Distribution frame and cabinet

Abstract

The utility model discloses a distribution frame and a cabinet. The distribution frame comprises a frame body and a module box, the frame body defines at least one mounting position for mounting the module box, the module box comprises a first main body part, the first main body part is provided with a first end and a second end, and the module box further comprises two locking parts which are respectively arranged at the first end and the second end of the first main body part. The frame body comprises a second main body part and two matching parts which are respectively connected with the corresponding locking parts so as to limit the displacement of the module box; the module box is configured as follows: the locking part of the first end can be separated from the corresponding matching part, so that the module box can be moved out of the mounting position in the direction from the second end to the first end; or, the locking part of the second end can be separated from the corresponding matching part, so that the module box can be moved out of the mounting position from the first end to the second end. The distribution frame can be installed and detached in two directions, and the flexibility and convenience of installation and maintenance of the distribution frame are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of communication equipment technology, and in particular to a patch panel and cabinet. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of 5G, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence technologies, the requirements for transmission bandwidth and space utilization in fiber optic communication networks are increasing. Therefore, it is necessary to densely deploy multiple module boxes on patch panels for the switching of communication cables.

[0003] In existing technologies, module boxes are typically installed at the mounting position from the front end of a patch panel. If the module box needs to be disassembled or replaced, it must also be moved out of the mounting position from the front end of the patch panel. Therefore, in some application scenarios, the front end of the patch panel may lack sufficient operating space due to obstruction from other equipment. To address this, the patch panel of this application allows for the installation and disassembly of module boxes from either the front or rear end of the patch panel, effectively avoiding situations where front or rear space is limited. Utility Model Content

[0004] This invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention proposes a patch panel that improves the flexibility and convenience of patch panel installation and maintenance through a two-way installation and disassembly design.

[0005] This utility model also proposes a cabinet having the above-mentioned patch panel.

[0006] According to a first aspect embodiment of the present invention, a patch panel includes a frame and a module box:

[0007] The frame defines at least one mounting position for mounting the module box. The module box includes a first main body having a first end and a second end. The module box also includes two locking parts respectively disposed at the first end and the second end of the first main body. The frame includes a second main body and two mating parts respectively connected to the corresponding locking parts to limit the displacement of the module box.

[0008] The module box is configured such that: the locking part at the first end can be separated from the corresponding mating part, so that the module box can be moved out of the mounting position from the second end to the first end; or, the locking part at the second end can be separated from the corresponding mating part, so that the module box can be moved out of the mounting position from the first end to the second end.

[0009] The patch panel according to the embodiments of this utility model has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0010] When the locking part at the first end abuts against the mating part, and the locking part at the second end also abuts against the mating part, the module box is fixed in the mounting position, achieving bidirectional limiting and ensuring the stability of the module box in the mounting position. When the locking part at the first end separates from the mating part, the module box can move forward; conversely, when the locking part at the second end separates from the mating part, the module box can move backward, flexibly adapting to different operational needs and improving the convenience of installation and disassembly. This bidirectional installation and disassembly design not only improves the flexibility and convenience of the patch panel but also significantly reduces maintenance time and costs, ensuring efficient operation in high-density cabling environments.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, at least one of the locking portions includes an elastic arm and an abutting protrusion protruding from the elastic arm. The mating portion protrudes relative to the second main body portion. The elastic arm is configured to have a natural state and a compressed state. In the natural state, the abutting protrusion abuts against the mating portion to restrict the movement of the module box. In the compressed state, the abutting protrusion separates from the mating portion to release the restriction on the module box.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the elastic arm includes a third end connected to the first main body and a fourth end spaced apart from the first main body. The locking part also includes a pull rod connected to the fourth end. The pull rod is capable of moving along the front-back direction of the module box. The pull rod is configured to drive the elastic arm to switch states when driven to move.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the outer peripheral surface of the first main body is defined by a first clearance groove, and when the elastic arm is in the compressed state, at least a portion of the elastic arm moves to the first clearance groove.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the elastic arm includes a fifth end connected to the first main body and a sixth end spaced apart from the first main body. The fifth end can be pressed and moved close to the first main body to switch the elastic arm to the pressed state.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first main body is provided with a first notch, and the elastic arm can move into the first notch when pressed.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, any one of the locking parts is designated as a first locking part, the other locking part is designated as a second locking part, the cooperating part that cooperates with the first locking part is designated as a first cooperating part, and the other cooperating part is designated as a second cooperating part;

[0017] The first locking part includes a pull rod, a first elastic arm, and a first abutting protrusion protruding from the first elastic arm. The first locking part is configured such that when the pull rod is driven to move and the first elastic arm is pressed, the first abutting protrusion separates from the first mating part.

[0018] The second locking part includes a second elastic arm and a second abutting protrusion protruding from the second elastic arm. The second locking part is configured such that when the second elastic arm is pressed, the second abutting protrusion separates from the second locking part.

[0019] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first locking part is disposed at the first end, and the second locking part is disposed at the second end.

[0020] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the module box includes N first interfaces and M second interfaces. The first interfaces are disposed at the first end of the first main body, and the second interfaces are disposed at the second end of the second main body. M and N are both positive integers greater than or equal to 1, and N is greater than M.

[0021] The cabinet according to a second aspect of the present invention includes the patch panel mentioned in any of the above embodiments.

[0022] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, wherein:

[0024] Figure 1 This is an overall schematic diagram of the patch panel according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a partial schematic diagram of the patch panel according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0026] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Explosion diagrams of various components;

[0027] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of region A in the middle;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the locking part at the first end of an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0029] Figure 6 This is an exploded view of the patch panel according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0030] Figure 7 for Figure 6 Enlarged view of region B in the middle;

[0031] Figure 8 This is an exploded view of the patch panel according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0032] Figure 9 for Figure 8 Enlarged view of region C in the middle;

[0033] Figure 10 This is an exploded view of the module box according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0034] Figure label:

[0035] Module box 100; First main body 110; First end 111; Second end 112; First clearance groove 113; First notch 114; Locking part 120; First locking part 121; First elastic arm 1211; First abutting protrusion 1212; Pull rod 1213; Third end 1214; Fourth end 1215; Second locking part 122; Second elastic arm 1221; Second abutting protrusion 1222; Fifth end 1223; Sixth end 1224; Flat part 1225; Force application part 1226; First interface 130; Second interface 140; Cover plate 150;

[0036] Frame 200; Second main body 210; Fitting part 220; First fitting part 221; Second fitting part 222; Detailed Implementation

[0037] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0038] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the directional descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., indicate the directional or positional relationship based on the directional or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0039] In the description of this utility model, "several" means one or more, "multiple" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number, while "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. The use of "first" and "second" in the description is merely for distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, or implicitly indicating the order of the indicated technical features.

[0040] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "setting," "installation," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0041] In the description of this utility model, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of this utility model. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0042] With the rapid development of 5G, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence technologies, the requirements for transmission bandwidth and space utilization in fiber optic communication networks are increasing. Therefore, it is necessary to densely deploy multiple module boxes on patch panels for the switching of communication cables.

[0043] In related technologies, module boxes are fixed to patch panels by screws or other threaded components. This type of threaded connection has low disassembly and assembly efficiency, which is inconvenient for the operation and maintenance of patch panels. In addition, the operating space in patch panels is limited, making it difficult to tighten or loosen the threaded components.

[0044] To address the aforementioned problems, a first aspect of this application provides a patch panel, which includes a frame 200 and a module box 100. The frame 200 defines at least one mounting position for the module box 100. Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the frame 200 is divided into a multi-layer structure, with each layer having multiple mounting positions to accommodate multiple module boxes 100, thereby enabling high-density deployment.

[0045] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the module box 100 includes a first main body 110 and two locking parts 120. Along the direction of the first main body 110 entering and exiting the mounting position, the first main body 110 has a first end 111 and a second end 112. One locking part 120 is disposed at the first end 111 of the first main body 110, and the other locking part 120 is disposed at the second end 112 of the first main body 110. The two locking parts 120 are respectively used to cooperate with the corresponding limiting structures of the frame 200. It should be noted that either the first end 111 or the second end 112 is the front end, and the other is the rear end. In some more specific embodiments, the structures of the two locking parts 120 may be the same or different.

[0046] In addition, it should be noted that the first end and the second end described in this application are not limited to the front end surface or the rear end surface on the first main body 110, but should be interpreted in a broad sense. For example, the first main body 110 can be divided into two parts along its length, one part being the first end and the other part being the second end.

[0047] Correspondingly, the frame 200 is also equipped with a limiting structure that matches the locking part 120. Specifically, the frame 200 includes a second main body 210 and two mating parts 220. The two mating parts 220 are respectively provided for the locking part 120 and can be connected to the locking part 120 to limit the displacement of the module box 100. The second main body 210 can be a box-shaped structure, having at least a bottom plate and a side plate. The bottom plate and the side plate form a mounting position, and the mating parts 220 are located on the side plate. Quick installation and disassembly are achieved through the elastic deformation of the locking part 120. Alternatively, the second main body 210 can also be two parallel strip structures, forming a mounting position between the two strip structures. The inner side of each strip structure is provided with a mating part 220.

[0048] Furthermore, in existing technologies, module boxes are typically installed at the mounting position from the front end of the patch panel. If the module box needs to be disassembled or replaced, it must also be moved out of the mounting position from the front end of the patch panel. Therefore, in some application scenarios, the front end of the patch panel may lack sufficient operating space due to obstruction from other equipment. To address this, the patch panel of this application allows for the installation and disassembly of module boxes from either the front or rear end of the patch panel, effectively avoiding situations where front or rear space is limited.

[0049] Specifically, the locking part 120 of the first end 111 can be separated from the corresponding mating part 220 so that the module box 100 can be moved out of the mounting position from the second end 112 to the first end 111, or the locking part 120 of the second end 112 can be separated from the corresponding mating part 220 so that the module box 100 can be moved out of the mounting position from the first end 111 to the second end 112.

[0050] In such Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, the first end 111 is the front end and the second end 112 is the rear end. The locking part 120 of the first end 111 and the locking part 120 of the second end 112 have different structures, but both are unidirectional limiting. That is, the locking part 120 of the first end 111 only restricts the forward displacement of the module box 100 and does not affect the backward displacement of the module box 100; similarly, the locking part 120 of the second end 112 only restricts the backward displacement of the module box 100 and does not affect the forward displacement of the module box 100.

[0051] Therefore, when the locking part 120 of the first end 111 abuts against the mating part 220, and the locking part 120 of the second end 112 also abuts against the mating part 220, the module box 100 is fixed in the mounting position, achieving bidirectional limiting and ensuring the stability of the module box 100 in the mounting position. When the locking part 120 of the first end 111 separates from the mating part 220, the module box 100 can move forward; conversely, when the locking part 120 of the second end 112 separates from the mating part 220, the module box 100 can move backward, flexibly responding to different operational needs and improving the convenience of installation and disassembly. Through this bidirectional installation and disassembly design, not only is the flexibility and convenience of the patch panel improved, but maintenance time and costs are also significantly reduced, ensuring efficient operation in high-density cabling environments.

[0052] It is understood that in some embodiments (not shown in the figure), the locking part 120 and the mating part 220 limit and fix the module box 100 by plugging and mating. For example, the locking part 120 is designed as a groove provided on the front end face or rear end face of the first main body part 110, and the mating part 220 is designed as a protrusion provided on the second main body part 210 that can slide left and right. The left and right sliding of the protrusion realizes the fitting and separation with the groove, thereby limiting the module box 100.

[0053] Or, in cases like Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the locking part 120 and the mating part 220 engage in a snap-fit ​​connection to limit and fix the module box 100. Specifically, the locking part 120 includes an elastic arm and an abutment protruding from the elastic arm. The mating part 220 protrudes from the second main body part 210. The elastic arm is configured to have a natural state and a compressed state. In the natural state, the abutment protrusion abuts against the mating part 220 to restrict the movement of the module box 100. In the compressed state, the abutment protrusion separates from the mating part 220 to release the restriction on the module box 100.

[0054] It should be noted that the two locking parts 120 and the mating parts 220 can have the same or different mating methods; the structures of the two locking parts 120 can be the same or different. For example, one locking part 120 may use a plug-in mating, while the other locking part 120 may use a snap-fit ​​mating. For another example, such as... Figures 5 to 9 As shown, although both locking parts 120 use a snap-fit ​​engagement, the structures of the snap-fit ​​parts are different.

[0055] In some embodiments, such as Figures 3 to 5 Taking the locking part 120 at the first end 111 as an example, to easily distinguish the structures of the locking part 120 at the first end 111 and the locking part 120 at the second end 112, the elastic arm at the first end 111 is named the first elastic arm 1211. The first elastic arm 1211 includes a third end 1214 and a fourth end 1215. The third end 1214 is fixedly connected to the first main body 110. Preferably, the first elastic arm 1211 and the first main body 110 are integrally injection molded. The fourth end 1215 is spaced apart from the first main body 110, so that it can elastically deform and move when compressed. The locking part 120 also includes a pull rod 1213, which is slidably connected to the first main body 110 and can move relative to the first main body 110 in the front-back direction. Pull rod 1213 is connected to fourth end 1215. When pull rod 1213 is driven forward, it applies a rightward clamping force to fourth end 1215, thereby causing the first elastic arm 1211 to elastically deform, switching from a natural state of contact with mating part 220 to a compressed state of separation from mating part 220, thus unlocking module box 100. Conversely, when pull rod 1213 is driven backward, the clamping force disappears, the first elastic arm 1211 returns to its natural state, the abutment protrusion re-engages with mating part 220, and module box 100 is re-secured.

[0056] Understandably, this structure, which uses a pull rod 1213 to drive the deformation of the first elastic arm 1211, occupies less space and is more suitable for high-density wiring environments. In particular, it can effectively improve space utilization in compact equipment layouts.

[0057] Furthermore, the first main body 110 has a box-shaped structure, and its interior defines a cavity for accommodating wiring, such as... Figure 5 As shown, when the first elastic arm 1211 switches from the natural state to the compressed state, the first elastic arm 1211 deforms and moves toward the first main body 110. In order to provide sufficient movement space so that the abutting protrusion can separate from the mating part 220, the outer peripheral surface of the first main body 110 defines a first clearance groove 113. Thus, when the first elastic arm 1211 is in the compressed state, at least part of the first elastic arm 1211 moves into the first clearance groove 113, ensuring that the deformation of the first elastic arm 1211 is not hindered.

[0058] In other embodiments, such as Figure 8 and Figure 9Taking the locking part 120 of the second end 112 as an example, for easy distinction, the elastic arm of the second end 112 is named the second elastic arm 1221. The second elastic arm 1221 includes a fifth end 1223 and a sixth end 1224. The fifth end 1223 is connected to the first main body 110; the sixth end 1224 forms a cantilever structure and is spaced apart from the first main body 110. The sixth end 1224 is provided with a flat part 1225 that is easy for the operator to press. The rear end of the first main body 110 protrudes and is provided with a force-applying part 1226. When the operator needs to unlock the rear end of the module box 100, he can directly press the flat part 1225 to make the second elastic arm 1221 elastically deform. When the second elastic arm 1221 is pressed, it can move closer to the first main body 110 so that the second elastic arm 1221 switches to the pressed state. It is understandable that, compared to the first elastic arm 1211 being deformed by the lever 1213, the structure of the second elastic arm 1221 in this embodiment is simpler.

[0059] Furthermore, the first main body 110 is provided with a first notch 114, and the second elastic arm 1221 can move into the first notch 114 under pressure. It should be noted that although both the first clearance groove 113 and the first notch 114 are used to provide clearance space for the deformation of the elastic arm, the second elastic arm 1221 in this embodiment has a different structure than the first elastic arm 1211. Therefore, the arrangement of the first clearance groove 113 and the first notch 114 is also different. The first clearance groove 113 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the first main body 110 and can be a through groove connecting the internal accommodating cavity of the first main body 110 or a recess. The arrangement of the first clearance groove 113 basically does not affect the volume of the first main body 110. The first notch 114 has a larger area and directly affects the rear end structure of the first main body 110, making the width of the rear end of the first main body 110 smaller than that of the front end.

[0060] In such Figures 6 to 9 In the illustrated embodiment, any one of the locking parts 120 is designated as the first locking part 121, and the other locking part 120 is designated as the second locking part 122. The mating part 220 that cooperates with the first locking part 121 is designated as the first mating part 221, and the other mating part 220 is designated as the second mating part 222. The first locking part 121 includes a pull rod 1213, a first elastic arm 1211, and a second abutting protrusion 1222 protruding from the first elastic arm 1211. When the pull rod 1213 is driven to move so that the first elastic arm 1211 is pressed, the first abutting protrusion 1212 separates from the first mating part 221. The second locking part 122 includes a second elastic arm 1221 and a second abutting protrusion 1222 protruding from the second elastic arm 1221. When the second elastic arm 1221 is pressed, the second abutting protrusion 1222 separates from the second mating part 222.

[0061] In other embodiments, the first locking part 121 and the second locking part 122 may both be structures in which the lever 1213 drives the elastic arm to deform, or they may both be structures in which the elastic arm is directly pressed to drive its deformation.

[0062] It should be noted that the first locking part 121 can be located at the first end 111 or the second end 112, depending on the specific application requirements. In such cases... Figure 6 In the embodiment shown, the first end 111 of the module box 100 is provided with N first interfaces 130, and the second end 112 of the module box 100 is provided with M second interfaces 140, where M and N are both positive integers greater than or equal to 1, and N is greater than M. Thus, the second end 112 of the module box 100 has a higher interface density and is more suitable for arranging the first locking part 121, which occupies less space, while the first end 111, due to its fewer interfaces, is more suitable for arranging the second locking part 122, which occupies more space.

[0063] Furthermore, the first interface 130 is an LC interface, with six LC interfaces on the first end 111; the second interface 140 is an MPO interface, with one MPO interface on the second end 112. The first interface 130 and the second interface 140 are connected via cables housed within the accommodating cavity to achieve flexible conversion between MPO trunk fiber and LC branch fiber. The LC interface is suitable for high-density fiber optic connections, while the MPO interface is suitable for rapid multi-core fiber optic connections. The combination of these two interfaces optimizes the space utilization of the module box 100 and improves overall connection efficiency. By rationally allocating interface types, the flexibility and stability of the module box 100 are ensured in various application scenarios.

[0064] In some embodiments, such as Figure 10 As shown, the module box 100 also includes a cover plate 150 that is detachably connected to the first main body 110 to facilitate the connection and arrangement of wire harnesses in the accommodating cavity.

[0065] The second aspect of this application also proposes a cabinet that includes at least one patch panel mentioned in the above embodiments. To meet the high-density wiring requirements, the cabinet adopts a multi-layer layout and is equipped with multiple layers of patch panels. Each layer of patch panels can be connected to the cabinet body via slide rails, thereby facilitating the installation or maintenance of the patch panels after they are pulled out.

[0066] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, the embodiments of the present invention and the features thereof can be combined with each other unless otherwise specified.

Claims

1. A patch panel, characterized in that, Includes frame and module box: The frame defines at least one mounting position for mounting the module box. The module box includes a first main body having a first end and a second end. The module box also includes two locking parts respectively disposed at the first end and the second end of the first main body. The frame includes a second main body and two mating parts respectively connected to the corresponding locking parts to limit the displacement of the module box. The module box is configured such that: the locking part at the first end can be separated from the corresponding mating part, so that the module box can be moved out of the mounting position from the second end to the first end; or, the locking part at the second end can be separated from the corresponding mating part, so that the module box can be moved out of the mounting position from the first end to the second end.

2. The patch panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one of the locking portions includes an elastic arm and an abutment protruding from the elastic arm. The mating portion protrudes relative to the second main body portion. The elastic arm is configured to have a natural state and a compressed state. In the natural state, the abutment protrusion abuts against the mating portion to restrict the movement of the module box. In the compressed state, the abutment protrusion separates from the mating portion to release the restriction on the module box.

3. The patch panel according to claim 2, characterized in that, The elastic arm includes a third end connected to the first main body and a fourth end spaced apart from the first main body. The locking part also includes a pull rod connected to the fourth end. The pull rod is capable of moving along the front-back direction of the module box. The pull rod is configured to drive the elastic arm to switch states when it is driven to move.

4. The patch panel according to claim 3, characterized in that, The outer peripheral surface of the first main body defines a first clearance groove. When the elastic arm is in the compressed state, at least a portion of the elastic arm moves to the first clearance groove.

5. The patch panel according to claim 2, characterized in that, The elastic arm includes a fifth end connected to the first main body and a sixth end spaced apart from the first main body. The fifth end can be moved close to the first main body when pressed, so that the elastic arm switches to the pressed state.

6. The patch panel according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first main body is provided with a first notch, and the elastic arm can move into the first notch when pressed.

7. The patch panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, One of the locking parts is designated as the first locking part, and the other locking part is designated as the second locking part. The mating part that cooperates with the first locking part is designated as the first mating part, and the other mating part is designated as the second mating part. The first locking part includes a pull rod, a first elastic arm, and a first abutting protrusion protruding from the first elastic arm. The first locking part is configured such that when the pull rod is driven to move so that the first elastic arm is pressed, the first abutting protrusion separates from the first mating part. The second locking part includes a second elastic arm and a second abutting protrusion protruding from the second elastic arm. The second locking part is configured such that when the second elastic arm is pressed, the second abutting protrusion separates from the second locking part.

8. The patch panel according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first locking part is disposed at the first end, and the second locking part is disposed at the second end.

9. The patch panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The module box includes N first interfaces and M second interfaces. The first interfaces are located at the first end of the first main body, and the second interfaces are located at the second end of the second main body. M and N are both positive integers greater than or equal to 1, and N is greater than M.

10. A server rack, characterized in that, Includes the patch panel as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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