Assemblies for selectable mounting of power input cables and related systems and methods

An electrical device assembly includes an electrical device and a power input member. The electrical device includes an end portion having a cavity with a mounting surface at a distal portion of the cavity. The power input member includes a body and a power input cable extending from the body. The body has a plurality of faces including first and second mounting faces. The cavity is sized and configured to receive the power input member body: in a first position with the first mounting face facing the mounting surface and with the power input cable extending away from the electrical device in a first direction; and in a second position with the second mounting face facing the mounting surface and with the power input cable extending away from the electrical device in a second direction that is different from the first direction.

BACKGROUND

A power input cable for an electrical or electronic device typically can only be connected to the electronic device in a single way such that the power input cable extends away from the electronic device in one particular direction. It would be advantageous in some instances to allow the power input cable to be connected to the electronic device in more than one way such that the power input cable can extend away from the electronic device in more than one direction. For example, for power distribution units mounted in an equipment rack, there may be clearance issues associated with the equipment in the rack and/or with the rack itself. Further, the dedicated power source that connects to the opposite end of the power input cable may be provided in various locations relative to the power distribution unit.

SUMMARY

Some embodiments of the invention are directed to an electrical device assembly. The electrical device assembly includes an electrical device and a power input member. The electrical device includes an end portion having a cavity with a mounting surface at a distal portion of the cavity. The power input member includes a body and a power input cable extending from the body. The body has a plurality of faces including first and second mounting faces. The cavity is sized and configured to receive the power input member body in a first position and in a second position. In the first position, the first mounting face faces the mounting surface and the power input cable extends away from the electrical device in a first direction. In the second position, the second mounting face faces the mounting surface and the power input cable extends away from the electrical device in a second direction that is different from the first direction.

In some embodiments, the electrical device includes a housing defining a longitudinal axis. The first direction may be generally parallel to the longitudinal axis, and the second direction may be generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

In some embodiments, the mounting surface of the electrical device and the first and second mounting faces of the power input member body each include one or more electrical engagement features. In the first position, the electrical engagement features of the first mounting face and the mounting surface may engage one another. In the second position, the electrical engagement features of the second mounting face and the mounting surface may engage one another. In some embodiments, the electrical engagement features of the mounting surface include a plurality of prongs extending from the mounting surface. In some embodiments, the electrical engagement features of the each of the first and second mounting faces include a plurality of receptacles configured to receive the plurality of prongs.

The electrical device may include a pair of locking mechanisms extending into the cavity at a proximal portion of the cavity. The power input member body may include first and second opposing side faces, with each of the first and second side faces including first and second locking mechanisms. In the first position, the locking mechanisms of the electrical device may engage the first locking mechanisms of the power input member body. In the second position, the locking mechanisms of the electrical device may engage the second locking mechanisms of the power input member body. In some embodiments, the locking mechanisms of the electrical device include resilient tabs. The first and second locking mechanisms of the power input member body may include recesses that are sized and configured to receive the tabs.

In some embodiments, the first and second mounting faces are disposed about 90 degrees relative to one another. In some embodiments, the power input cable extends away from a cable face of the power input member body that is opposite the second mounting face of the power input member body.

The electrical device assembly may include an power input receiving member mounted to the end portion of the electrical device and defining the cavity. The power input receiving member may be releasably mounted to the electrical device.

In some embodiments, the electrical device is a power distribution unit (PDU). The PDU may include a front portion having a plurality of outlets. In the first position, the power input cable may extend away from the end portion in the first direction. In the second position, the power input cable may extend away from the front portion in the second direction. In some embodiments, the electrical device assembly is in combination with an equipment rack with the PDU mounted to the rack.

Some other embodiments of the invention are directed to a power input member. The power input member includes a block-shaped body and a power input cable. The body has a plurality of faces including first and second mounting faces and the power input cable is attached to and extends away from the body. The body is sized and configured to be selectably mounted in a cavity of an electrical device in a first position and a second position. In the first position, the first mounting face is at a distal portion of the cavity and the power input cable extends away from the electrical device in a first direction. In the second position, the second mounting face is at the distal portion of the cavity and the power input cable extends away from the electrical device in a second direction that is different than the first direction.

In some embodiments, the power input cable extends away from a cable face of the body that is opposite the second mounting face of the body. In some embodiments, the first and second mounting faces are disposed about 90 degrees relative to one another.

Some other embodiments are directed to a method for mounting a power input cable to an electrical device. The method includes providing a power input member. The power input member includes a block-shaped body having a plurality of faces including first and second mounting faces. The power input member includes a power input cable attached to and extending away from body. The body is sized and configured to be selectably mounted in a cavity of an electrical device in a first position and a second position. In the first position, the first mounting face is at a distal portion of the cavity and the power input cable extends away from the electrical device in a first direction. In the second position, the second mounting face is at the distal portion of the cavity and the power input cable extends away from the electrical device in a second direction that is different than the first direction. The method includes selectably mounting the body of the power input member in the cavity of the electrical device in either the first position or the second position.

In some embodiments, an angle between the first and second directions is about 90 degrees.

Some other embodiments are directed to an electrical device including a housing and a cavity in the housing. The cavity is sized and configured to receive a first power input member such that a power input cable attached to the first power input member extends away from the electrical device in a first direction. The cavity is sized and configured to receive a second power input member such that a power input cable attached to the second power input member extends away from the electrical device in a second direction. An angle between the first and second directions may be about 90 degrees.

It is noted that any one or more aspects or features described with respect to one embodiment may be incorporated in a different embodiment although not specifically described relative thereto. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination. Applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to be able to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner. These and other objects and/or aspects of the present invention are explained in detail in the specification set forth below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “coupled” or “connected” to another element, it can be directly coupled or connected to the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly coupled” or “directly connected” to another element, there are no intervening elements present. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. As used herein the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

According to some embodiments, the term “about” when used in connection with a claimed or stated value means within ±10% of the claimed or stated value.

A power distribution unit (PDU)10is illustrated inFIG. 1. The PDU10has a housing12. The housing12includes a front portion14and an opposed back portion16, opposed side portions18, and first and second end portions20,22.

A plurality of outlets24for connecting electronic equipment are provided on the front portion14of the housing12. A plurality of circuit breakers26may also be provided on the front portion14of the housing12. The outlets24may be grouped into sections and one of the circuit breakers26may associated with each section. For example, the circuit breaker26amay be associated with the section of outlets24a.

A network management and control module28may also be provided on the front portion14of the housing12. The module28may include a display device for displaying operational parameters, a user interface device for navigating the display device, and a plurality of connections (e.g., an Ethernet port for connecting to a network, a USB port for firmware upgrades and so forth). These and other features of PDUs are known to those skilled in the art and need not be described in greater detail herein.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, a power input member46is mounted at the first end portion20of the housing12. The power input member46includes a power input cable or cord42. When the power input member46is connected to the PDU10, the power input cable42extends away from the PDU10for connection to a dedicated power source to provide power to the PDU10(e.g., to distribute power to the outlets24). An opposite end of the power input cable42includes a plug or the like for connection with the dedicated power source (e.g., a power outlet on a floor, rack, wall, etc.). Therefore, the power input member46including the power input cable42serves to electrically connect the dedicated power source and the PDU10.

The PDU housing12defines a longitudinal axis L. The longitudinal axis L extends parallel to the side portions18of the housing12and/or the front and back portions14,16of the housing12. As described in more detail below, in some embodiments, the power input member46is configured such that it can be selectably mounted to the PDU10in a first position or way and in a second position or way. In the first position, the power input cable42may extend away from the PDU10in a direction that is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis L In the second position, the power input cable42may extend away from the PDU10in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L.

The power input member46mounted to the PDU10is illustrated in greater detail inFIG. 2. As illustrated inFIG. 2, a power input receiving member44is mounted to the end portion20of the PDU10. The power input member46is matingly received in the power input receiving member44.

Referring now toFIG. 3, the power input receiving member44has a body48. The body48includes sidewalls50and a mounting surface or wall52that define a cavity C. The mounting surface52is disposed at a distal portion55of the cavity C. Extending from the mounting surface52and into the cavity C are a plurality of prongs54. Extending from each of the sidewalls50is a tab56that projects slightly into the cavity C at a proximal portion57thereof. The tabs56may be deformable and/or resilient.

The power input receiving member44as illustrated also includes a flange58and apertures60on each side of the body48. Turning back toFIG. 2, the apertures60may be aligned with corresponding apertures of the PDU10to mount the power input receiving member44to the first end portion20of the PDU10. The flange58may serve to enclose the PDU10at the first end portion20. It will be understood that other configurations are contemplated. For example, the power input receiving member44may be integrally formed with the housing12of the PDU10. In this regard, the PDU housing12may define the cavity C in the manner described above in connection with the power input receiving member44.

Referring now toFIG. 4, the power input member46has a body64. In some embodiments, and as illustrated, the body64is block-shaped. The cavity C of the power input receiving member44and the body64of the power input member46are sized and configured such that the body64may be received in the cavity C as described in greater detail below. The body64includes a first mounting face66and a second mounting face68. Each of the first and second mounting faces66,68includes a plurality of receptacles70. The receptacles70are sized and configured to receive the prongs54of the power input member44to electrically connect the power input cable42and the PDU10.

The power input cable42extends away from a cable face78of the body64. The cable face78is opposite the second mounting face68of the body64. In some embodiments, a proximal portion of the power input cable42at the cable face78has increased rigidity relative to other distal portions of the power input cable42. The “distal portions” may include the remainder of the length of the power input cable42or at least a major portion of the remainder of the length of the power input cable42. This increased rigidity may help ensure that the power input cable42extends away from the cable face78in the appropriate direction (e.g., in a direction that is perpendicular to the cable face78). The proximal portion of the power input cable42may have greater diameter or thickness relative to the distal portions of the power input cable42to provide the increased rigidity at the proximal portion. The power input cable42may include a sleeve or the like around the power input cable42at the proximal portion to provide the increased rigidity.

Although the illustrated embodiment shows the power input receiving member44including prongs54and the power input member46including receptacles70, it will be appreciated that other configurations are contemplated. For example, the power input receiving member44may include receptacles and the input member46may include prongs. Generally speaking, the mounting surface52(FIG. 3) includes one or more electrical engagement features and each of the first and second mounting faces66,68(FIG. 4) includes one or more electrical engagement features.

The power input member46has a pair of opposed side faces72(only one of which is visible inFIG. 4). Each side face72includes first and second recesses74,76. The tabs56of the power input receiving member44may be received in the one of the first and second pair of recesses74,76when the body64is received in the cavity C (FIG. 3).

Turning now toFIGS. 5 and 6, the body64of the power input member46is inserted into the cavity C in two different positions or ways such that the power input cable42extends away from the PDU10in two different directions. As shown inFIGS. 5A-5C, the body64of the power input member46can be received in the cavity C of the power input receiving member44in a first orientation or position. In the first position, the first mounting face66of the body64faces the mounting surface52at the distal end portion of the cavity C (FIGS. 3 and 4). In the illustrated embodiment, the prongs54in the cavity C are received in the receptacles70of the first mounting face66of the body64(FIGS. 3 and 4). Where used, the tabs56are received in the first recesses74of the body64and may lockingly engage with the first recesses74. The power input cable42extends away from the first end portion20of the PDU10. Put another way, the power input cable42extends away form the PDU10in a first direction D1that is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis L (FIG. 5C).

Referring toFIGS. 6A-6C, the body64of the power input member46can be received in the cavity C in a second orientation or position. In the second position, the second mounting face68of the body64faces the mounting surface52at the distal end portion of the cavity C (FIGS. 3 and 4). In the illustrated embodiment, the prongs54in the cavity C are received in the receptacles70of the second mounting face68of the body64(FIGS. 3 and 4). Where used, the tabs56are received in the second recesses76of the body64may lockingly engage with the second recesses76. The power input cable42extends away from the front face14of the PDU10. Put another way, the power input cable42extends away form the PDU10in a second direction D2that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L (FIG. 6C).

In some embodiments, an angle between the first and second directions D1, D2is about 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the first and second mounting faces66,68(FIG. 4) are disposed about 90 degrees relative to one another. These configurations allow for a user to account for clearance issues or varying dedicated power source locations by selecting between the first and second mounting positions such that the power input cable42extends away from the PDU10in a direction that best suits the environment.

The ability to mount the receptacle member in different ways such that the power input cable extends away from the PDU10in different directions may be particularly useful when the PDU10is mounted in a cabinet, enclosure or rack.FIGS. 7A and 7Bshow the PDU10mounted to an equipment rack100. The equipment rack100may contain equipment that can cause cable management or clearance issues, and embodiments of the invention allow a user to select the most appropriate direction that the power input cable42extends away from the PDU10. The rack itself may also cause clearance issues, for example when the PDU is mounted such that the end portion20is at or near a corner and/or a top of the rack100.

Although PDUs have been discussed herein, it will be appreciated that embodiments of the invention may be advantageously employed with any electrical or electronic device requiring a corded connection. Further, although a power input cable having two mounting faces with electrical engagement features has been discussed herein, it will be appreciated that the cavity defined by the power input receiving member and/or the housing of the device (e.g., PDU) may be sized and configured to receive different power input members such that power input cables associated therewith extend away from the device in different directions. For example, the power input member46shown inFIG. 4may include the first mounting face66having the electrical engagement features (e.g., receptacles70) but not the second mounting face68having the electrical engagement features (e.g., receptacles70). Similarly, the power input member46may include the second mounting face68having the electrical engagement features (e.g., receptacles70) but not the first mounting face66having the electrical engagement features (e.g., receptacles70). In this regard, different power input members can be received in the cavity such that the power input cable associated therewith extends away from the device in different directions.

Embodiments of the present invention provide an elegant and robust solution to allow a power input cable to be selectively mounted to an electrical or electronic device such that the power input cable extends away from the electronic device in a selected direction. The assemblies described herein allow for the power input cable to be securely mounted to the device and are without additional mechanical components (e.g., rotational members) that may be prone to fail and/or may not securely hold the power input cable in its desired orientation. The assemblies described herein can also allow for a power input member that can be relatively easily removed (e.g., without tools) and the same or different power input member can be installed to change the direction of the power input cable.