Rack system

Abstract

A rack system is provided that includes a plug-in unit having a first side extending in a first direction and a second direction and a second side extending in the first direction and the second direction, where the first side is spaced apart from the second side in a third direction, and where the first side is parallel to the second side. The rack system further includes a rack frame for storing the plug-in unit, the rack frame having a top side extending in a first direction and a third direction, and a bottom side extending in the first direction and the third direction, where the top side is spaced apart from the bottom side in the second direction, and where the top side is parallel to the bottom side. The rack system further includes a backplane for electrical and mechanical connection of the plug-in units in the rack frame. The rack system further includes a heat sink module adapted to be mounted to the rack frame and secured to the first plug-in unit. The heat sink module includes a conductive portion that absorbs heat from the plug-in unit, a heat sink body for dissipating heat, and a connecting portion that thermally connects the heat sink body with the conductive portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to improved cooling of plug-in units in a rack system. Background Art

[0002] The rack system includes a rack frame, which may contain several plug-in units that need to be cooled due to heat generation during operation. Various plug-in units are installed in the rack frame. Some plug-in units may have power components such as transistors and high-speed digital ICs such as microcontrollers, microprocessors, SFPs, SoCs, FPGAs, etc. These components need to be properly cooled. If they are not cooled in an appropriate manner, the temperature inside the rack frame may increase significantly, and the life and reliability of the components of such plug-in units may be affected. Utility Model Content

[0003] The goal is to avoid overheating of the plug-in modules while still having a cost-effective system with a flexibly upgradeable architecture.

[0004] This object is achieved by the features of the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments are indicated in the dependent claims.

[0005] Provided is a rack system comprising a plug-in unit, the plug-in unit having a first side extending in a first direction and a second direction and a second side extending in the first direction and the second direction, wherein the first side is spaced apart from the second side in a third direction, and wherein the first side is parallel to the second side. The rack system further comprises a rack frame for storing the plug-in unit, the rack frame having a top side extending in the first direction and the third direction, and a bottom side extending in the first direction and the third direction, wherein the top side is spaced apart from the bottom side in the second direction, and wherein the top side is parallel to the bottom side. The rack system further comprises a backplane for electrical and mechanical connection of the plug-in unit in the rack frame. The rack system further comprises a heat sink module adapted to be mounted to the rack frame and fixed to the first plug-in unit. The heat sink module comprises a conduction portion for absorbing heat from the plug-in unit, a heat sink body for heat dissipation, and a connection portion for thermally connecting the heat sink body to the conduction portion.

[0006] The plug-in units are inserted inside the rack frame and connected to the backplane, which is a printed circuit board with connectors. The backplane may also have passive and / or active components. The plug-in units have power components such as transistors and high-speed digital integrated circuits (ICs) such as microcontrollers, microprocessors, small form-factor pluggable modules (SFPs), systems on chips (SoCs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or different electronic devices that are sensitive to the heat generated during operation.

[0007] The rack frame stores the plug-in unit inside. Even if one side of the rack frame is open, the inside of the rack frame is defined as a space defined by the top side and the bottom side. A rear wall extending in the second direction and the third direction connects the top side and the bottom side and further limits the internal space of the rack frame. The top side and the bottom side are further connected by a first side wall and a second side wall. The side walls extend in the first direction and the second direction and are spaced apart from each other in the third direction. The first side wall is substantially parallel to the second side wall. The outside of the rack frame is defined as all spaces that are not inside the rack frame or not inside the boundaries of the rack frame. For example, the rack frame includes steel or is made of steel.

[0008] The heat sink module comprises a heat sink body, a connecting part and a conducting part, all of which are heat-conducting components. The connecting part thermally connects the conducting part with the heat sink body.

[0009] The conductive portion of the heat sink module absorbs heat generated by an electronic or mechanical device such as a plug-in unit. The conductive portion transfers the heat to the heat sink body using the connecting portion. The heat sink body transfers the heat to a fluid medium such as ambient air or liquid coolant. As a result, heat is dissipated from the device, allowing regulation of the device temperature. The heat sink body transfers heat by convection, radiation, and conduction.

[0010] For example, the heat sink body has pins extending away from its base in a second direction. The base is a transition area between the connecting portion and the heat sink body. For example, the pins are cylindrical, oval or square. The second type of fins of the heat sink body are straight fins extending in the first direction and the second direction in a plate shape. The straight fins are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other in a third direction. The third type of fins of the heat sink body are flared fins, in which the plate-like fins are not parallel to each other. Opening the fins reduces flow resistance and allows more air to pass through the channels between the fins of the heat sink body. Tilting the fins keeps the overall size the same, but provides longer fins. Generally, the larger the surface area of ​​the heat sink body, the better its heat dissipation related performance. Natural convection requires air to flow freely over the heat sink. If the fins are too close to allow sufficient air flow between them, the efficiency of the heat sink module will decrease.

[0011] The rack system does not require any additional active components to achieve satisfactory cooling of the plug-in units. Alternatively or additionally, active components such as fans can be used to improve the heat transfer of the heat sink module. The heat sink module can also be removed from the rack frame in order to be replaced during maintenance or in the event of a defect in the plug-in unit or the heat sink module.

[0012] According to another embodiment, the rack frame is configured to receive a plurality of plug-in units.

[0013] The rack frame is suitable for receiving a plurality of plug-in units, and still facilitates to install the heat sink module to the rack frame and fix the heat sink module to a plug-in unit in a simple manner. For example, the plug-in units are arranged adjacent to each other along the third direction so that the second side of the first plug-in unit faces the first side of the second plug-in unit. A plurality of plug-in units are arranged parallel to each other. In the case where only two plug-in units are inserted in the rack frame, the first side of the first plug-in unit faces the first side wall, and the second side of the second plug-in unit faces the second side wall. The number of plug-in units is not limited to two plug-in units. If there are more than two plug-in units inside the rack frame, the arrangement of the plug-in units can be summarized as follows. If a plurality of plug-in units are composed of N+1 plug-in units (wherein N is a natural number starting from two), the first side of the Nth plug-in unit faces the second side of the (N-1)th plug-in unit, and the second side of the Nth plug-in unit faces the first side of the (N+1)th plug-in unit. Wherein, the first side of the first plug-in unit faces the first side wall of the rack frame, and the second side of the last plug-in unit faces the second side wall of the rack frame.

[0014] The heat sink module can be removed from the rack frame in order to be replaced during maintenance or in case of a defect. The heat sink module can be removed without removing several or even all plug-in units, but in order to access the heat sink module, at least the plug-in unit adjacent to the plug-in unit fixed to the heat sink module must be removed. Which plug-in unit must be removed depends on which side of the plug-in unit the heat sink module is fixed to.

[0015] According to another embodiment, a rack frame is configured to receive a plurality of heat sink modules.

[0016] According to another embodiment, a rack frame is configured to receive a plurality of backplanes.

[0017] According to another embodiment, the top side and / or the bottom side comprises a locking mechanism adapted to enable the insertion of the connecting part and the conducting part of the heat sink module inside the rack frame.

[0018] According to another embodiment, the heat sink module is mounted to the top side and / or the bottom side of the rack frame.

[0019] The locking mechanism facilitates receiving at least a portion of the heat sink module inside the rack frame. The heat sink module is at least partially inserted into the rack frame by the locking mechanism. Preferably, the conductive portion and the connecting portion are inserted into the rack frame by the locking mechanism, while the heat sink body remains outside the rack frame. The heat sink module can be mounted to the top side and / or the bottom side of the rack frame. More than one heat sink module can be mounted adjacent to each other to the top side and / or the bottom side. Using multiple heat sink modules for multiple plug-in units further improves the heat dissipation capacity of the rack system.

[0020] If the locking mechanism is not used to receive the radiator module, it can be left empty. Therefore, the rack frame includes, for example, a plurality of locking mechanisms, which can be used to receive each radiator module and / or can be not occupied by the radiator module. When the locking mechanism does not receive the radiator module, for safety reasons, the locking mechanism can be closed by a safety plate, a dust cover or an anti-particle seal. This prevents human limbs from accidentally entering the interior or introducing unwanted particles such as dust and debris. For the safety plate, dust cover or anti-particle seal, any material can be used as long as it is capable of limiting the accidental generation, propagation and reception of electromagnetic energy that may cause adverse effects such as electromagnetic interference (EMI) or even physical damage to the operating equipment.

[0021] According to another embodiment, the locking mechanism includes a first recess having a first length, the first recess extending in a first direction so that the connecting portion and the conducting portion of the heat sink module are inserted into the interior of the rack frame.

[0022] The heat sink module is at least partially inserted into the rack frame through the first recess. Preferably, the conducting portion and the connecting portion are inserted into the rack frame through the first recess, leaving the heat sink body outside the rack frame.

[0023] The length of the first recess is large enough to fit the connection part and the conduction part of the heat sink module, and still leaves a certain space for the heat sink module to move along the first direction. The width of the first recess extends along the third direction and is large enough to fit the connection part and the conduction part of the heat sink module.

[0024] According to another embodiment, the locking mechanism includes at least one second recess having a second length, the second recess extending along the first direction and forming a common recess with the first recess for the connecting part and the conducting part of the radiator module to be inserted, wherein the first length is greater than the second length, providing a shape fit for the radiator module along the first direction.

[0025] The width of the second recess is large enough to allow the heat sink module to snap into place and thereby provide a form fit for the heat sink module in the first direction.

[0026] The additional second recess simplifies the way of mounting the heat sink module to the plug-in unit. Even an already inserted plug-in unit can be fixed to the heat sink module without moving. Instead, the heat sink module moves toward the plug-in unit along the third direction until the conductive part contacts the plug-in unit.

[0027] According to another embodiment, the heat sink module is fixed to the first side or the second side of the plug-in unit by attaching a conducting portion to the plug-in unit.

[0028] Alternatively or additionally, the locking mechanism comprises another second recess having a second length. In this case, the first recess is arranged between the two second recesses and forms a common recess into which the connecting part and the conducting part of the radiator module are inserted. With this configuration, a plurality of locking mechanisms can have the same shape, which enables the radiator module to be fixed to the first side or the second side of the plug-in unit.

[0029] According to another embodiment, the heat sink module is fixed to the plug-in unit by non-permanent fixing means.

[0030] For example, the non-permanent fixing means are bolts, nuts or screws. The radiator module can be attached to the plug-in unit in a simple manner due to its easy access. The use of non-permanent fixing means also makes it easy to remove the radiator module from the plug-in unit in a non-destructive manner. This facilitates the replacement of the radiator module or the plug-in unit while retaining other components.

[0031] According to another embodiment, the top side and / or the bottom side of the rack frame comprises holes for heat dissipation.

[0032] Additionally, the top side and / or bottom side of the rack frame comprises holes, further improving heat dissipation.Alternatively or additionally, the rear wall comprises holes for heat dissipation to further improve heat dissipation.

[0033] According to a further embodiment, the radiator module comprises or consists of steel.

[0034] According to a further embodiment, the heat sink module comprises or consists of aluminum.

[0035] Steel and aluminum are used as inexpensive materials for constructing the rack frame and / or the heat sink modules.

[0036] According to a further embodiment, the heat sink module is a metal cast workpiece.

[0037] For example, a heat sink module is a metal casting such as a steel casting or an iron casting. Steel castings have higher strength and impact resistance than cast iron materials. Steel has a good balance between strength and ductility, making it tough. This allows steel to withstand significant stress and strain without breaking. Steel can also be quite wear-resistant. Adding alloys can improve impact resistance and wear resistance. The advantage of using a one-piece heat sink module is that there are fewer joints and interfaces between the various parts of the heat sink module, resulting in superior heat conduction. Joints between the heat sink body and the connecting part or between the conducting part and the connecting part will reduce the heat conduction between the parts.

[0038] According to a further embodiment, the heat sink module is a die-cut and / or stamped and / or punched and bent workpiece.

[0039] For this purpose, sheet metal is used as the raw material of the heat sink module and is manufactured by die cutting and / or stamping and / or punching and bending. Such workpieces are cheaper than cast materials. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] Although the present disclosure is suitable for various modifications and alternative forms, its details are shown by way of example in the accompanying drawings and will be described in detail. However, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the specific embodiments and examples described. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives within the scope of the present disclosure defined by the appended claims.

[0041] The accompanying drawings provide further understanding. In the accompanying drawings, elements with the same structure and / or function may be represented by the same reference numerals. It should be understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings are illustrative representations and are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0042] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a rack system according to an embodiment,

[0043] Figure 2 shows a top view of a locking mechanism according to an embodiment,

[0044] Figures 3 to 6 1 and 2 show three-dimensional views of a rack system according to an embodiment,

[0045] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a heat sink module according to an embodiment,

[0046] Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a heat sink module according to another embodiment,

[0047] Fig. 9 and Fig.10 1 and 2 show a perspective view of a rack system according to another embodiment.

[0048] Fig.11 A front view of a rack system according to another embodiment is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] Figure 11 shows a perspective view of a rack system 100. The rack system 100 includes a rack frame 20 having a top side 21 and a bottom side 22. The top side 21 extends along a first direction Ly and a third direction Lx. The bottom side 22 also extends along the first direction Ly and the third direction Lx. The top side 21 is arranged parallel to the bottom side 22 and is spaced apart from the bottom side 22 along a second direction Lz. The top side 21 and the bottom side 22 are further connected by a first side wall 23 and a second side wall 24. The side walls 23, 24 extend along the first direction Ly and the second direction Lz and are spaced apart from each other in the third direction Lx. The first side wall 23 is substantially parallel to the second side wall 24. A rear wall 50 extending along the second direction Lz and the third direction Lx connects the top side 21 and the bottom side 22 and further limits the space inside the rack frame 20. The rear wall 50 includes a plug-in unit 10 ( Figure 1 The back wall 50 may include a plurality of back panels 70, depending on the number required.

[0050] Even though one side of the rack frame 20 is open, the interior of the rack frame 20 is defined as a space defined by the top side 21, the bottom side 22, the first side wall 34, the second side wall 24, and the rear wall 50. The space outside the rack frame 20 is defined as a space that is not inside the rack frame 20 or is not inside the boundary of the rack frame 20. The rack frame 20 may also be closed at the front side by a front plate to prevent dust and debris from entering.

[0051] The top side 21 of the rack frame 20 is provided with a locking mechanism 25. The rack frame 20 may also include a plurality of locking mechanisms 25. Alternatively or additionally, the locking mechanism is provided on the bottom side 22 of the rack frame 20. The locking mechanism 25 includes a first recess 26 having a first length 261 extending in the first direction Ly. In addition, the locking mechanism 25 includes at least one second recess 27 having a second length 271 extending in the first direction Ly. The locking mechanism 25 includes another second recess 27 having a second length 271. Figure 1, the first recess 26 is arranged between the two second recesses 27 along the third direction Lx, and forms a common recess 250 with the two second recesses 27. The first length 261 is greater than the second length 271. Alternatively, one locking mechanism 25 includes only the first recess 26, while the other locking mechanism 25 includes the first recess and the second recess 27 or the two second recesses 27. If appropriate, the plurality of locking mechanisms may have different combinations of the first recess 26 and the second recess 27. Alternatively, the plurality of locking mechanisms 25 have the same shape. This facilitates the production of a plurality of locking mechanisms 25 having only one shape and geometry as a mass product, which saves manufacturing costs. The locking mechanism 25 may be made of a sheet metal such as steel or aluminum, and used as a replacement for the rack system 100. The locking mechanism 25 may be fixed to the rack frame 20 or may be an integral part of the rack frame 20.

[0052] The locking mechanism 25 is adapted to allow the heat sink module 30 (for clarity, in FIG. Figure 1 The top side 21 and the bottom side 22 are provided with holes 60 to improve heat dissipation. Alternatively, only the top side 21 or the bottom side 22 includes the holes 60.

[0053] Figure 2 2 shows a top view of the locking mechanism 25. The locking mechanism 25 comprises a first recess 26 with a first length 261 extending in the first direction Ly. In addition, the locking mechanism 25 comprises at least one second recess 27 with a second length 271 extending in the first direction Ly. The locking mechanism 25 comprises another second recess 27 with a second length 271. Figure 2 , the first recess 26 is arranged between the two second recesses 27 along the third direction Lx, and forms a common recess 250 with the two second recesses 27. The first length 261 is greater than the second length 271. The shape of the recesses 26, 27 is not limited to a rectangle, and may have any suitable shape. Figure 2 The dashed lines in FIG. 2 are used only to identify the recesses 26 , 27 .

[0054] Figures 3 to 6 The rack system 100 is shown in three-dimensional form. Figure 1 The rack frame 20 includes a top side 21, a bottom side 22, a first side wall 23, a second side wall 24, a rear wall 50, a hole 60, a back plate 70 and a locking mechanism 25. Figures 3 to 5 The heat sink module 30 is shielded in the middle.

[0055] exist Figure 32 shows a heat sink module 30 and a plug-in unit 10 that is not fully inserted into a rack frame 20. When inserted into the rack frame 20, the plug-in unit 10 includes a first side 11 extending along a first direction Ly and a second direction Lz and a second side 12 extending along the first direction Ly and the second direction Lz. The first side 11 is spaced apart from the second side 12 along the third direction Lx, and the first side 11 is parallel to the second side 12.

[0056] The heat sink module 30 includes a conductive portion 37, which is suitable for absorbing heat from the plug-in unit 10 when a heat-generating part (such as an IC chip) of the plug-in unit 10 is in thermal contact with the conductive portion 37. The heat sink module 30 further includes a heat sink body 35 for heat dissipation and a connecting portion 36 that thermally connects the heat sink body 35 to the conductive portion 37. When the heat sink module 30 is inserted into the rack frame 20, the connecting portion 36 is oriented along the first direction Ly and the second direction Lz. The conductive portion 37 faces the second side 12 of the plug-in unit 10, and the heat sink module 30 absorbs heat from the second side. The heat sink body 35 rests on the top side 21 of the rack frame 20. Alternatively or additionally, the heat sink module 30 is arranged on the bottom side 22 and / or the top side 21 of the rack frame 20, and can cool multiple plug-in units 10. The plug-in unit 10 includes a fixing device 40, such as a non-permanent fixing device (such as a screw, nut or bolt) to be attached to a corresponding fixing device (such as a thread or a hole) of the heat sink module 30. The heat sink module 30 is thereby attached to the plug-in unit 10 such that the conducting portion 37 is in thermal contact with heat generating parts of the plug-in unit 10 arranged on the second side 12 , such as Figure 4 shown.

[0057] For example, when mounted to the rack frame 20, the heat sink body 35 has pins that extend away from the base of the heat sink body along the second direction Lz. The base is arranged along the first direction Ly and the third direction Lx. The base is a transition area between the connecting portion 36 and the heat sink body 35. For example, the pins are cylindrical, oval or square. The second type of fins of the heat sink body 35 are straight fins extending in the first direction Ly and the second direction Lz in a plate shape. The straight fins are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other along the third direction Lx. The third type of fins of the heat sink body 35 are flared fins, in which the plate-like fins are not parallel to each other, but still extend away from the base of the heat sink body in an inclined direction.

[0058] Figure 5 The rack system 100 is shown in perspective view in different configurations. Figure 4The illustrated embodiment is substantially the same, except that the conductive portion 37 of the heat sink module 30 faces the first side 11 of the plug-in unit 10 from which the heat sink module 30 absorbs heat. This improves the accessibility and usability of the heat sink module 30.

[0059] Figure 6 The rack system 100 is shown in perspective view in different configurations. Figure 1 The same as shown, except that the rack frame includes a top side 21 and a bottom side 22 without holes 60. Additionally, the top side 21 includes a plurality of locking mechanisms 25. Figure 6 In FIG. 1 , three locking mechanisms 25 are shown adjacent to each other. The locking mechanism 25 can also be Figure 6 For example, the locking mechanisms 25 may be provided at every third or Nth position on the top side 21 and / or the bottom side 22 .

[0060] By this configuration, a plurality of locking mechanisms 25 can have the same shape, which enables the heat sink module 30 to be fixed to the first side 11 or the second side 12 of the plug-in unit 10. If the locking mechanism 25 is not used to receive the heat sink module 30, it can be left empty. Therefore, the rack frame 20 includes, for example, a plurality of locking mechanisms 25, which can be used to receive each heat sink module 30 and / or can be unoccupied by the heat sink module 30. When the locking mechanism 25 does not receive the heat sink module 30, for safety reasons, the locking mechanism 30 can be closed by a safety plate, a dust cover or an anti-particle seal. Thus, human limbs are prevented from accidentally entering the interior or introducing unwanted particles such as dust and debris. For the safety plate, dust cover or anti-particle seal, any material can be used, as long as it can limit the accidental generation, propagation and reception of electromagnetic energy that may cause adverse effects such as electromagnetic interference (EMI) or even physical damage to the operating equipment.

[0061] Figure 7 and Figure 8 A perspective view of a heat sink module 30 is shown in each case. Figure 7 The left figure of FIG. 1 shows the heat sink module 30 in the installed state when viewed from the side along the third direction Lx. Figure 7 The right figure of FIG. 1 shows the heat sink module 30 in the installed state when viewed from the front along the first direction Ly. The heat sink module 30 includes a heat sink body 35, a connecting portion 36, and a conducting portion 37. The conducting portion 37 may be located on either side of the connecting portion 36 according to the usage.

[0062] The connection portion 36 thermally connects the conductive portion 37 to the heat sink body 35. The conductive portion 37 of the heat sink module 30 absorbs the heat generated by the plug-in unit 10 ( Figure 7 and Figure 8The heat generated by the heat sink 37 is not shown in the figure. The conducting portion 37 transfers the heat to the radiator body 35 using the connecting portion 36. The radiator body 35 transfers the heat to a fluid medium such as ambient air or liquid coolant, thereby dissipating the heat.

[0063] For example, the heat sink module 30 is a metal casting workpiece such as a steel casting or an iron casting. Alternatively or additionally, a metal sheet is used as a raw material of the heat sink module and is manufactured by die cutting and / or stamping and / or punching and bending.

[0064] Fig. 9 and Fig.10 1 and 2 show three-dimensional views of the rack system 100. Figure 4 The embodiment shown is substantially the same, except that a plurality of plug-in units 10 are inserted into the rack frame 20. The plug-in units 10 are arranged adjacent to each other along the third direction Lx, substantially so that the first side 11 of the plug-in unit faces the second side 12 of another plug-in unit 10. The first side 11 of the first plug-in unit 10 faces the first side wall 23, and the second side 12 of the last plug-in unit 10 faces the second side wall 24. The heat sink module 30 and its heat sink body 35 are depicted with dotted lines so as not to obscure the locking mechanism 25 and its first recess 26 and its second recess 27. Due to the obstruction of the plug-in unit 10, in Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The connecting portion 36 and the conducting portion 37 are not shown. Fig. 9 and Fig.10 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the heat sink module 30 can be moved from a position in the first recess 26 to a position in the second recess 27 along the third direction Lx in the inserted state. The second recess 27 provides a shape fit for the heat sink module 30 along the first direction Ly.

[0065] The length 261 ( Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The first recess 26 is large enough to fit the connection portion 36 and the conduction portion 37 of the radiator module 30, and there is still a certain space for the radiator module 30 to move along the first direction Ly. The width of the first recess 26 extends along the third direction Lx and is large enough to fit the connection portion 36 and the conduction portion 37 of the radiator module 30. The width of the second recess 27 is large enough to allow the radiator module 30 to snap into place and thereby provide the radiator module 30 with a shape fit along the first direction Ly. The additional second recess 27 simplifies the way the radiator module 30 is mounted to the plug-in unit 10. Even an already inserted plug-in unit 10 can be fixed to the radiator module 30 without moving. Instead, the radiator module 30 moves toward the plug-in unit 10 along the third direction Lx until the conduction portion 37 contacts the plug-in unit 10.

[0066] Fig.11 1 shows a front view of the rack system 100. The rack system 100 and Fig. 9 The rack frame 20 is substantially the same as shown, except that three radiator modules 30 are arranged on the top side 21 of the rack frame 20. The number of radiator modules 30 is not limited to three. A plurality of radiator modules 30 or only one or two radiator modules 30 can be used on the top side 21 and / or the bottom side 22 of the rack frame. The radiator module 30 can be removed from the rack frame 20 to be replaced during maintenance or when a defect occurs. The radiator module 30 can be removed without removing several or even all plug-in units 10. In order to access the radiator module 30, at least the plug-in unit 10 adjacent to the plug-in unit 10 fixed to the radiator module 30 must be removed.

[0067] Explained Figures 1 to 11 The embodiments shown in represent exemplary embodiments of a rack system; therefore, these exemplary embodiments do not constitute a complete list of all embodiments according to improved arrangements of rack systems. The actual arrangement of a rack system may differ from the exemplary embodiments shown above.

[0068] Reference numerals

[0069] 100 Rack System

[0070] 10 Plug-in units

[0071] 11 First side

[0072] 12 Second side

[0073] 20 rack frame

[0074] 21 Top side

[0075] 22 Bottom side

[0076] 23 First side wall

[0077] 24 Second side wall

[0078] 25 Locking mechanism

[0079] 26 First recess

[0080] 261 First Length

[0081] 27 Second recess

[0082] 271 Second Length

[0083] 30 Radiator module

[0084] 35 Radiator body

[0085] 36 Connection part

[0086] 37 Conductive part

[0087] 40 Non-permanent fixtures

[0088] 50 Back Wall

[0089] 60 holes

[0090] 70 Back Panel

[0091] Ly First Direction

[0092] Lz Second direction

[0093] Lx Third direction

Claims

1. A rack system (100), characterized in that: include - a plug-in unit (10) having - a first side (11) extending in a first direction (Ly) and in a second direction (Lz), and - a second side (12) extending along the first direction (Ly) and the second direction (Lz), wherein - the first side (11) is spaced apart from the second side (12) along a third direction (Lx), and wherein, - said first side (11) is parallel to said second side (12), - a rack frame (20) for storing the plug-in unit (10), the rack frame having - a top side (21) extending in said first direction (Ly) and said third direction (Lx), and - a bottom side (22) extending along the first direction (Ly) and the third direction (Lx), wherein - the top side (21) is spaced apart from the bottom side (22) along the second direction (Lz), and wherein, - the top side (21) is parallel to the bottom side (22), - a backplane (70) for the electrical and mechanical connection of the plug-in unit (10) in the rack frame (20), - a heat sink module (30) adapted to be mounted to the rack frame (20) and fixed to the plug-in unit (10), the heat sink module comprising - a conducting portion (37) which absorbs heat from the plug-in unit (10), - a heat sink body (35) for dissipating heat, and - a connecting portion (36) thermally connecting the heat sink body (35) and the conducting portion (37).

2. The rack system (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rack frame (20) is configured to receive a plurality of plug-in units (10).

3. The rack system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The rack frame (20) is configured to receive a plurality of heat sink modules (30).

4. The rack system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The rack frame (20) is configured to receive a plurality of backplanes (70).

5. The rack system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The top side (21) and / or the bottom side (22) comprises a locking mechanism (25) adapted to allow the connection portion (36) and the conduction portion (37) of the heat sink module (30) to be inserted into the interior of the rack frame (20).

6. The rack system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The heat sink module (30) is mounted to the top side (21) and / or the bottom side (22) of the rack frame (20).

7. The rack system (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that: The locking mechanism (25) comprises a first recess (26) having a first length (261), the first recess extending along the first direction (Ly) so that the connection portion (36) and the conduction portion (37) of the heat sink module (30) are inserted into the interior of the rack frame (20).

8. The rack system (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that: The locking mechanism (25) comprises at least one second recess (27) having a second length (271), the second recess extending along the first direction (Ly) and forming a common recess (250) with the first recess (26) for inserting the radiator module (30), wherein the first length (261) is greater than the second length (271), providing shape fit for the radiator module (30) along the first direction (Ly).

9. The rack system (100) according to any one of claims 1, 2, 7 or 8, characterized in that: The heat sink module (30) is fixed to the first side (11) or the second side (12) of the plug-in unit (10) by attaching the conductive portion (37) to the plug-in unit (10).

10. The rack system (100) according to any one of claims 1, 2, 7 or 8, characterized in that: The heat sink module (30) is fixed to the plug-in unit (10) by means of non-permanent fixing means (40).

11. The rack system (100) according to any one of claims 1, 2, 7 or 8, characterized in that: The rack frame (20) comprises holes for heat dissipation on the top side (21) and / or the bottom side (22).

12. The rack system (100) according to any one of claims 1, 2, 7 or 8, characterized in that: The radiator module (30) comprises or is made of steel.

13. The rack system (100) according to any one of claims 1, 2, 7 or 8, characterized in that: The heat sink module (30) comprises or is made of aluminum.

14. The rack system (100) according to any one of claims 1, 2, 7 or 8, characterized in that: The radiator module (30) is a metal casting workpiece.

15. The rack system (100) according to any one of claims 1, 2, 7 or 8, characterized in that: The heat sink module (30) is a die-cut and / or stamped and / or punched and bent workpiece.

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