differently for the PE conductor as in Figures 3 and 4. It is set higher here compared to the other power lines, so that the module 3, 4, 5, this contact device 37 when placing contacted. As a result, a leading earth is achieved, which leads to increased safety.

The construction of the power lines 14 as well as the data lines 15 is such that they are not open on the base structure 2. Thus, an unwanted contacting or shorting between the individual lines 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 14, 15 can be prevented.

The contact devices may be formed, for example, as blade contacts and with a corresponding base plate. Likewise, a construction with spring contacts is possible. Furthermore, other contact devices that produce a non-positive and / or positive connection, usable.

FIG. 6 shows a server cabinet 43. This server cabinet has two energy rail systems 41 and 42. Here, the power rail system 41 is arranged vertically while the power rail system 42 is mounted horizontally. In energy rail system 41, there is still room for attaching additional modules. These modules can be used during operation, as contacting the other modules does not affect them become. Likewise, in the energy rail system 1 according to the invention, individual modules can also be exchanged during the operation of the energy rail, without the entire energy rail system having to be disconnected from the mains.

Fig. 7 shows a double-executed energy rail system 51. This consists of two adjoining energy rails. In order to transfer the energy from the energy supply module 3 to the second rail, at least one end piece 52 is designed as a coupling element. In this case, connections for the power and data lines 14 and 15 are executed on this coupling element 52. As a result, the energy is conducted from the power supply module 3 on both energy rails. The same applies to information which is routed via the communication module 5 to the basic structures 2. In the energy rail system 51 shown in FIG. 7, two basic structures are attached back to back or side by side. However, it is also possible with a coupling element to attach two base structures one above the other so that they have a greater height. For example, a vertical, longer energy rail system 41 can be constructed from a horizontal energy rail system 42 with the aid of such a coupling element and a further basic structure.

The energy rail system according to the invention thus offers a simple, flexible concept in order to make the power supply in electronic cabinets more flexible.

Claims

1. energy rail system (1), in particular for housings and cabinets of information technology, with

- an energy-conducting basic structure (2) and

- at least one on the base structure (2) attachable module for power distribution (4) and / or power supply (3), characterized

that the energy-conducting base structure (2) has at least energy lines (14) over substantially the entire length, which are designed as first contact devices (32),

- That the at least one module for power distribution (4) and / or energy supply (3) second contact means (33) for contacting with the first contact means (32) of the base structure (2) and

- That the contacting takes place anywhere on or with the base structure (2).

Second energy rail system according to claim 1, characterized in that the base structure (2) data lines (15), which are formed as third contact means (34).

3. energy rail system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one module for power distribution (4) in the manner of a socket strip (17, 18, 19) is executed.

4. energy rail system according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least one module (3, 4, 5) has a fourth contact means (35) for contacting with the third contact means (34).

5. energy rail system according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a communication module (5) is provided which has at least one fourth contact means (35) for contacting with at least one third contact means (34), and which for transmitting and / or Receiving information on the data lines (15) is formed.

6. energy rail system according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the modules (3, 4, 5) tong-like coupling elements (26) for engagement with the base structure (2).

7. energy rail system according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the first (32) and / or the third (34) contact means are designed as female and alternatively as male contact means, and that the second (33) and / or the fourth (35) contact devices are designed as male and, alternatively, as female contact devices.

8. energy rail system according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the modules (3, 4, 5), in particular in the end regions, at least one locking device (16) to the modules (3, 4, 5) on or with the base structure (2) to lock at any position.

9. energy rail system according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that at least the module for power distribution (4) and / or energy supply (3) comprises means for transmitting and / or receiving information on the data lines (15).

10. energy rail system according to one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that on or in the communication module (5) at least one interface to

Communication with control and / or control systems is provided, and that the modules (3, 4, 5) facilities for, in particular bidirectional,

Have control and / or control over the data lines (15).

11. Energy rail system according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the modules (3, 4, 5) have display devices (13) for outputting status information.

12. energy rail system according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the base structure (2) has end pieces (6) which are designed for connection to a further energy-conducting base structure.

13. energy rail system according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that at least one module for power distribution (4) country and / or standards-specific connection devices for consumers or for forwarding has.

14. energy rail system according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the energy-conducting base structure (2) is designed for the transmission of several, in particular three, phases, and in that the modules for power distribution are designed for an optional tap of one or more phases.

15. energy rail system (43), characterized by a power rail system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14.