阅读说明：本技术 通信系统的电力连接器组件 (Power connector assembly for communication system ) 是由 R.N.穆尔芬格 J.M.赖辛格 M.格里姆 M.D.赫林 S.P.凯利 C.W.布莱克本 于 2019-06-06 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种电力连接器组件(130)包括电力轨(146)和滑动电力连接器(148)。电力轨经由机械支座(172)安装到第一部件的第一壁(158),以在电力轨和第一壁之间限定间隙空间(302)。电极(152)沿着电力轨的面向第一壁的第一侧(168)设置。滑动电力连接器安装到分立的第二部件的第二壁(160)。滑动电力连接器限定轨道(202),该轨道在其中接收电力轨。滑动电力连接器的至少一个电力触头(220)设置在间隙空间内并电连接至电力轨的电极以建立电连接。第一部件和第二部件中的至少一个可沿着伸展循环相对于另一个移动。在整个伸展循环中保持电连接。(A power connector assembly (130) includes a power rail (146) and a sliding power connector (148). The power rail is mounted to a first wall (158) of the first component via a mechanical mount (172) to define a clearance space (302) between the power rail and the first wall. An electrode (152) is disposed along a first side (168) of the power rail facing the first wall. A sliding power connector is mounted to a second wall (160) of the discrete second component. The sliding power connector defines a track (202) that receives the power rail therein. At least one power contact (220) of the sliding power connector is disposed within the interstitial space and electrically connected to the pole of the power rail to establish an electrical connection. At least one of the first and second members is movable relative to the other along an extension cycle. The electrical connection is maintained throughout the stretching cycle.)

1. A power connector assembly (130), comprising:

An electrical power rail (146) mounted to a first wall (158) of a first component via a mechanical mount (172) that suspends the electrical power rail a distance away from the first wall to define an interstitial space (302) between the electrical power rail and the first wall, the mechanical mount spanning the interstitial space, wherein the electrical power rail has a positive electrode (152) along a first side (168) of the electrical power rail that faces the first wall; and

A sliding power connector (148) including a housing (200) mounted to a second wall (160) of a second component separate from the first component and a power contact (220) retained in the housing, the housing defining a track (202) that receives the power rail therein, wherein at least one of the power contacts is disposed within the interstitial space and electrically connected to a positive electrode of the power rail to establish an electrical connection between the sliding power connector and the power rail,

wherein at least one of the first and second components is configured to move relative to the other of the first and second components along an extension cycle and maintain an electrical connection between the power connector and the power rail throughout the extension cycle.

2. The power connector assembly (130) of claim 1, wherein a distance from the power rail (146) to the first wall (158) is less than 1 cm.

3. The power connector assembly (130) of claim 1, wherein a distance from the power rail (146) to the first wall (158) is narrower than a teenager's finger to prevent human touch contact with the positive electrode (152) of the power rail.

4. The power connector assembly (130) of claim 1, wherein a positive electrode (152) of the power rail (146) provides current to the sliding power connector (148), and the power rail further comprises a negative electrode (154) providing a ground or return path, the positive and negative electrodes extending parallel to each other along a length of the power rail.

5. The power connector assembly (130) of claim 4, wherein the positive and negative electrodes (152, 154) are both disposed along a first side (168) of the power rail (146) facing the first wall (158).

6. The power connector assembly (130) of claim 4, wherein the negative electrode (154) is disposed on a second side (170) of the power rail (146) opposite the first side (168) such that the positive and negative electrodes (152, 154) are disposed along opposite sides of the power rail.

7. The power connector assembly (130) of claim 1, wherein the power rail (146) is elongated parallel to the axis (147) of the extension cycle from a first end (186) of the power rail to a second end (162) of the power rail.

8. The power connector assembly (130) of claim 1, wherein the power rails (146) are mounted to a chassis (104) representing the first component and the sliding power connectors (148) are mounted to a drawer (120) representing the second component, the drawer being held by the chassis and moving relative to the chassis along the expansion cycle, wherein the sliding power connectors mounted to the drawer are external to a cavity (144) of the drawer and are electrically connected to the one or more electrical devices (106) within the cavity of the drawer via power lines (150) extending into the cavity from the sliding power connectors.

9. The power connector assembly (130) of claim 1, wherein the power rail (146) is mounted to a drawer (120) representing the first component and the sliding power connector (148) is mounted to a chassis (104) representing the second component, the drawer being held by the chassis and moving relative to the chassis along the expansion cycle, wherein the power rail mounted to the drawer is outside of a cavity (144) of the drawer and is electrically connected to the one or more electrical devices (106) within the cavity of the drawer via a power line (150) extending from the power rail into the cavity.

10. The power connector assembly (130) of claim 1, wherein the housing (200) of the sliding power connector (148) defines a gap (244) along a length of the sliding power connector to accommodate the mechanical mount (172) as the sliding power connector moves past the mechanical mount along the expansion cycle.

11. The power connector assembly (130) of claim 1, wherein the power contacts (220) of the sliding power connector (148) include deflectable spring beams (256) that mechanically engage the power rail (146), wherein the spring beams are spring loaded against the power rail to maintain contact with the power rail throughout the extended cycle.

12. The power connector assembly (130) of claim 11, wherein each of the power contacts (220) includes a first set (262) of deflectable spring beams (256) and a second set (264) of deflectable spring beams extending in a direction opposite the first set.

13. The power connector assembly (130) of claim 1, wherein the power rail (146) includes one or more heat sinks (250) mounted thereon that are positioned on the power rail outside of a travel path of the sliding power connector (148) to avoid impeding relative movement of the sliding power connector and the power rail.

14. The power connector assembly (130) of claim 1, wherein the housing (200) of the sliding power connector (148) is defined by a first housing member (360) and a second housing member (362), the first and second housing members being separate and discrete, each of the first and second housing members holding at least one respective one of the power contacts (220).

Technical Field

The subject matter herein relates generally to power connector assemblies for communication systems.

Background

Some communication systems include equipment racks that hold communication equipment in equipment racks. The equipment racks are typically slidable or extendable between a closed position and an open position, such as in a drawer. For example, the equipment racks may slide open to access components of the communication system, such as electrical components mounted on circuit boards within drawers, for maintenance, testing, and the like. Typically, the electrical components are powered by the power source of the communication system. However, in some applications, it may be desirable to maintain the equipment in a powered and operational state during maintenance. Conventional communication systems that maintain power to electrical components during servicing use power lines connected to circuit boards that may be stretched with equipment racks. The power cord needs to be long enough to accommodate the full extension of the equipment rack so that it can extend or retract within a confined space without being damaged or damaging other components as the equipment rack travels.

Conventional communication systems with power lines are not without drawbacks. For example, power lines occupy valuable space within an equipment rack that would otherwise be used to increase ventilation or additional electrical components through an equipment cabinet if the power lines were removed. Additionally, communication systems having power lines typically include cable management arms to guide the extension and retraction of the power lines within the equipment racks. The cable management arm occupies additional space within the equipment cabinet. Furthermore, as the power requirements of communication systems increase, the size and/or number of power lines required to support the current increases, resulting in larger and stiffer wiring harnesses.

There remains a need for a power connector assembly for providing power to electrical components within an expandable equipment rack of a communication system.

Disclosure of Invention

In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a power connector assembly is provided that includes a power rail and a sliding power connector. The power rail is mounted to the first wall of the first component via a mechanical mount that suspends the power rail a distance away from the first wall to define a clearance space between the power rail and the first wall. The mechanical standoff spans the clearance space. The power rail has a positive electrode disposed along a first side of the power rail facing the first wall. The sliding power connector includes a housing and power contacts retained in the housing. The sliding power connector is mounted to a second wall of the second component that is separate from the first component. The housing defines a track that receives the power rail therein. At least one of the power contacts is disposed within the interstitial space and is electrically connected to the positive electrode of the power rail to establish an electrical connection between the sliding power connector and the power rail. At least one of the first and second components is configured to move relative to the other of the first and second components along an extension cycle. The electrical connection between the sliding power connector and the power rail is maintained throughout the extension cycle.

Drawings

Fig. 1 shows a communication system according to an embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a rear perspective view of a portion of a communication system showing an equipment rack of the communication system mounted to a portion of a chassis of the communication system.

Figure 3 shows a power rail of a power connector assembly of the communication system according to the embodiment shown in figure 2.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a power connector assembly of the communication system according to the embodiment shown in fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a rear perspective view of a portion of a communication system showing components of a power connector assembly, according to an embodiment.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a sliding power connector of the power connector assembly according to the embodiment shown in figures 2 and 4.

Figure 7 is a plan view of a portion of a power connector assembly showing power contacts engaged with power rails according to an embodiment.

Fig. 8 is a rear view of a portion of the communication system according to the embodiment shown in fig. 2.

Fig. 9 illustrates a portion of a communication system showing a drawer of one of the equipment racks in a closed position.

FIG. 10 illustrates a portion of a communication system showing the drawer of FIG. 9 in an open position.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a power connector assembly of a communication system according to another embodiment.

fig. 12 is an isolated perspective view of the power contacts and the contact feeder frame of the sliding power connector shown in fig. 11, with the housing removed for clarity.

Fig. 13 is an isolated perspective view of the sliding power connector of the power connector assembly according to an alternative embodiment, with the housing removed for clarity.

Figure 14 is a perspective view of a portion of the power connector assembly showing another embodiment of the sliding power connector.

Fig. 15 is a rear view of the sliding power connector shown in fig. 14.

Figure 16 is a first perspective view of a power connector assembly according to another embodiment.

Figure 17 is a second perspective view of the power connector assembly shown in figure 16.

Fig. 18 is a rear view of a portion of the communication system according to the embodiment shown in fig. 16 and 17.

Fig. 19 is a front perspective view of a communication system showing partially open drawers of an equipment rack, according to an alternative embodiment.

Fig. 20 is a top perspective view of the communication system shown in fig. 19 with the drawer partially open.

Fig. 21 is another front perspective view of the communication system shown in fig. 19 and 20 with the drawer in a closed position relative to the chassis.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a communication system 100 according to an embodiment. The communication system 100 includes an equipment cabinet 102 having a chassis 104 and an equipment rack 110 held by the chassis 104. The equipment rack 110 includes drawers 120 and communication equipment 106 held within the drawers 120. The equipment cabinet 102 has a power supply 108 configured to provide power to the communication equipment 106. The equipment racks 110 are slidable relative to the enclosure 104 between a closed position and an open position. For example, fig. 1 shows one equipment rack 110a in an open position and another equipment rack 110b in a closed position. The equipment racks 110 in the closed position are enclosed within the enclosure 104 such that the communication equipment 106 within the racks 110 is inaccessible to an operator from outside the equipment cabinet 102. The equipment racks 110 are opened by pulling or otherwise extending the racks 110 away from the chassis 104 to access the communication equipment 106 for use, repair, and/or replacement. In one embodiment, the communication device 106 is powered by the power supply 108 when the equipment racks 110 are in the closed position and the open position. For example, when the equipment rack 110 is open, the communication system 100 maintains the communication equipment 106 in a powered and operational state, such as during use and/or during maintenance.

The chassis 104 may have any size or shape depending on the particular application. The chassis 104 may hold any number of equipment racks 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the equipment racks 110 are stacked in two columns; however, in alternative embodiments, the equipment racks 110 may have other configurations, such as stacked in a single column. In the illustrated embodiment, the equipment racks 110 are oriented horizontally; however, in alternative embodiments, the equipment racks 110 may have other orientations, such as a vertical orientation.

The chassis 104 has frame supports 112, the frame supports 112 defining a frame to support the equipment racks 110 and/or the communication equipment 106. Chassis 104 may also include a panel 114 extending between frame supports 112. The panels 114 may be side panels defining the exterior of the equipment rack 102 and/or may be divider panels extending between adjacent equipment racks 110. In other embodiments, chassis 104 may be open, including only frame supports 112 and no panels 114.

In an embodiment, each equipment rack 110 includes a respective drawer 120 that holds and supports the communication equipment 106 of the equipment rack 110. The drawer 120 includes a plurality of walls 124 to enclose the communication devices 106, such as along the bottom, sides, front, back, top, and/or the like. Drawer 120 may also have a slider 122 for extending drawer 120 to an open position. The drawer 120 is extendable in a sliding direction along an extension axis, as indicated by arrow a. The communication device 106 is movable with the drawer 120 between a closed position and an open position. When the drawer 120 is in the open position, the drawer 120 extends from the front 183 of the chassis 104 and the communication devices 106 are accessible for use and/or maintenance. Other types of equipment racks 110 may be used in alternative embodiments.

In an embodiment, the communication system 100 includes a power connector assembly for powering the communication device 106 from the power source 108. The power connector assembly is arranged such that the communication device 106 can be powered between the closed position and the open position throughout the extension cycle of the extendable device housing 110.

Fig. 2 is a rear perspective view of a portion of the communication system 100 showing one of the equipment racks 110 mounted to a portion of the chassis 104. Fig. 2 also illustrates a power connector assembly 130 for powering the communication device 106 (shown in fig. 1) when the equipment rack 110 is opened and closed during an extension cycle of the equipment rack 110. The portion of chassis 104 shown in fig. 2 has a plurality of panels 114, including bottom panel 132 and side panels 134. The side panels 134 are oriented perpendicular to the bottom panel 132. The side panel 134 is shown in phantom in fig. 2 to view the power connector assembly 130 behind the side panel 134. As used herein, relative or spatial terms such as "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," "interior," and "exterior" are used merely to identify and distinguish reference elements in the illustrated orientations in the illustrated figures, and do not necessarily require a particular position or orientation relative to gravity and/or the surrounding environment of the communication system 100.

In an embodiment, a portion of the power connector assembly 130 is mounted to the side panel 134. The bottom panel 132 may separate the equipment rack 110 from another equipment rack 110 located below the equipment rack 110. The bottom panel 132 may be a piece of sheet metal. The bottom panel 132 is optional such that the chassis 104 of another embodiment may be provided without the bottom panel 132. In another alternative embodiment, a portion of the power connector assembly 130 is mounted to the bottom panel 132 instead of the side panel 134.

In the illustrated embodiment, the drawer 120 has a plurality of walls 124, including a first side wall 136, a second side wall 138 opposite the first side wall 136, a rear wall 140, a front wall 141 opposite the rear wall 140 (as shown in FIG. 1), and a bottom wall 142. The wall 124 defines a cavity 144, and the communication device 106 can be stored in the cavity 144. The slider 122 on the drawer 120 is omitted in fig. 2. A portion of the power connector assembly 130 is mounted to the drawer 120. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, a portion of the power connector assembly 130 is mounted to the first sidewall 136. First side wall 136 is proximate to side panel 134 of chassis 104. A portion of the power connector assembly 130 is disposed between a first side wall 136 of the drawer 120 and a side panel 134 of the chassis 104.

The power connector assembly 130 is used to provide power to the communication devices 106 (fig. 1) held within the drawers 120 regardless of the position or movement of the equipment rack 110 between the open and closed positions. The drawer 120 and the portion of the power connector assembly 130 mounted to the drawer 120 are movable relative to the chassis 104 and the portion of the power connector assembly 130 mounted to the chassis 104. Drawer 120 is in the closed position in fig. 2. For example, the rear wall 140 of the drawer 120 is located near the rear 185 of the chassis 104.

The power connector assembly 130 includes a power rail 146, a sliding power connector 148, and a power cord 150, the power cord 150 extending into the cavity 144 of the drawer 120. The sliding power connector 148 is electrically connected to the power rail 146. In the embodiment described herein, the power rail 146 is fixedly mounted to a first wall 158 of one component and the sliding power connector 148 is fixedly mounted to a second wall 160 of another component that is separate from the component that includes the first wall 158. The first wall 158 may be a portion of the chassis 104 or a portion of the drawer 120 of the equipment rack 110, and the second wall 160 is a portion of another component. As the equipment rack 110 moves between the closed and open positions along the extension cycle, the power rails 146 and the sliding power connectors 148 move relative to each other while maintaining mechanical and electrical engagement with each other.

In the illustrated embodiment, the power rails 146 are mounted to the chassis 104 and the sliding power connectors 148 are mounted to the drawers 120. For example, power rail 146 is mounted to side panel 134 of chassis 104 in fig. 2 such that side panel 134 represents first wall 158. The sliding power connector 148 is mounted to the first side wall 136 of the drawer 120 such that the first side wall 136 represents the second wall 160. The power cord 150 is connected to the sliding power connector 148 and extends from the sliding power connector 148 into the cavity 144 of the drawer 120. The sliding power connector 148 and the power cable 150 move with the drawer 120 as the equipment rack 110 slides relative to the chassis 104. The power rail 146 has an elongated length extending along a rail axis 147. The sliding power connector 148 moves (e.g., slides) along the power rail 146 parallel to the rail axis 147. In the illustrated embodiment, the power rails 146 are mounted to the side panels 134 of the chassis 104 via mechanical standoffs or lugs 172.

The sliding power connector 148 is mounted to the first side wall 136 of the drawer 120 and is located between the first side wall 136 and the side panel 134 of the chassis 104. The power cord 150 is terminated (e.g., mechanically and electrically connected) to the sliding power connector 148 and extends through the opening 174 in the first sidewall 136 into the cavity 144. The distal end 176 of the power cord 150 is configured to electrically connect to one or more power devices 180 within the cavity 144 to provide power to the communication device 106 (fig. 1). The power supply apparatus 180 may distribute power among the various communication devices 106 within the drawer 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the distal end 176 of the power line 150 is terminated to a plug connector 178 for releasable mating, but may be directly electrically connected to the power device 180 or circuit board via soldering, press-fitting, or the like in another embodiment.

The sliding power connector 148 moves with the drawer 120 (and the communication device 106 therein) along the extension cycle so the distance between the sliding power connector 148 and the power device 180 remains constant. Thus, the power cord 150 is long enough to pass from the sliding power connector 148 through the opening 174 in the first side wall 136 to the power device 180, but the power cord 150 need not be stretchable or have the excess slack equal to the movement of the equipment rack 110 from the closed position to the open position.

Power rail 146 is electrically connected to power supply 108. In the illustrated embodiment, the power supply 108 includes or represents a power bus 182 positioned along the rear 185 of the chassis 104 behind the rear wall 140 of the drawer 120. The power bus 182 may be vertically oriented to extend across multiple equipment racks 110 in the cabinet 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the power rail 146 is electrically connected to the power bus 182 via a power line 184. The power line 184 terminates to the power rail 146 at or near the first end 186 of the power rail 146. The power line 184 may be soldered to the power rail 146 as shown in fig. 2, or alternatively, the power line 184 may be connected to a connector mounted at a first end 186 of the power rail 146. The opposite end of the power line 184 is electrically connected to the power bus 182 via at least one electrical connector 188. Thus, the power line 184 carries current from the power bus 182 to the power rail 146, and the sliding power connector 148 receives current from the power rail 146 and carries the current along the power line 150 into the cavity 144 of the drawer 120 to power the communication devices 106 held by the device rack 110. In an alternative embodiment, instead of the power line 184, the power rail 146 may be more directly connected to the power bus 182 via a connector that maintains the engagement of the power rail 146 with the power bus 182.

Figure 3 illustrates the power rail 146 of the power connector assembly 130 according to the embodiment illustrated in figure 2. The power rail 146 includes a power circuit 151 for supplying power to the sliding power connector 148 (shown in fig. 2). The power supply circuit 151 includes a positive electrode or anode 152 and a negative electrode or cathode 154. The anode 152 and the cathode 154 are configured to be electrically connected to the sliding power connector 148. The anode 152 may be an electrical contact strip that carries current through the power rail 146 to the sliding power connector 148. The cathode 154 may be an electrical contact strip that provides a ground or return path.

In one or more embodiments, the communication system 100 is arranged to be touch safe such that the anode 152 of the power rail 146 (which is "hot" or "live" and has the potential to generate an electric shock) is generally protected from the operator's fingers and tools throughout the extended cycle of the equipment rack 110.

The power rail 146 extends along a rail axis 147 between a first end 186 of the power rail 146 and a second end 162 opposite the first end 186. The power rail 146 includes a first edge 164 and a second edge 166 opposite the first edge 164. First edge 164 and second edge 164 extend between first end 186 and second end 162. The power rail 146 includes a first side 168 and a second side 170 opposite the first side 168.

In the illustrated embodiment, both the anode 152 and the cathode 154 are disposed along the first side 168 and extend a majority of the length between the first end 186 and the second end 162. The anode 152 and cathode 154 may be parallel conductive strips that are spaced apart from each other and thus electrically isolated. The anode 152 and cathode 154 are exposed along a first side 168 to engage and electrically connect to the sliding power connector 148 (shown in FIG. 2). In the illustrated embodiment, the power rail 146 includes a power rail circuit board 156 having conductive traces defining an anode 152 and a cathode 154 of the power circuit 151. In another embodiment, the power rail 146 may be a bus bar that includes an insulating dielectric material extending between the anode 150 and the cathode 154. A dielectric material may coat the bus bars along their surface areas other than power supply circuit 151 to prevent electrical shock.

The power rail 146 includes an aperture 176, the aperture 176 extending through the power rail 146 from the first side 168 to the second side 170. The apertures 176 are configured to receive mechanical mounts 172 (shown in fig. 2) for mounting and securing the power rails 146 to the chassis 104 (fig. 2). In the illustrated embodiment, the power rail 146 has three apertures 176, but in other embodiments there may be additional or fewer than three apertures 176. Optionally, the anode 152 and cathode 154 may include pads 172, 174, respectively, at the first end 186. The power lines 184 (shown in fig. 2) may be terminated to the pads 172, 174 via welding, soldering, or the like.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the power connector assembly 130 of the communication system 100 according to the embodiment shown in fig. 2. The sliding power connector 148 of the power connector assembly 130 includes a housing 200. The housing 200 is shown as transparent in fig. 3 to illustrate the components located within the housing 200. The housing 200 receives the power rails 146 and slides along the power rails 146 as the equipment racks 110 (shown in fig. 2) are opened and closed. The housing 200 includes a track 202 that receives the power rail 146. The track 202 includes a first rail 204 and a second rail 206 on opposite sides of the power rail 146. The first rail 204 engages the first edge 164 of the power rail 146. The second rail 206 engages a second edge 166 of the power rail 146 opposite the first edge 164. The rails 204, 206 may engage the edges 164, 166, respectively, to fix the lateral position of the sliding power connector 148 relative to the power rail 146. The track 202 guides the movement of the sliding power connector 148 along the power rail 146 in a bi-directional sliding direction parallel to the rail axis 147. The enclosure 200 is configured to be fixedly mounted to the drawers 120 (shown in fig. 2) of the equipment rack 110 such that the enclosure 200 moves with the drawers 120 as the equipment rack 110 is opened and closed. In an alternative embodiment, the housing 200 may be fixedly mounted to the chassis 104, the power rails 146 mounted to the equipment rack 110, and the power rails 146 moving with the drawer 120 relative to the housing 200 of the sliding power connector 148.

In an embodiment, the sliding power connector 148 includes a plurality of power contacts 220 held in the housing 200. The power contacts 220 are electrically connected to the power line 150, which power line 150 extends into the cavity 144 (shown in FIG. 2) of the drawer 120 (FIG. 2). For example, the power contacts 220 are mounted on a contact feed frame 222 of the sliding power connector 148, the contact arm feed frame 222 extending through the housing 200 from the power contacts 220 to the power line 150. The contact feed frame 222 includes a positive frame member 224 and a negative (or ground) frame member 226 that is spaced apart from the positive frame member 224 and electrically isolated from the positive frame member 224. The frame members 224, 226 have proximal ends 228 mechanically and electrically connected to different ones of the power lines 150, and distal ends 229 attached to different ones of the power contacts 220. The frame members 224, 226 are conductive or strips and carry current between the power contact 220 and the power line 150.

With the power rails 146 received in the tracks 202 of the housing 200, the power contacts 220 mechanically engage and electrically connect to the power circuits 151 of the power rails 146. The power contacts 220 slide along the power rails 146 as the equipment racks 110 (shown in figure 2) open and close during an extension cycle. The power contacts 220 maintain electrical connection with the power rail 146 throughout the extension cycle. Alternatively, the power contacts 220 may be spring contacts configured to resiliently deflect against the power rails 146. However, other types of power contacts 220 may be provided in alternative embodiments, such as spring-loaded pins, such as pogo pins (pogopins), wave springs, or other types of contacts, such as conductive polymer elements.

The sliding power connector 148 in fig. 4 has two power contacts 220, including a positive contact 220A and a ground (or negative) contact 220B. The positive contact 220A is attached to the positive frame member 224 and engages the positive electrode or anode 152 of the power circuit 151 on the power rail 146. The ground contact 220B is attached to the negative (or ground) frame member 226 and engages the cathode 154 of the power circuit 151. As described herein, the sliding power connector 148 may have more than two power contacts 220 in other embodiments.

As shown in fig. 4, power lines 184 that provide current to the power rails 146 from the power bus 182 (shown in fig. 2) may be directly welded (e.g., soldered, ultrasonically welded, etc.) to the power rails 146 at or near the first end 186. A first power line 184A of the power lines 184 is directly soldered to the anode 152 and a second power line 184B is directly soldered to the cathode 154.

Fig. 5 is a rear perspective view of a portion of the communication system 100 showing components of the power connector assembly 130, according to an embodiment. The power line 184 is omitted from fig. 5 for clarity. In fig. 5, the drawer 120 is disposed in an open position or an intermediate position between the closed position and the open position. The rear side 140 of the drawer 120 is spaced a greater distance from the rear 185 of the chassis 104 than when the drawer 120 is in the closed position shown in fig. 2.

Optionally, the power rail 146 may include one or more heat sinks 250. Fig. 5 shows a single heat sink 250 mounted on the second side 170 on the power rail 146. In the illustrated embodiment, the power rails 146 are mounted to the side panels 134 of the chassis 104. The first side 168 of the power rail 146 faces the side panel 134 and the second side 170 faces inwardly toward the drawer 120. As used herein, the first side 168 of the power rail 146 is referred to as an outer side 168 and the second side 170 is referred to as an inner side 170. Thus, the heat sink 250 is mounted on the inner side 170 of the power rail 146. The heat sink 250 may be disposed at or near the first end 186 of the power rail 146 at the rear 185 of the chassis 104. For example, the equipment cabinet 102 (shown in fig. 1) may have good airflow at the rear 185 of the chassis 104 that may absorb and dissipate heat from the heat sink 250. The heat sink 250 may be mounted on the power rail 146 at a location along the length of the power rail 146 that is outside of the travel path of the sliding power connector 148 to avoid impeding or interfering with the relative movement of the sliding power connector 148 and the power rail 146. For example, the sliding power connector 148 may be located in front of the heat sink 250 throughout the extension cycle even when the drawer 120 is in the closed position. Because the power rail 146 extends through the length of the cabinet 102, the presence of the heat sink 250 and/or other heat sink means (e.g., heat pipes, etc.) attached to the power rail 146 allows the power rail 146 to also serve as a thermal management device to draw heat from the cabinet 102.

Alternatively, the power rail 146 may have a thermally conductive and electrically insulating heat transfer material. For example, the power rail 146 may include thermally conductive epoxy, plastic, silicone, or the like that extends along the length of the power rail 146. The heat transfer material may extend to the heat sink 250 to provide a thermally conductive path along the power rail 146 to the heat sink 250 where heat may be dissipated into the air. Alternatively, a heat transfer material may be used on the power rail 146 without the heat sink 250.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the sliding power connector 148 of the power connector assembly 130 according to the embodiment shown in figures 2 and 4. The housing 200 includes a first end 230 and a second end 232 opposite the first end 230. The track 202 extends through the housing 200 from the first end 230 to the second end 232 along a longitudinal axis 266 and is open at both ends 230, 232. Each of the first rail 204 and the second rail 206 of the housing 200 extends from a first end 230 to a second end 232. The housing 200 has a first wall 234 and a second wall 236 that extend longitudinally from the first end 230 to the second end 232 and laterally between the first rail 204 and the second rail 206. The track 202 is defined between a first wall 234 and a second wall 236. The first wall 234 defines a mounting side 238 of the housing 200 that engages the drawer 120 (shown in fig. 2) to fixedly mount the sliding power connector 148 to the drawer 120.

The first wall 234 is closed such that the wall 234 extends continuously between the first rail 204 and the second rail 206. The second wall 236 is defined by a first protrusion 240 protruding from the first rail 204 and a second protrusion 242 protruding from the second rail 206. The first projection 240 is spaced apart from the second projection 242 by a gap 244. The gap 244 extends longitudinally from the first end 230 to the second end 232. The first and second projections 240, 242 are cantilevered from the respective rails 204, 206 and depend or project above the rail 202. The rail 202 is almost completely enclosed by the housing 200 except for a gap 244 between the first projection 240 and the second projection 242. The gap 244 is configured to receive the mechanical mount 172 (shown in fig. 2), which mounts the power rail 146 (fig. 2) to the chassis 104 (fig. 2). As the sliding power connector 148 moves past the mechanical seat 172, the mechanical seat 172 aligns with the gap 244 and is received into the gap 244 to prevent the sliding power connector 148 from shorting stubs (stubbing) on the seat 172.

When received in the track 202, the power contacts 220 are exposed in the track 202 for electrical connection with the power rail 146 (shown in fig. 4). In the illustrated embodiment, the power contacts 220 are mounted to the tabs 240, 242 of the second wall 236. The power contacts 220 protrude into the track 202 from the inner surfaces 246 of the lobes 240, 242. The power contacts 220 project into the rails 202 in a direction toward the mounting side 238 of the housing 200. The positive contact 220A of the power contact 220 may be mounted to the first male portion 240 and the ground contact 220B may be mounted to the second male portion 242. The positive contact 220A and the ground contact 220B are disposed on opposite sides of the gap 244.

In an embodiment, the power contacts 220 include spring beams 256 for engaging the power rails 146 (shown in figure 4) disposed within the track 202. The spring beam 256 is deflectable such that the spring beam 256 may be spring loaded against the power rail 146. Optionally, an overtravel block may be provided behind the spring beam 256 to limit overstress and/or deformation of the spring beam 256. In the illustrated embodiment, each power contact 220 includes a plurality of spring beams 256. The spring beams 256 have fixed ends 258 attached to the contact feeder frame 222 and distal ends 260 opposite the fixed ends 258. The distal end 260 engages the power rail 146. The distal end 260 may be curved to prevent stubs to the power rail 146 when the sliding power connector 148 slides along the power rail 146. Alternatively, the spring beams 256 may extend in different directions. For example, each power contact 220 may have a first set 262 of spring beams 256 extending from the contact feeder frame 222 toward the first end 230 of the housing 200 and a second set 264 of spring beams 256 extending from the contact feeder frame 222 toward the second end 232. In the illustrated embodiment, the first set 262 extends in an opposite direction from the second set 264. Optionally, the two sets 262, 264 of spring beams 256 extend parallel to a longitudinal axis 266 of the rail 202, which longitudinal axis 266 is parallel to the rail axis 147 (shown in fig. 4) of the power rail 146. In alternative embodiments, the power contacts 220 may be oriented such that all of the spring beams 256 of each power contact 220 extend in the same direction.

The housing 200 optionally has a rabbit ear extension 268 that protrudes from the second end 232 and at least partially surrounds an exposed end section 270 of the power line 150 that is terminated to the frame members 224, 226 of the contact feeder frame 222. The rabbit ear extension 268 may be an integral part of the housing 200 that is designed to reduce the risk of accidental shock by contacting the exposed end sections 270 and/or proximal ends 228 of the frame members 224, 226.

Figure 7 is a plan view of a portion of the power connector assembly 130 showing one of the power contacts 220 engaged with the power rail 146, under an embodiment. For example, fig. 7 may look down through the second tab 242 (shown in fig. 6) of the housing 200 (fig. 6) to illustrate the ground power contact 220B and the cathode 154 of the power rail 146. Alternatively, the spring beams 256 of the first set 262 of power contacts 220 may be laterally offset from the spring beams 256 of the second set 264 of power contacts 220. The biasing spring beams 256 may prevent, or at least inhibit, the formation of wear tracks along the power rails 146 due to the engagement of the spring beams 256 when the sliding power connector 148 (shown in fig. 6) moves relative to the power rails 146. In the illustrated embodiment, the reference line 280 bisects the outer spring beams 256A of the first set 262 such that the reference line 280 extends along the centerline of the spring beams 256A. The same reference line 280 is aligned with an edge 282 of the outer spring beam 256B of the second set 264. Thus, the center of the outer spring beam 256A engages the same portion of the power rail 146 as the edge 282 of the outer spring beam 256B. If there is a consistent high point on the spring beams 256A, such as at the center, any wear track formed by the first set 262 of spring beams 256 will be offset at a different location than the wear track formed by the second set 264, which may significantly reduce the size and/or depth of the wear track relative to the wear track that would be formed if the first set 262 were not offset from the second set 264. The biasing spring beams 256 as shown in fig. 7 may extend the usable life of the power rail 146 and/or the contacts 220 of the sliding power connector 148.

Fig. 8 is a rear view of a portion of the communication system 100 according to the embodiment shown in fig. 2. Figure 8 illustrates the power connector assembly 130 installed between a side panel 134 of the chassis 104 and a first side wall 136 of the drawer 120. The rear wall 140 of the drawer 120 is omitted in fig. 8. The sliding power connector 148 is mounted to the first side wall 136 such that the mounting side 238 of the housing 200 engages the first side wall 136. The housing 200 may be mounted to the drawer 120 via fasteners (not shown), adhesives, and/or the like.

The power rails 146 are mounted to the side panels 134 of the chassis 104 via mechanical mounts 172 (only one mount 172 is visible in fig. 8). The support 172 may be or include a fastener, hollow spacer, post, or the like. The standoffs 172 are located between the power rails 146 and the side panels 134. The stand-offs 172 suspend the power rail 146 a distance away from the side panel 134 to define a clearance space 302 between the power rail 146 and the side panel 134. The mechanical support 172 spans the interstitial space 302. In the illustrated embodiment, the power rails 146 are indirectly mounted to the chassis 104 via mounts 172. The power rails 146 are planar and remain in an orientation parallel to both the side panels 134 and the first side wall 136 of the drawer 120.

The power rails 146 are disposed within the tracks 202 of the sliding power connector 148 in fig. 8. The second wall 236 of the housing 202 is located in the interstitial space 302 between the power rail 146 and the side panel 134. The standoffs 172 protrude through a gap 244 in the second wall 236 between the first and second projections 240, 242 of the housing 200. As the drawer 120 moves relative to the chassis 104 along the extension cycle, the relative motion between the power rails 146 and the sliding power connectors 148 moves into and out of the page based on the orientation shown in fig. 8.

The power rail 146 is mounted such that a first side (e.g., an outer side 168) of the power rail 146 faces the side panel 134 and a second side (e.g., an inner side 170) of the power rail 146 opposite the first side faces the first side wall 136 of the drawer 120. As described with reference to fig. 3, the anode 152 and cathode 154 are both positioned along the outer side 168 of the power rail 146. The power contacts 220 held by the first and second tabs 240, 242 of the housing 200 are disposed within the interstitial spaces 302 and engage the corresponding electrodes 152, 154. The power rail 146 in the illustrated embodiment may be relatively touch safe even when the drawer 120 is in the open position. For example, the "hot" anode 152 is disposed along an outer side 168 of the power rail 146 facing the side panel 134. The operator is not shocked when touching the inner side 170 of the exposed power rail 146. The clearance space 302 between the side panel 134 and the power rail 146 may be sufficiently narrow to reduce the risk of an operator inadvertently contacting the electrodes 152, 154, either directly or with a tool. The width of gap space 302 (e.g., the distance from power rail 146 to side panel 134) may be sized narrower than the thickness or width of a teenager's finger to reduce the risk of human touch contact with anode 152, which may result in an electrical shock. The above-mentioned fingers of the young may represent fingers at least as wide as the index finger of a 10 year old female of 25 th percentile height and/or weight, since almost all fingers that would encounter the power rail 146 would be larger than this lower limit finger size.

Alternatively, the width of the interstitial space 302 may be equal to or less than 2cm, such as no greater than 1cm, no greater than 0.5cm, and the like. The first and second protrusions 240, 242 and the power contact 220 held by the protrusions 240, 242 are sized to fit within the narrow gap space 302. Accordingly, the combined thickness of the tabs 240, 242 and the contact 220 is at least slightly less than the width of the clearance space 302 to enable the contact 220 to be electrically connected to the anode 152 and slide relative to the anode 152 without being mechanically compressed (e.g., pinched) between the power rail 146 and the side panel 134. In one embodiment, the width of the gap space 302 is less than the overall thickness of the entire connector 148, such that the gap space 302 is specifically sized to accommodate only the tabs 240, 242 and the power contacts 220 retained by the tabs 240, 242 (e.g., not an additional portion of the connector 148). In addition to touch safety for preventing electrical shock, the narrow gap space 302 may protect the power connector assembly 130 from tools and the like because power components such as the electrodes 152, 154 and the power contacts 220 are relatively hidden within the narrow gap space 302.

Fig. 9 illustrates a portion of the communication system 100 showing the drawers 120 of one of the equipment racks 110 (shown in fig. 1) in a closed position. Fig. 10 illustrates a portion of the communication system 100 showing the drawer 120 of fig. 9 in an open position. Fig. 9 and 10 are both top views, showing only a portion of the drawer 120, including the first side wall 136 and short sections of the front wall 141 and the rear wall 140. The sliding power connector 148 is mounted to the first side wall 136 of the drawer 120 along the rear section 306 adjacent the rear wall 140. The housing 200 of the sliding power connector 148 is shown in phantom in fig. 9 and 10 to illustrate one of the power contacts 220 electrically connected to the power rail 146. The power rails 146 are mounted to the side panels 134 of the chassis 104 via mechanical mounts 172.

In the closed position shown in fig. 9, the drawer 120 is generally centered on and aligned with the power rails 146 and side panels 134 of the chassis 104. For example, in the closed position, the front wall 141 of the drawer 120 may be aligned with the front 183 of the chassis 104 or may be recessed slightly rearwardly therefrom. When the equipment rack 110 (shown in fig. 1) is opened, the drawer 120 moves in the forward direction 304 relative to the chassis 104 because the chassis 104 remains stationary. The sliding power connectors 148 mounted on the drawer 120 move with the drawer 120 relative to the power rails 146 mounted on the chassis 104.

In the open position shown in fig. 10, the drawer 120 is displaced and offset from the chassis 104 and the power rail 146. Drawer 120 protrudes beyond front 183 of chassis 104 such that front wall 141 extends forward of front 183. Only the rear section 306 of the drawer 120, with the sliding power connectors 148 mounted, is aligned with the power rails 146. The power contacts 220 maintain electrical connection with the power rail 146 throughout the extended cycle between the closed and open positions.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a power connector assembly 130 of the communication system 100 according to another embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the sliding power connector 148 of the power connector assembly 130 differs from the sliding power connector 148 shown in fig. 4 and 6 by the number of power contacts 220. The sliding power connector 148 in fig. 11 has twice the number of power contacts 220 as the embodiment shown in fig. 4 and 6. The housing 200 of the sliding power connector 148 is transparent in fig. 11 to illustrate the power contacts 220 and the contact feeder frame 222. The positive frame member 224 of the contact feeder frame 222 is mechanically and electrically connected to two power contacts 220, which represent anodes or positive contacts. Both positive contacts 220 engage the anode 152 of the power rail 146. The negative (or ground) frame member 226 of the contact feeder frame 222 is also mechanically and electrically connected to two power contacts 220, which represent ground contacts. The ground contacts 220 engage the cathodes 154 of the power rails 146. The sliding power connector 148 has a total of four power contacts 220 in fig. 11. Increasing the number of power contacts 220 may increase the current carrying capacity of the sliding power connector 148 due to the greater contact surface area between the power contacts 220 and the poles 152, 154 of the power rail 146. In other embodiments, the sliding power connector 148 may have more than four power contacts 220.

Fig. 12 is an isolated perspective view of the power contacts 220 and the contact feeder frame 222 of the sliding power connector 148 shown in fig. 11, with the housing 200 removed for clarity. Each of the positive frame member 224 and the negative frame member 226 of the contact feed frame 222 has a backbone 312 and two branches 314, the two branches 314 extending from the backbone 312 at different locations along the length of the backbone 312. The backbone 312 of the positive frame member 224 and the negative frame member 226 are oriented parallel to each other. The branches 314 extend from the respective trunk 312 toward the branches 314 of the other frame member without engaging the other branches 314. The power line 150 is terminated to a backbone 312. The power contact 220 is attached to the distal end 316 of the branch 314.

Fig. 13 is an isolated perspective view of the sliding power connector 148 of the power connector assembly 130 according to an alternative embodiment, with the housing 200 removed for clarity. The sliding power connector 148 in fig. 13 has the same number and arrangement of power contacts 220 as the sliding power connector 148 shown in fig. 11 and 12, but the contact feeder frame 222 is segmented into four separate frame members 330. Each frame member 330 is welded (e.g., soldered, etc.) to a different power line 350. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the sliding power connector 148 is terminated to four power lines 350 instead of two power lines 150 as in the previous embodiments. The four power lines 350 may all be connected to the plug connectors 178 (shown in fig. 2) within the cavity 144 of the drawer 120. Alternatively, four power lines 350 may be connected to a plurality of different connectors. The four power lines 350 shown in fig. 13 may have smaller individual dimensions (e.g., diameter, gauge, etc.) than the two power lines 150 shown in fig. 11 and 12. Each frame member 330 holds a different one of the power contacts 220 and provides a conductive path from the power contact 220 to a respective power line 350 that is terminated to the frame member 330.

Figure 14 is a perspective view of a portion of the power connector assembly 130 illustrating another embodiment of the sliding power connector 148. Fig. 15 is a rear view of the sliding power connector 148 shown in fig. 14. The sliding power connector 148 in fig. 14 and 15 differs from the sliding power connector 148 shown in previous figures (e.g., fig. 6 and 8) in that the housing 200 is divided into a first discrete housing member 360 and a second discrete housing member 362. For example, the first wall 234 of the housing 200 including the mounting side 238 is bisected. The first wall 234 defines a gap 364, the gap 364 being generally aligned with the gap 244 in the second wall 236 between the first and second projections 240, 242. The first housing member 360 is terminated to one of the power lines 150 and retains one of the power contacts 220. The second housing member 362 is terminated to another power line 150 and holds another power contact 220. In the illustrated embodiment, the sliding power connector 148 may serve the same function as the sliding power connector 148 shown in fig. 4 and 6.

A benefit of the two-piece housing 200 is that the sliding power connector 148 can accommodate a plurality of different heights or widths of the power rails 146 in the dimension from the first edge 164 (shown in fig. 3) to the second edge 166 (fig. 3). For example, if the power rail 146 has a narrow height between the edges 164, 166, the two housing members 360, 362 may be tightly mounted on the drawer 120 (fig. 2) of the equipment rack 110 (fig. 2). Alternatively, if the power rail 146 has a greater height between the edges 164, 166, the two housing members 360, 362 may be mounted away from each other to expand the height of the track 202 between the two rails 204, 206 of the sliding power connector 148.

Figure 16 is a first perspective view of a power connector assembly 130 according to another embodiment. Figure 17 is a second perspective view of the power connector assembly 130 shown in figure 16. Fig. 16 and 17 depict different angles of the power connector assembly 130, with fig. 16 showing an outer side 168 of the power rail 146 and fig. 17 showing an inner side 170 of the power rail 146. Fig. 18 is a rear view of a portion of the communication system 100 according to the embodiment shown in fig. 16 and 17. The power rails 146 are mounted to the side panels 134 of the chassis 104 via mechanical standoffs 172 that protrude from the exterior side 168. The sliding power connector 148 is mounted to the side wall 136 of the drawer 120. The power connector assembly 130 in fig. 16-18 differs from the previously described embodiments in that the anode 152 and cathode 154 are disposed along different sides 168, 170 of the power rail 146, rather than on the same side (e.g., the outer side 168 as shown in fig. 8). Thus, the power rail 146 is double sided.

The sliding power connector 148 is reconfigured to accommodate the double-sided power rail 146. For example, the sliding power connector 148 straddles an edge 166 of the power rail 146. The first wall 234 of the housing 200 is disposed along the inner side 170 of the power rail 146. The second wall 236 of the housing 200 extends into the interstitial space 302 between the power rail 146 and the side panel 134 and along the exterior side 168. Each of the first and second walls 234, 236 holds one or more power contacts 220 that engage a respective electrode 152, 154 on a respective side 168, 170 of the power rail 146.

In one embodiment, the anode 152 is disposed along an exterior side 168 of the power rail 146 facing the side panel 134 of the chassis 104, and the cathode 154 is disposed along an interior side 170 of the power rail 146 facing the drawer 120. Placing anode 152 along outer side 168 may provide additional protection against accidental electric shock, as described above with reference to fig. 8, because the interstitial space 302 between side panel 134 and power rail 146 may be narrow, thereby making anode 152 relatively low inaccessible. Since the cathode 154 represents a ground or return path, inadvertent contact with the cathode 154 along the inner side 170 does not result in an electrical shock.

Optionally, the power rail 146 may include or may be coupled to a cover 406, as shown in fig. 18. The cover 406 extends substantially parallel to the power rail 146. The cover 406 has a shoulder 408 and a shield 410. The shoulders 408 extend from the power rail 146 to the shield 410 such that the shield 410 is spaced apart from the power rail 146 to define a slot 412 therebetween above the shoulders 408. The housing 200 of the sliding power connector 148 may be mounted to the drawer 120 along a top area 402 of the housing 200, the top area 402 protruding inwardly beyond the first wall 234 such that the first wall 234 is spaced apart from the side wall 136. The shield 410 is received between the first wall 234 and the side wall 136. The first wall 234 of the housing 200 is received within the slot 412. The shield 410 is disposed inside the power rail 146 adjacent to the side wall 136 of the drawer 120. When the drawer 120 is in the open position and the length of the power rail 146 is exposed within the cabinet 102 (fig. 1), the shield 410 of the cover 406 prevents accidental and unintentional contact with the power rail 146. For example, the slots 412 may be relatively narrow, making it difficult to at least insert a finger into the slot 412 to engage the electrode(s) disposed along the inner side 170. By adding the cap 406, the anode 152 may be disposed on either of the sides 168, 170 of the power rail 146 with little risk of accidental electrical shock or damage to the power rail 146. For example, in an alternative embodiment, the anode 152 may be disposed on the inner side 170 and the cathode 154 disposed on the outer side 168.

in the embodiment shown, two power cables 150 protrude from the top region 402 of the housing 200 above the edges 166 of the power rails 146. Optionally, one or both of the wires 150 may be attached to the housing 200 at an angle such that the wire(s) 150 protrude from the housing 200 at an oblique angle that is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the planar mounting side 238 of the housing 200. The angular attachment may be such that the length of the wire(s) 150 is reduced relative to attaching the wire 150 parallel or perpendicular to the mounting side 238. In the illustrated embodiment, one of the wires 150A is attached at an angle while the other wire 150B is attached parallel to the mounting side 238.

Fig. 19 to 21 show a part of a communication system 100 according to a further embodiment. Fig. 19 is a front perspective view of communication system 100, showing partially open drawers 120 of equipment racks 110 (shown in fig. 1). Fig. 20 is a top perspective view of the communication system 100 shown in fig. 19 with the drawer 120 partially open. Fig. 21 is another front perspective view of the communication system 100 shown in fig. 19 and 20, with the drawer 120 in a closed position relative to the chassis 104.

In the illustrated embodiment shown in fig. 19-21, the power rails 146 are mounted to the drawer 120 and the sliding power connectors 148 are mounted to the chassis 104. For example, the power rail 146 is secured to the side wall 136 of the drawer 120. The sliding power connectors 148 are mounted on the bottom panel 132 of the chassis 104, but in another embodiment the sliding power connectors 148 may be mounted on the side panels 134. The sliding power connectors 148 mounted on the chassis 104 remain stationary as the drawer 120 opens and closes, and the power rails 146 move with the drawer 120 relative to the sliding power connectors 148. The power contacts 220 of the sliding power connector 148 remain electrically connected to the power rails 146 throughout the extended cycle between the closed and open positions, similar to other embodiments described herein.

To maintain the electrical connection throughout the extension cycle, the sliding power connector 148 may be mounted at or near the front 183 of the chassis 104. As the drawer 120 moves forward toward the open position, the rear side 140 of the drawer 120 moves away from the rear 185 of the chassis 104. Even in the open position, the rear side 140 of the drawer 120 remains behind the front 183 of the chassis 183. The sliding power connector 148 is mounted at the front 183 in a position aligned with the power rail 146 on the drawer 120 throughout the extension cycle. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the sliding power connector 148 may be positioned rearward of the front 183, such as midway between the front 183 and the rear 185 of the chassis 104.

As shown in fig. 20, a power line 184 that supplies power from the power source 108 (e.g., the power bus 182) to the power connector assembly 130 is electrically connected to the sliding power connector 148. The power line 184 has a length sufficient to extend from the power bus 182 along the rear 185 of the chassis 104 to the sliding power connector 148 at or near the front 183. Because both the sliding power connector 148 and the power bus 182 are stationary relative to the chassis 104, the distance between the sliding power connector 148 and the power bus 182 is constant (e.g., without fear that the power line 184 is stretchable or retractable).

The power rail 146 mounted on the drawer 120 is connected to a power line (e.g., power line 150 shown in fig. 2) that extends into the cavity 144 of the drawer 120 to electrically connect the power rail 146 to the communication devices 106 (fig. 1) within the drawer 120.

In the illustrated embodiment, the sliding power connector 148 and the power rail 146 are configured at least similarly to the embodiment of the power connector assembly 130 shown in fig. 16-18. For example, the power rail 146 is double sided with electrodes 152, 154 on each of the outside and inside 168, 170. The sliding power connector 148 spans the distal edge 166 of the power rail 146 and has power contacts 220 that engage the two electrodes 152, 154. However, the sliding power connector 148 and the power rail 146 may alternatively be configured similarly to other embodiments described herein. For example, the electrodes 152, 154 may alternatively be disposed on the same side of the power rail 146.

At least one technical effect of the communication system 100 described herein is the ability to open the equipment racks 110 of the cabinet 102 for performing maintenance or other tasks without interrupting the supply of power to the communication equipment 106 held on the equipment racks 110. For example, an operator may replace one electrical device on equipment rack 110 with rack 110 in the open position while other electrical devices on equipment rack 110 remain operational due to the uninterrupted power supply. Another technical effect of the communication system 100 is the flexibility in arranging the electrical devices of the equipment racks 110. For example, a component of the power connector assembly 130 is mounted to a drawer 120 of the equipment rack 110, and the power line 150 extends from the component into the cavity 144 of the drawer 120 to provide power to the electrical devices within the equipment rack 110. Because of the use of the power lines 150, the components of the power connector assembly 130 do not have to be directly connected to a circuit board, a power supply device, or another electrical component of the equipment rack 110. Yet another technical effect of the communication system 100 described herein is to reduce the risk of electric shock or other injury due to accidental or unintentional contact with powered (or electrified) components of the power connector assembly 130.