AU2016100276A4

AU2016100276A4 - A server rack blank

Info

Publication number: AU2016100276A4
Application number: AU2016100276A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Niall COULTER
Original assignee: Marod Ind Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Marod Industries Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2016-03-11
Filing date: 2016-03-11
Publication date: 2016-04-21
Anticipated expiration: 2024-03-11

Abstract

A SERVER RACK BLANK A server rack blank (10), said blank (10) comprising a plurality of interconnected panels (100), each said panel (100) having: a pair of longitudinally extending side edges (110), spaced apart end edges (120) located between said side edges (110), and first and second substantially planar side surfaces (130, 140) located between said side and end edges (110, 120); strengthening means (150) located along and extending away from one side surface (140); an aperture (160) located adjacent each said end edge (120) and extending between the first side surface (130) and the second side surface (140); and a locking mechanism (200) adapted to be received by said aperture (160) to secure in use said panel (100) to a server rack structure. All)4 ---- ---- ---- ---- --- ---- ---- ---- ---- --- ---- ---- -- "- -'-- -" ---- u-- -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Figure I L----- ----- ---- A>, -- - - - - -- -z - - -- - - . -- --- ------ ------ U Figure 2

Description

1 A SERVER RACK BLANK Field [0001] The present invention relates to a server rack blank and in particular to a server rack blank having a plurality of modular panels for use with computer server rack units. Background [0002] Most modern workplaces include one or more computer servers and other expensive electronics usually located within a server rack unit. A server rack unit is typically of a rectangular box shape extending from a ground surface and having at least one open side. The open side allows for technicians to insert and adjust componentry when needed. Computer servers and other electronic devices tend to generate heat. In some cases such devices include fans or the like exhausting hot air and heat away from the electronic devices. [0003] Server rack units typically also include air conditioning units or the like to counter the heat being generated by the electronic components located therein. In an attempt to keep electronic componentry located within the server rack unit cool, it has been known to encase the server rack unit in glass or the like and air condition the entire unit. This however prevents the hot air from being expelled and typically would have the hot air exhaust directly towards the cool air. This is not efficient and adds to power usage. [0004] Server rack rails of the server rack units generally come with various sized holes for attachment of various devices. These rails can vary in thickness (1.5mm-2.6mm). [0005] Accordingly, there is a need to keep the hot exhaust air away from the cool air intakes in a server rack unit extending the life of the equipment, saving energy and reducing the carbon footprint of a computer server and data centre. [0006] There is also a need for a light weight adjustable panel strip that can be universally fitted to all sizes and formats of rails on the server rack units without the need of tools and that looks aesthetically pleasing.

2 Object of Invention [0007] It is the object of the present invention to at least substantially satisfy one or more of the above needs. Summary of Invention [0008] There is disclosed herein a server rack blank, said blank comprising a plurality of interconnected panels, each said panel having: a pair of longitudinally extending side edges, spaced apart end edges located between said side edges, and first and second substantially planar side surfaces located between said side and end edges; strengthening means located along and extending away from one side surface; an aperture located adjacent each said end edge and extending between the first side surface and the second side surface; and a locking mechanism adapted to be received by said aperture to secure in use said panel to a server rack structure. [0009] Preferably, said locking mechanism includes: a base having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, wherein the first side is locatable adjacent the first side surface of the panel in use; a handle extending away from the second side of the base; and a locking tongue extending from the first side of the base, the locking tongue adapted in use to be located through the aperture of the panel and manipulated about an axis by a user to lock the panel to the server rack structure. [0010] Preferably, the locking tongue includes: an arm extending away from the first side of the base and parallel to said axis; and a latch extending away from a distal end of the arm and perpendicular to said axis; wherein the locking mechanism is rotatable between a first position and a second position, wherein when the locking mechanism is in the first position, the latch does not engage the server rack structure, and when the locking mechanism is in the second position, the latch engages the server rack structure.

3 [0011] Preferably, the handle is operable by the user to rotate the locking mechanism from an unlocked position to a locked position. [0012] Preferably, the panels are fixed together along said side edge to form the blank, and wherein each of the plurality of panels are separable by force. Brief Description of Drawings [0013] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of an example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: [0014] Figure 1 is a top view and side view of a server rack blank; [0015] Figure 2 is rear view, side view and bottom view of the server rack blank; [0016] Figure 3 is detail views A-E of Figures 1 and 2; [0017] Figure 4 is a collection of perspective views of a locking mechanism; [0018] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the server rack blank; [0019] Figure 6 is a collection of views illustrating the transition between an unlocked position and a locked position of the locking mechanism; and [0020] Figure 7 is a top view of the server rack blank. Description of Embodiments [0021] Referring to the Figures, there is disclosed herein a server rack blank 10. The blank 10 comprises a plurality of interconnected panels 100. Each of the said panel 100 has a pair of longitudinally extending side edges 110, spaced apart end edges 120 located between said side edges 110, and first and second substantially planar side surfaces 130, 140 located between said side and end edges 110, 120. The server rack blank 10 also includes strengthening means 150 located along and extending away from one side surface 140. The server rack blank 10 also includes an aperture 160 located adjacent each said end edge 120 and extending between the first side surface 130 and the second side surface 140. The server rack blank 10 also includes a 4 locking mechanism 200 adapted to be received by said aperture 160 to secure in use said panel 100 to a server rack structure (not shown). [0022] The locking mechanism 200 may in a preferred embodiment include a base 210 having a first side 220 and a second side 230 opposite the first side 220. The first side 220 is locatable adjacent the first side surface 130 of the panel 100 in use. The locking mechanism may also include a handle 240 extending away from the second side 230 of the base 200. The locking mechanism may also include a locking tongue 250 extending from the first side 220 of the base 200. The locking tongue 250 is adapted in use to be located through the aperture 160 of the panel 100 and manipulated about an axis X-X by a user to lock the panel 100 to the server rack structure. [0023] The locking tongue includes an arm 260 extending away from the first side 220 of the base 200 and parallel to said axis. The locking tongue also includes a latch 270 extending away from a distal end 265 of the arm 260 and perpendicular to said axis. The locking mechanism 250 is rotatable between a first position (shown in Figure 6) and a second position (also shown in Figure 6). When the locking mechanism 250 is in the first position, the latch 270 does not engage the server rack structure, and when the locking mechanism 250 is in the second position, the latch 270 engages the server rack structure. [0024] In a preferred embodiment, the locking mechanism will formed from a rubberised plastic fastener. It is envisaged that the locking mechanism will be of Thermoplastic Elastomers TPE. However, any suitable rubberised plastic may be used for manufacturing the locking mechanism. [0025] The locking mechanism has a collar 280 that prevents the locking fastener from dislodging from the server rack blank when not secured to the server rack rail/s. The latch 270 of the locking mechanism 250 has both a vertical and horizontal gradient 290 which eases fastening and securing of the locking mechanism 250 onto various rail thicknesses to secure the server rack blank 10. The latch 270 of the locking mechanism 250, upon rotation from the first position to the second position, hooks into the inside of a vertical rail (not shown) of the structure provided by the server rack rails. [0026] In operation, the handle 240 is operable by the user to rotate the locking mechanism 250 from an unlocked position to a locked position.

5 [0027] The panels 100 are fixed together along said side edge 110 to form the blank 10. Each of the plurality of panels 100 are separable by force. In a preferred form, and as best seen in the Figures, two or more panels 100 can be fixed together along a side edge 110 forming the blank 10. The two or more panels 100 are separable by application of a force by a user. [0028] The ability to snap-off a panel 100 has also been designed to reduce the time, labour costs, complexity and difficulty in installation of the blank 10. The panels 100 are made to international standards to fit standard rack rail holes. The panels 100 are lightweight, flexible, re-useable and resistant to pressure. The panels 100 feature pre-installed grooves 170. [0029] The panels 100 are snap-able in order to fit various gaps in the server rack in multiples of 1RU(Rack Unit- 44.5mm). The user then doesn't have to procure various sizes of panel blanks (lRU, 2RU, 3RU,4RU,...). [0030] The pre-installed grooves 170 enables the 6 RU's to be snapped/divided into the desired multiple of RU's 6 for an installation. The grooves 170 enable the panel 100 to be snapped into and out of place with ease by creating an automatic weakness within the panel 100. Further, the groove 170 ensures that when an individual RU is required to be broken away from the panel 100, the resulting break remains even and straight. [0031] Each RU panel 100 contains one or more spacers or strengthening ribs 155. The ribs 155 gives the panel rigidity. The rib 155 allows the panel 100 to be easily packed, stored and transported. [0032] Each panel 100 contains an interchangeable plates that allows customers to individualise the panel 1 by allowing the insertion of an individual company name, logo or symbol on to each individual RU. [0033] The server rack structure (not shown) typically comprises holes in the structure (9.5 mm square, 7.2 round and 4.6 threaded round). Previously, blanking panels required the use of legacy screws for the installation of any blanking panel. [0034] An embodiment of the server rack blank 10 can provide thermal separation performance improvements by closing the insertion holes 300 on the surface 130 of the panel 100. This increases thermal separation performance. A label placement area 350 can also be 6 included on either surface 130, 140 of the panel 100. This area 350 can have a finish best suited to attach an adhesive label 355. Plastic injection gates (not shown) can be located on third and fourth label placement areas, if required. These will be in line and improve the aesthetics of the panel 100. [0035] The panel 100 is typically constructed by the injection of moulding ABS plastic, ABS Abstrene M650 R03 GY 1798P, into 2 steel moulds. The plastic is flame retardant and is suitable for recycling. [0036] The blank 10 typically comes in sheets of six Rack Units (RUs) with each 6 RU panel 100 measuring 48.5 x 26.5 cm. Each 1x RU panel 100 can be snapped off giving the flexibility for the product to pop in to an area of 1-6 RUs. [0037] The method of installing a panel 100 would include a user obtaining a server rack blank 10 having typically 6 panels 100 connected together. A user would grasp the underside of the panel 100 at the row division required. Firmly bend along the grooves 170 on the panel 100 between the rows. The user will keep bending until a break appears between the rows, the user would then bend the panel 100 in the opposite directions until it has clearly snapped off the remaining blank 10. The blank 10 would then be positioned in the required place on the server rack unit and the user would install the locking mechanism 200 through the panel 100 and through the holes on either side of the rack. Once installed, the fastener is then rotated so that the arrow on the locking mechanism 200 is pointing towards the rail to which it is attached. The panel 100 is then located within the server rack. [0038] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Claims

1. A server rack blank, said blank comprising a plurality of interconnected panels, each said panel having: a pair of longitudinally extending side edges, spaced apart end edges located between said side edges, and first and second substantially planar side surfaces located between said side and end edges; strengthening means located along and extending away from one side surface; an aperture located adjacent each said end edge and extending between the first side surface and the second side surface; and a locking mechanism adapted to be received by said aperture to secure in use said panel to a server rack structure.

2. The blank of claim 1, wherein said locking mechanism includes: a base having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, wherein the first side is locatable adjacent the first side surface of the panel in use; a handle extending away from the second side of the base; and a locking tongue extending from the first side of the base, the locking tongue adapted in use to be located through the aperture of the panel and manipulated about an axis by a user to lock the panel to the server rack structure.

3. The blank of claim 2, wherein the locking tongue includes: an arm extending away from the first side of the base and parallel to said axis; and a latch extending away from a distal end of the arm and perpendicular to said axis; wherein the locking mechanism is rotatable between a first position and a second position, wherein when the locking mechanism is in the first position, the latch does not engage the server rack structure, and when the locking mechanism is in the second position, the latch engages the server rack structure.

4. The blank of claim 3, wherein the handle is operable in use by the user to rotate the locking mechanism from the first position to the second position.

5. The blank of claim 4, wherein the panels are fixed together along said side edge to form the blank, and wherein each of the plurality of panels are separable by force. 8 IDC Solutions Pty Ltd Patent Attorneys for the Applicant/Nominated Person SPRUSON & FERGUSON