US20180231723A1 - Optical connectors with positions - Google Patents
Optical connectors with positions Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20180231723A1 US20180231723A1 US15/430,204 US201715430204A US2018231723A1 US 20180231723 A1 US20180231723 A1 US 20180231723A1 US 201715430204 A US201715430204 A US 201715430204A US 2018231723 A1 US2018231723 A1 US 2018231723A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- optical connector
- wall
- electronic device
- housing
- metal plate
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04Q—SELECTING
- H04Q1/00—Details of selecting apparatus or arrangements
- H04Q1/02—Constructional details
- H04Q1/025—Cabinets
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
- G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
- G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
- G02B6/3897—Connectors fixed to housings, casing, frames or circuit boards
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/26—Optical coupling means
- G02B6/35—Optical coupling means having switching means
- G02B6/3502—Optical coupling means having switching means involving direct waveguide displacement, e.g. cantilever type waveguide displacement involving waveguide bending, or displacing an interposed waveguide between stationary waveguides
- G02B6/3508—Lateral or transverse displacement of the whole waveguides, e.g. by varying the distance between opposed waveguide ends, or by mutual lateral displacement of opposed waveguide ends
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
- G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
- G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
- G02B6/381—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs of the ferrule type, e.g. fibre ends embedded in ferrules, connecting a pair of fibres
- G02B6/3825—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs of the ferrule type, e.g. fibre ends embedded in ferrules, connecting a pair of fibres with an intermediate part, e.g. adapter, receptacle, linking two plugs
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
- G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
- G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
- G02B6/3898—Tools, e.g. handheld; Tuning wrenches; Jigs used with connectors, e.g. for extracting, removing or inserting in a panel, for engaging or coupling connectors, for assembling or disassembling components within the connector, for applying clips to hold two connectors together or for crimping
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/42—Coupling light guides with opto-electronic elements
- G02B6/4292—Coupling light guides with opto-electronic elements the light guide being disconnectable from the opto-electronic element, e.g. mutually self aligning arrangements
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/44—Mechanical structures for providing tensile strength and external protection for fibres, e.g. optical transmission cables
- G02B6/4439—Auxiliary devices
- G02B6/444—Systems or boxes with surplus lengths
- G02B6/4452—Distribution frames
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L12/00—Data switching networks
- H04L12/02—Details
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- H05K7/00—Constructional details common to different types of electric apparatus
- H05K7/14—Mounting supporting structure in casing or on frame or rack
- H05K7/1485—Servers; Data center rooms, e.g. 19-inch computer racks
- H05K7/1488—Cabinets therefor, e.g. chassis or racks or mechanical interfaces between blades and support structures
- H05K7/1491—Cabinets therefor, e.g. chassis or racks or mechanical interfaces between blades and support structures having cable management arrangements
Definitions
- Data centers may include enclosures to hold multiple servers in a vertical space. These enclosures may be referred to as rack systems.
- one rack may include multiple shelves stacked upon each other and one shelf may hold multiple servers in a horizontal orientation.
- a rack may have also have a cable management system that allows the connection of individual servers to systems and networks outside of the rack.
- the cable management system may include connectors such as optical connectors.
- FIG. 1A illustrates a front, left perspective view of an electronic device with an optical connector, according to some examples.
- FIG. 1B illustrates a back, right perspective view of the electronic device of FIG. 1A , according to some examples.
- FIG. 2A illustrates a close up view of area A in FIG. 1A , according to some examples.
- FIG. 2B illustrates a close up view of area B in FIG. 1B , according to some examples.
- FIG. 3A illustrates the movement of the optical connector shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B , as seen from the front, according to some examples.
- FIG. 3B illustrates the movement of the optical connector shown in FIGS. 1A and 18 , as seen from the front, according to some examples.
- FIG. 4A illustrates the movement of the optical connector shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B , as seen from the back, according to some examples.
- FIG. 4B illustrates the movement of the optical connector shown in FIGS. 1A and 18 , as seen from the back, according to some examples.
- FIG. 5A illustrates a front, left perspective view of an electronic device, according to some examples.
- FIG. 5B illustrates the electronic device of FIG. 5A , with the optical connector in a different position, according to some examples
- FIG. 6 illustrates the interior of the electronic device of FIG. 5A , according to some examples.
- FIG. 7 illustrates a dose up view of area C in FIG. 6 , according to some examples.
- FIG. 8A illustrates the movement of the optical connector in the electronic device of FIG. 5A , according to some examples.
- FIG. 8B illustrates the movement of the optical connector in the electronic device of FIG. 5A , according to some examples.
- FIG. 8C illustrates the movement of the optical connector in the electronic device of FIG. 5A , according to some examples.
- FIG. 8D illustrates the movement of the optical connector in the electronic device of FIG. 5A , according to some examples
- FIG. 9 illustrates a front, right perspective view of an electronic device, according to some examples.
- FIG. 10 illustrates a close up view of the front of the electronic device of FIG. 9 , according to some examples.
- FIG. 11 illustrates a front, right perspective view of an electronic device, according to some examples.
- FIG. 12A illustrates the movement of the optical connector of the electronic device of FIG. 11 , according to some examples.
- FIG. 12B illustrates the movement of the optical connector of the electronic device of FIG. 11 , according to some examples
- FIG. 12C illustrates the movement of the optical connector of the electronic device of FIG. 11 , according to some examples.
- FIG. 13A illustrates the movement of the optical connector of the electronic device of FIG. 11 , according to some examples.
- FIG. 13B illustrates the movement of the optical connector of the electronic device of FIG. 11 , according to some examples.
- FIG. 13C illustrates the movement of the optical connector of the electronic device of FIG. 11 , according to some examples.
- FIG. 14A illustrates the movement of the optical connector of the electronic device of FIG. 11 , according to some examples.
- FIG. 14B illustrates the movement of the optical connector of the electronic device of FIG. 11 , according to some examples.
- FIG. 14C illustrates the movement of the optical connector of the electronic device of FIG. 11 , according to some examples.
- the connectors of a cable management structure of an enclosure allow the electronic device (e.g., server, etc.) housed inside the enclosure to communicate with other devices used in the data center.
- the connectors of the electronic device should align with the connectors of the cable management structure.
- cable management structures in an enclosure have specific orientations.
- a rack may have a backplane with certain connectors located on a specific side of the rack.
- These specific orientations may not be compatible with a type of electronic device.
- a cable management structure may have optical connectors on the left side of the rack while an electronic device may have optical connectors on the right side. Accordingly, electronic devices with static optical connectors are not flexible and not adaptable to multiple cable management structures.
- Examples described herein address these technical challenges by providing a way for the connectors (e.g., optical connector) on an electronic device to be repositioned based on the cable management system of the enclosure in which it is inserted.
- An electronic device may have an optical connector that is moveable between a number of operable positions on a wall of the electronic device.
- the optical connector may be repositioned without accessing the interior of the electronic device.
- the optical connector may be automatically repositioned to the compatible position upon insertion of the electronic device into the enclosure. Accordingly, examples disclosed herein provide a way for an electronic device to automatically and dynamically be repositioned, making the electronic device adaptable to multiple enclosure environments. Additionally, this may allow for one SKU to be used for multiple configurations.
- FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an electronic device with a moveable optical connector.
- FIG. 1A illustrates a front, left perspective view of an electronic device 1000 .
- FIG. 1B illustrates a back, right perspective view of electronic device 1000 .
- Electronic device may include any device with an electrical component.
- Non-limiting examples of an electronic device include a server, a networking device (e.g., switch, patch panel, etc.), workstation, a storage device, a memory device, a media converter (e.g., optical transceiver, etc.) or any other device with an electrical component.
- electronic device 1000 may be a server that is installed in a rack and connects to a rack-level cable management system such as a backplane.
- Electronic device 1000 comprises a housing 110 , an optical fiber 120 , and an optical connector 130 .
- Housing 110 may enclose the electrical components of electronic device 1000 (not shown) and may include a first wall 111 , a second wall 112 , a third wall 113 , a fourth wall 114 , a floor 116 , and a ceiling.
- the ceiling may form an enclosure with first wall, second wall, third wall, fourth wall, and floor to house the electrical components of electronic device 1000 .
- the ceiling is not shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B .
- first wall 111 may make up the server faceplate.
- Optical fiber 120 may be located inside housing 110 . In some examples, and as shown in FIGS.
- optical fiber 120 is contained within housing 110 and does not extend outside of housing 110 .
- Optical fiber 120 may also be secured to optical connector 130 .
- secured is a direct connection between two parts such that the direct connection does not easily give way or become loose and the two parts that are secured together do not easily come apart without physical manipulation of the direct connection.
- optical connector 130 may be used to connect to a mating optical connector of an enclosure that electronic device 1000 is housed within. Accordingly, the signal from optical fiber 120 is transmitted to the mating optical connector via optical connector 130 .
- Optical connector 130 is moveable between a first position and a second position along first wall 111 . This movement is represented by arrow 205 .
- optical connector 130 protrudes through first wall 111 of housing 110 such that one end of optical connector 130 (i.e. the end that connects to mating optical connector) extends beyond housing 110 to the outside of housing 110 and one end of optical connector 130 (i.e. the end that is secured to optical fiber 120 ) extends inside housing 110 .
- electronic device 1000 comprises a metal plate 151 .
- Metal plate 151 may extend along first wall 111 , second wall 112 , and third wall 113 .
- metal plate 151 extends along the entire length of first wall 111 but does not extend along the entire lengths of second wall 112 and/or third wall 113 . This, as will be described herein, allows movement of metal plate 151 along the first wall 111 , the second wall 112 , and the third wall 113 .
- Electronic device 1000 may also comprise a retention track 180 .
- Retention track 180 like metal plate 151 , may extend along first wall 111 , second wall 112 , and third wall 113 .
- retention track 180 may be secured to first wall 111 , second wall 112 , and third wall 113 .
- Retention track 180 may include two rails which protrude into the interior of housing 110 . The distance between the two rails may be equal to the width of metal plate 151 .
- the rails of retention track 180 may retain metal plate 151 such that metal plate 151 is in dose proximity to first wall 111 , second wall 112 , and third wall 113 but at the same time allow metal plate 151 to slide along first wall 111 , second wall 112 , and third wall 113 .
- retention track 180 may extend along the entire lengths of first wall 111 , second wall 112 , and third wall 113 , allowing for a longer track along which metal plate 151 may slide.
- retention track 180 extends along the entire length of first wall 111 and a portion of second wall 112 and a portion of third wall 113 .
- a longer retention track 180 along length of second wall 112 and third wall 113 may allow for a greater range of movement for metal plate 151 .
- Metal plate 151 may be comprised of electrically conductive, flexible material.
- a non-limiting material is stainless steel.
- the metal material may serve as a shield of electromagnetic interference (EMI) for electronic device 1000 .
- EMI electromagnetic interference
- the flexibility of metal plate 151 allows it to straighten while on first wall 111 and to bend while transitioning from first wall 111 to second wall 112 or from first wall 111 to third wall 113 .
- metal plate 151 may have perforations allowing for air flow through metal plate 151 to provide a pathway for heat to escape outside of housing 110 or a pathway for cool air to be pulled into housing 110 . These perforations may help to regulate the heat created by electronic device 1000 .
- first wall 111 may have a window that extends along its length, exposing metal plate 151 to the outside environment and allowing for air to flow through the perforations.
- Optical connector 130 may be secured to metal plate 151 .
- metal plate 151 may have an opening that allows for the insertion of optical connector 130 through metal plate 151 . Accordingly, movement 205 of optical connector 130 along first wall 111 in one direction also moves metal plate 151 in the same direction. Movement of metal plate 151 allows optical connector 130 of electronic device 1000 to be moved to a different position from the outside of housing 110 .
- electronic device 1000 may be a closed environment in which the electrical components of electronic device 1000 are not accessible without removing one of the walls, the floor, or the ceiling.
- Metal plate 151 and its securement to optical connector 130 allows optical connector 130 to be moved to a different position from the outside of electronic device 1000 without accessing the interior of housing 110 . Additionally, optical connector 130 protrudes from housing 110 during its movement from one position to another position.
- FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate exploded views of the interaction of the optical connector 130 with the first wall 111 .
- FIG. 2A shows an exploded view of area A in FIG. 1A .
- FIG. 2B shows an exploded view of area B in FIG. 1B .
- first wall 111 is shown as see-through for clarity.
- electronic device 1000 may include a fastener 140 .
- Fastener 140 may hold optical connector 130 in place when the optical connector 130 is in a first position.
- fastener 140 may take the form of a latch.
- Latch 140 is secured to optical connector 130 and is moveable in the Y direction.
- Electronic device 1000 may include a holder 140 B and a fastener opening 140 C.
- holder 140 B has two sloped arms, allowing for a space between the two sloped arms.
- the space between the two sloped arms is wide enough to hold latch 140 .
- Latch 140 may be biased against the Y direction such that it sits lower than the height of the two sloped arms of holder 140 B. Accordingly, the interaction between latch 140 and holder 140 B holds optical connector 130 in a first position as holder 140 B prevents latch 140 from moving.
- Fastener opening 140 C may be a hole in first wall 111 that is positioned over latch 140 .
- a pin e.g., a safety pin, etc.
- Electronic device 1000 may have a number of holders 140 B and fastener openings 140 C at different locations along first wall 111 to interact with latch 140 and hold optical connector 130 at these different locations.
- a pin is described as the tool to disengage latch 140 from holder 140 B, other mechanical tools may also be used.
- fastener opening may be covered with a pushable button. When the button is pushed, an arm attached to the button that sits in the fastener opening may push latch 140 in the Y direction to disengage it from holder 140 B.
- FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate front views of the movement of optical connector 130 between a first position and a second position along first wall 111 .
- optical connector 130 is in a first position, indicated by dotted line 200 .
- electronic device 1000 may be a server that is used in a rack with a cable management system that has mating optical connectors near a second position, indicated by dotted line 300 . Accordingly, optical connector 130 may be moved to accommodate for this.
- Optical connector 130 is initially held in first position 200 by the interaction with latch 140 with holder 140 B at first position 200 .
- latch 140 is disengaged from holder 140 B by inserting a pin into fastener opening 140 C.
- Latch 140 is pushed against its bias such that it may slide out of the two sloped arms of holder 140 C.
- optical connector 130 may be moved in direction 205 A. Because optical connector 130 is secured to metal plate 151 , moving optical connector 130 in direction of 205 A also moves metal plate 151 in the direction of 205 A.
- metal plate 151 extends along the entire length of first wall 111 and extends for a majority of the length of second wall 112 .
- metal plate 151 moves in the same direction such that metal plate 151 extends for a shorter length along second wall 112 and extends for a longer length along third wall 113 as compared to the position shown in FIG. 3A .
- latch 140 may engage with holder 140 B located at second position 300 due to its bias. Accordingly, latch 140 may hold optical connector 130 at a second location 300 .
- the movability and adjustability of the optical connector 130 of electronic device 1000 makes electronic device 1000 adaptable to the specific environment in which it is used and makes electronic device 1000 versatile.
- Optical connector 130 may also be moved in direction 205 B to go back to first position 200 by disengaging latch 140 from holder 140 B located at second position 300 .
- FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate back views of the movement of optical connector 130 between a first position 200 and a second position 300 along first wall 111 .
- Fourth wall 114 is shown as being see through in FIGS. 4A and 4B for clarity of other features of electronic device 1000 .
- the use of “first position” in relation to a specific figure or set of related figures may or not may not correspond to the same physical position on the first wall in relation to another figure or set of related figures.
- first position 200 in FIGS. 3A and 3B may be different from first position 200 in FIGS. 4A and 4B .
- the use of “second position” in relation to a specific figure or set of related figures may or may not correspond to the same physical position on the first wall in relation to another figure or set of related figures.
- the second position is characterized as a “second” position to differentiate it from the “first” position.
- optical connector 130 of electronic device 1000 may be in a first position 200 . However, optical connector 130 may need to be moved so that it may interact with a mating optical connector that is located at second position 300 .
- electronic device 1000 may be a half-width server that is inserted into a rack system.
- the rack system may have cable management system that has mating optical connectors at position 300 . Accordingly, optical connector 130 of electronic device 1000 needs to be moved to be able to connect to the mating optical connector of the rack.
- Optical connector 130 is initially held in first position 200 by the interaction of latch 140 with holder 140 B at first position 200 .
- latch 140 is disengaged from holder 140 B by inserting a pin into fastener opening 140 C.
- Latch 140 is pushed against its bias such that it may slide out of the two sloped arms of holder 140 C.
- optical connector 130 may be moved in direction 205 A. Because optical connector 130 is secured to metal plate 151 , moving optical connector 130 in direction of 205 A also moves metal plate 151 in the direction of 205 A.
- metal plate 151 extends along the entire length of first wall 111 and extends for a portion of the length of second wall 112 .
- metal plate 151 moves in the same direction such that metal plate 151 extends for a shorter length along second wall 112 and extends for a longer length along third wall 113 as compared to the position shown in FIG. 4A .
- latch 140 may engage with holder 140 B located at second position 300 due to its bias. Accordingly, latch 140 may hold optical connector 130 at a second location 300 .
- Optical connector 130 may also be moved in direction 205 B to go back to first position 200 by disengaging latch 140 from holder 140 B located at second position 300 .
- electronic device 1000 may have a number of positions at which optical connector 130 may be moved to such that it is operable (i.e., in a position in which it is able to connect to a mating optical connector and held in the position). For example, there may be three positions, four positions, etc. along first wall 111 that optical connector 130 may be moved to and held in place.
- FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate partial front views of an electronic device 2000 with a moveable optical connector 2130 .
- Electronic device 2000 similar to electronic device 1000 , comprises a housing 2110 .
- Housing 2110 has a first wall 2111 , a second wall 2112 , a third wall 2113 , a fourth wall (not shown), a ceiling (not shown) and a floor 2116 .
- Electronic device 2000 has an optical fiber 2120 that is housed within housing 2110 .
- Electronic device 2000 also has an optical connector 2130 secured to optical fiber 2120 .
- Optical connector 2130 similar to optical connector 130 , has a number of operable positions along first wall 2111 .
- FIG. 5A illustrates optical connector 2130 at a first operable position.
- FIG. 5A illustrates optical connector 2130 at a first operable position.
- FIG. 5A illustrates optical connector 2130 at a first operable position.
- FIG. 5A illustrates optical connector 2130 at a first operable position.
- optical connector 2130 has been moved through movement 2205 to a second operable position.
- Housing 2110 and specifically, first wall 2111 , has a corresponding number of openings for optical connector 2130 that is equal to the number of operable positions. These openings allow optical connector 2130 to protrude from housing 2110 .
- covers 2700 A, 2700 B, 2700 C, and 2700 D may be used to close the openings.
- Housing 2110 may also have a corresponding number of holes 2117 A, 2117 B, 2117 C, 2117 D on floor 2116 of housing 2110 that may be used to hold optical connector 2130 in the operable positions, as will be described in more detail herein.
- FIG. 6 illustrates a partial back view of electronic device 2000 .
- electronic device 2000 comprises a retention track 2180 that extends along first wall 2111 .
- Optical connector 2130 may slide in retention track 2180 to move to the different operable positions. This movement is represented by arrow 2205 .
- Optical connector 2130 may also include a fastener 2140 to hold optical connector 2130 in the different operable positions.
- Fastener 2140 may be a pin, a spring plunger, etc. that is inserted into holes 2117 A- 2117 D to hold optical connector 2130 in the different operable positions.
- optical connector 2130 is spring loaded and thus retractable from the outside of housing 2110 .
- FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of area C of FIG. 6 .
- Optical connector 2130 may comprise a carrier 2131 , a base 2132 , arid a spring 2135 that is connected on one end to the base 2132 and on the other end to the carrier 2131 .
- the base 2132 is secured to retention track 2180 arid may be complementary in shape to retention track 2180 . This complementary shape allows optical connector 2130 to slide in retention track 2180 but unable to be removed from retention track 2180 .
- Carrier 2131 is secured to base 2132 such that carrier 2131 may move in relation to base 2132 but is otherwise unable to be removed from base 2132 .
- This movement is represented by arrow 400 in FIG. 6 and is due to the fact that carrier 2131 is spring loaded on base 2132 via spring 2135 .
- Carrier 2131 is biased on base 2132 such that optical connector 2130 protrudes outside housing 2110 .
- spring 2135 is in an unextended or rest position.
- optical connector 2130 is pulled in direction 400 A, as shown in FIG. 7 , optical connector 2130 no longer protrudes from the outside of housing 2110 and spring 2135 is extended, as will be shown in FIG. 8B .
- FIGS. 8A-8D illustrate the movement of optical connector 2130 from a first position to a second position along first wall 2111 .
- optical connector 2130 is in a first position.
- pin 2140 may be loosened so that it no longer interacts with hole 2117 A.
- Carrier 2131 may then be moved in direction 400 A in relation to base 2132 .
- This movement extends spring 2135 (not visible in FIGS. 8A-8D ) and retracts optical connector 2130 against its bias so that it no longer protrudes beyond housing 2110 .
- FIG. 8B Optical connector 2130 may be moved in direction 205 A to a second position. This is accomplished through base 2132 sliding in retention track 2180 , carrying optical connector 2130 along with it. Accordingly, optical connector 2130 is retracted inside housing 2110 during its movement from one operable position to another operable position.
- optical connector 2130 Once at a second position, the cover 2700 B dosing the opening in first wall 2111 may be removed.
- the force on optical connector 2130 may also be removed.
- spring 2135 moves from its extended position back to a rest position, thus biasing carrier 2131 in direction 400 B, as shown in FIG. 8C .
- optical connector 2130 once more protrudes into the outside environment of housing 2110 , as shown in FIG. 8D .
- Fastener 2140 may be tightened so that it interacts with hole 2117 B to hold optical connector 2130 at the second position.
- FIGS, 5 A, 5 B, 6 , 7 , and 8 A- 8 D show optical connector 2130 as having four operable positions
- electronic device 2000 is not limited to having the number of operable positions shown.
- optical connector 2130 may have two, three, five, six, etc., operable positions.
- optical connector 2130 of electronic device 2000 is manipulated from the inside of housing 2110 and not from the outside of housing 2110 .
- FIG. 9 illustrates a front, right view of an electronic device 3000 with a moveable optical connector 3130 .
- Electronic device 3000 similar to electronic device 1000 and 2000 , comprises a housing 3100 .
- Housing 3100 has a first wall 3111 , a second wall 3112 , a third wall 3113 , a fourth wall 3114 , a floor 3116 , and a ceiling 3118 .
- Ceiling 3118 is not shown in FIG. 9 .
- Electronic device 3000 has an optical fiber 3120 .
- a portion of optical fiber 3120 is housed within housing 3110 and a portion of optical fiber 3120 extends outside of housing 3110 .
- Housing 3110 may have an elongated slot 3115 through which optical fiber 3120 extends from the inside of the outside of housing 3110 .
- Electronic device 3000 has an optical connector 3130 that is located outside of housing 3110 . In some examples, and as shown in FIG. 9 , the entirety of optical connector 3130 is located outside of housing 3110 .
- Optical fiber 3120 is secured to optical connector 3130 . Accordingly, optical fiber 3120 extends from inside of housing 3110 , through slot 3115 , and to the outside of housing 3110 .
- Electronic device 3000 comprises a surface 3121 that protrudes from first wall 3111 . In some examples, the surface is perpendicular to first wall 3111 .
- Retention track 3180 extends along first wall 3111 on surface 3121 .
- Optical connector 3130 is moveable along retention track 3180 to a number of operable positions. This movement is represented by arrow 3205 .
- Elongated slot 3115 may be shaped and sized to allow optical fiber 3120 to move within slot 3115 to accommodate for the movement of optical connector 3130 .
- FIG. 10 illustrates a close up view of electronic device 3000 .
- Ceiling 3118 is shown in FIG. 10 . Accordingly, the portion of optical fiber 3120 that is located inside of housing 3110 is not visible.
- optical connector 3130 may comprise a base 3132 , a carrier 3131 , and a fastener 3140 .
- Base 3132 is secured to retention track 3180 similar to the manner in which base 2132 is secured to retention track 2180 as described in relation to FIGS. 5A-8D .
- Carrier 3131 is secured to base 3132 .
- carrier 3131 is not spring biased on base 3132 . Accordingly, carrier 3131 and similarly optical connector 3130 is not retractable in relation to base 3132 .
- Fastener 3140 may hold optical connector 3130 in the number of positions. As shown in FIG. 10 , surface 3121 of electronic device 3000 may have holes 3117 A and 3117 B. Fastener 3140 may be inserted into these holes to hold optical connector 3130 in the different positions. Some non-limiting examples of fastener 3140 may be a pin, a spring plunger, etc. Thus, optical connector 3130 may be moved from the position that corresponds to hole 3117 A (as shown in FIG. 10 ) to the position that corresponds to hole 3117 B by loosening fastener 3140 from hole 3117 A, and sliding optical connector 3130 in retention track 3180 to a position where fastener 3140 may be inserted into hole 3117 B. While FIG. 10 , FIG.
- optical connector 3130 as two operable positions (with two holes 3117 A and 3317 B)
- electronic device 3000 is not limited to having the number of operable positions shown.
- electronic device 3000 may have may have three, four, five, etc. operable positions that correspond to three, four, five, etc. holes in surface 3121 .
- electronic device 3000 may have a second track to interact with fastener 3140 .
- the second track may extend for the same length as retention track 3180 .
- Fastener 3140 may be tightened to engage with the second track to hold optical connector 3130 .
- optical connector 3130 may be positioned and operable anywhere along the retention track 3180 .
- FIG. 11 illustrates a front view of electronic device 4000 with a first optical connector 4130 and a second optical connector 4500 .
- movement of first optical connector 4130 and/or second optical connector 4500 into different operable positions may be automated with the insertion of electronic device 4000 into a rack system.
- electronic device 4000 may be a half-width server that is for insertion into an enclosure bay in a rack system. This is described, for example, in relation to FIGS. 14A-14C .
- the enclosure bay may interact with portions of the server to automatically move the optical connectors of the server into positions that are compatible with the mating connectors of the rack.
- Electronic device 4000 comprises housing 4110 .
- Housing 4110 has a first wall 4111 , a second wall 4112 , a third wall 4113 , a fourth wall 4114 , a floor 4116 , and a ceiling (not shown).
- electronic device 4000 may have a first connector 4130 and a second connector 4500 .
- First optical connector 4130 may located on first wall 4111 and secured to a first optical fiber 4120 .
- Second optical connector 4500 may be located on fourth wall 4114 and may be secured to a second optical fiber 4121 .
- first wall 4111 is a front faceplate of electronic device 4000 and fourth wall 4114 is a backplate of electronic device 4000 .
- electronic device 4000 may optically connect to two different systems.
- electronic device 4000 may connect to a system in the front via first optical connector 4130 and to the rack cable management system via second optical connector 4500 .
- First optical fiber 4120 and second optical fiber 4121 may or may not be optically connected to each other.
- electronic device 4000 comprises a first metal plate 4151 .
- First metal plate 4151 like metal plate 151 as described in relation to FIGS. 1A-4B , may extend along first wall 4111 , second wall 4112 , and third wall 4113 .
- First optical connector 4130 may be secured to first metal plate 4151 , similar to the interaction of optical connector 130 and metal plate 151 as described in relation to FIGS. 1A-4B .
- Electronic device 4000 also comprises a second metal plate 4152 .
- Second metal plate 4152 may extend along fourth wall 4114 , second wall 4112 , and third wall 4113 .
- second metal plate extends along the entire length of fourth wall 4114 , but extends for a portion (e.g., not the entirety) of the length of second wall 4112 and third wall 4113 .
- Electronic device 4000 comprises retention rack 4180 .
- retention rack 4180 extends along first wall 4111 , second wall 4112 , third wall 4113 , and fourth wall 4114 .
- Retention rack 4180 secures first metal plate 4151 and second metal plate 4152 to first wall 4111 , second wall 4112 , third wall 4113 , and fourth wall 4114 in a similar manner that retention rack 180 secures metal plate 151 to first wall 111 , second wall 112 , and third wall 113 .
- electronic device 4000 comprises a first belt track 4170 , a second belt track 4171 , a gear 4172 , a right tab 4160 R, and a left tab 4160 L (not visible in FIG. 11 ).
- First belt track 4170 is secured to first metal plate 4151 such that a movement of first metal plate 4151 also moves first belt track 4170 .
- Second belt track 4171 is secured to second metal plate 4152 such that a movement of second metal plate 4152 also moves second belt track 4171 .
- first belt track 4170 and second belt track 4171 both have teeth on a surface. These teeth interact with gear 4172 and connect first belt track 4170 to second belt track 4171 .
- first metal plate 4151 in a first direction causes first belt track 4170 to move in the same first direction. Due to the teeth on first belt track 4170 , the teeth on second belt track 4171 , and gear 4172 , movement of first belt track 4170 in the first direction causes second belt track 4171 to move in the opposite direction. Movement of second belt track 4171 in the opposite direction causes movement of second metal plate 4152 in the same opposite direction.
- Right tab 4160 R is a flange that protrudes from outside of housing 4110 .
- Right tab 4160 R slides in a slot in housing 4110 allowing for limited movement 900 of right tab 4160 R.
- Right tab 4160 R is secured to first metal plate 4151 such that movement of right tab 4160 R in one direction moves first metal plate 4151 in the same direction.
- Left tab 4160 L is a flange that protrudes from outside of housing 4110 . Similar to right tab 4160 R, left tab 4160 L slides in a slot in housing 4110 allowing for limited back and forth movement 900 of left tab 4160 L.
- Left tab 4160 L is also secured to first metal plate 4151 such that movement of left tab 4160 L in one direction moves first metal plate 4151 in the same direction.
- left tab 4160 L is secured to first metal plate 4151 at an opposite end of where right tab 4160 R is secured to first metal plate 4151 .
- right tab 4160 R is secured to the portion of first metal plate 4151 that extends on third wall 4113
- left tab 4160 L is secured to the portion of first metal plate 4151 that extends on second wall 4112 .
- FIGS. 12A-12C show the operation of electronic device 4000 with the movement of left tab in direction 900 A.
- FIG. 12A is a top view of electronic device 4000 .
- FIG. 12B is a left, front perspective view.
- FIG. 12C is a right, front perspective view.
- Direction 900 A may also be characterized as a counter-clockwise direction.
- first optical connector 4130 and second optical connector 4500 are initially on an operable position that is located on the left side of the front faceplate and the left side of the backplate.
- the initial orientations of the optical connectors may be incompatible with a rack in which the mating optical connectors for first optical connector and second optical connector are located on the right side of electronic device 4000 .
- movement of left tab 4160 L in direction 900 A may automatically move the first optical connector 4130 and the second optical connector 4500 to the right side of electronic device 4000 .
- Movement of left tab 4160 L in direction 900 A moves first metal plate 4151 in the same direction 900 A. Because first optical connector 4130 is secured to first metal plate 4151 , first optical connector 4130 moves in direction 900 A from a first operable position (located on the left side of electronic device 4000 ) to a second operable position that is located on the right side of electronic device 4000 .
- first metal plate 4151 is secured to first belt rack 4170 .
- movement of left tab 4160 L in direction 900 A also moves first belt rack 4170 in direction 900 A.
- movement of first belt rack 4170 in direction 900 A moves second belt rack 4171 in direction 900 B.
- Direction 900 B may also be characterized as a clockwise direction. Because second belt rack 4171 is secured to second metal plate 4152 , second metal plate 4152 also moves in direction 900 B.
- This movement causes second optical connector 4500 to move from a third operable position (located on the left side of electronic device 4000 ) to a fourth operable position (located on the right side of electronic device 4000 ) along fourth wall 4114 .
- the amount of movement 900 A of left tab 4160 L may be dependent on the length of the slot for left tab 4160 L in housing 4110 .
- the slot is long enough such that it allows sufficient movement of left tab 4160 L to cause first optical connector 4130 and second optical connector 4500 to move from a left side to a right side of electronic device 4000 .
- Housing 4110 is not shown in FIGS. 12B and 12C for clarity.
- FIGS. 13A-13C show the operation of electronic device 4000 with the movement of right tab in direction 900 B.
- FIG. 13A is a top view of electronic device 4000 .
- FIG. 13B is a left, front perspective view.
- FIG. 13C is a right, front perspective view.
- Direction 900 B may also be characterized as a clockwise direction.
- first optical connector 4130 and second optical connector 4500 are initially on an operable position that is located on the right side of the front faceplate and the right side of the backplate. In some examples, this orientation of the optical connectors may be incompatible with a rack in which the mating optical connectors for first optical connector and second optical connector are located on the left side of electronic device 4000 .
- movement of right tab 4160 R in direction 900 B may automatically move the first optical connector 4130 and the second optical connector 4500 to the left side of electronic device 4000 .
- Movement of right tab 4160 R in direction 900 B moves first metal plate 4151 in the same direction 900 B.
- first optical connector 4130 is secured to first metal plate 415 : 1
- first optical connector 4130 moves in direction 900 B from a first operable position (located on the right side of electronic device 4000 ) to a second operable position (located on the left side of electronic device 4000 ).
- first metal plate 4151 is secured to first belt rack 4170 .
- movement of right tab 4160 R in direction 900 B also moves first belt rack 4170 in direction 900 B.
- movement of first belt rack 4170 in direction 900 B moves second belt rack 4171 in direction 900 A.
- second metal plate 4152 also moves in direction 900 A. This movement causes second optical connector 4500 to move from a third operable position (located on the right side of electronic device 4000 ) to a fourth operable position (located on the right side of electronic device 4000 ) along fourth wall 4114 .
- the amount of movement 900 B of right tab 4160 R may be dependent on the length of the slot for right tab 4160 R in housing 4110 .
- the slot is long enough such that it allows sufficient movement of right tab 4160 R to cause first optical connector 4130 and second optical connector 4500 to move from a right side to a left side of electronic device 4000 .
- Housing 4110 is not shown in FIGS. 13B and 13C for clarity.
- FIGS. 14A-14C illustrate top views of electronic device 4000 interacting with an enclosure 5000 .
- enclosure 5000 is a rack shelf that is designed for half-width servers.
- Enclosure 5000 has a divider 5001 to divide rack shelf 5000 into two bays, 5000 A and 5000 B.
- Bay 5000 A has a mating optical connector 5500 A on the left side of enclosure 5000 .
- Bay 5000 B has a mating optical connector 5500 B on the right side.
- Enclosure 5000 also has an actuator 5002 that protrudes from divider 5001 into the inside space of bays 5000 A and 5000 B.
- actuator 5002 is secured to divider 5001 such that actuator 5002 does not move in relation to divider 5001 .
- actuator 5002 is shaped and sized to engage with right tabs 4160 R and left tabs 4160 L of electronic devices 4000 A and 4000 B inserted into bays 5000 A and 5000 B, respectively.
- FIG. 14A illustrates the insertion of electronic device 4000 A into bay 5000 A.
- Electronic device 4000 A has a first optical connector 4130 and a second optical connector 4500 that are initially positioned on the right side of electronic device 4000 A. This is incompatible with the location of mating optical connector 5500 A. However, due to right tab 4160 R and actuator 5002 , first optical connector 4130 and second optical connector 4500 may be automatically moved from the operable positions shown in FIG. 14A to the operable positions located on the left side of electronic device 4000 A.
- actuator 5002 engages with right tab 4160 R to move it in direction 900 B. Accordingly, right tab 4160 R is automatically moved upon insertion of electronic device 4000 A into bay 5000 A. This automatic movement of right tab 4160 R is opposed to a manual movement of right tab 4160 R that occurs when right tab 4160 R is directly moved by a user of electronic device 4000 A. Movement of right tab 4160 R automatically moves first optical connector 4130 from a first operable position to a second operable position. Movement of right tab 4160 R also automatically moves second optical connector 4500 from a third operable position to a fourth operable position. These new operable positions are shown in FIG. 14B in solid lines.
- first optical connector 4130 and second optical connector 4500 are shown in dotted lines in FIG. 14B .
- the movement is shown by the dotted arrows.
- second optical connector 4500 may now be connected to mating optical connector 5500 A.
- FIG. 14B also illustrates the insertion of electronic device 4000 E into bay 5000 B.
- Electronic device 4000 E has a first optical connector 4130 and a second optical connector 4500 that are initially positioned on the left of electronic device 4000 B. This is incompatible with the location of mating optical connector 5500 B.
- first optical connector 4130 and second optical connector 4500 may be moved from the operable positions shown in FIG. 148 to operable positions located on the left side of electronic device 4000 B.
- actuator 5002 engages with left tab 4160 L to move it in direction 900 A. Accordingly, left tab 4160 L is automatically moved upon insertion of electronic device 4000 B into bay 5000 B.
- FIG. 14C moves first optical connector 4130 from a first operable position to a second operable position. Movement of left tab 4160 L also automatically moves second optical connector 4500 from a third operable position to a fourth operable position.
- These new operable positions are shown in FIG. 14C in solid lines.
- the previous operable positions of first optical connector 4130 and second optical connector 4500 are shown in dotted lines in FIG. 14C . The movement is shown by the dotted arrows.
- second optical connector 4500 of electronic device 4000 B may now be connected to mating optical connector 5500 B.
- enclosure 5000 is described as a rack shelf in relation to FIGS. 14A-14C , enclosure 5000 may be a casing used for any system, such as casing for a storage module, a processing unit, etc.
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Abstract
Description
- Data centers may include enclosures to hold multiple servers in a vertical space. These enclosures may be referred to as rack systems. In some examples, one rack may include multiple shelves stacked upon each other and one shelf may hold multiple servers in a horizontal orientation. A rack may have also have a cable management system that allows the connection of individual servers to systems and networks outside of the rack. The cable management system may include connectors such as optical connectors.
- The following detailed description references the drawings, wherein:
-
FIG. 1A illustrates a front, left perspective view of an electronic device with an optical connector, according to some examples. -
FIG. 1B illustrates a back, right perspective view of the electronic device ofFIG. 1A , according to some examples. -
FIG. 2A illustrates a close up view of area A inFIG. 1A , according to some examples. -
FIG. 2B illustrates a close up view of area B inFIG. 1B , according to some examples. -
FIG. 3A illustrates the movement of the optical connector shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B , as seen from the front, according to some examples. -
FIG. 3B illustrates the movement of the optical connector shown inFIGS. 1A and 18 , as seen from the front, according to some examples. -
FIG. 4A illustrates the movement of the optical connector shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B , as seen from the back, according to some examples. -
FIG. 4B illustrates the movement of the optical connector shown inFIGS. 1A and 18 , as seen from the back, according to some examples. -
FIG. 5A illustrates a front, left perspective view of an electronic device, according to some examples. -
FIG. 5B illustrates the electronic device ofFIG. 5A , with the optical connector in a different position, according to some examples, -
FIG. 6 illustrates the interior of the electronic device ofFIG. 5A , according to some examples. -
FIG. 7 illustrates a dose up view of area C inFIG. 6 , according to some examples. -
FIG. 8A illustrates the movement of the optical connector in the electronic device ofFIG. 5A , according to some examples. -
FIG. 8B illustrates the movement of the optical connector in the electronic device ofFIG. 5A , according to some examples. -
FIG. 8C illustrates the movement of the optical connector in the electronic device ofFIG. 5A , according to some examples. -
FIG. 8D illustrates the movement of the optical connector in the electronic device ofFIG. 5A , according to some examples, -
FIG. 9 illustrates a front, right perspective view of an electronic device, according to some examples. -
FIG. 10 illustrates a close up view of the front of the electronic device ofFIG. 9 , according to some examples. -
FIG. 11 illustrates a front, right perspective view of an electronic device, according to some examples, -
FIG. 12A illustrates the movement of the optical connector of the electronic device ofFIG. 11 , according to some examples. -
FIG. 12B illustrates the movement of the optical connector of the electronic device ofFIG. 11 , according to some examples, -
FIG. 12C illustrates the movement of the optical connector of the electronic device ofFIG. 11 , according to some examples. -
FIG. 13A illustrates the movement of the optical connector of the electronic device ofFIG. 11 , according to some examples. -
FIG. 13B illustrates the movement of the optical connector of the electronic device ofFIG. 11 , according to some examples. -
FIG. 13C illustrates the movement of the optical connector of the electronic device ofFIG. 11 , according to some examples. -
FIG. 14A illustrates the movement of the optical connector of the electronic device ofFIG. 11 , according to some examples. -
FIG. 14B illustrates the movement of the optical connector of the electronic device ofFIG. 11 , according to some examples. -
FIG. 14C illustrates the movement of the optical connector of the electronic device ofFIG. 11 , according to some examples. - The connectors of a cable management structure of an enclosure (e.g., rack, etc.) allow the electronic device (e.g., server, etc.) housed inside the enclosure to communicate with other devices used in the data center. Thus, for an electronic device that is housed in the enclosure to be operable inside the enclosure, the connectors of the electronic device should align with the connectors of the cable management structure.
- However, in some examples, cable management structures in an enclosure have specific orientations. For example, a rack may have a backplane with certain connectors located on a specific side of the rack. These specific orientations may not be compatible with a type of electronic device. For example, a cable management structure may have optical connectors on the left side of the rack while an electronic device may have optical connectors on the right side. Accordingly, electronic devices with static optical connectors are not flexible and not adaptable to multiple cable management structures.
- Examples described herein address these technical challenges by providing a way for the connectors (e.g., optical connector) on an electronic device to be repositioned based on the cable management system of the enclosure in which it is inserted. An electronic device may have an optical connector that is moveable between a number of operable positions on a wall of the electronic device. In some examples, the optical connector may be repositioned without accessing the interior of the electronic device. Additionally, in some examples, the optical connector may be automatically repositioned to the compatible position upon insertion of the electronic device into the enclosure. Accordingly, examples disclosed herein provide a way for an electronic device to automatically and dynamically be repositioned, making the electronic device adaptable to multiple enclosure environments. Additionally, this may allow for one SKU to be used for multiple configurations.
- Referring now to the figures,
FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an electronic device with a moveable optical connector.FIG. 1A illustrates a front, left perspective view of anelectronic device 1000.FIG. 1B illustrates a back, right perspective view ofelectronic device 1000. Electronic device, as used herein, may include any device with an electrical component. Non-limiting examples of an electronic device include a server, a networking device (e.g., switch, patch panel, etc.), workstation, a storage device, a memory device, a media converter (e.g., optical transceiver, etc.) or any other device with an electrical component. In some examples,electronic device 1000 may be a server that is installed in a rack and connects to a rack-level cable management system such as a backplane. -
Electronic device 1000 comprises ahousing 110, anoptical fiber 120, and anoptical connector 130.Housing 110 may enclose the electrical components of electronic device 1000 (not shown) and may include afirst wall 111, asecond wall 112, athird wall 113, afourth wall 114, afloor 116, and a ceiling. The ceiling may form an enclosure with first wall, second wall, third wall, fourth wall, and floor to house the electrical components ofelectronic device 1000. The ceiling is not shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B . In examples whereelectronic device 1000 is a server,first wall 111 may make up the server faceplate.Optical fiber 120 may be located insidehousing 110. In some examples, and as shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B ,optical fiber 120 is contained withinhousing 110 and does not extend outside ofhousing 110.Optical fiber 120 may also be secured tooptical connector 130. As used herein, secured is a direct connection between two parts such that the direct connection does not easily give way or become loose and the two parts that are secured together do not easily come apart without physical manipulation of the direct connection. Thus,optical connector 130 may be used to connect to a mating optical connector of an enclosure thatelectronic device 1000 is housed within. Accordingly, the signal fromoptical fiber 120 is transmitted to the mating optical connector viaoptical connector 130.Optical connector 130 is moveable between a first position and a second position alongfirst wall 111. This movement is represented byarrow 205. - In some examples, and as shown in
FIGS. 1A and 1B ,optical connector 130 protrudes throughfirst wall 111 ofhousing 110 such that one end of optical connector 130 (i.e. the end that connects to mating optical connector) extends beyondhousing 110 to the outside ofhousing 110 and one end of optical connector 130 (i.e. the end that is secured to optical fiber 120) extends insidehousing 110. In some examples,electronic device 1000 comprises ametal plate 151.Metal plate 151 may extend alongfirst wall 111,second wall 112, andthird wall 113. In some examples,metal plate 151 extends along the entire length offirst wall 111 but does not extend along the entire lengths ofsecond wall 112 and/orthird wall 113. This, as will be described herein, allows movement ofmetal plate 151 along thefirst wall 111, thesecond wall 112, and thethird wall 113. -
Electronic device 1000 may also comprise aretention track 180.Retention track 180, likemetal plate 151, may extend alongfirst wall 111,second wall 112, andthird wall 113. In some examples,retention track 180 may be secured tofirst wall 111,second wall 112, andthird wall 113.Retention track 180 may include two rails which protrude into the interior ofhousing 110. The distance between the two rails may be equal to the width ofmetal plate 151. Accordingly, the rails ofretention track 180 may retainmetal plate 151 such thatmetal plate 151 is in dose proximity tofirst wall 111,second wall 112, andthird wall 113 but at the same time allowmetal plate 151 to slide alongfirst wall 111,second wall 112, andthird wall 113. In some examples, and as shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B ,retention track 180 may extend along the entire lengths offirst wall 111,second wall 112, andthird wall 113, allowing for a longer track along whichmetal plate 151 may slide. In other examples,retention track 180 extends along the entire length offirst wall 111 and a portion ofsecond wall 112 and a portion ofthird wall 113. Alonger retention track 180 along length ofsecond wall 112 andthird wall 113 may allow for a greater range of movement formetal plate 151. -
Metal plate 151 may be comprised of electrically conductive, flexible material. A non-limiting material is stainless steel. The metal material may serve as a shield of electromagnetic interference (EMI) forelectronic device 1000. The flexibility ofmetal plate 151 allows it to straighten while onfirst wall 111 and to bend while transitioning fromfirst wall 111 tosecond wall 112 or fromfirst wall 111 tothird wall 113. In some examples, and as shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B ,metal plate 151 may have perforations allowing for air flow throughmetal plate 151 to provide a pathway for heat to escape outside ofhousing 110 or a pathway for cool air to be pulled intohousing 110. These perforations may help to regulate the heat created byelectronic device 1000. Accordingly,first wall 111 may have a window that extends along its length, exposingmetal plate 151 to the outside environment and allowing for air to flow through the perforations. -
Optical connector 130 may be secured tometal plate 151. For example,metal plate 151 may have an opening that allows for the insertion ofoptical connector 130 throughmetal plate 151. Accordingly,movement 205 ofoptical connector 130 alongfirst wall 111 in one direction also movesmetal plate 151 in the same direction. Movement ofmetal plate 151 allowsoptical connector 130 ofelectronic device 1000 to be moved to a different position from the outside ofhousing 110. For example,electronic device 1000 may be a closed environment in which the electrical components ofelectronic device 1000 are not accessible without removing one of the walls, the floor, or the ceiling.Metal plate 151 and its securement tooptical connector 130 allowsoptical connector 130 to be moved to a different position from the outside ofelectronic device 1000 without accessing the interior ofhousing 110. Additionally,optical connector 130 protrudes fromhousing 110 during its movement from one position to another position. -
FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate exploded views of the interaction of theoptical connector 130 with thefirst wall 111.FIG. 2A shows an exploded view of area A inFIG. 1A .FIG. 2B shows an exploded view of area B inFIG. 1B . InFIG. 2A ,first wall 111 is shown as see-through for clarity. In some examples,electronic device 1000 may include afastener 140.Fastener 140 may holdoptical connector 130 in place when theoptical connector 130 is in a first position. In some examples,fastener 140 may take the form of a latch.Latch 140 is secured tooptical connector 130 and is moveable in the Y direction.Electronic device 1000 may include aholder 140B and afastener opening 140C. In some examples, and as shown inFIG. 2B ,holder 140B has two sloped arms, allowing for a space between the two sloped arms. The space between the two sloped arms is wide enough to holdlatch 140.Latch 140 may be biased against the Y direction such that it sits lower than the height of the two sloped arms ofholder 140B. Accordingly, the interaction betweenlatch 140 andholder 140B holdsoptical connector 130 in a first position asholder 140B preventslatch 140 from moving.Fastener opening 140C may be a hole infirst wall 111 that is positioned overlatch 140. To moveoptical connector 130, a pin (e.g., a safety pin, etc.) may be placed within the hole to engage thelatch 140, pushinglatch 140B against its bias and in the Y direction. The push of thelatch 140 in the Y direction allowslatch 140 to disengage fromholder 140B andoptical connector 130 may then be moved from the first position.Electronic device 1000 may have a number ofholders 140B andfastener openings 140C at different locations alongfirst wall 111 to interact withlatch 140 and holdoptical connector 130 at these different locations. While a pin is described as the tool to disengagelatch 140 fromholder 140B, other mechanical tools may also be used. For example, fastener opening may be covered with a pushable button. When the button is pushed, an arm attached to the button that sits in the fastener opening may pushlatch 140 in the Y direction to disengage it fromholder 140B. -
FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate front views of the movement ofoptical connector 130 between a first position and a second position alongfirst wall 111. InFIG. 3A ,optical connector 130 is in a first position, indicated bydotted line 200. In some examples,electronic device 1000 may be a server that is used in a rack with a cable management system that has mating optical connectors near a second position, indicated bydotted line 300. Accordingly,optical connector 130 may be moved to accommodate for this. -
Optical connector 130 is initially held infirst position 200 by the interaction withlatch 140 withholder 140B atfirst position 200. To moveoptical connector 130 fromfirst position 200,latch 140 is disengaged fromholder 140B by inserting a pin intofastener opening 140C.Latch 140 is pushed against its bias such that it may slide out of the two sloped arms ofholder 140C. Afterlatch 140 disengages fromholder 140B,optical connector 130 may be moved indirection 205A. Becauseoptical connector 130 is secured tometal plate 151, movingoptical connector 130 in direction of 205A also movesmetal plate 151 in the direction of 205A. Whenoptical connector 130 is inposition 200 shown inFIG. 3A ,metal plate 151 extends along the entire length offirst wall 111 and extends for a majority of the length ofsecond wall 112. Whenoptical connector 130 is moved in the direction of 205A,metal plate 151 moves in the same direction such thatmetal plate 151 extends for a shorter length alongsecond wall 112 and extends for a longer length alongthird wall 113 as compared to the position shown inFIG. 3A . Upon arriving atposition 300,latch 140 may engage withholder 140B located atsecond position 300 due to its bias. Accordingly, latch 140 may holdoptical connector 130 at asecond location 300. Thus, the movability and adjustability of theoptical connector 130 ofelectronic device 1000 makeselectronic device 1000 adaptable to the specific environment in which it is used and makeselectronic device 1000 versatile.Optical connector 130 may also be moved indirection 205B to go back tofirst position 200 by disengaginglatch 140 fromholder 140B located atsecond position 300. -
FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate back views of the movement ofoptical connector 130 between afirst position 200 and asecond position 300 alongfirst wall 111.Fourth wall 114 is shown as being see through inFIGS. 4A and 4B for clarity of other features ofelectronic device 1000. The use of “first position” in relation to a specific figure or set of related figures may or not may not correspond to the same physical position on the first wall in relation to another figure or set of related figures. For example,first position 200 inFIGS. 3A and 3B may be different fromfirst position 200 inFIGS. 4A and 4B . Similarly, the use of “second position” in relation to a specific figure or set of related figures may or may not correspond to the same physical position on the first wall in relation to another figure or set of related figures. However, in relation to each figure or set of related figures, the second position is characterized as a “second” position to differentiate it from the “first” position. - In
FIGS. 4A and 4B ,optical connector 130 ofelectronic device 1000 may be in afirst position 200. However,optical connector 130 may need to be moved so that it may interact with a mating optical connector that is located atsecond position 300. For example,electronic device 1000 may be a half-width server that is inserted into a rack system. The rack system may have cable management system that has mating optical connectors atposition 300. Accordingly,optical connector 130 ofelectronic device 1000 needs to be moved to be able to connect to the mating optical connector of the rack. -
Optical connector 130 is initially held infirst position 200 by the interaction oflatch 140 withholder 140B atfirst position 200. To moveoptical connector 130 fromfirst position 200 tosecond position 300,latch 140 is disengaged fromholder 140B by inserting a pin intofastener opening 140C.Latch 140 is pushed against its bias such that it may slide out of the two sloped arms ofholder 140C. Afterlatch 140 disengages fromholder 140B,optical connector 130 may be moved indirection 205A. Becauseoptical connector 130 is secured tometal plate 151, movingoptical connector 130 in direction of 205A also movesmetal plate 151 in the direction of 205A. Whenoptical connector 130 is inposition 200 shown inFIG. 4A ,metal plate 151 extends along the entire length offirst wall 111 and extends for a portion of the length ofsecond wall 112. Whenoptical connector 130 is moved in the direction of 205A,metal plate 151 moves in the same direction such thatmetal plate 151 extends for a shorter length alongsecond wall 112 and extends for a longer length alongthird wall 113 as compared to the position shown inFIG. 4A . Upon arriving atposition 300,latch 140 may engage withholder 140B located atsecond position 300 due to its bias. Accordingly, latch 140 may holdoptical connector 130 at asecond location 300.Optical connector 130 may also be moved indirection 205B to go back tofirst position 200 by disengaginglatch 140 fromholder 140B located atsecond position 300. - While a first position and a second position have been described in relation to
FIGS. 1A -FIG. 4B ,electronic device 1000 may have a number of positions at whichoptical connector 130 may be moved to such that it is operable (i.e., in a position in which it is able to connect to a mating optical connector and held in the position). For example, there may be three positions, four positions, etc. alongfirst wall 111 thatoptical connector 130 may be moved to and held in place. -
FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate partial front views of anelectronic device 2000 with a moveableoptical connector 2130.Electronic device 2000, similar toelectronic device 1000, comprises ahousing 2110.Housing 2110 has afirst wall 2111, asecond wall 2112, athird wall 2113, a fourth wall (not shown), a ceiling (not shown) and afloor 2116.Electronic device 2000 has anoptical fiber 2120 that is housed withinhousing 2110.Electronic device 2000 also has anoptical connector 2130 secured tooptical fiber 2120.Optical connector 2130, similar tooptical connector 130, has a number of operable positions alongfirst wall 2111. For example,FIG. 5A illustratesoptical connector 2130 at a first operable position. InFIG. 5B ,optical connector 2130 has been moved throughmovement 2205 to a second operable position.Housing 2110, and specifically,first wall 2111, has a corresponding number of openings foroptical connector 2130 that is equal to the number of operable positions. These openings allowoptical connector 2130 to protrude fromhousing 2110. When an opening corresponding to a certain position is not being used (i.e., theoptical connector 2130 is a different operable position), covers 2700A, 2700B, 2700C, and 2700D may be used to close the openings.Housing 2110 may also have a corresponding number ofholes floor 2116 ofhousing 2110 that may be used to holdoptical connector 2130 in the operable positions, as will be described in more detail herein. -
FIG. 6 illustrates a partial back view ofelectronic device 2000. As shown inFIG. 6 ,electronic device 2000 comprises aretention track 2180 that extends alongfirst wall 2111.Optical connector 2130 may slide inretention track 2180 to move to the different operable positions. This movement is represented byarrow 2205.Optical connector 2130 may also include afastener 2140 to holdoptical connector 2130 in the different operable positions.Fastener 2140 may be a pin, a spring plunger, etc. that is inserted intoholes 2117A-2117D to holdoptical connector 2130 in the different operable positions. - In some examples,
optical connector 2130 is spring loaded and thus retractable from the outside ofhousing 2110.FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of area C ofFIG. 6 .Optical connector 2130 may comprise acarrier 2131, abase 2132, arid aspring 2135 that is connected on one end to thebase 2132 and on the other end to thecarrier 2131. Thebase 2132 is secured toretention track 2180 arid may be complementary in shape toretention track 2180. This complementary shape allowsoptical connector 2130 to slide inretention track 2180 but unable to be removed fromretention track 2180. -
Carrier 2131 is secured to base 2132 such thatcarrier 2131 may move in relation to base 2132 but is otherwise unable to be removed frombase 2132. This movement is represented byarrow 400 inFIG. 6 and is due to the fact thatcarrier 2131 is spring loaded onbase 2132 viaspring 2135.Carrier 2131 is biased onbase 2132 such thatoptical connector 2130 protrudes outsidehousing 2110. In other words, whenoptical connector 2130 protrudes outside ofhousing 2110,spring 2135 is in an unextended or rest position. Whenoptical connector 2130 is pulled indirection 400A, as shown inFIG. 7 ,optical connector 2130 no longer protrudes from the outside ofhousing 2110 andspring 2135 is extended, as will be shown inFIG. 8B . When force fromoptical connector 2130 is released, thespring 2135 moves back to its unextended position, biasingcarrier 2131 back into a position whereoptical connector 2130 protrudes outside ofhousing 2110.Carrier 2131 is stationary secured to the remainder ofoptical connector 2130 such that a movement ofcarrier 2131 results in the equal movement of the remainder ofoptical connector 2130. -
FIGS. 8A-8D illustrate the movement ofoptical connector 2130 from a first position to a second position alongfirst wall 2111. InFIG. 8A ,optical connector 2130 is in a first position. To moveoptical connector 2130 to a second position,pin 2140 may be loosened so that it no longer interacts withhole 2117A.Carrier 2131 may then be moved indirection 400A in relation tobase 2132. This movement extends spring 2135 (not visible inFIGS. 8A-8D ) and retractsoptical connector 2130 against its bias so that it no longer protrudes beyondhousing 2110. This is shown inFIG. 8B .Optical connector 2130 may be moved indirection 205A to a second position. This is accomplished throughbase 2132 sliding inretention track 2180, carryingoptical connector 2130 along with it. Accordingly,optical connector 2130 is retracted insidehousing 2110 during its movement from one operable position to another operable position. - Once at a second position, the
cover 2700B dosing the opening infirst wall 2111 may be removed. The force onoptical connector 2130 may also be removed. At the removal of the force,spring 2135 moves from its extended position back to a rest position, thus biasingcarrier 2131 indirection 400B, as shown inFIG. 8C . Accordingly,optical connector 2130 once more protrudes into the outside environment ofhousing 2110, as shown inFIG. 8D .Fastener 2140 may be tightened so that it interacts withhole 2117B to holdoptical connector 2130 at the second position. While FIGS, 5A, 5B, 6, 7, and 8A-8D showoptical connector 2130 as having four operable positions,electronic device 2000 is not limited to having the number of operable positions shown. For example,optical connector 2130 may have two, three, five, six, etc., operable positions. As compared toelectronic device 1000,optical connector 2130 ofelectronic device 2000 is manipulated from the inside ofhousing 2110 and not from the outside ofhousing 2110. -
FIG. 9 illustrates a front, right view of anelectronic device 3000 with a moveableoptical connector 3130.Electronic device 3000, similar toelectronic device first wall 3111, asecond wall 3112, athird wall 3113, afourth wall 3114, afloor 3116, and aceiling 3118.Ceiling 3118 is not shown inFIG. 9 .Electronic device 3000 has anoptical fiber 3120. In some examples, a portion ofoptical fiber 3120 is housed withinhousing 3110 and a portion ofoptical fiber 3120 extends outside ofhousing 3110.Housing 3110 may have an elongatedslot 3115 through whichoptical fiber 3120 extends from the inside of the outside ofhousing 3110.Electronic device 3000 has anoptical connector 3130 that is located outside ofhousing 3110. In some examples, and as shown inFIG. 9 , the entirety ofoptical connector 3130 is located outside ofhousing 3110.Optical fiber 3120 is secured tooptical connector 3130. Accordingly,optical fiber 3120 extends from inside ofhousing 3110, throughslot 3115, and to the outside ofhousing 3110.Electronic device 3000 comprises asurface 3121 that protrudes fromfirst wall 3111. In some examples, the surface is perpendicular tofirst wall 3111.Retention track 3180 extends alongfirst wall 3111 onsurface 3121.Optical connector 3130 is moveable alongretention track 3180 to a number of operable positions. This movement is represented byarrow 3205.Elongated slot 3115 may be shaped and sized to allowoptical fiber 3120 to move withinslot 3115 to accommodate for the movement ofoptical connector 3130. -
FIG. 10 illustrates a close up view ofelectronic device 3000.Ceiling 3118 is shown inFIG. 10 . Accordingly, the portion ofoptical fiber 3120 that is located inside ofhousing 3110 is not visible. As shown inFIG. 10 ,optical connector 3130 may comprise abase 3132, acarrier 3131, and afastener 3140.Base 3132 is secured toretention track 3180 similar to the manner in which base 2132 is secured toretention track 2180 as described in relation toFIGS. 5A-8D .Carrier 3131 is secured tobase 3132. As compared tocarrier 2131 ofelectronic device 2000,carrier 3131 is not spring biased onbase 3132. Accordingly,carrier 3131 and similarlyoptical connector 3130 is not retractable in relation tobase 3132. -
Fastener 3140 may holdoptical connector 3130 in the number of positions. As shown inFIG. 10 ,surface 3121 ofelectronic device 3000 may haveholes Fastener 3140 may be inserted into these holes to holdoptical connector 3130 in the different positions. Some non-limiting examples offastener 3140 may be a pin, a spring plunger, etc. Thus,optical connector 3130 may be moved from the position that corresponds to hole 3117A (as shown inFIG. 10 ) to the position that corresponds to hole 3117B by looseningfastener 3140 fromhole 3117A, and slidingoptical connector 3130 inretention track 3180 to a position wherefastener 3140 may be inserted intohole 3117B. WhileFIG. 10 showsoptical connector 3130 as two operable positions (with twoholes 3117A and 3317B),electronic device 3000 is not limited to having the number of operable positions shown. For example,electronic device 3000 may have may have three, four, five, etc. operable positions that correspond to three, four, five, etc. holes insurface 3121. In other examples, instead ofholes surface 3121,electronic device 3000 may have a second track to interact withfastener 3140. The second track may extend for the same length asretention track 3180.Fastener 3140 may be tightened to engage with the second track to holdoptical connector 3130. In examples with the second track,optical connector 3130 may be positioned and operable anywhere along theretention track 3180. -
FIG. 11 illustrates a front view ofelectronic device 4000 with a firstoptical connector 4130 and a secondoptical connector 4500. As will be described below, movement of firstoptical connector 4130 and/or secondoptical connector 4500 into different operable positions may be automated with the insertion ofelectronic device 4000 into a rack system. For example, in some situations,electronic device 4000 may be a half-width server that is for insertion into an enclosure bay in a rack system. This is described, for example, in relation toFIGS. 14A-14C . Upon insertion of the server, the enclosure bay may interact with portions of the server to automatically move the optical connectors of the server into positions that are compatible with the mating connectors of the rack. -
Electronic device 4000 compriseshousing 4110.Housing 4110 has afirst wall 4111, asecond wall 4112, athird wall 4113, afourth wall 4114, afloor 4116, and a ceiling (not shown). As discussed above,electronic device 4000 may have afirst connector 4130 and asecond connector 4500. Firstoptical connector 4130 may located onfirst wall 4111 and secured to a firstoptical fiber 4120. Secondoptical connector 4500 may be located onfourth wall 4114 and may be secured to a secondoptical fiber 4121. In some examples,first wall 4111 is a front faceplate ofelectronic device 4000 andfourth wall 4114 is a backplate ofelectronic device 4000. Thus,electronic device 4000 may optically connect to two different systems. For example,electronic device 4000 may connect to a system in the front via firstoptical connector 4130 and to the rack cable management system via secondoptical connector 4500. Firstoptical fiber 4120 and secondoptical fiber 4121 may or may not be optically connected to each other. - In some examples,
electronic device 4000 comprises afirst metal plate 4151.First metal plate 4151, likemetal plate 151 as described in relation toFIGS. 1A-4B , may extend alongfirst wall 4111,second wall 4112, andthird wall 4113. Firstoptical connector 4130 may be secured tofirst metal plate 4151, similar to the interaction ofoptical connector 130 andmetal plate 151 as described in relation toFIGS. 1A-4B .Electronic device 4000 also comprises asecond metal plate 4152.Second metal plate 4152 may extend alongfourth wall 4114,second wall 4112, andthird wall 4113. In some examples, second metal plate extends along the entire length offourth wall 4114, but extends for a portion (e.g., not the entirety) of the length ofsecond wall 4112 andthird wall 4113.Electronic device 4000 comprisesretention rack 4180. Unlikeretention rack 180,retention rack 4180 extends alongfirst wall 4111,second wall 4112,third wall 4113, andfourth wall 4114.Retention rack 4180 securesfirst metal plate 4151 andsecond metal plate 4152 tofirst wall 4111,second wall 4112,third wall 4113, andfourth wall 4114 in a similar manner thatretention rack 180 securesmetal plate 151 tofirst wall 111,second wall 112, andthird wall 113. - In some examples,
electronic device 4000 comprises afirst belt track 4170, asecond belt track 4171, agear 4172, aright tab 4160R, and aleft tab 4160L (not visible inFIG. 11 ).First belt track 4170 is secured tofirst metal plate 4151 such that a movement offirst metal plate 4151 also movesfirst belt track 4170.Second belt track 4171 is secured tosecond metal plate 4152 such that a movement ofsecond metal plate 4152 also movessecond belt track 4171. In some examples, and as shown inFIG. 11 ,first belt track 4170 andsecond belt track 4171 both have teeth on a surface. These teeth interact withgear 4172 and connectfirst belt track 4170 tosecond belt track 4171. Accordingly, movement offirst metal plate 4151 in a first direction causesfirst belt track 4170 to move in the same first direction. Due to the teeth onfirst belt track 4170, the teeth onsecond belt track 4171, andgear 4172, movement offirst belt track 4170 in the first direction causessecond belt track 4171 to move in the opposite direction. Movement ofsecond belt track 4171 in the opposite direction causes movement ofsecond metal plate 4152 in the same opposite direction. -
Right tab 4160R is a flange that protrudes from outside ofhousing 4110.Right tab 4160R slides in a slot inhousing 4110 allowing forlimited movement 900 ofright tab 4160R.Right tab 4160R is secured tofirst metal plate 4151 such that movement ofright tab 4160R in one direction movesfirst metal plate 4151 in the same direction.Left tab 4160L is a flange that protrudes from outside ofhousing 4110. Similar toright tab 4160R, lefttab 4160L slides in a slot inhousing 4110 allowing for limited back and forthmovement 900 ofleft tab 4160L.Left tab 4160L is also secured tofirst metal plate 4151 such that movement ofleft tab 4160L in one direction movesfirst metal plate 4151 in the same direction. In some examples, lefttab 4160L is secured tofirst metal plate 4151 at an opposite end of whereright tab 4160R is secured tofirst metal plate 4151. For example, ifright tab 4160R is secured to the portion offirst metal plate 4151 that extends onthird wall 4113 then lefttab 4160L is secured to the portion offirst metal plate 4151 that extends onsecond wall 4112. -
FIGS. 12A-12C show the operation ofelectronic device 4000 with the movement of left tab indirection 900A.FIG. 12A is a top view ofelectronic device 4000.FIG. 12B is a left, front perspective view.FIG. 12C is a right, front perspective view.Direction 900A may also be characterized as a counter-clockwise direction. InFIG. 12A , firstoptical connector 4130 and secondoptical connector 4500 are initially on an operable position that is located on the left side of the front faceplate and the left side of the backplate. In some examples, the initial orientations of the optical connectors may be incompatible with a rack in which the mating optical connectors for first optical connector and second optical connector are located on the right side ofelectronic device 4000. - However, movement of
left tab 4160L indirection 900A may automatically move the firstoptical connector 4130 and the secondoptical connector 4500 to the right side ofelectronic device 4000. This is shown inFIGS. 12B and 12C . Movement ofleft tab 4160L indirection 900A movesfirst metal plate 4151 in thesame direction 900A. Because firstoptical connector 4130 is secured tofirst metal plate 4151, firstoptical connector 4130 moves indirection 900A from a first operable position (located on the left side of electronic device 4000) to a second operable position that is located on the right side ofelectronic device 4000. - As described above,
first metal plate 4151 is secured tofirst belt rack 4170. Thus, movement ofleft tab 4160L indirection 900A also movesfirst belt rack 4170 indirection 900A. Due to the interaction of teeth onfirst belt rack 4170 withgear 4172 and the interaction withgear 4172 with teeth onsecond belt track 4171, movement offirst belt rack 4170 indirection 900A movessecond belt rack 4171 indirection 900B.Direction 900B may also be characterized as a clockwise direction. Becausesecond belt rack 4171 is secured tosecond metal plate 4152,second metal plate 4152 also moves indirection 900B. This movement causes secondoptical connector 4500 to move from a third operable position (located on the left side of electronic device 4000) to a fourth operable position (located on the right side of electronic device 4000) alongfourth wall 4114. As discussed above, the amount ofmovement 900A ofleft tab 4160L may be dependent on the length of the slot forleft tab 4160L inhousing 4110. In some examples, the slot is long enough such that it allows sufficient movement ofleft tab 4160L to cause firstoptical connector 4130 and secondoptical connector 4500 to move from a left side to a right side ofelectronic device 4000.Housing 4110 is not shown inFIGS. 12B and 12C for clarity. -
FIGS. 13A-13C show the operation ofelectronic device 4000 with the movement of right tab indirection 900B.FIG. 13A is a top view ofelectronic device 4000.FIG. 13B is a left, front perspective view.FIG. 13C is a right, front perspective view.Direction 900B may also be characterized as a clockwise direction. InFIG. 13A , firstoptical connector 4130 and secondoptical connector 4500 are initially on an operable position that is located on the right side of the front faceplate and the right side of the backplate. In some examples, this orientation of the optical connectors may be incompatible with a rack in which the mating optical connectors for first optical connector and second optical connector are located on the left side ofelectronic device 4000. - However, movement of
right tab 4160R indirection 900B may automatically move the firstoptical connector 4130 and the secondoptical connector 4500 to the left side ofelectronic device 4000. This is shown inFIGS. 13B and 13C . Movement ofright tab 4160R indirection 900B movesfirst metal plate 4151 in thesame direction 900B. Because firstoptical connector 4130 is secured to first metal plate 415:1, firstoptical connector 4130 moves indirection 900B from a first operable position (located on the right side of electronic device 4000) to a second operable position (located on the left side of electronic device 4000). - As described above,
first metal plate 4151 is secured tofirst belt rack 4170. Thus, movement ofright tab 4160R indirection 900B also movesfirst belt rack 4170 indirection 900B. Due to the interaction of teeth onfirst belt rack 4170 withgear 4172 and the interaction with gear with teeth onsecond belt track 4171, movement offirst belt rack 4170 indirection 900B movessecond belt rack 4171 indirection 900A. Becausesecond belt rack 4171 is secured tosecond metal plate 4152,second metal plate 4152 also moves indirection 900A. This movement causes secondoptical connector 4500 to move from a third operable position (located on the right side of electronic device 4000) to a fourth operable position (located on the right side of electronic device 4000) alongfourth wall 4114. As discussed above, the amount ofmovement 900B ofright tab 4160R may be dependent on the length of the slot forright tab 4160R inhousing 4110. In some examples, the slot is long enough such that it allows sufficient movement ofright tab 4160R to cause firstoptical connector 4130 and secondoptical connector 4500 to move from a right side to a left side ofelectronic device 4000.Housing 4110 is not shown inFIGS. 13B and 13C for clarity. -
FIGS. 14A-14C illustrate top views ofelectronic device 4000 interacting with anenclosure 5000. In some examples,enclosure 5000 is a rack shelf that is designed for half-width servers.Enclosure 5000 has adivider 5001 to dividerack shelf 5000 into two bays, 5000A and 5000B.Bay 5000A has a matingoptical connector 5500A on the left side ofenclosure 5000.Bay 5000B has a matingoptical connector 5500B on the right side.Enclosure 5000 also has anactuator 5002 that protrudes fromdivider 5001 into the inside space ofbays actuator 5002 is secured todivider 5001 such thatactuator 5002 does not move in relation todivider 5001. Additionally, in some examples,actuator 5002 is shaped and sized to engage withright tabs 4160R and lefttabs 4160L ofelectronic devices bays -
FIG. 14A illustrates the insertion ofelectronic device 4000A intobay 5000A.Electronic device 4000A has a firstoptical connector 4130 and a secondoptical connector 4500 that are initially positioned on the right side ofelectronic device 4000A. This is incompatible with the location of matingoptical connector 5500A. However, due toright tab 4160R andactuator 5002, firstoptical connector 4130 and secondoptical connector 4500 may be automatically moved from the operable positions shown inFIG. 14A to the operable positions located on the left side ofelectronic device 4000A. - When
electronic device 4000A is inserted intobay 5000A,actuator 5002 engages withright tab 4160R to move it indirection 900B. Accordingly,right tab 4160R is automatically moved upon insertion ofelectronic device 4000A intobay 5000A. This automatic movement ofright tab 4160R is opposed to a manual movement ofright tab 4160R that occurs whenright tab 4160R is directly moved by a user ofelectronic device 4000A. Movement ofright tab 4160R automatically moves firstoptical connector 4130 from a first operable position to a second operable position. Movement ofright tab 4160R also automatically moves secondoptical connector 4500 from a third operable position to a fourth operable position. These new operable positions are shown inFIG. 14B in solid lines. The previous operable positions of firstoptical connector 4130 and secondoptical connector 4500 are shown in dotted lines inFIG. 14B . The movement is shown by the dotted arrows. With the automatic biasing of secondoptical connector 4500, secondoptical connector 4500 may now be connected to matingoptical connector 5500A. -
FIG. 14B also illustrates the insertion of electronic device 4000E intobay 5000B. Electronic device 4000E has a firstoptical connector 4130 and a secondoptical connector 4500 that are initially positioned on the left ofelectronic device 4000B. This is incompatible with the location of matingoptical connector 5500B. However, due toleft tab 4160L andactuator 5002, firstoptical connector 4130 and secondoptical connector 4500 may be moved from the operable positions shown inFIG. 148 to operable positions located on the left side ofelectronic device 4000B. Whenelectronic device 4000B is inserted intobay 5000B,actuator 5002 engages withleft tab 4160L to move it indirection 900A. Accordingly, lefttab 4160L is automatically moved upon insertion ofelectronic device 4000B intobay 5000B. Movement ofleft tab 4160L automatically moves firstoptical connector 4130 from a first operable position to a second operable position. Movement ofleft tab 4160L also automatically moves secondoptical connector 4500 from a third operable position to a fourth operable position. These new operable positions are shown inFIG. 14C in solid lines. The previous operable positions of firstoptical connector 4130 and secondoptical connector 4500 are shown in dotted lines inFIG. 14C . The movement is shown by the dotted arrows. With the automatic biasing of secondoptical connector 4500, secondoptical connector 4500 ofelectronic device 4000B may now be connected to matingoptical connector 5500B. Althoughenclosure 5000 is described as a rack shelf in relation toFIGS. 14A-14C ,enclosure 5000 may be a casing used for any system, such as casing for a storage module, a processing unit, etc. - All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the elements of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or elements are mutually exclusive.
Claims (21)
Priority Applications (3)
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US15/430,204 US10048451B1 (en) | 2017-02-10 | 2017-02-10 | Optical connectors with positions |
EP18155532.7A EP3361297A1 (en) | 2017-02-10 | 2018-02-07 | Optical connectors with positions |
CN201810141251.XA CN108419147B (en) | 2017-02-10 | 2018-02-11 | Electronic device and server |
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US15/430,204 US10048451B1 (en) | 2017-02-10 | 2017-02-10 | Optical connectors with positions |
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US20180231723A1 true US20180231723A1 (en) | 2018-08-16 |
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EP4321912A1 (en) * | 2022-08-09 | 2024-02-14 | Keltech Network Innovations Limited | Optical fiber termination enclosures |
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US11630274B2 (en) * | 2020-04-01 | 2023-04-18 | Mellanox Technologies, Ltd. | High-density optical communications using multi-core fiber |
US11561352B2 (en) * | 2020-04-01 | 2023-01-24 | Mellanox Technologies, Ltd. | High density optical I/O inside a data center switch using multi-core fibers |
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US5528711A (en) * | 1989-11-24 | 1996-06-18 | Nippon Telegraph And Telephone Corp. | Optical connector for connecting a plurality of optical plugs to a connector housing |
JP3267757B2 (en) | 1993-07-03 | 2002-03-25 | 住友電気工業株式会社 | Optical connector switching device |
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US8270796B2 (en) * | 2008-03-04 | 2012-09-18 | Adc Telecommunications, Inc. | Multi-port adapter block |
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- 2017-02-10 US US15/430,204 patent/US10048451B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
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- 2018-02-07 EP EP18155532.7A patent/EP3361297A1/en active Pending
- 2018-02-11 CN CN201810141251.XA patent/CN108419147B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
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EP4321912A1 (en) * | 2022-08-09 | 2024-02-14 | Keltech Network Innovations Limited | Optical fiber termination enclosures |
WO2024033344A1 (en) * | 2022-08-09 | 2024-02-15 | Keltech Network Innovations Limited | Optical fiber termination enclosures |
Also Published As
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CN108419147A (en) | 2018-08-17 |
US10048451B1 (en) | 2018-08-14 |
CN108419147B (en) | 2021-01-12 |
EP3361297A1 (en) | 2018-08-15 |
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