Rack-mounted power distribution unit

Abstract

A rack-mounted power distribution unit (rPDU) includes a chassis having one or more cutouts formed therein. The rPDU further includes one or more socket assemblies located in the socket cutouts. The socket assembly includes a body having a front portion and a rear portion, the front portion having an outer flange and at least one socket jack. The rear portion of the body is configured to be inserted into the socket cutout. The socket assembly further includes a neutral terminal, at least one live terminal, and a ground. The socket assembly further includes a fastener configured to secure the socket assembly to the chassis. The rPDU further includes one or more printed circuit boards configured to be secured to the chassis. The printed circuit board includes a first connector configured to connect to the neutral terminal and a second connector configured to connect to the live terminal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Multiple aspects and embodiments of the present invention generally relate to various electronic device mounts, and more particularly, to various power distribution units having a plurality of interchangeable sockets incorporated therein. Background Art

[0002] Discussion of Related Art

[0003] In response to the increasing demands of the information-based economy, information technology networks continue to spread across the globe. One manifestation of this growth is centralized network data centers. A centralized network data center typically consists of various information technology devices co-located in a structure to provide network connectivity, power, and cooling capabilities. Generally, the devices are housed in various dedicated enclosed enclosures called "racks" that integrate these connections, power, and multiple cooling elements.

[0004] Various device racks may include a power distribution system and a cable management system coupled to the rack to supply power and multiple communication lines to the devices in the rack. One type of power distribution system commonly used in various electronic device racks is called a "rack-mounted power distribution unit" or "rPDU", which includes multiple power outlets of the same or different specifications for supplying power to the devices in a rack. For example, one or more rPDUs can be mounted on one or both sides of the front and / or rear of a device rack. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a rack-mounted power distribution unit that includes a chassis having a front portion and a rear portion. The front portion has at least one socket cutout formed therein. The rack-mounted power distribution unit further includes at least one socket assembly positioned in the at least one socket cutout. The at least one socket assembly includes a body having a front portion and a rear portion. The front portion has an outer flange and at least one socket jack. The rear portion of the body is configured to be inserted into the at least one socket cutout. The at least one socket assembly further includes a neutral terminal, at least one live terminal, and a ground. The at least one socket assembly further includes a fastener configured to secure the at least one socket assembly to the chassis. The rack-mounted power distribution unit further includes at least one printed circuit board configured to be secured to the chassis. The at least one printed circuit board includes at least one first connector configured to connect to the neutral terminal and at least one second connector configured to connect to the at least one live terminal.

[0006] Multiple embodiments of the rack-mounted power distribution unit may further include a ground terminal positioned along one side of the body of the at least one socket assembly. The fastener may include a threaded portion that forms part of the ground terminal and a threaded nut configured to be received in a threaded manner by the threaded portion. The chassis may further include a plurality of socket cutouts, each of which has the same shape and size as the other socket cutouts. The chassis may further include a plurality of openings, each socket cutout having an opening located near the respective socket cutout and configured to receive the fastener. The body of the at least one socket assembly may further include a tongue that extends horizontally from one side of the body along a plane parallel to a plane of the front portion of the body. The tongue is configured to conceal the metal ground terminal. The printed circuit board may include at least one LED. The at least one socket assembly may further include a light guide tube fixed to the body of the at least one socket assembly. The light guide tube may include an elongate element and a hook element, the elongate element traveling along one end of the body of the socket assembly, the hook element disposed at a top of the elongate element, and the hook element configured to wrap around a hook retaining feature of the body to snap the light guide tube into place when mounted on the body of the at least one socket assembly. The light guide tube may further include a bending element disposed at a bottom of the elongate element, wherein when the at least one socket assembly is mounted in the chassis, the bending element is configured to be located above an LED of the chassis. The light guide tube may be made of transparent plastic or glass such that light from the LED can travel through the light guide tube to illuminate the top of the at least one socket assembly. The body of the at least one socket assembly may include at least one snap-in clip configured to releasably engage an edge of the at least one socket cutout to mount the body to the chassis. The at least one socket assembly may include at least one of a C13 socket, a C15 socket, a C19 socket, a C21 socket, or a 5-20R socket. The neutral terminal, the at least one live terminal, and / or the ground terminal may be of different lengths.

[0007] Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a rack-mounted power distribution unit, the rack-mounted power distribution unit including a chassis, the chassis including a front portion and a rear portion. The front portion has at least one socket cutout formed therein. The rack-mounted power distribution unit further includes at least one socket assembly located in the at least one socket cutout. The at least one socket assembly includes a body having a front portion and a rear portion. The front portion has an outer flange and at least one socket jack. The rear portion of the body is configured to be inserted into the at least one socket cutout. The at least one socket assembly further includes a neutral terminal, at least one live terminal, and a ground. The rack-mounted power distribution unit further includes at least one printed circuit board configured to be fixed to the chassis. The at least one printed circuit board includes at least one first connector and at least one second connector, the at least one first connector being configured to connect to the neutral terminal, the at least one second connector being configured to connect to the at least one live terminal. The at least one printed circuit board further includes at least one LED. The rack-mounted power distribution unit further includes a light guide tube fixed to the body of the at least one socket assembly and positioned above the at least one LED such that light generated by the at least one LED travels through the light guide tube.

[0008] Multiple embodiments of the rack-mounted power distribution unit may further include: configuring the light guide tube to include an elongate element and a hook element, the elongate element traveling along one end of the body of the at least one socket assembly, the hook element being provided at a top of the elongate element. The hook element may be configured to wrap around a hook-retaining feature of the body such that the light guide tube can be snapped into place when mounted on the body of the at least one socket assembly. The light guide tube may further include a bending element provided at a bottom of the elongate element, wherein when the at least one socket assembly is mounted in the chassis, the bending element is configured to be located above an LED of the chassis. The light guide tube may be made of transparent plastic or glass such that light from the LED can travel through the light guide tube to illuminate the top of the at least one socket assembly. The at least one socket assembly may include at least one of a C13 socket, a C15 socket, a C19 socket, a C21 socket, or a 5-20R socket. The neutral terminal, the at least one live terminal, and / or the ground terminal may be of different lengths.

[0009] Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a rack-mounted power distribution unit, the rack-mounted power distribution unit including a chassis, the chassis including a front portion and a rear portion. The front portion has at least one socket cutout formed therein. The rack-mounted power distribution unit further includes at least one socket assembly positioned in the at least one socket cutout. The at least one socket assembly includes a body having a front portion and a rear portion. The front portion has an outer flange and at least one socket jack. The rear portion of the body is configured to be inserted into the at least one socket cutout. The at least one socket assembly further includes a neutral terminal, at least one live terminal, and a ground. The body of the at least one socket assembly further includes at least one snap, the at least one snap configured to releasably engage an edge of the socket cutout to mount the body to the chassis. The rack-mounted power distribution unit further includes at least one printed circuit board configured to be fixed in the chassis. The at least one printed circuit board includes at least one first connector and at least one second connector, the at least one first connector configured to connect to the neutral terminal, and the at least one second connector configured to connect to the at least one live terminal.

[0010] Multiple embodiments of the rack-mounted power distribution unit may further include a ground terminal positioned along one side of the body of the at least one socket assembly, wherein the ground terminal includes a threaded portion configured to be inserted into an opening in the chassis and fixed by a threaded nut. The body of the at least one socket assembly may further include a tongue that extends horizontally from one side of the body along a plane parallel to a plane of the front portion of the body, wherein the tongue is configured to conceal the metal ground terminal. The neutral terminal, the at least one live terminal, and / or the ground terminal may be different in length. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The multiple drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the multiple drawings, each identical or nearly identical component illustrated in the various figures is represented by a like numeral. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in each figure. In the drawings:

[0012] Figure 1 is a front view of a rack of electronic equipment;

[0013] Figure 2 is a top plan view of a rack-mounted power distribution unit (rPDU) of the present disclosure having multiple socket assemblies;

[0014] Figure 2A is Figure 2An enlarged top plan view of several socket assemblies shown;

[0015] Figure 3 is Figure 2 and 2A A perspective view of a socket assembly shown;

[0016] Figure 4A and 4B Top and bottom perspective views of a socket assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 5A and 5B Top and bottom perspective views of a socket assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 6A and 6B Top and bottom perspective views of a socket assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 7 is Figure 5A and 5B A top plan view of the socket assembly shown;

[0020] Figure 7A is Figure 7 A side view of the socket assembly shown;

[0021] Figure 7B is Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the socket assembly taken along line 7B-7B in;

[0022] Figure 7C is Figure 7B An enlarged detail view of a part of the socket assembly shown;

[0023] Figure 8 A side view of an rPDU having multiple socket assemblies according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 8A is Figure 8 A top plan view of the rPDU shown;

[0025] Figure 8B is Figure 8 An end view of the rPDU shown;

[0026] Figure 9 is Figure 8 A rear perspective view of the rPDU shown having multiple printed circuit boards located on a part of the rPDU;

[0027] Figure 9A isFigure 9 A perspective view of the rear side of a printed circuit board;

[0028] Figure 10 A bottom plan view of a portion of the rPDU configured to receive a plurality of socket assemblies of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 10A Along Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of the portion of the rPDU taken along line 10A-10A in ; and

[0030] Figure 10B An enlarged detail view of a portion of the rPDU showing the chassis ground of a socket assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to a rack power distribution unit (rPDU) that is capable of providing power through a plurality of identical or different types of sockets arranged according to a desired configuration. The rPDU can easily adapt to multiple customer specifications, identify the arrangements of multiple socket types, and significantly reduce manufacturing time, complexity, and cost.

[0032] Examples of the methods and systems discussed herein are not limited in application to the details of the construction and arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the figures. The methods and systems are capable of being practiced in other embodiments and of being implemented or realized in various ways. The examples of specific implementations provided herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting. In particular, the actions, components, elements, and features discussed in connection with any one or more examples are not intended to be excluded from a similar role in any other example.

[0033] Moreover, the phrases and terms used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting. Any reference herein to examples, embodiments, components, elements, or acts of the various systems and methods in the singular may also cover embodiments including plural forms, and any reference herein to any embodiment, component, element, or act in the plural may also cover embodiments including only the singular form. References in the singular or plural forms are not intended to limit the various systems or methods disclosed herein, or their components, acts, or elements. As used herein, "including", "comprising", "having", "containing", "involving", and their various variants are intended to cover the items listed hereinafter and their equivalents, as well as additional items. The reference "or" may be construed inclusively, so that any term described using "or" may indicate any one of a single described term, more than one described term, and all described terms. Further, if there is an inconsistency in the usage of terms between this document and the documents incorporated herein by reference, the usage of the terms in the incorporated reference documents is supplementary to this document; for irreconcilable inconsistencies, the usage of the terms in this document shall prevail.

[0034] In Figure 1 FIG. 10 generally shows a simplified rear view of an electronic equipment rack (also simply referred to herein as a "rack"). For clarity, Figure 1 the doors of the rack are omitted. The rack 10 may include a plurality of drawer enclosures, each represented by 12, which include items that support the power and / or network connections of other devices mounted in the rack. A plurality of uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs) (each represented by 14) may be installed as rack-mounted devices to increase the power redundancy of the rack 10. The rack 10 may further include computing or networking technology equipment, such as one or more data storage devices (each represented by 16), a server 18, a patch panel 20, a keyboard tray 22, a cable manager 24, and / or a monitor or other user interface that provides communication for an operator with the devices in the rack. The rack 10 may be configured in any manner desired by the end user.

[0035] An rPDU (generally represented by 30) may be installed inside the rack 10. The rPDU 30 may be installed vertically, as shown in Figure 1As shown, or may be horizontally installed in the rack 10 together with the other devices in the rack. Although only one rPDU 30 is shown and described, two or more rPDUs may be provided in the rack 10. The rPDU 30 may receive power from the multiple UPSs 14 in the rack 10 or directly from an AC utility power supply, and may include a plurality of power outlets to which a plurality of power cords from various other devices in the rack may be electrically connected.

[0036] The rPDU 30 may include a plurality of sockets of a single type or different types, the plurality of sockets being configured to receive a plug of a corresponding type. As understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 60320 defines a set of standards for a variety of common plug and socket pairs. For example, the IEC 320-C19 standard identifies a socket that is typically used in a number of higher current applications, such as powering a UPS. For example, a C13 socket is a commonly used socket for a variety of personal computers and a variety of peripheral devices. A C15 socket is used in a number of high-temperature settings, such as a computer networking closet, and is a high-temperature variant of the C13 socket. A C21 socket is a high-temperature variant of the C19 socket.

[0037] Figure 2 An example of an rPDU 30 including a plurality of sockets of different types is illustrated. The rPDU 30 includes an elongated rectangular chassis 32 and a number of outlet banks, each designated by 36. The elongated rectangular chassis 32 has a plug 34 disposed at one end of the chassis, and the number of outlet banks are disposed on the front side of the chassis. Each outlet bank 36 includes a total of 8 sockets, which may include one or more types of socket jacks. For example, a first outlet bank may be configured to include a plurality of sockets of a first socket jack type, while a second outlet bank may be configured to include a plurality of sockets of a second socket jack type. In another example, each outlet bank may include a plurality of sockets of a first type, a plurality of sockets of a second type, and so on. In normal operation, the rPDU 30 is configured to receive power through the plug 34, for example, the plug 34 is connected to an AC power grid power supply or a UPS, such as the UPS 14 disposed in the rack 10. The power received through the plug 34 is distributed to each of the plurality of outlet banks 36 to provide power to a number of devices connected thereto.

[0038] Please refer toFigure 3 An exemplary socket assembly is generally designated by 40. In the illustrated embodiment, the socket assembly 40 is a dual C15 socket configured to receive a C16 plug. The C15 socket is used in a number of high-temperature settings, such as computer network cabinets. The socket assembly 40 includes a molded plastic rectangular body generally designated by 42, such as nylon 6. The socket body 42 of the socket assembly 40 includes a front portion 44, a rear portion 46, two side edges 48, 50 and two end portions 52, 54. The front portion 44 of the socket body 42 includes an outer flange 56 and two socket jacks (each designated by 58). The outer flange 56 is configured to have a greater height and width than the rear portion 46 of the socket body 42 so as to engage with the chassis 32 of the rPDU 30 when the socket assembly 40 is installed in the chassis. The two socket jacks 58 are respectively configured to receive a plug. The side edges 48 and 50 of the socket body 42 of the socket assembly 40 respectively include two snap-in clips (each designated by 60) for mounting the socket body in the chassis 32 of the rPDU 30, which will be described in more detail below. The side edge 50 of the socket body 42 of the socket assembly 40 further includes a tab 62 that extends horizontally from the side edge of the socket body along a plane parallel to a plane of the front portion 44 of the socket body. The tab 62 also hides a fastener for carrying an earth ground from the socket body 42 to the chassis 32, thereby hiding a metal ground terminal. One end portion 52 of the socket body 42 of the socket assembly 40 further includes a feature 64 for receiving a snap-in light guide tube 66 made of a transparent material, such as a transparent plastic or glass.

[0039] Please refer to Figure 4A and 4B which shows Figure 3The shown socket assembly 40 further includes a neutral terminal 68 that extends from the rear portion 46 of the socket body 42 adjacent to one end of the socket body. The socket assembly 40 further includes two live terminals 70, 72 that extend from the rear portion of the socket body 42, where one live terminal 70 is near the middle of the rear portion of the socket body and the other live terminal 72 is near the other end of the socket body. The side 50 of the socket body 42 includes a feature 74 for receiving a ground terminal 76, and when the socket body of the socket assembly 40 is installed in the chassis of the rPDU, the feature 74 is configured to engage with the chassis 32 of the rPDU 30. The ground terminal 76 generally has an L-shaped configuration with a longer end foot and a shorter end foot. The longer end foot extends along the side 50 of the socket body 42 of the socket assembly 40 in the feature 74, and the shorter end foot extends along a bottom side of the tongue 62. The ground terminal 76 includes a threaded portion 82 for fixing the socket assembly 40 to the chassis 32 of the rPDU 30.

[0040] Please refer to Figure 5A and 5B, which shows a socket assembly (generally designated 90) of another embodiment of the present disclosure. The socket assembly 90 is constructed similarly to the socket assembly 40, and a plurality of reference numerals used to designate a plurality of features of the socket assembly 40 are used to designate a plurality of similar features of the socket assembly 90. The socket assembly 90 is a C21 socket configured to receive a C22 plug. The C21 socket is a high-temperature variant of a C19 socket. The socket assembly 90 includes a molded plastic rectangular body 42 having a front portion 44, a rear portion 46, two side edges 48, 50, and two end portions 52, 54. The front portion 44 of the socket body 42 includes a socket jack 92. The side edges 48, 50 of the socket body of the socket assembly each include two snaps 60 for mounting the socket body in the chassis 32 of the rPDU 30. The side edge 50 of the socket body 42 includes a tongue 62 that extends horizontally from the side edge of the socket body along a plane parallel to a plane of the front portion 44 of the socket body. One end portion 52 of the socket body 42 of the socket assembly 40 further includes a feature 64 for receiving a snap-in light guide tube 66. The socket assembly 90 further includes a neutral terminal 94 and a single live terminal 96 each extending from the rear portion 46 of the socket body 42. The neutral terminal 94 is located near one end portion of the socket body 42, and the live terminal 96 is located near the other end portion of the socket body. The side edge 50 of the socket body 42 includes a feature 98 for receiving a ground terminal 100, which is configured to engage the chassis 32 of the rPDU 30 when the socket body of the socket assembly is installed in the chassis. The ground terminal 100 generally has an S-shaped configuration with a first end leg, a second shorter end leg, and a third shorter end leg. The first end leg extends along the side edge of the socket body 42 of the socket assembly in the feature 98, the second shorter end leg extends along a portion of the rear portion 46 of the socket body, and the third shorter end leg extends along a bottom side of the tongue 62. The ground terminal 100 includes a threaded portion 108 for securing the socket assembly 40 to the chassis 32 of the rPDU 30.

[0041] Please refer to Figure 6A and 6B, which shows a socket assembly (generally designated 120) of another embodiment of the present disclosure. The socket assembly 120 is constructed similarly to the plurality of socket assemblies 40, 90, and the plurality of reference numerals used to designate the plurality of features of the plurality of socket assemblies 40, 90 are used to designate the plurality of similar features of the socket assembly 120. The socket assembly 120 is a 5-20R socket configured to receive a 5-20P plug. The socket assembly 120 includes a molded plastic rectangular body 42 having a front portion 44, a rear portion 46, two side edges 48, 50, and two end portions 52, 54. The front portion 44 of the socket body 42 includes a socket jack 122 formed in the front portion of the socket body. The two side edges 48, 50 of the socket body 42 of the socket assembly 120 each include two snaps 60 for mounting the socket body in the chassis 32 of the rPDU 30. The side edge 50 of the socket body 42 of the socket assembly 120 includes a tongue 62 that extends horizontally from the side edge of the socket body in a plane parallel to a plane of the front portion 44 of the socket body. One end portion 52 of the socket body 42 of the socket assembly 120 further includes a feature 64 for receiving a snap-in light pipe 66. The socket assembly 120 further includes a neutral terminal 124 and a single live terminal 126 each extending from the rear portion 46 of the socket body 42. The neutral terminal 124 is located near one end portion of the socket body 42, and the live terminal 126 is located near the other end portion of the socket body. The side edge 50 of the socket body 42 includes a feature 128 for receiving a ground terminal 130, which is configured to engage the chassis 32 of the rPDU 30 when the socket body of the socket assembly 120 is installed in the chassis. The ground terminal 130 generally has an S-shaped configuration with a first end leg, a second end leg, and a third shorter end leg. The first end leg extends along the side edge 50 of the socket body 42 of the socket assembly 120 in the feature 128, the second end leg extends along a rear portion 46 of the socket body, and the third shorter end leg extends along a bottom side of the tongue 62. As shown, the second end leg extends to be near the other side edge 48 of the socket body 42 of the socket assembly 120 such that an end of the end leg is disposed below a ground position of a plug when installed in the socket jack 112. The ground terminal 130 includes a threaded portion 138 for securing the socket assembly 120 to the chassis 32 of the rPDU 30.

[0042] Each socket assembly 40, 90, 120 is configured to have the same body size and latch 60 so that any socket assembly configuration can be installed into any chassis at the rPDU socket location. The dual C15, C21, and 5-20R sockets share three identical terminal tongue positions and heights. C15 has an additional wire terminal tongue, but it does not affect the overall size and shape of the socket body. Each socket assembly 40, 90, 120 may further include a pre-installed light guide tube 66, and regardless of the configuration, the pre-installed light guide tube 66 is located in the same position. The position of the light guide tube 66 allows any socket to share the same light emitting diode (LED) light source on the socket PCB. Each socket assembly 40, 90, 120 includes a ground terminal or tongue that can directly contact the chassis of the rPDU.

[0043] Please refer to Figures 7 to 7C , Figure 3 , 4A and the socket assembly 40 shown in FIGS. 4B is shown in more detail to illustrate the construction of the light guide tube 66. As shown, the light guide tube 66 includes an elongate element 150 that travels along the end 52 of the socket body 42 of the socket assembly 40 in the feature 64. The light guide tube 66 further includes a hook element 152 that is disposed at a top of the elongate element 150. The hook element 152 is configured to wrap around a hook retaining feature 154 of the socket body 42 so that the light guide tube 66 can be latched in place when installed on the socket body 42. The light guide tube 66 further includes a bending element 156 that is disposed at a bottom of the elongate element 150. When the socket assembly 40 is installed in the chassis 32 of the rPDU 30, the bending element 150 is configured to be located above an LED of the chassis 32. As described above, the light guide tube 66 can be made of transparent plastic or glass so that light from the LED can travel through the light guide tube to illuminate the top of the socket assembly.

[0044] Please refer to Figures 8 to 8B, which will describe in more detail the installation of a socket assembly (e.g., socket assembly 40) to the chassis 32 of the rPDU 30. It should be understood that multiple socket assemblies 90 and 120 are installed in the same manner. As shown, the chassis 32 of the rPDU 30 includes a front wall 160 and multiple side walls 162, 164. The chassis 32 is configured to have an open rear. The front wall 160 of the chassis 32 includes several identical socket cutouts (each denoted by 166), and the several identical socket cutouts are respectively configured to receive the socket assembly 40 as described herein. In multiple illustrated embodiments, there are: three socket cutouts with respective socket assemblies 40 installed therein; one socket cutout with a socket assembly 90 installed therein; and four socket cutouts 166 shown in a vacant configuration. The structure of each socket cutout 166 is generally rectangular, and the size is designed to receive the rear portion 46 of the body 42 of the socket assembly 40 when the socket assembly is installed in the chassis 32. The front wall 160 of the chassis 32 further includes several small openings (each denoted by 168), and each cutout 166 has one small opening, and the several small openings are located near their respective socket cutouts. When the installation of the socket assembly to the chassis 32 is described, the use of the multiple small openings 168 will be described in more detail below.

[0045] As mentioned above, each socket assembly 40 includes the four latches 60, and the four latches 60 are designed to engage with the opposite edges of the socket cutout 166 to mount the socket body 42 on the chassis 32 of the rPDU 30. This arrangement causes the rear portion 46 of the socket body 42 of the socket assembly 40 to be inserted into the socket cutout 166 until the flange 56 of the front portion 44 engages with the chassis 32 of the rPDU 30, where the multiple latches 60 are pressed inward by the opposite edges of the socket cutout 166. Once completed, the multiple latches 60 engage with the rear side of the front wall 160 of the chassis to partially fix the body 42 of the socket assembly 40 on the chassis 32. To remove the socket assembly 40, the multiple latches 60 are moved inward to release the front portion 44, so that the socket body 42 of the socket assembly can be removed through the socket cutout 166.

[0046] The rPDU further includes a circuit breaker 170 and two printed circuit boards (PCBs) 172, 174. The circuit breaker 170 is fixed to the chassis 32 to cover the open rear of the chassis. The two printed circuit boards 172, 174 are stacked on top of each other and are fixed to the plurality of socket assemblies 40. The printed circuit board 172 closest to the chassis 32 includes several LEDs (each denoted by 176). As described herein, the plurality of LEDs 176 are located near the plurality of bending elements 156 of the plurality of light guide tubes 66 of the plurality of socket assemblies 40 to provide light to the plurality of light guide tubes. When the installation is complete, the bending element 156 of each light guide tube 66 is located above the printed circuit board 172, so that the light generated by the LEDs 176 can emit light through the light guide tube. Although each socket assembly 40 includes a single light guide tube 66, the socket assembly can be configured to have more than one light guide tube. For example, when the socket assembly is configured to have two socket jacks, each socket jack has a light guide tube.

[0047] Please refer to Figure 9 and 9A , the printed circuit board 172 includes several FCI connectors (each denoted by 178) manufactured by TE Connectivity Services Limited. The several connectors extend from one side of the printed circuit board. The plurality of connectors 178 provide a quick and simple connection between the printed circuit board 172 and the neutral terminal 68 and the plurality of live terminals 70, 72 of the socket assembly 40. As shown, the plurality of connectors 178 are located at multiple positions on the printed circuit board 172 to make connections with their respective neutral terminal 68 and the plurality of live terminals 70, 72. In one embodiment, after the plurality of socket assemblies 40 are installed in the chassis, the printed circuit board 172 is installed on the chassis 32 of the rPDU 30. The other side of the printed circuit board can be configured to include several electrical tabs, and the plurality of electrical tabs are provided for connection (electrical or mechanical) to another printed circuit board 174. The positions of the plurality of connectors 178 depend on the configuration of the socket assemblies 40, 90, 120. For example, the number (three) and positions of the plurality of Figure 4A and 4B connectors 178 for connecting the socket assembly 40 shown by are different from the number and positions of the plurality of Figure 5A and 5B and Figure 6AWith 6B the number of the plurality of the socket assemblies 90, 120 shown and the positions of the two connectors 178 are different. Figure 9A The printed circuit board 172 shown is configured to be electrically and mechanically fixed to Figure 4A and 4B the socket assembly 40 shown.

[0048] In some embodiments, the lengths of the plurality of socket electrical tongues or terminals may vary. For example, a plurality of shorter tongues may be provided to communicate with the nearest PCB and its plurality of connectors, and a plurality of longer tongues may be provided to communicate with the more distant (plural) PCB and its plurality of connectors. Further, a plurality of longer electrical tongues may communicate with more than one PCB. Further, a plurality of longer electrical tongues may communicate with a plurality of wires terminating at a plurality of connectors while still being able to communicate with a plurality of PCB-based connectors. In one example, a terminal (e.g., a neutral terminal) may be configured to extend a first shorter length to a nearby PCB, and another terminal (e.g., a live terminal) may be configured to extend a second longer length to a more distant PCB.

[0049] Please refer to Figures 10 to 10B, which more particularly shows fixing a socket assembly (e.g., socket assembly 40) to the chassis 32 of the rPDU 30. As shown, each socket assembly 40 is received in its respective socket cutout 166 in the front wall of the chassis 32. Regardless of the type of socket jack presented by the socket assembly, the socket assembly can be inserted into the socket cutout 166 provided by the chassis 32. As mentioned above, for the socket assembly 40, the front wall 160 of the chassis 32 includes several small openings 168, each socket cutout 166 having one small opening, and the several small openings 168 are respectively configured to receive the threaded portion 82 of the ground terminal 76 therethrough such that the threaded portion extends through the small opening. Once the socket body 42 of the socket assembly 40 is in the socket cutout 166 and thereby engages the front wall 160 of the chassis 32, the threaded portion 82 is fixed in place by a threaded nut 180 that is screwed onto the threaded portion to fix the socket body 42 of the socket assembly 40 to the chassis 32 and to carry the ground from the socket body to the chassis. The threaded portion 82 of the ground terminal 76 and the threaded nut 180 together are referred to as a "fastener" that is used to fix the socket body 42 of the socket assembly 40 to the chassis 32 and to carry the ground. In some embodiments, another type of fastener may be used. Thus, the socket body 42 is firmly supported in place by the chassis 32, is positioned in the socket cutout 166 by the plurality of latches 60, and is grounded by the threaded nut 180. A plurality of socket assemblies 90, 90 are fixed to the chassis 32 in a similar manner.

[0050] Accordingly, it should be observed that a plurality of power outlets are configured to fit into a plurality of identical socket cutouts provided in a chassis of an rPDU. The plurality of socket assemblies enable a combination of different types of a plurality of socket jacks on the chassis and the socket PCB of the same rPDU. These socket jacks can be configured to include dual C15, single C21, and single 5-20R. This concept can be applied to other socket jacks, such as dual C13, dual 5-15R, and single C19, etc.

[0051] The plurality of socket assemblies of the embodiments of the present disclosure have the same socket body size and a plurality of mounting clips. The plurality of socket assemblies also have a plurality of common positions for a plurality of terminal tongues and a plurality of snap-in light pipes to allow the same socket PCB to be used for different socket types. The design of the ground tongue enables the plurality of socket jacks to be directly grounded to the metal chassis.

[0052] The multiple power outlet assemblies of the present disclosure allow for flexible combination of multiple different types of outlets in a common rPDU chassis. This configuration simplifies multiple manufacturing processes and multiple customization requirements. Customization is a rapidly growing trend in the rPDU market, and the design of the various outlet assemblies and chassis enables quick and easy customization.

[0053] The multiple outlets also increase the number of outlets in an rPDU. Currently, a typical single wide switched rPDU uses a single row of outlet arrangement to obtain 24 outlets. By using multiple new outlets, the multiple outlets can provide 24 to 48 outlets in a similar chassis.

[0054] In one embodiment, each outlet assembly includes the same outlet body size and multiple snaps, enabling the outlet main body to be installed in multiple identical outlet cutouts provided on the chassis of the rPDU.

[0055] In some embodiments, since each outlet assembly includes multiple common terminal positions and sizes, the multiple terminals can be joined to the same outlet PCB through the multiple connectors.

[0056] In some embodiments, each outlet assembly includes multiple identical light pipes and light positions, so that the outlet assembly can use multiple identical LED light sources on the same outlet PCB.

[0057] In some embodiments, the light pipes are made of transparent plastic material.

[0058] In some embodiments, the multiple light pipes are designed as part of the multiple outlet walls and can be simply pre-installed by using the snap-in features. If the rPDU does not require multiple light pipes, the light pipes can be made of the same material as the body of the outlet assembly.

[0059] In some embodiments, since each outlet assembly includes the grounding lug, the design of the grounding lug directly grounds the outlet assembly to the metal chassis to simplify the design of the outlet PCB and the manufacturing of the rPDU. For example, the metal grounding lug can be made of copper.

[0060] In some embodiments, each outlet assembly can be installed in the rPDU through a snap-in operation without any special operations. Then, the outlet PCB is installed in the rPDU such that the PCB is joined to the multiple outlet contact terminals (e.g., joined to multiple connectors).

[0061] In some embodiments, the body of the socket assembly may be made of nylon 6 material approved by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), filled with about 20% glass, and have a V-2 flame retardancy rating or other thermoplastic with a V-0 flame retardant rating. The physical profile of the socket assembly may be configured to fit into a corresponding socket cutout provided in the chassis.

[0062] In some embodiments, the plurality of socket assemblies may be IEC 320-C13 or IEC 320-C19 sockets.

[0063] Accordingly, many aspects of at least one embodiment of the invention have been described. It is understood that various changes, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such changes, modifications, and improvements are intended to be part of this disclosure and are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description and the accompanying drawings are by way of example only, and the scope of the invention should be determined from the proper construction of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A rack-mounted power distribution unit, characterized in that: the rack-mounted power distribution unit comprises: a chassis, including a front part and a rear part, the front part having at least one socket cutout formed therein; at least one socket assembly located in the at least one socket cutout, the at least one socket assembly including a body having a front part and a rear part, the front part having an outer flange and at least one socket jack, the rear part of the body being configured to be inserted into the at least one socket cutout, the at least one socket assembly further including a neutral terminal, at least one live terminal and a ground, the at least one socket assembly further including a fastener configured to fix the at least one socket assembly to the chassis; and at least one printed circuit board configured to be fixed to the chassis, the at least one printed circuit board including at least one first connector and at least one second connector, the at least one first connector being configured to connect to the neutral terminal and the at least one second connector being configured to connect to the at least one live terminal; wherein, the chassis further includes a plurality of socket cutouts and a plurality of openings, each socket cutout corresponding to one opening, each opening being located near the corresponding socket cutout and configured to receive the fastener.

2. The rack-mounted power distribution unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: the rack-mounted power distribution unit further includes a ground terminal positioned along one side of the body of the at least one socket assembly.

3. The rack-mounted power distribution unit according to claim 2, characterized in that: the fastener includes a threaded portion and a threaded nut, the threaded portion forming part of the ground terminal, the threaded nut being configured to be received by the threaded portion in a screwed manner.

4. The rack-mounted power distribution unit according to claim 3, characterized in that: each socket cutout has the same shape and size as the other socket cutouts.

5. The rack-mounted power distribution unit according to claim 3, characterized in that: the body of the at least one socket assembly further includes a tongue that extends horizontally from one side of the body along a plane parallel to a plane of the front part of the body, the tongue being configured to hide the ground terminal.

6. The rack-mounted power distribution unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: the printed circuit board includes at least one LED, and wherein the at least one socket assembly further includes a light guide tube fixed to the body of the at least one socket assembly.

7. The rack-mounted power distribution unit according to claim 6, characterized in that: the light guide tube includes an elongated element and a hook-shaped element, the elongated element traveling along one end of the body of the at least one socket assembly, the hook-shaped element being provided at a top of the elongated element and configured to wind around a hook-shaped retaining feature of the body so that the light guide tube can be snapped into place when mounted on the body of the at least one socket assembly.

8. The rack-mounted power distribution unit according to claim 7, characterized in that: The light guide tube further includes a bending element disposed at a bottom of the elongate element, and when the at least one socket assembly is installed in the chassis, the bending element is configured to be located above an LED of the chassis.

9. The rack-mounted power distribution unit according to claim 1, wherein: the body of the at least one socket assembly further includes at least one snap configured to releasably engage an edge of the at least one socket cutout to mount the body to the chassis.

10. The rack-mounted power distribution unit according to claim 1, wherein: the at least one socket assembly includes at least one of a C13 socket, a C15 socket, a C19 socket, a C21 socket, or a 5-20R socket.

11. The rack-mounted power distribution unit according to claim 1, wherein: one of the neutral terminal and the at least one live terminal can extend a first length, and the other of the neutral terminal and the at least one live terminal can extend a second length.

12. A rack-mounted power distribution unit, wherein: the rack-mounted power distribution unit includes: a chassis including a front portion and a rear portion, the front portion having at least one socket cutout formed therein; at least one socket assembly located in the at least one socket cutout, the at least one socket assembly including a body having a front portion and a rear portion, the front portion having an outer flange and at least one socket jack, the rear portion of the body being configured to be inserted into the at least one socket cutout, the at least one socket assembly further including a neutral terminal, at least one live terminal, and a ground; at least one printed circuit board configured to be fixed to the chassis, the at least one printed circuit board including at least one first connector and at least one second connector, the at least one first connector being configured to connect to the neutral terminal, the at least one second connector being configured to connect to the at least one live terminal, the at least one printed circuit board further including at least one LED; and a light guide tube fixed to the body of the at least one socket assembly and positioned above the at least one LED such that light generated by the at least one LED travels through the light guide tube; wherein the light guide tube includes an elongate element and a hook element, the elongate element travels along an end portion of the body of the at least one socket assembly, the hook element is disposed at a top of the elongate element, and the hook element is configured to wrap around a hook retaining feature of the body so that the light guide tube can be snapped in place when mounted on the body of the at least one socket assembly; wherein the hook element extends from the elongate element along an extension direction of the elongate element.

13. The rack-mounted power distribution unit according to claim 12, wherein: the light guide tube further includes a bending element disposed at a bottom of the elongate element, and when the at least one socket assembly is installed in the chassis, the bending element is configured to be located above an LED of the chassis.

14. The rack-mounted power distribution unit according to claim 12, wherein: the light guide tube is made of transparent plastic or glass so that light from the LED can travel through the light guide tube to illuminate a top of the at least one socket assembly.

15. The rack-mounted power distribution unit according to claim 12, wherein: the at least one socket assembly includes at least one of a C13 socket, a C15 socket, a C19 socket, a C21 socket, or a 5-20R socket.

16. A rack-mounted power distribution unit, wherein: the rack-mounted power distribution unit includes: a chassis including a front portion and a rear portion, the front portion having at least one socket cutout formed therein; at least one socket assembly located in the at least one socket cutout, the at least one socket assembly including a body having a front portion and a rear portion, the front portion having an outer flange and at least one socket jack, the rear portion of the body being configured to be inserted into the at least one socket cutout, the at least one socket assembly further including a neutral terminal, at least one live terminal, and a ground, the body of the at least one socket assembly further including at least one snap, the at least one snap being configured to releasably engage an edge of the socket cutout to mount the body to the chassis; and at least one printed circuit board configured to be fixed to the chassis, the at least one printed circuit board including at least one first connector and at least one second connector, the at least one first connector being configured to connect to the neutral terminal, and the at least one second connector being configured to connect to the at least one live terminal; wherein the chassis further includes a plurality of socket cutouts and a plurality of openings, each socket cutout corresponding to one of the openings, each opening being located near the corresponding socket cutout and being configured to receive a fastener.

17. The rack-mounted power distribution unit according to claim 16, wherein: the rack-mounted power distribution unit further includes a ground terminal positioned along a side of the body of the at least one socket assembly, the ground terminal including a threaded portion configured to be inserted into one of the plurality of openings and fixed by a threaded nut.

18. The rack-mounted power distribution unit according to claim 17, wherein: the body of the at least one socket assembly further includes a tongue extending horizontally from a side of the body along a plane parallel to a plane of the front portion of the body, the tongue being configured to conceal the ground terminal.

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