Fan mounting system

Abstract

The present application relates to a fan mounting system. An information handling system includes a printed circuit board assembly and a chassis for receiving and supporting the printed circuit board assembly. The printed circuit board assembly includes a plurality of fan connectors. A bracket is configured to couple with the chassis. The system further includes a fan module including a fan rotor housed within a fan housing, an electrical connector, and a bracket connector removably coupling the fan module to the bracket. The fan module further includes an electrical connector couplable to the fan connectors of the printed circuit board assembly.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] Computers (such as servers) generate heat during operation. Without dissipating this heat or providing cooling, various components within the system can be damaged. Cooling systems come in many forms, but all of them help provide temperature control to allow the computer system and its components to continue operating without damage. Attached Figure Description

[0002] Alone or with Figure 1 This disclosure will be understood from the following detailed description. The accompanying drawings and related descriptions are included to provide a further understanding of this disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more non-limiting aspects and embodiments of the present teachings and, together with the description, explain certain principles and operations. In the drawings:

[0003] Figure 1 It is a diagram of a computing system including the fan mounting system according to this disclosure.

[0004] Figure 2 This is another diagram of a computing system that includes the fan mounting system according to this disclosure.

[0005] Figure 3 It is a diagram of a computing system including the fan mounting system according to this disclosure.

[0006] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the fan mounting system according to this disclosure.

[0007] Figure 5 This is a 3D view of the fan grille, which includes... Figure 4 Fan mounting system bracket connector.

[0008] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A top view of the fan grille.

[0009] Figure 7 This is a side view of the fan grille, which includes... Figure 4 Fan mounting system bracket connector.

[0010] Figure 8A yes Figure 4 The fan mounting system is shown in a side view with the bracket connector attached to the bracket.

[0011] Figure 8B yes Figure 8A An enlarged view of region 8B shows the bracket connector that engages with the bracket.

[0012] Figure 9 yes Figure 4 A side view of the fan mounting system, showing the fan baffle in its attached state to the bracket.

[0013] Figure 10 This is an exploded perspective view of a fan module, which includes... Figure 4 The fan grille of the fan mounting system.

[0014] Figure 11 It includes Figure 4 A three-dimensional diagram of an example computing system for a fan mounting system.

[0015] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 The example computing system is shown in a 3D view with a fan installed, and the chassis is omitted from the view.

[0016] Figure 13 yes Figure 11 Another perspective view of the computing system with a fan installed, in which the chassis is omitted from the view.

[0017] Figure 14 yes Figure 13 The computing system is shown in a side view with a fan installed, and the chassis is omitted from the view.

[0018] Figure 15 This is a flowchart depicting an example method of using a fan mounting system according to this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Cooling systems are a critical aspect of computers because without proper cooling, the heat generated by a computer or server system can damage the components housed within. While various types of cooling systems exist for computer systems, one method involves installing fans within the system. The fans are electrically connected to fan connectors at predetermined locations on the printed circuit board assembly (PCA). Once installed, the fans provide cooling to the system.

[0020] Fans are typically mounted in a system by attaching to a fan wall (or similar support structure), which is connected to a chassis housing the PCA and related components. Fans can be mounted to the fan wall at a limited number of predetermined fan mounting locations distributed along the length dimension of the fan wall (or other support structure), which corresponds to the width dimension of the chassis. For example, the fan wall may include attachment features (e.g., screw holes) for attaching the fan to the fan wall and / or airflow control features (e.g., cutouts) for controlling airflow through the fan. The location of these attachment features and / or airflow control features determines the possible fan mounting locations on the fan wall.

[0021] Different computer systems may need to arrange their fans in different locations, for example, because their heat-generating components may be located in different places, and / or because the fan connection points of different PCAs may be in different locations. Therefore, different fan walls may be needed for different computer systems, where each fan wall has an arrangement of fan mounting positions to match the needs of the specific computing system for which the fan wall is designed.

[0022] This means that manufacturers producing multiple different types of computer systems or platforms may also need to design, manufacture (or procure) multiple different types of fan walls, which can increase the overall cost of the computer system. For example, designing multiple different types of fan walls may require additional engineering time, which increases development costs. Furthermore, different types of fan walls may require different tools for manufacturing, which can increase the manufacturing cost of the fan walls themselves. Additionally, different fan walls may require different stock keeping units (SKUs), which can increase logistical complexity and costs.

[0023] To address these issues, this paper discloses a fan mounting system that allows fans to be secured to the chassis of a computing device in a manner that allows the fan's location to be limited to a predetermined set of fan mounting positions. Alternatively, the fan mounting systems of this paper allow fans to be mounted at virtually any location along the width dimension of the chassis (e.g., any location in an infinite set of locations along the width dimension). Therefore, each fan mounting system of this disclosure is capable of accommodating a variety of different fan location arrangements. This means that a given fan mounting system disclosed herein can be used with a variety of different computing systems with varying requirements for fan positioning. The ability to use a single fan mounting system for a variety of different computing systems can reduce development, manufacturing, and logistical costs compared to providing different fan walls for different computing systems.

[0024] Each fan mounting system disclosed herein includes a universal bracket that connects to a chassis of a computing system and a connector for removably connecting a fan to the universal bracket. The connector is attached to (or configured to attach to) a fan housing. Each connector is configured to removably connect the fan to the bracket. The connector can be connected to the universal bracket at any location in an infinite set of locations (in some examples, any location along the length of the universal bracket), a location not occupied or otherwise excluded by anything else. Therefore, the bracket does not have a finite set of predetermined mounting locations; instead, the fan can be positioned at any location corresponding to a desired fan mounting location (e.g., corresponding to a fan connection point on a PCA). Additionally, in some examples, the fan mounting system of this disclosure includes a fan baffle to allow the fan to be isolated from other components (e.g., cables). The fan baffle also has removable connectors for attachment to the bracket, which allows the baffle to be positioned at any location in an infinite set of locations along the bracket.

[0025] Figure 1 This is an example diagram of the fan mounting system 30 and the computing system 10 according to this disclosure. It should be understood that... Figure 1 It is not intended to depict specific shapes, dimensions, or other structural details accurately or to scale, and embodiments of the fan mounting system 30 and computing system 10 may have different numbers and arrangements of illustrated components, and may also include other parts not shown. Figure 1 In this context, physical connections (e.g., physical attachments and / or supports) are conceptually indicated by dashed lines, while electrical connections are conceptually indicated by dashed lines. To aid understanding, within the context of computing system 10, in... Figure 1 The illustration shows a fan mounting system 30, but the fan mounting system 30 may be provided separately from the computing system 10. In other words, some examples include a separate fan mounting system 30, while other examples include a computing system 10 in which the fan mounting system 30 is mounted.

[0026] System 10 includes a chassis 14, a printed circuit board assembly or PCA 12 housed in and / or supported by the chassis 14, and one or more fan modules 18 electrically connected to the PCA 12. Figure 1 Only one is shown in the diagram, along with a fan mounting system 30, which is attached to the chassis 14 and connected to the fan module 18. These components will be described in more detail below.

[0027] PCA 12 includes a printed circuit board (PCB) and one or more electronic components mounted to PCA 12. For example, PCA 12 may be a system motherboard (e.g., a motherboard) including a processor and other electronic circuitry (not shown), but the example is not limited to this and any PCA can be used. PCA 12 includes one or more fan connectors 13 mounted to the PCB. In some examples, PCA 12 may be multiple fan connectors 13 mounted to the PCB of PCA 12. For example, Figures 2 to 6 Figure 8 and Figure 10 Several different example systems, which will be described in more detail below, are illustrated, in which multiple fan connectors are mounted to the PCB of the PCA. Fan connector 13 refers to an electrical connector configured to receive (and physically mate with) a complementary electrical connector (e.g., electrical connector 22 of fan module 18, which will be described in further detail below) and electrically connect to it. Each fan connector 13 may include a connector body (e.g., a receiver) and electrical components (e.g., pins, spring fingers, electrical contact pads, etc.) that engage with the connector body and are arranged to establish an electrical connection with the fan's electrical connector, enabling the transmission of power and data signals between the PCA 12 and the fan. Additionally, in some examples, fan connector 13 may also provide some physical support to fan module 18 to help secure and / or stabilize fan module 18. In some examples, the physical connection between fan connector 13 and electrical connector 22 may be a friction fit, snap fit, interference fit, or any other form of connection that allows an external fan to be securely held in place via the fan connector.

[0028] As described above, the computing system 10 may further include a fan mounting system 30 for mounting the fan module 18 to the chassis 14. The fan mounting system 30 includes a bracket 16 that can be coupled to the chassis 14, and a bracket connector 26 that can be coupled to the fan module 18. In some examples, the bracket 16 may be coupled to the chassis 14 by mechanical fasteners (e.g., screws), while in other examples, the bracket 16 may be coupled to the chassis 14 by any other desired fastening technique (e.g., friction or interference fit with a portion of the chassis 14, adhesive, welding, or any other suitable fastener). The bracket 16 may have a length L and may be coupled to the chassis 14 such that the length L extends along the width dimension W of the chassis 14. The length L corresponds to the longest dimension of the bracket 16. The width dimension W of the chassis 14 may extend laterally (e.g., perpendicularly to) the front / rear dimension D of the chassis 14 (extending between the front and rear panels of the chassis 14). The front and rear panels (not shown) may include perforations through which air enters and exits the system, such that in some examples, the airflow through the chassis 14 generally extends along the front / rear dimension D from the front panel to the rear panel, and vice versa. In other words, in some examples, the length L and width dimension W are transverse to (e.g., perpendicular to) the direction of airflow through the chassis 14. In some examples, the front and rear panels may include components designed to be accessible during use (or compartments configured to house such components), such as electrical ports / connectors and removable modules (e.g., hot-swappable storage drives).

[0029] In addition to connecting to PCA 12, fan module 18 can also be connected to bracket 16 via bracket connector 26. Although Figure 1 One bracket connector 26 is shown, but the example is not limited to this and more than one bracket connector can be used. For example, Figures 5 to 6 Figure 8 illustrates an example where each fan module has two bracket connectors. In other examples, each fan module may have more than two bracket connectors.

[0030] The bracket connector 26 can be configured to connect to the bracket 16 via a removable or repositionable connector. For example, the bracket connector 26 can be a snap-fit ​​connector (see...). Figure 8A and 8BThe illustration provides an example, which will be described in more detail below, where the bracket connector is a snap-fit ​​connector. The snap-fit ​​connector includes a flexible engagement member configured to interlock with a complementary engagement member of another component. During engagement of the snap-fit ​​connector with another component, the flexible engagement member is initially pushed away from its idle state by contact with the other component until it reaches a predetermined position, at which point bending of the flexible engagement member generates a spring force that springs it back to its idle position. The result is that the flexible engagement member interlocks with the complementary engagement member of the other component to attach the snap-fit ​​connector to the other component.

[0031] In some examples, the bracket 16 includes a base portion and a guide rail portion coupled to the base portion and extending parallel to the length L. The bracket connector 26 can be attached to the guide rail. In some examples, the guide rail may include a latching feature that engages (e.g., interlocks) with a latching feature of the bracket connector 26 to connect the bracket connector 26 to the guide rail. In some examples, the latching feature of the guide rail may extend continuously along a given length of the guide rail, such that the bracket connector 26 can be connected to the guide rail at any location along that given length, as opposed to connection at a finite set of locations along that length. In some examples, the guide rail is integrally formed with the base portion (i.e., they are part of the same integral or monolithic body) – for example, the guide rail portion can be formed by bending or rolling up the edges of the base portion. In other examples, the guide rail is initially formed separately from the base portion and then attached to the base portion (e.g., by mechanical fasteners, adhesives, welding, etc.).

[0032] In some examples where the bracket connector 26 includes a snap-fit ​​connector, the bracket connector 26 may have an arched shape with a central portion and two curved segments extending in opposite directions from the central portion to define a channel therebetween, wherein the channel has a curved (e.g., semi-circular) profile. In these examples, the guide portion of the bracket 16 may have a curved shape to complement the shape of the bracket connector 26, such that the guide portion of the bracket 16 can be received within the channel defined by the bracket connector 26. The curved segments form flexible engagement members of the snap-fit ​​connector, and a flange or other latching feature is provided at one end of one of the curved segments of the bracket connector. When the bracket connector 26 is pushed onto the bracket 16, the curved surface of the guide causes the curved segment to flex outward until the flange or other latching feature of the bracket connector passes the complementary latching feature of the guide, at which point the flange or other latching feature snaps into engagement with the complementary latching feature of the guide. For example, in some examples, the bracket 16 may include a rolled-up edge having a profile complementary to that of the bracket connector 26. Figures 8A to 8BAn example system, which will be described in more detail below, is illustrated, in which the guide rail of the bracket includes a rolled-up edge. The bracket connector 26 can also be coupled to the bracket 16 via an interference fit, by a repositionable adhesive, or by a physical connection (such as screws).

[0033] In some examples, the fan module 18 includes a lower portion and an upper portion arranged opposite each other, with the lower portion positioned closer to the PCA 12 than the upper portion when the fan module 18 is installed. In some examples, the bracket connector 26 may be positioned on the lower portion of the fan housing 24 when connected to the fan module 18. In some examples, the bracket connector 26 may be directly attached to the fan housing 24. In some examples, the bracket connector 26 may be integrally formed with the fan housing 24; that is, the bracket connector may be manufactured as part of the fan housing 24. In other examples, the bracket connector 26 may be manufactured separately from the fan housing 24 and may be directly attached to the fan housing 24 by, for example, adhesive, screws, or any other suitable fastening means. In still other examples, the bracket connector 26 may be removably coupled to the fan housing 24 by, for example, snap-fitting it onto the fan housing 24 when the fan module 18 is ready for use. In other examples, the bracket connector 26 may be indirectly attached to the fan housing 24. For example, in some examples, the bracket connector 26 may be attached to or integrally formed with another component (e.g., a fan grille or finger / blade guard), which in turn is attached to the fan housing 24.

[0034] The fan module 18 can be coupled to the bracket 16 at any location in an infinite set of connection positions along the length L of the bracket. It should be noted that the infinite set of connection positions does not necessarily include all possible locations along the length L, as some locations may be obstructed or otherwise excluded. For example, locations physically obstructed by other elements can be excluded from this set. As another example, the guide portion of the bracket 16 or other portions to which the connector 26 is attached may not extend across the entire length L of the bracket, or may include multiple segments separated by gaps, and locations in such gaps can be excluded from the infinite set of locations. However, each connectable segment of the bracket 16 defines a range of locations that vary continuously along the length direction and have an infinite set of connection positions.

[0035] In some examples, while the fan mounting system 30 allows for infinite variation in fan position along the length dimension L, the fan module 18 may still be limited by other factors in its mounting position. For example, in some embodiments, the primary limitation on the position of the fan module(s) 18 is the position of the fan connector(s) 13 on the PCA 12. As previously described, the PCA 12 includes a plurality of fan connectors 13, which may be distributed generally along the width W of the PCA 12 (e.g., arranged along a line parallel to the width W of the PCA). Since the fan module 18 is to be coupled to the fan connector 13, the position of the fan module 18 may be limited by the position of the fan connector 13. In particular, in some examples, the position of the electrical connector 22 is fixed relative to the fan housing 24 (e.g., because the electrical connector 22 is rigidly connected to the fan housing 24), and in such examples, the acceptable mounting position for the fan module 18 along the length L is determined by the position of the fan connector 13 (e.g., each fan module 18 will be mounted where its connector 22 is aligned with the corresponding fan connector 13). However, in this case, the mounting position of the fan module 18 is not limited by the fan mounting system 30, but rather by the arrangement of the connector 22, and the bracket 16 can receive the fan module 18 at any position along its length L, as long as no other hardware (e.g., another fan module or attachment) exists at that position. Additionally, the bracket 16 can be mounted at a second chassis. The second chassis can support a second PCA whose fan connector position differs from that of PCA 12; however, the bracket 16 can still receive the fan module 18 at any position along its length L. In this way, different arrangements of the fan connector 13 (e.g., possibly between different models of computing systems or different configurations of the same model) do not require different fan attachment structures, because the same fan mounting system 30 can be used in these systems regardless of the different positions of the fan connector 13.

[0036] As described above, the computing system 10 may have multiple fan connectors 13 and multiple fan modules 18. For example, Figure 2 An example configuration of computing system 10 is illustrated in the form of computing system 100. Similar to... Figure 1 The system 10 shown, in system 100, uses a single bracket 16, and the bracket 16 is attached to a chassis 14. System 100 also includes a PCA 112 received in the chassis 14. The PCA 112 is an example configuration of the PCA 12, in which multiple instances of fan connectors 13 are present, including at least... Figure 2 The fan connectors 13-1 and 13-2 are shown in the diagram. Similar to... Figure 1The system 10 shown includes a fan module 18. In the case of system 100, there are multiple fan modules 18, including a first fan module 18-1 and a second fan module 18-2. The first fan module 18-1 and the second fan module 18-2 each include components related to… Figure 1 For clarity, components similar to those shown in the fan module 18 diagram are referred to as such. Figure 2 These components are omitted in this example system. The first fan module 18-1 is electrically connected to the first fan connector 13-1, and the second fan module 18-2 is electrically connected to the second fan connector 13-2. Furthermore, the first fan module 18-1 and the second fan module 18-2 are connected to the bracket 16 via bracket connectors 26-1 and 26-2, respectively, which are two instances of bracket connector 26 described above. In this example system 100, the mounting position of the fan modules 18 is limited by the position of the fan connector 13; therefore, the first fan module 18-1 can be connected to the bracket 16 at a first position corresponding to the first fan connector 13-1, and the second fan module 18-2 can be connected to the bracket 16 at a second position corresponding to the second fan connector 13-2.

[0037] It should be noted that in some examples, the first fan module 18-2 and the second fan module 18-2 are not limited to being respectively coupled to the first fan connector 13-2 and the second fan connector 13-2. Rather, and as discussed previously, in some examples, the PCA 12 or 112 may include more than two fan connectors 13 distributed along the width W of the PCA 12 or 112, such that each fan connector has a distinct position. Therefore, in some examples, the first fan module 18-1 and the second fan module 18-2 can be moved among the multiple fan connectors 13 and can be mounted at any position along the length L of the bracket 16, provided that a corresponding fan connector 13 is present and no other fan modules, fan baffles, or other restrictions are present. Furthermore, different embodiments of the PCA 12 or 112 may have different numbers and positions for their various fan connectors 13, and therefore the position where the fan modules 18 are mounted may vary between embodiments. Furthermore, in some examples, since the bracket connector 26 can be coupled to the bracket 16 at an infinite number of locations rather than at a predetermined finite number of locations, a given embodiment of the bracket 16 can be used with multiple different PCA 12 or 112 embodiments of fan connectors 13 with different numbers and / or locations.

[0038] Additionally, in some examples, the fan mounting system and / or computing system 10 may include at least one fan baffle. For example, Figure 3An example fan mounting system 130 including fan baffles 28 is illustrated, wherein fan mounting system 130 is a configuration example of fan mounting system 30. As an example of fan mounting system 130, fan mounting system 130 includes a bracket 16 and a bracket connector 26, as previously described. Additionally, fan mounting system 130 includes one or more fan baffles 28 (although...). Figure 3 Only one is shown in the image, but in some examples multiple fan baffles may be included. Figure 3 The illustration shows an example fan mounting system 130 installed in a computing system 200, which is the same as the one mentioned above. Figure 2 The description includes a configuration example of the computing system 100, with the addition of a fan baffle 28.

[0039] The fan baffle 28 may include a connector 33 for removably attaching the fan baffle 28 to the bracket 16. The connector 33 may be a snap-fit ​​connector similar to the bracket connector 26, or it may be any other type of removable connector. A baffle 32 may be attached to and extend from the connector 33. In some examples, the baffle 32 may have a generally sheet-like or plate-like shape, relatively small in one dimension and relatively large in two other dimensions perpendicular to that small dimension. In some examples, when the baffle 28 is mounted in the chassis 13 and attached to the bracket 16, the relatively wide dimension of the baffle 32 may include a first dimension extending upward from the connector 33 and a second dimension extending parallel to direction D (upward means perpendicular to the width dimension W and the front / rear direction D). The baffle 32 may be substantially solid; however, in other examples, the baffle 32 may also include perforations or cutouts.

[0040] In some examples, the fan baffle 28 may be mounted near the fan module 18. When multiple fan modules 18 are used, in some cases, the fan baffle 28 (or multiple fan baffles 28) may be located between adjacent fan modules 18, such as between the first fan module 18-1 and the second fan module 18-2, as shown below. Figure 3 As shown. In such an example, the baffle 32 of the fan baffle 28 separates the first fan module 18-1 from the second fan module 18-2. In some examples, multiple fan baffles 28 may be positioned, for example, between two adjacent fan modules 18 to form a passageway between the fan baffles 28 through which cables or other components can be guided. In such an example, the fan baffles 28 can protect the fan modules 18 from the influence of cables or other components guided through the passageway, preventing the cables or other components from pressing against or contacting the fan modules 18 and potentially causing damage.

[0041] Turn now Figures 4 to 14Fan mounting system 430 and computing system 410 will be described. Fan mounting system 430 is an example configuration of fan mounting system 30 described above. Computing system 410 is an example configuration of computing system 10 described above. Therefore, some components of systems 430 and 410 correspond to components of systems 30 and 10 described above (i.e., are examples of their configurations). These corresponding components are assigned reference numerals with the same last two digits (e.g., 26 and 426). Although systems 430 and 410 are example configurations of systems 30 and 10, respectively, systems 30 and 10 are not limited to systems 430 and 410.

[0042] Figure 4 The illustration shows a fan mounting system 430 in a state not yet installed in computing system 410. The fan mounting system 430 includes a universal bracket 416 and one or more bracket connectors 426. The universal bracket 416 is an example configuration of bracket 16 and includes a base portion 431 extending along length L and two rails 431 and 433. Rails 432 and 433 are configured to receive bracket connectors 426. In this example, rails 432 and 433 are integrally coupled to the base portion 431 and include their rolled edges. In this example, rails 432 and 433 extend continuously along the length of bracket 416, such that bracket connectors 426 can be connected to the bracket at any location along the length. In other examples, rails 432 and / or 433 may be divided into segments spaced apart by gaps. In this example, mechanical fasteners 434 are provided to attach bracket 416 to the chassis of computing system, such as chassis 414 of computing system 410, as described below.

[0043] like Figures 4 to 2 As shown, in this example, the bracket connector 426 is integrally coupled to the fan grille 440 (i.e., formed as part of the same integral / monocoque body as the fan grille). The fan grille 440 is configured to be coupled to the housing 424 of the fan module 418. Figure 5 As shown, the fan grille 440 includes a frame 441 and a protective member 442. The frame defines an opening 445 and surrounds the opening. The protective member is coupled to the frame 441 and extends across the opening 445 to divide the opening 445 into a plurality of smaller openings 448 (e.g., Figure 5 (Openings 448a and 448b are marked in the image). The protective member 442 is configured to prevent objects (such as fingers or cables) from inserting through the opening 445 and, on the other hand, to prevent collisions with the fan blades, while still allowing airflow through the opening 445 (via the smaller opening 448). The fan grille 440 may also include attachment elements 443 and 446 to engage with the fan housing 418 and attach the fan grille 440 thereto.

[0044] like Figures 3 to 8BAs shown, in this example, the bracket connector 426 includes snap-fit ​​connectors, which include engaging portions 427 and attaching portions 429. The attaching portion 429 of each bracket connector 426 is attached to the frame 441. Specifically, in Figures 4 to 14 In the illustrated example, each fan grille 440 has two bracket connectors 426, and its attachment portion 429 is arranged at the opposite side-down corner of the frame 441.

[0045] In addition, such as Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, the engagement portion 427 defines a channel 453 with a curved (e.g., semi-circular) profile, which is configured to receive the rolled-up edge of the guide rail 432, as... Figure 8A and Figure 8B As shown. More specifically, the engaging portion 427 has an arcuate shape, having a central portion and two curved segments 451 and 452 extending in opposite directions from the central portion, defining a channel 453 therebetween, wherein the channel has a curved (e.g., semi-circular) profile. The guide portion 432 has a complementary curved shape such that the guide portion 432 can be received within the channel 453. The curved segments 451 and 452 form flexible engaging members of the snap-fit ​​connector 426. The curved segments 451 and 452 may also include latching features 454 and 455 at their ends, which may include protrusions / ridges. These latching features 455 and 455 can engage with complementary latching features 435 and 436 of the guide portion 432, as shown. Figure 8B As shown. Latch features 435 and 436 may be formed from a portion of guide rail 432, which is spaced apart by a first width w1 and adjacent to a portion of guide rail 432 spaced apart by a second width w2, the second width being smaller than the first width w1. In other words, latch features 435 and 436 include portions of guide rail 431 that project laterally outward beyond the adjacent portions of guide rail 432.

[0046] Furthermore, the first width w1 is wider than the spacing between latch features 454 and 455 in their idle state. Therefore, when connector 426 is pushed onto guide rail 432, bent segments 451 and 452 are pushed by guide rail 432 and flex outwards until latch features 454 and 455 pass the portion of guide rail 432 with width w1. At this point, latch features 454 and 455 are now adjacent to the portion of guide rail 432 with width w2, and thus bent segments 451 and 452 can spring back toward their idle spacing. This positions latch features 454 and 455 below latch features 435 and 436, and latch features 435 and 436 now abut against the top sides of latch features 454 and 455, thereby resisting upward movement of connector 426. In this way, connector 436 is snap-fitted into bracket 416. By flexing the curved segments 451 and 452 outwards, allowing attachment features 454 and 455 to move upwards past attachment features 435 and 436, connector 426 can be removed from bracket 416. In this example, latching features 435 and 436 are formed by the edge or portion of guide rail 432 that extends continuously along the entire length L of bracket 416, so snap-fit ​​connector 426 can be attached to bracket 416 at any location along this length L (in any of the infinitely many positions).

[0047] In some examples, the fan mounting system 430 further includes one or more partitions 428. For example, Figure 9 The illustration shows a fan baffle 428 attached to a bracket 416. The fan baffle may include two connectors 433-1 and 433-2 to removably attach the fan baffle 428 to the bracket 416. Connector 433 may be a snap-fit ​​connector similar to the bracket connector 426. Connector 433-1 is positioned to engage guide rail 432, while connector 433-2 is positioned to engage guide rail 433. A baffle 432 may be connected to and extend from connector 433. In this example, baffle 432 has a generally sheet-like or plate-like shape, relatively small in one dimension and relatively large in dimensions d and h perpendicular to that small dimension. When mounted to the bracket 416, dimensions d and h of the fan baffle 428 are both perpendicular to the length L of the bracket 416. When mounted in a computing system, dimensions d and h of the fan baffle 428 may be parallel to the front-to-back dimension D and height dimension H of the system, respectively (see [reference]). Figure 10 (As an example of these system dimensions). In some examples, baffle 432 may be substantially solid; however, in other examples, baffle 432 may also include perforations or cutouts.

[0048] Turn now Figure 10The following describes a fan module 418 configured for use with a fan mounting system 430. The fan module 418 includes a fan housing 424 that houses a fan rotor 420 and a fan motor (not shown). Additionally, the fan module 418 includes a fan grille 440 as described above, which is attached to a first surface of the fan housing 424 via attachment elements 443 and 446 engaging complementary attachment elements 447 and 449, respectively. A bracket connector 426 is also indirectly attached to the fan module 418 by means of a frame 441 integrally formed thereto. The fan module 418 also includes a connector / grille assembly 450. The connector / grille assembly 450 includes a fan grille portion 423 and a connector support portion 425, the fan grille portion including a frame, protective members, and attachment members similar to those of the fan grille 440, the connector support portion being attached to and protruding from the fan grille portion 423. The connector support portion 425 connects to and supports the electrical connector 422 of the fan module 418. When the connector / grille assembly 450 is mounted on the fan housing 424, the electrical connector 418 can be electrically connected to the fan motor and / or other electronic components of the fan module 418 through an electrical connection (not shown) between the fan housing 424 and the connector / grille assembly 450, such as a cable or electrical interface (e.g., lead wire, contact pad, etc.).

[0049] Turn now Figures 11 to 14 The following will describe a computing system 410, including a fan mounting system 430. For example... Figure 11 As shown, the computing system 10 includes a chassis 414, a PCA 412, a fan mounting system 430, and a plurality of fan modules 418 fixed to the chassis 414 by the fan mounting system 430. The computing system 410 may also include additional components familiar to those skilled in the art, which are omitted in the figures, such as storage drives, power supply units, expansion cards, etc. Figure 11 The illustration shows system 410 in the installation state with system 430 and fan module 418 installed. Figure 12 The diagram illustrates system 410 without fan module 418 and partition 428 installed. Figure 13 The diagram illustrates system 410 with a fan module 418 installed. Figure 14 This includes an enlarged view of a portion of the system 410 with a fan module 418 installed.

[0050] like Figure 11As shown, in this example, chassis 414 includes a base plate 414a extending along the width dimension W and the front-to-back dimension D. In this example, chassis 414 also includes sidewalls 414b and 414c, which are connected to the base plate 414a and extend along the front-to-back dimension D and the height dimension H. Chassis 414 may also include a cover / cap (not shown) and a front panel and a rear panel (not shown).

[0051] PCA 412 includes a PCB 415, one or more electronic components 460 (e.g., a processor) mounted to the PCB 415, and multiple fan connectors 413 mounted to the PCB 415. Figure 11 As shown, the PCA is mounted to the base plate 414a, where the PCB 415 and the base plate 414a are parallel to each other. Figure 12 As shown, in this example, PCA 412 includes thirteen fan connectors 413-1 to 413-13, which are arranged along a line parallel to the width dimension W. Other examples may have more or fewer fan connectors 413.

[0052] like Figure 11 As shown, the bracket 416 of the fan mounting system 430 is attached to the base plate 414a. In this example, a mechanical fastener 434 is used to attach the bracket 416 to the chassis 414. Figure 11 and Figure 14 As shown, a first side of each fan module 418 is secured to the chassis 414 by connecting a connector 426 attached to the respective fan module 418 to a bracket 416. A second side of each fan module 418 is secured to the PCA 412 by connecting an electrical connector 422 of the respective fan module 418 to one of the fan connectors 413 of the PCA 412. In this way, each fan module 418 is secured relative to the chassis 414, partly by mounting to the fan mounting system 430 and partly by connecting to the PCA 412.

[0053] Return to Figure 11 In this example, the fan mounting system 430 includes multiple fan baffles 428. Fan baffles 428-1 and 428-2 are positioned between two adjacent fan modules 418-3 and 418-4, thereby forming a passageway between them through which cables or other components can be guided. In this example, another fan baffle 428-3 is positioned between fan 418-7 and side wall 414c, thereby defining another passageway therebetween. The fan baffles 428 protect the fan module 418 from cables or other components guided through the passageways, preventing cables or other components from pressing against or contacting the fan module 418 and potentially damaging or displacing it. Figure 11The specific number and location of the fan baffles 428 illustrated herein may be merely an example. In other examples, fewer or more fan baffles 428 may be included, and the fan baffles 428 may be positioned at any desired location along the bracket 416, as long as the space is not already occupied (e.g., the fan baffles may be positioned between fans 418-5 and 418-6, between fans 418-2 and 418-3, between fan 418-1 and wall 414b, etc.).

[0054] By Figure 11 and Figure 12 A comparison reveals that in some examples, the number of fan connectors 413 can exceed the number of fan modules 418. This allows for different fan arrangements to be used for the same PCA 412. For example, in Figure 11 In one arrangement, fans 418-1 to 418-7 are connected to fan connectors 413-1, 413-3, 413-5, 413-7, 413-9, and 413-13, respectively. However, in another arrangement using the same PCA 412, fans 418-1 to 418-6 can be connected to fan connectors 413-2, 413-4, 413-6, 413-8, 413-10, and 413-12, respectively. These are just two examples, and additional fan arrangements can be provided by using different combinations of fan connectors 413. This ability to position fans differently by connecting different fan connectors 413 allows for flexibility in configuring a given system without needing to change the PCA for each different configuration. This also allows for greater modularity in manufacturing, as the same common PCA design can be shared across multiple different models or configurations of the system, thus saving manufacturing costs. Furthermore, since bracket 416 allows connector 426 to be connected at any location in an unlimited set of positions along its length, the same single bracket design can accommodate the different fan arrangements described above. This further supports greater modularity by allowing the same bracket to be used for each of the various models or configurations described above. Moreover, not only can the fan position arrangement be changed on a given PCA, but the fan position can also be changed between models or configurations by replacing the PCA with a different PCA with a different fan connector arrangement. In such cases, the same bracket 416 can also be used for systems with different PCAs, because the connection position for bracket connector 426 to connect to bracket 41 is not limited to predetermined positions within a finite set.

[0055] Figure 15This is an example method 70 for installing a fan in an information processing system according to this disclosure. At 72, method 70 includes: attaching a bracket to the chassis of the information processing equipment. The bracket can be any bracket described herein, such as brackets 16 and 416 described above. The bracket can be attached to the chassis such that the length dimension of the bracket is parallel to the width dimension of the chassis.

[0056] At point 74, method 70 includes positioning a first fan module relative to the PCA of the information processing system at a desired mounting location. Positioning the first fan module may include positioning the first fan module such that a fan connector on the PCA aligns with an electrical connector on the first fan module. The PCA 12 may be housed within or as part of the information processing system and may be supported by a chassis.

[0057] At 76, method 70 includes engaging a first bracket connector attached to the first fan module with a bracket. The first fan module is then coupled to the bracket, thereby attaching the bracket to the chassis. Thus, in other words, method 70 may include attaching a fan to the chassis by engaging the first bracket connector to the bracket. Furthermore, before, simultaneously with, or after engaging the first bracket connector to the bracket, a first electrical connector of the fan module may be engaged with a first fan connector located on the PCA. The first bracket connector may be any bracket connector described herein, such as bracket connectors 26 and 426. As described, the first bracket connector may be coupled to the bracket at any engagement location along the length dimension of the bracket. The engagement locations of the bracket may be unlimited; that is, any location along at least a given length of the bracket may be able to accommodate the first bracket connector. In some examples, the permitted fan mounting locations are primarily limited by the location of the connector on the PCA, where the bracket does not restrict the fan to a specific location along its length.

[0058] Method 70 may further include: positioning the second fan module at a desired second mounting location. Similar to the first fan module, the second fan module is positioned such that the second electrical connector aligns with the second fan connector on the PCA. Once the second fan module is positioned and aligned, the second bracket connector located on the second fan module can be engaged with the bracket to connect the second fan module to the bracket. Alternatively, the second electrical connector can be engaged with the second fan connector so that the second fan module is fully connected to and connected to the information processing system.

[0059] A fan baffle can be further positioned along the bracket. The fan baffle may include a connector and a baffle. The fan baffle can be any fan baffle described herein, such as fan baffle 28 or 428 described above. The fan baffle can be engaged to the bracket via the connector, such that the baffle extends upward from the connector and thus from the bracket. In some examples, the fan baffle can be positioned between a first fan module and a second fan module. In such examples, when the fan baffle is attached to the bracket, the baffle of the fan baffle can separate the first fan module from the second fan module.

[0060] It should be understood that both the general description and the detailed description provide illustrative examples of implementations that are inherently explanatory and are intended to provide an understanding of the disclosure without limiting its scope. Other examples of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art based on considerations of this disclosure. For example, various mechanical, compositional, structural, electronic, and operational changes may be made to the disclosed examples without departing from the scope of the disclosure, including, for example, the addition, removal, alteration, substitution, or rearrangement of elements of the disclosed examples, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art in considering the disclosure. Furthermore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that certain features or aspects of the teachings may be utilized independently (even if they are disclosed together in some examples) or together (even if disclosed in separate examples) as long as they are practical. In some instances, well-known circuits, structures, and techniques have not been shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring these examples. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to provide their fullest scope, including equivalents under applicable law, and are not limited to the examples disclosed herein.

[0061] Unless otherwise expressly stated, references to examples, implementation methods, or other similar references herein should be understood as predictive or hypothetical examples, not as devices / systems that have actually been manufactured. Similarly, unless otherwise expressly stated, references to the quality or characteristics of examples should be understood as indicating the inventors' educated estimates or expectations based on their understanding of the relevant principles involved, the application of theories and / or modeling, and / or past experience, rather than representing the actual quality or characteristics of actually manufactured devices / systems, or the empirical results of actual tests performed.

[0062] Furthermore, the spatial, positional, and relational terms used herein are chosen to aid the reader in understanding examples of the invention, but are not intended to limit the invention to specific frames of reference, orientations, or positional relationships. For example, spatial, positional, and relational terms such as “up,” “down,” “side,” “below,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” “near,” “far,” etc., are used herein to describe direction or the spatial relationship of one element or feature relative to another element or feature as shown in the figures. These spatial terms are used relative to the frame of reference in the figures and are not limited to a specific frame of reference in the real world. Moreover, if a different frame of reference is considered, the spatial terms used herein may require different interpretations in that different frame of reference. Furthermore, the orientations of the items shown in the figures are chosen for ease of illustration and description, but in actual implementations, the orientations of the items may differ.

[0063] Additionally, unless the context otherwise requires, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well. Furthermore, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “including,” etc., specify the presence of the stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups. Unless expressly stated otherwise, components described as interconnected may be directly electrically or mechanically connected, or may be indirectly connected via one or more intermediate components.

[0064] And / or: Occasionally, the phrase “and / or” is used in conjunction with a list of enumerated items in this text. This phrase means that any combination of items in the list can be included—from a single item to all items, and any permutation in between. Thus, for example, “A, B and / or C” means one of “{A}, {B}, {C}, {A, B}, {A, C}, {C, B}, and {A, C, B}”.

[0065] Unless the context otherwise indicates, mathematical and geometric terms are not necessarily used according to their strict definitions, as those skilled in the art will understand that, for example, substantially similar elements that function in substantially similar ways can easily fall within the scope of descriptive terms, even if those terms have strict definitions. Furthermore, unless otherwise stated herein or implied by the context, the use of approximate terms such as “substantially,” “approximately,” “about,” “around,” “probably,” etc., should be understood to mean that mathematical precision is not required, but rather refers to a range of variations that includes, but is not strictly limited to, the stated values, properties, or relationships. In particular, in addition to any ranges explicitly stated herein (if any), the range of variations implied by the use of such approximate terms includes at least any insignificant variations and those that are typical for items of the type discussed due to manufacturing tolerances or other tolerances in the relevant field. In any case, unless otherwise indicated, the range of variations may include at least values ​​within ±1% of the stated values, properties, or relationships.

Claims

1. An information processing system, comprising: A printed circuit board assembly, the printed circuit board assembly including a plurality of fan connectors; A chassis configured to receive and support the printed circuit board assembly; A bracket, configured to connect to the chassis such that the length dimension of the bracket extends along the width dimension of the chassis; as well as A fan module, wherein the fan module includes: Fan rotor; An electrical connector configured to electrically connect with a corresponding fan connector among the plurality of fan connectors; The fan housing that houses the fan rotor; and A bracket connector integrally coupled to the fan housing and configured to removably couple the fan module to the bracket, the bracket including a rail having a latching feature extending continuously along a given length of the rail, the latching feature being configured to engage with the bracket connector such that the bracket connector can be connected to the rail at any location along the given length.

2. The information processing system as described in claim 1, further comprising a fan baffle, wherein, The fan baffle further includes: A second bracket connector, the second bracket connector being used to removably connect the fan shroud to the bracket; and A baffle extending from the second bracket connector.

3. The information processing system as described in claim 1, wherein, The bracket connector is a snap-fit ​​connector.

4. The information processing system as described in claim 3, wherein, The bracket connector is attached to the edge portion of the bracket.

5. The information processing system as described in claim 1, wherein, The bracket includes rolled-up edges to receive the bracket connector.

6. The information processing system as described in claim 1, wherein, After being connected to the bracket, the fan module is positioned such that the electrical connector of the fan module is aligned with the corresponding fan connector among the plurality of fan connectors.

7. The information processing system as described in claim 1, wherein, With the printed circuit board assembly mounted to the chassis, the plurality of fan connectors are arranged along lines parallel to the length dimension of the bracket and the width dimension of the chassis.

8. The information processing system as described in claim 1, wherein: The printed circuit board assembly is mounted to the chassis, the bracket is connected to the chassis, the fan module is a first fan module, the electrical connector is a first electrical conductor electrically connected to the first fan connector among the plurality of fan connectors, and the bracket connector is a first bracket connector that connects the first fan module to the bracket at a first position. and The system further includes: The second fan module further includes: Second rotor; A second electrical connector, configured to be electrically connected to a second fan connector among the plurality of fan connectors; The second fan housing that accommodates the second fan rotor; and A second bracket connector, the second bracket connector being used to removably connect the second fan module to the bracket at a second position; and A fan baffle, wherein the fan baffle further comprises: A fan shroud connector, the connector being used to removably attach the fan shroud to the bracket in a third position; and A baffle extending upward from the fan slat connector.

9. The information processing system as described in claim 8, wherein, The first fan module and the second fan module are movable between the plurality of fan connectors.

10. A fan mounting system, comprising: A bracket, configured to be removably attached to a chassis such that the length dimension of the bracket extends along the width dimension of the chassis; A bracket connector, which is integrally coupled to or configured to be integrally coupled to the fan housing of a fan module and is configured to be removably coupled to the bracket for mounting the fan module to the chassis, the bracket including a rail having a latching feature extending continuously along a given length of the rail, the latching feature being configured to engage with the bracket connector such that the bracket connector can be connected to the rail at any location along the given length.

11. The fan mounting system of claim 10, further comprising a fan baffle, wherein, The fan baffle further includes: baffle; and A fan baffle connector is formed at the lower portion of the baffle, wherein the fan baffle connector is configured to engage with the latch feature to removably connect with the bracket at any location along the given length.

12. The fan mounting system of claim 10, wherein: The bracket connector is integrally connected to the fan grille of the fan module; and The fan grille is configured to be attached to the fan housing of the fan module.

13. The fan mounting system of claim 12, further comprising a second bracket connector integrally connected to the fan grille and configured to engage with the latch feature for removable coupling with the bracket at any location along the given length.

14. The fan mounting system as claimed in claim 10, wherein, The bracket includes rolled-up edges to receive the bracket connector.

15. The fan mounting system as claimed in claim 10, wherein, The bracket connector is a snap-fit ​​connector.

16. The fan mounting system of claim 10, comprising a plurality of bracket connectors including the bracket connector, wherein, The plurality of bracket connectors are attached to or configured to be attached to the fan module.

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