WO2025201660A1

WO2025201660A1 - Apparatus for mounting communications equipment

Info

Publication number: WO2025201660A1
Application number: PCT/EP2024/058719
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alessandro PANE; Paolo Debenedetti; Claudio D'INCÀ; Sergio MOSTI
Original assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson AB
Current assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson AB
Priority date: 2024-03-28
Filing date: 2024-03-28
Publication date: 2025-10-02
Anticipated expiration: 2026-09-28

Abstract

There is provided an apparatus for mounting communications equipment in a rack. The apparatus comprises a first chassis and a second chassis. The first chassis and the second chassis are configured to support communications equipment, and at least one of the first chassis and the second chassis comprise first fastening means configured to fasten the apparatus to the rack. The apparatus comprises a flexible element configured to electrically couple the first chassis to the second chassis in each of a folded configuration of the apparatus and an unfolded configuration of the apparatus. A first surface (102) of the first chassis and a second surface (104) of the second chassis face each other when the apparatus is in the folded configuration. The first surface (102) and the second surface (104) are substantially coplanar to each other when the apparatus is in the unfolded configuration.

Description

APPARATUS FOR MOUNTING COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for mounting communications equipment in a rack, and a rack comprising said apparatus.

Background

Modern telecommunications (“Telco”) and enterprise equipment are commonly built according to a specific target application. As such, there exists a large number of possible product variants for Telco and enterprise equipment. Indeed, different types of equipment, and different configurations for said equipment, can be utilised when creating equipment solutions for target applications, such as organising a data center (DC). For example, when implementing a router in a data center, the router can used for a variety of implementations, such as a top-of-rack switch, for leaf-spine aggregation, or as a DC gateway for geographical links.

The applicable building practice for implementing equipment, such as a router, in a DC is typically based around open rack with a depth of 600mm and front-back airflow. Such a building practice is typically compatible with Open Compute Project (OCP) standards. The OCP is an organisation that shares designs of DC products and best practices among different parties (e.g. companies). For example, in the scenario mentioned above in which a router is implemented in a DC, the router would commonly be implemented with fan-cooling units and power connectors positioned on a back side of the router. However, as described below, the implementation of the router may change depending on various factors.

For example, when a router is implemented in a Telco central office, the router can be mounted on widely deployed American National Standards Institute (ANSI) single depth open racks. These racks have a standard depth of 300mm. In such a case as this, fancooling is positioned on a back side panel of the router, while power supply connectors are typically positioned on a front side panel of the router (e.g. side-by-side with optical connectors).

In some instances, when a router is implemented in a Telco central office, the router may also be mounted on widely deployed European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) single depth closed racks. These racks also have a standard depth of 300mm. However, in this case, fan-cooling is positioned on a lateral side of the router while power supply connectors are typically positioned on a front side panel of the router (e.g. side- by-side with optical connectors).

In another example, typical radio access network (RAN) building practices prescribe mounting baseband units and relevant (e.g. mobile backhaul and fronthaul) routers in single depth open racks with front-back airflow. In this configuration, fan-cooling units are positioned on the back side of the router and power connectors are positioned on the front side of the router. The fan-cooling units applied on the back of the router imply a total (e.g. extended) depth of around 350mm in an open rack installation.

For existing equipment, big routers (e.g. routers capable of operating at a switching capacity of 4.8 Terabytes per second (Tbps) or above) are typically designed using a DC building practice with a depth of up to 450mm. As such big routers are only compatible with double depth racks (i.e. not single depth RAN racks). Thus, the requirements for different size racks means that the implementation of large communications equipment, such as big routers, is not optimised when installed together with other smaller equipment, such as RAN basebands.

Therefore, the use of different building practices for communications equipment, such as routers, currently requires the design of different variants for each (e.g. network) application. Designing, manufacturing, and implementing these different variants leads to an increase in cost of production, stock, delivery, spare parts, and on-site operations.

Summary

As mentioned above, there are certain challenges associated with existing apparatus for mounting communications equipment in a (e.g. server) rack. Indeed, the variety of different building practices for rack assembly results in a variation in physical dimensions of the communications equipment, and thus a lack of optimisation.

It is therefore an object of the disclosure to obviate or eliminate at least some of the above-described disadvantages associated with existing techniques.

Therefore, according to an aspect of the disclosure, there is provided an apparatus for mounting communications equipment in a rack. The apparatus comprises a first chassis and a second chassis. The first chassis and the second chassis are configured to support communications equipment, and at least one of the first chassis and the second chassis comprise first fastening means configured to fasten the apparatus to the rack. The apparatus also comprises a flexible element configured to electrically couple the first chassis to the second chassis in each of a folded configuration of the apparatus and an unfolded configuration of the apparatus. A first surface of the first chassis and a second surface of the second chassis face each other when the apparatus is in the folded configuration. The first surface and the second surface are substantially coplanar to each other when the apparatus is in the unfolded configuration.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a rack comprising the apparatus as described herein.

Thus, in the manner described above, improved apparatus for mounting communications equipment in a rack is provided. Advantageously, the improved apparatus can be configured in both a folded and unfolded configuration, and thus can be mechanically rearranged (e.g. at the site of a rack, such as a data center) without any impact on the functionality of the communications equipment supported by the apparatus and without any cabling to interconnect the chassis of the apparatus. By providing an apparatus which is reconfigurable into both a folded and unfolded configuration, a single unit of hardware can be successfully used for different rack installation scenarios. In this way, the apparatus is more adaptable than existing apparatus, and allows for a significant reduction in carbon footprint that would otherwise result from the supply and stock of different hardware variations.

Brief description of the drawings

For a better understanding of the techniques, and to show how they may be put into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is an illustration of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure in an unfolded and folded configuration;

Figure 2 is an illustration of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure in an unfolded configuration;

Figure 3 is a further illustration of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure in an unfolded configuration; Figure 4 is a further illustration of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure in an unfolded configuration;

Figure 5 is a further illustration of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure in an unfolded configuration;

Figure 6 is a further illustration of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure between a folded and unfolded configuration;

Figure 7 is a further illustration of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure in a folded configuration;

Figure 8 is a further illustration of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure in a folded configuration;

Figure 9 is a further illustration of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure in a folded configuration;

Figure 9 is a further illustration of a part of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

Figure 11A is a further illustration of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure in an unfolded configuration;

Figure 11 B is a further illustration of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure in an unfolded configuration;

Figure 12 is a further illustration of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure in a folded configuration;

Figure 13 is a further illustration of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure in a folded configuration; and

Figure 14 is a further illustration of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure in an unfolded configuration.

Detailed

Generally, all terms used herein are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the relevant technical field, unless a different meaning is clearly given and/or is implied from the context in which it is used. All references to a/an/the element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc. are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of the element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise. The steps of any methods disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless a step is explicitly described as following or preceding another step and/or where it is implicit that a step must follow or precede another step. Any feature of any of the embodiments disclosed herein may be applied to any other embodiment, wherever appropriate. Likewise, any advantage of any of the embodiments may apply to any other embodiments, and vice versa. Other objectives, features and advantages of the enclosed embodiments will be apparent from the following description.

Some of the embodiments contemplated herein will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Other embodiments, however, are contained within the scope of the subject-matter disclosed herein, the disclosed subject-matter should not be construed as limited to only the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example to convey the scope of the subject-matter to those skilled in the art.

As mentioned above, the apparatus described herein is for mounting communications equipment in a rack.

A rack, as referred to herein, may be a (e.g. standardised) frame and/or enclosure for mounting one or more electronic equipment modules. A rack as referred to herein may comprise one or more of a frame, a cabinet, a shelf, and a stand. A rack may be configured to, for example, store one or more of a computer server, telecommunications equipment, networking hardware, audiovisual production gear, music productions equipment, and scientific equipment. In some examples, the rack may be a server rack and/or a network rack. The rack referred to herein may be a standardised rack. For example, the rack referred to herein may comprise a 19 inch rack cabinet. In some examples, the rack referred to herein may be an open rack or a closed rack. A rack as referred to herein may have a variety of rack depths. Rack depth can, for example, be less than 400mm (e.g. 300mm), or in the range of 400-600mm. In some examples, a rack may have a rack depth of 300mm, 400mm, 450mm, or 600mm. In some examples, the rack referred to here may be a 600mm depth open rack. A rack, as referred to herein, may be a single depth rack or a double depth rack. A single depth rack may have a rack depth of 280mm or 300mm. A double depth rack may have a rack depth of 450mm. The rack referred to herein may comprise an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) rack and/or a European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) rack. For example, the rack referred to herein may comprise an ANSI single depth open rack and/or an ETSI single depth closed rack. A rack, as referred to herein, may be a data center rack and/or a Telco (e.g. office) rack. A rack may comprise one or more rack units in which a unit of electronic equipment may be mounted.

For example, when using a big router in combination with RAN hardware in a rack, the building practices of the different hardware conflicts. As a result, overall rack installation is not optimised with a lot of unused space leftover. Moreover, current state of the art technology imposes stringent power dissipation requirements that make it difficult to integrate larger communications equipment (e.g. a big router) in a single depth rack. Due to these requirements, it is often necessary to install dedicated double depth racks or split the capacity of larger communications equipment into multiple different hardware units. As such, the varying dimensions of communications equipment, coupled with the space requirements imposed by rack dimensions, often leads to a waste of space, an inefficient use of resources, an increase in required power supply, and an increased in operations and maintenance (O&M) complexity.

As described above, there are many types of rack which are suitable for storing and/or mounting communications equipment. As such, different rack variants are associated with different practices for mounting equipment in a rack. These practices can be referred to herein as “building practices”. An issue which arises with different building practices (e.g. DC and Telco building practices) is that there is no single hardware which fits all types of building practice application. Moreover, rack users, such as network operators, must commonly deal with many building practices which can include different types of rack (e.g. at a single site). As such, rack users are faced with the difficulty of optimising equipment layout so as to deal with scenarios involving multiple rack variations (e.g. less than 400mm depth racks, 400-450mm depth racks, and over and up to 600mm depth racks). The issue can be complicated further as equipment mounted in racks often requires that the equipment can be accessed for power supply and/or maintenance (e.g. temperature control, such as cooling). Such additional requirements introduce additional variants to be designed, supplied, and maintained.

It is therefore advantageous to provide an apparatus which is optimised to a wider variety of use cases, such that a common apparatus can be utilised in various types of building practice scenarios (e.g. DC and Telco sites). Figure 1 illustrates an apparatus according to an embodiment. The apparatus is for mounting communications equipment in a rack. As illustrated in Figure 1 , the apparatus comprises a first chassis 126 and a second chassis 128. The first chassis 126 and the second chassis 128 are configured to support communications equipment. At least one of the first chassis and the second chassis comprise first fastening means configured to fasten the apparatus to the rack, as referred to herein. In some examples, the first fastening means may be configured to (e.g. releasably) couple the apparatus to the rack, as referred to herein.

As also illustrated in Figure 1 , the apparatus comprises a flexible element 118 configured to electrically couple the first chassis 126 to the second chassis 128 in each of a folded configuration of the apparatus and an unfolded configuration of the apparatus. As illustrated in Figure 1 , a first surface 102 of the first chassis 126 and a second surface 104 of the second chassis 128 face each other when the apparatus is in the folded configuration. As also illustrated in Figure 1 , the first surface 102 and the second surface 104 are substantially coplanar to each other when the apparatus is in the unfolded configuration. Two surfaces may be considered to be coplanar if the planes formed by the two surfaces lie in the same (e.g. larger) plane. The folded configuration of the apparatus may be referred to herein as the “folded configuration”, and the unfolded configuration of the apparatus may be referred to herein as the “unfolded configuration”.

As such, the apparatus allows for the interconnection of different chassis (e.g. units) using a flexible element 118. The flexible element 118 may be referred to herein as a “foldable backplane”. Using a flexible element 118 that is configured to electrically couple the first chassis 126 to the second chassis 128, instead of a rigid backplane with electrical connectors, allows for the apparatus to be reconfigurable from an unfolded configuration to a folded configuration, and vice versa. As such, the apparatus can support communications equipment (e.g. a high capacity router) in a manner which allows the communications equipment to be mechanically adapted to multiple different (e.g. operator specific) building practices. Thus, the apparatus allows for the implementation of a new building practice which is suitable for use with racks of varying types and dimensions (e.g. rack depth). The apparatus described herein can therefore be used to save space.

As mentioned above, the first chassis 126 and the second chassis 128 are configured to support communications equipment. The first chassis 126 and the second chassis 128 can be different chassis units and/or modules. In some examples, the first chassis 126 and/or the second chassis 128 may be configured to store and/or house communications equipment. For example, the first chassis 126 and/or the second chassis may comprise a frame and/or a housing which is configured to support communications equipment. In some examples, the first chassis 126 may comprise a first housing and/or the second chassis 128 may comprise a second housing. In these examples, communications equipment may be supported (e.g. housed) in the first housing and/or the second housing. The first chassis and/or the second chassis may be (e.g. at least partly) made of metal. For example, the first chassis 126 and/or the second chassis 128 may be a metal chassis.

In some examples, the first chassis 126 and/or the second chassis 128 may be configured to attach to communications equipment, for example, to releasably attach to communications equipment. As illustrated in Figure 1 , in some examples, the first chassis 126 may comprise a first printed circuit board (PCB) 122 and the second chassis 128 may comprise a second PCB 124. The flexible element 118 can be configured to electrically couple the first PCB 122 to the second PCB 124. In these examples, communications equipment may be (e.g. releasably) attached to the first PCB 122 and/or the second PCB 124. The first PCB 122 and/or the second PCB 124 may thus provide both mechanical and electrical coupling to the communications equipment supported by the first chassis 126 and/or the second chassis 128, respectively. As such, in some examples, the first chassis 126 and the second chassis 128 may be configured to support the communications equipment via the first PCB 122 and the second PCB 124, respectively.

In some examples, the flexible element 118 may be configured to permit the first chassis 126 to move relative to the second chassis 128, about an axis, between the folded configuration of the apparatus and the unfolded configuration of the apparatus. The axis may be a line of axis positioned between the first chassis 126 and the second chassis 128 (e.g. along a length of the flexible element). As such, the apparatus may be folded and unfolded while maintaining an electrical coupling between the first chassis 126 and the second chassis 128. For example, flexible element 118 may be configured to allow the second chassis 128 to be rotated about the axis through 180° (e.g. relative to the first chassis) from the folded configuration to the unfolded configuration, and vice versa. As such, via movement of the first and/or second chassis, the apparatus may be converted from a folded configuration to an unfolded configuration, and vice versa. As illustrated in Figure 1 , the apparatus comprises the first surface 102, as defined herein, and the second surface 104, as defined herein. As also illustrated in Figure 1 , in some examples, the apparatus may comprise one or more of a third surface 106, a fourth surface 108, a fifth surface 112, and a sixth surface 110. As illustrated in Figure 1 , the third surface 106 and the sixth surface 110 may be of the first chassis 126. As also illustrated in Figure 1 , the fourth surface 108 and the fifth surface 112 may be of the second chassis 128. In some examples, the flexible element 118 may extend from (e.g. an opening in) the third surface 106 and from (e.g. an opening in) the fourth surface 108.

In some examples, in the unfolded configuration of the apparatus, a length of the apparatus can be less than or equal to 600mm. Alternatively, or in addition, in the folded configuration of the apparatus, the length of the apparatus can be less than or equal to 300 millimetres. In the folded configuration of the apparatus, the length of the apparatus may be defined by the length as measured from the sixth surface 110 to the third surface 106, and/or vice versa. Alternatively, or in addition, in the unfolded configuration of the apparatus, the length of the apparatus may be defined by the length as measured from the sixth surface 110 to the fifth surface 112, and/or vice versa. As such, the length of the apparatus can be configured to allow the apparatus to be mounted on both a single depth rack (e.g. in the folded configuration), and a double depth rack (e.g. in the unfolded configuration).

As illustrated in Figure 1 , in some examples, the first surface 102 may be in contact with, or adjacent to, the second surface 104 in the folded configuration of the apparatus. For example, at least part or all of the first surface 102 may be flush with the second surface 104 in the folded configuration of the apparatus. Herein, “in contact with” can be defined as, for example, “in direct contact with”. As also illustrated in Figure 1 , in some examples, the first chassis 126 and the second chassis 128 may be arranged in a stack (or pile) in the folded configuration. As such, the first chassis 126 may be stacked on (e.g. top of) the second chassis 128, or vice versa, in the folded configuration. In some examples, the first and second chassis have substantially the same length and depth, e.g. the first surface 102 has substantially the same length and depth (i.e. size) as the second surface 104. Thus, in the folded configuration, the length and depth of the apparatus is same as the first chassis (or second chassis). In the folded configuration, the height of the apparatus is the combined height of the first chassis and second chassis. Similarly, in the unfolded configuration, the height of the apparatus is the height of the first chassis (or second chassis). In the unfolded configuration, the length and depth of the apparatus is the same, or similar to, the combined depth of the first chassis (or second chassis), with a common length.

As also illustrated in Figure 1 , in some examples, the first chassis 126 and the second chassis 128 may be arranged in a coplanar configuration in the unfolded configuration of the apparatus. As such, the first chassis and the second chassis may lie in substantially the same plane in the unfolded configuration of the apparatus. In some examples, the unfolded configuration of the apparatus may be referred to as a linear configuration of the (e.g. the first chassis 126 and the second chassis 128) of the apparatus. As illustrated in Figure 1 , in some examples, the third surface 106 of the first chassis 126 may face the fourth surface 108 of the second chassis 128 in the unfolded configuration.

As illustrated in Figure 1 , in some examples, one or more of the third surface 106, the fourth surface 108, and the fifth surface 112 may be configured to connect to at least one cooling unit. The at least one cooling unit may be configured to provide cooling to the communications equipment supported by the first chassis 126 and/or the second chassis 128. The configuration of one or more of the third surface 106, the fourth surface 108, and the fifth surface 112 can thus enable the apparatus to be cooled in both the folded configuration and the unfolded configuration, according to some examples. In some examples, the at least one cooling unit may be configured to provide an airflow. For example, the at least one cooling unit may comprise one or more fan units, as illustrated in Figure 1. The one or more fan units may be configured to provide a flow of air into the apparatus (e.g. the first chassis 126 and/or second chassis 128). Although not illustrated in Figure 1 , in some examples, one or more of the third surface 106, the fourth surface 108, and the fifth surface 112 may comprise a grid configured to connect to the at least one cooling unit.

In some examples, one or more of the sixth surface 110 of the first chassis 126 and the fifth surface 112 of the second chassis comprise one or more air outlet openings and/or one or more ports. As illustrated in Figure 1 , an air outlet opening may be referred herein to as a “fan-out unit”. The one or more air outlet openings may be configured to expel a flow of air from the apparatus (e.g. the first chassis 126 and/or second chassis 128). For example, the one or more air outlet openings may comprise one or more cages, as referred to herein. The one or more cages may comprise one or more optical modules to increase traffic capacity associated with the communications equipment referred to herein. As such, the one or more cages may comprise one or more optical module cages. Therefore, in some examples, the at least one cooling unit and the one or more air outlet openings may be implemented together to provide a cooling airflow for the communications equipment.

The direction of the airflow through the apparatus can depend on the configuration of the at least one cooling unit. For example, in scenarios in which the at least one cooling unit comprises one or more fan units, the direction of the airflow through the apparatus can depend on the direction of rotation of the (e.g. fans of the) one or more fan units. As illustrated by the arrows of Figure 1 , in examples in which the apparatus is in the folded configuration, the direction of the airflow may correspond to an airflow which enters the apparatus via the sixth surface 110 and the fifth surface 112. In these examples, the airflow may exit the apparatus via the third surface 106 and the fourth surface 108 (e.g. respectively). As also illustrated by the arrows of Figure 1 , in examples in which the apparatus is in the unfolded configuration, the direction of the airflow may correspond to an airflow which enters the apparatus via the sixth surface 110. In these examples, the airflow may exit the apparatus via the fifth surface 112. However, it will be understood that this is merely an example, and the direction of the airflow may be different (e.g. reversed in comparison to the airflow illustrated by the arrows of Figure 1) according to other examples.

The separation of the at least one cooling unit from (e.g. processing units) of communications equipment can provide improved heat dissipation for the communications equipment. As such, energy consumption, due to equipment cooling needs, can be reduced by the configuration of the at least one cooling unit as described herein.

In some examples, the one or more ports referred to herein may comprise one or more electrical ports, and/or one or more optical ports. The one or more ports may comprise input ports and/or output ports. The one or more ports may be configured to enable access to the communications equipment supported by the first chassis 126 and/or the second chassis 128.

As illustrated in Figure 1 , in some examples the first chassis 126 may be coupled to the second chassis 128 by one or more hinges 120. The one or more hinges may mechanically couple the first chassis 126 and the second chassis 128. The one or more hinges can be configured to allow the second chassis 128 to be rotated about the axis referred to herein from the unfolded configuration to the folded configuration, and vice versa. In some examples, the one or more hinges may comprise one or more friction hinges. A friction hinge may be defined herein as a hinge which provides resistance to a pivoting motion of the hinge. A friction hinge can thus be configured to control or hold motion when moving the apparatus from the folded configuration to the unfolded configuration, and vice versa. As a result, the communications equipment supported by the first chassis 126 and/or the second chassis 128 is less likely to experience a sudden force (e.g. due to a sharp opening or closing) when transitioning from the unfolded configuration to the folded configuration. Thus, the one or more hinges can provide greater (e.g. impact) protection for the communications equipment.

In some examples, the flexible element 118 referred to herein may comprise a PCB. Thus, the flexible element 118 may be a flexible PCB element. The flexible PCB element may comprise, for example, 28G, 56G, or 112G lanes. As such, the flexible PCB element can support high bit rates. The PCB comprised in the flexible element 118 may comprise a flex PCB, and/or a rigid flex PCB. The PCB comprised in the flexible element 118 may comprise a combination of flexible PCB and rigid PCB. Flex rigid PCBs may comprise a combination of multiple flexible inner layers and a rigid external board. For example, the PCB comprised in the flexible element 118 may comprise FlexFoil™. In some examples, the flexible element 118 may be a single flexible PCB element (e.g. a continuous piece of flexible PCB). For example, the flexible PCB element can be configured to mechanically and electrically couple (connect) the first chassis 126 and the second chassis 128. The flexible PCB element can comprise one or more (e.g. integrated) electrical connections. The flexible PCB element can be configured to couple the first PCB 122, as defined herein, to the second PCB 124, as defined herein. As such, the flexible PCB element can provide (e.g. electrical) continuity or electrical and/or optical connection of the first PCB 122 and second PCB 124 (e.g. sections). The use of a flexible element comprising PCB, as defined herein, can exponentially increase the number of wired connectors between the (e.g. first PCB 122 of the) first chassis 126 and the (e.g. second PCB 124 of the) second chassis 128. As such, the use of such a flexible PCB element can avoid signal loss and cabling errors.

In some examples, the communications equipment referred to herein may comprise one or more of a router, a server, a hub, a switch, a radio unit, an antenna, a baseband, an optical line system, and a time division multiplexing line system. The router may be, for example, a high-capacity router. The router may be a (e.g. mobile) backhaul or fronthaul router. In a specific example, the router may be a compact high-capacity cloud radio access network (Cloud RAN) hub and aggregation router with 4.8Tbps switching capacity. The communications equipment may comprise RAN communications equipment (e.g. a radio unit, an antenna, and/or a baseband, and/or, cables or interconnects to attach to another part of a communications network;). In some examples, the communications equipment may be associated with (e.g. be comprised in) a base station of a network, or a part of a base station, e.g. a CU (Centralized Unit) or DU (Distributed Unit). As such, in some examples, the apparatus referred to herein may be for mounting communications equipment in a rack of a base station (e.g. of a network).

Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of the apparatus in the unfolded configuration, as defined herein, according to an embodiment.

As illustrated in Figure 2, the first surface 102 (i.e. of the first chassis) and the second surface 104 (i.e. of the second chassis) are substantially coplanar to each other when the apparatus is in the unfolded configuration. In the unfolded configuration, the apparatus may be deployed, for example, in a (e.g. 1 rack unit (RU)) plain data centre (PDC) configuration. As such, in the unfolded configuration, the apparatus can be configured to mount communications equipment in a full depth (e.g. 450mm) rack. Such a rack may be used for data center applications requiring higher capacity interfaces for leaf-spine interconnection in double depth racks (e.g. such as that used by commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) x86 vendors).

As illustrated in Figure 2, in some examples, a seventh surface of the first chassis and an eighth surface of the second chassis may comprise the first fastening means, as defined herein. As also illustrated in Figure 2, in some examples, the first fastening means can be configured to fasten to a bracket 204, 206. The bracket 204, 206 may be a metal bracket. As illustrated in Figure 2, in some examples, one or more of the seventh surface, the eighth surface, a ninth surface of the first chassis, and a tenth surface of the second chassis can comprise the first fastening means. In the unfolded configuration of the apparatus, the seventh surface may be adjacent to the eighth surface, and the ninth surface may be adjacent to the tenth surface, in some examples, in the unfolded configuration of the apparatus, the seventh surface may be opposite the ninth surface, and the eighth surface may be opposite the tenth surface. As such, as illustrated in Figure 2, in some examples at least four surfaces of the apparatus (e.g. the seventh and ninth surfaces of the first chassis, and the eighth and tenth surfaces of the second chassis) may comprise the first fastening means. The first fastening means may comprise one or more screw holes. The one or more screw holes can be configured to receive one or more screws. In some examples, one or more of the seventh surface, the eighth surface, the ninth surface, and the tenth surface may comprise one or more screw holes.

As illustrated in Figure 2, in some examples, the first fastening means may be configured to, in the unfolded configuration of the apparatus, fasten a bracket 204, 206 of a first type to the first chassis and the second chassis. Although not illustrated in Figure 2, in some examples, the first fastening means may be configured to, in the folded configuration of the apparatus, fasten a bracket of a second type to the first chassis and the second chassis. The bracket of the first type and the bracket of the second type may be different. The length of the apparatus, as defined herein, is greater in the unfolded configuration of the apparatus than in the folded configuration of the apparatus. As such, the length of the bracket of the first type may correspond to the length of the apparatus in the unfolded configuration, and the length of the bracket of the second type may correspond to the length of the apparatus in the folded configuration.

As illustrated in Figure 2, in some examples, each of the seventh surface, the eighth surface, the ninth surface, and the tenth surface can comprise the first fastening means. As also illustrated in Figure 2, the first fastening means of the seventh and eighth surfaces can be configured to, in the unfolded configuration, fasten a first bracket 206 of the first type to the first chassis and the second chassis. As illustrated in Figure 2, the first fastening means of the ninth and tenth surfaces can be configured to fasten a second bracket 204 of the first type to the first chassis and the second chassis.

As illustrated in Figure 2, in some examples, the first surface 102 and the second surface 104 may comprise second fastening means configured to fasten a cover 202 to the apparatus in the unfolded configuration of the apparatus. Although not illustrated in Figure 2, in some examples, the third surface (i.e. of the first chassis) and the fourth surface (i.e. of the second chassis) may comprise third fastening means configured to fasten the cover 202 to the apparatus in the folded configuration of the apparatus. As illustrated in Figure 2, in some examples, the apparatus may comprise the cover 202.

The cover 202 can be configured to cover the flexible element, as referred to herein.

As illustrated in Figure 2, in some examples, the fifth surface (i.e. of the second chassis) can be configured to connect to at least one cooling unit 210. As also illustrated in Figure

2, the sixth surface (i.e. of the first chassis) can comprise one or more air outlets and/or one or more ports 208. The one or more ports 208 can comprise one or more electrical ports and/or one or more optical ports.

Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of the apparatus in the unfolded configuration, as defined herein, according to an embodiment. The apparatus illustrated in Figure 3 can be as described with reference to the apparatus of Figure 2 above. More specifically, Figure 3 illustrates a different perspective view of the apparatus illustrated in Figure 2.

As described herein, and as illustrated in Figure 3, the fifth surface (i.e. of the second chassis) can be configured to connect to at least one cooling unit 210. As also illustrated in Figure 3, the fifth surface can comprise a grid which is configured to connect to the at least one cooling unit 210. The grid may comprise one or more cages. The one or more cages can comprise, for example, one or more (e.g. commercial) optical module cages. The one or more optical module cages may be configured to receive (e.g. be fit for) optical modules, such as a small form-factor pluggable (SFP) optical module, a quad small form factor pluggable (QSFP) optical module (e.g. QSFP28), and/or a QSFP double density (QSFPDD) optical module. The at least one cooling unit 210 can comprise one or more fan units, as illustrated in Figure 3. As such, in some examples, the at least one cooling unit can provide an airflow through the apparatus which can reduce the temperature of the communications equipment supported by the first chassis and the second chassis. In the unfolded configuration, such as that illustrated in Figure

3, the at least one cooling unit 210 may provide an airflow which passes through one or more air outlets in the fifth surface (e.g. thereby entering the second chassis), through the second chassis, and through one or more air outlets in the fourth surface (e.g. thereby being expelled from the second chassis). The airflow may then pass through one or more air outlets in the third surface (e.g. thereby entering the first chassis), through the first chassis, and through one or more air outlets in the sixth surface (e.g. thereby being expelled from the first chassis). Therefore, the at least one cooling unit can be configured (e.g. dimensioned) to provide adequate airflow though the apparatus when the apparatus is in the unfolded configuration (e.g. when used in PDC mode). As mentioned above, the one or more cages referred to herein can comprise one or more optical module cages. Commercial optical module cages can be supplied with airflow grids on their back side to provide additional airflow surface.

As illustrated in Figure 3, in some examples, the fifth surface (i.e. of the second chassis) can comprise one or more ports 212, as defined herein. As illustrated in Figure 3, in the unfolded configuration of the apparatus, some or all of the one or more ports 212 on the fifth surface may be inaccessible due to the at least one cooling unit 210 connected to the fifth surface. That is, in some examples, the one or more ports 212 of the fifth surface may not be available for traffic due to the at least one cooling unit 210. In some examples, as illustrated in Figure 3, the fifth surface may be configured to expose at least one port of the one or more ports 212 while also being configured to connect to the at least one cooling unit 210. The at least one port of the one or more ports 212 may comprise a power supply port (e.g. for the communications equipment supported by the second chassis). Therefore, in the unfolded configuration, the fifth surface may allow for the installation of fan-units and power supply connectors (e.g. according to OCP practice).

Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of the apparatus in the unfolded configuration, as defined herein, according to an embodiment. The apparatus illustrated in Figure 4 can be as described with reference to the apparatus of Figures 2 and 3 above. More specifically, Figure 4 illustrates a different perspective view of the apparatus illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, with the exception that, in the example illustrated in Figure 4, the first bracket 206 of the first type, as defined herein, is not fastened to the apparatus.

As illustrated in Figure 4, and as described with reference to Figure 2 above, the seventh surface 402 (i.e. of the first chassis) and the eighth surface 404 (i.e. of the second chassis) can comprise the first fastening means, as defined herein. Although not explicitly illustrated in Figure 4, the first fastening means of the seventh surface and the eighth surface can comprise one or more screw holes. The one or more screw holes of the seventh surface and the eighth surface can be configured (e.g. dimensioned) to match the one or more screw holes of the first bracket of the first type 206. Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of the apparatus in the unfolded configuration, as defined herein, according to an embodiment. The apparatus illustrated in Figure 5 can be as described with reference to the apparatus of Figures 2-4 above, with the exception that, in the example illustrated in Figure 5, the cover 202 of Figures 2-4 and the at least one cooling unit 204 of Figures 2-4 are not shown.

As illustrated in Figure 5, in the unfolded configuration of the apparatus, the first chassis and the second chassis can be arranged in a linear configuration. As also illustrated in Figure 5, in some examples, the first surface 102 and the second surface 104 may be configured (e.g. dimensioned) such that there is an opening arranged between the first surface 102 and the second surface 104. As illustrated in Figure 5, in some examples, the opening between the first surface 102 and the second surface 104 may be rectangular. The opening between the first surface 102 and the second surface 104 may be configured to provide space for the flexible element, as defined herein, to flex (e.g. bend) when moving the apparatus from the folded configuration to the unfolded configuration, and vice versa. Therefore, in some examples, the flexible element (e.g. flexible PCB element) can couple the first chassis to the second chassis in each of the folded and unfolded configurations of the apparatus through an open section in the back- to-back side of the two chassis.

As illustrated in Figure 5, in some examples, the fifth surface 112 may comprise a grid, as defined herein, configured to connect to at least one cooling unit. As also illustrated in Figure 5, in some examples, the fifth surface 112 may comprise one or more ports, as defined herein. The grid, as described herein, can comprise the one or more air outlet openings, as defined herein. For example, the grid may comprise one or more openings which be configured to permit air to pass through.

Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of the apparatus, as defined herein, according to an embodiment. The apparatus illustrated in Figure 6 can be as described with reference to the apparatus of Figure 5 above. The apparatus illustrated in Figure 6 is an example of a transition state of the apparatus while moving from the folded configuration to the unfolded configuration, or vice versa.

As described herein, the flexible element can be configured to permit the first chassis to move relative to the second chassis, about an axis, between the folded configuration of the apparatus and the unfolded configuration of the apparatus. The second chassis can be rotated, relative to the first chassis, to allow 180° rotation of the second chassis from the unfolded (e.g. linear) configuration of the apparatus, to the folded (e.g. stacked) configuration of the apparatus. The apparatus can thus be moved from the folded configuration to the unfolded configuration, and vice versa, without breaking the electrical coupling provided by the flexible element, as defined herein. The apparatus can thus be moved from the folded configuration to the unfolded configuration, and vice versa, without any impact on the functionality of the communications equipment.

In some examples, the first chassis and the second chassis may be mechanically coupled by one or more mechanical coupling elements. The one or more mechanical coupling elements may be referred to herein as a mechanical kit. The mechanical kit can comprise the one or more hinges as defined herein. As such, the mechanical kit can further support the movement of the apparatus from the folded configuration to the unfolded configuration. The transition from unfolded configuration to folded configuration, and vice versa, can be simply managed (e.g. on-site) by tilting the back- end chassis (e.g. the second chassis) up to the front-end chassis (e.g. the first chassis).

As illustrated in Figure 6, the apparatus can be converted (e.g. when and where required) from the unfolded configuration to the folded configuration, and vice versa. In the folded configuration of the apparatus, the apparatus may be deployed in (e.g. a 2RU) stacked Telco office (STO) configuration. The STO configuration may correspond to a single depth (e.g. 280mm) rack configuration. In the folded configuration of the apparatus (e.g. STO configuration) the apparatus can be configured with two front panels corresponding to the fifth surface (i.e. of the second chassis) and the sixth surface (i.e. of the first chassis). As such, in the folded configuration of the apparatus, there may be a greater number of the one or more ports, as defined herein, which can be used, as compared to the unfolded configuration of the apparatus. Therefore, the folded configuration of the apparatus may provide for an increased number of interface options with the communications equipment, as compared to the unfolded configuration of the apparatus.

The apparatus can be shipped in either the folded (e.g. STO) configuration or the unfolded (e.g. PDC) configuration. The reconfigurability of the apparatus advantageously results in a minimisation of the cost of packaging, delivering and installation of the apparatus described herein, as compared to existing apparatus. Figure 7 is a schematic illustration of the apparatus in the folded configuration, as defined herein, according to an embodiment. As illustrated in Figure 7, the first surface (i.e. of the first chassis) and the second surface (i.e. of the second chassis) face each other when the apparatus is in the folded configuration.

As also illustrated in Figure 7, in the folded configuration of the apparatus, the sixth surface 110 and the fifth surface 112 face the same direction. In the folded configuration of the apparatus, the sixth surface 110 and the fifth surface 112 can be referred to as the front surfaces and/or the front panel of the apparatus. As also illustrated in Figure 7, the sixth surface 110 and the fifth surface 112 can comprise one or more air outlet openings and one or more cages (e.g. for optical modules), as defined herein. Therefore, in some examples, in the folded configuration of the apparatus, the apparatus can host additional (e.g. optical module) cages to support capacity expansion (e.g. 25 Gigabit Ethernet (GE), 50GE, 100GE, 400GE, etc.) as compared to the unfolded configuration.

As also illustrated in Figure 7, in some examples, the fourth surface (i.e. of the second apparatus) can be configured to connect to at least one cooling unit 706, as defined herein. As described herein, the fourth surface can comprise a grid configured to connect to the at least one cooling unit 706. As illustrated in Figure 7, the at least one cooling unit 706 can comprise one or more fan units configured to provide an airflow to the apparatus. As such, in the folded configuration, the apparatus can expose a backside grid (e.g. of the fourth surface) for airflow via the at least one cooling unit 706 (e.g. additional fan units).

As illustrated in Figure 7, the apparatus comprises first fastening means as defined herein. The first fastening means can be as described with reference to Figure 2 above. As illustrated in Figure 7, the first fastening means may be configured to, in the folded configuration of the apparatus, fasten a bracket 702, 704 of a second type to the first chassis and the second chassis. An exemplary difference in dimensions of the bracket of the first type and the bracket of the second type can be seen in Figures 2 and 7. Therefore, the first fastening means, as defined herein, can be configured to fasten the apparatus to a rack, as defined herein, in both of the folded configuration and the unfolded configuration.

Figure 8 is a schematic illustration of the apparatus in the folded configuration, as defined herein, according to an embodiment. The apparatus illustrated in Figure 8 can be as described with reference to the apparatus of Figure 7 above. More specifically, Figure 8 illustrates a different perspective view of the apparatus illustrated in Figure 7. The perspective view of the apparatus shown in Figure 8 may be referred to herein as a front view.

As further illustrated in Figure 8, the sixth surface 110 and the fifth surface 112 can comprise one or more ports and one or more air outlet openings as defined herein. As illustrated in Figure 8, in some examples, the one or more air outlet openings may comprise an array of circular openings. As also illustrated in Figure 8, in some examples, the one or more ports may comprise one or more electrical ports, and one or more optical ports. The one or more ports can be configurated to interface with the communications equipment supported by the first chassis and/or the second chassis (e.g. via one or more cables and/or fibres). The one or more ports, as referred to herein, may comprise an (e.g. electrical) power port for supplying power to the communications equipment supported by the first chassis and/or the second chassis.

Figure 9 is a schematic illustration of the apparatus in the folded configuration, as defined herein, according to an embodiment. The apparatus illustrated in Figure 9 can be as described with reference to the apparatus of Figures 7 and 8 above. More specifically, Figure 9 illustrates a different perspective view of the apparatus illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, with the exception that, in the example illustrated in Figure 9, the first bracket 702 of the second type, as defined herein, is not fastened to the apparatus.

As illustrated in Figure 9, the seventh surface 402 (i.e. of the first chassis) and the eighth surface 404 (i.e. of the second chassis) can comprise first fastening means, as defined herein. Although not explicitly illustrated in Figure 9, the first fastening means of the seventh surface and the eighth surface can comprise one or more screw holes. The one or more screw holes of the seventh surface and the eighth surface can be configured (e.g. dimensioned) to match the one or more screw holes of the first bracket 702 of the second type.

Thus, as described herein, the first fastening means can be configured to fasten the apparatus to a rack, as defined herein, in both of the folded configuration and the unfolded configuration. As such, at installation of the apparatus in the rack, the most appropriate (e.g. optimal) configuration of the apparatus can be chosen for mounting the communications equipment, as defined herein, to the rack. As mentioned herein, the first fastening means can be configured to fasten to a bracket of a first type and a bracket of a second type. As such, the folded configuration and unfolded configuration can be easily implemented by changing the bracket type which is to be used to fasten the apparatus to the rack. A bracket may be referred to herein as a lateral handle. Alternatively, or in addition, a bracket, as referred to herein, may be a mounting bracket (e.g. for mounting the apparatus to a rack as referred to herein). The first fastening means, as referred to herein, can comprise one or more screw holes. As such, in these examples, any of the brackets referred to herein may be fastened to the apparatus with one or more screws. Fastening one or more brackets, as defined herein, to the apparatus can also provide the apparatus with increased stability. For example, as illustrated in Figures 2 and 7, the brackets can maintain the position of the first chassis relative to the second chassis.

Figure 10 is a schematic illustration of the apparatus in the unfolded configuration, as defined herein, according to an embodiment. Figure 10 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of the apparatus in the unfolded configuration (e.g. as described with reference to Figures 2-4).

As illustrated in Figure 10, in some examples, the first chassis can comprise a first PCB 122, the second chassis can comprise a second PCB 124, and the flexible element 118 can be configured to electrically couple the first PCB 122 to the second PCB 124. As mentioned herein, the flexible element can comprise (e.g. semi) rigid flex PCB, such as FlexFoil™. The use of rigid flex PCB can provide very high signal rates (e.g. between the communications equipment supported by the first and second chassis) without impacting signal integrity. Such rigid flex PCB technology can be produced via a fully standard process for PCB manufacturing, and it is suitable for standard surface mount device (SMD) processes for assembly production (e.g. of the flexible element described herein).

As illustrated in Figure 10, the first surface 102 and the second surface 104 can comprise second fastening means configured to fasten a cover 202 to the apparatus in the unfolded configuration. The cover 202 can be configured to cover an opening (e.g. interconnection area) between the first chassis and the second chassis, as illustrated in Figure 10. The cover 202 can provide (e.g. electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)) protection. For example, the cover 202 can protect the apparatus (e.g. the flexible element 118) from external access. For example, the cover 202 can be configured to cover the flexible element 118. The cover 202 can comprise a (e.g. symmetric) metal cover plate, and/or the cover 202 may be flexible. The cover may be applied as an installation option. Therefore, in some examples, the apparatus may comprise the cover 202. As illustrated in Figure 10, the second fastening means can fasten the cover 202 to the apparatus by being configured to accept (e.g. hold) one or more teeth protruding from the cover 202. As such, in some examples, the cover 202 may be a pluggable cover. Therefore, in some examples, the cover 202 can be plugged and unplugged (e.g. for hardware verification purposes). In the example of the apparatus illustrated in Figure 10, the cover 202 may be said to be in a horizontal position.

As mentioned herein, in some examples, the third surface (i.e. of the first chassis) and the fourth surface (i.e. of the second chassis) can comprise a grid as defined herein. As illustrated in Figure 10, in some examples, the third surface comprises a first grid 1002, and the fourth surface comprises a second grid 1004. As such, the first chassis and the second chassis can be separated by the first grid 1002 and the second grid 1004. As illustrated in Figure 10, and as described herein, a grid can comprise one or more openings (e.g. one or more air outlets as mentioned herein). As such, a grid can be configured to allow air to flow through the apparatus in the unfolded configuration (e.g. from the first chassis to the second chassis, and vice versa), and the folded configuration (e.g. from a back side of the apparatus to a front side of the apparatus). A grid (e.g. the first grid 1002 and/or the second grid 1004) can comprise one or more (e.g. grid) holes. The grid holes may be modularly designed. The grid holes of the first grid 1002 may be configured to match respective grid holes of the second grid 1004 (e.g. to optimise airflow in the unfolded configuration).

Figures 11A and 11B illustrate a perspective view of the apparatus according to an embodiment. More specifically, Figures 11A and 11 B illustrate the manner in which the first PCB 122, as defined herein, may be coupled to the second PCB 124, as defined herein, by the flexible element 118, as defined herein.

As described herein, the first chassis and the second chassis are configured to support communications equipment 1102, 1104. As illustrated in Figures 11A and 11 B, the first chassis may support first communications equipment 1102, and the second chassis may support second communications equipment 1104. The first communications equipment 1102 can be electrically and/or mechanically coupled to the first PCB 122, and the second communications equipment 1104 can be electrically and/or mechanically coupled to the second PCB 124, as illustrated in Figures 11A and 11 B. Thus, the first PCB 122, the second PCB 124, and the flexible element 118 can provide an electrical interface between the first communications equipment 1102 and the second communications equipment 1104. Although not illustrated in Figures 11A and 11 B, the one or more ports of the sixth surface (i.e. of the first chassis) and the fifth surface 112 (i.e. of the second chassis) can be configured to align with the ports of the first communications equipment 1102 and the second communications equipment 1104, respectively.

Figure 12 is a schematic illustration of the apparatus in the folded configuration, as defined herein, according to an embodiment. The apparatus illustrated in Figure 12 can be as described with reference to the apparatus of Figures 2 7, 8 and 9 above. More specifically, Figure 12 illustrates a different perspective view of the apparatus illustrated in Figures 7, 8 and 9.

As described herein, and as illustrated in Figure 12, the third surface (i.e. of the first chassis) and the fourth surface (i.e. of the second chassis) can be configured to connect to at least one cooling unit 706, 1202. As also illustrated in Figure 12, the third surface and the fourth surface can comprise a grid, as defined herein, which is configured to connect to the at least one cooling unit 706, 1202. As illustrated in Figure 12, in some examples, the fourth surface can be configured to connect to a first cooling unit 706, and the third surface can be configured to connect to a second cooling unit 1202. Thus, the at least one cooling unit 706, 1202 can comprise a first cooling unit 706 and a second cooling unit 1202. The grid of the third surface and/or of the fourth surface may comprise one or more cages, as defined herein. The at least one cooling unit 706, 1202 can comprise one or more fan units, as illustrated in Figure 12. As such, in some examples, the at least one cooling unit 706, 1202 can provide an airflow through the apparatus which can reduce the temperature of the communications equipment supported by the first chassis and the second chassis. In the folded configuration, such as that illustrated in Figure 12, the first cooling unit 706 may provide an airflow which passes through one or more air outlets (e.g. of the grid) in the fourth surface (e.g. thereby entering the second chassis), through the second chassis, and through one or more air outlets in the fifth surface (e.g. thereby being expelled from the second chassis). In the folded configuration, such as that illustrated in Figure 12, the second cooling unit 1202 may provide an airflow which passes through one or more air outlets (e.g. of the grid) in the third surface (e.g. thereby entering the first chassis), through the first chassis, and through one or more air outlets in the sixth surface (e.g. thereby being expelled from the first chassis).

Therefore, the at least one cooling unit 706, 1202 can be configured (e.g. dimensioned) to provide adequate airflow though the apparatus when the apparatus is in the folded configuration (e.g. when used in STO mode). In some examples, as illustrated in Figure 12, in the folded (e.g. STO) configuration, the backside of the apparatus can be configured to provide for installation of two separate (e.g. and standard) fan-units for the cooling of the respective chassis.

Figure 13 is a schematic illustration of the apparatus in the folded configuration, as defined herein, according to an embodiment. The apparatus illustrated in Figure 13 can be as described with reference to the apparatus of Figure 12. More specifically, Figure

13 illustrates a different perspective view of the apparatus illustrated in Figure 12, with the exception that, in the example illustrated in Figure 13, the at least one cooling unit 706, 1202, as defined herein, is not connected to the apparatus.

As illustrated in Figure 13, the third surface 106 and the fourth surface 108 can comprise third fastening means configured to fasten the cover 202, as defined herein, to the apparatus in the folded configuration. The cover 202 can be configured as described with reference to Figure 10. In some examples, the apparatus may comprise the cover 202. In the example of the apparatus illustrated in Figure 13, the cover 202 may be said to be in a vertical position.

Figure 14 is a schematic illustration of the apparatus in the unfolded configuration, as defined herein, according to an embodiment. The apparatus illustrated in Figure 14 can be as described with reference to the apparatus of Figure 2. More specifically, Figure

14 illustrates a different perspective view of the apparatus illustrated in Figure 2, with the exception that the brackets illustrated in Figure 2 are different to those of the brackets illustrated in Figure 14.

As mentioned herein (e.g. with reference to Figure 2), and as illustrated in Figure 14, the first fastening means, as defined herein, can be configured to fasten to a bracket 802, 804. In some examples, the first fastening means can be configured to fasten to the bracket 802, 804 in each of the folded configuration of the apparatus and the unfolded configuration of the apparatus. For example, the bracket 802, 804 may be a foldable bracket which may be fastened to the apparatus in both of the folded configuration, the unfolded configuration, and intermediate configurations of the apparatus (e.g. when the apparatus is transitioning between the folded configuration and unfolded configuration). As illustrated in Figure 14, in some examples, the bracket 802, 804 may comprise a bracket hinge 806 which may be configured to permit the bracket to remain fastened to the first chassis and the second chassis in both the folded configuration and the unfolded configuration (e.g. and when moving from the folded configuration to the unfolded configuration, and vice versa). The bracket hinge 806 may be a friction hinge, as defined herein.

There is also provided a rack comprising the apparatus as described herein. The rack can be a server rack according to some examples.

Therefore, as described herein, there is provided improved apparatus for mounting communications equipment in a rack. The improved apparatus, which comprises a first and second chassis that are electrically coupled, can be adjustably (re)configured into each of a folded configuration and an unfolded configuration. As such, the apparatus can be adjusted in a way that can be used to optimise the mounting of communications equipment in a rack (e.g. a DC rack and/or Telco rack). For example, the apparatus a be converted from an unfolded configuration, which may be suitable for a double depth DC rack implementation, to a folded configuration, which may be suitable for a single depth Telco rack implementation, and vice versa. As such, the same apparatus can be advantageously manipulated to suit various implementation dimensions without impacting the functionality of the communications equipment supported by the apparatus.

It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the idea, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. The word “comprising” does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in a claim, “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality, and a single processor or other unit may fulfil the functions of several units recited in the claims. Any reference signs in the claims shall not be construed so as to limit their scope.

Claims

1. An apparatus for mounting communications equipment in a rack, the apparatus comprising: a first chassis (126); a second chassis (128), wherein the first chassis (126) and the second chassis (128) are configured to support communications equipment (1102, 1104), and wherein at least one of the first chassis (126) and the second chassis (128) comprise first fastening means configured to fasten the apparatus to the rack; and a flexible element (118) configured to electrically couple the first chassis (126) to the second chassis (128) in each of a folded configuration of the apparatus and an unfolded configuration of the apparatus; wherein a first surface (102) of the first chassis (126) and a second surface (104) of the second chassis (128) face each other when the apparatus is in the folded configuration; and wherein the first surface (102) and the second surface (104) are substantially coplanar to each other when the apparatus is in the unfolded configuration.

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flexible element (118) is further configured to permit the first chassis (126) to move relative to the second chassis (128), about an axis, between the folded configuration of the apparatus and the unfolded configuration of the apparatus.

3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein: in the unfolded configuration of the apparatus, a length of the apparatus is less than or equal to 600 millimetres; and/or in the folded configuration of the apparatus, the length of the apparatus is less than or equal to 300 millimetres.

4. The apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein, in the folded configuration of the apparatus, the first surface (102) is in contact with the second surface (104).

5. The apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein, in the unfolded configuration of the apparatus, the first chassis (126) and the second chassis (128) are arranged in a coplanar configuration.

6. The apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein, in the unfolded configuration of the apparatus, a third surface (106) of the first chassis (126) faces a fourth surface (108) of the second chassis (128).

7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein one or more of the third surface (106), the fourth surface (108), and a fifth surface (112) of the second chassis (128) are configured to connect to at least one cooling unit (210, 706, 1202).

8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein one or more of the third surface (106), the fourth surface (108), and the fifth surface (112) comprise a grid configured to connect to the at least one cooling unit (210, 706, 1202).

9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7 or 8, wherein one or more of a sixth surface (110) of the first chassis (126) and the fifth surface (112) comprise one or more air outlet openings and/or one or more ports (208, 212).

10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the one or more ports (208, 212) comprise: one or more electrical ports; and/or one or more optical ports.

11. The apparatus as claimed in any of claims 6-10, when directly or indirectly dependent on claim 3, wherein: the first surface (102) and the second surface (104) comprise second fastening means configured to fasten a cover (202) to the apparatus in the unfolded configuration of the apparatus; and/or the third surface (106) and the fourth surface (108) comprise third fastening means configured to fasten the cover (202) to the apparatus in the folded configuration of the apparatus.

12. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the apparatus comprises the cover (202), and the wherein the cover (202) is configured to cover the flexible element (118).

13. The apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the first chassis (126) is coupled to the second chassis (128) by one or more hinges (120).

14. The apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein the one or more hinges (120) comprise one or more friction hinges.

15. The apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein: the first chassis (126) comprises a first printed circuit board, PCB (122); the second chassis (128) comprises a second PCB (124); and the flexible element (118) is configured to electrically couple the first PCB (122) to the second PCB (124).

16. The apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the flexible element (118) comprises a PCB.

17. The apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein the PCB comprised in the flexible element (118) comprises: a flex PCB; and/or a rigid flex PCB.

18. The apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the communications equipment (1102, 1104) comprises one or more of: a router; a server; a hub; a switch; a radio unit, an antenna; a baseband; at least a part of a radio base station; cables or interconnects to attach to another part of a communications network; an optical line system; and a time division multiplexing line system.

19. The apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein a seventh surface (402) of the first chassis (126) and an eighth surface (404) of the second chassis (128) comprise the first fastening means, and wherein the first fastening means are configured to fasten to a bracket (204, 206, 702, 704, 802, 804).

20. The apparatus as claimed in claim 19, wherein the bracket (204, 206, 702, 704, 802, 804) is a metal bracket.

21. The apparatus as claimed in claim 19 or 20, wherein the first fastening means are configured to fasten to the bracket (802, 804) in each of the folded configuration of the apparatus and the unfolded configuration of the apparatus.

22. The apparatus as claimed in claim 19 or 20, wherein the first fastening means are configured to: in the unfolded configuration of the apparatus, fasten a bracket (204, 206) of a first type to the first chassis (126) and the second chassis (128); and in the folded configuration of the apparatus, fasten a bracket (702, 704) of a second type to the first chassis (126) and the second chassis (128).

23. The method as claimed in claim 22, wherein the bracket (204, 206) of the first type and the bracket (702, 704) of the second type are different.

24. The apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the rack is a server rack.

25. A rack comprising the apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1-24.

26. The rack as claimed in claim 24, wherein the rack is a server rack.