Capacity-extensible storage server and extension method thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to a capacity-extensible storage server and an extension method thereof. The capacity-extensible storage server comprises a server box body and a hard disk box, four open holes are formed in the center of the upper surface of the server box body, studs made of insulating materials are arranged in the open holes in a penetrating mode, and sealing rings are arranged on the inner walls of the open holes; an electric connecting seat and a driving unit are longitudinally arranged on the inner top surface of the server box body in a sliding mode, a plurality of sliding rings are arranged on the electric connecting seat, a data interface is formed in the inner top surface of the server box body, and a data connector is arranged on the electric connecting seat; a plurality of conductive wires are arranged in the stud in a penetrating manner, and a first pole piece is arranged at the other end of each conductive wire and embedded in the outer surface of the stud; the sealing waterproof and dustproof performance at the interface can be guaranteed, meanwhile, the stability after connection is good, looseness is not prone to occurring, the requirement for the space for disassembly and assembly is small, connection can be conducted by being placed in a hard disk box, flexibility is improved, and the enough number of data connection points can be provided to guarantee expansibility.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of storage servers, and more particularly to a capacity-scalable storage server and an expansion method thereof. Background Art

[0002] A storage server is a server device that combines multiple hard drives into a single entity, is managed by a single operating system, and has storage space provided by multiple hard drives. It is connected to the network via a network interface card or a local area network link and can be shared by client devices.

[0003] The storage servers currently used basically all use a fixed-volume shell, which is equipped with a hard disk bracket with a fixed hard disk position. The number of hard disks that the server can carry after leaving the factory is fixed. If the server storage space is used up, the only option is to replace the entire server or add additional servers. The flexibility is insufficient, and multiple servers with different storage capacity models are also prone to inventory backlogs, leading to increased costs. China Application, application number CN202110351871.8 discloses a server hard disk external installation component and method, which uses a plug-in and magnetic method to provide a method for external hard disk installation. This method adopts a longitudinal assembly method, which requires a certain amount of space for disassembly and assembly. When applied, it is more suitable for a single independently placed server. However, for densely distributed server scenarios in a computer room, the assembly space is insufficient, and the application of this method for disassembly and assembly will be more inconvenient. At the same time, the reliability of the connection and the waterproof performance of the interface are difficult to guarantee. A storage server with stable connection, good waterproofness and suitable for small spaces and expandable capacity is needed to improve flexibility while reducing production costs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a capacity-scalable storage server and a capacity-scalable storage server expansion method in response to the above-mentioned defects of the prior art.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve its technical problem is:

[0006] A capacity-expandable storage server is constructed, comprising a server case, which also includes a hard disk case; four openings are provided at the center of the upper surface of the server case, studs made of insulating material are passed through the openings, and sealing rings are provided on the inner walls of the openings; an electrical connection seat and a drive unit that drives the four studs to rotate by friction are longitudinally slidably provided on the inner top surface of the server case, the electrical connection seat is provided with a plurality of slip rings that are rotatably connected to the studs in a one-to-one correspondence, the inner top surface of the server case is provided with a data interface, and the electrical connection seat is provided with a data connector corresponding to the data interface; when the electrical connection seat slides up to the highest position of its stroke, the data interface is connected to the data connector; a plurality of conductive wires that are electrically connected to the connector on the slip ring are passed through the interior of the stud, and a first electrode piece is provided at the other end of the conductive wire, and the first electrode piece is embedded on the outer surface of the stud; four threaded holes that cooperate with the studs are formed on the lower bottom surface of the hard disk case, and a second electrode piece corresponding to the first electrode piece is provided on the inner wall of the threaded hole.

[0007] The capacity-expandable storage server described in the present invention is characterized in that a non-cylindrical support column is provided in the server case, the upper end of the support column is connected to the inner top surface of the server case, and the lower end of the support column is connected to the inner bottom surface of the server case; the electrical connection seat includes a sliding sleeve slidably mounted on the support column, and the circumferential side of the sliding sleeve is provided with a connecting plate connected to the slip ring.

[0008] The capacity-scalable storage server described in the present invention, wherein the slip ring includes a mounting sleeve, a bearing rotatably connected to the stud is provided in the mounting sleeve; a boss passing through the bearing is provided at the end of the stud, and a plurality of conductive brushes electrically connected to the conductive wire are fixed on the boss; a conductive ring cooperating with the conductive brush is provided in the mounting sleeve; an electric wire connected to the conductive ring is passed through the connecting plate; the data connector is located on the sliding sleeve and is electrically connected to the plurality of electric wires.

[0009] The capacity-expandable storage server described in the present invention is characterized in that the bearing is slidably arranged in the mounting sleeve, a sliding groove corresponding to the bearing is provided in the mounting sleeve, a spring that provides elastic reset force to the bearing and a pressure sensor that detects the bearing pressure are provided in the sliding groove; an alarm unit is provided on the sliding sleeve, and during the assembly stage, the pressure sensor sends an electrical signal to trigger the alarm unit to alarm when it detects that the pressure exceeds a preset range value.

[0010] The capacity-scalable storage server described in the present invention, wherein the driving unit includes a rubber wheel rotatably mounted on the support column and a driving motor driving the rubber wheel to rotate, and the outer surfaces of the four studs are tightly pressed against the outer surface of the rubber wheel.

[0011] The capacity-expandable storage server described in the present invention is characterized in that four bosses are provided on the inner bottom surface of the hard disk case, and the threaded holes are formed in the bosses; the second electrode sheet is passed through the bosses; a hard disk wiring circuit board is provided in the middle of the four bosses, the second electrode sheet is electrically connected to the hard disk wiring circuit board, a plurality of hard disk interfaces are provided on the hard disk wiring circuit board, and the hard disk wiring circuit board is connected to a cooling fan group for dissipating heat from the hard disk.

[0012] The capacity-expandable storage server described in the present invention is characterized in that a limit bar and two rotatable limit posts are provided on the upper surface of the server case, the two limit posts are respectively used to limit the left and right sides of the hard disk case, and the limit bar is used to limit the end of the hard disk case.

[0013] A capacity scalable storage server adjustment method is applied to the capacity scalable storage server as described above, wherein the method comprises the steps of:

[0014] In the initial state, the sealing ring keeps the stud sealed against the inner wall of the corresponding opening, and at the same time provides damping force to the stud to prevent it from rotating; the electrical connector is at the bottom of its sliding stroke, and the data interface is not connected to the data connector;

[0015] During assembly, the hard disk case is placed on the upper surface of the server case and moved so that the four threaded holes on the hard disk case are aligned with the four studs one by one. The drive unit is started, and the four studs are driven to rotate by friction. The four studs are screwed into the corresponding threaded holes on the hard disk case. The multiple first pole pieces on the outer surface of the studs are electrically connected with the multiple second pole pieces on the inner wall of the threaded holes. The four studs pull the electrical connection seat upward, so that the data interface is connected to the data connector, and the assembly is completed.

[0016] During disassembly, start the drive unit and rely on friction to drive the four studs to rotate in the opposite direction. The four studs are screwed out of the corresponding threaded holes and reset. The four studs pull the electrical connection seat downward, and the data interface is disconnected from the data connector, completing the disassembly.

[0017] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: in the initial state, the sealing ring keeps the stud sealed against the inner wall of the corresponding opening, and at the same time, the sealing ring provides a damping force to the stud to prevent it from rotating; the electrical connection seat is located at the lowest end of its sliding stroke, and the data interface is not connected to the data connector; during assembly, the hard disk case is placed on the upper surface of the server case, and the hard disk case is moved so that the four threaded holes thereon are aligned with the four studs one by one; the driving unit is started, and the four studs are driven to rotate by friction, and the four studs are correspondingly screwed into the corresponding threaded holes on the hard disk case, and the multiple first pole pieces on the outer surface of the stud are correspondingly fitted with the multiple second pole pieces on the inner wall of the threaded hole for electrical connection, and the four The stud pulls the electrical connection seat upward, so that the data interface is connected to the data connector, completing the assembly; when disassembling, the drive unit is started, and the four studs are driven to rotate in the opposite direction by friction, and the four studs are screwed out of the corresponding threaded holes and reset, and the four studs pull the electrical connection seat downward, and the data interface is disconnected from the data connector, completing the disassembly; the application of the method of the present application can not only ensure the sealing, waterproof and dustproof performance of the interface, but also have good stability after connection and are not easy to loosen, and the space requirement for disassembly and assembly is small, and it can be placed in the hard disk case for connection, which improves flexibility and can also provide a sufficient number of data connection points to ensure scalability. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. The drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can also derive other drawings based on these drawings without inventive efforts.

[0019] Figure 1 1 is a top view of a capacity expandable storage server according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a capacity expandable storage server according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the assembly of studs and slip rings of a capacity expandable storage server according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a side view of the assembly of studs and slip rings of a capacity expandable storage server according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 5 It is a flow chart of a capacity scalable storage server expansion method according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] To make the purpose, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention more clear, the following will be a clear and complete description of the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the embodiments described are some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0025] The capacity expandable storage server of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is as follows: Figure 1 See also Figure 2-Figure 4 , including a server box 1, and also including a hard disk box 2; four openings 10 are provided at the center of the upper surface of the server box 1, and studs 11 made of insulating material are passed through the openings 10, and a sealing ring 12 is provided on the inner wall of the opening 10; an electrical connection seat 3 and a driving unit 4 that drives the four studs 11 to rotate by friction are longitudinally slidably provided on the inner top surface of the server box 1, and a plurality of slip rings 30 are provided on the electrical connection seat 3 and are rotatably connected with the studs 11 in a one-to-one manner; a data interface 13 is provided on the inner top surface of the server box 1, and a data interface 13 is provided on the electrical connection seat 3. The data interface 13 corresponds to the data connector 31; when the electrical connection base 3 slides up to the highest position of its travel, the data interface 13 is connected to the data connector 31; a plurality of conductive wires 110 are passed through the interior of the stud 11 and are electrically connected to the connector on the slip ring 30. The other end of the conductive wire 110 is provided with a first electrode piece 111, and the first electrode piece 111 is embedded in the outer surface of the stud 11; the lower bottom surface of the hard disk case 2 is formed with four threaded holes 20 that match the stud 11, and the inner wall of the threaded hole 20 is provided with a second electrode piece 200 corresponding to the first electrode piece 111;

[0026] In the initial state, the sealing ring 12 keeps the stud 11 sealed with the inner wall of the corresponding opening 10, and at the same time, the sealing ring 12 provides a damping force to the stud 11 to prevent it from rotating. The electrical connection seat 3 is at the bottom of its sliding stroke, and the data interface 13 is not connected to the data connector 31. During assembly, the hard disk case 2 is placed on the upper surface of the server case 1, and the hard disk case 1 is moved so that the four threaded holes 20 thereon are aligned with the four studs 11 one by one. The drive unit 4 is started, and the four studs 11 are driven to rotate by friction, and the four studs 11 are screwed into the corresponding hard disks. The threaded holes 20 on the box 2 are electrically connected to the multiple first pole pieces 111 on the outer surface of the studs 11 and the multiple second pole pieces 200 on the inner wall of the threaded holes 20. The four studs 11 pull the electrical connection seat 3 upward, so that the data interface 13 is connected to the data connector 31, and the assembly is completed. When disassembling, the drive unit 4 is started, and the friction force drives the four studs 11 to rotate in the opposite direction. The four studs 11 are screwed out of the corresponding threaded holes 20 and reset. The four studs 11 pull the electrical connection seat 3 downward, and the data interface 13 is disconnected from the data connector 31, and the disassembly is completed.

[0027] Applying the method of this application can not only ensure the sealing, waterproof and dustproof performance of the interface, but also ensure good stability after connection, not easy to loosen, and require less space for disassembly and assembly. It can be placed in a hard drive box for connection, which improves flexibility and can also provide a sufficient number of data connection points to ensure scalability.

[0028] Preferably, a non-cylindrical support column 14 is provided in the server box 1, the upper end of the support column 14 is connected to the inner top surface of the server box 1, and the lower end of the support column 14 is connected to the inner bottom surface of the server box 1; the electrical connection seat 3 includes a sleeve 32 slidably mounted on the support column 14, and the circumferential side of the sleeve 32 is provided with a connecting plate 33 connected to the slip ring 30; the support column 14 not only provides guidance for the sleeve 32, but also provides support for the hard disk box 2 to avoid deformation of the server box 1; preferably, the drive unit 4 includes a rubber wheel 40 rotatably mounted on the support column 14 and a drive motor 41 for driving the rubber wheel 40 to rotate, and the outer surfaces of the four studs 11 are all tightly abutted against the outer surface of the rubber wheel 40; adopting this structural layout design is reasonable and compact, and can conveniently drive the four studs 11 at the same time, and the four connecting plates 33 and the four studs 11 can also form a protective cover to protect the rubber wheel 40 and the drive motor 41;

[0029] In addition, the rubber wheel 40 and the stud 11 are driven by friction. When the rotation of the stud is accidentally blocked and cannot be screwed into the threaded hole normally, slipping will occur. At this time, other unblocked studs will still rise normally, while the blocked stud will keep rotating in place, which will trigger the following bearing (the bearing corresponding to the stud) to move downward relative to the mounting sleeve, triggering the pressure sensor and then alarming; when an alarm occurs, it is necessary to re-calibrate the initial angle of the stud. Through this protective design, it can be avoided that the hard rotation of the stud 11 causes damage to components.

[0030] Preferably, the slip ring 30 includes a mounting sleeve 300, in which a bearing 301 for rotating the connection stud 11 is provided; a boss 112 passing through the bearing is provided at the end of the stud 11, and a plurality of conductive brushes 113 electrically connected to the conductive wire 110 are fixed on the boss 112; a conductive ring 302 cooperating with the conductive brush 113 is provided in the mounting sleeve 300; a wire 330 connected to the conductive ring is passed through the connecting plate 33; the data connector 31 is located on the sliding sleeve 32 and is electrically connected to the plurality of wires 330.

[0031] Preferably, the bearing 301 is slidably arranged in the mounting sleeve 300, and a sliding groove 302 corresponding to the bearing 301 is arranged in the mounting sleeve 300, and a spring 303 that provides elastic reset force to the bearing 301 and a pressure sensor 304 that detects the pressure on the bearing 301 are arranged in the sliding groove 302; an alarm unit 320 is provided on the sliding sleeve 32, and during the assembly stage, when the pressure sensor 304 detects that the pressure exceeds the preset range value, it sends an electrical signal to trigger the alarm unit 320 to alarm; the alarm protection mechanism adopted is described above and will not be repeated here.

[0032] Preferably, four bosses 21 are provided on the inner bottom surface of the hard disk case 2, and threaded holes 20 are formed in the bosses 21; the second electrode sheet 200 is passed through the bosses 21; a hard disk wiring circuit board 22 is provided in the middle of the four bosses 21, and the second electrode sheet 200 is electrically connected to the hard disk wiring circuit board 22, and a plurality of hard disk interfaces 220 are provided on the hard disk wiring circuit board 22, and the hard disk wiring circuit board 220 is connected to a cooling fan group 23 for dissipating heat from the hard disk 5.

[0033] Preferably, a limit strip 15 and two rotatable limit posts 16 are provided on the upper surface of the server box 1. The two limit posts 16 are respectively used to limit the left and right sides of the hard disk box 2, and the limit strip 15 is used to limit the end of the hard disk box 2; it is convenient to quickly locate the position of the hard disk box 2.

[0034] A capacity scalable storage server adjustment method is applied to the capacity scalable storage server as described above, such as Figure 5 As shown, the method includes the steps of:

[0035] S01: In the initial state, the sealing ring keeps the stud sealed against the inner wall of the corresponding opening and provides a damping force to prevent the stud from rotating. The electrical connector is at the bottom of its sliding stroke, and the data interface is not connected to the data connector.

[0036] S02: During assembly, place the hard disk case on the upper surface of the server case and move the hard disk case so that the four threaded holes on the hard disk case are aligned with the four studs one by one; start the drive unit, and use friction to drive the four studs to rotate. The four studs are screwed into the corresponding threaded holes on the hard disk case. The multiple first electrode pieces on the outer surface of the studs are electrically connected with the multiple second electrode pieces on the inner wall of the threaded holes. The four studs pull the electrical connection seat upward, so that the data interface is connected to the data connector, and the assembly is completed;

[0037] S03: During disassembly, the drive unit is started, and the four studs are driven to rotate in the opposite direction by friction. The four studs are screwed out of the corresponding threaded holes and reset. The four studs pull the electrical connection seat downward, and the data interface is disconnected from the data connector, completing the disassembly;

[0038] Applying the method of this application can not only ensure the sealing, waterproof and dustproof performance of the interface, but also ensure good stability after connection, not easy to loosen, and require less space for disassembly and assembly. It can be placed in a hard drive box for connection, which improves flexibility and can also provide a sufficient number of data connection points to ensure scalability.

[0039] It should be understood that those skilled in the art can make improvements or changes based on the above description, and all such improvements and changes should fall within the scope of protection of the appended claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A capacity expandable storage server, comprising a server box, characterized in that: It also includes a hard disk case; four openings are arranged at the center of the upper surface of the server case, studs made of insulating material are inserted into the openings, and sealing rings are arranged on the inner walls of the openings; an electrical connection seat and a driving unit that drives the four studs to rotate by friction are longitudinally slidably arranged on the inner top surface of the server case, a plurality of slip rings that are rotatably connected to the studs one by one are arranged on the electrical connection seat, a data interface is arranged on the inner top surface of the server case, and a data connector corresponding to the data interface is arranged on the electrical connection seat; when the electrical connection seat slides and rises to the highest position of its stroke, the data interface is connected to the data connector; a plurality of conductive wires that are electrically connected to the connectors on the slip rings are inserted into the interior of the studs, and a first pole piece is arranged at the other end of the conductive wire, and the first pole piece is embedded on the outer surface of the stud; four threaded holes that cooperate with the studs are formed on the lower bottom surface of the hard disk case, and a second electrode piece corresponding to the first electrode piece is arranged on the inner wall of the threaded hole.

2. The capacity scalable storage server according to claim 1, characterized in that: A non-cylindrical support column is arranged in the server box, the upper end of the support column is connected to the inner top surface of the server box, and the lower end of the support column is connected to the inner bottom surface of the server box; the electrical connection seat includes a sliding sleeve slidably mounted on the support column, and the surrounding sides of the sliding sleeve are provided with connecting plates connected to the slip ring.

3. The capacity scalable storage server according to claim 2, characterized in that: The slip ring includes a mounting sleeve, in which a bearing rotatably connected to the stud is arranged; the end of the stud is provided with a boss passing through the bearing, and a plurality of conductive brushes electrically connected to the conductive wire are fixed on the boss; a conductive ring cooperating with the conductive brush is arranged in the mounting sleeve; an electric wire connected to the conductive ring is passed through the connecting plate; the data connector is located on the sliding sleeve and is electrically connected to the plurality of electric wires.

4. The capacity scalable storage server according to claim 3, characterized in that: The bearing is slidably arranged in the mounting sleeve, a sliding groove corresponding to the bearing is arranged in the mounting sleeve, a spring providing elastic restoring force to the bearing and a pressure sensor for detecting the bearing pressure are arranged in the sliding groove; an alarm unit is arranged on the sliding sleeve, and during the assembly stage, when the pressure sensor detects that the pressure exceeds a preset range value, an electrical signal is sent to trigger the alarm unit to alarm.

5. The capacity scalable storage server according to claim 3, characterized in that: The driving unit comprises a rubber wheel rotatably sleeved on the supporting column and a driving motor driving the rubber wheel to rotate, and the outer surfaces of the four studs are tightly pressed against the outer surface of the rubber wheel.

6. The capacity scalable storage server according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner bottom surface of the hard disk case is provided with four bosses, and the threaded holes are formed in the bosses; the second electrode sheet is passed through the bosses; a hard disk wiring circuit board is provided in the middle of the four bosses, and the second electrode sheet is electrically connected to the hard disk wiring circuit board, and a plurality of hard disk interfaces are provided on the hard disk wiring circuit board, and the hard disk wiring circuit board is connected to a cooling fan group for dissipating heat from the hard disk.

7. The capacity scalable storage server according to claim 1, characterized in that: A limit strip and two rotatable limit posts are arranged on the upper surface of the server box. The two limit posts are respectively used to limit the left and right sides of the hard disk box, and the limit strip is used to limit the end of the hard disk box.

8. A method for adjusting a capacity scalable storage server, applied to the capacity scalable storage server as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The method comprises the steps of: In the initial state, the sealing ring keeps the stud sealed with the inner wall of the corresponding opening, and at the same time, the sealing ring provides a damping force to the stud to prevent it from rotating; the electrical connection seat is located at the bottom of its sliding stroke, and the data interface is not connected to the data connector; During assembly, the hard disk case is placed on the upper surface of the server case, and the hard disk case is moved so that the four threaded holes on the hard disk case are aligned with the four studs one by one; the drive unit is started, and the four studs are driven to rotate by friction, and the four studs are correspondingly screwed into the corresponding threaded holes on the hard disk case, and the multiple first pole pieces on the outer surface of the studs are correspondingly fitted and electrically connected with the multiple second pole pieces on the inner wall of the threaded holes, and the four studs pull the electrical connection seat upward, so that the data interface is connected with the data connector, and the assembly is completed; During disassembly, the drive unit is started, and the four studs are driven to rotate in the opposite direction by friction. The four studs are screwed out of the corresponding threaded holes and reset. The four studs pull the electrical connection seat downward, and the data interface is disconnected from the data connector, completing the disassembly.

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