Socket connection architecture of PDU

Abstract

Power distribution unit, including an elongated housing and a power input penetrating into the elongated housing. The power input may include a ground bus, a neutral bus, and at least one phase bus. A plurality of electrical sockets may be arranged along the housing. Each electrical socket may include a receptacle and a plurality of spaced-apart socket pins extending from the receptacle. The plurality of socket pins may include a ground socket pin for receiving the ground bus, a neutral socket pin for receiving the neutral bus, and a phase socket pin for receiving the phase bus.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 039,211, filed Jul. 18, 2018, which claims priority and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 534,139, filed Jul. 18, 2017, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to devices, systems, and methods used in power distribution, power management, and power monitoring applications. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to an improved socket - pin connection architecture for a power distribution unit (PDU) that allows for simplified busbar routing and can be inexpensively manufactured through an automated manufacturing process. Thus, the PDU can be inexpensively fabricated so as to reduce manufacturing costs and can be manually or through automated assembly of the PDU in a shorter time relative to existing PDU designs. Background Art

[0004] Power distribution units have long been used to supply power to electronic devices. A traditional power distribution unit (PDU) is a component consisting of a plurality of electrical “outlets” (also referred to as “receptacles” or “outputs”) that receive power from a source and distribute the power through the outlets to one or more different electronic devices, each having a power cord plugged into a respective outlet of the PDU. In some applications, the PDU receives power from two different power inputs, often referred to as a “dual - feed” or “dual - input” PDU. This dual - input can provide additional power - supplying capacity to the PDU and / or can provide redundant power to the devices receiving power from the PDU outlets. The PDU can be used, for example, in any of a variety of applications and setups in or on an electronic equipment rack (such as a RETMA rack) to supply power to network devices (e.g., servers, routers, gateways, network switches) as well as other applications. For convenience, one or more PDUs located in a cabinet may be referred to as cabinet power distribution units (CDUs).

[0005] The power supply allocated to small businesses or residential users is usually "single-phase" or "two-phase" power. In a single-phase system, a single alternating current with a sinusoidal voltage is distributed through a three-phase line connection consisting of a single-phase current source conductor, a neutral return conductor, and a grounding conductor. In a split-phase system, two alternating voltage phase conductors and a ground are distributed over at least three phase lines. The two-phase voltages are separated by a "phase difference" of 180 degrees in time - that is, the sinusoidal voltage on one phase line leads or lags the sinusoidal voltage on the other phase line by the amount of the phase difference. Therefore, the effective voltage between the first-phase line and the second-phase line is significantly greater than the effective voltage between each phase line and the neutral line. Thus, a three-phase line, split-phase system can provide, for example, 120 volts in a phase-neutral line circuit and 240 volts in a phase-phase line circuit.

[0006] In larger commercial and industrial applications, a three-phase system can be employed. In a three-phase system, each voltage cycle on each phase line is 120 degrees, or 1 / 3 of a cycle, and is out of phase with the voltage cycles of each of the other two phase lines. Three-phase systems are used in large commercial and industrial applications because three-phase equipment is smaller, lighter, and more efficient than single-phase or two-phase equipment. Although three-phase circuits are a bit more complex than single-phase or two-phase circuits, for the same load supported by the circuit, they are lighter in weight than single-phase circuits. Three-phase circuits can also provide a wide voltage range and can be used for single-phase or two-phase loads. 1 A three-phase power supply is generated by a circuit in either of two configurations: (i) "delta"; or (ii) "Y" configuration. If one end of each arm of a three-phase load is connected together at the same point, connected to the neutral return conductor, and the other ends are connected to the three phase lines (one phase line for each phase), this configuration is called a Y or "Y" connection. If the arms of a three-phase load are connected in series to form a closed loop, with one phase line connected to each connection of two adjacent arms, this configuration is called a delta or "Δ" connection.

[0007] One reason three-phase circuits are more complex than typical single-phase circuits is that it is necessary to maintain at least a certain degree of balanced load in each of the three phases. One indicator of imbalance is the current level flowing through each phase line. If the current level flowing through one phase line is significantly different from the current levels flowing through different phase lines, the load is considered unbalanced. In a system connected in Y configuration, imbalance can also be indicated by the current flowing through the neutral line. Imbalance between loads can cause damage to three-phase systems, can cause excessive losses in components in the system (such as three-phase generators), can cause increased electricity consumption, and is difficult and costly to adjust.

[0008]

[0009] ​For example, high-capacity data centers used in computer and communication network applications typically utilize a three-phase power supply to provide operating power to devices located in hundreds or thousands of equipment racks within the data center. Typically, the three-phase power supply is supplied to the equipment racks through a four-wire or five-wire input, providing each line for the voltage phases of a three-phase Y connection, one ground line, and one neutral line. Vertically or horizontally oriented power distribution units are connected to the input and distribute the power from different phases to multiple outputs. A three-phase PDU typically provides three or more output branches, with one branch for each phase or each pair of phases of the power supplied by a three-phase plug board. The PDU can be mounted on or adjacent to a given equipment rack to provide three or more branches of single-phase or two-phase power (each such branch coming from a three-phase power input) to the rack or other nearby devices.

[0010] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011] The improved socket pin connection architecture described herein can be better understood by reference to the following specific embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent the same or functionally similar elements:

[0012] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a power distribution unit (PDU) of an exemplary embodiment;

[0013] Figure 2 shows the Figure 1 sectional perspective view of the PDU shown;

[0014] Figure 3A is a partial perspective side view showing the Figure 2 socket pin configuration of a representative number of sockets of the exemplary PDU in;

[0015] Figure 3B is a front view showing the Figure 2 socket pin configuration of a representative socket of the exemplary PDU in;

[0016] Figure 4 is a partial perspective view of the socket pin configuration of the PDU;

[0017] Figure 5A and Figure 5B are plan views of truncated C13 offset socket pins associated with phase A and phase B;

[0018] Figure 5C is a plan view of a truncated standard socket pin associated with phase C;

[0019] Figure 6A and Figure 6B show the Figure 2 plan view and front view of a representative C13 socket shown in;

[0020] Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the input power connection to an exemplary PDU in Figure 2 ; and a plan view of truncated C19 offset receptacle pins associated with phase A and phase B;

[0021] Figure 8A and Figure 8B is an isometric view of a C13 receptacle pin set according to a representative embodiment; and

[0022] Figure 9 is an isometric view of a C19 receptacle pin set according to a representative embodiment.

[0023] Figure 10 The headings provided herein are for convenience only and do not necessarily affect the scope of the embodiments. Additionally, the drawings are not necessarily to scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements in the figures may be enlarged or reduced to aid in understanding the embodiments. Further, although the disclosed techniques may be modified in various ways and alternative forms, specific embodiments are shown by way of example in the drawings and described in detail below. However, the intention is not to limit the described embodiments unnecessarily. Instead, the embodiments are intended to cover all modifications, combinations, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present invention.

[0024] Specific embodiments Specific embodiments

[0025] Various examples of the above-described apparatus will be described in more detail below. The following description provides detailed details for a comprehensive understanding and description of these examples. However, those skilled in the relevant art will understand that the techniques and processes discussed herein may be practiced without many of these details. Similarly, those skilled in the relevant art will also understand that the technology may include many other features not described in detail herein. Additionally, some well-known structures or functions may not be shown or described in detail below to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the relevant description.

[0026] The terms used below will be interpreted in the broadest reasonable manner, even if used in the detailed description of some specific examples of the embodiments. In fact, some terms may even be emphasized below; however, any terms intended to be interpreted in any restrictive manner will be explicitly defined in this section.

[0027] The present disclosure relates to an improved PDU socket connection architecture that allows for simplifying electrical connections within a PDU by leveraging multiple busbars and enables wave soldering of these busbars after they are mounted to receptacles previously mounted to the front panel of the PDU. This provides significant gains in reducing wires, improving reliability (eliminating hand soldering), reducing labor expenses, and lowering the cost of these PDUs.

[0028] In some embodiments, the disclosed connection architecture includes offset pins that allow different phases or phase pairs to permit the interconnection of uninsulated wires with the socket, thus facilitating wave soldering of the components of the PDU.

[0029] Figure 1 FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a power distribution unit (PDU) 100 of an exemplary embodiment. The PDU 100 includes an elongated housing 102 configured to be vertically mounted to an electronic equipment rack. As is well known, such a vertically mountable PDU 100 can be mounted into the equipment rack at the rear of the equipment rack, thus not consuming vertical space within the equipment rack that would otherwise be used for computing equipment ("ZeroU"). The PDU 100 located at the back of the equipment rack allows power cords to extend from the rear of the computing equipment for convenient insertion into the PDU 100. Although a vertically mountable PDU 100 is shown in Figure 1 FIG. 7, the concepts and features described herein can be incorporated into power distribution units having other form factors (such as horizontally mountable power distribution units, and power distribution units for other applications). Accordingly, the specific devices and applications discussed herein are for illustrative purposes only.

[0030] The power input 104 penetrates the PDU housing 102 and can receive power inputs from multiple power phases, such as a three-phase power input. In other embodiments, the power distribution unit may include different power inputs, each receiving power from a different power source or power phase. In some embodiments, a single phase may be connected to two or more circuit breakers for distributing the single-phase supply to multiple outlets, creating an alternating current branch outlet configuration. The PDU 100 includes, for example, three groups or banks of power outlets 115, 117, 125 on its front face 108. Each group of power outlets 115, 117, 125 includes a plurality of individual power outlets, such as power outlets 115-a, 115-b, and 115-c of the power outlet group 115, power outlets 117-a, 117-b, and 117-c of the power outlet group 117, and power outlets 125-a, 125-b, and 125-c of the power outlet group 125. The individual power outlets 115-a, 115-b, and 115-c are adjacent to each other, and in this embodiment, each power outlet is interconnected with a different phase of the three-phase power from the power input 104. Similarly, the power outlets 117-a, 117-b, 117-c, and 125-a, 125-b, 125-c are adjacent to each other, and each power outlet is interconnected with a different phase of the three-phase power from the power input 104. Thus, adjacent outlets within a group of outlets 115, 117, 125 are connected to different phases of the input power, providing the ability to insert components directly above or below each other within an equipment rack into power outlets having different power phases without having to route power cords to connect the equipment to different groups or banks of outlets. Such a configuration provides more convenient load balancing in a three-phase system. Additionally, cable management is simplified by providing different power inputs or phases within each group of outlets along the length of the PDU.

[0031] In some embodiments, the PDU 100 of the present embodiment further includes a display that provides a visual display of information related to the current supplied to the PDU 100 through each phase or power input. In some embodiments, the PDU 100 may include a network interface card (NIC) with application firmware and hardware that accesses to connect the PDU 100 to a computer network as a network. The PDU 100 may include sockets 115, 117, 125 that are switchable to control the application of power from the input power supply to the corresponding power outputs. The PDU 100 may also provide power status sensing and / or load sensing for the corresponding power sockets. In some embodiments, the load sensing information of different inputs and / or sockets is reported on the network through the NIC. The PDU that describes these functions is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 8,694,272 authorized on April 8, 2014 and U.S. Patent No. 8,305,737 authorized on November 6, 2012 of the applicant.

[0032] Figure 2 showing C13 and C19 sockets Figure 1 partial perspective view of the PDU shown. In Figure 2In [the figure], the rear cover portion of the housing of the PDU has been removed to show the internal portion of the PDU. IEC-C19 type sockets 256 and IEC-C13 type sockets 206 are arranged on the front face 208 of the PDU 100 and are connected to the busbars 210A, 210B, 210C, 210D, and 210E. In the present embodiment, each socket 206 or 256 is a "snap-in" socket connected to the busbars 210A, 210B, 210C, 210D, and 210E along the length of the PDU 100. For example, 210A may be a neutral busbar, 210B may be a ground busbar, and 210C-210E may be phase busbars. In some embodiments, as shown, the busbars are parallel to each other along the length of the PDU 100. The busbars 210A, 210B, 210C, 210D, and 210E are electrically connected to the sockets 206, 256 through socket pins that extend from the sockets in a direction opposite to the front face 208. According to the disclosed embodiments, there can be two types of pins: standard socket pins and offset socket pins. The busbar 210A snaps into the standard socket pins 212 for busbar connection to the neutral connection of the socket 206 mounted in the front face 208. Similarly, the ground busbar 210B snaps into the standard socket pins 212 for busbar connection to the ground connection of the socket 206 mounted in the front face 208. In other words, the longitudinally adjacent pins of the ground socket pins 212 are aligned with each other, and the longitudinally adjacent pins of the neutral socket pins 212 are aligned with each other. However, the remaining three-phase busbars are only snapped into those sockets they are intended to supply power to (e.g., the offset socket pins 214 are only connected to the busbar 210E for phase A). That is, the offset socket pins allow only selective connection to the sockets where the phase busbars are in use. In other words, the longitudinally adjacent pins of the phase socket pins are laterally spaced apart from each other such that the longitudinally adjacent pins of the electrical sockets have phase socket pins for receiving different phase busbars. Thus, the offset socket pins for phase A will only allow the sockets associated with phase A to be connected to phase A. Similarly, the offset socket pins for phase B will only allow the sockets associated with phase B to be connected to phase B. According to some embodiments, the socket pins for phase C have no offset. Those skilled in the art will understand that phase A can be any one of L1, L2, or L3 in a Y-shaped configuration, or any one of X, Y, or Z in a triangular configuration, without a neutral busbar.

[0033] As Figure 2As shown, IEC-C19 type sockets 256 and IEC-C13 type sockets 206 can be combined together in an array mounted with longitudinal alignment to each other. For example, two IEC-C19 type sockets 256 are placed adjacent to each other, and a group of IEC-C13 type sockets 206 is located on either side of the IEC-C19 type sockets. Any suitable combination of sockets is possible. In some embodiments, the socket types can alternate between IEC-C19 and IEC-C13 type sockets. In some embodiments, the sockets can include a monolith, such as a molded bank of the sockets.

[0034] Figure 3A is a partial perspective side view showing Figure 2 the socket pin configurations of the sockets representing the exemplary number of PDUs in. In the present embodiment, a cross-sectional view of the PDU depicts IEC-C13 type sockets 306a, 306b, and 306c. The sockets 306a, 306b, and 306c are mounted on the front face 308 of the PDU 300. Standard (e.g., straight) socket pins 312 and 320 are connected to their respective neutral and ground buses. The offset socket pin 314 is only connected to the bus for phase A, the offset socket pin 316 is connected to the bus for phase B, and the standard socket pin 318 is connected to the bus for phase C.

[0035] Figure 3B is an end view showing Figure 2 the socket pin configurations of the representative sockets of the exemplary PDU in. The socket 306c is mounted on the front face 308 of the PDU 300. Figure 3B shows the positions of the offset socket pins 316 and 314. For example, Figure 3B shows how the offset socket pins 316 and 314 are offset or staggered relative to the standard socket pins 312, 320, and 318. The standard socket pins 312, 320, 318 are soldered (e.g., wave soldered) to the neutral bus, the ground bus, and the bus for phase C; and the offset socket pins 316, 314 are soldered to the buses for phase B and phase A, thereby electrically connecting the socket 306 within the PDU. Thus, the PDU can be assembled in a relatively efficient and reliable manner. As Figure 3BAs shown, the ends (i.e., the stop devices) of socket pins 312, 314, 316, 318, and 320 are vertically aligned such that when the busbars are attached to the pins, they lie in the same (e.g., horizontally oriented) plane, which facilitates wave soldering of the connection. Another advantage of the connection architecture of the present disclosure with standard socket pins and offset socket pins is the elimination of the laminated PCB that favors the busbars. This provides an advantage over the embodiments based on laminated PCB construction described in the applicant's U.S. Patent No. 9,419,416, which was authorized on August 16, 2016. The offset pin configuration of the present disclosure provides significant gains in reducing wires, improving reliability (without manual soldering), reducing labor expenses, and reducing the manufacturing cost of the PDU.

[0036] Figure 4 is a partial perspective view of the socket pin configuration of the PDU 400. In this embodiment, the PDU 400 includes an IEC-C13 type receptacle 406 and IEC-C19 type receptacles 456a, 456b. The sockets 406, 456a, 456b are mounted on the front face 408 of the PDU 400. The standard socket pins 412, 420, and 418 of the C13 receptacle 406 snap into the neutral busbar, the ground busbar, and the busbar for phase C. The standard socket pin 422 of the C-19 receptacle 456b snaps into the same neutral busbar as the standard socket pin 412. The standard socket pin 424 of the C19 receptacle 456b snaps into the ground busbar. The offset socket pin 428 of the C19 receptacle 456a snaps into the busbar for phase B. The offset socket pin 426 of the C19 receptacle 456b snaps into the busbar for phase A.

[0037] Figure 5A and Figure 5B is a plan view of the offset socket pins associated with phase A and phase B of the C13 type socket. Figure 5A shows that the offset socket pin 514 includes a first vertical portion 514a and a second vertical portion 514c connected by an intermediate portion 514b. Figure 5B shows that the offset socket pin 516 includes a first vertical portion 516a and a second vertical portion 516c connected by an intermediate portion 516b. It should be understood that the drawings are truncated where the first vertical portions 514a and 516a extend into the receptacle. The first vertical portion, the second vertical portion, and the intermediate portion may also be referred to as the terminal portion, the arm portion, and the connector portion, respectively. The lengths of the intermediate portions 514b, 516b are different to accommodate phase A and phase B while maintaining the electrical safety gap between the busbars. Figure 5A and Figure 5BShows a fixed stop device 530 for fixing a bus bar for an automatic soldering process (such as wave soldering). For example, if the component is flipped for an automatic soldering process, the fixed stop device 530 fixes the bus bar in place. In some embodiments, the bus bar can snap into the stop device 530. The stop device 530 can also be referred to as a clip or notch. Figure 5A and Figure 5B Also shown are indentations 552, 554 included in the bias pins 514, 516. For example, the indentations 552, 554 can increase the strength of the construction of the pins 514, 516. The indentations 552, 554 can also be referred to as ribs, reinforcing ribs, or darts. Although not shown in the figures, in some embodiments, the intermediate portions 514b, 516b can also include reinforcing ribs. In Figure 5A and Figure 5B The discussion in is for illustrative purposes. In some embodiments, the bias socket pins can be associated with any two of the three phases of a three-phase power supply. The lengths of the intermediate portions of the bias socket pins will be different to accommodate the two phases and maintain an electrical safety gap between the bus bars, while the third phase can be attached to a standard pin (e.g., zero bias) without an intermediate portion.

[0038] Figure 5C Is a plan view of a standard socket pin 518 associated with phase C. The standard socket pin 518 includes a fixed stop device 530 and an indentation 554. Although the indentations have been shown with the same reference numerals in multiple figures herein, in alternative embodiments, the indentations in different pins can have different shapes, forms, sizes, or orientations. It should be understood that the figures are truncated where the socket pin 518 extends into the receptacle.

[0039] Figure 6A and Figure 6B Shows a plan view and an end view of a representative IEC-C13 socket 606. For example, the socket 606 is similar to Figure 2 the socket 206 shown in. Figure 6B Shows standard (e.g., straight) socket pins 612, 620, and 618. The standard socket pin 612 snaps into the neutral bus bar, the standard socket pin 620 snaps into the ground bus bar, and the standard socket pin 618 snaps into the bus bar for phase C. In some applications, the standard pins are commercial pins that are modified (e.g., a stop device can be formed at the end of the pin) to match the size of the bus bar.

[0040] Figure 7 Shows Figure 2Cross-sectional perspective view of the input power connection of an exemplary PDU. The input power connector 732 is connected to the bus bar 710. The input power connector 732 also supplies power to the power indication board 734 and the socket 706 in the PDU. In some embodiments, the power indication board 734 is optional and provides a visual indication when a phase is capable of delivering power to a load. For example, the power indication board 734 may include LEDs that light up when there is phase voltage. The power indication board 734 may include a ground pin 703 and phase pins 705, 707, and 709 to connect to the corresponding bus bars in order to sense whether power is available for each phase. The standard socket pin 712 snaps into the neutral bus bar, the standard socket pin 720 snaps into the ground bus bar, and the offset socket pin 726 snaps into the bus bar for phase A.

[0041] Figure 8A and Figure 8B is a plan view of the offset socket pins associated with phase A and phase B of a C19 type socket. Figure 8A Shows that the offset socket pin 826 includes a first vertical portion 826a perpendicular to a second vertical portion 826c connected by an intermediate portion 826b. Figure 8B Shows that the offset socket pin 828 includes a first vertical portion 828a perpendicular to a second vertical portion 828c connected by an intermediate portion 828b. It should be understood that the drawings are truncated where the first vertical portions 826a and 828a extend into the receptacle. The lengths of the intermediate portions 826b, 828b are different to accommodate phase A and phase B while maintaining an electrical safety gap between the bus bars. Figure 8A and Figure 8B Shows a fixed stop 830 for fixing the bus bar for an automated soldering process (such as wave soldering). For example, if the component is flipped for an automated soldering process, the fixed stop 830 holds the bus bar in place. Figure 8A and Figure 8B Also shows dimples 854 included in the offset pins 826, 828. For example, the dimples 854 can increase the strength of the construction of the pins 826, 828. In Figure 8A and Figure 8B The discussion in is for illustrative purposes. In alternative embodiments, the offset socket pins may be associated with any two phases of a three-phase power supply. The lengths of the intermediate portions of the offset socket pins will be different to accommodate the two phases and maintain an electrical safety gap between the bus bars. In some embodiments, as Figure 5A shown in 5B, 8A, and 8B, the offset socket pins are specific to the socket type (e.g., C13 or C19).

[0042] Figure 9Shows a C13 socket pin kit 900 including a receptacle 908 and a plurality of interchangeable socket pins. The kit 900 may include standard or straight ground, neutral, and phase pins 902. The kit 900 also includes offset socket pins 904 and 906 that are interchangeable with one of the standard pins 902. Thus, the receptacle 908 can be configured to connect to one of three different phase busbars (e.g., 210C, 210D, or 210E; Figure 2 ) by placing a suitable socket pin in the receptacle opening 910. The offset socket pins 904 and 906 include a terminal portion 920 adapted to be placed in the receptacle opening 910 and an arm portion 922 extending laterally from the terminal portion 920. A stop device 926 is carried by the arm portion 922 via a connector portion 924. The offset socket pins 904 and 906 can have various arm portion lengths such that the stop device 926 is laterally offset from the terminal portion 920 by a lateral distance, e.g., D1 or D2. In some embodiments, the distance D1 is approximately 0.65 inches and the distance D2 is approximately 0.32 inches.

[0043] Figure 10 Shows a C19 socket pin kit 1000 similar to the C13 socket pin kit 900. The kit 1000 includes a receptacle 1008 and standard ground and neutral pins 1003. The kit 1000 also includes offset socket pins 1002, 1004, and 1006 that are interchangeable with each other. Thus, the receptacle 1008 can be configured to connect to one of three different phase busbars (e.g., 210C, 210D, or 210E; Figure 2 ) by placing a suitable socket pin in the receptacle opening 1010. The offset socket pins 1002, 1004, and 1006 include a terminal portion 1020 adapted to be placed in the receptacle opening 1010 and an arm portion 1022 extending laterally from the terminal portion 1020. A stop device 1026 is carried by the arm portion 1022 via a connector portion 1024. The offset socket pins 1002, 1004, and 1006 can have various arm portion lengths such that the stop device 1026 is laterally offset from the terminal portion 1020 by a lateral distance, e.g., D1 or D2. In some embodiments, the C19 distance D1 is approximately 0.48 inches and the C19 distance D2 is approximately 0.16 inches. It can be understood that in the drawings, the offset socket pins 1004 and 1006 can have the same arm portion distance D2; however, they extend in opposite directions from the terminal portion 1020.

[0044] Although the discussion herein is directed to AC phases, such discussion is for illustrative purposes only. Other embodiments may implement AC branch distribution or even socket (by phase) grouping using the systems and methods of the present disclosure. Some embodiments of the present invention are applicable to busbar-connected single-phase connections.

[0045] It should be understood that this embodiment and other embodiments with IEC-C13 and IEC-C19 type receptacles described herein are merely exemplary, and any one of a variety of other types of receptacles may alternatively be used. For example, the "receptacle" can be any one of other NEMA types (e.g., NEMA 5-15R, NEMA 6-20R, NEMA 6-30R or NEMA 6-50R) or a variety of IEC types (e.g., IEC C19). It should also be understood that the "socket" is not limited to a three-prong receptacle; alternatively, one or more "sockets" can be configured for a two-prong or more than three-prong in a mating male connector. It should further be understood that the "socket" is not limited to having a female prong receptacle. Additionally, although the PDU of this embodiment includes 54 sockets, it should be understood that this is merely an example, and the PDU can include a different number of sockets.

[0046] The foregoing description of the invention has been provided to enable a person skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to the invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other variations without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. In the context of the present invention, the terms "example" or "exemplary" mean an example or instance and do not imply or require any preference for the example described. Thus, the present invention is not limited to the examples and designs described herein, but rather conforms to the broadest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0047] Remarks

[0048] The above description and the drawings are illustrative and should not be construed as restrictive. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, in some instances, well-known details are not described to avoid obscuring the description. Additionally, various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the embodiments.

[0049] References in this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The phrase "in one embodiment" appearing in multiple places in the specification is not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are they necessarily separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Additionally, various features are described that may be exhibited by some embodiments but not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described that may be requirements of some embodiments but not of others.

[0050] The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinary meanings in the art, the context of the present invention, and the specific context in which each term is used. It will be understood that the same thing can be described in more than one way. Thus, any one or more of the terms discussed herein may have alternative languages and synonyms, and whether a term is elaborated or discussed herein does not imply any special significance. Synonyms for some of the terms are provided. The recitation of one or more synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in this specification, including examples of any of the terms discussed herein, is illustrative only and is not intended to further limit the scope and meaning of the present disclosure or any of the terms exemplified. Similarly, the present invention is not limited to the various embodiments given in this specification. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. In case of conflict, the present document (including definitions) shall prevail.

Claims

1. An electrical socket, comprising: Receptor; and a plurality of spaced-apart socket pins extending from the receptor, the plurality of socket pins including a ground socket pin configured to receive a ground busbar, a neutral socket pin configured to receive a neutral busbar, and a phase socket pin configured to receive a phase busbar; wherein the phase socket pin includes a terminal portion disposed in the receptor and an arm portion extending laterally from the terminal portion to terminate outside the receptor, and the arm portion is configured such that longitudinally adjacent phase socket pins of the phase socket pins are laterally spaced apart from each other.

2. The electrical socket according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the spaced-apart socket pins extends from the same end of the receptor.

3. The electrical socket according to claim 2, wherein, The receptor is an IEC-C13 type receptor.

4. The electrical socket according to claim 2, wherein, The receptor is an IEC-C19 type receptor.

5. The electrical socket according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the ground socket pin, the neutral socket pin, and the phase socket pin includes an associated stop device to receive the ground busbar, the neutral busbar, and the phase busbar, respectively.

6. The electrical socket according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the ground socket pin, the neutral socket pin, and the phase socket pin includes an associated reinforcing rib.

7. The electrical socket according to claim 1, wherein, At least two of the plurality of spaced-apart socket pins are configured differently.

8. The electrical socket according to claim 7, wherein, The receptor is an IEC-C13 type receptor, and wherein the ground socket pin and the neutral socket pin have the same configuration, and wherein the configuration of the phase socket pin is different from the same configuration.

9. An array of electrical sockets, comprising: A plurality of receptors are mounted longitudinally aligned with each other, each receptor including: a plurality of spaced-apart socket pins extending from the same end of the receptor, the plurality of socket pins including a ground socket pin configured to receive a ground busbar, a neutral socket pin configured to receive a neutral busbar, and a phase socket pin configured to receive a phase busbar; wherein the ground socket pins of the receptor are longitudinally aligned with each other, the neutral socket pins of the receptor are longitudinally aligned with each other, and each phase socket pin of adjacent receptors is laterally offset from each other.

10. The array of electrical sockets according to claim 9, wherein, At least two of the phase socket pins include a first vertical portion, a second vertical portion, and an intermediate portion extending therebetween.

11. The array of electrical sockets according to claim 10, wherein, The intermediate portions of the phase socket pins have different lengths.

12. The array of electrical sockets according to claim 9, wherein, Each of the receptors is an IEC-C13 type receptor.

13. The array of electrical sockets according to claim 9, wherein, Each of the receptors is an IEC-C19 type receptor.

14. The array of electrical sockets according to claim 9, wherein, At least one of the ground socket pin, the neutral socket pin, and the phase socket pin includes an associated reinforcing rib.

15. The array of electrical sockets according to claim 9, wherein, Each of the ground socket pin, the neutral socket pin, and the phase socket pin includes an associated stop device to receive the ground busbar, the neutral busbar, and the phase busbar, respectively.

16. A power distribution unit, comprising: An elongated housing; a multi-phase delta power input penetrating the housing, the multi-phase delta power input including at least a first phase conductor, a second phase conductor, a third phase conductor, and a ground conductor; and a plurality of electrical sockets arranged along the housing, each electrical socket including: a receptor; and a plurality of spaced-apart socket pins extending from the receptor, the plurality of socket pins at least including: A first phase line socket pin for receiving one of a first phase conductor busbar, a second phase conductor busbar, or a third phase conductor busbar A second phase line socket pin for receiving another one of the first phase conductor busbar, the second phase conductor busbar, or the third phase conductor busbar; and A ground socket pin for receiving a ground busbar; Wherein only the ground socket pins of the longitudinally adjacent receivers of the receiver are longitudinally aligned with each other.

17. The power distribution unit according to claim 16, wherein, Each socket pin of each receiver includes a stop device for receiving the associated busbar.

18. The power distribution unit according to claim 16, wherein, Each socket pin of each receiver includes an associated reinforcing rib.

19. The power distribution unit according to claim 16, wherein, The longitudinally adjacent ground socket pins of the ground socket pin are aligned with each other, and the longitudinally adjacent phase line socket pins of the phase line socket pin are laterally spaced apart from each other.

20. The power distribution unit according to claim 16, wherein, At least some of the socket pins include a first vertical portion, a second vertical portion, and an intermediate portion extending therebetween.

21. The power distribution unit according to claim 20, wherein, The intermediate portions of the longitudinally adjacent phase line socket pins of the phase line socket pin have different lengths so that the longitudinally adjacent phase line socket pins of the phase line socket pin are laterally offset from each other.

22. The power distribution unit according to claim 16, wherein, The plurality of electrical sockets are arranged as a plurality of modular socket groups of similar structure.

23. A power distribution unit, comprising: An elongated housing; A multi-phase Y-shaped power input penetrating the housing, the multi-phase Y-shaped power input including at least a first phase conductor, a second phase conductor, a third phase conductor, a ground conductor, and a neutral conductor; And A plurality of electrical sockets arranged along the housing, each electrical socket including: A receiver; and A plurality of spaced-apart socket pins extending from the receiver, the plurality of socket pins including: At least a first phase line socket pin for receiving an associated one of a first phase conductor busbar, a second phase conductor busbar, or a third phase conductor busbar; A ground socket pin for receiving a ground busbar; and A neutral socket pin for receiving a neutral busbar; Wherein only the ground socket pins and neutral socket pins of the longitudinally adjacent receivers of the receiver are longitudinally aligned with each other.

24. The power distribution unit according to claim 23, wherein, The longitudinally adjacent phase line socket pins of the phase line socket pin are laterally spaced apart from each other.

25. The power distribution unit according to claim 23, wherein, At least some of the socket pins include a first vertical portion, a second vertical portion, and an intermediate portion extending therebetween.

26. The power distribution unit according to claim 25, wherein, The intermediate portions of the longitudinally adjacent phase line socket pins of the phase line socket pin have different lengths so that the longitudinally adjacent phase line socket pins of the phase line socket pin are laterally offset from each other.

27. The power distribution unit according to claim 23, wherein, The plurality of electrical sockets are arranged as a plurality of modular socket groups of similar structure.

28. The power distribution unit according to claim 23, wherein, Each socket pin of each receiver includes a stop device for receiving the associated busbar.

29. The power distribution unit according to claim 23, wherein, Each socket pin of each receiver includes an associated reinforcing rib.

30. The power distribution unit according to claim 23, wherein, At least one of the receivers is an IEC-C13 type receiver.

31. The power distribution unit according to claim 23, wherein, At least one of the receivers is an IEC-C19 type receiver.

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