DESC:
THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED:

FIELD OF INVENTION:
The present application is based on, and claims priority from an Indian Application
Number 202321076129 filed on 7th November, 2023, the disclosure of which is
hereby incorporated by reference herein.
The invention relates to a casing for the prior art electrical connectors of IEC-60320 types used within the power distribution units or similar other equipment.
The casing provides a means of mounting the connectors into the Power Distribution Unit (PDU) or similar equipment. The casing along with the electrical connector is configured to be received in the cut-out openings on the cabinet of a power source or equipment. The casing can be configured to receive one of more connectors.

BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART:
In the embodiments of prior art, electrical connectors comprising a non-conductive housing and a set of electrically conductive metallic contacts is known. Such connectors are received directly into a cut-out opening of predetermined size and shape on the cabinet of a power source or equipment with some of its part projecting outwards.
Referring to the drawings, Fig 1 and Fig 2 show two types of electrical connectors comprising of polymeric non-conductive housing and a set of metallic current carrying contact placed inside the non-conductive housing. The housing of the said connectors 70 and 80 as shown in Fig 1 and Fig 2 comprises of a flange 70A and 80A respectively. Cantilever snaps 70B and 80B are disposed below the flange 70A and 80A such that the cantilever snaps latch with the edges surrounding the cut-out opening 90A of cabinet 90 as shown in Fig 3. Fig 4 shows the exploded view of the connector. Thus, as seen from Fig 1 to Fig 4, the fitment of connector is such that the electrical connector and the power cord plug mating portion projects out of the cabinet. Additionally, in the absence of a locking feature, there is a risk of the power cord being disengaged from the electrical connector. There is therefore requirement that the electrical connector should lie flush or nearly flush with the surface of the cabinet of the power source with the ability to lock power cord plug.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION:
The object of the present invention is to provide a casing to enable a flush or nearly flush fitment of the electrical connector.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide lockable retention of conventional non-lockable mating power cord plugs without using an additional externally mounted retention device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:

A casing 20 for electrical connector 30 fitted into a cabinet 50 of a power source comprising of a collar 20A, a peripheral wall 20D having a set of cantilever snaps 20E on one side, a base 20B having cut-out openings 20J and 20K and stiffener walls 20F characterized such that the electrical connector 30 is flush with the surface of the cabinet 50 of the power source by fitting into the corresponding cantilever snaps 20E.

Typically, the casing 20, wherein the peripheral wall 20D has cantilever retention arm 20C on other side to lock a plug 160B of a power cord 160 connected to the electrical connector 30.

Typically, the casing 20, wherein, the electrical connector 30 resides nearly flush with the surface of the cabinet 50 of the power source.

Typically, the casing 20, wherein, the stiffener walls 20F are slanted.

Typically, the casing 20, wherein LED lights are placed in light pipes 110 along the outer peripheral wall 20 D.

Typically, the casing 20, wherein the casing 20 can be mounted on the power source cabinet 50 with screws.

Typically, the casing 20, wherein the collar 20A can be shifted downwards from the top edge of the casing 20.

Typically, the casing 20, wherein the cantilever retention arms 20C have a profile spring.

Typically, the casing 20, where in latching ribs are provided on the cross-partition walls.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS:
In order to provide a full understanding of the manner in which these and other objectives are attained in accordance with the invention, particularly advantageous embodiments thereof will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this specification and wherein:

Fig 1 is a perspective view of an electrical connector of IEC C-13 type having nonconductive housing and set of conductive metallic contacts with snaps for mounting and latching purposes.

Fig 2 is a perspective view of an electrical connector of IEC C-19 type similar to IEC C-13 type shown in Fig 1.

Fig 3 is a perspective view of assembly of IEC C-13 and IEC C-19 electrical connectors fitted in cabinet of power source as per prior art.

Fig 4 shows the partial exploded perspective view of assembly showing fitment of variety of electrical connectors in the cabinet of the prior art.

Fig 5 is a perspective assembly view of the cabinet of power source with the casing as per invention which is adopted in the cut-out to receive the electrical connectors.

Fig 6 is a perspective assembly view of Fig 5 from the rear side of the cabinet of the power source.

Fig 7 shows the perspective assembly of the casing as per invention with electrical connectors received in it.

Fig 8 is the partially exploded perspective view of the casing assembly of Fig 7.

Fig 9 depicts a perspective view of a representative 6-port exemplary casing in accordance with the disclosure showing the mounting snaps and cantilever arms for retention of power cord plugs. The casing can be configured and sized for receiving different number of electrical connectors as per need.

Fig 10 shows the top view of the casing of Fig 9 which details out various parts of casing like outer collar, stiffener walls and cut-out openings to receive the electrical connectors.

Fig 11 is the partial perspective view of the casing showing more details about the cantilever power cord retaining arm.

Fig 12 is the side view of the casing of Fig 11 showing the profile of latching tip of the cantilever power cord retaining arm in detail.

Fig 13 is a perspective view of a two-gang variant of the casing depicting the arrangement of cantilever snaps for mounting purposes along with the alternative profile of stiffener wall.

Fig 14 shows the perspective assembly view of the alternate embodiment of casing with a provision for LED light pipes fitment at each outlet port fitted in the cut out of cabinet.

Fig 15 is a perspective exploded view of the assembly of Fig 14 showing the alternate embodiment of casing and Light Pipe along with cabinet cut-out.

Fig 16 is a perspective view of the alternative embodiment of a screw mounting version of the casing and the middle longitudinal barrier walls are modified from continuous connecting wall to slant ribs that connect the bottom of casing with the cross-barrier walls.

Fig 17 is a perspective view of the casing of Fig 16 as seen from bottom side.

Fig 18 is a perspective assembly view of the casing of alternative embodiment of Fig 16 when mounted inside the cut out of the cabinet.

Fig 19 is a partially exploded view of the assembly of casing and cabinet as per Fig 18.

Fig 20 a perspective view of another embodiment of the screw mount type casing having a mounting collar which is shifted downwardly to minimise the penetration of casing inside the cabinet.

Fig 21 is an exploded view of the assembly of casing and cabinet as per Fig 20.

Fig 22 is a perspective assembly view of the casing of alternative embodiment of Fig 20 when mounted inside the cut out of the cabinet.

Fig 23 is a perspective view of the casing as seen from bottom side as per another embodiment with a backing of a profile spring 180 to enhance the latching force of the locking arm.

Fig 24 is exploded perspective view of the Fig 23 showing the profile spring 180 which seats behind the locking arm.

Fig 25 is the detailed view of the casing of Fig 23 showing the portion around the locking arm and the place created for placement of profile spring.

Fig 26 is a perspective view of the profile spring used as a backing for enhancement of latching force of the cantilever locking arm of the casing of Fig 23.

Fig 27 is a detailed view of Fig 25 showing the situation when profile spring is placed for backing of cantilever locking arm.

Fig 28 is the perspective view as seen from the top side of an alternate embodiment of Fig 9 having latching ribs.

Fig 29 is the perspective view as seen from the top side of an alternate embodiment of Fig 16 showing latching ribs for connector fitment.

Fig 30 is the perspective view as seen from the bottom side of alternate embodiment of Fig 20 having latching ribs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:
The present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein the same numerals are used to denote the same part. However, the drawings only illustrate the disclosure and in no way limit the disclosure.

The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings but are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the disclosure. The description given herein is only representative of the illustrative embodiments and examples. Only for the sake of convenience, the description has focused on a limited number of representative examples of the drawings. However, the drawings and/or illustrations and/or the appended claims in no way limit the scope of the disclosure. It is understood that modifications and/or alterations of the drawings/illustrations of this disclosure other than those specifically set forth herein may be achieved by those skilled in the art and that such modifications and alterations are to be considered as falling within the overall scope of this disclosure.

It can be understood that when an element is referred to with “first” and “second”, the element is not limited thereby. The terms “first,” “second,” etc. may be used only for a purpose of distinguishing the element from the other elements and may not limit the sequence or importance of the elements. In some cases, a first element may be referred to as a second element without departing from the scope of the claims set forth herein. Similarly, a second element may also be referred to as a first element.

Terms used herein are used only in order to describe an exemplary embodiment rather than limiting the present disclosure. In this case, singular forms include plural forms unless interpreted otherwise in context.

The present disclosure is directed to an arrangement for receiving one or more electrical connectors which are to be adopted on the cabinet of a power source or equipment. Another aspect of the present invention is to provide retention of a mating power cord plugs of lockable or conventional non-lockable type. The retention is attained with cantilever power cord retaining arms disposed on the peripheral wall of the casing and which is an integral part of the casing.

Fig 5 is a perspective assembly view of the cabinet 50 of power source with the casing 20 as per invention which is adopted in the cut-out to receive the electrical connectors 30 or 40.

Fig 6 is a perspective assembly view of Fig 5 from the rear side of the power source.

Fig 7 shows the perspective assembly of the casing 20 along with the electrical connectors 30 and 40 and the power cord 160. As seen in Fig 7, the plug 160B of the power cord 160 gets locked by the cantilever retention arm 20C of the casing 20. Fig 8 shows the partial exploded view as per invention with electrical connectors received in it. The electrical connectors 30 and 40 are placed inside the openings profiled in the casing 20.

The casing 20 as seen in Fig 9 and 10 comprises of a peripheral wall 20D and a base 20B having cut-out openings 20J and 20K which receive the electrical connectors. The cross-partition walls 20G act as the barricades between the two cut-out openings.
The cantilever retention arm 20C disposed on the peripheral wall 20D at each port act as a means of mechanical retention of the mating power cord plug coupled with the electrical connector. These cantilever retention arms 20C arrest unintentional extraction of power cord plug 160B from the electrical connector. Once the power cord plug is plunged in the electrical connector, the cantilever retention arms 20C deflect and latch with the step on the mating power cord plug thereby retaining the power cord plug in place.

A detailed view of the retention arms 20C is seen in Fig 11 and Fig 12. The cantilever retention arms 20C have a triangular tip 20C1, the top face of which is tapered gradually till a flat portion 20C2 which is provided for hand actuation of the arm for unlatching purposes. The tapered top face helps in easy actuation of cantilever retention arm and facilitates entry of mating power cord plug while being plunged. The tip 20C1 accommodates and latches various power cord plugs.

According to the present invention, when the power cord plug is coupled with the electrical connector, the retention arms 20C deflect outwardly to accommodate the power cord plug and after further entry of the power cord plug, the retention arms 20C deflect backward at the interface of a step on the power cord plug. The retention arms 20C stay latched with the power cord plug forming a secure retention of conventional non-lockable as well as lockable power cord plug. The power cord plug can be extracted only when the retention arm 20C is manually pushed away from the power cord plug till the tip 20C1 is unlatched from the mating power cord plug. The retention arm 20C on the casing thus offers a lockable feature to non-lockable power cord plugs.

A set of cantilever snaps 20E on either side of the peripheral wall 20D along with collar 20A supports the nearly flush fitment of the casing in the cut-out of the cabinet of the power source as shown in Fig 9. The stiffener walls 20F in between the cut-out openings join the peripheral walls 20D in longitudinal and across directions which impart sufficient strength to the casing 20 for secure and stable fitment in the cut-out opening of the cabinet.

The casing can be configured for one or more outlet ports. Fig.13 shows an embodiment of the present invention, showing a two-gang version 60. The peripheral walls 60D are strengthened with slant tapered ribs 60F instead of continuous stiffener wall around the outlet ports.

An alternate embodiment of the casing 100 is shown in Fig 14 and Fig 15. A set of projections 100G with hollow section are disposed at predetermined location below the collar 100A for placement of light pipes 110 which are usually transparent or translucent. The light pipes 110 carry the light from LEDs of the power source to the surface of the casing for indicating the status of connectivity of each port. Casing 100 fits into the cabinet of the power source 50 through correspondingly spaced and shaped notches 50A.

Another alternate embodiment of the casing 120 is disclosed as shown in Figures 16. 17. 18 and 19 wherein the mounting of casing is done by screws. For that the screw mounting holes 120D are disposed at all corners of the surrounding collar 120B adjacent to the peripheral wall 120E. Unlike the original embodiment the central longitudinal partition wall is replaced by set of slant ribs 120F which connect the peripheral vertical wall with the base of casing. Whereas the cross-partition walls 120G are kept same as that of original embodiment. The Rest of the features like cord retention arm 120C, LED Pipe holes 120A are kept same as original embodiment. This casing 120 is mounted from inside of the cabinet 130 as seen in Fig 18. The notches 130B on the cut out of cabinet for actuation of locking arms 120C. The casing is mounted with the help of mounting screw 140.

Yet another alternate embodiment of the casing 150 is disclosed as seen in Fig 20, 21 and 22 wherein the mounting collar 150B is shifted downwardly from the top edge of the casing. As seen in Fig 21 and Fig 22 the portion of surrounding wall 150E1 projects out of the cut out of the cabinet and only the collar 150B along with the portion 150E2 below it lies inside the cabinet. This arrangement has a distinct advantage for applications where the cabinet depth is limited.

In another embodiment the casing 170 is disclosed in Fig 23 wherein a supplementary backing of profile spring 180 provides better locking with flexibility to the locking arm 170C. As seen in Fig 24 and Fig 25, the inside face of the cantilever locking arm 170C is provided with a slot 170J wherein one end of the profile spring 180 seats. A pair of slots 170G is disposed on either side of the locking arm for firm fitment of locking arms 180B of profile spring 180 as shown in Fig 26. As seen in Figure 27, additional projecting studs 170H are disposed on the casing adjacent to the slots 170G. These studs are profiled with right-angled vertical face adjacent to the slot whereas the faces opposite to it are with slant profile which assist for easy hot sealing of projecting studs 170H. For firm locking of the profile spring 180, the studs 170H can be hot sealed over the base 180A of the profile spring which impart stability of profile spring while being operated during plug insertion and extraction. The said arrangement of profile spring backing can be provided in other embodiments of the casing either with snap mounting version or screw mounting versions.

In another embodiment of Fig 9, the casing 190 is disclosed in Fig 28 wherein there are provided latching ribs 190M to latch electrical connectors which are snap mounted and need not be replaced onsite.

In another embodiment of Fig 16, the casing 200 is disclosed in Fig 29 wherein there are provided latching ribs 200M to latch electrical connectors which need not be replaced onsite.

In another embodiment of Fig 20, the casing 210 is disclosed in Fig 30 wherein there are provided latching ribs 210M.

,CLAIMS:We Claim:

1. A casing 20 for electrical connector 30 fitted into a cabinet 50 of a power source comprising of a collar 20A, a peripheral wall 20D having a set of cantilever snaps 20E on one side, a base 20B having cut-out openings 20J and 20K, cross-partition walls 20G and stiffener walls 20F characterized such that the electrical connector 30 is flush with the surface of the cabinet 50 of the power source by fitting into the corresponding cantilever snaps 20E.

2. A casing 20 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the peripheral wall 20D has cantilever retention arm 20C on other side to lock a plug 160B of a power cord 160 connected to the electrical connector 30.

3. The casing 20 as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the electrical connector 30 resides nearly flush with the surface of the cabinet 50 of the power source.

4. The casing 20 as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the stiffener walls 20F are slanted.

5. The casing 20 as claimed in claim 1, wherein LED lights are placed in light pipes 110 along the outer peripheral wall 20 D.

6. The casing 20 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the casing 20 can be mounted on the power source cabinet 50 with screws.

7. The casing 20 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the collar 20A can be shifted downwards from the top edge of the casing 20.

8. The casing 20 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cantilever retention arms 20C have a profile spring.
9. The casing 20 as claimed in claim 1, where in latching ribs are provided on the cross-partition walls.

Dated 7th day of November 2024

Himanshu W. Kane
Applicant’s Patent Agent
IN/PA-29