CN214592539U - Air guide channel assembly, component set and server comprising air guide channel assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

The utility model discloses a wind channel subassembly, part suit and contain the server of wind channel subassembly. An air guide duct assembly for a server includes a main portion and an extension. The main portion has a first end region for receiving air from the fan and a second end region having a first attachment feature. The extension has a second attachment feature for mating with the first attachment feature. The extension directs air from the second end region of the main portion to a terminal end of the extension. The air guide duct assembly may be used with a first heat exchanger in a first configuration, wherein the extension is mated with the main portion and the first heat exchanger is located within the extension. The air duct assembly may also be used with a second heat exchanger in a second configuration in which only the main section is used alone and the second heat exchanger is located within the main section.

Description

Air guide channel assembly, component set and server comprising air guide channel assembly

Technical Field

The present invention generally relates to air ducting assemblies for conveying and directing cooling air within servers.

Background

Server products contain various types of electronic components mounted in a server chassis. A server typically includes a number of processors and memory devices. As the functionality of these electronic components increases, so does the power consumption, resulting in more waste heat generation. Since the physical space inside the server casing is closed, there is a limited space in which the fan and the air duct can be used to discharge heat from the electronic components.

Different server products often have the same style of server chassis to fit in the same type of rack. Because server products contain different electronic components arranged in various configurations in the server enclosure, they often require heat exchangers of different sizes and shapes. Accordingly, server products typically use custom sized air ducts that are mounted within the server enclosure. Since they are made of plastic, different molds are required to make various air guide ducts matching the size and shape of the heat exchanger, which may result in additional costs. Accordingly, there is a need for a more modular duct system that can be used with different heat exchangers in different server products.

The present disclosure is directed to an improved air duct assembly for a server that can be used in a variety of configurations to accommodate different heat exchangers and efficiently direct air within an enclosure.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

The terms "embodiment" and the like generally refer to all aspects of the disclosure and claims. Statements containing these terms should not be construed to limit the subject matter described herein or to limit the meaning or scope of the claims. Embodiments of the disclosure covered herein are defined by the claims, rather than by the summary. This summary is an overview of various aspects of the disclosure and introduces a number of concepts that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter. Nor is this summary intended to be used to identify the subject matter claimed separately. The subject matter should be understood with reference to appropriate portions of the entire specification of the disclosure, any or all of the drawings, and each claim.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an air duct assembly for a server includes a main portion and an extension. The main portion has a first end region for receiving air from the at least one fan, and a second end region. The main part has a first attachment feature (first attachment feature) at the second end region. The extension has a second attachment feature for mating with the first attachment feature of the main portion. The extension directs air from the second end region of the main portion to a terminal end of the extension. The air guide duct assembly may be used with the first heat exchanger in a first configuration in which the extension member is mated with the main portion and the first heat exchanger is located within the extension member. The air duct assembly may also be used with a second heat exchanger in a second configuration in which only the main portion is used alone and the second heat exchanger is located in a second end region of the main portion.

According to one configuration of the above embodiment, the first attachment feature includes a slot between the plurality of guide structures and the second attachment feature includes an arm slidable within the slot.

According to another configuration of the above embodiment, the arm includes a hook structure forming a snap-fit attachment on a surface adjacent the main portion of the slot.

According to another arrangement of the above embodiment, the arm has a width slightly less than the width of the slot to limit lateral movement of the extension member relative to the main portion.

In another aspect of the above embodiment, the first attachment feature further comprises a rib structure (rib structure) and the second attachment feature further comprises a notch (notch) that mates with the rib structure.

In yet another aspect of the above embodiment, the main portion includes a projection tab (projecting tab) and a plurality of bearing surfaces adjacent the projection tab. The support surface engages a lower surface of the extension member.

In another aspect of the above embodiment, the extension includes an opening for receiving the ledge. The lower surface of the extension engaging the support surface is adjacent the opening.

According to another configuration of the above embodiment, in the first configuration, the main portion and the extension define a routing channel for receiving a cable (cable).

According to another configuration of the above embodiment, the first and second attachment features create a snap-fit attachment between the main portion and the extension.

In yet another aspect of the above embodiment, the air duct assembly further includes a second extension having a third attachment feature for mating with the first attachment feature of the main portion. The second extension directs air from the second end region of the main portion to a terminal end of the second extension. The air guide duct assembly may be used with a third heat exchanger in a third configuration in which the second extension is coupled to the main portion and the third heat exchanger is located within the second extension.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a kit of parts for constructing an air duct assembly for a server includes a main portion, a first extension, and a second extension. The main portion has a first end region and a second end region. The main portion receives air from fans in the servers at the first end region and directs the air to the second end region. The first extension may be attached to the second end region of the main portion. The first extension directs air from the second end region of the main portion to a terminal end of the first extension. The first extension has a first size for receiving a first heat exchanger to be placed within the server. A second extension may be attached to the second end region of the main portion. The second extension directs air from the second end region of the main portion to a terminal end of the second extension. The second extension has a second size for receiving a second heat exchanger to be placed within the server. The second size is different from the first size.

According to another aspect of the above embodiment, the second end region of the main portion comprises a snap-on connection allowing attachment to the first extension piece or the second extension piece.

According to another aspect of the above embodiment, the second end region of the main portion includes a groove between the plurality of guide structures. Each of the first and second extensions includes an arm that is slidable within the slot.

According to yet another aspect of the above embodiment, each arm of the first and second extension pieces includes a hook structure that creates a snap-fit connection on a surface adjacent the main portion of the slot.

According to another configuration of the above embodiment, the main portion comprises two air outlet portions at the second end region, and the first extension attached to the main portion is adjacent to a first of the two air outlet portions. Attached to the main portion adjacent the second of the two air outlet portions.

According to another configuration of the above embodiment, the main portion includes a ledge and a plurality of support surfaces adjacent the ledge. The support surface engages a lower surface of the first extension or the second extension.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a server includes a housing, a first electronic component, at least one fan, and an air duct assembly. The housing has a base and a plurality of side walls extending upwardly from the base. The first electronic component within the enclosure is in thermal communication with a heat exchanger for removing heat from the first electronic component. A fan within the enclosure moves air within the enclosure. An air duct assembly within the enclosure defines an air passage that directs air from the fan through the heat exchanger. The air guide duct assembly comprises a main part and a first extending piece. The first extension is located above the heat exchanger and is removably attached to the main portion. In response to the first extension being detached from the main portion, the second extension may be detachably attached to the main portion of the air duct assembly.

According to yet another aspect of the above embodiment, the first extension piece is removably attached to the main portion by a snap-fit connection.

According to yet another aspect of the above embodiment, the casing includes a plurality of tenons, and the main portion of the air guide duct assembly includes a plurality of slots that mate with the plurality of tenons for mounting the air guide duct assembly to the casing.

According to another aspect of the above embodiment, the second extension is a different size than the first extension.

The above description is not intended to represent each embodiment, or every aspect, of the present disclosure. Rather, the foregoing description merely provides examples of some of the novel aspects and features described herein. The above features and advantages, and other features and advantages of the present disclosure, will be readily apparent from the following detailed description of representative embodiments and modes when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings and appended claims. Other aspects of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification of various embodiments. The following is briefly described with reference to the drawings.

Drawings

The disclosure, together with its advantages and drawings, will be best understood from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings depict only exemplary embodiments and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of the various embodiments or the claims.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a server having an air duct assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of only the air duct assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the air duct assembly of FIG. 1 with the extension member removed;

FIG. 4 illustrates the assembly of one of the extensions to the main portion of the air duct assembly;

FIG. 5 shows the final assembly of the extension of FIG. 4 on the main portion of the air duct assembly; and

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of two exemplary configurations of an air duct assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Description of the reference numerals

10 server

12 casing

14,16,18 electronic module

20,20a,20b air guide channel assembly

22 fan module

36 mounting area

37 first end region

38,60 opening

39 second end region

40: outlet

42 main part

44,46 extension piece

48: seam

49 routing channel

50: convex plate

52 support surface

54 groove

55 guiding structure

56 secondary support surface

64 arm

68 hook structure

69 lowermost surface

72 recess structure

82,84 heat exchanger

While the invention is susceptible of modification in various forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings

Shown and described in further detail herein. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments

In a particular form. On the contrary, the invention covers the spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims

And all equivalents and alternatives to modifications within the scope.

Detailed Description

Various embodiments are described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like or equivalent parts throughout. The figures are not drawn to scale and are provided merely to illustrate the invention. Several aspects of the invention are described below with reference to application examples. It should be understood that numerous specific details, relationships, and methods are set forth below to provide a full understanding of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention may 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 emphasis. The 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 specification but not explicitly recited in the claims, should not be explicitly or implicitly incorporated into a claim, whether by implication, inference or otherwise. In this detailed description, unless otherwise specified, singular nouns include plural nouns and vice versa. The term "including" refers to "including but not limited to". Further, words such as "about", "nearly", "substantially", "approximately", and the like may be used herein to mean "in", "near", or "nearly in", "within 3-5%, or" within acceptable manufacturing tolerances ", or any logical combination thereof.

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a server 10 having a housing 12 containing Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) and electronic components at various locations within the housing 12. In the embodiment of fig. 1, the electronic modules 14,16,18 are located in a central region of the chassis 12, and the electronic modules 14,16,18 include various heat-generating electronic components, such as memory storage devices and processors. In one embodiment, one or more of the electronic modules 14,16,18 may comprise a series of dual in-line memory modules (DIMMs).

When considering the various electronic components within the server 10, some components (e.g., processors) generate more waste heat than others and are more temperature sensitive, and therefore require special attention to maintain them at a suitable operating temperature. To this end, the server 10 includes an air duct assembly 20, the air duct assembly 20 guiding air from a pair of fan modules 22 through a heat exchanger; the heat exchanger is located below the air guide duct assembly 20. The heat exchanger is in direct contact with the temperature sensitive components so that waste heat is transferred to the heat exchanger by heat conduction. Waste heat is then removed from the heat exchanger to the moving air by thermal convection.

As shown, each fan module 22 includes four different fans that draw air into the server 10 through vents in the front of the chassis 12. Although fig. 1 illustrates two fan modules 22 with four fans in each fan module 22, it should be understood that the specific number of fans in each fan module 22 may vary and the number of fan modules 22 may also vary.

Fig. 2 shows a perspective view containing only the air guide duct assembly 20. In the embodiment shown in fig. 2, the four mounting areas 36 comprise slots along the sides of the air duct assembly 20 that mate with detents on the inner wall of the server chassis 12 (fig. 1) to construct a snap-fit attachment mechanism. In other embodiments, the number of mounting areas 36, the location of the mounting areas 36, and the type of mechanism within the mounting areas 36 may vary.

The eight smaller arrows in FIG. 2 depict the air flow of the eight fans (FIG. 1) in the two fan modules 22. The air moves into a first end region 37, the first end region 37 including a plurality of openings 38. Each opening 38 corresponds to a single fan such that the upper surface of the fan fits (fit) within the respective opening 38. Each opening 38 enables removal and replacement (or repair) of the respective fan without requiring removal of the entire air duct assembly 20 (fig. 1) from the server 10.

As shown in fig. 2, the air guide duct assembly 20 includes a main portion 42 and two extending members 44, 46. The fan causes air to be forced away from the first end region 37 of the main section 42 and towards the second end region 39 of the main section 42. The air then moves from the second end region 39 into the two extensions 44, 46. The two extensions 44,46 define a pair of physically separated outlets (outlets)40, the outlets 40 being adjacent to and covering the heat exchanger associated with the temperature increasing means. As indicated by the two large arrows in fig. 2, air forcibly moved by the four fans is discharged from one outlet 40, and air forcibly moved by the other four fans is discharged from the other outlet 40 of the air duct assembly 20. After exiting the pair of outlets 40 at the terminal ends of the two extensions 44,46, the air continues to travel within the server and cool other electronic components and then exits through vents in the back side of the server enclosure 12 (FIG. 1).

The two extensions 44,46 of the duct assembly 20 are connected to the main portion 42 by a mechanical connection (shown in more detail in figures 3-5) and form a pair of seams 48. The air guide duct assembly 20 further includes a wiring channel 49, and the wiring channel 49 receives cables and/or wires (wires) connecting the electronic components on the front and rear of the air guide duct assembly 20. A wiring channel 49 extends within the main portion 42 and the extensions 44, 46. The cables and/or wires may be secured within the wiring channel 49 along the wiring channel 49 by a clamping structure located in the upper wall of the air duct assembly 20. It should be understood that the present invention is applicable to both air guide duct assemblies 20 that include and do not include wiring channels 49 as shown in the illustrated embodiment.

Fig. 3 shows the air duct assembly 20 with two extensions 44,46 detached from the main portion 42. As shown, the main portion 42 is assembled to two extensions 44,46 of the same shape and size. The present invention also contemplates assembling the main portion 42 to two extensions of different sizes and shapes for use with various heat exchanger arrangements within the server enclosure 12 (fig. 1).

To mate with each of the two extensions 44,46, the main portion 42 includes a raised plate 50, and the raised plate 50 includes a support surface 52. Along its side surface, main portion 42 also includes a slot 54 defined by a pair of guide structures 55. The secondary support surface 56 is separated from the ledge 50 by the wiring channel 49. Since the main portion 42 is attached to the two extensions 44,46, as shown in the exemplary embodiment of fig. 3, the main portion 42 of the air guide duct assembly 20 has two sets of raised plates 50, support surfaces 52, grooves 54, guide structures 55, and secondary support surfaces 56.

The two extensions 44,46 have corresponding structures to mate with the raised plate 50, the support surface 52, the slot 54, the guide structure 55, and the secondary support surface 56 on the main portion 42. Each extension 44,46 includes an opening 60 that mates with a corresponding flange 50. Each extension 44,46 further includes an arm 64 having a hook structure 68 at a trailing end of the arm 64, the hook structure 68 latching in a snap-fit connection to the underside surface of the main portion 42, as described below with respect to fig. 4-5.

Fig. 4 and 5 illustrate the process of attaching the extension 44 to the main portion 42 of the air duct assembly 20. Fig. 4 shows extension 44 moving down to main section 42, while fig. 5 shows the final assembled state. The arms 64 on the extension 44 slide within the slots 54 between the two guides 55 until the hook structure 68 at the bottom of the arms 64 moves within the slots 54 beyond the lowermost surface 69 (fig. 4). Hook structure 68 is then snapped into place to vertically lock extension 44 to main portion 42. Because the size of the arms 64 on the extension 44 is slightly less than the width of the slot 54, the extension 44 and the main portion 42 are also locked in place horizontally (i.e., in the direction of the routing channel 49 of the extension 44 in FIG. 4). A support surface 52 (shown in fig. 3) adjacent the ledge 50 also engages the underside surface of the extension 44 to provide vertical support. Similarly, the secondary support surface 56 shown in FIG. 4 engages the other underside surface of the extension 44 for vertical support. For vertical support of the entire air duct assembly 20, the underside surfaces of the main portion 42 and the extensions 44 may include support protrusions (fig. 1) that extend downward to engage underlying components (e.g., heat exchangers) or support structures of the server chassis 12.

To remove the air duct assembly 20, the hook structure 68 can be manually opened on both sides of the extension 44 so that the extension 44 can be pulled vertically away from the main portion 42. In some embodiments, the underlying heat exchanger and components may be removed without dismantling the entire main portion 42. The same extension 44 can be reassembled onto the main portion 42 if the underlying electronic components need to be replaced with a new version of the same components. If the underlying electronic components need to be replaced with different components, the same extension 44 (assuming it fits into a different component) or a different style of extension may be reassembled onto the main portion 42. As discussed below with respect to fig. 6, the air duct assembly 20 may also be used without any extensions.

Fig. 4 and 5 also show a recess structure 72 in the extension member 44 that mates with a correspondingly shaped rib in the main portion 42. In addition to helping to properly assemble the extension 44 with the main portion 42 during assembly, the notch arrangement 72 also helps to lock the main portion 42 to the extension 44 in the final assembled state of fig. 5.

Fig. 6 schematically illustrates one of the advantages of the air guide duct assembly 20 illustrated in fig. 1-5. In particular, the air duct assembly 20 provides modularity in that it can be used with multiple sized heat exchangers in the same server 12 (or in different servers). In one configuration, as shown on the left side of fig. 6, two smaller heat exchangers 82 are used to remove heat from two similar warming components. In this case, the air duct assembly 20a directs air through the heat exchanger 82 using only the main portion 42 (i.e., without the need for the extensions 44, 46), the heat exchanger 82 being fitted (fit) beneath the second end region 39 of the main portion 42. On the other hand, as shown on the right side of fig. 6, when a larger heat exchanger 84 is required to cool the electronic components, it is necessary to guide air through the heat exchanger 84 by using the air guide duct assembly 20b of the main portion 42 and the two extending members 44, 46. The heat exchanger 84 is fitted under the two extensions 44, 46. Regardless of the configuration used within the server 10, the air duct components 20a and 20b are connected to the server chassis 12 in the same manner.

In addition to the benefits of being able to use different heat exchangers, the air duct assembly 20 also provides a more efficient manufacturing process because the larger main portion 42 uses the same mold, which is less expensive to mold. The extensions 44,46 are smaller and therefore less expensive to mold. The main portion 42 may be used with various components and heat exchangers and may be used in different server products. Variations in size and shape are provided by extensions of different sizes and shapes. Thus, a large number of air duct assemblies 20 will use the same main portion 42, but each air duct assembly 20 may use different extensions (or no extensions) to accommodate different electronic components and heat exchangers.

The foregoing description of embodiments, including the illustrated embodiments, has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description only and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the precise forms disclosed. Various modifications, adaptations, and uses thereof will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

Although the disclosed embodiments have been illustrated and described with respect to one or more implementations, 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 above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Various changes may be made in the disclosed embodiments in light of the disclosure herein without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described embodiments. Rather, the scope of the invention should be defined in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

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" also include the plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms "includes," including, "" has, "" and "or variants thereof are used in either the detailed description and/or the claims, such terms 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 context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Claims (10)

1. An air duct assembly for a server, comprising:

a main portion having a first end region for receiving air from at least one fan and a second end region having a first attachment feature at the second end region; and

an extension having a second attachment feature for mating with the first attachment feature of the main portion, the extension directing the air from the second end region of the main portion to a terminal end of the extension,

wherein the air duct assembly is usable with a first heat exchanger in a first configuration in which the extension is coupled to the main portion and the first heat exchanger is located within the extension, and wherein the air duct assembly is usable with a second heat exchanger in a second configuration in which only the main portion is used alone and the second heat exchanger is located within the second end region of the main portion.

2. The air duct assembly of claim 1, wherein the first attachment feature comprises a slot between the plurality of guide structures and the second attachment feature comprises an arm that slides within the slot.

3. The air duct assembly of claim 2, wherein the arm includes a hook structure that establishes a snap-fit attachment on a surface of the main portion adjacent the slot.

4. The air duct assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main portion includes a protruding plate and a plurality of supporting surfaces adjacent to the protruding plate, the supporting surfaces being adapted to engage with a lower surface of the extending member.

5. The air duct assembly of claim 1, wherein in the first configuration, the main portion and the extension define a routing channel for receiving a cable.

6. A kit of parts for constructing an air duct assembly for a server, the kit comprising:

a main portion having a first end region and a second end region, the main portion receiving air from a fan in the server at the first end region and directing the air to the second end region;

a first extension attachable to the second end region of the main portion, the first extension directing the air from the second end region of the main portion to a terminal end of the first extension, the first extension having a first size that can accommodate a first heat exchanger to be positioned within the server; and

a second extension attachable to the second end region of the main portion, the second extension directing the air from the second end region of the main portion to a terminal end of the second extension, the second extension having a second size that can accommodate a second heat exchanger to be positioned within the server, the second size being different than the first size.

7. The kit of parts for constructing a wind guide assembly for a server of claim 6, wherein the second end region of the main portion comprises a snap-fit connection allowing attachment to the first extension or the second extension.

8. The kit of parts for constructing an air duct assembly for a server of claim 7, wherein the second end region of the main portion includes a slot between a plurality of guide structures, each of the first and second extensions including an arm slidable within the slot.

9. The kit of parts for constructing an air guide duct assembly for a server as claimed in claim 6, wherein the main portion comprises a flange and a plurality of support surfaces adjacent to the flange, the support surfaces for engaging with a lower surface of the first extension or the second extension.

10. A server comprising an air duct assembly, comprising:

a housing having a base and a plurality of sidewalls extending upwardly from the base;

a first electronic component in the housing in thermal communication with a heat exchanger for removing heat from the first electronic component;

at least one fan for moving air in the casing; wherein

The air guide duct assembly is in the housing, the air guide duct assembly defining an air channel that guides the air to move from the at least one fan through the heat exchanger, the air guide duct assembly including a main portion and a first extension located above the heat exchanger and removably attached to the main portion, wherein a second extension removably attached to the main portion of the air guide duct assembly in response to the first extension being removed from the main portion.

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