Abstract:
A switchgear cabinet assembly or rack assembly including an electric supply device that can be or is connected to a primary power supply. Equipment that is housed in at least one switchgear cabinet or rack on the user side, or equipment that is to be supplied with electricity can be or is connected to the electric supply device. To achieve simple and reliable connection options, a sub-distribution device is located in the switchgear cabinet or rack or in a separate cabinet or rack. The device has at least one sub-distribution unit that can be or is connected to the primary power supply, having a housing or frame and being retained and secured by a mounting unit. According to this invention, the sub-distribution unit can be or is connected to primary supply lines that lead to the primary power supply and to pre-fabricated connection lines that lead to the rack.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    This invention relates to a switchgear cabinet assembly or rack assembly having an electric current supply arrangement, which is connected or can be connected to a main current supply arrangement, to which devices are connected or can be connected, which are to be supplied and are housed in a switchgear cabinet or a rack of the consumer. 
         [0003]    2. Discussion of Related Art 
         [0004]    A switchgear cabinet assembly or rack assembly with an electric current supply arrangement is taught by German Patent Reference DE 199 11 196 A1, wherein various devices arranged in a switchgear cabinet can be supplied with current by an electric current supply arrangement. The electric current supply arrangement also has a connection to a main current supply arrangement. If, for example, various consumers in a computing center are present not only in one switchgear cabinet or rack but, if required, also in additional switchgear cabinets or racks, expensive electrical installation steps are required, wherein at least a greater portion of the connections must be made by skilled personnel. 
         [0005]    A rack in the form of a tower stand for server PCs is taught by German Patent Reference DE 298 13 657 U1. An electric current supply arrangement with a horizontal row of side-by-side located current supply modules and a sub-net distributor supplying them, which is supplied with current via a supply cable, is arranged in the lower area of the stand. The current supply modules are inserted into plug-in shafts of the stand in a manner in which they can be pulled out and pushed in, and are electrically connected to the sub-net distributor in the connecting area via a respective electrical cable, which is conducted through a lower elongated hollow chamber. No statements regarding a connection of the current supply modules with each other are made, and no detailed information is provided regarding the connection of the devices. 
         [0006]    Various contacting arrangements for contacting of contact rails and switching devices in a switchgear cabinet are shown in German Patent Reference DE 297 16 201 U1. 
         [0007]    An energy supply arrangement with inserting devices and contact apparatuses is disclosed in German Patent Reference DE 25 15 152, wherein the inserting devices can be locked and can also be electrically connected and disconnected by operating a switch. In German Patent Reference DE 198 26 453 C2, feed-through adapters or sockets installed in a wall unit for supplying electricity are shown in German Patent Reference DE 198 26 453 C2. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    One object of this invention is to provide a switchgear cabinet assembly or rack assembly of the type mentioned above but which, following the provision of a main connection, electrical consumers, in particular devices to be supplied, can be simply and variably connected even by a layman. 
         [0009]    This object is attained with a switchgear cabinet assembly having characteristics taught in this specification and in the claims. According to this invention, a sub-distribution arrangement having at least one sub-distribution unit which can be connected or is connected to the main current supply has its own housing or its own frame, is arranged in at least one switchgear cabinet or rack of the consumer, or in a separate switchgear cabinet or rack, and is maintained or secured therein by a mounting unit. On one side the sub-distribution unit is connected or can be connected with main supply lines leading to the main current supply, and on the other side is connected or can be connected to connecting lines leading to the devices to be supplied. 
         [0010]    The consumer only needs to connect the sub-distribution unit to the assigned connector of the main supply line provided with a plug-in connection and, on the other side of the sub-distribution unit, then also connect the connection lines leading to the devices, or to the cabinets or racks of the user, also having appropriate plug-in connectors. In this case, the sub-distribution unit in the respective cabinet or rack offers various and variable connecting options, so that electrical connecting work, for example following a rearrangement of the layout, can be easily performed. 
         [0011]    Here, the connection between the main current supply and the sub-distribution units is simplified if the main supply lines have a network connecting cable and at least one supply cable, or several supply bus bars, to which the at least one sub-distribution unit is connected. In this case, the supply cable can be a part of the network connecting cable. 
         [0012]    Also, a construction advantageous for assembly includes the sub-distribution units having contact terminals for connection to the supply bus bars, or plug-connector units for connection to the at least one supply cable. 
         [0013]    If several sub-distribution units are connected with each other by pre-fabricated connecting cables or similar bridges, in which case they have appropriate plug connectors, only one of the sub-distribution units needs to be connected to the main current supply. 
         [0014]    Protection for the consumer is assured because the supply bus bars or supply cables are covered, protected against touching, by a protective covering. 
         [0015]    If the sub-distribution units are provided with fuses inserted into fuse plug-in locations, and with these respectively protected plug-in connectors are designed for the connection with the connecting lines on the part of the user, construction is further simplified, in which case corresponding safety fuses can be omitted in the cabinets, or racks, by the user. 
         [0016]    Assembly work is further simplified if one or several profiled strips with electric current conductors, which extend on them and are protected against touching, each is arranged in at least one switchgear cabinet, or rack, of the consumer, which are accessible for connection with the devices to be supplied via adapter units which can be variously connected. Thus, not only the securing of the connecting lines in the individual cabinets or racks of the consumer is simple, because one connection per profiled strip is sufficient, but the consumer can make the connection of the device inside the cabinet at a suitable location without hindrance. 
         [0017]    To assure the current supply of the consumers, even when the network current supply fails, an interruption-proof current supply arrangement can be provided as a main current supply arrangement in the cabinet or rack having the sub-distribution device, to which arrangement the sub-distribution device is connected or to which it can be automatically switched if a failure of the network supply is detected by a monitoring arrangement. 
         [0018]    Connecting work is simplified if several sub-distribution units are connected or can be connected with each other by coupling/plug units directly or by pre-fabricated cables, and only one of the sub-distribution units is connected with the main current supply. Thus, cascading of the sub-distribution units is easily possible. 
         [0019]    A simple, well-arranged cable routing is achieved if the cabinets of the consumer and/or the sub-distribution cabinet, or possibly the racks are provided in the base area or in the roof area at the rear or the front with a cable conduit for the connecting lines, and a removable cover for introducing connecting lines is provided on the respective switchgear cabinet or rack. 
         [0020]    The following steps contribute to the safety of the electric current supply arrangement with the possibility of avoiding overloads and of displaying information to the consumer, wherein there is a pick-up unit for measuring and monitoring the current or the voltage supplied through the connecting lines. It is thus possible to show the consumer still unused capacities or required expansions of the supply system. 
         [0021]    Those steps contribute to additional safety and assurance of functionality, wherein there is a safety device designed so that inserting or pulling out of the sub-distribution unit under electrical load is prevented. 
         [0022]    A simple connecting possibility of the connecting line leading to the device of the user to be supplied is obtained if a receiving socket for receiving a plug-in element of the consumer connecting line is arranged in a lateral housing wall of the at least one sub-distribution unit, and if a lead-through opening for the plug-in element is cut into a wall adjoining the cabinet. With these steps, the respective sub-distribution unit is not accidentally disconnected from the main current supply, and the current supply of connected devices is thus interrupted. 
         [0023]    An advantageous safety device includes the safety device having a switch arrangement for disconnecting the load, which works together with a locking arrangement of the sub-distribution unit. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         [0024]    This invention is explained in greater detail in view of the drawings, wherein: 
           [0025]      FIG. 1  shows a switchgear cabinet assembly with an electric current supply arrangement in a schematic view; 
           [0026]      FIGS. 2A and 2B  show two alternative embodiments for connection of sub-distribution units to a main current supply; 
           [0027]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  show an embodiment for the connection of sub-distribution units to a main current supply, and of sub-distribution units with each other; 
           [0028]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  show a further embodiment of the connection of sub-distribution units to a main current supply, and to each other; 
           [0029]      FIG. 5  shows a switchgear cabinet assembly with an electric current supply arrangement in a perspective view; 
           [0030]      FIG. 6  shows a sub-distribution unit with various components, in a schematic representation; 
           [0031]      FIG. 7  shows two sub-distribution elements, which are electrically connected with each other, with various components in a schematic view; 
           [0032]      FIG. 8  shows a base area of a switchgear cabinet with cable conduits; 
           [0033]      FIG. 9  shows a roof area of a switchgear cabinet with cable conduits; 
           [0034]      FIG. 10  shows a further schematic view of a switchgear assembly with a sub-distribution unit; 
           [0035]      FIG. 11  shows a further embodiment of a switchgear cabinet assembly with several sub-distribution units connected to different main current supply arrangements; 
           [0036]      FIG. 12  shows a further embodiment of a switchgear cabinet assembly with a sub-distribution unit; 
           [0037]      FIG. 13  shows an embodiment of a switchgear cabinet assembly with a sub-distribution unit and an interruption-proof current supply arranged in the respective cabinets; 
           [0038]      FIG. 14  shows a monitoring arrangement for the electrical power supply arrangement in a sub-distribution unit; 
           [0039]      FIG. 15  shows a monitoring arrangement for the electrical power supply arrangement in the area of a feed unit connected to the main power supply; 
           [0040]      FIG. 16  shows a schematic view of a monitoring arrangement in the area of the electrical power supply arrangement; 
           [0041]      FIG. 17  shows a partial view of a switchgear cabinet or a switchgear rack with an installed sub-distribution unit, in a perspective plan view; 
           [0042]      FIG. 18  shows a connection area of a sub-supply unit at a supply bus bar in a lateral plan view; 
           [0043]      FIG. 19  shows a schematic view of a sub-distribution unit from a front and in an installed state from above; and 
           [0044]      FIG. 20  shows a lateral area of a sub-supply unit with a connecting section. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0045]    A switchgear cabinet assembly with an electrical power supply arrangement shown in  FIG. 1  has two sub-distribution cabinets  60 , in which a sub-distribution arrangement  10  with sub-distribution units  11  is arranged, and has user cabinets  20 , connected to the sub-distribution arrangement  10  via connecting lines  30 , with take-off bus bars  21 , for example in the form of profiled strips, to which the devices housed in the respective user cabinets  22  and to be supplied can be connected. The sub-distribution arrangement  10  is connected to a network electrical supply  40  via a network connection cable  41 . The sub-distribution units  11 , which are arranged in the two sub-distribution cabinets  60  vertically above each other and horizontally oriented, are connected with each other via a connecting line  12 . The sub-distribution units  11  are mechanically maintained and secured by respective mounting units in the respective sub-distribution cabinet  60 . For this purpose, the mounting unit has mounting elements, which can be connected directly or by mounting rails and further mounting elements with a rack of the cabinet, on which the sub-distribution elements  11  can be fixed in place with counter-elements provided on them. The mounting elements advantageously comprise respective horizontal rail elements, on which the assigned sub-distribution units  11  can be slid in a position. Screws and/or snap-in connector elements or manually operable other locking elements are provided for securing. The sub-distribution units are advantageously embodied as push-in units. At least one sub-distribution unit  11  can accordingly be housed and mounted in a further cabinet  20 . 
         [0046]    As shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , several sub-distribution units  11  are connected either via a cable, or directly, with the network connection cable  41 , as shown in  FIG. 2A , wherein only one sub-distribution unit  11  is connected to the network connection cable  41 , while the further sub-distribution units  11  are connected to the sub-connection distribution unit connected to the network connection cable  41  by pre-fabricated connecting cables and plug connectors arranged on the sub-distribution units  11 , or the network connection cable  41  is connected to supply bus bars  43 , to which the sub-distribution units  11  are connected. 
         [0047]    In the case of a connection of the respective sub-distribution units  11  with a supply cable  42 , the connection can be provided by a simple plug-in connection, while the bus bars permit higher current strengths of, for example, more than 100 Ampéres. The bus bars in particular must be covered, protected against touching, by a protective covering  45 , such as shown in see  FIG. 3B . The bus bars, for example a quadripole bus bar system, is perpendicularly mounted, for example. Bores are located on the front of the protective covering  45 , which is for example made of a plastic material, through which the sub-distributors  11  are connected with the bus bars  43  by contact terminals. The sub-distribution units  11 , which are preferably maintained in a 19-inch housing or frame, are fixed in place following insertion by the contact terminals. 
         [0048]    In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , bus bars sections are attached, protected against touching, on the rear of the sub-distribution units  11 . Contact terminals  44  are located at the lower end of the bus bars sections  43 , which are brought into contact with bus bars of an already mounted sub-distribution unit  11  by being plugged together with them. When plugged together, protection against touching is assured by a protective covering  45 , or the casing of the bus bars  43 . Feeding into the bus bars  43  occurs by a special module, which is preferably mounted on the lowermost location. The bus bar sections of the lowermost sub-distribution unit  11  are connected via the contact terminals  44  with the bus bar sections of the feed module. 
         [0049]    In the embodiment of  FIGS. 4A and 4B , in case of a connection by a supply cable  42  the sub-distribution units  11  are directly connected with each other by being plugged together via plug-in connector units  44 ′ including plugs and sockets. The plug of the network connection cable  41  fits into the plug-in connector of the lowermost sub-distribution unit. No bridging cables between the sub-distribution units  11  are required with this embodiment. 
         [0050]    As schematically shown in  FIG. 5 , the connecting lines  30  from the sub-distribution units  11 , also arranged in the cabinet  60 , to the profiled strips  21  on the user side are conducted through cable conduits  50 , which are arranged on the front or back of the cabinets  22  of the user cabinets  22  and form a continuous cable conduit arrangement. As  FIG. 8  shows, the cable conduit  50  can be covered by a cable conduit covering  50 . 1 . The conduit can be fastened, for example releasably, in front of or behind the base of the respective cabinet  22 , or correspondingly also of the cabinet  60 . As  FIG. 9  shows, it is alternatively, or also additionally, possible to arrange a cable conduit  51 ,  52 , if required also with a cable conduit covering  52 . 1 , in the roof area of the respective cabinet  22 ,  60 , which can also be designed to be removable. The covering can be a lid extending over the entire length and can be opened by a tool. The connecting lines, or cables  30  are fixed in place at several locations in the cable conduit  50 , or  51 ,  52 . 
         [0051]    In case of the arrangement of the cable conduit  50  at the base, a cover is removed and, if desired, replaced with a cover with a cutout. The cable conduit  50  has a matching cutout on the back, which is congruent with the cutout in the cover. 
         [0052]    As shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the sub-distribution units  11  have fuses  13  inserted into fuse plug-in locations  13 . 1 , so that preventive steps regarding excessive electrical currents are taken at respective plug-in connectors  17  for the connecting lines  30 , so that correspondingly further fuses in the user cabinets  22  can be omitted. The sub-distribution unit  11  furthermore has plug receptacles or sockets  14 ,  16  for connections between each other or with the network connection cable  41 .  FIG. 15  shows a bridge between two sub-distribution units  11  which can be designed, for example, in the form of a short cable with two plug connectors, as described above. 
         [0053]    An electronic monitoring device  18  can be arranged in the sub-distribution unit  11 . As shown in  FIGS. 3B ,  4 B, the sub-distribution units can be arranged on appropriate mounting plates  19 , to which supply bus bar sections  43  are attached by appropriate supply bus bar holders  43 . 1 . 
         [0054]    Supplementing the network electrical supply  40 , an interruption-proof current supply (USV) is advantageously provided, to which the sub-distribution units  11  connected to the network electrical supply  40  are switched if a network voltage failure is detected by an appropriate detector unit, or to which a different sub-distribution unit  11  is connected from the start, as shown in  FIG. 11 . In the interruption-proof current supply  70  which, for example, is modularly constructed and thus can also constitute the main supply, the electronic device is placed, for example separate from the supply batteries, in a housing which, for example, is also put in place in the form of a 19-inch installation corresponding to the sub-distribution unit  11 , while the supply batteries can be installed in one or several units in the take-off bus bars, or profiled strips  21 . Water cooling is advantageously selected for cooling, wherein water flows through cooling elements on the various components. The cooling units are connected with hoses and plug-in connectors for supplying cooled and removing heated water, wherein cooling is monitored and regulated. The interruption-proof current supply is connected by plug-connectors with the batteries, which can be easily exchanged. 
         [0055]    Adapter units, which can be variably inserted at different locations into the profiled strips  21 , are provided for a simple connection of the devices. Current is conducted in the profiled strips  21  by bus bars, which are embedded, protected against touching, or by insulated cables. 
         [0056]    The current supplied via the connecting lines  30  can be measured and monitored at suitable locations, for example at the feed-in location from the main supply point, for example at a feed-in module  46 , or at the sub-distribution units, or at the location of feeding into the profiled strips  21 , or within the profiled strips  21 , as shown as an example in  FIGS. 14 to 16 . The measurement signals can be used to trigger, for example, an overload signal in place, and to inform the consumer. The measurement signal is supplied to a higher-order switchgear cabinet monitoring system  80 , which can evaluate the measurement signals more accurately and can develop suitable data for generating information and/or trigger signals for actuators. Measuring of the current or the voltage takes place via a current or voltage transformer, measuring transformers and advantageously by means of A/D conversion and forwarding of the measuring signals via a serial interface. The fuses or safety switches can be monitored in a similar manner. The information is also passed on via the serial interface. In this case, monitoring can be performed by auxiliary contacts at the safety switches, or also by measuring the voltage upstream and downstream of the fuse. 
         [0057]    The described measures result not only in an easily manageable, variable electrical current supply arrangement, but also assure the safety required for the consumer. 
         [0058]      FIGS. 10 to 13  show various further embodiments for switchgear cabinet arrangements with sub-distribution units  11 . In accordance with  FIG. 10 , a sub-distribution unit  11  seated in a separate sub-distribution cabinet  60  is supplied via bus bars with current from the main current supply and is connected via connecting lines  30  to a group containing four user cabinets. In the embodiment in accordance with  FIG. 11 , two sub-distribution units  11  are connected in a separate sub-distribution cabinet  60 , to which units two groups of respectively four user cabinets  20  are connected via respective connecting lines  30 . The one sub-distribution unit  11  is supplied, for example via an assigned group of supply bus bars, directly from a network supply as the main supply, while the other sub-distribution unit is supplied via different assigned supply bus bars  43  by an interruption-proof current supply  70  as the main supply, which is connected with the network supply via a network connection cable  41 . In this example, the interruption-proof current supply  70  is housed in its own cabinet. It is also possible to house the interruption-proof current supply in the same cabinet as the sub-distribution units  11 . 
         [0059]    In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 12 , a sub-distribution unit  11  is housed in a user cabinet  20  and supplies the further user cabinets, as well as the consumers in the user cabinet  20  in which itself is housed, via respective connecting lines  30 . In comparison with the arrangement in  FIG. 12 , in accordance with  FIG. 13  interruption-proof current supply devices  70  are additionally housed in the individual cabinets, to which the consumers located in the cabinets are connected in order to assure the supply in case of the failure of the network supply. 
         [0060]    In the embodiments in accordance with  FIGS. 10 to 13 , the sub-distributors  11  are per se constructed corresponding to the exemplary embodiments explained by  FIGS. 1 to 9  and are connected in a corresponding manner with the main current supplies, as well as the consumers. 
         [0061]      FIG. 14  represents a monitoring arrangement for the electrical power supply arrangement in a sub-distribution unit  11 , which is connected via three phases and a zero conductor to a main supply. Accordingly, respective voltage transformers  81  and/or current transformers  82  are provided for each phase and, if desired also for the zero conductor, by which corresponding measuring signals are picked up and fed to a sensor unit  83 , in which the current and voltage signals are converted into suitable data and are supplied to the higher order switchgear cabinet monitoring system  80  via a bus connection, for example via a serial interface. The respective phases can be differentiated by the sensor unit  83 , so that a definite evaluation and, if required, an assigned overload signal can be issued via the switchgear cabinet monitoring system  80 , or a shut-off can be performed via assigned actuators. 
         [0062]    As  FIG. 15  shows, such a monitoring arrangement with current transformers  82  and/or voltage transformers  81 , as well as a sensor unit  83  connected thereto, can also be provided in a feed-in module for feeding the supply bus bars  43  leading to each sub-distribution unit  11 , or the supply cable  42 . Here, too, the signals picked up by the sensor unit  83  are passed on by the sensor unit  83  to the switchgear cabinet monitoring system  80  for further evaluation. 
         [0063]      FIG. 16  shows an embodiment in which a monitoring arrangement in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of  FIGS. 14 and 15  is assigned to a sub-distribution unit  11 , as well as to a feed-in module  46 . Here, the switchgear cabinet monitoring system  80  receives data from both connected sensor units  83  for evaluation and further processing. The data from the switchgear cabinet monitoring system  80  can also be updated in the switchgear cabinet monitoring system  80  for further transmission to remote locations via a network system  84 , so that remote monitoring and remote control are possible. 
         [0064]      FIG. 17  shows a sub-distribution unit  11  introduced into the interior of a switchgear cabinet or rack and designed, for example, as a  19 ″ push-in unit, which is held by a mounting unit  90  having lateral rail elements or mounting strips extending horizontally into the interior of the cabinet or rack. Sockets  47 . 1  for plugs  47 . 2  arranged at the rear of the push-in unit  11  in the cabinet interior on vertically extending supply rails  43 . The supply rails  43  are covered by one or several mounting plates  19 , through which only the sockets  47 . 1  are accessible for the plugs  47 . 2 . With this plug/socket unit  47 , the sub-distribution unit  11  can be connected in a simple manner and free of contact by pushing it into the interior of the cabinet or the rack, which can also be seen in  FIG. 18 , in which a connecting means  48  is also represented between the socket  47 . 1  and a supply rail  43 . The plug  47 . 2  is arranged in a rear wall  11 . 2  of the housing of the sub-distribution unit  11 , while the socket  47 . 1  is arranged in or behind a recess in the mounting plate  19 . For positive centering of the sub-distribution unit  11  designed as a push-in unit, at least one centering mandrel  1   1 . 3  is arranged on the rear wall  11 . 2 , which engages a centering opening  19 . 1  matched to it in the mounting plate  19 . For a positionally accurate, simply guided insertion of the respective sub-distribution unit  11 , the horizontal rail elements of the mounting unit are matched to the height of the plug and the socket, or of the mandrel, taking into consideration a respective vertical offset. Lateral boundaries assure an exact positioning transversely to the push-in direction.  FIG. 19  shows the sub-distribution unit  11  introduced into the interior of the cabinet or rack, as well as a plug/socket unit  47 , from above as well as from the front. A top-hat rail arrangement can, for example, be in the interior of the housing for mounting the fuses or similar protective elements. 
         [0065]    In a further embodiment of the sub-distribution unit  11  in connection with an installation space in the cabinet or rack which is shown in  FIG. 20 , an arrangement of receiving sockets  17 . 1 , into which plug elements  17 . 2  of the consumer connecting lines  30  can be plugged, is provided in a lateral wall  11 . 1  of the sub-distribution unit  11  designed as a push-in unit. Adjoining the receiving sockets  17 . 1 , an introduction opening  61 . 1  is arranged in a cabinet wall  61  which, in the inserted state of the push-in unit, is congruent with the position of the respective receiving socket  17 . 1 . When the plug element  17 . 2  is pushed into the receiving socket  17 . 1 , the push-in unit cannot be accidentally pulled out. With this arrangement, a dependable connection, along with a definite seating, of the sub-distribution unit  11  is assured, and insertion or pull-out of the push-in unit  11  while under load is performed can be prevented. 
         [0066]    It is also possible for avoiding the insertion or pull-out of the push-in unit under load to provide a switch arrangement in the sub-distribution unit  11 . Here, the embodiment has, for example, a turnbuckle lever located on a shaft, which projects through a cutout of the lateral wall  11 . 1  of the push-in unit  11  and the oppositely located lateral wall of the push-in unit  11  and locks the sub-distribution unit  11  to the adjoining lateral wall of the cabinet or rack or to another element fixed in place on the switchgear cabinet or the rack. Locking becomes active when the switch arrangement is switched on, it is unlocked upon switch-off. With this, too, the sub-distribution unit  11  can be removed or inserted in the load-free state.