Assembly cabinet cooling fan mounting structure and assembly method thereof
By using a combination of movable plates and limiting strips in the assembly cabinet, multi-level depth adjustment and one-way locking of the cooling fan are achieved, solving the problems of easy interference and loosening during the installation of traditional cooling fans, and improving the heat dissipation effect and equipment stability.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HUANENG HUILI WIND POWER GENERATION CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2026-02-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-21
AI Technical Summary
Traditional cooling fan installation structures are prone to interference in different types of cabinets, failing to achieve the optimal heat dissipation path. Furthermore, they are prone to loosening and falling off in high-vibration environments, leading to equipment failure, cumbersome maintenance, and safety risks.
Design a cooling fan installation structure for an assembly cabinet, which uses a combination of movable plates and limiting strips. Multi-level depth adjustment and one-way locking are achieved through stepped slots and elastic elements to avoid interference and ensure reliable shock resistance.
It enables multi-level depth adjustment of cooling fans in different types of cabinets, avoids component interference, has strong shock resistance, simplifies maintenance operations, improves operation and maintenance efficiency, and reduces safety risks.
Smart Images

Figure CN121908527A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of power cabinet assembly, and in particular to an assembly cabinet cooling fan mounting structure and its assembly method. Background Technology
[0002] With the increasing automation and informatization of industry, the integration of electronic components inside assembly cabinets (such as server cabinets and power control cabinets) is increasing, and the heat generated is also rising accordingly. In order to ensure the stable operation of the equipment, it is usually necessary to install cooling fans on the side walls or top of the cabinet for active cooling.
[0003] Traditional cooling fans are typically rigidly connected using screws or mounting brackets, resulting in fixed installation positions. However, different server rack models have varying internal layouts and cable routing. A fixed installation depth often leads to interference between the cooling fan and internal components, or prevents the achievement of optimal aerodynamic cooling paths. During transport or operation in high-vibration environments, screw connections are prone to metal fatigue or loosening. If the fixing structure fails, the cooling fan may vibrate violently or even detach, causing interruption of cooling within the rack and leading to equipment failure. When a cooling fan malfunctions and needs replacement or cleaning, operators often need to use screwdrivers and other tools to perform tedious disassembly within the confined rack space. This method is not only time-consuming and labor-intensive but also poses a safety risk of accidentally contacting other live components during power-on maintenance.
[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to design a simple assembly cabinet cooling fan installation structure that can achieve multi-level depth adjustment and has an automatic locking function. Summary of the Invention
[0005] The purpose of this section is to outline some aspects of embodiments of the present invention and to briefly describe some preferred embodiments. Simplifications or omissions may be made in this section, as well as in the abstract and title of this application, to avoid obscuring the purpose of these documents; however, such simplifications or omissions should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.
[0006] In view of the assembly problems of the heat dissipation fan mounting structure in the above or existing technologies, the present invention is proposed.
[0007] Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to provide a mounting structure for a cooling fan in an assembly cabinet.
[0008] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a cooling fan installation structure for an assembly cabinet, comprising: a movable plate for connecting the cooling fan; a limiting strip for fitting against the movable plate, wherein when the movable plate moves along the N direction, the limiting strip unidirectionally limits the movable plate; a positioning cover for covering and limiting the limiting strip and the movable plate; the movable plate having a first slot, a second slot, and a third slot with progressively decreasing depths; the limiting strip having a first contact surface, a second contact surface, and a third contact surface corresponding to the first slot, the second slot, and the third slot, and the limiting strip being an elastic element.
[0009] As a preferred embodiment of the assembly cabinet cooling fan installation structure of the present invention, the first slot, the second slot and the third slot are arranged sequentially along the N direction, and the depth or width of each slot decreases in a stepped manner to form a multi-level locking position.
[0010] As a preferred embodiment of the assembly cabinet cooling fan installation structure of the present invention, wherein: the first contact surface, the second contact surface and the third contact surface on the limiting strip are constructed to match the shape of the corresponding slot; when the movable plate moves in the N direction, each contact surface is sequentially inserted into a slot of different levels to achieve adjustment of the installation depth of the cooling fan.
[0011] As a preferred embodiment of the assembly cabinet cooling fan installation structure of the present invention, the positioning cover includes a base plate and a bottom plate and a side cover for limiting the movable plate.
[0012] As a preferred embodiment of the assembly cabinet cooling fan installation structure of the present invention, wherein: the base plate is attached to the movable plate, the side cover is attached to the movable plate, and the movable plate is attached to the bottom plate.
[0013] As a preferred embodiment of the assembly cabinet cooling fan installation structure of the present invention, wherein: the depth of the side cover is less than the width of the movable plate, and the movable plate is slidably connected to the cooling fan.
[0014] As a preferred embodiment of the assembly cabinet cooling fan installation structure of the present invention, the number of movable plates is two, and a drive rod is connected to them by a spring sheet. An extension handle is rotatably connected to the top of the drive rod. When the drive rod is not pulled by an external force, the elastic reset element drives the limiting strip to deflect towards the movable plate, so that the contact surface automatically extends into the slot and remains locked.
[0015] As a preferred embodiment of the assembly cabinet cooling fan installation structure of the present invention, wherein: the connection between the extension handle and the drive rod is located on the side of the cooling fan away from the base plate, and the cooling fan has a snap-fit groove corresponding to the extension handle.
[0016] As a preferred embodiment of the assembly cabinet cooling fan installation structure of the present invention, the positioning cover is fixed to the assembly cabinet by sealing bolts and sealing groove.
[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for assembling a cooling fan.
[0018] To solve the assembly problem of cooling fans in assembly cabinets, this invention provides the following technical solution: A cooling fan assembly method, comprising the following steps: Assembly and positioning: Connecting the cooling fan to the movable plate, and placing the limiting strip and the movable plate inside the positioning cover, so that the contact surface of the limiting strip is in pre-contact with the slot of the movable plate; Depth adjustment: Applying a force to the movable plate along the N direction to move the cooling fan, so that the first, second, or third contact surface on the limiting strip is correspondingly engaged in the first, second, or third slot of the movable plate with the appropriate size; One-way locking: Using the one-way limiting effect of the limiting strip on the slot, the cooling fan is fixed at a preset installation depth; Unlocking: When it is necessary to adjust the installation depth or disassemble, the movable plate is displaced by operating the drive rod, overcoming the biasing force of the elastic reset element, so that the contact surface is disengaged from the current slot and slides to the target position or moves out of the positioning cover.
[0019] The beneficial effects of the assembly cabinet cooling fan installation structure and assembly method of the present invention are as follows: By setting the first to third slots in a stepped distribution on the movable plate, the cooling fan can be adjusted in multiple depths according to the density of electronic components and wiring height inside the cabinet, effectively avoiding interference between the fan and internal components. It features one-way automatic locking, strong shock resistance and reliability. Under the biasing force of the elastic reset element, the limit bar can automatically lock into the slot to form a one-way locking structure, which can better absorb mechanical impact in high vibration environments, prevent metal fatigue or bolt loosening at the connection, eliminate tool-free maintenance, and make installation more convenient in narrow live maintenance environments, thus improving operation and maintenance efficiency. Attached Figure Description
[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the following description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0021] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the movable plate and limit strip for the installation structure and assembly method of the cooling fan of the assembly cabinet.
[0022] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing the engagement of the movable plate and the limiting strip in the assembly structure and assembly method of the cooling fan of the assembly cabinet.
[0023] Figure 3A schematic diagram of the movable plate structure for the mounting structure and assembly method of the cooling fan of the assembly cabinet.
[0024] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of the cooling fan mounting structure and its assembly method for the assembly cabinet.
[0025] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the unlocking mechanism for the assembly structure and assembly method of the cooling fan of the assembly cabinet.
[0026] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the positioning cover structure for the assembly cabinet cooling fan mounting structure and its assembly method. Detailed Implementation
[0027] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0028] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the invention. However, the invention may also be practiced in other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar extensions without departing from the spirit of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.
[0029] Secondly, the term "one embodiment" or "embodiment" as used herein refers to a specific feature, structure, or characteristic that may be included in at least one implementation of the present invention. The phrase "in one embodiment" appearing in different places in this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a single or selective embodiment that is mutually exclusive with other embodiments.
[0030] Example 1, referring to Figures 1 to 3This is the first embodiment of the present invention, which provides an assembly cabinet cooling fan installation structure, including: a movable plate 100 connected to a cooling fan, with the movable plate 100 slidably connected to both sides of the cooling fan; the movable section of the cooling fan adapted to the movable plate 100 having a corresponding clearance groove to facilitate the sliding of the movable plate 100; a limiting strip 200, which is fitted to the movable plate 100; when the movable plate 100 moves in the N direction, the limiting strip 200 unidirectionally limits the movable plate 100, effectively limiting the movable plate 100; and a positioning cover 300. The positioning cover 300 is used to cover and limit the limiting strip 200 and the movable plate 100. The positioning cover 300 is used to limit the limiting strip 200 and, together with the limiting strip 200, limit the movable plate 100. The movable plate 100 has a first slot 101, a second slot 102 and a third slot 103 with progressively smaller depths. The limiting strip 200 has a first contact surface 201, a second contact surface 202 and a third contact surface 203 that are adapted to the first slot 101, the second slot 102 and the third slot 103. The stepped fixing composed of the three slots and the three contact surfaces can effectively limit the cooling fan. The limiting strip 200 is an elastic element.
[0031] The first slot 101, the second slot 102, and the third slot 103 are arranged along the N direction. The longitudinal section of each slot is preferably a combination of an oblique guide surface and a vertical anti-reverse surface. When the movable plate 100 is pushed into the positioning cover 300 along the N direction, the contact surface on the limiting strip 200 slides up along the guide surface of the slot and lifts up against the elastic force of the elastic reset element 400. When the contact surface completely crosses the current slot, it is instantly reset and falls into the next level slot under the action of the elastic reset element 400, and contacts the anti-reverse surface of the slot, thereby locking the displacement of the movable plate 100 in the opposite direction.
[0032] The first slot 101, the second slot 102, and the third slot 103 are arranged sequentially along the N direction, with the depth or width of each slot decreasing in a stepped manner to form a multi-level locking position. The first contact surface 201, the second contact surface 202, and the third contact surface 203 on the limiting strip 200 are constructed to match the shape of the corresponding slot. When the movable plate 100 moves in the N direction, the contact surfaces sequentially engage with different levels of slots to adjust the installation depth of the cooling fan. An elastic reset element 400 is provided between the limiting strip 200 and the positioning cover 300.
[0033] Specifically, to ensure that the first contact surface 201, the second contact surface 202, and the third contact surface 203 can sequentially enter the corresponding sized slots, the depth or width of the slots decreases in a stepped manner. In actual operation, the user pushes and pulls the movable plate 100 to make the limiting strip 200 switch between different locking positions like a ratchet mechanism, providing one-way automatic locking with strong shock resistance and reliability. Under the biasing force of the elastic reset element 400, the limiting strip 200 can automatically engage with the slot to form a one-way locking structure, which can better absorb mechanical impacts in high-vibration environments and prevent metal fatigue or bolt loosening at the connection.
[0034] The positioning cover 300 includes a base plate 301 and a bottom plate 302 and a side cover 303 for limiting the movable plate 100; the base plate 301 is attached to the movable plate 100, the side cover 303 is attached to the movable plate 100, the movable plate 100 is attached to the bottom plate 302, the depth of the side cover 303 is less than the width of the movable plate 100, and the movable plate 100 is slidably connected to the cooling fan.
[0035] In summary, by setting the first slot 101 to the third slot 103 in a stepped distribution on the movable plate 100, the cooling fan can be adjusted in multiple depths according to the density of electronic components and the height of wiring inside the cabinet, effectively avoiding interference between the fan and internal components.
[0036] Example 2, refer to Figures 1-6 This is the second embodiment of the present invention. Unlike the previous embodiment, the number of movable plates 100 is two, and the movable plates 100 are connected to the drive rods 111 through the springs 110. The top of the drive rods 111 is rotatably connected to the extension handles 112. When there is no external force pulling the drive rods 111, the elastic reset element 400 drives the limit strip 200 to deflect towards the movable plate 100, so that the contact surface automatically extends into the slot and remains locked. The springs 110 are arranged in an arc shape, with their crests abutting against the drive rods 111 and both ends connected to the movable plates 100. The lateral contraction of the movable plates 100 is achieved by compressing the height of the crests.
[0037] Specifically, the spring 110 is designed so that when the drive rod 111 moves along the N direction, the spring 110 drives the movable plate 100 to move in the direction of the movable rod 111, which makes it easier to move the movable plate 100 out of the positioning cover 300. When the movable plate 100 moves out of the positioning cover 300, the cooling fan can be moved out of the positioning cover 300.
[0038] The connection between the extension handle 112 and the drive rod 111 is located on the side of the cooling fan away from the base plate 302. The cooling fan has a snap-fit groove 113 corresponding to the extension handle 112. The positioning cover 300 is fixed to the assembly cabinet by the sealing bolt 114 and the sealing groove 115.
[0039] The extension handle 112 increases the travel distance of the drive rod 111, making it easier to remove the cooling fan. It also eliminates the need for auxiliary tools during assembly and positioning, making it simple and convenient. When adjusting the depth, simply press and install according to the required depth.
[0040] The rest of the structure is the same as in Example 1.
[0041] In use, drive the drive rod 111 along the N direction to deform the spring 110, which in turn causes the spring 110 to move the movable plate 100 in the direction of the drive rod 111, thereby moving the movable plate 100 out of the positioning cover 300. When the movable plate 100 moves out of the positioning cover 300, the limit strip 200 slides and separates from the movable plate 100, at which point the cooling fan can be moved out of the positioning cover 300.
[0042] In summary, when it is necessary to release the lock, the drive rod 111 is pulled to move the spring 110, which in turn causes the movable plate 100 to move, so that the contact surface of the limit bar 200 is disengaged from the slot, thereby allowing the cooling fan to move out of the positioning cover 300.
[0043] Example 3, referring to Figures 1-6 This is the third embodiment of the present invention, which differs from the previous embodiment in that it is a cooling fan assembly method, including the following steps: S1. Assembly and positioning: Connect the cooling fan to the movable plate 100, and place the limiting strip 200 and the movable plate 100 inside the positioning cover 300, so that the contact surface of the limiting strip 200 is in pre-contact with the slot of the movable plate 100. S2, Depth Adjustment: Apply a force along the N direction to the movable plate 100 to drive the cooling fan to move, so that the first contact surface 201, the second contact surface 202 or the third contact surface 203 on the limiting strip 200 are respectively inserted into the first slot 101, the second slot 102 or the third slot 103 on the movable plate 100 that are adapted to the size. S3, One-way locking: The limiting strip 200 provides one-way locking to the slot, fixing the cooling fan at the preset installation depth. S4. Unlock: When it is necessary to adjust the installation depth or disassemble, the movable plate 100 is displaced by operating the drive rod 111, which overcomes the bias force of the elastic reset element 400, so that the contact surface is disengaged from the current slot and slides to the target position or moves out of the positioning cover 300.
[0044] No auxiliary tools are required for assembly and positioning, making it simple and convenient. When adjusting the depth, simply press and install according to the required depth. One-way locking allows for easy adjustment of the installation depth as needed. Unlocking can be done without auxiliary tools, making the operation simple.
[0045] The rest of the structure is the same as in Example 2.
[0046] In summary, by setting the first slot 101 to the third slot 103 in a stepped distribution on the movable plate 100, the cooling fan can be adjusted in multiple depths according to the density of electronic components and the height of wiring inside the cabinet, effectively avoiding interference between the fan and internal components. The limit bar 200 switches between different locking positions like a ratchet mechanism, with one-way automatic locking, and strong shock resistance and reliability.
[0047] Importantly, it should be noted that the constructions and arrangements of this application shown in several different exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative. Although only a few embodiments are described in detail in this disclosure, those who consult this disclosure will readily understand that many modifications are possible (such as variations in installation arrangement, use of materials, color, orientation, etc.) without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described in this application. For example, an element shown as integrally formed may be composed of multiple parts or elements, the position of the element may be inverted or otherwise changed, and the nature or number or position of the discrete elements may be altered or changed. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be changed or rearranged according to alternative embodiments. In the claims, any "device plus function" clause is intended to cover the structure described herein that performs the function, and not only structurally equivalent but also equivalent in structure. Other substitutions, modifications, alterations, and omissions may be made in the design, operation, and arrangement of the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments but extends to a variety of modifications that still fall within the scope of the appended claims.
[0048] Furthermore, in order to provide a concise description of exemplary embodiments, not all features of actual embodiments may be omitted.
[0049] It should be understood that numerous specific implementation decisions can be made during the development of any practical implementation, such as in any engineering or design project. Such development efforts may be complex and time-consuming, but for those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure, the development effort will be a routine task in design, manufacturing, and production without requiring extensive experimentation.
[0050] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.
Claims
1. A mounting structure for a cooling fan in an assembly cabinet, characterized in that: include, Movable plate (100), for connecting cooling fan; A limiting strip (200) is attached to the movable plate (100). When the movable plate (100) moves in the N direction, the limiting strip (200) limits the movable plate (100) in one direction. The positioning cover (300) covers and limits the positioning strip (200) and the movable plate (100); The movable plate (100) is provided with a first slot (101), a second slot (102) and a third slot (103) whose depths decrease sequentially. The limiting strip (200) is provided with a first contact surface (201), a second contact surface (202) and a third contact surface (203) adapted to the first slot (101), the second slot (102) and the third slot (103), and the limiting strip (200) is an elastic element; An elastic reset element (400) is provided between the limiting strip (200) and the positioning cover (300).
2. The assembly cabinet cooling fan mounting structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The first slot (101), the second slot (102) and the third slot (103) are arranged sequentially along the N direction, and the depth or width of each slot decreases in a stepped manner to form a multi-level locking position.
3. The assembly cabinet cooling fan mounting structure as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The first contact surface (201), the second contact surface (202) and the third contact surface (203) on the limiting strip (200) are constructed to match the shape of the corresponding slot; When the movable plate (100) moves in the N direction, each contact surface is sequentially engaged in a slot of a different level to adjust the installation depth of the cooling fan.
4. The mounting structure for the cooling fan of the assembly cabinet as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The positioning cover (300) includes a base plate (301) and a bottom plate (302) and a side cover (303) for limiting the movable plate (100).
5. The assembly cabinet cooling fan mounting structure as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The substrate (301) is attached to the movable plate (100), the side cover (303) is attached to the movable plate (100), and the movable plate (100) is attached to the bottom plate (302).
6. The assembly cabinet cooling fan mounting structure as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The depth of the side cover (303) is less than the width of the movable plate (100), and the movable plate (100) is slidably connected to the cooling fan.
7. The mounting structure for the cooling fan of the assembly cabinet as described in claim 1, characterized in that: There are two movable plates (100), and a drive rod (111) is connected to them via a spring (110). An extension handle (112) is rotatably connected to the top of the drive rod (111). When the drive rod (111) is not pulled by an external force, the elastic reset element (400) drives the limit bar (200) to deflect towards the moving plate (100), so that the contact surface automatically extends into the slot and remains locked.
8. The assembly cabinet cooling fan mounting structure as described in claim 7, characterized in that: The connection between the extension handle (112) and the drive rod (111) is located on the side of the cooling fan away from the base plate (302), and the cooling fan has a snap-fit groove (113) corresponding to the extension handle (112).
9. The assembly cabinet cooling fan mounting structure as described in claim 8, characterized in that: The positioning cover (300) is fixed to the assembly cabinet by sealing bolts (114) and sealing grooves (115).
10. A method for assembling a cooling fan, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: Assembly and positioning: Connect the cooling fan to the movable plate (100), and place the limiting strip (200) and the movable plate (100) inside the positioning cover (300) so that the contact surface of the limiting strip (200) is in pre-contact with the slot of the movable plate (100); Depth adjustment: Apply force to the movable plate (100) along the N direction to drive the cooling fan to move, so that the first contact surface (201), the second contact surface (202) or the third contact surface (203) on the limiting strip (200) are respectively inserted into the first slot (101), the second slot (102) or the third slot (103) on the movable plate (100) with the appropriate size; One-way locking: The limiting strip (200) is used to limit the slot in one direction, and the cooling fan is fixed at the preset installation depth. Release the lock: When it is necessary to adjust the installation depth or disassemble, the movable plate (100) is displaced by operating the drive rod (111), which overcomes the bias force of the elastic reset element (400), so that the contact surface is disengaged from the current slot and slides to the target position or moves out of the positioning cover (300).