Power distribution unit, power outlet modules with secure socket-and-plug connection
AssigneeAustin Hughes Electronics Limited
InventorMan Hin Choi
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A power distribution unit includes a housing; a plurality of power outlet modules accommodated in the housing, at least one of the power outlet modules including a socket having at least three electrical terminals which are configured to connect with one power cord plug of various types of power cord plugs, including a C14 plug and a C20 plug, and a sliding cover having a central opening, the sliding cover being slidable on an outer casing of the socket and engageable with the power cord plug when the power cord plug is completely inserted into the socket, thereby providing a secure connection between the socket and the power cord plug; and at least one power input module providing power to the power outlet modules.
Claims17
A power distribution unit, comprising:
- a housing;
- a plurality of power outlet modules accommodated in the housing, at least one of the plurality of power outlet modules comprising:
- a socket, the socket having at least three electrical terminals, the at least three electrical terminals being configured to connect with one power cord plug of various types of power cord plugs, the various types of power cord plugs including a C14 plug and a C20 plug, and
- a sliding cover having a central opening, the sliding cover being slidable on an outer casing of the socket, and engageable with the one power cord plug of various types of power cord plugs when the one power cord plug of various types of power cord plugs is completely inserted into the socket, thereby providing a secure connection between the socket and the one power cord plug of various types of power cord plugs;
- and
- at least one power input module connected with and providing power to the plurality of power outlet module, wherein a protruded lateral side is provided on a protective shield located at a free end of the one power cord plug of various types of power cord plugs;
- wherein a spring mechanism is connecting between the sliding cover and the outer casing of the socket for holding the sliding cover in an initial position;
- and the sliding cover is provided with an inwardly and downwardly slanting top surface, and the sliding cover is slidable from the initial position to a release position against a biasing force of the spring mechanism when the one power cord plug of various types of power cord plugs is being inserted into the socket, and the protruded lateral side is pressing on the inwardly and downwardly slanting top surface.
A power outlet module with secure socket-and-plug connection, the power outlet module comprising:
- a socket, the socket having at least three electrical terminals, the at least three electrical terminals being configured to connect with one power cord plug of various types of power cord plugs, the various types of power cord plugs including a C14 plug and a C20 plug;
- a sliding cover having a central opening, the sliding cover being slidable on an outer casing of the socket, two elongated grooves being provided on two opposite sides of the sliding cover and in slidable engagement with two matching elongated projections provided on two opposite sides of the outer casing of the socket respectively;
- and
- a spring mechanism connecting between the sliding cover and the outer casing of the socket,
- wherein an inner periphery of the sliding cover is engageable with a protruded lateral side provided on a protective shield located at a free end of the one power cord plug of various types of power cord plugs when the one power cord plug of various types of power cord plugs is completely inserted into the socket, thereby providing a secure connection between the socket and the one power cord plug of various types of power cord plugs.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.