A tray assembly and chassis

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of server chassis technology and discloses a tray assembly and chassis. The tray assembly includes a base and a tray. The base includes a first side plate, and the tray includes a second side plate opposite to the first side plate. The tray assembly also includes a locking mechanism, which includes a first latching part, a second latching part, a connecting plate, and a locking member. The first latching part and the second latching part are respectively disposed on the first side plate and the second side plate, and can engage when the tray is placed in the base to restrict the movement of the tray along or away from a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The connecting plate is hinged to the second side plate and can rotate to a first working position and engage with the first side plate to restrict the movement of the tray along or away from the first direction, or rotate to a second working position and release the engagement with the first side plate. The locking member is configured to lock the connecting plate and the second side plate so that the connecting plate is held in the first working position, thereby realizing tool-free quick installation and removal of the tray.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of server chassis technology, and more particularly to a tray assembly and chassis. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, most network expansion modules are installed in the server chassis via trays, and then fixed to the server chassis through a fixing structure to facilitate the installation and removal of various modules inside the server chassis.

[0003] In existing technologies, trays are typically detachable and installable using multiple pins or screws. During installation, each module is first correctly positioned in the tray, then pins or screws are inserted into the tray's mounting holes. Finally, each pin or screw is sequentially installed into its corresponding mounting hole on the chassis. Conversely, during disassembly, each pin or screw must be removed sequentially from the tray and chassis. Because of the large number of small pins or screws, their varying installation positions, and the need for tools like wrenches or screwdrivers, the disassembly and assembly process is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and inefficient. Furthermore, pins or screws are easily lost during this process. In short, existing technologies for tray disassembly and assembly involve complex steps, numerous tools, low efficiency, and wasted time and manpower. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a pallet assembly and chassis to enable tool-free, rapid installation and removal of pallets.

[0005] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A tray assembly includes a base and a tray, the tray being insertable into the base in a first direction, the base including a first side plate, the tray including a second side plate opposite to the first side plate, and the tray assembly further including a locking mechanism for locking the tray to the base, the locking mechanism including:

[0007] The first latching part and the second latching part are respectively disposed on the first side plate and the second side plate. The first latching part and the second latching part can engage and connect when the tray is placed into the base, and restrict the tray from moving along or away from a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0008] A connecting plate, hinged to the second side plate, is rotatable to a first working position and engage with the first side plate to restrict movement of the tray along or away from the first direction, or rotatable to a second working position and disengage from the first side plate; and

[0009] A locking element is configured to lock the connecting plate and the second side plate to keep the connecting plate in the first working position.

[0010] Preferably, when the connecting plate rotates from the second working position to the first working position, the connecting plate can apply an external force to the first side plate to cause the first locking part and the second locking part to move relative to each other and engage; or...

[0011] When the tray is placed into the base along the first direction, the second side plate can move relative to the first side plate along the first direction, and the first side plate can abut against the connecting plate, so that the connecting plate can rotate from the second working position to the first working position.

[0012] Preferably, the locking mechanism further includes a first limiting block disposed on the first side plate, and the connecting plate is provided with a first latch located on one side of the hinge joint between the connecting plate and the second side plate. The first limiting block can abut against the first latch along the first inner wall or the second inner wall in the first direction. The length of the first inner wall is greater than the length of the second inner wall, so that the connecting plate can rotate from the second working position to the first working position, or the first latching part and the second latching part can move relative to each other and engage.

[0013] Preferably, the first locking part is configured as a second limiting block, and the second locking part is configured as a second latch. The second latch can move relative to the second limiting block along the first direction so that the second limiting block is locked in the second latch.

[0014] Preferably, the second side plate is provided with a first guide groove that extends along the first direction, and the first side plate is also provided with a guide block that is configured to slide within the first guide groove so that the second limiting block moves into the second bayonet.

[0015] Preferably, the second side plate is provided with a first strip hole, which extends along the rotation direction of the connecting plate. A screw is provided in the first strip hole, which is connected to the connecting plate and can move within the first strip hole.

[0016] Preferably, the second side plate is provided with a ball protrusion, and the connecting plate is provided with a first positioning hole and a second positioning hole at intervals along its rotation direction. When the connecting plate is in the first working position and the second working position, the ball protrusion can be located in the first positioning hole and the second positioning hole respectively.

[0017] Preferably, the base further includes a first base plate, and the first side plates are provided on both sides of the first base plate;

[0018] The tray also includes a second base plate, and second side plates are provided on both sides of the second base plate. When the connecting plate is in the first working position, the second base plate can be attached to and connected to the first base plate, and the first base plate can restrict the movement of the second side plates along the second direction.

[0019] Preferably, the second base plate is provided with a through hole to connect the second base plate to the first base plate. The second base plate is also provided with a second strip hole, which communicates with the through hole and extends along the first direction. The width of the second strip hole gradually increases along the first direction.

[0020] The present invention also provides a chassis, characterized in that the chassis includes a chassis body and a tray assembly as described above, the tray assembly being installed inside the chassis body.

[0021] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0022] In this invention, the first side plate and the second side plate are arranged opposite to each other to restrict the movement of the second side plate toward the first side plate. The connecting plate can rotate around the hinge point between it and the second side plate. When the first and second locking parts are engaged and the connecting plate is rotated to the first working position, the locking member is locked, and the tray is fixed in the base. Since the various modules in the server are installed in the tray, the various modules in the server are installed on the base. When the locking member is opened and the connecting plate is rotated to the second working position, the first side plate and the second side plate are separated, that is, the tray is separated from the base, and the tray can be disassembled to achieve tool-free quick installation and disassembly of the tray. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the tray assembly after the tray is installed on the base in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the base provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the tray in the first working position provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Top view;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the tray assembly after the tray is placed into the base along the second direction in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the first limiting block moving along the first direction into the first bayonet in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the first inner wall abutting against the first limiting block in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the second inner wall abutting against the first limiting block in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the connecting plate and the second side plate after being locked in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] In the picture:

[0033] 1. Base; 11. First side plate; 12. First bottom plate; 111. Guide block; 121. Buckle;

[0034] 2. Tray; 21. Second side plate; 22. Second bottom plate; 211. First strip hole; 212. First guide groove; 213. Second guide groove; 214. Screw; 221. Through hole; 222. Second strip hole;

[0035] 31. First limiting block; 32. Connecting plate; 33. First locking part; 34. Second locking part; 35. Locking element; 321. First bayonet; 322. First positioning hole; 323. Second positioning hole. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, and not all of the structures.

[0037] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0038] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0039] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used only for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0040] With the rapid development of network technology, various industries have become increasingly digital and intelligent. Numerous network expansion modules, such as computing and storage modules, are becoming more widespread. These modules are typically housed in the server chassis via tray 2. Due to the long-term operation of servers, each module requires regular maintenance. To facilitate maintenance personnel in maintaining these modules, such as… Figures 1 to 5 As shown, this embodiment provides a tray assembly, including a base 1 and a tray 2. The base 1 includes a first side plate 11, and the tray 2 includes a second side plate 21 opposite to the first side plate 11. The tray assembly also includes a locking mechanism for locking the tray 2, which is placed into the base 1 along a first direction, to the base 1. The locking mechanism includes a first engaging portion 33, a second engaging portion 34, a connecting plate 32, and a locking member 35. The first engaging portion 33 and the second engaging portion 34 are respectively disposed on the first side plate 11 and the second side plate 21. The first engaging portion 33 and the second engaging portion 34 can engage when the tray 2 is placed into the base 1, and restrict the movement of the tray 2 along or away from a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The connecting plate 32 is hinged to the second side plate 21 and can rotate to a first working position and engage with the first side plate 11 to restrict the movement of the tray 2 along or away from the first direction, or rotate to a second working position and release the engagement with the first side plate 11. The locking member 35 is configured to lock the connecting plate 32 and the second side plate 21 so that the connecting plate 32 is held in the first working position.

[0041] It is understood that in this embodiment, the locking component 35 is set as a hand-turning screw or the like, so as to achieve tool-free locking of the connecting plate 32 and the second side plate 21.

[0042] In this embodiment, the first side plate 11 and the second side plate 21 are arranged opposite to each other to restrict the movement of the second side plate 21 toward the first side plate 11. The connecting plate 32 can rotate around its hinge with the second side plate 21. When the first latching part 33 and the second latching part 34 are engaged and the connecting plate 32 is rotated to the first working position, the locking member 35 is locked, and the tray 2 is fixed in the base 1. Since the various modules in the server are installed in the tray 2, the various modules in the server are installed on the base 1. When the locking member 35 is opened and the connecting plate 32 is rotated to the second working position, the first side plate 11 and the second side plate 21 are separated, that is, the tray 2 is separated from the base 1, and then the tray 2 is disassembled to inspect and maintain the various modules in the server, realizing the tool-free quick installation and disassembly of the tray 2.

[0043] Specifically, the base 1 is fixedly installed inside the chassis. After the various modules of the server are installed on the tray 2, the connecting plate 32 is rotated to the second working position. Then, the tray 2 is placed into the base 1 along the second direction. The tray 2 is pushed along the first direction, causing the second latching part 34 to move relative to it. During the movement of the tray 2 along the first direction, the connecting plate 32 is rotated from the second working position to the first working position. When the second latching part 34 engages with the first latching part 33, the connecting plate 32 is located in the first working position. The connecting plate 32 and the second side plate 21 are locked by the locking member 35. Since the connecting plate 32 engages with the first side plate 11 and the second latching part 34 engages with the first latching part 33, the second side plate 21 is fixed to the first side plate 11, thus restricting the position of the tray 2.

[0044] Preferably, such as Figure 2 and Figures 6 to 9As shown, when the connecting plate 32 rotates from the second working position to the first working position, the connecting plate 32 can apply an external force to the first side plate 11, so that the first snap-fit ​​part 33 and the second snap-fit ​​part 34 move relative to each other and snap into connection; or when the tray 2 is placed into the base 1 along the first direction, the second side plate 21 can move relative to the first side plate 11 along the first direction, and the first side plate 11 can abut against the connecting plate 32, so that the connecting plate 32 rotates from the second working position to the first working position. That is, in this embodiment, after installing each module in the server onto the tray 2 and placing the tray 2 into the base 1 along the second direction, the connecting plate 32 is rotated from the second working position to the first working position. During the rotation, the connecting plate 32 can apply an external force to the first side plate 11. Since the position of the base 1 is fixed, the first side plate 11 applies a reaction force to the connecting plate 32, causing the second side plate 21 to move relative to the first side plate 11, thereby causing the first latching part 33 and the second latching part 34 to move relative to each other. When the connecting plate 32 is rotated to the first working position, the first latching part 33 and the second latching part 34 engage and connect, and the connecting plate 32 and the second side plate 21 are locked by the locking member 35. Of course, after installing the various modules of the server onto the tray 2 and placing the tray 2 into the base 1 along the second direction, the tray 2 can also be pushed along the first direction. During the movement of the tray 2, the first side plate 11 abuts against the connecting plate 32. Since the position of the base 1 is fixed, the connecting plate 32 can rotate from the second working position to the first working position. When the tray 2 is pushed until the second latching part 34 engages with the first latching part 33, the connecting plate 32 can rotate to the first working position, and the connecting plate 32 and the second side plate 21 are locked by the locking member 35. Therefore, in this embodiment, the tray 2 can be installed into the base 1 simply by pushing the tray 2 or rotating the connecting plate 32, realizing tool-free quick installation of the tray 2.

[0045] To allow the tray 2 to be installed into the base 1 simply by pushing the tray 2 or rotating the connecting plate 32, as shown in Figure 2 and... Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the locking mechanism further includes a first limiting block 31, which is disposed on the first side plate 11. The connecting plate 32 is provided with a first latch 321, which is located on one side of the hinge between the connecting plate 32 and the second side plate 21. The first limiting block 31 can abut against the first inner wall or the second inner wall of the first latch 321 along the first direction. The length of the first inner wall is greater than the length of the second inner wall, so that the connecting plate 32 can rotate from the second working position to the first working position, or that the first latching part 33 and the second latching part 34 can move relative to each other and engage. Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the connecting plate 32 has a working position suitable for the first limiting block 31 to move into the first bayonet 321, i.e., a second working position. In this embodiment, the connecting plate 32 is initially located in the second working position. First, the tray 2 is placed into the base 1 along the second direction, and then the tray 2 is pushed to move the first limiting block 31 into the first bayonet 321. Then, as... Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, when the connecting plate 32 is rotated, the second inner wall can abut against the first limiting block 31 to apply external force to the first side plate 11, causing the first locking part 33 and the second locking part 34 to move relative to each other; when the tray 2 is pushed further, since the length of the first inner wall is greater than the length of the second inner wall, the first inner wall can abut against the first limiting block 31, causing the connecting plate 32 to rotate from the second working position to the first working position.

[0046] Understandably, when it is necessary to inspect and maintain the various modules installed in the tray 2, the locking piece 35 is opened, and the connecting plate 32 is rotated from the first working position to the second working position. During the rotation, the first inner wall can abut against the first limiting block 31, and because the length of the second inner wall is small, the first limiting block 31 can move out of the first bayonet 321, thereby allowing the second side plate 21 to move away from the first side plate 11 in the first direction, so as to separate the tray 2 from the base 1, which greatly simplifies the disassembly method.

[0047] Of course, in other alternative embodiments, when it is necessary to inspect and maintain the various modules installed in the tray 2, the tray 2 can be pulled away from the first direction after the locking member 35 is opened, that is, the second side plate 21 moves away from the first side plate 11 relative to the first side plate 11 to separate the tray 2 from the base 1.

[0048] In this embodiment, the connecting plate 32 needs to switch between a first working position and a second working position. In order to enable the connecting plate 32 to rotate precisely to the required position, a first strip hole 211 is provided on the second side plate 21. The first strip hole 211 extends along the rotation direction of the connecting plate 32. A screw 214 is provided in the first strip hole 211. The screw 214 is connected to the connecting plate 32 and can move within the first strip hole 211. The arc of the first strip hole 211 is equal to the rotation angle of the connecting plate 32 from the second working position to the first working position, so that the connecting plate 32 can rotate within a fixed range.

[0049] Furthermore, a ball protrusion is provided on the second side plate 21, and a first positioning hole 322 and a second positioning hole 323 are provided at intervals along the rotation direction of the connecting plate 32. When the connecting plate 32 is in the first working position and the second working position, the ball protrusion can be located in the first positioning hole 322 and the second positioning hole 323 respectively. The first positioning hole 322 and the second positioning hole 323 can further limit the rotation position of the connecting plate 32.

[0050] In this embodiment, the first locking portion 33 is preferably configured as a second limiting block, and the second locking portion 34 is preferably configured as a second latch. The second latch is movable relative to the second limiting block along a first direction so that the second limiting block is locked within the second latch. The second latch faces the second limiting block. When the second side plate 21 moves along the first direction, the second limiting block is locked within the second latch, and when the connecting plate 32 rotates from the first working position to the second working position, the second limiting block disengages from the second latch.

[0051] To allow the tray 2 to be placed inside the base 1 and the second latch to move relative to the second limiting block along the first direction, the second side plate 21 is provided with a first guide groove 212 extending along the first direction. The first side plate 11 is also provided with a guide block 111, which is configured to slide within the first guide groove 212 to allow the second limiting block to move into the second latch. The first guide groove 212 ensures that the second side plate 21 moves along the first direction and prevents the second side plate 21 from deviating.

[0052] It is understood that in this embodiment, the second limiting block can restrict the placement position of the tray 2 when the tray 2 is placed into the base 1 along the second direction, and the second side plate 21 is also provided with a second guide groove 213. The second guide groove 213 extends along the second direction and communicates with the first guide groove 212, so that the guide block 111 can be located in the first guide groove 212 after the tray 2 is placed into the base 1.

[0053] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the base 1 also includes a first base plate 12, with first side plates 11 on both sides of the first base plate 12. The tray 2 also includes a second base plate 22, with second side plates 21 on both sides of the second base plate 22. When the connecting plate 32 is in the first working position, the second base plate 22 can be attached to and connected to the first base plate 12, and the first base plate 12 can restrict the movement of the second side plates 21 in the second direction. The aforementioned locking mechanism is provided between the first side plate 11 and the second side plate 21 located on the same side of the base 1 and the tray 2, so that the tray 2 is more reliably fixed to the base 1.

[0054] Preferably, the second base plate 22 is provided with a through hole 221 to connect the second base plate 22 to the first base plate 12. The second base plate 22 is also provided with a second strip hole 222, which communicates with the through hole 221 and extends along the first direction. The width of the second strip hole 222 gradually increases along the first direction. The first base plate 12 is pre-set with a buckle 121. When the tray 2 is placed into the base 1 along the second direction, the buckle 121 can be located in the wider part of the second strip hole 222. After the second side plate 21 moves along the first direction, the buckle 121 is located in the through hole 221, thereby connecting the second base plate 22 to the first base plate 12. When the connecting plate 32 rotates from the first working position to the second working position or pulls the second side plate 21 away from the first direction, that is, when the second side plate 21 moves away from the first direction relative to the first side plate 11, the buckle 121 can be located in the wider part of the second strip hole 222 to separate the tray 2 from the base 1.

[0055] This embodiment also provides a chassis, which includes a chassis body and a tray assembly as described above. The tray assembly is installed inside the chassis body. In this embodiment, the tray 2 is installed on the base 1, and the base 1 is fixed to the chassis body. By simply enabling tool-free quick installation and removal of the tray 2 and the base 1, various modules in the server can be installed and maintained.

[0056] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will be able to make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A tray assembly comprising a base (1) and a tray (2) which can be placed into the base (1) in a first direction, the base (1) comprising a first side panel (11) and the tray (2) comprising a second side panel (21) opposite the first side panel (11), characterised in that, The tray assembly further comprises a locking mechanism for locking the tray (2) to the base (1), the locking mechanism comprising: a first clamping part (33) and a second clamping part (34) respectively arranged on the first side plate (11) and the second side plate (21), the first clamping part (33) and the second clamping part (34) being capable of clamping connection when the tray (2) is placed into the base (1) and limiting movement of the tray (2) along or away from a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a connecting plate (32) hinged to the second side plate (21), capable of being rotated to a first working position and clamped with the first side plate (11) to limit movement of the tray (2) along or away from the first direction, or rotated to a second working position and unclamped with the first side plate (11); and a locking piece (35) configured to lock the connecting plate (32) and the second side plate (21) so that the connecting plate (32) remains in the first working position; when the connecting plate (32) is rotated from the second working position to the first working position, the connecting plate (32) can apply an external force to the first side plate (11) to make the first clamping part (33) and the second clamping part (34) relatively move and clamping connection; or, when the tray (2) is placed into the base (1) along the first direction, the second side plate (21) can move relative to the first side plate (11) along the first direction, and the first side plate (11) can abut against the connecting plate (32) to make the connecting plate (32) rotate from the second working position to the first working position; The locking mechanism further comprises a first limiting block (31) arranged on the first side plate (11), and the connecting plate (32) is provided with a first clamping hole (321) located on one side of the hinge between the connecting plate (32) and the second side plate (21), the first limiting block (31) can abut against a first inner wall or a second inner wall of the first clamping hole (321) along the first direction, the length of the first inner wall is greater than the length of the second inner wall, so that the connecting plate (32) is rotated from the second working position to the first working position, or the first clamping part (33) and the second clamping part (34) relatively move and clamping connection.

2. The tray assembly of claim 1, wherein, The first clamping part (33) is arranged as a second limiting block, and the second clamping part (34) is arranged as a second clamping hole, the second clamping hole can move relative to the second limiting block along the first direction, so that the second limiting block is clamped in the second clamping hole.

3. The tray assembly of claim 2, wherein, The second side plate (21) is provided with a first guide groove (212) extending along the first direction, and the first side plate (11) is further provided with a guide block (111) configured to slide in the first guide groove (212) to move the second limiting block into the second clamping hole.

4. The tray assembly of claim 1, wherein, The second side plate (21) is provided with a first strip-shaped hole (211) extending along the rotating direction of the connecting plate (32), and a screw (214) is arranged in the first strip-shaped hole (211) and connected with the connecting plate (32) and movable in the first strip-shaped hole (211).

5. The tray assembly of claim 4, wherein, The second side plate (21) is provided with a ball block, and the connecting plate (32) is provided with a first positioning hole (322) and a second positioning hole (323) at intervals along the rotating direction of the connecting plate (32), and the ball block is arranged in the first positioning hole (322) and the second positioning hole (323) respectively when the connecting plate (32) is in the first working position and the second working position.

6. The tray assembly of claim 1, wherein, The base (1) further comprises a first bottom plate (12), and the first bottom plate (12) is provided with the first side plate (11) on both sides. The tray (2) further comprises a second bottom plate (22), and the second bottom plate (22) is provided with the second side plate (21) on both sides, and the second bottom plate (22) is capable of being attached to and connected with the first bottom plate (12) when the connecting plate (32) is in the first working position, and the first bottom plate (12) is capable of limiting the movement of the second side plate (21) along the second direction.

7. The tray assembly of claim 6, wherein, The second bottom plate (22) is provided with a through hole (221) for connecting the second bottom plate (22) with the first bottom plate (12), and the second bottom plate (22) is further provided with a second strip-shaped hole (222) in communication with the through hole (221) and extending along the first direction, and the width of the second strip-shaped hole (222) gradually increases along the first direction.

8. A cabinet, characterized by The cabinet comprises a cabinet body and the tray assembly according to any one of claims 1-7, and the tray assembly is installed in the interior of the cabinet body.

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