CN214592489U - Component for carrying electronic equipment racks and system with multiple racks - Google Patents

Abstract

The utility model provides a bear part of electronic equipment frame and system that has a plurality of frames for among the computer system, this part contains apron, relief and the main panel that has the crotch, and the apron can be coupled and is coupled to the frame with crotch and relief. The component also includes a partition having a primary panel through which the partition is coupled to the rack, and a cover plate detachable from the partition. After the cover plate is separated from the partition, the cover plate is rotated approximately 180 degrees and then remounted to the frame, and the cover plate may simultaneously contain another embossment for securing the cover plate to the frame when the cover plate is mounted in the rotated position. The frame may include both a top portion and a bottom portion, which may include structures that assist in maintaining the bulkhead and cover plate in a fixed position.

Description

Component for carrying electronic equipment racks and system with multiple racks

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a server system component, and more particularly, to a memory storage device carrier that is connected to a server system, is reusable, and allows airflow to pass through.

Background

Computer chassis and other types of electronic equipment are typically mounted in vertical rack structures, with slots in each rack structure for carrying chassis. Electronic equipment, such as servers, comprise a housing containing electronic components such as processors, memory devices, network interface cards, and the like. Different enclosures in the rack may each contain multiple carriers for memory storage devices, such as Hard Disk Drives (HDDs). A typical data center may therefore have hundreds of servers and thousands of memory storage devices.

An electronic device in a single housing may be provided with a plurality of carriers that may be received in a rack disposed on one side of the housing. When the carrier is not disposed on the chassis of the enclosure, dust or other airborne particles may enter the system through the enclosure opening, causing damage to the system, including reduced speed or component damage. Further, the cover may also maintain airflow through the server system, for example, if only one of the racks in the server enclosure is empty, air may flow into the empty rack and not into the server system, resulting in a reduced airflow rate in the server, and thus, the server may not effectively cool the components causing increased temperatures and damage to the system. The reduced speed that can occur when airborne particles fall onto a rotating and fragile disk in a memory device results in some data being lost or made more difficult to access. In addition, the particles may act as thermal insulation, thereby trapping heat within the hard disk causing a temperature rise. Accordingly, there is a need to prevent debris from entering a computer system from an empty load slot when the load slot is not in use.

The carrier cover plate may be used to protect the electronic components when the carrier tray is not in use, to increase the amount of airflow within the server system. Currently, the carrier cover is typically made of plastic and can only be used once and then discarded. Furthermore, plastic has a lower melting point and material deformation temperature than most metals, resulting in a limitation of the maximum allowable temperature inside the server if a plastic cover plate is used. Therefore, there is a need for a carrier cover that is reusable and can withstand higher temperatures for extended periods of time.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

The following examples and related terms are intended to be broadly construed to represent all the broad aspects of the invention and the claims that follow. It should be understood that the recitation of these terms should not be taken to limit the subject matter described herein or to limit the meaning or scope of the claims that follow. The scope of the embodiments covered by the present invention is defined by the following claims, and is not novel. This novel disclosure is a high-level overview of various aspects illustrated herein, and presents concepts that are further described in the detailed description below. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter alone. It should be understood that the primary content is intended by reference to the entire specification of the disclosure, any or all of the drawings, and appropriate portions of each claim.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a component for supporting an electronic device rack in a computer system to solve the above-mentioned problems.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a component for carrying an electronic equipment rack in a computer system is described, the component comprising a cover plate having a hook, a relief and a main panel, wherein the cover plate is coupled to the rack with the hook and the relief, and a partition plate having a main panel, wherein the partition plate is coupled to the enclosure with the main panel, and wherein the cover plate and the partition plate are separable.

According to the configuration described in the above embodiment, wherein the main panel of the cover plate and the main panel of the partition plate are connected at a common edge, wherein a scribe line defines the common edge.

According to another arrangement described in the above embodiments, the hook of the cover plate engages with a mating structure of a top portion of the frame, and the embossment of the cover plate engages with a mating structure of a bottom portion of the housing.

According to another aspect of the above embodiment, the rack includes a plurality of walls defined by the partition, a cross-section of the top portion, and a cross-section of the bottom portion.

According to another aspect of the above embodiment, the cover further comprises a cut-out portion perpendicular to a fan of the computer system for increasing airflow.

According to another configuration of the above embodiment, the cover plate and the spacer are sheet metal, wherein the sheet metal maintains structural integrity after the cover plate is removed from the spacer and the frame.

According to another aspect of the above embodiment, the cover plate is fixed to the frame at a first position. The cover plate is detached from the frame, rotated approximately 180 degrees, and the rotated cover plate is secured to a second location of the frame, wherein the embossment of the cover plate engages the first mating feature of the top portion of the frame and the hook of the cover plate engages the second mating feature of the bottom portion of the frame at the second location.

According to a further aspect of the above embodiment, the cover plate further comprises a second boss, and wherein the second boss engages a slot of the spacer at the second position.

According to another aspect of the above embodiment, the cover further comprises a cut-out on the main panel of the cover for assisting in the removal of the cover from the frame and the bulkhead.

According to a further configuration of the above embodiment, the partition is fixed to the frame with a fixing member, and wherein the fixing member is one of a rivet, a pin, a screw, a nail, a lever, a welding member, and a bonding agent.

Another aspect of the present invention comprises a system having a plurality of racks, each of the racks for carrying an electronic device. The system includes a frame having a roof structure and a floor structure, wherein the roof structure and the floor structure are defined by a plurality of frames, and wherein each frame includes a cover having a hook, an embossment, and a main panel, wherein the hook of the cover is coupled to the roof structure of the frame and the embossment of the cover is coupled to the floor structure of the frame, and a partition having a main panel, wherein the partition is coupled to the frame through the main panel, wherein the partition is coupled to the roof structure and the floor structure of the frame, wherein the cover and the partition are separable.

According to the configuration described in the above embodiment, the main panel of the cover and the main panel of the partition are connected at a common edge, wherein a score line defines the common edge.

According to another arrangement described in the above embodiments, one of the racks has the cover and one of the racks has a memory storage device.

According to a further aspect of the invention, one of the racks comprises the cover plate and one of the racks comprises a cover plate located in a rotational position.

According to another aspect of the above embodiment, the cover further comprises a cut-out portion perpendicular to a fan of the computer system for increasing airflow.

According to another arrangement described in the above embodiments, the cover and the spacer are sheet metal, wherein the sheet metal maintains structural integrity after the spacer and the frame are removed from the cover.

According to a further aspect of the above embodiment, the cover plate is fixed to the frame in a first position. The cover plate is removed from the frame, rotated approximately 180 degrees, and the rotated cover plate is secured to a second location of the frame, wherein the bosses of the cover plate engage the mating structures of the top portion of the frame and the hooks of the cover plate engage the mating structures of the bottom portion of the frame at the second location.

According to a further aspect of the above embodiment, the cover plate further comprises a second boss, and wherein the second boss engages a slot of the spacer at the second position.

According to another aspect of the above embodiment, the cover further comprises a cut-out on the main panel of the cover for assisting in the removal of the cover from the frame and the bulkhead.

According to a further arrangement as described in the previous embodiment, the partition is fixed to the frame with a fixing member, and wherein the fixing member is one of a rivet, a pin, a screw, a nail, a lever, a welding member, and a bonding agent.

According to the utility model discloses a part that is arranged in computer system to bear electronic equipment frame provides the apron that easily installs and dump, ensures to maintain and increase the airflow of system, and can repetitious usage.

The above summary is not intended to represent each embodiment, or every aspect, of the present invention. Rather, the foregoing summary merely provides an example of some aspects and features set forth herein. The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the representative embodiments and modes for carrying out the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings and appended claims. Other aspects of the present invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the detailed description of the various embodiments with reference to the drawings, a brief description of which is provided below.

Drawings

FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of a server system with carriers and an exemplary lid mounted to racks of the system.

FIG. 1B illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary cover device removed from a server system.

Fig. 2A shows an exploded view of a group of racks with exemplary cover plate devices in a server system.

FIG. 2B shows a close-up view of a server system with both the carrier and an exemplary lid mounted to a rack.

Fig. 2C illustrates a front view of a rack in a server system mounting an exemplary cover plate.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an exemplary cover plate for a load bearing slot.

Fig. 4A shows a perspective view of the exemplary cover plate of fig. 3 in a flat position.

Fig. 4B shows a perspective view of the exemplary cover of fig. 4A in a first folded position.

Fig. 4C shows a perspective view of the exemplary cover sheet of fig. 4B in a second, folded position.

Fig. 5A shows an exploded view of an exemplary cover plate of the cover plate arrangement of fig. 3.

Fig. 5B shows an exploded view of the joint of the cover plate and the exemplary cover plate of fig. 5A.

Fig. 5C shows a perspective view of another exemplary cover device in another embodiment separated into a cover portion and a baffle portion.

Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a cover part of another embodiment of a cover device.

FIG. 7A illustrates a close-up view of an exemplary lid at a server system.

Fig. 7B illustrates a cross-sectional view of a top portion of the exemplary lid plate of fig. 7A.

Fig. 7C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the bottom portion of the exemplary lid of fig. 7A.

FIG. 8A shows a close-up view of a cover removal device in a server system.

FIG. 8B shows a cross-sectional view of the cover removal device of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8C shows a close-up view of a cover removal device in a server system in another embodiment.

FIG. 9A illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary cover removed from a cover device.

Fig. 9B shows a perspective view of the exemplary cover plate of fig. 9A rotated 180 degrees.

FIG. 10A illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary lid in a rotating server system.

FIG. 10B shows an upper perspective view of the bottom portion of the rotating cover plate of FIG. 10A positioned on a server system.

FIG. 10C shows a perspective view of the rotating cover plate of FIG. 10A positioned in a server system.

FIG. 11A illustrates a close-up view of an exemplary lid rotating in another server system.

FIG. 11B shows a close-up view of the top portion of the cover device of FIG. 11A mounted to a rack.

Fig. 11C shows a close-up view of the bottom portion of the cover device of fig. 11A mounted to the frame.

Description of the symbols

100 server system

102 casing

104 rack

106 bearing part

108,300,600 cover board device

110 fan wall

112 main board

114 power supply

116,702 Top part

118 bottom part

120,602 cover board

122 empty rack

204 top baffle plate

206 partition board

208 bottom baffle

306,308,310 riveted panel

312 major plane

314,316 vibrating plate

318 top round groove

320 bottom circular groove

322 hook bending

324 bottom relief

326 first side relief

328 second side relief

330 top cut-out part

332 undercut relief

334,336,338 junction points

340 side panel

342,606 Main Panel

344 top panel

346 bottom panel

348 side front edge

350 top front edge

352 front edge of bottom

354 vertical edge

356 edge of top partition

358 rear partition edge

360 the edge of the bottom clapboard

362 top hole

502 carving impression

604 cutting out holes

704 outer bottom part

706 groove

A is the direction

Detailed Description

Various embodiments are depicted in the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like or identical elements throughout the several views. The drawings are not drawn to scale but are provided solely for the purpose of illustrating the invention. Several aspects of the invention are described below with reference to an exemplary application for illustration. It should be understood that numerous specific details, relationships, and methods are set forth to provide a full understanding of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will readily recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods. In other instances, well-known structures or operations are not shown in detail to avoid obscuring the invention. Various embodiments are not limited by the illustrated ordering of acts or events, as some acts may occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other acts or events. Moreover, not all illustrated acts or events are required to implement a methodology in accordance with the present invention.

Elements and limitations disclosed in the summary and detailed description section but not explicitly recited in the claims should not be inferred, by implication, to be incorporated in the claims, either individually or collectively. For the purposes of this detailed description, the singular includes the plural and vice versa unless specifically stated otherwise. The term "including" means "including but not limited to". Also, approximating language such as "about," nearly, "" substantially, "" about, "or the like may be used herein to mean" near, "" in. For example, within 3% to 5% of "within allowable manufacturing tolerances" or "within acceptable manufacturing tolerances".

The present invention relates to a memory carrier cover plate that, among other benefits, provides an easily installed and removed cover plate that ensures that the airflow of the system is maintained and increased, and that can be used multiple times.

FIG. 1A shows a computer system, such as server system 100, having an enclosure 102, a set of racks 104 containing carriers 106 mounted therein and an empty enclosure having a cover arrangement 108, a fan wall 110, a motherboard 112, a power supply 114, a top portion 116, and a bottom portion 118. In another embodiment, the server system 100 may include more or less than the listed elements. In another embodiment, the frame 104 is disposed in parallel between the top portion 116 and the bottom portion 118, both of which are substantially vertical. In another embodiment, the frame 104 may be a slot, holder, container, receptacle, slot, hole, or opening. The racks 104 are positioned vertically along the length of the top portion 116 and the bottom portion 118 in sequence. In another implementation, the rack 104 may be filled with a carrier, such as a rack having a carrier 106. The carrier may include devices such as Hard Disk Drives (HDD), Solid State Drives (SSD), flash memory devices, or other types of computer storage or memory devices. In another embodiment, the frame 104 may be empty, thus having the cover arrangement 108 explained in the present invention installed therein.

The fan wall 110 may include one or more fans of different sizes to function to generate airflow to regulate temperatures within the server system 100, including directing airflow between source elements of the server system 100. Arrow a is shown in fig. 1A, which represents the direction of flow of the airflow in the server system 100. In another embodiment of the present invention, the direction a of the airflow may be modified to optimize the temperature within the server system 100.

Fig. 1B shows a perspective view of a carrier deck 120 removed from the server system 100, the removed deck 120 being an exemplary deck of a rack having a deck arrangement 108. In addition to the racks shown with the cover devices 108, the server system 100 in FIG. 1B also shows empty racks 122. As previously discussed, if the carrier or cover is not mounted to the empty rack 122, the empty rack 122 may reduce the amount of airflow within the system and be exposed to debris or other particles that may cause damage to the electronics in the server system 100.

Fig. 2A shows an exploded view of a group of racks 104 in the server system 100 of fig. 1A. Reference numerals in fig. 2A to 2C correspond to like elements in fig. 1A. The rack 104 may be secured in a server system, such as the server system 100, to accommodate memory and storage devices in a carrier. The server system 100 may include a set of racks 104, a top portion 116, a carrier top partition 204, a series of partitions 206, racks with partition arrangements 108, a carrier bottom partition 208, and a bottom portion 118. In another embodiment of the invention, the server system 100 may contain more or less than the listed elements. The top portion 116 is secured to the carrier top portion 204 in a different manner, such as by fastening or welding, the carrier bottom bulkhead 208 is secured to the bottom portion 118 in a different manner, such as by fastening or welding, and a series of bulkheads 206 are secured to the carrier top portion 204 and the carrier bottom portion 208 in a different manner, such as by fastening or welding, as described in greater detail below with respect to fig. 7. In some embodiments of the present invention, the server system 100 has 25 racks 104. The attachment of the spacer 206 to the top 204 and bottom 208 portions of the carrier may be accomplished using rivets, screws, nails, pins, levers, welding, adhesives, or other fastening means.

Fig. 2B to 2C show another embodiment of the cover plate 120 in the server system 100 in fig. 1. As shown in fig. 2B, the chassis 104 may house a chassis with a carrier 106 and a chassis with a cover arrangement 108, wherein elements such as a cover 120 and a spacer 206 are included in a first orientation. As shown in fig. 2C, the racks 104 may only house the cover plates 120 in a rotational orientation, and thus, the cover plates 120 may be mounted in the entire rack 104 in a vertical orientation, or the cover plates 120 may be mounted in some of the racks 104 of the server system 100.

Fig. 3 illustrates an exemplary cover plate assembly 300. the cover plate 120 and a spacer 206 may form the cover plate assembly 300. Reference numerals in fig. 3 correspond to like elements in fig. 1 and 2. The cover device 300 may be made of a material such as metal or plastic. In this example, the cover plate device 300 may be made of steel, tin, aluminum, nickel, brass, copper, and titanium. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover plate device 300 is made of sheet metal, and the cover plate 120 and the spacer 206 are made of the same sheet of metal.

The lid 120 may include a main panel 342, a top panel 344, and a bottom panel 346. The main panel 342 may include a top cut-out 330 that is semi-elliptical, undercut 332 that is semi-elliptical, a side front edge 348, a top front edge 350, and a bottom front edge 352. The top panel 344 may include a top hook 322 and a top aperture 362, and the top panel 344 may be connected to the main panel 342 through the top front edge 350. Bottom panel 346 may include a bottom boss 324, bottom panel 346 may be connected to main panel 342 through a bottom front edge 352. The side panel 340 may include a first side relief 326 and a second side relief 328. Side panel 340 may be connected to main panel 342 through side front edge 348. The main panel 342 may also include a first joint 334, a second joint 336, and a third joint 338 along the vertical edge 354, the vertical edge 354 may connect the cover plate 120 and the spacer 206.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the top hook 322 is disposed on the top panel 344 and receives a wedge-shaped protrusion to extend vertically through the thickness of the material of the top panel 344 in an inward direction, wherein the outward-facing component in fig. 3 has an outer side surface and an opposite inner side surface compared to the top panel 344 and faces the partition 206 at a vertical angle. In an embodiment of the present invention, top hook 322 is made using a stamping press so that the top hook 322 is made of sheet metal material removed from top panel 344 in pieces leaving a top hole 362 in top panel 344. In one embodiment of the present invention, a bottom relief 324 is provided on the top panel 346, in this example the bottom relief 324 extends perpendicularly outwardly from the bottom panel 346 in a circular concave shape. In one embodiment of the present invention, bottom embossments 324 are made using a stamping press so that the material forms a circular shape on bottom panel 346 that causes the material inside bottom panel 346 to be recessed and protrude outside bottom panel 346. In an embodiment of the present invention, the first side embossing 326 and the second side embossing 328 are disposed on the side panel 340. Each of the side bosses 326 and 328 is circularly shaped to extend vertically to be depressed toward the opposite outer side of the side panel 340. In an embodiment of the present invention, the first side emboss 326 and the second side emboss 328 are formed using a stamping press so that the material forms a circular shape on the side panel 340, which makes the material inside the side panel 340 sunken and protrude outside the side panel 340.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the top cut-out 330 and the bottom cut-out 332 are semi-elliptical, and both the cut- outs 330 and 332 are disposed at the edge of the main panel 342. In an embodiment of the present invention, the top cut-out 330 and the bottom cut-out 332 assist in separating the cover plate 120 from the spacer 206 by providing a stabilizing mechanism to apply force, but the cover plate 120 maintains its structural integrity. In one embodiment of the present invention, the top cutout 330 and the bottom cutout 332 function to increase the amount of airflow through the frame 104 when the cover plate 120 is installed. In an embodiment of the present invention, the first joint 334, the second joint 336 and the third joint 338 are disposed between the main panel 342 of the cover 120 and the main panel 312 of the partition 206.

It should be understood that there may be more or less than three embossments on the cover plate 120. It should be understood that there may be more or less than the two illustrated cut-outs in the cover plate 120. It should be understood that there may be more or less than the three joints shown on the cover plate 120.

As shown, the bulkhead 206 may include a major planar surface 312, a rear rivet panel 306, three top rivet panels 308, three bottom rivet panels 310, a top bulkhead edge 356, a rear bulkhead edge 358, and a bottom bulkhead edge 360. The main panel 312 may also include two upper diaphragms 314 and two bottom diaphragms 316 extending from the main panel 312. The diaphragms 314 and 316 may assist a user in mounting the bulkhead 206 to the frame 104 as a way to move the bulkhead prior to installation and may align the bulkhead within the frame 104 and fix its position in a fixed position of the frame 104. The major planar surface 312 may also include a top circular groove 318 and a bottom circular groove 320, the grooves 318 and 320 may assist in securing the cover plate 120 in a fixed position, as shown in fig. 11A-11C. The riveted panels 306,308, and 310 may include holes to allow rivets to enter to secure the spacer 206 to the frame 104. The rear riveted plane 306 may be coupled to the major plane 312 through the rear bulkhead edge 358. Three top riveted panels 308 may be connected to the major planar surface 312 through top bulkhead edges 356 and three bottom riveted panels 310 may be connected to the major planar surface 312 through bottom bulkhead edges 360.

It should be understood that there may be different numbers of top riveted panels 308, bottom riveted panels 310, and rear riveted panels 306 on the bulkhead 206. It is also understood that there may be more or less than two top vibrating plates 316 and bottom vibrating plates 318 on the diaphragm 206. It is also understood that there may be more or less than two top circular grooves 318 and bottom circular grooves 320 in the baffle 206.

As shown in fig. 4A to 4C, the cover plate assembly 300 can be folded to form the cover plate 120 and the partition 206 shown in fig. 2A. Fig. 4A shows a cover device 300 initially manufactured from sheet metal. As shown in fig. 4A, the cover device 300 includes side panels 340, a primary panel 342, a top panel 344, a bottom panel 346, side front edges 348, a top front edge 350, a bottom front edge 358, a top bulkhead edge 356, a rear bulkhead edge 358, a bottom bulkhead edge 360, a top staking plane 308, a bottom staking plane 310, and vertical edges 354 (in fig. 4C).

Fig. 4B shows the flat panel cover device 300 in a first folded position comprising folding the side panel 340 in an inboard direction along the side front edge 348 to a vertical position relative to the main panel 342. The first folded position also includes bending the top panel 344 in an inboard direction along the top front edge 350 to a vertical position relative to the main panel 342. The first folded position also includes bending the bottom panel 346 in an inboard direction along the bottom front edge 352 to a vertical position relative to the main panel 342. Thus, the three inwardly folded planes 340, 344, and 346 are adjacent to each other. The first folded position also includes folding the top riveted panel 308 in an outboard direction along the top separator edge 356, folding the bottom riveted panel 310 in an outboard direction along the bottom separator edge 360, and folding the rear riveted panel 306 in an outboard direction along the rear separator edge 358. Thus, the three outwardly folded riveted panels 306,308 and 310 are adjacent to each other.

Fig. 4C shows the flat cover device 300 in a second folded position. The second folded position includes all of the folds of the first folded position shown in fig. 4B. The second folded position also includes bending joints 334,336 and 338 in an inboard direction along vertical edge 354, and the completed second folded position shows an embodiment of cover device 300 covering frame 104 (shown in fig. 1A).

Fig. 5A shows a top view of the first 334, second 336 and third 338 engagement points of the cover device 300. Each of the joints 334,336,338 may be bent along the score marks 502 as shown in the close-up side view of the cover plate 120 shown in fig. 5B. Fig. 5B shows the junction of the main panel 312 of the spacer 206 and the main panel 342 relative to the cover plate 120. Indentation 502 is fabricated to bend one of joints 334,336, and 338, as shown in fig. 5B, indentation 502 is generally V-shaped, however it is understood that indentation 502 may be implemented in different shapes. It should be understood that although three joints 334,336, and 338 are shown in this embodiment, more or fewer joints may actually be used. The bonding points 334,336, and 338 are relatively thin and may be made of a ductile material so that bending the bonding points to form approximately right angles does not individually tear, cut, rip, or otherwise damage the bonding points.

As shown in fig. 5C, the cover plate 120 and the spacer 206 may be separated. The joints 334,336 and 337 are embossed so that they can be bent at least once while remaining connected to the major planar surface 342 of the cover plate 120 and the major planar surface 312 of the spacer 206. However, once sufficient force is applied to harden the malleable material at joints 334,336, and 338, the material may fracture along the joints, thereby separating the cover plate 120 and the spacer 206.

As fig. 6 illustrates an exemplary cover plate arrangement 600 in another embodiment of the present invention, the cover plate arrangement 600 may include a spacer 206 and a cover plate 602 in another type of embodiment. The cover 602 includes a main surface 606 and a plurality of cutout holes 604, the cutout holes may be circular, and the main surface 606 of the cover 602 may have a plurality of cutout holes 604. The cutout holes 607 may be arranged in three intervening rows as shown in FIG. 6, with the cutout holes 604 allowing additional airflow through the cover 602 to the server system 100. Thus, the cutout holes 604 may be circular, square, oval, or rectangular in shape, and the cutout holes 604 may vary in size, location, and number to optimize airflow.

Fig. 7A shows the cover plate 120 (fig. 1B) in the server system 100 (fig. 1A), and the spacer 206 of the cover plate apparatus 300 is fixed to the server system 100 in the fastening method shown in fig. 2. Fig. 7B shows a cross-sectional view of the top portion of the cover plate 120 of fig. 7A, with the cover plate 120 secured at joints 334,336 and 338 (fig. 4C, 5A and 5B) while maintaining the connection with the spacer 206. In such a configuration, the top hooks 322 prevent the cover plate 120 from moving in directions other than the downward direction. In another embodiment of the present invention, an outer top portion 702 of the spacer 204 on the carrier secures the top hook 322 in a fixed position.

Fig. 7C shows a cross-sectional view of the bottom portion of the cover plate 120 of fig. 7A, in this configuration, the cover plate 120 remains connected to the carrier bottom divider plate via the bottom bosses 324 as shown in fig. 7C. The bottom bosses 324 may prevent the cover plate 120 from moving in a direction relative to the front of the server system 100. In some embodiments of the present invention, as described later in fig. 8A, the bottom bosses 324 may be unrestrained from rearward movement by the grooves 706 of the carrier bottom partition 208. All of the cover plates 120 of fig. 1A-1B are secured in the manner described with respect to fig. 7A-7C.

Fig. 8A to 8C show schematic diagrams of the removal of the cover plate 120 from the server system 100. Reference numerals in fig. 8A to 8C indicate like elements in fig. 3 to 5. The cover plate 120 is installed in the manner described in fig. 7A through 7C, thus covering one of the racks 104 shown in fig. 2. Applying a force on the cover plate 120, i.e., in a direction toward the server system 100, can overcome the top hooks 322 against the carrier top portion 204 and the bottom bosses 324 (fig. 8B) against the carrier bottom bulkhead 208 to retain the cover plate 120 in the server system 100. When the above-described force is applied, the cover plate 120 may be separated from the spacer 206. Fig. 8B shows a perspective view of the separation of the cover plate 120 from the partition 206 in the server system 100.

Fig. 9A shows a perspective view of the removal of the cover plate 120 from the cover plate device 300. As shown in fig. 9A, the cover plate 120 has a top hook 322 provided at the top portion of the cover plate 120, a side panel 340 at the left side of a front panel 342, and a bottom boss 324 at the bottom portion of the cover plate 120. When the cover sheet 120 is removed, it may be rotated approximately 180 degrees such that the bottom bosses 324 are at the top portion and the top hooks 322 are at the bottom portion, as shown in fig. 9B. In fig. 9B, the cover panel 120 has a bottom embossment 324 disposed at a top portion of the cover panel 120, a right panel 340 to the right of a front panel 342, and a top curved hook 322 at a bottom portion of the cover panel 120. The cover plate 120 may thus be mounted to the housing 104 in a rotational orientation to cover one. It should be understood that the cover plate 120 may be used multiple times in the rotational direction.

Fig. 10A shows a perspective view of the cover plate 120 in the rotational direction, and reference numerals indicated in fig. 8A to 8C correspond to like elements in fig. 3 to 5. In this embodiment, the cover plate 120 is inverted from the position shown in fig. 9A by engaging the bottom of the cover plate 120 with the top hook 322 and the carrier bottom divider 208 on top. When the rotating cover plate 120 is mounted to the server system 100, when the rotating cover plate 120 is inserted into the server system 100, the top curved hooks 322 and the bottom bosses 324 reverse positions such that both are 180 degrees from the position shown in fig. 9A.

FIG. 10B illustrates a top perspective view of the rotating lid bottom portion of FIG. 10A as positioned on the server system 100. As shown in fig. 10B, the top hook 322 is first fixed to the carrier bottom portion 208 with the protruding hook of the top hook 322 inserted into the outer side of the outer bottom portion 704 of the groove 706 of the carrier bottom portion 208, thereby being fixed to the position. Fig. 10C shows a perspective view of a method of configuring the system 1000. As shown in fig. 10C, the bottom embossments 324 are secured to the carrier top portion 204 in a protruding float, from the bottom and through the outsole portion 704 and into the grooves 706, thereby securing into place, as shown in fig. 11B.

FIG. 11A shows a close-up view of the rotating cover plate 120 in the server system 100. In the rotational orientation, the top cutout 330 and the bottom cutout 332 are disposed on the left side of the server system 100, and in the rotational orientation, the second side embossments 328 are secured in the top circular slots 318 adjacent to the carrier top bulkhead 204. Similarly, the first side bosses 326 are fixed with a bottom radius 320 near the carrier bottom shelf 208. Fig. 11B shows a close-up view of the carrier top bulkhead 204 when the cover plate 120 has been rotated. In addition, the top hook 322 and the top panel 344 are secured in a rotated position with the carrier bottom divider 208, as shown in fig. 11B. The top outer portion 702 secures the bottom boss 324 in place. Fig. 11C shows a close-up view of the carrier bottom bulkhead 208 when the cover plate 120 is rotated. The bottom bosses 324 and bottom panel 346 are secured in a rotated position with the carrier top bulkhead 206, as shown in fig. 11C. The bottom outer portion 704 secures the top hook 322 in place. Thus, fig. 11A to 11C illustrate the final configuration of the rotating cover plate 120 in the server system 100 of fig. 8A to 8C.

Although the invention has been shown and described with respect to a single embodiment or multiple embodiments, equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. In addition, while a particular feature of the invention may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Numerous modifications may be made to the disclosed embodiments in accordance with the disclosure of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described embodiments.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, and is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications, adaptations, and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," including, "" having, "" containing, "or variants thereof, as used in the detailed description and/or the claims, are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term" comprising.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Claims (10)

1. An assembly for carrying an electronic equipment rack, for use in a computer system, the assembly comprising:

a cover plate having a hook, a boss and a main panel, wherein the cover plate is coupled to the frame with the hook and the boss; and

a partition having a main panel, wherein the partition is coupled to the frame via the main panel, and wherein the cover is separable from the partition.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the main panel of the cover plate and the main panel of the bulkhead are connected at a common edge, wherein a score line defines the common edge, the hook of the cover plate engages a first mating feature of a top portion of the frame, and the embossment of the cover plate engages a second mating feature of a bottom portion of the frame; and

the cover plate also includes a cutout perpendicular to a fan of the computer system to increase airflow, and the cover plate and the spacer are sheet metal, wherein the sheet metal maintains structural integrity after the cover plate is removed from the spacer and the rack.

3. The component of claim 2, wherein the rack comprises a plurality of walls defined by the bulkhead, a cross-section of the top portion of the rack, and a cross-section of the bottom portion of the rack.

4. The component of claim 2, wherein:

(1) the cover plate is fixed to a first position of the frame;

(2) the cover plate is detached from the frame, rotated approximately 180 degrees, and the rotated cover plate is secured to a second location of the frame, wherein the embossment of the cover plate engages the first mating feature of the top portion of the frame and the hook of the cover plate engages the second mating feature of the bottom portion of the frame at the second location.

5. The component of claim 4, wherein the cover further comprises a second embossment, wherein the second embossment engages a slot of the spacer at the second location; a cut-out on the main panel of the cover for assisting in the removal of the cover from the frame and the partition; and

the partition board is fixed to the frame by a fixing member, which is one of a rivet, a pin, a screw, a nail, a lever, a welding member, and a bonding agent.

6. A system having a plurality of racks, each rack for carrying an electronic device, the system comprising:

a rack having a top structure and a bottom structure, wherein the top structure and the bottom structure are defined by a plurality of racks, and wherein each rack comprises:

a cover plate having a hook, a relief, and a main panel, wherein the hook of the cover plate is coupled to the top structure of the frame and the relief of the cover plate is coupled to the bottom structure of the frame; and

a partition having a primary panel, wherein the partition is coupled to the rack through the primary panel, wherein the partition is coupled to the top structure and the bottom structure of the rack, wherein the cover and the partition are separable.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the main panel of the cover and the main panel of the bulkhead are connected at a common edge, wherein a score line defines the common edge; and

perpendicular to a fan of the system, for increasing airflow, wherein the cover plate and the partition plate are sheet metal, wherein the sheet metal maintains structural integrity after the cover plate is removed from the partition plate and the frame.

8. The system of claim 6, wherein one of the racks has the cover and one of the racks has a memory storage device and the cover in a rotated position.

9. The system of claim 6, wherein:

(1) the cover plate is fixed to a first position of the frame;

(2) the cover is removed from the frame, rotated approximately 180 degrees, and the rotated cover is secured to a second position of the frame, wherein the embossment of the cover engages a first mating structure of the top structure of the frame and the hook of the cover engages a second mating structure of the bottom structure of the frame at the second position.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the cover further comprises a second embossment engaging a slot of the bulkhead at the second location, the cover further comprising a cut-out in a major panel of the cover for assisting in removing the cover from the frame and the bulkhead; and

the partition board is fixed to the frame by a fixing member, which is one of a rivet, a pin, a screw, a nail, a lever, a welding member, and a bonding agent.

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