CN215376215U

CN215376215U - Computer system and baffle device

Info

Publication number: CN215376215U
Application number: CN202120751001.5U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 张钧; 胡仕轩; 曾伟程; 蔡承丰
Original assignee: Quanta Computer Inc
Current assignee: Quanta Computer Inc
Priority date: 2021-04-13
Filing date: 2021-04-13
Publication date: 2021-12-31
Anticipated expiration: 2031-04-13

Abstract

A computer case may include airflow channels for allowing airflow to specifically cool one or more Power Supply Units (PSUs) within respective power supply receiving spaces. The enclosure may include a baffle device positioned between the power supply receiving space and the airflow channel to direct airflow through the power supply unit to the airflow channel. The airflow path may be located between a first space and a second space of the enclosure, each housing a computing component. The baffle device may include a wire pass-through channel receiving a wire facilitating communication between the components in the first space and the components in the second space. The baffle means may comprise one or more ribs which, when the power supply unit is inserted in an incorrect orientation, block the power supply unit from being fully inserted into the power supply receiving space, thereby alerting the user to remove the power supply unit and reinsert it in the correct orientation.

Description

Computer system and baffle device

[ technical field ] A method for producing a semiconductor device

The present invention relates generally to computer systems, and more particularly to a power supply for a computer case.

[ background of the utility model ]

Computer systems such as rack-mounted servers are used across many areas and are increasingly demanding in terms of specification. As the demand for more powerful and faster systems increases, there is also a demand for maintaining and reducing the footprint (footprint) of the system. In some chassis, such as 1-unit (1U) or 2-unit (2U) chassis, the use of high power supplies may require significant thermal management. In some cases, thermal management may be particularly complex when wiring around the chassis is required. In addition, as the complexity of the internal components increases, assembly and maintenance of the computer system may become complicated.

[ Utility model ] content

The terms embodiment and similar terms are intended to broadly refer to all subject and claimed below of the present invention. Several statements containing these various terms should be understood as not limiting the meaning or scope of the subject matter described herein or the following claims. Embodiments of the utility model covered herein are defined by the claims below, not this novel disclosure. This novel summary is a high-level overview of various features of the utility model and introduces some of the concepts described more fully in the detailed description section that follows. This novel disclosure 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. The subject matter should be understood by reference to the entire specification of the utility model, including all drawings and each claim appropriately scaled.

The embodiment of the utility model comprises a baffle device which is used in a computer system. The baffle device may include a baffle body having a first leg and a second leg connected by a cross member. The cross member may extend from the first end of the baffle body to the second end of the baffle body. The baffle device may include an airflow space defined by the first leg, the second leg, and the cross member. The airflow space is sized to receive the connector. When the power supply unit moves to the first insertion depth in the insertion direction while the power supply unit is in the correct orientation, the receiving connector can receive the corresponding connector of the power supply unit. The baffle device may further include a wire passage in the cross member. The wire feed-through may receive a wire and may extend between a first end of the baffle body and a second end of the baffle body. The baffle device may further include at least one rib extending from the baffle body. The impact surface of the at least one rib is positioned to contact the connector of the power supply unit when the power supply unit is moved in the insertion direction to the second insertion depth while the power supply unit is in the incorrect orientation. The first insertion depth is greater than the second insertion depth.

In some cases, the wire feed-through is perpendicular to the insertion direction. In some cases, the baffle device further includes a compressible gas seal removably positioned on the upper surface of the baffle body. In some cases, the compressible gas seal covers the wire pass-through channel such that removal of the compressible gas seal allows access to the wire pass-through channel. In some cases, the cross-member includes a baffle surface to direct airflow impinging the baffle surface toward the airflow space, wherein the at least one rib extends from the baffle surface. In some cases, the baffle body is shaped such that a plane defined by the impingement surface of the at least one rib is positioned relative to the receiving connector with respect to the outlet of the airflow space. In some cases, the shutter body is configured to rest on a distribution board that is equipped with receiving connectors. In some cases, the at least one rib is positioned such that a distance between the receiving connector and a bottom surface of the board on which the receiving connector is mounted is equal to a distance between an upper surface of the baffle body and a point on the impact surface.

Embodiments of the utility model include a computer system including a chassis and a power supply receiving space within the chassis. The power supply receiving space has a first end opposite to the second end, and the first end has an opening for receiving the power supply unit. The computer system further includes a power distribution board positioned adjacent to the second end of the power supply receiving space. The power distribution board is provided with a receiving connector which is used for receiving a corresponding connector of the power supply unit when the power supply unit is inserted into the power supply receiving space to a first insertion depth and the power supply unit is in a correct orientation. The computer system further includes an airflow path positioned between the first enclosure space and the second enclosure space in the enclosure. The computer system further includes a baffle device positioned between the power supply receiving space and the airflow path. The baffle device includes a baffle surface for directing air passing through the power supply receiving space to the airflow passage. The baffle device further includes a wire passage in the cross member for receiving the wire. The wire feed channel extends between a first end of the baffle device and a second end of the baffle device. The baffle arrangement has at least one rib extending from the baffle surface. The at least one rib is positioned to contact the connector of the power supply unit when the power supply unit is inserted into the power supply receiving space to the second insertion depth while the power supply unit is in an incorrect orientation. The first insertion depth is greater than the second insertion depth.

In some cases, the wire facilitates electrically coupling a first component in the first space to a second component in the second space. In some cases, the wire is coupled to a data connector of the electrical distribution board. In some cases, the wire passage is perpendicular to an insertion direction of the power supply unit when the power supply unit is inserted into the power supply receiving space. In some cases, the computer system further includes a compressible air seal removably positioned on the upper surface of the barrier device. In some cases, the compressible gas seal covers the wire passage channel such that removal of the compressible gas seal allows access to the wire passage channel. In some cases, the baffle arrangement is shaped such that when the power supply unit is inserted in an incorrect orientation, the connector of the power supply unit contacts the at least one rib along a plane, wherein the plane is positioned relative to the receiving connector with respect to the airflow passage. In some cases, the baffle device rests on the electrical panel. In some cases, at least one rib includes a collision surface to contact a connector of the power supply unit. The at least one rib is positioned such that a distance between the receiving connector and a floor of the power supply receiving space is equal to a distance between a ceiling of the power supply receiving space and a point on the impact surface.

Embodiments of the utility model include a method comprising provisioning a computer system. The computer system comprises a case and a power supply receiving space positioned in the case. The computer system further includes a power distribution board positioned adjacent to the inner end of the power supply receiving space. The distribution board has a receiving connector. The computer system further includes an airflow path positioned between the first enclosure space and the second enclosure space in the enclosure. The computer system further includes a baffle device positioned between the power supply receiving space and the airflow path. The baffle device includes a baffle surface for directing air passing through the power supply receiving space to the airflow passage. The baffle device further includes a wire passage in the cross member for receiving the wire. The wire feed channel extends between a first end of the baffle device and a second end of the baffle device. The baffle arrangement further includes at least one rib extending from the baffle surface. The method further includes inserting the power supply unit into the power supply receiving space. The power supply unit has a connector positioned relative to an outer surface of the power supply unit. When the power supply unit is inserted to the first insertion depth, insertion of the power supply unit in the correct orientation causes the connector to connect with the receiver connector. When the power supply unit is inserted to the second insertion depth, insertion of the power supply unit in the incorrect orientation results in contact between the connector and the at least one rib of the baffle device. The first insertion depth is greater than the second insertion depth.

In some cases, the chassis includes a first space and a second space divided by the airflow channel. The computer system further comprises a first assembly positioned in the first space and a second assembly positioned in the second space. The method further includes supplying power to the power supply unit and operating the power supply unit. Operating the power supply unit includes operating a fan associated with the power supply unit to move air through the power supply unit to the airflow channel toward the baffle surface of the baffle device. The operation power supply unit further includes supplying power to the first component and the second component. The method further includes transferring data between the first assembly and the second assembly via the wire. In some cases, plugging in the power supply unit includes fully plugging in the power supply unit in the incorrect orientation, and the method further includes identifying that the power supply unit is plugged in the incorrect orientation by identifying a distance between the chassis and a plane formed by an outer surface of the power supply unit.

[ description of the drawings ]

The description makes reference to the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like or similar components in the various figures.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a computer system having a power supply unit ready for insertion according to certain features of the utility model.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a wind deflector in accordance with certain features of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a computer system having a windshield according to certain features of the utility model.

FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of a computer system having two power supply units plugged in, taken along line A-A of FIG. 3, in accordance with certain features of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of a portion of a computer system without an inserted power supply unit, taken along line A-A of FIG. 3, according to certain features of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a front isometric view of a portion of a power distribution group of a computer system, according to certain features of the utility model.

FIG. 7 is a rear isometric view of a portion of a power distribution group of a computer system according to certain features of the utility model.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart depicting a process for using a computer system in accordance with certain features of the utility model.

[ notation ] to show

100,300,400,500: computer system

102,302,402: cabinet

104: cooling fan

106: lower power supply receiving space/power supply receiving space

107,306,407: upper power supply receiving space/power supply receiving space

108: power supply unit

110: airflow passage opening

112,312,410: air flow channel

114: wind shield space

116,316: first cabinet space

118,318: second cabinet space

166,366,466,666: upper distribution board

222,322,522,766: wind deflector

224: top surface of the container

226: wire passage

228: air flow space

230: surface of baffle

232,433,432,532: rib part

286: first foot post

288: second leg

290: cross member

292,592: impact surface

320,620,720: power distribution group

334: main machine board

336: control panel

338: first connector

340: second connector

342: third connector

344,352,464,465,652,654,752: connector with a locking member

346,646,746: first wire rod

348,648,748: second wire

356: driver board

358: storage driver

368,468,668,768: lower distribution board

406: lower power supply receiving space

408: lower power supply unit

409: upper power supply unit

422,622: lower wind guard

423,623,723: upper wind shield

426,427,526,683: wire rod through channel

448,450,548: wire rod

460: top cover

462: body

472,473,573,673: compressible gas seal

474,475,575,674,675: receiving connector

476,478: thread

477,479: outer surface

480,596,597: distance between two adjacent plates

482: direction of insertion

595: top board

568: distribution board

594: floor board

636,736: control card

670,770: frame structure

713: airflow opening

750: third wire material

784: additional connector/connector

800: process for producing a metal oxide

802,804: square block

806,808: selective block

[ detailed description ] embodiments

Certain features and characteristics of the present invention relate to a computer chassis including airflow channels for allowing airflow to specifically cool one or more Power Supply Units (PSUs) within respective power supply receiving spaces. The enclosure may include a baffle device positioned between the power supply receiving space and the airflow channel to direct airflow through the power supply unit to the airflow channel. The airflow path may be located between a first space and a second space of the enclosure, each housing a computing component. The baffle device may include a wire pass-through channel receiving a wire facilitating communication between the components in the first space and the components in the second space. The baffle means may comprise one or more ribs (rib) which, when the power supply unit is inserted in an incorrect orientation, block the power supply unit from being fully inserted into the power supply receiving space, thereby alerting the user (signalling to the user) to remove the power supply unit and reinsert it in the correct orientation.

In some computer systems, particularly systems with high power supply requirements (e.g., with 800 watt, 1300 watt, and/or 2400 watt or more power supply units), the airflow used to cool the power supply units must be properly managed. To achieve improved cooling performance, an airflow channel may be formed at a first end of the computer case, through the airflow channel, and out of a second end of the case to establish an airflow channel to the power supply unit. Such an air flow channel may be a dedicated channel, used specifically for cooling the power supply unit. Thus, heated air from the power supply unit may exit the enclosure without contacting other electronic components (e.g., the motherboard, processing units, storage devices, etc.) in the enclosure.

In some cases, the airflow channels are designed to have a small or minimal width and therefore must extend upright within the chassis. In some cases, the airflow channel is optimally centered within the chassis or spaced from the side walls of the chassis. The airflow channel may thus divide the enclosure into several spaces, such as a first enclosure space and a second enclosure space. However, because of the presence of the airflow channels, it is difficult to lay wires (run cables) between components in the first enclosure space and components in the second enclosure space without leaving the enclosures.

For example, in some cases, a motherboard and a control card (e.g., a Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID) card or a host bus adapter (HPA) card) may be located in a first chassis space, and a set of storage devices (e.g., hard disks or solid state disks) may be located in a second chassis space. It is necessary in many computer system embodiments to run storage devices at high speed, the storage devices being coupled to a control card via high speed wires (e.g., serial attached small computer system interface (SAS) wires, Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) wires, or high density serial attached small computer system interface (scsi) wires). Thus, several groups of wires may need to pass between the first chassis space and the second chassis space.

Certain features and characteristics of the present invention relate to a baffle device positioned between a power supply receiving space and an airflow path of a chassis. The baffle device may direct air passing through the power supply unit (e.g., air passing through the power supply receiving space) to the airflow passage. The baffle means may comprise an angled, curved or otherwise shaped baffle surface to direct air to the airflow passage.

The baffle device may further comprise a wire passage allowing one or more wires to pass from one side of the baffle device to the other. The wire-passing channel portion may be formed by a baffle surface such that the baffle surface rests between the wire-passing channel and air entering from the power supply receiving space. In some cases, the wire feed channel forms a groove in the top of the baffle device, thus allowing easy access to the wire feed channel. A compressible gas seal may be placed on the upper surface of the baffle device to reduce or minimize the risk of air leakage between the baffle device and any surface directly above the baffle device (e.g., the top cover). In some cases, a compressible gas seal may cover the wire feed-through channel, which may help prevent any wire from escaping from the wire feed-through channel (escaping). In some cases, the compressible gas seal includes a sponge material. In some cases, the compressible gas seal further comprises a layer of biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate (BoPET) (e.g.,

) Or a similar film material that directly contacts the top surface of the baffle device, such as to enhance the ability to remove the compressible gas seal, may be particularly useful when it is desired to access the wire feed through.

In many cases, the power supply unit may be inserted into the power supply receiving space in at least two different orientations, including at least one correct orientation and one incorrect orientation. Typically, the incorrect orientation is rotated longitudinally 180 degrees from the correct orientation. When the power supply unit is inserted in the correct orientation, a connector (e.g., an edge connector or a gold finger connector) of the power supply unit may engage a receiving connector within the chassis. The receiving connector may be coupled to the distribution board such that power passing from the power supply unit to various electronic components of the computer system passes to the receiving connector. When fully inserted in the correct orientation, the exterior surface of the power supply unit is typically flush (flush with) the chassis or power supply receiving space.

In some cases, the baffle device may also include one or more ribs designed to contact a connector of the power supply unit if the power supply unit is inserted in an incorrect orientation. One or more ribs may extend from the baffle surface and/or other surfaces of the baffle device. The one or more ribs may expose the impact surface toward the power supply unit such that insertion of the power supply unit in an incorrect orientation causes the connector to contact the impact surface. The one or more ribs are configured such that the power supply unit cannot be inserted into the power supply receiving space beyond a specified insertion depth that is less than the insertion depth when the power supply unit is fully inserted in the correct orientation. Therefore, when the power supply unit is fully inserted in an incorrect orientation, the outer surface of the power supply unit does not cut flush with the chassis or the power supply receiving space. Conversely, the outer surface of the power supply unit will be spaced from the housing or power supply receiving space. Therefore, the use of the disclosed shutter device can easily visually distinguish (distinggush) the power supply unit inserted in the correct orientation from the power supply unit inserted in the incorrect orientation.

In some cases, the baffle device may be made from a single piece of material, although this is not required. In some cases, the baffle surface and the one or more ribs may be integrally formed (formed together), although this is not required.

The illustrative examples are given to introduce the reader to the general subject matter discussed herein and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosed concepts. The following paragraphs describe various additional features and examples with reference to the drawings, where like numerals represent like elements, and directional descriptions are used to describe the illustrative embodiments, but are not intended to limit the utility model, similar to the illustrative embodiments. The elements included in this drawing may not be drawn to scale.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a computer system 100 having a ready-to-plug Power Supply Unit (PSU)108 in accordance with certain features of the present invention. Computer system 100 may include a chassis 102. The chassis 102 is depicted as a 2U chassis, although other sized chassis may be used. The chassis 102 may include two power

supply receiving spaces

106, 107 in a stacked arrangement, although other arrangements may be used (e.g., a side-to-side arrangement). In some cases, other numbers of power

supply receiving spaces

106, 107 may be used (e.g., one space or more than two spaces). For purposes of description herein, the end of the chassis having the power

supply receiving spaces

106, 107 will be referred to as the back end of the chassis, although in some cases the end of the chassis having the power

supply receiving spaces

106, 107 may be referred to as the front end.

The chassis 102 may include a set of cooling fans 104, such as the four cooling fans 104 depicted in FIG. 1, for cooling the components of the computer system 100. In some cases, one or more cooling fans 104 will be positioned laterally on opposite sides of the power

supply receiving spaces

106, 107.

The power supply unit 108 is aligned for insertion into the upper power receiving space 107. When the power supply unit 108 is fully inserted into the upper power receiving space 107, the power supply unit 108 will come into contact with the receiving connector on the upper distribution board 166. Similarly, a power supply unit fully inserted into the lower power supply receiving space 106 will contact a receiving connector on the lower power distribution board located below the upper power distribution board 166. During use, a fan (e.g., a fan within the power supply unit 108) may induce an airflow through the power supply unit 108 and through the upper power supply receiving space 107. This airflow may be directed to airflow channel opening 110 and through airflow channel 112. The airflow channel 112 may extend through the length of the chassis 102 from the airflow channel opening 110 to an opposite end (e.g., front end) of the chassis.

For illustrative purposes, the wind deflectors used to direct the airflow from the power

supply receiving spaces

106, 107 to the airflow channels 112 are not depicted. Such a windshield will fit in the windshield space 114.

The airflow channels 112 may establish a separation between the first chassis space 116 and the second chassis space 118. As seen in fig. 1, the airflow passage 112 and the power

supply receiving spaces

106, 107 occupy most of the longitudinal length of the chassis 102. Thus, to traverse physical wires laterally across chassis 102 (e.g., between first chassis space 116 and second chassis space 118), such wires will pass through windshield space 114. Accordingly, the windshields disclosed herein may include wire pass-through channels to encourage one or more wires to traverse chassis 102 laterally.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of wind deflector 222 according to certain features of the present invention. Windshield 222 may be used in a computer system, such as computer system 100 of FIG. 1. For example, windshield 222 may be used in windshield space 114 of FIG. 1.

Wind deflector 222 may include a baffle surface 230 to direct the flow of air to airflow space 228. In some cases, the airflow space 228 is defined by a first leg 286, a second leg 288, and a cross member 290 that couples the first leg 286 and the second leg 288 together. When installed, the receiving connector of the electrical distribution board may be at least partially located within the airflow space 228.

Wire channel 226 may extend transversely across wind deflector 222, for example, from a first end (e.g., a first end coincident with first leg 286) to a second end (e.g., a second end coincident with second leg 288). Wire channel 226 is open at top surface 224 of wind deflector 222, although this is not required. When open at the top surface 224, the wire channel 226 may be closed by the placement of a cover plate (e.g., a compressible gas seal) on the top surface 224.

One or more ribs (e.g., four ribs 232 depicted in fig. 2) may extend from baffle surface 230. Each rib 232 may have a collision surface 292 facing the power supply unit when the power supply unit is inserted into the power supply receiving space. When the power supply unit is inserted in an incorrect orientation, the connector of the power supply unit may contact the impact surface 292. The use of ribs 232 extending from baffle surface 230 can effectively block (stop) power supply units from being inserted without using a large amount of material and by keeping the airflow efficiently past wind deflector 222. In some cases, the impact surface 292 is a flat plane parallel to one end of the connector of the power supply unit (e.g., perpendicular to the direction of insertion of the power supply unit into the power supply receiving space).

FIG. 3 is a top view of a computer system 300 having a windshield 322 according to certain features of the utility model. Computer system 300 may be any suitable computer system, such as computer system 100 of FIG. 1. Air deflector 322 can be any suitable air deflector, such as the air deflector of FIG. 2.

Computer system 300 includes a chassis 302. The enclosure 302 may include a first enclosure space 316 and a second enclosure space 318 divided by the airflow channels 312. For illustrative purposes, the enclosure 302 may further include a power distribution cluster 320.

First chassis space 316 may include a motherboard 334. Control board 336 (e.g., a redundant array of disks card or a host bus adapter card) may be coupled to motherboard 334. The control board 336 may include a first connector 338, a second connector 340, and a third connector 342. Examples of suitable connectors include data connectors such as serial advanced technology attachment connectors, serial attached small computer system interface connectors, high density serial advanced technology attachment connectors, high density serial attached small computer system interface connectors (e.g., Mini-serial attached small computer system interface high density SFF8643 connectors (Mini-SAS HD SFF8643 connectors)). Any number of connectors may be used.

The second enclosure space 318 may include a set of storage drives 358 (e.g., hard disks or solid state drives). As depicted in fig. 3, eight stacked rows of three storage drives 358 are located in the second chassis space 318 for a total of twenty-four storage drives 358, although any number may be used. One or more drive boards 356 may be used to provide power and data connections to a set of storage drives 358.

The power distribution cluster 320 may include a lower power distribution panel 368 located below the upper power distribution panel 366, and a lower power supply receiving space positioned below the upper power supply receiving space 306. When in the correct orientation, a power supply unit fully inserted into the lower power supply receiving space or the upper power supply receiving space 306 may be coupled with a receiving connector on the lower power distribution board 368 or the upper power distribution board 366, respectively. Thus, power may be distributed from the power supply unit to other electronic components of the computer system 300 via the

power distribution panels

366, 368. In some cases, one of the

power distribution panels

366, 368 serves as a redundant back-up for one of the other

power distribution panels

366, 368.

During use, air passing through upper power supply receiving space 306 will be directed to airflow passage 312 via upper baffle 322. Similarly, air passing through the lower power supply receiving space will be directed to the airflow channel 312 via the lower baffle.

To electrically couple the control board 336 to a set of storage drives 358, several wires may be used. The first wire 346 is seen coupling the first connector 338 of the control card 336 with the connector 344 on the upper switchboard 366. The first wire 346 is shown passing between the lower and

upper power panels

368, 366, although this is not required.

A second wire 348 can be seen coupling the second connector 340 with the connector 352 of the upper switchboard 366. The second wire passes through the wire passing channel of the upper baffle device 322.

A third wire, obscured from view by the upper switchboard 366, couples the third connector 342 with the connector of the lower switchboard 368. The third wire passes through the wire passing channel of the lower baffle device.

The upper and

lower power boards

366, 368 may include one or more additional connectors (e.g., a connector adjacent to the second chassis space 318) to electrically couple the connectors 344,352 and the connectors of the lower power board 368 with a set of storage drives 358, such as via one or more drive boards 356.

FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of a computer system 400 having two

power supply units

408, 409 plugged in, taken along line A to A of FIG. 3, in accordance with certain features of the present invention. Computer system 400 may be any suitable computer system, such as computer system 300 of FIG. 3.

The housing 402 of the computer system 400 may include an upper power supply receiving space 407 and a lower power supply receiving space 406. The upper power supply unit 409 and the lower power supply unit 408 may be inserted into the upper power supply receiving space 407 and the lower power supply receiving space 406, respectively, in the inserting direction 482. The upper power supply unit 409 is fully inserted into the upper power supply receiving space 407 in an incorrect orientation. The lower power supply unit 408 is fully inserted into the lower power supply receiving space 406 in the correct orientation.

In the proper orientation, the connector 464 of the lower power supply unit 408 is inserted into (e.g., receives and/or is operatively coupled to) the receiving connector 474 of the lower distribution panel 468. The lower damper 422 is positioned over the receiving connector 474 of the lower distribution plate 468 at one end of the lower power supply receiving space 406. The rib 432 of the lower windshield 422 is not in contact with the body 462 of the lower power supply unit 408. The wires 450 are shown in the wire pass-through channel 426 of the lower windshield 422. Wire 450 is depicted as having eight cores (cores) for illustrative purposes only; any suitable wire may be used for wire 450. A compressible air seal 472 is positioned on the upper surface of lower air deflector 422 to help reduce, minimize, or eliminate air leakage, thus facilitating the flow of all air through lower power supply receiving space 406 to be directed by lower air deflector 422 to air channel 410. In some cases, compressible gas seal 472 may be sandwiched between lower damper 422 and the structural frame of the chassis, lower power supply receiving space 406, and/or upper power supply receiving space 407.

With lower power supply unit 408 fully inserted in the correct orientation, an outer surface 477 of lower power supply unit 408 is aligned with chassis 402 and/or lower power supply receiving space 406, as represented by line 476.

The upper power supply unit 409 is fully inserted into the upper power supply receiving space 407, but because the upper power supply unit 409 is inserted in an incorrect orientation, the connector 465 of the upper power supply unit 409 contacts the rib 433 of the upper damper 423. In the incorrect orientation, the connector 465 of the upper power supply unit 409 cannot be coupled to the receiving connector 475 of the upper distribution board 466.

Because the upper power supply unit 409 is fully inserted in the incorrect orientation, the outer surface 479 of the upper power supply unit 409 is not aligned with the chassis 402 and/or with the upper power supply receiving space 407, as represented by line 478. Since the lower power supply unit 408 is inserted in the correct orientation and the upper power supply unit 409 is inserted in the incorrect orientation, the distance 480 between the line 476 (e.g., the cut-line) and the line 478 (e.g., the extension line) is the difference in the insertion depth of the lower power supply unit 408 and the upper power supply unit 409. Because the upper power supply unit 409 appears to protrude (stick out) from the upper power supply receiving space 407, it can be easily and quickly distinguished as being inserted in an incorrect orientation.

The upper damper 423 includes a wire pass through channel 427 containing a wire 448 similar to the wire 450. Compressible air seal 473 is positioned on the upper surface of upper air deflector 423 to help reduce, minimize, or eliminate air leakage, thus facilitating the overall flow of air through upper power supply receiving space 407 to be directed by upper air deflector 423 to air channel 410. In some cases, a compressible gas seal 473 can be sandwiched between the upper damper plate 423 and the top cap 460.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial side cross-sectional view of a computer system 500 without an inserted power supply unit, taken along line A-A of FIG. 3, in accordance with certain features of the present invention. Computer system 500 may be any suitable computer system. Such as computer system 400 of fig. 4.

Windshield 522 is positioned above switchboard 568. The wire pass-through channel 526 of the wind deflector 522 may be fitted with wire 548 that allows the wire to pass transversely (in a direction into or out of the page in fig. 5) through the wind deflector 522. The wire 548 is depicted as having eight cores for illustrative purposes only; any suitable wire may be used for wire 548. A compressible gas seal 573 may cover the top of the wire pass channel 526.

Receiving connector 575 of panelboard 568 may be located a distance 596 from floor 594 of the power supply receiving space associated with windshield 522. This distance 596 may be approximately the same as the distance from the bottom edge of the power supply unit to the connector of the power supply unit. As used herein, a measure of a connector or receiving connector may be a plane along a center of a height of the connector or receiving connector (e.g., a receiving space of the receiving connector for receiving a connector of a power supply unit).

Rib 532 of air deflector 522 may be positioned and/or extended such that impact surface 592 of rib 532 intersects a plane that is spaced from ceiling 595 of the power supply receiving space associated with air deflector 522 by a distance 597 that is the same as distance 596. In other words, a plane spaced a distance 597 the same as distance 596 from the ceiling 595 of the power supply receiving space will intersect with the collision surface 592.

Thus, for any power supply unit of any size that fits within the give of power supply receiving space, and that engages its own connector with receiving connector 575 when the power supply unit is inserted in the correct orientation, this same power supply unit, if inserted in an incorrect orientation (e.g., rotated 180 degrees longitudinally), will have its own connector contact impact surface 592 of windshield 522.

Impact surface 592 of air deflector 522 may be positioned longitudinally (e.g., left and right as depicted in fig. 5) within the chassis such that a power supply unit having its connector in contact with impact surface 592 will extend out of one end of the chassis. In some cases, impact surface 592 may be positioned such that impact surface 592 is positioned relative to (e.g., longitudinally opposite) receiving connector 575 with respect to the airflow passage. In some cases, the plane formed by the power supply unit connector that contacts the collision surface 592 may be positioned relative to the receiving connector with respect to the airflow passage.

FIG. 6 is a front isometric view of a portion of a power distribution cluster 620 of a computer system, according to certain features of the utility model. Power distribution group 620 may be any suitable power distribution group 620, such as power distribution group 320 of fig. 3. The power distribution cluster 620 may include a lower power panel 668 positioned below an upper power panel 666. In some cases, the lower power distribution board 668 and the upper power distribution board 666 are operably coupled together as redundant backups for each other. In some cases, power distribution cluster 620 may include a frame 670.

When the power supply unit is installed in the lower distribution board 668 in the correct orientation, the connector of the power supply unit will be received by the receiving connector 674 of the lower distribution board 668. The airflow passing through the power supply unit will pass through the lower wind shield 622, and the lower wind shield 622 will guide the airflow to the airflow channel of the chassis.

Similarly, when the power supply unit is mounted to the upper power distribution board 666 in the correct orientation, the connector of the power supply unit will be received by the receiving connector 675 of the upper power distribution board 666. The air flow passing through the power supply unit will pass through the upper damper 623, and the upper damper 623 will guide the air flow to the air flow channel of the cabinet.

The controller card 636 is depicted as being operatively coupled to the upper and lower panelboards 666 and 668 via a set of wires including a first wire 646, a second wire 648, and a third wire obscured by the upper panelboard 666. The third wire may pass through the wire passing channel of the lower windshield 622. In some cases, a third wire may be coupled to the lower power board 668 at connector 654. The second wire 648 may pass through the wire pass through channel 683 of the upper windshield 622. In some cases, the second wire 648 may be coupled to the upper power distribution board 666 at connector 652. The first wire 646 may be connected to the upper switchboard 666 without passing through any of the lower windshields 622 or upper windshields 623, although this is not required.

Although the first wire 646, the second wire 648, and the third wire are shown as being connected to the upper power distribution board 666 or the lower power distribution board 668, this is not necessarily the case. In some cases, any such wires may be directly connected to other components of the computing system, such as a storage drive.

As depicted in fig. 6, compressible gas seal 673 is positioned on an upper surface of upper wind deflector 623. This compressible gas seal 673 encloses the wire pass channel 683 such that removal of the compressible gas seal 673 may allow access to the wire pass channel 683 from the upper surface of the upper damper panel 623. A similar compressible gas seal may be used on the wire pass through of lower wind deflector 622.

FIG. 7 is a rear isometric view of a portion of a power distribution group 720 of a computer system, according to certain features of the utility model. Power distribution group 720 may be any suitable power distribution group, such as power distribution group 620 of fig. 6. Power distribution cluster 720 may include a lower power panel 768 positioned below upper power panel 766.

The controller card 736 is depicted as being operatively coupled to the upper and

lower panelboards

766, 768 via a set of wires that includes a first wire 746, a second wire 748, and a third wire 750. The third wire 750 may pass through the wire passing channel of the lower windshield 622. In some cases, the third wire 750 may be coupled to the lower distribution board 768 at a connector. The second wire 748 may pass through the wire pass-through channel of the upper damper 723. In some cases, the second wire 748 may be coupled to the upper power distribution board 766 at a connector 752. The first wire 746 may be connected to the upper switchboard 766 without passing through any lower or upper windshields 723, although this is not necessarily the case.

While the first wire 746, the second wire 748, and the third wire 750 are shown as being connected to the upper power distribution board 766 or the lower power distribution board 768, this is not necessarily so. In some cases, any such wires may be directly connected to other components of the computing system, such as a storage drive. However, as depicted in fig. 7, the first wire 746 and the second wire 748 are coupled to an upper power distribution board 766 and the third wire 750 is coupled to a lower power distribution board 768. The additional connector 784 may be used to transmit data signals (e.g., any of the first wire 746, the second wire 758, and the third wire 750) to other components of the computer system. Additional connectors 784 may be on one or both of upper power board 766 and lower power board 768. In one example, the storage drive may be selectively coupled to the connector 784 of the lower power distribution board 768 via a drive board and then may be coupled to the control card 736 via the third wire 750, thus establishing an operable connection between the storage drive and the control card 736.

When the upper and lower power supply units are installed in the correct orientation, the airflow through the power supply units will be directed by the upper and

lower louvers

723 and 770, respectively, through the airflow openings 713 in the frame 770. Airflow openings 713 may direct airflow to the airflow channels of the chassis. In some cases, an airflow seal (e.g., a compressible air seal) may be used between the airflow channel and the frame 770 to reduce, minimize, or eliminate any air leakage between the airflow channel and the frame 770.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart depicting a process 800 for using a computer system in accordance with certain features of the utility model. At block 802, a computer system is provided. Any suitable computer system may be provided, such as computer system 100 of FIG. 1 or computer system 300 of FIG. 3. In some cases, supplying a computer system at block 802 may include installing a windshield between the power supply receiving space and the airflow channel, such as described herein. In some cases, supplying the computer system at block 802 may further include installing wires through the wire channels of the windshield.

At block 804, a power supply unit may be inserted into a power supply receiving space of a computer system. Inserting the power supply receiving space may include inserting the power supply unit in a proper orientation to establish a connection between a connector of the power supply unit and a receiving connector of a power distribution panel of the computer system.

In some cases, inserting the power supply unit at block 804 may optionally include fully inserting the power supply unit in an incorrect orientation, identifying that the power supply unit is inserted in an incorrect orientation (e.g., based on identifying a distance the power supply unit extends out of the chassis, such as a distance between the chassis and a plane formed by an exterior surface of the power supply unit), and then removing and replacing the power supply unit in the correct orientation.

At optional block 806, the power supply unit may be operated. Operating the power supply unit may include supplying power to the power supply unit (e.g., from a primary power source) and causing the power supply unit to supply power to the computer system via the power distribution panel. In some cases, operating the power supply unit may include driving a fan (e.g., a fan of the power supply unit or an additional fan) to cause an air flow through the power supply unit. The flow of air through the power supply unit may cause air to be directed by the wind deflector to an airflow channel (an airflow channel extending to an opposite end of the chassis relative to the power supply receiving space).

At optional block 808, data may be transmitted into the computer system via one or more wires positioned in the wire passage of the windshield. Transmitting data via one or more wires positioned in a wire pass-through channel of the wind deflector may include transmitting data between a first chassis space and a second chassis space divided from the first chassis space by an air flow channel.

The foregoing description of embodiments, including illustrated embodiments, has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description only and is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications, variations and uses will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Many variations may be made in the embodiments of the utility model disclosed herein without departing from the spirit or scope of the utility model. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described embodiments.

Although the utility model has been shown and described with respect to one or more implementations, equivalents and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of the specification and the annexed drawings. In addition, while a particular feature of the utility model 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.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the utility model. 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 "including," "having," "with," or variations thereof, are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising" as "comprising" is interpreted when employed in an embodiment and/or a claim.

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, words 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

1. A barrier device for use in a computer system, the barrier device comprising:

a baffle body having a first leg and a second leg connected by a cross member, the cross member extending from a first end of the baffle body to a second end of the baffle body;

an airflow space defined by the first leg, the second leg, and the cross member, wherein the airflow space is sized to receive a receiving connector for receiving a corresponding connector of a power supply unit when the power supply unit is moved in an insertion direction to a first insertion depth while in a correct orientation;

a wire feed channel in the cross member for receiving a wire, the wire feed channel extending between the first end of the baffle body and the second end of the baffle body; and

at least one rib extending from the baffle body, wherein a collision surface of the at least one rib is positioned to contact the connector of the power supply unit when the power supply unit is moved in the insertion direction to a second insertion depth while in an incorrect orientation, wherein the first insertion depth is greater than the second insertion depth.

2. The baffle device of claim 1 wherein the wire passage is perpendicular to the insertion direction.

3. The baffle device of claim 1, further comprising a compressible gas seal removably positioned on an upper surface of the baffle body.

4. The baffle device of claim 3, wherein the compressible gas seal covers the wire passage channel such that removal of the compressible gas seal allows access to the wire passage channel.

5. The baffle device of claim 1 wherein the cross member includes a baffle surface for directing airflow impinging the baffle surface toward the airflow space, wherein the at least one rib extends from the baffle surface.

6. The baffle device of claim 1, wherein the baffle body is shaped such that a plane defined by the impingement surface of the at least one rib is positioned relative to the receiving connector with respect to an outlet of the gas flow space.

7. The barrier device of claim 1, wherein the barrier body is configured to rest on a power distribution panel to which the receiving connector is mounted.

8. The baffle device of claim 1, wherein the at least one rib is positioned such that a distance between the receiving connector and a bottom surface of a plate to which the receiving connector is mounted is equal to a distance between an upper surface of the baffle body and a point on the impact surface.

9. A computer system, comprising:

a chassis;

a power supply receiving space located in the case, the power supply receiving space having a first end opposite to a second end, the first end having an opening for receiving a power supply unit;

a power distribution board positioned adjacent to the second end of the power supply receiving space, the power distribution board having a receiving connector for receiving a corresponding connector of the power supply unit when the power supply unit is inserted into the power supply receiving space to a first insertion depth while the power supply unit is in a correct orientation;

an air flow passage positioned between a first cabinet space and a second cabinet space in the cabinet; and

a baffle device positioned between the power supply receiving space and the airflow channel, the baffle device including a baffle surface for directing air passing through the power supply receiving space to the airflow channel, the baffle device further including a wire passage channel in a cross member for receiving a wire, the wire passage channel extending between the first end of the baffle device and the second end of the baffle device, the baffle device further having at least one rib extending from the baffle surface, the at least one rib positioned to contact the connector of the power supply unit when the power supply unit is inserted into the power supply receiving space to a second insertion depth while in an incorrect orientation, wherein the first insertion depth is greater than the second insertion depth.

10. The computer system of claim 9, wherein the baffle device is shaped such that the connector of the power supply unit contacts the at least one rib along a plane when the power supply unit is inserted in the incorrect orientation, and wherein the plane is positioned relative to the receiving connector with respect to the airflow channel.