Replaceable electronic device and shelving system

Abstract

An electronic module, such as a power module, can include a lockout having two or more protrusions, where a first protrusion can secure the electronic module into a shelf and a second protrusion can be a curved protrusion that activates the lockout when an adjacent electronic module is inserted into the shelf or the adjacent electronic module is removed from the shelf. In some embodiments, a third protrusion can be included, where the first and third protrusions both secure the electronic module into the shelf and are both activated by the lockout. Additionally, the shelf can include a divider between two electronic module receptacles, the divider having a width that is less than the protrusion extending from a sidewall of one of the electronic modules.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] Data centers and data servers require efficient use of space within their rack systems, which house electronic modules such as power modules (e.g., power supply units (“PSUs”)). Shelf systems have been implemented as arrays to house such electronic modules; however, as the density of components and one or more circuits within the electronic modules increases, space within each shelf becomes limited. Furthermore, structures are needed to ensure that the electronic modules are secured to the shelves and that they do not pop out when subjected to shocks or vibrations. The embodiments described herein provide solutions to these problems. Summary of the Invention

[0002] In some embodiments, the electronic device may be swappable for embedding into a shelf having a receiving structure. The electronic device may include a housing comprising a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and an end portion. The first sidewall has a first opening and a second opening. The electronic device also includes a locking member comprising an elongated plate having a first end portion, a second end portion, a first protrusion, and a second protrusion. The first end portion may be secured to an inner surface of the first sidewall, wherein the first protrusion extends at least partially out of the first sidewall through the first opening, and the second protrusion extends at least partially out of the first sidewall through the second opening. The second end portion may extend through the opening in the end portion to be exposed outside the housing, wherein the second end portion may be subjected to an external force to cause the first protrusion to at least partially retract into the housing. The first protrusion may include a locking structure to secure the electronic device in the receiving structure when no external force is applied to the second end portion. The second protrusion may be an elongated curved member, wherein both ends of the elongated curved member are connected to an elongated plate, such that when pressure is applied to the second protrusion, the locking member is activated to cause the first protrusion to at least partially sink into the housing.

[0003] In some embodiments, the system may include a first electronic module comprising a first housing having a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a proximal wall, and a distal wall, wherein the first sidewall has a first opening and a second opening. The system may also include a locking member having a plate having a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, a first protrusion, and a second protrusion, wherein both the first and second protrusions are arranged between the proximal and distal ends. The distal end portion may be secured within the first housing such that the first protrusion extends at least partially through the first opening out of the first sidewall, and the second protrusion extends at least partially through the second opening out of the first sidewall. The first protrusion may include a locking structure to secure the first electronic module to a receiving structure, and the second protrusion may be a bend, wherein both ends of the bend are coupled to the plate such that when pressure is applied to the second protrusion, the locking member is activated to cause the first protrusion to at least partially engage with the first housing.

[0004] In some embodiments, the system may include a shelf configured to accommodate a first power module and a second power module. The shelf may include a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a top portion, a bottom portion, a rear portion, and a partition substantially parallel to the first and second sidewalls. The partition may be disposed between the top and bottom portions to allow the first power module to be inserted into the shelf at a first side of the partition, and to allow the second power module to be inserted into the shelf at a second side of the partition. The width of the partition may be less than the length of a locking protrusion extending from the side of the first power module. Attached Figure Description

[0005] Figure 1 This is an isometric view of an alternative electronic device according to certain embodiments of this disclosure;

[0006] Figure 2 This is a view of the end wall of an alternative electronic device according to certain embodiments of this disclosure;

[0007] Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 3C This is an isometric view of alternative electronic devices and shelving systems according to certain embodiments of this disclosure;

[0008] Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 4C This is a top view of alternative electronic devices and shelving systems according to certain embodiments of this disclosure;

[0009] Figure 5A and Figure 5B This is an isometric view of alternative electronic devices and shelving systems according to certain embodiments of this disclosure;

[0010] Figure 6 This is a view of a shelving system including multiple electronic modules according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 7A and Figure 7B These are isometric views of alternative electronic devices and shelving systems according to certain embodiments of this disclosure; and

[0012] Figure 7C and Figure 7D This is a top view of an alternative electronic device and shelving system according to certain embodiments of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0013] In the following detailed description of certain embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form part of this document and are illustrated by way of exemplary embodiments. It should also be understood that features of the embodiments and examples herein may be combined, interchanged, or removed, and other embodiments may be utilized or created, and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0014] As the density of electronic components, such as PSUs, used in server racks continues to increase, every millimeter of space within a server cabinet or server shelf becomes critical. When considering server shelves that can accommodate multiple electronic modules or devices, shortening the width of the vertical dividers between adjacent modules can be an effective design choice to allow for higher densities of electronic components or modules. However, a problem arises when locking protrusions (e.g., teeth extending beyond the sidewalls of the module) must be long enough to prevent the electronic modules from popping out under impact and vibration, and such length requires the dividers to be at least as wide as the length itself to avoid damaging adjacent electronic modules.

[0015] This disclosure provides a solution to this problem, comprising a shelving system and replaceable electronic modules, wherein the electronic modules include locking protrusions that are wider than the vertical dividers of the shelving. Furthermore, some embodiments maintain the usability of the entire rectangular cross-section of the electronic modules, meaning that the internal volume of the housing does not need to be reduced to accommodate newer locking elements and narrower dividers, thus reserving space for continuously increasing electronics density within the housing. Because the shelf dividers are narrower, this allows the electronic modules to be designed with a wider width.

[0016] In specific examples, this could include shelves and replaceable modular systems, where the width of the vertical dividers can be less than the width of the locking protrusions (e.g., the width of the dividers is less than 3.0 mm). In some solutions described herein, this can be achieved using raised protrusions extending from the electronic modules. These raised protrusions are pushed when an adjacent electronic module is inserted into or removed from an adjacent slot in the shelf, and are attached to a locking element to activate the locking element when the raised protrusion is pushed. Without the raised protrusions, electronic modules pushed into or pulled from adjacent slots in the shelf may be scratched by protrusions from adjacent modules or prevented from entering or leaving the slot by protrusions from adjacent modules.

[0017] In other locking designs, if the divider is narrower than the locking protrusion, the locking protrusion will protrude from the divider into the adjacent slot of the shelf. This prevents the second electronic module from being inserted into or pulled out of the adjacent slot if the locking element on the first electronic module is not activated simultaneously. Therefore, in such a design, two people may be required to replace the electronic module.

[0018] However, in the locking and shelving designs presented herein, the vertical dividers within the shelving can be minimized to a thickness as low as the sheet metal (e.g., 0.8 mm), while maintaining the locking protrusions at a "conventional" size (e.g., 3.0 mm). This also allows the electronic module to have a rectangular cross-section maintained along its length. The accompanying drawings below provide additional details and implementations of these and other solutions.

[0019] Figure 1 This is an isometric view of a replaceable electronic device according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, generally designated 100. Electronic module 100 may be a replaceable PSU or other electronic device designed for hot-swappable insertion into a shelf or server rack. Electronic module 100 may include a housing or enclosure having a first sidewall 102, a second sidewall 104, a top portion 106, a bottom portion 108, a front or proximal portion 110, and a rear or distal portion (not shown) substantially located at the end of electronic module 100 opposite to the proximal portion. Furthermore, electronic module 100 may include a locking element 120, which may include two or more protrusions.

[0020] In some embodiments, the locking member 120 may include a first protrusion 122 and a second protrusion 124 that extend at least partially through one or more openings in the first sidewall 102. In some embodiments, more than two protrusions may be present, such as a third protrusion 126. Furthermore, the first protrusion 122 and the second protrusion 124 may extend at least partially through the first and second openings in the first sidewall 102. The first protrusion 122 and the third protrusion 126, individually or collectively, may be referred to as "teeth" and provide a locking mechanism for securing the electronic module 100 to the shelf. For example, the teeth may protrude from the electronic module 100 into a portion of the shelf that secures the electronic module 100 to the shelf (not shown, see the figure below) until the teeth are activated by the locking member 120 to retract from the shelf.

[0021] The first protrusion 122 and the second protrusion 124 may be arranged between the proximal end 128 and the distal end 130 of the locking member 120. The distal end 130 of the locking member 120 may be attached to the inside of the housing, for example, to the first sidewall 102, and the proximal end 128 of the locking member 120 may extend through an opening to the outside of the electronic module 100. This opening may be configured to extend through the front portion 110, so that the distal end 130 is accessible when the electronic module 100 is secured within the shelf.

[0022] The locking member 120 may be an elongated plate constructed of an elastic material or spring metal—such as stainless steel (e.g., SAE 304 or SUS 304). The first protrusion 122, the second protrusion 124, and the third protrusion 126 may be constructed as a single piece or may be constructed as separate pieces attached to the locking member 120. The first protrusion 122, the second protrusion 124, and the third protrusion 126 may be constructed of the same material as the locking member 120 or a different material. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the second protrusion 124 is formed by a cutout segment of the locking member 120.

[0023] The locking member 120 may be activated by a protrusion located near its proximal end or by a second protrusion 124. When the locking member 120 is activated, it causes the first protrusion 122 and the second protrusion 124 to be at least partially recessed into the first opening and the second opening of the first sidewall 102, respectively. In some embodiments, when the locking member 120 is activated, the first protrusion 122 may be completely recessed into the first opening of the first sidewall 102 such that no portion of the first protrusion 122 extends beyond the plane formed by the exterior of the first sidewall 102. In other embodiments, activation of the locking member 120 may also cause a third protrusion 126 to be partially or completely recessed into the first sidewall 102.

[0024] In some embodiments, the second protrusion 124 may be an elongated curved member attached to the locking member 120, the curved member forming a raised portion that protrudes away from the first sidewall 102. The locking member 120 can be activated by applying a force to the second protrusion 124, wherein the force will cause the second protrusion 124 to push the locking member 120, and the movement of the locking member 120 will cause the first protrusion 122 to retract into the first sidewall 102.

[0025] A handle 132 may be attached to the housing towards the proximal end, allowing the user to push the electronic module 100 into or pull it out of the shelf. Additionally, one or more power connections, such as an AC voltage input and a DC voltage output, may be located at the distal end (not shown) of the housing. Power circuitry, a fan, control circuitry, or other circuitry may be included within the housing, which converts the AC voltage input to the DC voltage output.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a view of the front portion of an electronic module 100 having a locking member 120 according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. As can be seen in this view, when the locking member 120 is not activated, the first protrusion 122, the second protrusion 124, and the third protrusion 126 can extend beyond the first sidewall 102.

[0027] Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 3C This is an isometric view of the electronic module 100 and shelf 138 according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, showing the activation of the locking member 120. Figure 3A A compatible, replaceable electronic module 100 in shelf 138 is shown, wherein the locking element 120 is not activated. Figure 3B An electronic module 100 in shelf 138 is shown, wherein the locking element 120 is activated. (See diagram.) Figure 3B As seen, when the locking member 120 is activated, the first protrusion 122, the second protrusion 124, and the third protrusion 126 are at least partially retracted into the first sidewall 102. The locking member 120 can be activated by applying pressure to the proximal end 128, such as by applying force in the direction of arrow 125. The sidewall 102 may also include one or more openings or slots 134 through which the first protrusion 122, the second protrusion 124, and the third protrusion 126 extend from the locking member 120. Figure 3C A close-up view of the shelf 138 and the replaceable electronic device 100 is shown.

[0028] Figure 4A , Figure 4Band Figure 4C This is a top view of an electronic module 100 and shelf 138 system according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, showing the activation of the locking element 120. Figure 4A and Figure 4B The position of the second protrusion 124 is shown when the second protrusion 124 is not pushed and therefore the locking member 120 is not activated. Figure 4C The position of the second protrusion 124 is shown when it is pushed and thus activates the locking member 120. For example, when the first electronic module 100 is secured in the shelf 138 adjacent to the divider 140, the force applied to the second protrusion 124 can activate the locking member 120 as the second electronic module 200 is inserted into or removed from the adjacent slot of the shelf 138. Figure 4B and Figure 4C In the described example, the second electronic module 200 is being inserted or pushed into the shelf 138 in the direction of the arrow, which activates the locking element 120; the locking element 120 is also activated when the second electronic module 200 is removed from or pulled from the shelf 138.

[0029] Figure 5A and Figure 5B This is an isometric view of a system having electronic module 100 and shelf 138 according to certain embodiments of this disclosure. System 500 may include shelf 138 and one or more electronic modules, such as module 100, module 200, or both. Shelf 138 may include an embedded or hot-swappable controller (not shown) for monitoring and controlling the first electronic module 100 and the second electronic module 200 via a management network.

[0030] The shelf 138 may include one or more dividers 140, each divider 140 having at least one opening to receive a protrusion from the first electronic module 100. For example, the divider 140 may have a first slot 111 and a second slot 113 to receive a first protrusion 122 and a second protrusion 124, respectively. The divider 140 may also have a third slot 115, if desired, to receive a third protrusion 126.

[0031] Electronic module 100 may have one or more openings on the second sidewall 104, which are at least partially aligned with one or more openings in the partition 140. For example, the first electronic module 100 may have a first slot 101, a second slot 103, and a third slot 105 on the second sidewall 104, which, when the electronic module 100 is fully inserted into the shelf 138, correspond to and are at least partially aligned with the first slots 111, 113, and 115 of the partition 140. The first slots 101, 103, and 105 may allow extensions from adjacent modules (not shown) through protrusions in the partition 140 into the housing of the first module 100, thereby preventing the extended protrusions from damaging the first module 100.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a view of a shelving system 138 according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the shelving system 138 including multiple electronic modules, such as electronic module 100 and electronic module 200. The shelving system 138 can accommodate two or more mating electronic modules, and in some embodiments, the shelving system 138 can accommodate six electronic modules, such as six PSUs. The shelving system 138 may have a separator 140 between each group of adjacent electronic modules, the separator 140 allowing locking elements for each respective electronic module to lock each respective electronic module in a fixed position within the shelving 138.

[0033] Figure 7A and Figure 7B This is an isometric view of a shelving system 700 having an electronic module 702 according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 7C and Figure 7D This is a top view of a shelving system 700 having an electronic module 702 according to certain embodiments of this disclosure. As discussed herein, the electronic module 702 may include a first locking member 704 configured to activate one or more locking protrusions. The shelving system 700 may also include one or more dividers 706, which further include a second shelving locking member 708.

[0034] Figure 7A An isometric view of the shelving system 700 associated with the electronic module 702 is shown. Figure 7B An isometric view of an electronic module 702 fully inserted into a slot in a shelving system 700 is shown. Figure 7C A top view of the shelf locking element 708 activated by the electronic module 702 is shown. Figure 7DA top view is shown of an electronic module 702 fully inserted into a slot in a shelving system 700 and of a shelving lock 708 in a stationary or inactive position.

[0035] The second shelf locking member 708 may be made of a resilient metal and may be formed as a bent member that allows the second shelf locking member 708 to be pushed when the electronic module 702 is inserted into or removed from the shelf system 700. When the electronic module 702 is fully inserted into the slot of the shelf system 700, the second shelf locking member 708 will return to its resting position, thereby locking the first electronic module 702 into the shelf.

[0036] The illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the various embodiments. These illustrations are not intended as a complete description of all elements and features of apparatuses and systems using the structures or methods described herein. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure. Other embodiments may be used, and other embodiments may be derived from this disclosure, allowing for structural and logical substitutions and variations without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that any subsequent arrangements designed to achieve the same or similar purposes may replace the specific embodiments shown.

[0037] This disclosure is intended to cover any subsequent modifications or variations of the different embodiments and all such modifications or variations. The above embodiments can be combined, and other embodiments not specifically described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the specification. Furthermore, the illustrations are merely representative and may not be drawn to scale. Some scales in the illustrations may be enlarged, while others may be reduced. Therefore, this disclosure and the accompanying drawings should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive.

Claims

1. An electronic device, which is replaceable and designed for embedding in a shelf having a receiving structure, the electronic device comprising: The housing includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and an end portion, wherein the first sidewall has a first opening and a second opening; and A locking member, the locking member comprising an elongated plate having a first end, a second end, a first protrusion, and a second protrusion; The first end is fixed to the inner surface of the first sidewall, wherein the first protrusion extends at least partially out of the first sidewall through the first opening, and the second protrusion extends at least partially out of the first sidewall through the second opening; The second end extends through the opening of the end portion to be exposed outside the housing, wherein the second end can be subjected to an external force to cause the first protrusion to at least partially sink into the housing; The first protrusion includes a locking structure to secure the electronic device in the receiving structure when no external force is applied to the second end; The second protrusion is an elongated curved member, wherein both ends of the elongated curved member are connected to the elongated plate, so that when pressure is applied to the second protrusion, the locking member is activated to cause the first protrusion to at least partially sink into the housing; and The second sidewall includes a third opening and a fourth opening, wherein the third opening is positioned to receive a first protrusion of an adjacent electronic device, and the fourth opening is positioned to receive a second protrusion of the adjacent electronic device.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion are disposed between the first end and the second end.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the elongated curved member of the electronic device is formed from a portion of the elongated plate.

4. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The locking element is made of elastic metal.

5. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the first sidewall of the electronic device includes a third opening, and the locking member includes a third protrusion, wherein, The third protrusion extends at least partially through the third opening out of the first sidewall.

6. The electronic device of claim 5, wherein the second protrusion is disposed between the first protrusion and the third protrusion.

7. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the electronic device is a power supply unit that converts alternating current (AC) voltage to direct current (DC) voltage, and the power supply unit is configurable to be inserted into a shelf capable of accommodating multiple power supply units.

8. The electronic device of claim 7, further comprising a handle and a rear portion, the handle being on the end portion, and the rear portion including a power connector.

9. A shelving system, the shelving system comprising: A first electronic module, the first electronic module comprising: A first housing, the first housing having a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a proximal wall and a distal wall, the first sidewall having a first opening and a second opening; A locking member comprising a plate having a proximal end, a distal end, a first protrusion, and a second protrusion, wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion are both disposed between the proximal end and the distal end; The distal end is fixed within the first housing such that the first protrusion extends at least partially through the first opening out of the first sidewall, and the second protrusion extends at least partially through the second opening out of the first sidewall. The first protrusion includes a locking structure to secure the first electronic module within the receiving structure; and The second protrusion is a curved member, wherein both ends of the curved member are connected to the plate, such that when pressure is applied to the second protrusion, the locking member is activated to cause the first protrusion to at least partially sink into the first housing. The second electronic module includes: The second housing has a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a proximal wall, and a distal wall. A locking member having a first protrusion and a second protrusion, the first protrusion for securing the second electronic module to a shelf, and the second protrusion for activating the locking member of the second electronic module; The first sidewall of the second housing has a first opening and a second opening, wherein the first protrusion extends through the first opening of the second housing, and the second protrusion extends through the second opening of the second housing; The second sidewall of the second housing has a third opening and a fourth opening; and When both the first electronic module and the second electronic module are fixed in the shelf, the third opening of the second housing receives the first protrusion of the first electronic module, and the fourth opening of the second housing receives the second protrusion of the first electronic module.

10. The shelving system of claim 9, wherein the first electronic module of the shelving system is a power supply unit that converts alternating current (AC) voltage to direct current (DC) voltage, and the power supply unit is configurable to be inserted into a shelf capable of accommodating multiple power supply units.

11. The shelving system of claim 9, wherein the shelving system includes a shelf configured to accommodate a plurality of electronic modules, the shelf including a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a top portion, a bottom portion, a rear portion, and a partition parallel to the first sidewall and the second sidewall of the shelf, the partition being disposed between the top portion and the bottom portion to allow the first electronic module to be inserted into the shelf at a first side of the partition, and to allow a second electronic module to be inserted into the shelf at a second side of the partition; in, The separator includes a third opening to receive the first protrusion of the first electronic module and to fix the first electronic module to a fixed position on the first side. and When the first electronic module is in the fixed position, the width of the separator in the direction orthogonal to the first sidewall of the shelf is less than the length of the first protrusion extending from the first electronic module.

12. The shelving system of claim 11, wherein the shelving system includes a hot-swappable controller for monitoring and controlling the first electronic module and the second electronic module via a management network.

13. The shelving system of claim 12, wherein the shelving system includes shelves capable of accommodating six electronic modules, wherein, There are separators between each group of adjacent modules.

14. The shelving system of claim 9, wherein the proximal end of the locking member of the shelving system extends through an opening in the proximal end wall, wherein, The proximal end can be subjected to an external force so that the first protrusion of the first electronic module is at least partially embedded in the first housing.

15. A shelving system, the shelving system comprising: A shelf configured to accommodate a first power module and a second power module; The shelf includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a top portion, a bottom portion, a rear portion, and a partition. The partition is parallel to the first and second sidewalls and is arranged between the top and bottom portions to allow the first power module to be inserted into the shelf at a first side of the partition, and to allow the second power module to be inserted into the shelf at a second side of the partition. The width of the divider in the direction orthogonal to the first sidewall of the shelf is less than the expected length of the locking protrusion extending from the side of the first power module through the divider and the side of the second power module.

16. The shelving system of claim 15, wherein the first power module included in the shelving system comprises: A first housing, the first housing having a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a proximal wall and a distal wall, the first sidewall having a first opening and a second opening; An input section for receiving alternating current (AC) voltage, an output section for providing direct current (DC) voltage, and a circuit that converts the AC voltage into the DC voltage; A locking member, the locking member comprising a plate having a proximal end, a distal end, a first protrusion and a second protrusion, wherein the locking protrusion of the first power module is the first protrusion of the first power module; The distal end is fixed within the first housing such that the first protrusion extends at least partially through the first opening out of the first sidewall of the first housing, and the second protrusion extends at least partially through the second opening out of the first sidewall of the first housing. The first protrusion includes a locking structure to secure the first power module to the receiving structure; and The second protrusion is a curved member, wherein both ends of the curved member are connected to the plate, such that when pressure is applied to the second protrusion, the locking member is activated to cause the first protrusion to at least partially sink into the first housing.

17. The shelving system of claim 16, wherein the second power module of the shelving system comprises: The second housing has a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a proximal wall, and a distal wall. A locking member having a first protrusion and a second protrusion, the first protrusion for securing the second power module to the shelf, and the second protrusion for activating the locking member of the second power module; An input section for receiving alternating current (AC) voltage, an output section for providing direct current (DC) voltage, and a circuit that converts the AC voltage into the DC voltage; The first sidewall of the second housing has a first opening and a second opening, wherein the first protrusion extends through the first opening of the second housing, and the second protrusion extends through the second opening of the second housing; The second sidewall of the second housing has a third opening and a fourth opening; and When both the first power module and the second power module are fixed to the shelf, the third opening of the second housing receives the first protrusion of the first power module, and the fourth opening of the second housing receives the second protrusion of the first power module.

18. The shelving system of claim 17, further comprising a controller for monitoring and controlling the first power module and the second power module.

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