Rack assembly for data center and receptacle for rack assembly

Abstract

The invention provides a rack assembly for a data center and a containing piece for the rack assembly. A containing unit used for containing the computer equipment is defined by the rack assembly. The rack assembly includes a support member and a receptacle. The support member comprises: a support member wall defining a channel for receiving the receptacle; and a support member opening defined in the support member wall. The containing piece comprises a containing piece wall and a containing piece, wherein the containing piece wall is used for limiting a cavity used for containing components associated with the computer equipment; and a receptacle opening, the receptacle opening being defined in the receptacle wall. When the receptacle is received in the channel, the receptacle opening is disposed relative to the support member opening such that the receptacle opening and the support member opening are coupled in communication.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to European Patent Application No. 23307382.4, titled "RACK ASSEMBLY FOR A DATACENTER", filed on December 22, 2023, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical field

[0003] The present technology relates to a rack assembly for a data center. Background art

[0004] Data centers house computer equipment such as servers, as well as components associated with the computer equipment, such as the power distribution system and cables of the data center, the monitoring system of the data center, and the network cables of the data center. With the growing dependence on computer equipment, the storage requirements for data centers are also increasing. Generally, within a data center, the computer equipment and associated components are stored in a rack assembly.

[0005] In addition, the rack assembly must also house a thermal management system for cooling the stored computer equipment that generates a large amount of heat. Different types of thermal management solutions are available, such as computer room air handlers, in - row air handlers, fans, and water - cooling blocks. Each of these thermal management solutions also has associated components, such as cables, monitoring devices, and fluid pipes, etc., which must also be stored in the rack or stored close to the computer equipment in the rack.

[0006] Affected by the above considerations are the size and weight limitations of the rack assembly, as well as the accessibility requirements for maintenance, repair, removal, etc. of the computer equipment and associated components.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for a rack assembly for a data center that can alleviate at least some of these drawbacks. Summary of the invention

[0008] The object of the present technology is to improve at least some of the inconveniences existing in the prior art.

[0009] The developers have determined that the solution for increasing the storage capacity of the rack assembly should be within the existing external dimensions of the rack assembly. This will allow the rack assemblies with increased storage capacity to be used with existing rack assemblies without the need to re-design the floor plan of the data center. Additionally, in the case of stackable rack assemblies, maintaining the same external dimensions as the existing rack assemblies will also enable the rack assemblies to be stacked together.

[0010] For example, in an existing rack assembly, the developers considered the challenge of fitting three computer devices (with a total length of 1600 mm), each 534 mm long, into a 1940 mm space within the rack assembly. The available 340 mm of space was not large enough to accommodate all the associated components.

[0011] Generally speaking, the present technology provides a rack assembly for a data center, in which one or more support members of the rack assembly are used as storage spaces for components associated with the computer devices stored in the rack assembly. More specifically, the horizontal support members (extending laterally or longitudinally) and / or the vertical support members are adapted to accommodate receptacles, which in turn accommodate some of the components associated with the computer devices, such as power distribution systems, cooling systems, control systems, and network cables.

[0012] Advantageously, implementations of the present technology provide a rack assembly that increases the storage space without increasing the external dimensions of the rack assembly. This can allow the rack assemblies of the present technology to be used in a data center with other rack assemblies of similar dimensions. Additionally, in some implementations, the rack assembly allows the components associated with the stored computer devices to be stored in a manner that allows easy accessibility for maintenance, repair, or removal. For example, an access portion leading to the receptacles within the rack assembly can be provided at the front side of the rack assembly. Additionally, portions of the associated components can extend along the support members to reach different computer devices, enabling sharing of some associated components between adjacent or nearby computer devices within the rack assembly.

[0013] According to one aspect of the present technology, a rack assembly for a data center is provided. The rack assembly includes a frame that defines at least one receiving unit for accommodating computer equipment. The frame includes: at least one support member having a support member wall and at least one support member opening defined in the support member wall, the support member wall defining a channel for receiving at least one receiving member in the channel; at least one receiving member configured to be received in the channel, and the receiving member having a receiving member wall and at least one receiving member opening defined in the receiving member wall, the receiving member wall defining a cavity for accommodating at least one component associated with the computer equipment, and a portion of the at least one component can pass through the receiving member opening. Wherein, when the at least one receiving member is received in the channel of the at least one support member, the at least one receiving member opening is arranged relative to the at least one support member opening such that: the at least one receiving member opening and the at least one support member opening are connected in a communicating manner.

[0014] In some implementations of the present technology, when the at least one receiving member is received in the channel of the at least one support member, the at least one support member opening and the at least one receiving member opening are aligned with each other.

[0015] In some implementations of the present technology, the at least one component includes at least one of the following: a cable, an electronic device, a fluid flow path portion, and a power distribution unit.

[0016] In some implementations of the present technology, the at least one receiving member opening includes at least one inlet opening and at least one outlet opening.

[0017] In some implementations of the present technology, the at least one receiving member outlet opening includes a plurality of receiving member outlet openings.

[0018] In some implementations of the present technology, the at least one inlet opening and the at least one outlet opening are provided on different portions of the receiving member wall.

[0019] In some implementations of the present technology, the at least one receiving member includes a plurality of receiving members arranged in series in the channel.

[0020] In some implementation forms of the present technology, the wall of the receiving member includes a front portion of the receiving member and a rear portion of the receiving member. The front portion of the receiving member will face away from the accommodating unit when the receiving member is received in the channel of the support member. The at least one inlet opening is defined in the front portion of the receiving member. The rear portion of the receiving member will face the accommodating unit when the receiving member is received in the channel of the support member. The at least one outlet opening is defined in the rear portion of the receiving member.

[0021] In some implementation forms of the present technology, the at least one support member opening is defined in a portion of the support member wall facing the accommodating unit.

[0022] In some implementation forms of the present technology, the support member is horizontally arranged, and the at least one support member opening is defined in the bottom portion or the side portion of the support member wall.

[0023] In some implementation forms of the present technology, the support member is vertically arranged, and the support member opening is defined in the rear portion or the side portion of the support member wall.

[0024] In some implementation forms of the present technology, the at least one support member includes an access portion through which the receiving member can be inserted into and removed from the channel.

[0025] In some implementation forms of the present technology, the access portion is located at one or both of the following: an end portion of the support member; and a longitudinal opening of the channel passing through the support member.

[0026] According to another aspect of the present technology, there is provided a rack assembly for a data center. The rack assembly includes a frame that defines at least one accommodating unit for accommodating computer equipment. The frame includes at least one support member having a support member wall and at least one support member opening defined in the support member wall. The support member wall defines a channel for receiving at least one receiving member in the channel. The receiving member is for accommodating at least one component associated with the computer equipment in the receiving member. The support member is configured such that when the receiving member is received in the channel, the at least one support member opening can be coupled to at least one receiving member opening in a communicating manner.

[0027] In some implementation forms of the rack assembly of the present technology, the at least one support member opening is defined in a portion of the support member wall facing the accommodating unit.

[0028] In some implementation forms of the rack assembly of the present technology, the at least one support member is horizontally arranged, and the support member opening is defined in the bottom part or the side part of the support member wall.

[0029] In some implementation forms of the rack assembly of the present technology, the at least one support member is vertically arranged, and the support member opening is defined in the rear part or the side part of the support member wall.

[0030] In some implementation forms of the bracket assembly of the present technology, the at least one support member includes an access portion through which a receiving member can be inserted into and removed from the channel.

[0031] In some implementation forms of the bracket assembly of the present technology, the access portion is located at one or both of the following: an end portion of the support member; and a longitudinal opening through the channel.

[0032] According to another aspect of the present technology, there is provided a receiving member for a rack assembly. The receiving member can be received in a channel of a support member of the rack assembly. The receiving member has: a receiving member wall that defines a cavity for receiving at least one component associated with a computer device to be accommodated in a receiving unit of the rack assembly in the cavity; and at least one receiving member opening defined in the receiving member wall, wherein the receiving member is configured to be received in the channel of the support member and is arranged relative to the support member such that: when the at least one receiving member is received in the channel, the at least one receiving member opening can be coupled to at least one support member opening in a communicating manner.

[0033] In some implementation forms of the receiving member of the present technology, the at least one receiving member opening includes at least one inlet opening and at least one outlet opening.

[0034] In some implementation forms of the receiving member of the present technology, the at least one outlet opening includes a plurality of outlet openings.

[0035] In some implementation forms of the receiving member of the present technology, the at least one inlet opening and the at least one outlet opening are arranged on different parts of the receiving member wall.

[0036] In some implementation forms of the receiving member of the present technology, the receiving member wall includes a receiving member front part and a receiving member rear part. The receiving member front part will face away from the receiving unit when the receiving member is received in the channel of the support member. The at least one inlet opening is defined in the receiving member front part. The receiving member rear part will face the receiving unit when the receiving member is received in the channel of the support member. The at least one outlet opening is defined in the receiving member rear part.

[0037] Each implementation form of the present technology has at least one of the above objects and / or aspects, but does not necessarily have all of the above objects and / or aspects. It should be understood that some aspects resulting from the attempt to achieve the above objects of the present technology may not satisfy the object and / or may satisfy other objects not specifically listed herein.

[0038] Additional and / or alternative features, aspects, and advantages of the implementation forms of the present technology will become apparent from the following description, the drawings, and the appended claims.

[0039] It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] For a better understanding of the present technology and other aspects and additional features thereof, reference is made to the following description used in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

[0041] Figure 1 is a top plan view of a plurality of rack assemblies for a data center;

[0042] Figure 2 is of a Figure 1 side perspective view of a rack assembly of a data center according to an implementation form of the present technology, and the rack assembly includes a horizontal support member for accommodating a corresponding receiving member;

[0043] Figure 3 is of a Figure 2 vertical sectional view taken along line A-A of the rack assembly according to an implementation form of the present technology, and the rack assembly includes a receiving member accommodated in the horizontal support member;

[0044] Figure 4A is Figure 3 close-up perspective view of a part of one of the horizontal support members of, in which, the receiving member is disposed in the horizontal support member;

[0045] Figure 4B is Figure 4A close-up perspective view of the part of the horizontal support member of, in which, the receiving member is separate from the horizontal support member;

[0046] Figure 4C is Figure 4B close-up perspective view of, in which, the receiving member has been rotated to show the bottom part of the receiving member;

[0047] Figure 5 is Figure 4AFront elevation plan view of the portion of the horizontal support member;

[0048] Figure 6 is received in Figure 4A Close-up perspective view of the portion of the receiving member in the horizontal member;

[0049] Figure 7 is Figure 6 Perspective view of the horizontal support member, where the receiving member is removed;

[0050] Figure 8 is Figure 6 Perspective view of the receiving member;

[0051] Figure 9 is according to an implementation form of the present technology Figure 2 Bottom elevation plan view of the horizontal support member;

[0052] Figure 10 is a sectional view taken along line B-B through Figure 6 ;

[0053] Figure 11 is received in Figure 6 Vertical side view of the receiving member in the horizontal support member;

[0054] Figure 12 is Figure 6 Bottom elevation plan view of the horizontal support member, which includes the bottom portion of the receiving member visible through the support member opening;

[0055] Figure 13 is according to an implementation form of the present technology Figure 7 Alternative implementation form of the horizontal support member;

[0056] Figure 14 is according to an implementation form of the present technology Figure 8 Alternative implementation form of the receiving member;

[0057] Figure 15 is according to an alternative implementation form of the present technology Figure 1 Perspective view of another implementation form of the rack assembly of the data center, and the rack assembly includes a longitudinal horizontal support assembly for receiving the corresponding receiving member; and

[0058] Figure 16 is according to another alternative implementation form of the present technology Figure 1 Perspective view of another implementation form of the rack assembly of the data center, and the rack assembly includes a vertical support assembly for receiving the corresponding receiving member. Detailed implementation

[0059] Figure 1 Shows an exemplary layout of a data center 100 according to an implementation form of the present technology. The data center 100 houses a plurality of rack assemblies 10, and computer devices 16 and associated components 30 ( Figure 3 ) can be stored in the rack assemblies 10. The rack assemblies 10 are arranged in rows 110 that are spaced apart from each other (thus forming aisles 112 between the rows 110) and extend parallel to each other. Each row 110 includes various rack assemblies among the rack assemblies 10.

[0060] For example, in the present implementation form, the computer devices 16 stored in the rack assemblies 10 include servers, so that the rack assemblies 10 can also be referred to as "server racks". The associated components 30, also known as auxiliary devices, can include compact electrical cabinets, power supply devices, power distribution units, cooling cables related to the thermal management system, monitoring systems, pipes, and network cables.

[0061] Exemplary thermal management systems include, by way of example, the following: fans for promoting air circulation through the computer racks 10; cooling blocks having heat transfer surfaces for contacting the computer devices 16 and including fluid distribution pipes; and heat exchangers having associated pipes and cables.

[0062] Exemplary monitoring systems can include one or more sensors and associated cables for monitoring the temperature of the rack or the operation of the computer devices 16 housed in the rack 10.

[0063] Now, an example of one of the computer racks in the Figure 2 and Figure 3 computer rack 10 will be described. The rack assembly 10 has a frame 12 that defines accommodation units 14a, 14b, 14c for accommodating the computer devices 16 in the accommodation units 14a, 14b, 14c. The computer rack 10 has a front side 20 and a rear side 18 opposite to the front side 20, and the computer devices 16 can be inserted into and removed from the computer rack 10 through the front side 20. To dissipate the heat generated by the computer devices 16, air generally enters the computer rack 10 through the front side 20 and exits through the rear side 18. Therefore, the front side 20 and the rear side 18 can be referred to as the air inlet side 20 and the air outlet side 18, respectively.

[0064] As Figure 2As can be seen, the frame assembly 10 extends substantially horizontally, thereby providing higher stability compared to other types of computer racks that extend vertically. This configuration also allows the racks 10 to be stacked on top of each other vertically. As shown, the length L1 of the frame 12 measured horizontally along the longitudinal direction of the frame 12 is greater than the height H1 or the depth D1 of the frame 12. For example, the ratio L1 / H1 of the length L1 of the frame 12 to the height H1 of the frame can be between 1.4 and 2.2. In some cases, the ratio L1 / H1 of the length L1 of the frame 12 to the height H1 of the frame can be between 1.6 and 2, and in some other cases, the ratio L1 / H1 of the length L1 of the frame 12 to the height H1 of the frame can be between 1.8 and 1.9. The ratio L1 / D1 of the length L1 of the frame 12 to the depth D1 of the frame can be between 1.4 and 1.9. In some cases, the ratio L1 / D1 of the length L1 of the frame 12 to the depth D1 of the frame can reach 2.4.

[0065] The frame 12 has an upper horizontal beam 22 and a lower horizontal beam 24 that extend along the length L1 of the rack 10. In the illustrated implementation, there are two upper horizontal beams 22 and two lower horizontal beams 24. The lower horizontal beam 24 is arranged vertically below the upper beam 22 and is arranged parallel to the upper beam 22. The horizontal beam can have any suitable configuration, such as a U-shaped or L-shaped cross-sectional profile.

[0066] The frame 12 is also provided with vertical beams 26 that are fastened (e.g., bolted or welded) to the horizontal beams 22, 24. The vertical beams 26 extend along the height H1 of the rack 10. In Figure 2 the implementation, on the front side 20, there are two vertical beams 26 located at the ends of the rack 10, and two vertical beams located inwardly from the vertical beams 26 at the ends. Each of the receiving units 14a, 14b, 14c is straddled by two of the vertical beams 26 in the longitudinal direction of the computer rack 10, such that the receiving units 14a, 14b, 14c are arranged horizontally side by side. Each vertical beam 26 is aligned with another vertical beam 26 fixed to the opposite horizontal beam 24 in the longitudinal direction of the frame assembly 10. The vertical beam 26 can have any suitable configuration, such as a U-shaped or L-shaped cross-sectional profile. In Figure 2 the implementation, the vertical beam 26 is a beam having a substantially U-shaped cross-section.

[0067] According to certain implementations of the present technology, the frame 12 further includes a horizontal support member 28 that extends transversely to the longitudinally extending upper horizontal beam 22 and lower horizontal beam 24. The horizontal support member 28 extends along the depth D1 of the frame 12. The horizontal support member 28 is connected to the respective vertical beams 26 and the upper horizontal beam 22. The horizontal support member 28 is configured to house at least a portion of the components 30 of the computer device 16 housed in one or more of the housing units 14a, 14b, 14c, as will be further discussed below.

[0068] As Figure 3 best seen in, in use, when the computer device 16 is housed in the housing unit 14c, the associated components 30 are housed in the horizontal support member 28 and extend from the horizontal support member 28 to the housing unit 14c. In this way, the actual real estate of the rack assembly 10 can be utilized more effectively by minimizing the free space within the rack assembly 10 and without increasing the footprint of the rack assembly 10. By arranging at least some of the various parts of the associated components 30 in the horizontal support member, space can be freed up within the housing units 14a, 14b, 14c for housing, for example, larger computer devices 16.

[0069] As Figure 2 seen in, an end panel 32 is provided that can be fastened to the ends of each of the upper beam 22 and the lower beam 24 to cover the ends of the rack assembly 10. A top panel 34 is provided that is used to cover the top of the rack assembly 10. A bottom panel 36 is also provided that is used to provide a support surface for the computer device 16. The internal panel 38 is fixed to the vertical beams 26 and extends laterally between laterally adjacent vertical beams among the vertical beams 26 (i.e., between the vertical beams 26 that are adjacent to each other in the lateral direction of the computer rack 10) to define the housing units 14a, 14b, 14c between the internal panels 38. In some cases, the internal panel 38 may include the vertical beam 20. Channels 40 are formed between some of the internal panels in the internal face 38, and the channels 40 can be used to house cables and / or other components associated with the operation of the computer device, such as fluid flow path portions for cooling. A rear panel (not shown) may also be provided on the air outlet side 18 of the computer rack 10.

[0070] The computer rack 10 may include a door (not shown). In some implementations, the door may have a fan for facilitating air circulation through the computer rack 10. The computer rack 10 may also include various structural components for supporting one or more heat exchangers or one or more fans. In some implementations, the rack assembly may include one or more protective grille members disposed on the sides of the frame 12 to protect the computer equipment 25 from debris.

[0071] The various components of the frame 12 described above are sheet metal components. However, it is contemplated that in other implementations, one or more of these components may be formed differently.

[0072] Now will specifically refer to Figure 7 to describe the horizontal support member 28. The horizontal support member 28 includes a support member wall 42 that defines a support member channel 44 for receiving a receptacle 46 within the support member channel 44. In some implementations, the channel 44 may be configured to accommodate more than one receptacle 46. The channel 44 may be configured to accommodate the receptacle 46 at any position along the channel 44, such as at the end or middle portion of the channel 44.

[0073] The support member wall 42 has a generally rectangular cross-sectional profile, as best seen in Figure 7 and Figure 10 . The cross-sectional shape of the receptacle 46 is also generally rectangular, as best seen in Figure 7 and Figure 8 . In other implementations, the cross-sectional profile of the channel 44 may be any other shape, such as circular, oval, U-shaped, etc. The cross-sectional profile of the receptacle 46 may be any other shape and be consistent with the cross-sectional profile of the channel 44.

[0074] The support member wall 42 includes a bottom portion 48, a top portion 50, two side portions 52, and end portions 54. The bottom portion 48 of the support member 28 and one of the side portions 52 face the receiving units 14a, 14b, 14c.

[0075] A support member opening 56 is defined in the support member wall 42, specifically, in the bottom portion 48. The size and shape of the support member opening 56 are designed such that components 30 associated with the computer equipment 16, such as cables and tubes, can extend through the support member opening 56 into one or more of the receiving units 14a, 14b, 14c that accommodate the computer equipment 16. In Figures 3 to 7In the implementation of the horizontal support member 28 shown, the support member opening 56 has a rectangular shape. Any other suitable shape or position of the support member opening 56 is within the scope of the present technology. For example, the support member opening 56 can be elongated and extend longitudinally along the bottom portion 44 of the support member wall 48.

[0076] In some implementations, as Figure 9 shown, the horizontal support member 28 is provided with a plurality of support member openings 56 in the bottom portion 48 of the horizontal support member 28. This can enable a plurality of receiving members 46 to be received within the horizontal support member 28, or can provide a plurality of positions for a receiving member 46 within the horizontal support member 28, each of the plurality of positions being alignable with a corresponding support member opening 56 of the horizontal support member 28. The support member openings 56 are spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis 58 of the horizontal support member 28. Any other number, position, or spacing of the support member openings 56 is within the scope of the present technology.

[0077] In additional implementations, as Figure 13 shown, the horizontal support member 28 can be provided with more than one support member opening 56. For example, the horizontal support member 28 can be provided with two support member openings. One of the support member openings 56 can be defined in the bottom portion 48, while the other support member opening 56 can be defined in the side portion 52 and / or the top portion 50 of the support member wall 42. This can enable the associated component 30 to extend in different directions towards the receiving units 14, 14b, 14c.

[0078] One or both of the end portions 54 of the horizontal support member 28 can be open. As Figures 4A to 4C 、 Figure 6 、 Figure 7 and Figure 10 best seen in, the horizontal support member 28 has an access portion 60 through which the receiving member 46 can be inserted into and removed from the channel 44. In some implementations, the access portion 60 includes the open end portion 54 of the horizontal support member 28 and the recessed side portion 51 and the recessed top portion 50. In other implementations (not shown), the access portion 60 includes the open end portion 54 of the horizontal support member 28, and the side portion 51 and the top portion 50 of the support member wall are not recessed. In additional implementations (not shown), the access portion 60 can pass through the recessed top portion 50. In another implementation, the access portion 60 can include a longitudinal mouth of the channel 44.

[0079] Now reference will be made to Figures 4A to 4C 、Figure 6 , Figure 8 and Figure 10 are used to describe the receiving member 46. The receiving member includes a receiving member wall 62 that defines a cavity 64 for receiving components 30 associated with the computer device 16 within the cavity 64. The receiving member wall 62 has a generally rectangular cross-sectional profile. Thus, the cavity 64 is also generally cubic in shape. The receiving member wall 62 includes a bottom portion 66, a front portion 68, a top portion 70, side portions 72, and a rear portion 74. When the receiving member 46 is received within the horizontal support member 28, the bottom portion 66 faces the receiving units 14a, 14b, 14c.

[0080] An exit opening 76 is defined in the receiving member wall 62, and in particular, an exit opening 76 is defined in the bottom portion 66. In some implementations, as Figure 4C , Figure 6 , Figure 8 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 illustrated, the receiving member 46 is provided with a plurality of exit openings 76 on the bottom portion 66 of the receiving member 46. The plurality of exit openings 76 may be arranged in an array. The size and shape of each exit opening 76 are designed such that one or more components 30 associated with the computer device 16, such as cables and tubes, can extend through the exit openings 76 to one or more of the receiving units 14a, 14b, 14c that house the computer device 16. In the implementation of the receiving member 46 shown in Figure 4C , six exit openings 76 are provided, and each receiving member opening has a circular shape. In the implementation of the receiving member 46 shown in Figure 8 , two exit openings 76 are provided, and each exit opening has an oval shape.

[0081] As Figures 4A to 4C and Figure 5 best seen, the receiving member 46 is also provided with an entrance opening 77 that is configured to allow components 30 associated with the computer device 16 to extend into the receiving member. In this way, the receiving member 46 is configured to receive components 30 associated with the computer device 16 and allow components 30 associated with the computer device 16 to extend into and out of the receiving member 46. The entrance opening 77 may be defined in the front portion 68 of the receiving member wall 62. The entrance opening 77 may include a port. Any other number, shape, or location of the entrance opening 77 is within the scope of the present technology. It will be understood that, in addition to the above functions, the entrance opening 77 may be used as an exit for the components 30, while the exit openings 76 may be used as an entrance for the components 30.

[0082] InFigure 6 and Figure 8 In the alternative implementation shown in Figure 8 , the inlet opening 77 is not defined in the front portion 68 of the receiving member 46, but one or both of the ends 68, 74 of the receiving member 46 can be open, thereby serving as the inlet opening 77, so that the component 30 can extend through one or both of the open ends 68, 74.

[0083] As Figure 10 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 shown in Figure 10 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 , in use, the support member opening 56 and the outlet opening 76 of the receiving member 46 are aligned, so that at least one component 30 of the computer device 16 can extend through the aligned openings 56, 76 and into one or more of the receiving units 14a, 14b and 14c. The inlet opening 77 of the receiving member 46 and the entry portion 60 of the support member 28 are also aligned, so that at least a portion of the component 30 of the computer device 16 can enter the receiving member 46.

[0084] Figure 14 An alternative implementation of the receiving member 46 is shown, in which additional openings are provided, such as additional openings in the side portion 72, the top portion 70 and the bottom portion 66. These additional openings can serve as the inlet opening 77 or the outlet opening 76. Although the ends 68, 74 of the receiving member 46 are shown as open, the ends 68, 74 of the receiving member 46 can also be closed.

[0085] Now referring to Figures 4A to 4C and Figure 5 , in certain implementations in which there is a panel 38 separating the receiving units 14a, 14b, 14c, a vertical beam opening 78 can be provided in the vertical beam 26, and the vertical beam opening 78 is for the component 30 received in the horizontal support member 28 to extend through, so that the component 30 received in the horizontal support member 28 can reach one or more of the receiving units 14a, 14b, 14c. The size and shape of each vertical beam opening 78 are designed such that components 30 associated with the computer device 16, such as cables and tubes, can extend through the vertical beam opening 78 and into one or more of the receiving units 14a, 14b, 14c that house the computer device 16. In the implementations of the vertical beam 26 shown in Figures 4A to 4C and Figure 5 , the vertical beam opening 78 has a rectangular shape. Any other number, shape or position of the vertical beam opening 78 is within the scope of the present technology.

[0086] Now referring to Figure 3 , Figures 4A to 4C and​​​​Figure 5 , in some implementations where there are panels 32, 34, 36, 38 that separate the accommodating units 14a, 14b, 14c, there may be panel openings 79 defined in the panels 32, 34, 36, 38 for the components 30 accommodated in the horizontal support member 28 to extend through so that the components 30 accommodated in the horizontal support member 28 can reach the accommodating units 14a, 14b, 14c. The size and shape of each panel opening 79 are designed such that components 30 associated with the computer device 16, such as cables and tubes, can pass through the panel opening 79 and extend to one or more of the accommodating units 14a, 14b, 14c that accommodate the computer device 16. In Figure 3 , Figures 4A to 4C and Figure 5 the implementation of the internal panel 38 shown, the panel opening 79 has a rectangular shape. Any other number, shape, or position of the panel openings 79 are within the scope of the present technology.

[0087] Now referring to Figure 15 , in another implementation, instead of or in addition to the horizontal support member 28, any combination of the upper horizontal beam 22 and the lower horizontal beam 24 can be adjusted to be adapted to the horizontal support member 80. In other words, the horizontal support member 28 can include a longitudinally extending horizontal support member 80 and a laterally extending horizontal support member 28. Similar to the laterally extending horizontal support member 28, a channel 82 for accommodating the receiving member 46 is defined in the horizontally extending horizontal support member 80. The access portion 84 of the horizontal support member 80 can be located at the side portion 85, the bottom portion 87, the top portion 89, or the end portion 91 of the adjusted horizontal beam 80. When the components 30 associated with the computer device 16 are accommodated in the horizontal support member 80, the components 30 associated with the computer device 16 extend to the corresponding accommodating units 14a, 14b, 14c. This can more effectively utilize the actual footprint of the bracket assembly 10 by using the space within the horizontal beams 22, 24.

[0088] Now referring to Figure 16, in another implementation, instead of or in addition to the horizontal support member 28, one or more of the vertical beams 26 in the vertical beam 26 can be replaced by a vertical support member 86 configured to accommodate the receiving member 46. Similar to the horizontal support member 28, the vertical support member 86 includes a support member wall 88 that defines a channel 89 for receiving the receiving member 46 in the channel 89. The support member wall 88 and the channel 89 have a generally rectangular cross-section. The vertical support member wall 88 includes a rear portion 90, a front portion 92, two side portions 94, and two end portions 96. The rear portion 90 faces the receiving units 14a, 14b, 14c.

[0089] The vertical support member 86 has a vertical support member opening 98 defined in the rear portion 90 of the support member wall 88. The size and shape of the vertical support member opening 98 are designed such that components 30 associated with the computer device 16, such as cables and tubes, can extend through the vertical support member opening 98 to one or more of the receiving units 14a, 14b, 14c that accommodate the computer device 16.

[0090] At the end portion 96 of the support member 86, there is provided another vertical support member opening 98 as an access portion 102 through which the receiving member 46 can be inserted into and removed from the channel 89. In some implementations, the access portion 102 includes the open end portion 96 of the support member 86 and the recessed side portions 94 and the recessed front portion 92. In other implementations, the access portion 102 includes the open end portion 96 of the vertical support member 86, and the side portions 94 and the front portion 92 of the support member wall 88 are not recessed.

[0091] When the receiving member 46 is received in the channel 89 of the vertical support member 86, the vertical support member opening 98 is aligned with the receiving member opening 76. The associated components 30 of the computer device 16 received in the vertical support member 86 extend from the vertical support member 86 to the corresponding receiving units 14a, 14b, 14c. By utilizing the space inside the vertical beam 26, the actual floor space of the rack assembly 10 can be utilized more effectively.

[0092] Modifications and improvements to the above-described implementations of the present technology may become apparent to those skilled in the art. The above description is intended to be exemplary and not restrictive. Therefore, the scope of the present technology is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A rack assembly (10) for a data center, the rack assembly comprising: A frame (12), the frame (12) defining at least one accommodation unit (14a, 14b, 14c) for accommodating a computer device (16), the frame (12) comprising: At least one support member (28), the at least one support member (28) having: a support member wall (42) defining a channel (44) for receiving at least one receptacle (46) therein; at least one support member opening (56), the at least one support member opening (56) defined in the support member wall (42); At least one receiving member (46), the at least one receiving member (46) being configured to be received in the passage (44), and the at least one receiving member (46) having: a container wall (62) defining a cavity (64) for receiving at least one component (30) associated with the computer device (16) therein; at least one container opening (76) defined in the container wall (62), through which a portion of the at least one component (30) can extend; Wherein, when the at least one container (46) is received in the channel (44) of the at least one support member (28), the at least one container opening (76) is arranged relative to the at least one support member opening (56) so that the at least one container opening (76) and the at least one support member opening (56) are connected in a communicating manner.

2. The rack assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein: With the at least one receptacle (46) received in the passage (44) of the at least one support member (28), the at least one support member opening (56) and the at least one receptacle opening (76) are aligned with one another.

3. The rack assembly (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The at least one component (30) includes at least one of: a cable, a hard disk drive, a fluid flow path portion, and a power distribution unit.

4. The frame assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The at least one receptacle opening (76) includes at least one inlet opening and at least one outlet opening.

5. The rack assembly (10) according to claim 4, wherein: The at least one outlet opening comprises a plurality of outlet openings.

6. The frame assembly (10) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein: The at least one inlet opening and the at least one outlet opening are arranged on different portions of the container wall (62).

7. The frame assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The at least one receptacle (46) includes a plurality of receptacles arranged in series in the passage.

8. The frame assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The container wall (62) comprises: A front portion (68) of the container, which, when the at least one container (46) is received in the channel (44) of the at least one support member (28), will face away from the accommodation unit (14a, 14b, 14c), and the at least one inlet opening is defined in the front portion (68) of the container, and a rear portion (74) of the container, which, when the at least one container (46) is received in the channel (44) of the at least one support member (28), will face the accommodation unit (14a, 14b, 14c), and the at least one outlet opening is defined in the rear portion (74) of the container.

9. The frame assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The at least one support member opening (56) is defined in a portion of the support member wall (42) facing the receiving unit (14a, 14b, 14c).

10. The rack assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The at least one support member (28) is horizontally disposed, and the at least one support member opening (56) is defined in a bottom portion (48) or a side portion (52) of the support member wall (42).

11. The frame assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The at least one support member (86) is vertically disposed, and the at least one support member opening (98) is defined in a rear portion (90) or a side portion (94) of the support member wall (88).

12. The frame assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: The at least one support member (28, 86) includes an access portion (60, 102) through which the at least one receptacle (46) can be inserted into and removed from the passage (44, 82).

13. The frame assembly (10) according to claim 12, wherein: The entry portion (60, 102) is located at one or both of: an end portion (54, 96) of the at least one support member (28, 86); and a longitudinal mouth of the passageway of the at least one support member.

14. A rack assembly (10) for a data center, the rack assembly comprising: A plurality of support members (28), wherein the plurality of support members (28) define at least one accommodation unit (14a, 14b, 14c), wherein the accommodation unit (14a, 14b, 14c) is used to accommodate a computer device (16); At least one of the plurality of support members (28) has: a support member wall (42) defining a channel (44) for receiving at least one receptacle (46) therein, the receptacle (46) being configured to receive at least one component (30) associated with the computer device (16) therein; as well as at least one support member opening (56), the at least one support member opening (56) being defined in the support member wall (42), The at least one support member (28) is configured such that when the at least one container (46) is received in the channel (44), the at least one support member opening (56) can be connected to the at least one container opening (76) in a communicating manner.

15. The frame assembly (10) of claim 14, wherein: The at least one support member opening (56) is defined in a portion of the support member wall (52) facing the receiving unit (14a, 14b, 14c).

16. The frame assembly (10) of claim 14 or claim 15, wherein: The at least one support member (28) is horizontally disposed, and the at least one support member opening (56) is defined in a bottom portion (48) or a side portion (52) of the support member wall (42).

17. The frame assembly (10) of claim 14 or claim 15, wherein: The at least one support member (86) is vertically disposed, and the at least one support member opening (98) is defined in a rear portion (90) or a side portion (94) of the support member wall (88).

18. The frame assembly (10) according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein: The at least one support member (28, 86) includes an access portion (60, 102) through which the receptacle (46) can be inserted into and removed from the passage (44, 82).

19. The frame assembly (10) of claim 18, wherein: The entry portion (60, 102) is located at one or both of: an end portion (54, 96) of the support member (28, 86); and a longitudinal mouth of the passage (44, 82).

20. A container (46) for a frame assembly (10), the container (46) being receivable in a channel (44) of a support member (28, 86) of the frame assembly (10), the container (46) having: a container wall (62) defining a cavity (64) for receiving at least one component (30) therein, the at least one component being associated with a computer device (16) to be received in a receiving unit (14a, 14b, 14c) of the rack assembly (10); and at least one container opening (76) defined in the container wall (62), wherein: The receiving member (46) is configured to be received in the channel (44, 82) of the support member (28, 86) and is arranged relative to the channel (44, 82) of the support member (28, 86) so that: when at least one of the receiving members (46) is received in the channel (44, 82), the at least one receiving member opening (76) can be connected in a communicating manner with at least one support member opening (56, 98).

21. The container (46) according to claim 20, wherein: The at least one receptacle opening (76) includes at least one inlet opening and at least one outlet opening.

22. The container (46) according to claim 21, wherein: The at least one outlet opening comprises a plurality of outlet openings.

23. A container (46) according to claim 21 or claim 22, wherein: The at least one inlet opening and the at least one outlet opening are arranged on different portions of the container wall (62).

24. The container (46) according to any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein: The container wall (62) comprises: a container front portion (68) which faces away from the receiving unit (14a, 14b, 14c) when the container (46) is received in the channel (44, 82) of the support member (28, 86), the at least one inlet opening being defined in the container front portion (68), and A container rear portion (74) which, when the container (46) is received in the channel (44, 82) of the support member (28, 86), will face the accommodation unit (14a, 14b, 14c), and the at least one outlet opening is defined in the container rear portion (74).

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