An automatic control system and method for hot-swapping hard drives

Abstract

This invention provides an automatic hard drive hot-swapping control system and method, comprising: a hard drive slot, in which a hard drive is installed; a motor control module controlling a drive motor to move the hard drive slot along a slide rail towards the hard drive interface, so that the hard drive connector engages with the hard drive interface; a data processing module determining whether the hard drive status information meets preset requirements, and if it does, the data processing module feeding back the status information to a BMC module; the motor control module receiving a pull-out control command, controlling the drive motor to move the hard drive slot along the slide rail, so that the hard drive connector disconnects from the hard drive interface; and then repeating the hard drive-to-interface connection process until a preset number of times is reached, and generating hard drive connection status log information. This achieves automatic hard drive hot-swapping testing, avoids human interference during the hot-swapping testing process, improves the testing efficiency of hard drive hot-swapping, and enhances the reliability of the hard drive-to-server connection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of server hard drive hot-swapping control technology, and in particular to an automatic control system and control method for hot-swapping hard drives. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of internet technology, big data has become a crucial resource across various industries. In the era of big data, the volume of data is growing at an extremely rapid pace, generating massive amounts of data every moment. This necessitates that each server store a large amount of data, graphics, audio, image, and video files, placing higher demands on the reliability and stability of hard drives—currently the primary storage component of servers. If a server encounters insufficient NVMe storage space or experiences a malfunction, it needs to add, remove, or replace NVMe devices. NVMe's hot-swappable functionality allows for updates or expansions to the NVMe storage while the server is powered on, without affecting normal system operation.

[0003] Existing technologies contain human-induced uncertainties. Due to the high configuration of current servers and the large number of hard drives, manually inserting and removing hard drives is inefficient. Furthermore, the methods and force used to manually insert and remove hard drives are inconsistent, leading to significant uncertainties and improper installation of hard drives. This can result in bandwidth loss or the inability to read hard drive information, thereby affecting the stable operation of the server. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides an automatic control system for hot-swapping hard drives. The system performs hot-swapping tests on hard drives; collects various information from the hot-swapping tests; and can automatically or manually control the hot-swapping test process according to test requirements, while also detecting information such as hard drive interface bandwidth and speed in real time to meet the test requirements.

[0005] The system includes: a hard drive backplane and a control unit; the hard drive backplane has multiple hard drive interfaces; and plug-in components are matched near the hard drive interfaces.

[0006] The plug-in assembly has a hard drive slot, with slides on both sides of the hard drive slot. A transmission mechanism is connected to the hard drive slot, and a drive motor is connected to the transmission mechanism.

[0007] A hard drive is installed inside the hard drive slot;

[0008] The control device includes: a motor control module, a data processing module, and a plug-in / plug-out position sensing module;

[0009] The motor control module receives hard drive insertion control commands, controls the drive motor to move the hard drive slot along the slide towards the hard drive interface, and senses the insertion position information based on the insertion position sensor module to make the hard drive plug connect with the hard drive interface and the hard drive is connected to the hard drive backplane.

[0010] The data processing module receives hard drive status information sent by the server BMC module and determines whether the hard drive status information meets preset requirements. If it does, the data processing module sends the status information back to the BMC module. The motor control module receives the pull-out control command, controls the drive motor to move the hard drive slot along the slide, and disconnects the hard drive plug from the hard drive interface. The hard drive and hard drive interface plugging and unplugging process is then repeated until the preset number of times is reached, and hard drive connection status log information is generated.

[0011] It should be further noted that the data processing module is also used to receive hard disk status information sent by the server BMC module, including: power status information, smart information, bandwidth information, and data transmission speed information;

[0012] Determine whether the smart information, bandwidth information, and data transmission speed information meet the preset requirements respectively;

[0013] If the preset requirements are not met, an abnormal hard drive status message will be displayed.

[0014] It should be further noted that the slide rail is equipped with a rack, and the transmission mechanism consists of gears located on both sides of the hard disk slot that mesh with the rack.

[0015] The output shaft of the drive motor is connected to one of the gears, and the drive gear runs on the rack, causing the hard drive slot to move.

[0016] It should be further noted that the bottom of the hard drive slot is equipped with a threaded sleeve, the transmission mechanism is a lead screw, the lead screw is threadedly connected to the threaded sleeve, and the end of the lead screw is connected to the drive motor.

[0017] It should be further noted that the insertion / removal positioning sensing module includes: multiple position sensors installed on the slide rail;

[0018] The position sensor is used to sense the position information of the hard drive slot, and the motor control module uses the position information sensed by the position sensor to control the operation of the drive motor and control the insertion and removal of the hard drive from the hard drive backplane.

[0019] It should be further noted that the insertion / removal positioning sensing module also includes a pressure sensor located at the hard drive interface;

[0020] The motor control module uses pressure information sensed by a pressure sensor to control the connection and engagement between the hard drive connector and the hard drive interface.

[0021] It should be further noted that the control device includes: a display screen and a timing module;

[0022] The timing module is connected to the data processing module. After the hard drive is connected to the hard drive backplane, the timing module starts timing. After the preset time is reached, the data processing module sends a pull-out control command to the motor control module. The motor control module controls the drive motor to move the hard drive slot along the slide, so that the hard drive plug is disconnected from the hard drive interface.

[0023] The data processing module is connected to the display screen, which shows the operating status of the control device.

[0024] The present invention also provides an automatic control method for hard disk hot-swapping, the method comprising:

[0025] The motor control module receives the hard drive insertion control command, controls the drive motor to move the hard drive slot along the slide towards the hard drive interface, and senses the insertion information based on the insertion and removal position sensing module, so that the hard drive plug and hard drive interface are connected and the hard drive is connected to the hard drive back panel.

[0026] The data processing module receives hard disk status information sent by the server BMC module and determines whether the hard disk status information meets the preset requirements.

[0027] If the preset requirements are met, the data processing module will send a compliance status message back to the BMC module.

[0028] The motor control module receives the pull-out control command and controls the drive motor to move the hard drive slot along the slide, so that the hard drive plug is disconnected from the hard drive interface.

[0029] Repeat the hard drive and hard drive interface plugging process until the preset number of times is reached, and generate a hard drive connection status log.

[0030] It should be further noted that the method also includes: the BMC module sending a hard drive power-down control command to the server power module to control the hard drive to power down;

[0031] After the BMC module detects that the hard drive has lost power, the motor control module receives the hard drive removal control command and controls the drive motor to move the hard drive slot away from the hard drive interface.

[0032] After a preset time, the motor control module receives the hard drive insertion control command, controls the drive motor to move the hard drive slot along the slide towards the hard drive interface, and senses the insertion information based on the insertion and removal positioning sensor module, so that the hard drive plug and hard drive interface are connected, and the hard drive is connected to the hard drive backplane.

[0033] It should be further noted that the method also includes: testing the control terminal;

[0034] The test control terminal sends hard drive insertion and removal control commands to the motor control module.

[0035] The test control terminal also receives hard drive status information, whether the hard drive status information meets preset requirements, and hard drive connection status log information sent by the data processing module.

[0036] As can be seen from the above technical solutions, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0037] The automatic control system and method for hot-swapping hard drives involved in this invention integrate the hard drive insertion and removal process with the detection of hard drive information, directly automating the hot-swapping test. Compared with existing solutions, this method requires less manual operation, has a higher degree of automation, improves test accuracy, and ensures the reliability of hard drive connections.

[0038] This invention enables the control device to extend or retract the hard drive slot, or control it forward and backward. When applied to the installation and removal of server hard drives, it can effectively avoid the uncertainty of manual hard drive installation.

[0039] This invention implements an automatic hot-swap control method for hard drive insertion and removal testing; it collects various information from the testing; and it can automatically or manually control the testing process according to test requirements, while also monitoring hard drive interface bandwidth and speed in real time. The invention incorporates ultrasonic and pressure sensors to ensure smooth testing and enables automated hot-swap testing of hard drives.

[0040] This invention uses pressure information sensed by a pressure sensor to control the connection between the hard drive connector and the hard drive interface. By detecting the contact force between the hard drive and the backplane using the pressure sensor, it prevents damage to the hard drive caused by excessive contact force. It also ensures a secure connection between the hard drive and the backplane. Attached Figure Description

[0041] To more clearly illustrate the technical solution of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0042] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an automatic control system for hot-swapping hard drives;

[0043] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the control device;

[0044] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of an automatic control method for hot-swapping hard drives. Detailed Implementation

[0045] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0046] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the illustrations provided in this invention, which are automatic control systems and control methods for hot-swapping hard drives, are only schematic representations of the basic concept of the invention. Therefore, the drawings only show components related to the invention and are not drawn according to the actual number, shape, and size of the components. In actual implementation, the type, quantity, and proportion of each component can be arbitrarily changed, and the layout of the components may also be more complex.

[0047] like Figures 1 to 3 The diagram illustrates a preferred embodiment of the automatic hot-swappable hard disk control system and method of the present invention, including flowcharts and schematic diagrams. The automatic hot-swappable hard disk control system is applied to one or more servers, which are devices capable of automatically performing numerical calculations and / or information processing according to pre-set or stored instructions. Their hardware includes, but is not limited to, microprocessors, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), digital signal processors (DSPs), embedded devices, etc.

[0048] The server may also include network devices and / or user devices. The network devices include, but are not limited to, a single network server, a server group consisting of multiple network servers, or a cloud based on cloud computing consisting of a large number of hosts or network servers.

[0049] The network where the server is located includes, but is not limited to, the Internet, wide area network, metropolitan area network, local area network, and virtual private network (VPN).

[0050] The following will combine Figures 1 to 3 This invention provides a detailed description of the automatic hard drive hot-swapping control system and method. The automatic hard drive hot-swapping control system and method integrate the hard drive hot-swapping test with the hard drive information detection action, directly automating the hard drive hot-swapping test. Compared with existing solutions, it requires less human intervention, avoids human error, and improves the degree of automation and the accuracy of the test.

[0051] The hard drive hot-swap automatic control system includes: a hard drive backplane 1 and a control device. The hard drive backplane 1 is provided with multiple hard drive interfaces 2; plug-in components are matched near the hard drive interfaces 2; the number and position of the plug-in components are matched with the number of hard drive interfaces 2, and the plug-in components can realize the installation of hard drives. Of course, the hard drive involved in this invention can be a storage medium used for storing data, and is not limited to hard drives.

[0052] The hard drive slot 3 is not limited to fixing one hard drive; multiple hard drives can be fixed as needed, with the hard drives arranged side by side inside the hard drive slot 3.

[0053] The hard drive backplane 1 can be configured with multiple columns, each column having multiple hard drive interfaces. Each column can be matched with multiple hard drive slots 3, or it can be matched with a single hard drive slot 3.

[0054] The plug-in assembly has a hard drive slot 3, and slide rails 4 are provided on both sides of the hard drive slot 3. A transmission mechanism is connected to the hard drive slot 3, and a drive motor is connected to the transmission mechanism. A hard drive 5 is installed inside the hard drive slot 3.

[0055] The hard drive slot 3 can be a rectangular groove, the specific shape of which can be matched to the shape of the hard drive, allowing the hard drive to be installed inside the hard drive slot 3. A latch can be installed in the hard drive slot 3 to prevent the hard drive from shifting during movement. One end of the hard drive slot 3 has a through hole, allowing the connector of the hard drive 5 to extend and connect to the hard drive interface 2.

[0056] Hard drive slot 3: Available in 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch sizes, ensuring no shaking during hard drive movement. The structural design of hard drive slot 3 can be modified according to actual needs and is not limited to this solution.

[0057] As for the transmission mechanism of this invention, a gear and rack combination can be used to realize the hard drive plugging and unplugging test.

[0058] Specifically, the slide rail 4 has a rack inside, and the transmission mechanism consists of gears located on both sides of the hard drive slot 3, which mesh with the rack. The output shaft of the drive motor is connected to one of the gears, which runs on the rack, causing the hard drive slot 3 to move. This gear and rack combination can be applied to multiple hard drive testing methods, meeting the need for simultaneous testing of multiple hard drives.

[0059] The present invention also relates to another method in which a threaded sleeve is provided at the bottom of the hard disk slot 3, the transmission mechanism is a lead screw, the lead screw is threadedly connected to the threaded sleeve, and the end of the lead screw is connected to a drive motor.

[0060] In addition to ensuring the normal control of the drive motor to move the hard disk slot 3, the control device of the present invention can also perform self-protection and cut off the power in time when the drive motor experiences excessive voltage or current; the torque and rotation speed of the drive motor can meet the requirements.

[0061] As a control device of the present invention, the control device includes: a motor control module, a data processing module, and a plug-in / plug-out position sensing module;

[0062] The motor control module, data processing module, and plug-in position sensing module can each connect to the server's BMC module and communicate with the server.

[0063] This invention can also include a test control terminal, which is remotely operated by test personnel. The test control terminal can communicate with the motor control module, the data processing module, and the insertion / removal positioning sensor module. Test personnel remotely send control commands to achieve control and receive test process data.

[0064] In one embodiment of the present invention, the motor control module is used to receive the hard disk insertion control command, control the drive motor to drive the hard disk slot 3 to move along the slide 4 to the hard disk interface, and based on the insertion and removal position sensing module to sense the insertion position information, so that the hard disk plug and the hard disk interface are connected and the hard disk is connected to the hard disk backplate 1.

[0065] The data processing module receives hard drive status information sent by the server BMC module and determines whether the hard drive status information meets the preset requirements. If it meets the preset requirements, the data processing module sends the status information back to the BMC module. The motor control module receives the unplug control command and controls the drive motor to move the hard drive slot 3 along the slide 4, so that the hard drive plug is disconnected from the hard drive interface. Then the hard drive and hard drive interface plugging and unplugging process is repeated until the preset number of times is reached, and hard drive connection status log information is generated.

[0066] Here, multiple test processes can be performed. Testers can set the number of tests in advance. If the number of tests is reached and the plugging and unplugging requirements are met, it means that the hard drive can meet the usage needs.

[0067] To automate hard drive hot-swap testing, avoid human interference during the hot-swap process, improve the efficiency of hard drive hot-swap testing, and enhance the reliability and accuracy of hard drive testing.

[0068] As a further embodiment of the present invention, the data processing module is also used to receive hard disk status information sent by the server BMC module, including: power status information, smart information, bandwidth information and data transmission speed information; of course, other test data can also be set according to actual needs to meet test requirements.

[0069] The data processing module determines whether the SMART information, bandwidth information, and data transmission speed information meet preset requirements. If they do not meet the preset requirements, it displays a hard drive abnormal status information. In other words, if the test information does not meet the requirements, an alarm is triggered, and testers are asked to troubleshoot to prevent the hard drive problem from escalating and affecting the stable operation of the server.

[0070] Based on the aforementioned automatic hot-swap control system for hard drives, the control device can extend or retract, or move forward or backward, over the hard drive slot 3. This system is applied to server hard drive installation and removal, effectively avoiding the uncertainties associated with manual installation. To improve the accuracy of movement during testing, the insertion / removal sensing module includes multiple position sensors mounted on the slide rail 4. These position sensors detect the position information of the hard drive slot 3, and the motor control module uses this information to control the drive motor, thus controlling the insertion / removal of the hard drive from the hard drive backplane 1.

[0071] The position sensor can be an ultrasonic sensor, an infrared sensor, or a limit switch, etc. In this embodiment, an ultrasonic sensor can be used to monitor the external environment and effectively avoid the impact of external obstacles on the removal and insertion of the hard drive.

[0072] A position sensor can be installed at the hard drive interface. The position sensor can be placed at the end of the drive as it moves backward after being removed.

[0073] In this embodiment of the invention, to ensure a secure connection between the hard drive and the hard drive backplane 1, and to prevent damage to the hard drive due to excessive contact force, the insertion / removal sensing module further includes: a pressure sensor located at the hard drive interface; the motor control module controls the insertion and engagement between the hard drive connector and the hard drive interface based on the pressure information sensed by the pressure sensor. By detecting the contact force between the hard drive and the backplane using the pressure sensor, excessive contact force is prevented from damaging the hard drive, and a secure connection between the hard drive and the hard drive backplane 1 is ensured.

[0074] As an automated testing method of the present invention, the control device includes: a display screen and a timing module; the timing module is connected to the data processing module. After the hard drive is connected to the hard drive backplane 1, the timing module starts timing. After the preset time is reached, the data processing module sends a pull-out control command to the motor control module. The motor control module controls the drive motor to move the hard drive slot 3 along the slide 4, so that the hard drive plug is disconnected from the hard drive interface; the data processing module is connected to the display screen, and the display screen displays the operating status of the control device.

[0075] Thus, the hard drive hot-swap automatic control system of the present invention integrates the hard drive plugging and unplugging operation with the action of detecting hard drive information, directly automating the hard drive hot-swap test. Compared with the existing technology, it requires less manual operation, has a higher degree of automation, improves the accuracy of the test, and ensures the reliability of the hard drive connection.

[0076] Based on the above-described automatic hard drive hot-swapping control system, the present invention also provides an automatic hard drive hot-swapping control method, the method comprising:

[0077] S101, The motor control module receives the hard drive insertion control command, controls the drive motor to move the hard drive slot along the slide to the hard drive interface, and senses the insertion information based on the insertion and removal sensing module, so that the hard drive plug and the hard drive interface are connected and the hard drive is connected to the hard drive back panel.

[0078] S102, The data processing module receives hard disk status information sent by the server BMC module; the hard disk status information includes: power status information, smart information, bandwidth information, and data transmission speed information;

[0079] Determine if the hard drive status information meets the preset requirements;

[0080] S103. If the preset requirements are met, the data processing module will send the compliance status information back to the BMC module.

[0081] If the preset requirements are not met, an abnormal hard drive status information will be displayed. In other words, if the test information does not meet the requirements, an alarm will be triggered, allowing testers to troubleshoot and prevent the hard drive problem from escalating and affecting the stable operation of the server.

[0082] S104. The motor control module receives the pull-out control command, controls the drive motor to move the hard disk slot along the slide, and disconnects the hard disk plug from the hard disk interface.

[0083] S105. Repeat the hard disk and hard disk interface plugging process until the preset number of times is reached, and generate a hard disk connection status log.

[0084] It should be understood that the sequence number of each step in the above embodiments does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0085] In related technologies, machine learning methods, deep learning methods, and other approaches can be used to implement automatic hard drive hot-swapping control methods, with different methods having different applicable scopes. The automatic hard drive hot-swapping control method of this disclosure can be executed by a server or terminal device, or by a server-side operation, or by interaction between a terminal device and a server.

[0086] As another embodiment of the method of the present invention, the BMC module sends a hard disk power-down control command to the server power module to control the hard disk to power down;

[0087] After the BMC module detects that the hard drive has lost power, the motor control module receives the hard drive removal control command and controls the drive motor to move the hard drive slot 3 away from the hard drive interface.

[0088] After a preset time, the motor control module receives the hard drive insertion control command, controls the drive motor to move the hard drive slot 3 along the slide 4 towards the hard drive interface, and senses the insertion information based on the insertion and removal sensing module, so that the hard drive plug and hard drive interface are connected, and the hard drive is connected to the hard drive backplate 1.

[0089] This embodiment implements an automated testing process and performs tests within a preset time period to meet the plug-in / plug-out test requirements.

[0090] In this embodiment, to facilitate testers' understanding of the test process and test data, the test control terminal sends hard drive insertion control commands and hard drive removal control commands to the motor control module; the test control terminal also receives hard drive status information, information on whether the hard drive status information meets preset requirements, and hard drive connection status log information sent by the data processing module.

[0091] Thus, the hard drive hot-swap automatic control system of the present invention integrates the hard drive plugging and unplugging operation with the action of detecting hard drive information, directly automating the hard drive hot-swap test. Compared with the existing technology, it requires less manual operation, has a higher degree of automation, improves the accuracy of the test, and ensures the reliability of the hard drive connection.

[0092] In one embodiment of the present invention, based on the automatic control method for hot-swapping hard disks, the following will provide a possible embodiment and describe its specific implementation in a non-limiting manner.

[0093] In this method, a test system is first set up, and the test system can recognize the hard drive normally;

[0094] When a hard drive is inserted into the hard drive interface, the hard drive's order and basic information are obtained, and a log file is generated.

[0095] Obtain the hard drive's power status information, SMART information, bandwidth information, and data transfer speed information, and generate a log file;

[0096] Determine whether the hard drive's information matches the preset parameters;

[0097] If the preset parameters are not met, a hard drive error message will be displayed.

[0098] If the hard drive meets the preset parameter information, a hot-swap test can be performed;

[0099] The system issues a power-down command to the hard drive that is to be hot-swapped, and the hard drive loses power.

[0100] The control device issues a disconnect control command. During this process, the stroke of the transmission mechanism can be adjusted by adjusting the encoder settings of the drive motor.

[0101] When there is an obstacle, or when the plug is inserted or removed, the insertion / removal sensing module can obtain the relevant information and control the drive motor to run.

[0102] After the hard drive is properly removed, wait for the preset time, and then the system will send a hard drive insertion control command to the control device.

[0103] The drive motor is controlled to move the hard drive slot 3 along the slide 4 toward the hard drive interface. Based on the insertion and removal sensing module, the insertion information is detected, so that the hard drive plug and the hard drive interface are connected and the hard drive is connected to the hard drive backplane 1. The hard drive insertion process is completed. The system will obtain various information such as the bandwidth and speed of the hard drive and generate a log file.

[0104] The hard drive status information is compared with the preset requirements. If the preset requirements are met, the test continues. If they are different, the test results are displayed and the hard drive insertion / removal process is stopped.

[0105] Hard drive hot-swapping tests typically require multiple insertion and removal tests. The entire process can be scripted to automate the testing of a single or multiple hard drives.

[0106] The system can be installed and removed externally, or it can be directly installed in the server. Both options are feasible. If it is installed externally, it can be used as a test fixture to test the hot-swapping of the server's hard drives. If it is built into the server, it can automate the server's hot-swapping action.

[0107] Based on the aforementioned automatic control method for hard drive hot-swapping, this invention enables hard drive insertion and removal testing; collects various information from the testing; and can automatically or manually control the testing process according to test requirements, while also monitoring hard drive interface bandwidth and speed in real time. This invention incorporates ultrasonic and pressure sensors to ensure smooth insertion and removal testing, thus achieving automated hot-swapping testing of hard drives.

[0108] The automatic control method for hot-swapping hard drives, comprising the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein, can be implemented in electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. To clearly illustrate the interchangeability of hardware and software, the components and steps of each example have been generally described in terms of functionality in the foregoing description. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can implement the described functions using different methods for each specific application, but such implementations should not be considered beyond the scope of this invention.

[0109] Those skilled in the art will understand that various aspects of the automatic control method for hot-swapping hard drives can be implemented as a system, method, or program product. Therefore, various aspects of this disclosure can be specifically implemented in the following forms: a completely hardware implementation, a completely software implementation (including firmware, microcode, etc.), or a combination of hardware and software aspects, collectively referred to herein as a "circuit," "module," or "system."

[0110] The terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," etc. (if present) in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this invention are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that embodiments of the invention described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0111] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. An automatic control system for hot-swapping hard drives, characterized in that, include: The hard drive backplane and control unit are provided. The hard drive backplane has multiple hard drive interfaces. A plug-in assembly is provided near the hard drive interfaces. The plug-in assembly has a hard drive slot, with slides on both sides of the hard drive slot. A transmission mechanism is connected to the hard drive slot, and a drive motor is connected to the transmission mechanism. A hard drive is installed inside the hard drive slot; The control device includes: a motor control module, a data processing module, and a plug-in / plug-out position sensing module; The motor control module receives hard drive insertion control commands, controls the drive motor to move the hard drive slot along the slide towards the hard drive interface, and senses the insertion position information based on the insertion position sensor module to make the hard drive plug connect with the hard drive interface and the hard drive is connected to the hard drive backplane. The data processing module receives hard drive status information sent by the server BMC module and determines whether the hard drive status information meets preset requirements. If it meets the preset requirements, the data processing module sends the status information back to the BMC module. The motor control module receives the pull-out control command, controls the drive motor to move the hard drive slot along the slide, and disconnects the hard drive plug from the hard drive interface. Then, the hard drive and hard drive interface plugging and unplugging process is repeated until the preset number of times is reached, and hard drive connection status log information is generated. The slide rail is equipped with a rack, and the transmission mechanism consists of gears located on both sides of the hard disk slot that mesh with the rack. The output shaft of the drive motor is connected to one of the gears, which runs on the rack to move the hard disk slot. The insertion / removal positioning sensing module also includes a pressure sensor located at the hard drive interface; The motor control module uses pressure information sensed by a pressure sensor to control the connection between the hard drive plug and the hard drive interface, preventing excessive contact force between the hard drive and the backplane from damaging the hard drive. The control device includes: a timing module; The timing module is connected to the data processing module. After the hard drive is connected to the hard drive backplane, the timing module starts timing. After the preset time is reached, the data processing module sends a pull-out control command to the motor control module. The motor control module controls the drive motor to move the hard drive slot along the slide, so that the hard drive plug is disconnected from the hard drive interface. The data processing module is also used to receive hard disk status information sent by the server BMC module, including: power status information, smart information, bandwidth information, and data transmission speed information; Determine whether the smart information, bandwidth information, and data transmission speed information meet the preset requirements respectively; If the preset requirements are not met, an abnormal hard drive status message will be displayed.

2. The automatic control system for hot-swapping hard drives according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the hard drive slot is equipped with a threaded sleeve, and the transmission mechanism is a lead screw. The lead screw is threadedly connected to the threaded sleeve, and the end of the lead screw is connected to a drive motor.

3. The automatic control system for hot-swapping hard drives according to claim 1, characterized in that, The insertion / removal positioning sensing module includes: multiple position sensors installed on the slide rail; The position sensor is used to sense the position information of the hard drive slot, and the motor control module uses the position information sensed by the position sensor to control the operation of the drive motor and control the insertion and removal of the hard drive from the hard drive backplane.

4. The automatic control system for hot-swapping hard drives according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control device includes: a display screen; The data processing module is connected to the display screen, which shows the operating status of the control device.

5. An automatic control method for hard disk hot-swapping, characterized in that, The method employs the hard disk hot-swap automatic control system as described in any one of claims 1 to 4; The methods include: The motor control module receives the hard drive insertion control command, controls the drive motor to move the hard drive slot along the slide towards the hard drive interface, and senses the insertion information based on the insertion and removal position sensing module, so that the hard drive plug and hard drive interface are connected and the hard drive is connected to the hard drive back panel. The data processing module receives hard disk status information sent by the server BMC module and determines whether the hard disk status information meets the preset requirements. If the preset requirements are met, the data processing module will send a compliance status message back to the BMC module. The motor control module receives the pull-out control command and controls the drive motor to move the hard drive slot along the slide, so that the hard drive plug is disconnected from the hard drive interface. Repeat the hard drive and hard drive interface plugging process until the preset number of times is reached, and generate a hard drive connection status log.

6. The automatic control method for hard disk hot-swapping according to claim 5, characterized in that, The method also includes: the BMC module sending a hard drive power-down control command to the server power module to control the hard drive to power down; After the BMC module detects that the hard drive has lost power, the motor control module receives the hard drive removal control command and controls the drive motor to move the hard drive slot away from the hard drive interface. After a preset time, the motor control module receives the hard drive insertion control command, controls the drive motor to move the hard drive slot along the slide towards the hard drive interface, and senses the insertion information based on the insertion and removal positioning sensor module, so that the hard drive plug and hard drive interface are connected, and the hard drive is connected to the hard drive backplane.

7. The automatic control method for hard disk hot-swapping according to claim 6, characterized in that, The method also includes: testing the control terminal; The test control terminal sends hard drive insertion and removal control commands to the motor control module. The test control terminal also receives hard drive status information, whether the hard drive status information meets preset requirements, and hard drive connection status log information sent by the data processing module.

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