General rack and server installation method

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of servers, in particular to a whole machine cabinet with a universal support and a server mounting method, wherein the whole machine cabinet is used for mounting a server, the whole machine cabinet comprises a first stand, a second stand and a slide rail assembly, the slide rail assembly is connected between the first stand and the second stand, the server is slidably mounted on the slide rail assembly, the universal support comprises a fixed support and a sliding support, the sliding support is slidably mounted on the fixed support along a first direction, the first direction is the sliding direction of the server along the slide rail assembly, the fixed support is connected to the second stand, the rear end of the server is connected to the sliding support, and the front end of the server is connected to the first stand. The whole machine cabinet with the universal support improves the universality of the whole machine cabinet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of server technology, and in particular to a server rack with a universal bracket and a server installation method. Background Technology

[0002] In the past, businesses were smaller, so their demand for servers was relatively low. After placing an order, the servers would be packed and shipped to the customer's address, and the company's maintenance personnel would install them in the rack and finally deploy the necessary cables to complete the installation. However, with the development of technology and the expansion of business scale, the number of servers required by businesses has gradually increased, and the delivery cycle for servers is becoming shorter. In order to save server deployment time, more and more large enterprises are requesting that the entire server rack be delivered to the data center, so that it can be powered on and used immediately, avoiding the time required for server deployment.

[0003] The server racks are shipped directly to the customer. Before shipping, the servers must be deployed in the racks. Due to the large size of the server racks, there are large tolerances between different server racks, while the tolerances of the servers are smaller. This results in the servers being unable to be installed properly in the racks, leading to poor versatility of the server racks. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides a server rack with a universal bracket and a server installation method, which can improve the versatility of the server rack.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a server rack with a universal bracket. The server rack is used to install servers and includes a first column, a second column, and a slide rail assembly. The slide rail assembly is connected between the first column and the second column. The server is slidably mounted on the slide rail assembly. The universal bracket includes a fixed bracket and a sliding bracket. The sliding bracket is slidably mounted on the fixed bracket along a first direction, which is the sliding direction of the server along the slide rail assembly. The fixed bracket is connected to the second column. The rear end of the server is connected to the sliding bracket, and the front end of the server is connected to the first column.

[0006] In one embodiment of the present invention, a transmission mechanism is connected between the fixed bracket and the sliding bracket, the transmission mechanism allowing the sliding bracket to slide unidirectionally relative to the fixed bracket in a second direction, the second direction being the direction from the first column to the second column.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, the transmission mechanism includes a second movable handle, which is rotatably connected to the sliding bracket. The second movable handle is provided with a pawl, and the fixed bracket is provided with a plurality of gear teeth arranged in an array along the second direction. The pawl abuts against or separates from the gear teeth. A torsion spring is connected between the second movable handle and the sliding bracket, and the torsion spring causes the pawl to abut against the gear teeth. The gear teeth are unidirectional teeth.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, the front end of the server is provided with a chassis ear, and a first locking screw is provided inside the chassis ear, the first locking screw connecting the front end of the server to the first column.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the universal bracket further includes a second locking screw, the rear end of the server is provided with a threaded hole, the sliding bracket is provided with an elongated hole, the length and width of the elongated hole are both greater than the diameter of the threaded hole, the second locking screw includes a threaded part and a fixing part, the diameter of the fixing part is greater than the width of the elongated hole, and the threaded part passes through the elongated hole and is connected to the threaded hole.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the slide rail assembly includes a first slide plate and a second slide plate, the first slide plate and the second slide plate being slidably connected, the second slide plate being provided with a slide support, and the server being slidably mounted on the slide support.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, a locking mechanism is provided between the fixed bracket and the sliding bracket. The locking mechanism includes a first movable handle, which is rotatably connected to the sliding bracket. The first movable handle is provided with a pawl. The fixed bracket is provided with a plurality of meshing teeth arranged in an array along the first direction. The pawl engages with or disengages from the meshing teeth. When the pawl engages with the meshing teeth, the sliding bracket is locked relative to the fixed bracket. When the pawl disengages from the meshing teeth, the sliding bracket is slidable relative to the fixed bracket.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the meshing teeth are rectangular teeth.

[0013] On the other hand, a server installation method using a server rack with universal brackets is provided, the method comprising:

[0014] The server is slid into the slide rail assembly, and the server is pushed along the slide rail assembly in a second direction until the rear end of the server contacts the sliding bracket, wherein the second direction is the direction from the first column to the second column, and the direction from the front end of the server to the rear end along the second direction on the slide rail assembly;

[0015] Continue pushing the server so that the sliding bracket slides relative to the fixed bracket along the second direction;

[0016] In response to the front end of the server contacting the first column, the front end of the server is connected to the first column, and the rear end of the server is connected to the sliding bracket.

[0017] Furthermore, a server installation method using a server rack with universal brackets is provided, the method comprising:

[0018] The server is slid into the slide rail assembly, and the server is pushed along the slide rail assembly in a second direction until the rear end of the server contacts the sliding bracket, wherein the second direction is the direction from the first column to the second column, and the direction from the front end of the server to the rear end along the second direction on the slide rail assembly;

[0019] Continue pushing the server so that the pawl on the first movable handle of the sliding bracket slides along the second direction on the one-way teeth on the fixed bracket;

[0020] In response to the server's chassis lugs contacting the first column, the server's chassis lugs are connected to the first column by a first locking screw, and the rear end of the server is connected to the sliding bracket by a second locking screw.

[0021] In this configuration, the pawl and the one-way tooth are in contact, and the pawl mechanism formed by the pawl and the one-way tooth prevents the pawl from sliding in the opposite direction of the second direction.

[0022] The technical solution of the present invention has the following advantages over the prior art:

[0023] This application discloses a server rack with a universal bracket and a server installation method. The universal bracket includes a fixed bracket and a sliding bracket. The fixed bracket is connected to a second column, and the sliding bracket is slidably connected to the fixed bracket. The rear end of the server is connected to the sliding bracket, and the front end of the server is connected to a first column. Since the sliding bracket and the fixed bracket can slide relative to each other, the manufacturing and installation errors between the first column and the second column are offset by the relative sliding of the sliding bracket and the fixed bracket, thereby improving the universality of the server rack and enabling normal installation of the server and the server rack. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments 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.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a first structural schematic diagram of the whole machine cabinet with universal bracket of the present invention (hiding part of the whole machine shell);

[0026] Figure 2 This is a second structural schematic diagram of the complete machine cabinet with universal bracket of the present invention (hiding the entire machine shell);

[0027] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A magnified view of a portion of point A in the middle;

[0028] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of a portion of point B in the middle;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a third structural diagram of the server rack with a universal bracket of the present invention (connection structure of the server, universal bracket and slide rail assembly);

[0030] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A magnified view of a portion of point C in the middle;

[0031] Figure 7 This is an exploded structural diagram of the server and chassis ears of the complete server rack with universal bracket of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the slide rail assembly of the whole machine cabinet with universal bracket of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the universal bracket of the whole machine cabinet with universal bracket of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second movable handle of the whole machine cabinet with universal bracket of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the elongated opening of the cabinet with a universal bracket according to the present invention.

[0036] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the ratchet mechanism of the whole machine cabinet with universal bracket of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 13This is a schematic diagram of the snap-fit ​​mechanism of the whole machine cabinet with universal bracket of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram showing the error between the first and second columns of the complete cabinet with universal support of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 15 This is a flowchart of the first method of the server installation method of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 16 This is a flowchart of the second method of the server installation method of the present invention.

[0041] Explanation of reference numerals on the accompanying drawings:

[0042] 1. Server; 2. First column; 3. Second column; 4. Slide rail assembly; 5. Universal bracket; 6. Fixed bracket; 7. Sliding bracket; 8. Ratchet mechanism; 9. Second movable handle; 10. Pawl; 11. Gear tooth; 12. Torsion spring; 13. Chassis ear; 14. First locking screw; 15. Second locking screw; 16. Threaded hole; 17. Elongated hole; 18. Threaded part; 19. Fixed part; 20. First sliding plate; 21. Second sliding plate; 22. Slide support; 23. Snap-fit ​​mechanism; 24. First movable handle; 25. Pawl; 26. Engaging tooth; 27. Complete casing; 28. Frame; 29. ​​Square hole; 30. Bracket screw; 31. Chassis casing; 32. Chassis ear casing; 33. Positioning surface; 34. Sliding groove; 35. Sliding pin; 36. First hinge shaft; 37. First end; 38. Second end.

[0043] In some implementation methods

[0044] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0045] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, a server rack with a universal bracket is provided. The server rack is used to install a server 1. The server rack includes a first column 2, a second column 3, and a slide rail assembly 4. The slide rail assembly 4 is connected between the first column 2 and the second column 3. The server 1 is slidably mounted on the slide rail assembly 4. The universal bracket 5 includes a fixed bracket 6 and a sliding bracket 7. The sliding bracket 7 is slidably mounted on the fixed bracket 6 along a first direction, which is the sliding direction of the server 1 along the slide rail assembly 4. The fixed bracket 6 is connected to the second column 3. The rear end of the server 1 is connected to the sliding bracket 7, and the front end of the server 1 is connected to the first column 2.

[0046] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, the server rack includes a casing 27, inside which a rack 28 is installed. The rack 28 has a first column 2 and a second column 3. Due to the large size of the server rack, its manufacturing and installation errors are relatively large. Figure 14 The error diagram shown illustrates that after the first column 2 and the second column 3 are installed on the frame 28, the distance between them often varies greatly due to manufacturing and installation errors. Figure 14The values ​​of L1 and L2 shown indicate that if one of the columns is tilted, the distance L1 between the tops of the two columns will differ significantly from the distance L2 between their bottoms due to the column's length. Since server 1 needs to be installed between the first column 2 and the second column 3, and server 1 requires high manufacturing precision and has minimal error, improper installation between the first column 2 and the second column 3 can easily occur. Therefore, this application proposes a server rack with a universal bracket, where the first column 2 and the second column 3 are used to install server 1. The universal bracket 5 within the server rack can compensate for the error between the first column 2 and the second column 3, ensuring a normal connection between server 1 and the server rack. Specifically, the universal bracket 5 includes a fixed bracket 6 and a sliding bracket 7. The fixed bracket 6 is connected to the second column 3, and the sliding bracket 7 is slidably connected to the fixed bracket 6. The sliding bracket 7 is also connected to the rear end of the server 1. Since the sliding bracket 7 and the fixed bracket 6 can slide relative to each other, the relative sliding distance between the sliding bracket 7 and the fixed bracket 6 can compensate for the error between the first column 2 and the second column 3, thereby improving the versatility of the entire server rack. The sliding direction of the sliding bracket 7 relative to the fixed bracket 6 is the first direction, which is defined as the sliding direction of the server 1 along the slide rail assembly 4. Furthermore, a slide rail assembly 4 is connected between the first column 2 and the second column 3. The slide rail assembly 4 is used to support the server 1 and the sliding of the server 1. The first column 2 corresponds to the front end of the server 1, that is, the first column 2 is connected to the front end of the server 1; the second column 3 corresponds to the rear end of the server 1, that is, the second column 3 is connected to the rear end of the server 1. Specifically, both the first column 2 and the second column 3 are provided with square holes 29, and square nuts (not shown in the figure) are installed in the square holes 29. The fixing bracket 6 is connected to the second column 3 by bracket screws 30, and the bracket screws 30 are connected in conjunction with the square nuts. Specifically, as shown... Figure 9 As shown, a sliding groove 34 is provided on the fixed bracket 6 along the first direction, and a sliding pin 35 is provided on the sliding bracket 7. The sliding pin 35 passes through the sliding groove 34, and the sliding of the sliding pin 35 in the sliding groove 34 realizes the sliding of the sliding bracket 7 relative to the fixed bracket 6. The sliding pin 35 can be a screw.

[0047] The present application discloses a server rack with a universal bracket, wherein the universal bracket 5 includes a fixed bracket 6 and a sliding bracket 7. The fixed bracket 6 is connected to the second column 3, and the sliding bracket 7 is slidably connected to the fixed bracket 6. The rear end of the server 1 is connected to the sliding bracket 7, and the front end of the server 1 is connected to the first column 2. Since the sliding bracket 7 and the fixed bracket 6 can slide relative to each other, the manufacturing and installation errors between the first column 2 and the second column 3 are offset by the relative sliding of the sliding bracket 7 and the fixed bracket 6, thereby improving the universality of the server rack and enabling normal installation of the server and the server rack.

[0048] In one embodiment, a transmission mechanism 8 is connected between the fixed bracket 6 and the sliding bracket 7. The transmission mechanism 8 allows the sliding bracket 7 to slide unidirectionally relative to the fixed bracket 6 in a second direction, which is the direction from the first column 2 to the second column 3.

[0049] After the server is installed in the server rack, since the shipping method is to ship the server rack along with the server, it is necessary to ensure that the server is installed intact and undamaged during actual transportation or testing of the server rack, and that the server rack itself is not subject to unnecessary damage. Therefore, a stable connection between the server and the server rack is required. Thus, the front end of server 1 is connected to the first upright 2, and the rear end of server 1 is connected to the second upright 3. However, to improve the versatility of the server rack, a universal bracket 5 is added. The rear end of server 1 is connected to a sliding bracket 7. Since the fixed bracket 6 is slidable, the rear end of server 1 is only slidably connected to the fixed bracket 6, and a stable connection is not achieved between the rear end of server 1 and the second column 3. When an impact occurs on a slope during actual transportation or testing, only the front end of server 1 is stably connected to the first column 2. Therefore, the impact force generated by server 1 can only be borne by the first column 2, which is prone to deformation under the impact of server 1. Therefore, in order to improve the stability of the entire server rack, the direction from the first column 2 to the second column 3 is further defined as the second direction. A transmission mechanism 8 is provided between the fixed bracket 6 and the sliding bracket 7, such as... Figure 9 and Figure 12As shown, the transmission mechanism 8 is a ratchet mechanism. The ratchet mechanism only allows the sliding bracket 7 to slide relative to the fixed bracket 6 in the second direction, and does not allow the sliding bracket 7 to slide relative to the fixed bracket 6 in the opposite direction of the second direction. When the force generated by the slope impact during actual transportation or testing causes the server 1 to move in the front direction, that is, when the server 1 moves in the opposite direction of the second direction, due to the existence of the ratchet mechanism, the force of the slope impact on the server 1 is transmitted to the second column 3 through the ratchet mechanism. At the same time, since the front end of the server 1 is connected to the first column 2, part of the force of the slope impact on the server 1 is borne by the first column 2 and the other part is borne by the second column 3. The ratchet mechanism effectively decomposes the force of the slope impact on the server 1, improving the connection stability between the whole machine cabinet and the server.

[0050] In one embodiment, the transmission mechanism 8 includes a second movable handle 9, which is rotatably connected to the sliding bracket 7. A pawl 10 is provided on the second movable handle 9. A plurality of gear teeth 11 are arranged in an array along the second direction on the fixed bracket 6. The pawl 10 abuts against or separates from the gear teeth 11. A torsion spring 12 is connected between the second movable handle 9 and the sliding bracket 7. The torsion spring 12 causes the pawl 10 to abut against the gear teeth 11. The gear teeth 11 are unidirectional teeth.

[0051] A transmission mechanism 8 is connected between the fixed bracket 6 and the sliding bracket 7. The transmission mechanism 8 is a ratchet mechanism, specifically, as follows: Figure 9 and Figure 12 As shown, the ratchet mechanism includes a second movable handle 9, which is rotatably connected to the sliding bracket 7. A pawl 10 is provided on the second movable handle 9, and multiple gear teeth 11 are arranged in an array along the second direction on the fixed bracket 6. The pawl 10 and the gear teeth 11 cooperate to realize the ratchet mechanism. The gear teeth 11 are one-way teeth, which allow the sliding bracket 7 to slide relative to the fixed bracket 6 in the second direction and prevent the sliding bracket 7 from sliding relative to the fixed bracket 6 in the opposite direction of the second direction. Furthermore, to achieve the ratchet mechanism, the pawl 10 and the gear teeth 11 need to be in constant engagement. Therefore, a torsion spring 12 is installed between the second movable handle 9 and the sliding bracket 7. One end of the torsion spring 12 is connected to the second movable handle 9, and the other end is connected to the sliding bracket 7. After being connected between the second movable handle 9 and the sliding bracket 7, the torsion spring 12 has a pre-compression. The force generated by the torsion spring 12 causes the pawl 10 on the second movable handle 9 to abut against the gear teeth 11 (one-way teeth) on the sliding bracket 7. Therefore, the pawl 10 and the gear teeth 11 are always in engagement. Figure 9 and Figure 12As shown, the pawl 10 and the gear tooth 11 will only be separated when the operator turns the second movable handle 9 counterclockwise, allowing the sliding bracket 7 to slide relative to the fixed bracket 6 in the opposite direction of the second direction. When the pawl 10 and the gear tooth 11 are separated, the sliding bracket 7 and the fixed bracket 6 can be finely adjusted so that the pawl 10 abuts against the appropriate gear tooth 11, thereby ensuring that the force between the pawl and the gear tooth 11 is appropriate, preventing the force between the pawl and the gear tooth 11 from being too large or too small. Furthermore, due to the presence of the ratchet mechanism, when server 1 needs to be installed in the server rack, server 1 is placed on the slide rail assembly 4 and slid along the slide rail assembly 4. At this time, when server 1 slides on the slide rail assembly 4, the direction from the front end of the server to the rear end is consistent with the direction from the first column 2 to the second column 3. Server 1 is pushed along the slide rail assembly 4 in the second direction until the rear end of server 1 contacts the sliding bracket 7. Continuing to push server 1 in the second direction, the rear end of server 1 pushes the sliding bracket 7 to move, thereby causing the pawl 10 on the second movable handle 9 to slide along the second direction on the one-way teeth. When the front end of server 1 contacts the first column 2, server 1 stops moving, and the pawl on the second movable handle 9 abuts against the corresponding one-way teeth, thus achieving automatic adaptation connection between the rear end of server 1 and the second column 3 through the universal bracket 5. No manual operation is required; the operation is simple and the connection is reliable. Figure 12 The force analysis shown shows that since the rear end of server 1 is connected to the sliding bracket 7, the force of the slope impact on server 1 is first transmitted to the sliding bracket 7. The sliding bracket 7 transmits the force to the fixed bracket 6 through the second movable handle 9. The force F exerted by the pawl 10 on the second movable handle 9 on the one-way tooth is F1, and F1 is the reaction force of the one-way tooth on the pawl 10. The reaction force F1 will cause the second movable handle 9 to rotate clockwise and self-lock (the engagement position of the second movable handle 9 is lower than the center of the hinge shaft). The greater the force of the slope impact on server 1, the greater F and the greater F1, the tighter the pawl 10 and the one-way tooth engage, further preventing server 1 from moving towards the front end.

[0052] In one embodiment, the transmission mechanism 8 includes a second movable handle 9, which is rotatably connected to the sliding bracket 7. A pawl 10 is provided on the second movable handle 9. A plurality of gear teeth 11 are arranged in an array along the second direction on the fixed bracket 6. The pawl 10 abuts against or separates from the gear teeth 11. The hinge axis between the second movable handle 9 and the sliding bracket 7 is a first hinge axis 36. The second movable handle 9 forms a first end 37 and a second end 38 relative to the first hinge axis 36. The second end 38 is the end with the pawl 10. The first end 37 is the end with the handle. The center of gravity of the second movable handle 9 is located at the second end 38.

[0053] A transmission mechanism 8 is connected between the fixed bracket 6 and the sliding bracket 7. The transmission mechanism 8 is a ratchet mechanism, specifically, as follows: Figure 9 and Figure 12 As shown, the ratchet mechanism includes a second movable handle 9, as... Figure 10 As shown, the second movable handle 9 is rotatably connected to the sliding bracket 7. The second movable handle 9 is provided with a pawl 10. The fixed bracket 6 is provided with a plurality of gear teeth 11 arranged in an array along the second direction. The pawl 10 and the gear teeth 11 cooperate to realize a ratchet mechanism. The gear teeth 11 are one-way teeth. The one-way teeth allow the sliding bracket 7 to slide relative to the fixed bracket 6 in the second direction, and the one-way teeth prevent the sliding bracket 7 from sliding relative to the fixed bracket 6 in the opposite direction of the second direction. Furthermore, to realize the ratchet mechanism, the pawl 10 and the gear teeth 11 need to be in contact at all times. Therefore, the center of gravity of the second movable handle 9 is located at the second end 38. That is, under the action of its own center of gravity, the second end 38 with the pawl 10 of the second movable handle 9 is always in contact with the gear teeth 11 on the fixed bracket 6. There is no need for the torsion spring 12, the structure is simple and the cost is saved. In addition, the center of gravity of the second movable handle 9 can be located at the second end 38 by setting the length of the second end 38 to be greater than the length of the first end 37; or the second end 38 can be made of a high-density material to achieve the same result.

[0054] In one embodiment, the front end of the server 1 is provided with a chassis ear 13, and a first locking screw 14 is provided inside the chassis ear 13. The first locking screw 14 connects the front end of the server 1 to the first column 2.

[0055] like Figure 7 As shown, server 1 has chassis ears 13 on its front end, which are located on both sides of the front end of server 1. Server 1 includes a chassis shell 31, and chassis ears 13 include chassis ear shells 32. The chassis shell 31 is connected to the chassis ear shell 32. A first locking screw 14 is provided inside the chassis ear shell 32, and a positioning surface 33 is provided on the chassis ear 13. Figure 5 As shown, after the server 1 slides into position on the slide rail assembly 4, the positioning surface 33 of the chassis ear 13 contacts the first column 2. The chassis ear shell 32 is connected to the chassis shell 31 by the first locking screw 14 inside the chassis ear 13, thereby realizing the connection between the server 1 and the first column 2. The first locking screw 14 is connected to the square nut on the first column 2. Therefore, the first locking screw 14 not only realizes the connection between the server 1 and the first column 2, but also can withstand the force of the server 1 when it is subjected to the impact of the slope, thereby improving the connection stability between the server 1 and the entire server rack.

[0056] In addition, such as Figure 4As shown, multiple square holes 29 are provided on both the first column 2 and the second column 3. The multiple square holes 29 are arranged in a linear array along the first column 2 and the second column 3. The slide rail assembly 4 is connected to the first column 2 and the second column 3 through the square holes 29 and square nuts. The slide rail assembly 4 is installed at a suitable height according to actual needs. The height between the two slide rail assemblies 4 is set according to the height of the server 1. Multiple servers 1 can be arranged in a vertical array on the whole machine rack.

[0057] In one embodiment, the universal bracket 5 further includes a second locking screw 15. The rear end of the server 1 is provided with a threaded hole 16, and the sliding bracket 7 is provided with an elongated hole 17. The length and width of the elongated hole 17 are both greater than the diameter of the threaded hole 16. The second locking screw 15 includes a threaded portion 18 and a fixing portion 19. The diameter of the fixing portion 19 is greater than the width of the elongated hole 17. The threaded portion 18 passes through the elongated hole 17 and connects to the threaded hole 16.

[0058] The universal bracket 5 also includes a second locking screw 15, such as Figure 6 As shown, the server rack and sliding bracket 7 are connected by the second locking screw 15. Specifically, the rear end of server 1 is provided with a threaded hole 16, which is located on the chassis shell 31; the sliding bracket 7 is provided with an elongated hole 17, such as... Figure 11As shown, the elongated hole 17 has a length (L3) and a width (L4); the second locking screw 15 passes through the elongated hole 17 on the sliding bracket 7 and connects to the threaded hole 16 on the chassis shell 31, thereby realizing the connection between the sliding bracket 7 and the rear end of the server 1. Furthermore, when server 1 needs to be installed on the server rack, server 1 is placed on the slide rail assembly 4 and slid along the slide rail assembly 4. At this time, when server 1 slides on the slide rail assembly 4, the direction from the front end of server 1 to the rear end is consistent with the direction from the first column 2 to the second column 3. Server 1 is pushed along the slide rail assembly 4 in the second direction until the rear end of server 1 contacts the sliding bracket 7. The server 1 is continued to be pushed along the second direction, and the rear end of server 1 pushes the sliding bracket 7 to move, so that the gripper on the second movable handle 9 slides along the second direction on the one-way teeth. When the front end of server 1 contacts the first column 2, server 1 stops moving. At this time, the rear end of server 1 needs to be connected to the sliding bracket 7 through the second locking screw 15. Due to the manufacturing error in the processing of the threaded hole 16 on server 1 and the installation error in the sliding bracket 7 sliding on the fixed bracket 6, the manufacturing error and installation error will cause the threaded hole 16 on server 1 and the elongated hole 17 on sliding bracket 7 to be misaligned, resulting in the inability to properly connect the rear end of server 1 to sliding bracket 7 through the second locking screw 15. Therefore, the length and width of the elongated hole 17 on the sliding bracket 7 of this application are both greater than the diameter of the threaded hole 16 (equivalent to the diameter R of the threaded portion 18), and the length L3 of the elongated hole 17 exceeds the diameter R of the threaded hole 16 by a specific value, which is the left and right allowance. The left and right allowance can offset the manufacturing error and installation error in the left and right directions. The width L4 of the elongated hole 17 exceeds the diameter R of the threaded hole 16 by a specific value, which is the top and bottom allowance. The top and bottom allowance can offset the manufacturing error and installation error in the top and bottom directions, thereby improving the versatility of the universal bracket 5. The left and right allowance and the top and bottom allowance can be designed according to actual needs, that is, the width and length of the elongated hole 17 can be adjusted, or the size of the threaded hole 16 can be adjusted. Furthermore, the second locking screw 15 includes a fixing part 19 and a threaded part 18. The diameter of the fixing part 19 is greater than the width of the elongated hole 17, so as to connect the chassis shell 31 of the server 1 to the sliding bracket 7 through the fixing part 19. In addition, the second locking screw 15 can be connected to the sliding bracket 7 by a corresponding structure, such as by a chain, cable, etc., or by a riveting structure, which facilitates storage and organization.

[0059] The presence of the universal bracket 5 can offset manufacturing and installation errors in the front-to-back direction (along the head-to-tail direction of server 1, i.e., the front of server 1 pointing to the back, or the back of server 1 pointing to the front). The presence of the elongated hole 17 can offset manufacturing and installation errors in the up-down and left-to-right directions. Therefore, the rack with the universal bracket 5 can offset manufacturing and installation errors in the up-down, left-to-right, and front-to-back directions, effectively improving the versatility of the rack.

[0060] In one embodiment, the slide rail assembly 4 includes a first slide plate 20 and a second slide plate 21, the first slide plate 20 and the second slide plate 21 being slidably connected, the second slide plate 21 being provided with a slide support 22, and the server 1 being slidably mounted on the slide support 22.

[0061] Servers come in different sizes and lengths, therefore the distance between the first upright 2 and the second upright 3 required to install server 1 on the server rack varies, resulting in different lengths of the slide rail assembly 4 installed between the first upright 2 and the second upright 3. To improve the versatility of the slide rail assembly 4 and eliminate the need to design specific slide rail assemblies 4 for servers of different lengths, the slide rail assembly 4 of this application includes a first sliding plate 20 and a second sliding plate 21, as shown below. Figure 8 As shown, the first sliding plate 20 and the second sliding plate 21 are slidably connected, so the distance between the two ends of the slide rail assembly 4 is adjustable, which can adapt to different distances between the first column 2 and the second column 3, and thus can accommodate servers of different lengths. Furthermore, a sliding support 22 is provided on the second sliding plate 21, and the server 1 is slidably mounted on the sliding support 22, as shown. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, two of each of the first column 2 and the second column 3 are provided. A slide rail assembly 4 is connected between the first column 2 and its corresponding second column 3. The bottom surface of the server 1 is slidably mounted on the slide 22.

[0062] In one embodiment, a locking mechanism 23 is provided between the fixed bracket 6 and the sliding bracket 7. The locking mechanism 23 includes a first movable handle 24, which is rotatably connected to the sliding bracket 7. The first movable handle 24 is provided with a pawl 25. The fixed bracket 6 is provided with a plurality of meshing teeth 26 arranged in an array along the first direction. The pawl 25 engages or disengages with the meshing teeth 26. When the pawl 25 engages with the meshing teeth 26, the sliding bracket 7 is locked relative to the fixed bracket 6. When the pawl 25 disengages from the meshing teeth 26, the sliding bracket 7 is slidable relative to the fixed bracket 6.

[0063] A snap-fit ​​mechanism 23 connects the fixed bracket 6 and the sliding bracket 7. Specifically, for example... Figure 13As shown, the locking mechanism 23 includes a first movable handle 24, which is rotatably connected to the sliding bracket 7. The first movable handle 24 is provided with a pawl 25, and the fixed bracket 6 is provided with a plurality of meshing teeth 26 arranged in an array along the first direction. The pawl 25 and the meshing teeth 26 cooperate to realize the locking mechanism 23. Furthermore, the meshing teeth 26 are rectangular teeth. When the pawl 25 engages with the meshing teeth 26, the sliding bracket 7 is locked relative to the fixed bracket 6 because the pawl 25 and the meshing teeth 26 are in an engaged state. Therefore, the pawl 25 and the meshing teeth 26 cannot move relative to each other in the first direction. Consequently, the sliding bracket 7 connected to the first movable handle 24 and the fixed bracket 6 cannot move relative to each other in the first direction. Thus, the server 1 is constrained between the first column 2 and the second column 3. When the pawl 25 separates from the meshing teeth 26, the pawl 25 and the meshing teeth 26 are in a separated state. Therefore, the pawl 25 and the meshing teeth 26 can move relative to each other in the first direction. Consequently, the sliding bracket 7 connected to the first movable handle 24 and the fixed bracket 6 can move relative to each other in the first direction. Thus, the server 1 can slide on the slide rail assembly 4. Furthermore, due to the presence of the latching mechanism 23, when server 1 needs to be installed on the server rack, server 1 is placed on the slide rail assembly 4 and slides along the slide rail assembly 4. At this time, when server 1 slides on the slide rail assembly 4, the direction from the front end of server 1 to the rear end is consistent with the direction from the first column 2 to the second column 3. At this time, the latch 25 and the meshing teeth 26 in the latching mechanism 23 are in a disengaged state. Server 1 is pushed along the slide rail assembly 4 in the second direction until the rear end of server 1 contacts the sliding bracket 7. The server 1 continues to be pushed along the second direction, and the rear end of server 1... The sliding bracket 7 is pushed to move. When the front end (chassis ear 13) of the server 1 contacts the first column 2, the server 1 stops moving and engages the claw 25 on the first movable handle 24 with the corresponding rectangular teeth. At this time, the claw 25 and the meshing teeth 26 are engaged. Since the meshing teeth 26 are rectangular teeth, the claw 25 and the meshing teeth 26 cannot move relative to each other in the first direction. As a result, the sliding bracket 7 connected to the first movable handle 24 and the fixed bracket 6 cannot move relative to each other in the first direction. Thus, the server 1 is constrained between the first column 2 and the second column 3.Furthermore, since the meshing teeth 26 are rectangular, they can withstand forces acting in the first direction, i.e., forces acting in both the front and rear directions. Further, when the server 1 moves towards the front due to the impact of a ramp during actual transport or testing (i.e., when the server 1 moves in the opposite direction of the second direction), the impact force on the server 1 is transmitted to the second column 3 through the snap-fit ​​mechanism 23. Simultaneously, since the front end of the server 1 is connected to the first column 2, part of the impact force on the server 1 is borne by the first column 2, and the other part by the second column 3. The snap-fit ​​mechanism 23 effectively decomposes the impact force on the server 1, improving the connection stability between the server rack and the server 1. Similarly, when the server 1 moves towards the rear due to the impact of a ramp during actual transport or testing (i.e., when the server 1 moves in the second direction), the impact force can still be shared by the first column 2 and the second column 3 due to the presence of the rectangular teeth.

[0064] After server 1 is installed in the server rack, the server rack containing server 1 is transported directly to the customer's data center. On-site deployment personnel only need to loosen the second locking screw 15 at the rear of server 1 (the second locking screw 15 has an easy-to-operate part), and then power on the server. No tools are required, which improves deployment efficiency and can meet the requirements of large customers for rapid deployment of large clusters.

[0065] In some implementation methods

[0066] Reference Figure 15 As shown, a server installation method using a server rack with universal brackets is provided. The server installation method includes:

[0067] The server 1 is slid into the slide rail assembly 4, and the server 1 is pushed along the slide rail assembly 4 in a second direction until the rear end of the server 1 contacts the sliding bracket 7. The second direction is the direction from the first column 2 to the second column 3, and the direction from the front end of the server 1 to the rear end is along the second direction on the slide rail assembly 4.

[0068] When server 1 needs to be installed on the server rack, first adjust the orientation of server 1. The direction from the first column 2 to the second column 3 on the server rack is defined as the second direction. Adjust the front end of server 1 to the rear end along the second direction. Then slide server 1 into the slide rail assembly 4 along the adjusted direction. Push server 1 into the slide rail assembly 4 along the second direction. During the process of pushing server 1 into the slide rail assembly 4, the rear end of server 1 will contact the sliding bracket 7.

[0069] Continue pushing the server 1 so that the sliding bracket 7 slides relative to the fixed bracket 6 in the second direction. In response to the front end of the server 1 contacting the first column 2, the front end of the server 1 is connected to the first column 2, and the rear end of the server 1 is connected to the sliding bracket 7.

[0070] After the rear end of server 1 contacts the sliding bracket 7, server 1 continues to be pushed on the slide rail assembly 4, causing the sliding bracket 7 to slide relative to the fixed bracket 6 in the second direction. When the front end of server 1 contacts the first column 2, it indicates that server 1 has moved into place. At this time, the front end of server 1 can be connected to the first column 2, and the rear end of server 1 can be connected to the sliding bracket 7. Since the sliding bracket 7 is connected to the fixed bracket 6, and the fixed bracket 6 is connected to the second column 3, the connection between the rear end of server 1 and the second column 3 is achieved.

[0071] Compared with the prior art, the sliding bracket 7 of this application is slidably connected to the fixed bracket 6. Since the rear end of the server 1 is connected to the second column 3 through the sliding bracket 7 and the fixed bracket 6, and the front end of the server 1 is connected to the first column 2, and the sliding bracket 7 and the fixed bracket 6 are adjustable, the relative sliding of the sliding bracket 7 and the fixed bracket 6 (equivalent to the universal bracket 5) offsets the manufacturing error and installation error between the first column 2 and the second column 3, and improves the universality of the whole server rack.

[0072] In some implementation methods

[0073] Reference Figure 16 As shown, a server installation method using a server rack with a universal bracket is provided. The server 1 installation method includes:

[0074] The server 1 is slid into the slide rail assembly 4, and the server 1 is pushed along the slide rail assembly 4 in a second direction until the rear end of the server 1 contacts the sliding bracket 7. The second direction is the direction from the first column 2 to the second column 3, and the direction from the front end of the server 1 to the rear end is along the second direction on the slide rail assembly 4.

[0075] When server 1 needs to be installed on the server rack, first adjust the orientation of server 1. The direction from the first column 2 to the second column 3 on the server rack is defined as the second direction. Adjust the front end of server 1 to the rear end along the second direction. Then slide server 1 into the slide rail assembly 4 along the adjusted direction. Push server 1 into the slide rail assembly 4 along the second direction. During the process of pushing server 1 into the slide rail assembly 4, the rear end of server 1 will contact the sliding bracket 7.

[0076] The server 1 is pushed further, causing the pawl 10 on the first movable handle 24 of the sliding bracket 7 to slide along the second direction on the one-way teeth on the fixed bracket 6. In response to the chassis ear 13 of the server 1 contacting the first column 2, the chassis ear 13 of the server 1 is connected to the first column 2 by the first locking screw 14, and the rear end of the server 1 is connected to the sliding bracket 7 by the second locking screw 15.

[0077] After the rear end of server 1 contacts the sliding bracket 7, it continues to push server 1 on the slide rail assembly 4, causing the sliding bracket 7 to slide relative to the fixed bracket 6 in the second direction. Since the sliding bracket 7 is rotatably connected to a first movable handle 24, which is equipped with a pawl 10, and the fixed bracket 6 is equipped with a gear tooth 11 (one-way tooth) corresponding to the pawl 10, when the sliding bracket 7 slides on the fixed bracket 6 in the second direction, the pawl 10 slides on the one-way tooth in the second direction. During this movement, the pawl 10 and the one-way tooth are always in contact under the action of the torsion spring 12. When the push continues until the front end of server 1 contacts the first pillar 2, that is, when the chassis ear 13 on server 1 contacts the first pillar 2, it indicates that server 1 has been pushed into place. Since the gear tooth 11 is a one-way tooth, the pawl 10 cannot slide in the opposite direction of the second direction. Once server 1 is installed, the front chassis lug 13 of server 1 can be connected to the first column 2 using the first locking screw 14, and the rear end of server 1 can be connected to the sliding bracket 7 using the second locking screw 15. Specifically, the second locking screw 15 is passed through the elongated hole 17 on the sliding bracket 7 and engages with the threaded hole 16 on the rear end of server 1 to connect the rear end of server 1 to the sliding bracket 7. Since the rear end of server 1 is connected to the sliding bracket 7 via the second locking screw 15, the sliding bracket 7 is connected to the fixed bracket 6 via a one-way gear (equivalent to a connection via a ratchet pawl 10 mechanism), the fixed bracket 6 is connected to the second column 3, and the front end of server 1 is connected to the first column 2, when the server 1 moves towards the front due to the force generated by the slope impact during actual transportation or testing (i.e., when server 1 moves in the opposite direction of the second direction), due to the presence of the ratchet mechanism, the force of the slope impact on server 1 is transmitted through the ratchet mechanism (equivalent to the one-way gear and ratchet pawl 10 mechanism). The force of the slope impact on the server 1 is transferred to the second column 3. Since the front end of the server 1 is connected to the first column 2, part of the force is borne by the first column 2 and the other part by the second column 3. The ratchet mechanism effectively decomposes the force of the slope impact on the server 1, improving the connection stability between the whole cabinet and the server 1. In addition, since the one-way tooth allows the sliding bracket 7 to slide relative to the fixed bracket 6 in the second direction, the rear end of the server 1 is automatically adapted to the second column 3 through the universal bracket 5. No manual operation is required, the operation is simple, and the connection is reliable.

[0078] The server installation method of this application using a rack with a universal bracket not only realizes the automatic adaptation connection between the back end of the server 1 and the second column 3 through the universal bracket 5, but also decomposes the force of the slope impact on the server 1 through the pawl 10 mechanism and the connection between the universal bracket 5, thereby improving the connection stability between the rack and the server 1.

[0079] Note that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and the technical principles employed. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, and various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions can be made without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, although the present invention has been described in detail through the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and may include many other equivalent embodiments without departing from the concept of the present invention, the scope of which is determined by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A server rack with a universal support bracket, characterized in that: The server rack is used to install a server (1). The server rack includes a first column (2), a second column (3), and a slide rail assembly (4). The slide rail assembly (4) is connected between the first column (2) and the second column (3). The server (1) is slidably mounted on the slide rail assembly (4). The universal bracket (5) includes a fixed bracket (6) and a sliding bracket (7). The sliding bracket (7) is slidably mounted on the fixed bracket (6) along a first direction, where the first direction is the... The server (1) slides along the sliding direction of the slide rail assembly (4), the fixed bracket (6) is connected to the second column (3), the rear end of the server (1) is connected to the sliding bracket (7), and the front end of the server (1) is connected to the first column (2); the fixed bracket (6) is connected to the second column (3) and is located on the side facing away from the second column (2) along the second direction; the chassis lug (13) of the server (1) is connected to the first column (2) by the first locking screw (14), and the rear end of the server (1) is connected to the sliding bracket (7) by the second locking screw (15); a transmission mechanism (8) is connected between the fixed bracket (6) and the sliding bracket (7), the transmission mechanism (8) allows the sliding bracket (7) to slide unidirectionally relative to the fixed bracket (6) along the second direction, the second direction being the direction from the first column (2) to the second column (3); the transmission mechanism (8) includes a second movable handle (9), the second movable handle ( 9) Rotatably connected to the sliding bracket (7), the second movable handle (9) is provided with a pawl (10), the fixed bracket (6) is provided with a plurality of gear teeth (11) arranged in an array along the second direction, the pawl (10) abuts or separates from the gear teeth (11), a torsion spring (12) is connected between the second movable handle (9) and the sliding bracket (7), the torsion spring (12) causes the pawl (10) to abut against the gear teeth (11), the gear teeth (11) are unidirectional teeth.

2. The server rack with universal bracket according to claim 1, characterized in that: The front end of the server (1) is provided with a chassis ear (13), and a first locking screw (14) is provided inside the chassis ear (13). The first locking screw (14) connects the front end of the server (1) to the first column (2).

3. The server rack with universal bracket according to claim 2, characterized in that: The universal bracket (5) also includes a second locking screw (15). The rear end of the server (1) is provided with a threaded hole (16). The sliding bracket (7) is provided with an elongated hole (17). The length and width of the elongated hole (17) are both greater than the diameter of the threaded hole (16). The second locking screw (15) includes a threaded part (18) and a fixing part (19). The diameter of the fixing part (19) is greater than the width of the elongated hole (17). The threaded part (18) passes through the elongated hole (17) and connects with the threaded hole (16).

4. The server rack with universal bracket according to claim 1, characterized in that: The slide rail assembly (4) includes a first slide plate (20) and a second slide plate (21), the first slide plate (20) and the second slide plate (21) are slidably connected, the second slide plate (21) is provided with a slide support (22), and the server (1) is slidably mounted on the slide support (22).

5. A server rack with a universal support bracket, characterized in that: The server rack is used to install a server (1). The server rack includes a first column (2), a second column (3), and a slide rail assembly (4). The slide rail assembly (4) is connected between the first column (2) and the second column (3). The server (1) is slidably installed on the slide rail assembly (4). The universal bracket (5) includes a fixed bracket (6) and a sliding bracket (7). The sliding bracket (7) is slidably installed on the fixed bracket (6) along a first direction, which is the sliding direction of the server (1) along the slide rail assembly (4). The fixed bracket (6) is connected to the second column (3). The rear end of the server (1) is connected to the sliding bracket (7), and the front end of the server (1) is connected to the first column (2). The fixed bracket (6) is connected to the second column (3) along a second direction and is located on the side facing away from the second column (2). The server is secured by a first locking screw (14). The chassis ear (13) of the device (1) is connected to the first column (2), and the rear end of the server (1) is connected to the sliding bracket (7) by the second locking screw (15); a locking mechanism (23) is provided between the fixed bracket (6) and the sliding bracket (7). The locking mechanism (23) includes a first movable handle (24), which is rotatably connected to the sliding bracket (7). A claw (25) is provided on the first movable handle (24). A plurality of meshing teeth (26) are arranged in an array along the first direction on the fixed bracket (6). The claw (25) engages or disengages with the meshing teeth (26). When the claw (25) engages with the meshing teeth (26), the sliding bracket (7) is locked relative to the fixed bracket (6). When the claw (25) disengages from the meshing teeth (26), the sliding bracket (7) is slidable relative to the fixed bracket (6).

6. The server rack with universal bracket according to claim 5, characterized in that: The meshing teeth (26) are rectangular.

7. A server installation method using a server rack with a universal bracket as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The method includes: The server (1) is slid into the slide rail assembly (4), and the server (1) is pushed along the slide rail assembly (4) in a second direction until the rear end of the server (1) contacts the sliding bracket (7), wherein the second direction is the direction from the first column (2) to the second column (3), and the direction from the front end of the server (1) to the rear end along the second direction on the slide rail assembly (4); Continue pushing the server (1) so that the sliding bracket (7) slides relative to the fixed bracket (6) in the second direction; In response to the front end of the server (1) contacting the first column (2), the front end of the server (1) is connected to the first column (2), and the rear end of the server (1) is connected to the sliding bracket (7).

8. A server installation method using a server rack with a universal bracket as described in claims 1-4, characterized in that, The method includes: The server (1) is slid into the slide rail assembly (4), and the server (1) is pushed along the slide rail assembly (4) in a second direction until the rear end of the server (1) contacts the sliding bracket (7), wherein the second direction is the direction from the first column (2) to the second column (3), and the direction from the front end of the server (1) to the rear end along the second direction on the slide rail assembly (4); Continue pushing the server (1) so that the pawl (10) on the second movable handle (9) on the sliding bracket (7) slides along the second direction on the one-way teeth on the fixed bracket (6); In response to the contact of the chassis ear (13) of the server (1) with the first column (2), the chassis ear (13) of the server (1) is connected to the first column (2) by the first locking screw (14), and the rear end of the server (1) is connected to the sliding bracket (7) by the second locking screw (15). In this configuration, the pawl (10) and the one-way tooth are in contact, and the pawl (10) mechanism formed by the pawl (10) and the one-way tooth prevents the pawl (10) from sliding in the opposite direction of the second direction.

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