Universally applicable cable housing for mini-PCs

Abstract

The invention relates to a cable housing (9) for at least one mini-PC (2), micro PC, nettop and / or single-board computer comprising at least one mounting plate (1) and at least one second component (22). It is proposed that the mounting plate (1) and the second component (22) form at least one cavity (11) in which at least one cable (7), at least one power supply (21) and / or small peripheral devices can be accommodated, and wherein the mounting plate (1) has at least one bracket and / or bore to which the at least one mini-PC (2), micro PC, nettop and / or single-board computer can be attached.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a cable housing for at least one mini-PC, micro PC, nettop and / or single-board computer.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a device for cable organization using the cable housing according to the invention. STATE OF THE ART

[0003] Mounting brackets for external devices are known from the prior art. For example, US 8523132 B2 discloses a mounting bracket for external devices on monitors and the like, comprising a base plate, two mounting plates, and a cable management plate. The cable management plate is a type of angled, L-shaped metal plate into which the cables can be hooked and which serves to position the cables.

[0004] US patent 2006 / 0284031 A1 discloses a monitor mount designed to be installed behind furnishings such as furniture. The mount includes a stand with an integrated cable channel. This channel allows the connecting cables to be routed from the monitor to the connection point, thus concealing them.

[0005] US Patent 2008 / 0111032 A1 shows a cable management system for mounting on a shelf or similar surface. The cable channels and cable trays allow for organized cable routing.

[0006] Furthermore, German patent DE 20 2005 016 892 U1 discloses a mounting device for a mini-PC on the back of a monitor. This device features a base plate with a cable cover that conceals the mini-PC's cable connections. However, the cover does not accommodate excessively long cables or keep them neatly organized.

[0007] In addition, US Patent 8 523 132 B2 shows a bracket for mini-PCs that can be attached to the back of a computer monitor, which has a mounting plate for receiving the mini-PC and spaced-apart mounting means for connecting to a VESA mounting bracket of the monitor.

[0008] Some of the existing mounting brackets are equipped with cable management aids. However, all existing solutions use several highly individualized components. Pre-assembled connection cables are generally too long for their intended use and must be coiled. These cables lie unsightly on or under a computer workstation, creating tripping hazards and an unattractive appearance.

[0009] The disadvantages of state-of-the-art designs include messy, dangling cables and the lack of a dedicated space for the power supply of, for example, a mini-PC. Using a second monitor further increases the number of chaotically routed cables. Achieving a reasonably presentable appearance requires considerable effort. Therefore, at the intended location of the mini-PC, the cables are either laboriously routed through any cable management systems provided by office furniture manufacturers (which are often difficult to access) or left hanging unsightly.

[0010] Based on the current state of technology, the problem is that cables, the power supply and the like remain visible outside the housing and visually detract from the overall appearance.

[0011] The object of the invention is therefore to propose a cable housing for mini-PCs and the like, which is characterized by improved organization and storage of the cables and power supplies and offers an aesthetically pleasing arrangement.

[0012] Furthermore, the task is to create a maintenance-friendly arrangement of cable housing and mini-PC or similar, which allows for easy replacement of the mini-PC without the need to reorganize cables.

[0013] This problem is solved by a cable housing and a device according to the independent claims. Advantageous further developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims. REVELATION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The invention relates to a cable housing for at least one mini-PC, micro PC, nettop and / or single-board computer comprising at least one mounting plate and at least one second component.

[0015] It is proposed that the mounting plate and the second component form at least one cavity in which at least one cable, at least one power supply and / or small peripheral devices can be accommodated, and wherein the mounting plate has at least one bracket and / or bore to which the at least one mini-PC, micro PC, nettop and / or single-board computer can be attached.

[0016] This design allows for a maximum reduction of visible cables, power supplies, and small peripherals. Furthermore, it creates a visually appealing unit consisting of, for example, a mini-PC and cable housing, and optionally a monitor. This also applies to micro PCs, nettops, single-board computers, or comparable devices. The modular design of the cable housing allows for a high degree of versatility. Additionally, it reduces assembly effort for end users and IT service providers. The unit, consisting of, for example, a mini-PC cable housing and a mini-PC, can be pre-assembled by the manufacturer or IT service provider. The cable housing is universally applicable and independent of the model and brand of the mini-PC, micro PC, nettop, single-board computer, or monitor. A cable housing according to the invention offers easy adaptation to a wide variety of situations, such as...Thicker power supplies, varying cable lengths, different mounting holes with different diameters, and the like. This significantly reduces the overall cabling effort at the workstation. It also minimizes the time IT personnel need to spend at the user's workstation. Theft protection for the mini-PC, micro PC, nettop, or single-board computer can be implemented. Such an arrangement is very maintenance-friendly. The cables of the mini-PC, single-board computer, or similar device are secured within the cable housing, allowing the device to be replaced without having to re-sort the cables afterward. The cable housing can be visually matched to the mini-PC, micro PC, nettop, or single-board computer in terms of material, shape, and color. By covering the cavity with a second component, cables, power supplies, etc., can be concealed.The cables can be effectively concealed, resulting in a visually appealing unit. For easier installation, the cables can also be routed to the outside as a compact cable bundle. The second component can be designed as a frame. This frame can have at least one or even two open sides. The cable housing can be optimized using readily available cable sets, reducing the number of cables and minimizing other visible cable material. It is advantageous if the dimensions of the cable housing are based on or correspond to those of the mini-PC, micro PC, nettop, or single-board computer.

[0017] Furthermore, it is advantageous to construct the housing from the mini-PC manufacturer's mounting plate, an additional frame, and, if necessary, a bracket from the monitor manufacturer. This results in a universally applicable, modular cable housing that can be used with virtually all monitor and mini-PC combinations and involves very low costs and material expenditure. Manufacturer-specific components, such as mounting plates, can therefore be adopted unchanged and supplemented by the invention. The mini-PC manufacturer's mounting plate can, for example, be positioned at a distance from the monitor or its mini-PC bracket using suitable spacers. The resulting cavity can then be used to house power supplies (mini-PCs are almost always supplied with an external power supply), other cable material, etc.

[0018] Furthermore, according to the invention, it is proposed that the mounting plate and / or the second component includes cooling fins and / or has an active cooling device. In particular, the mounting plate, on which a mini-PC can be fully mounted, can have cooling fins on at least one side, especially the side facing the cable compartment, to dissipate heat from the mini-PC. An active cooling device, in particular a fan and / or a Peltier element and / or one or more heat pipes, can also be provided on the mounting plate and / or the second component to dissipate and cool heat from the mini-PC and / or the power supply. The necessary operating energy for the cooling device can be drawn, for example, from a connection, in particular a USB connection, of the mini-PC, a monitor used for mounting, or a power supply of the mini-PC or the monitor.A combination of cooling fins and an active cooling device can also improve the thermal operating conditions of the mini-PC and / or the power supply.

[0019] This is a universal cable enclosure for mini-PCs, micro PCs, nettops, single-board computers, and similar devices. It can house cables, power supplies, adapters, and small peripherals such as card readers, USB hubs, etc. The enclosure can be mounted under mini-PCs when used as desktop devices, as well as between mini-PCs and computer monitors, TVs, presentation equipment, etc. Hereinafter, "monitor" refers to any type of computer monitor or TV.

[0020] Monitors and their accessories often have mounting holes (e.g., based on the VESA standard) suitable for attaching mini-PCs or their brackets. Many mini-PC manufacturers include mounting plates that can be screwed into these holes. The mini-PC can then be attached to these mounting plates.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the second component can be trough-shaped, U-shaped, or semi-shell-shaped. Such a component has at least one open side. Preferably, the open side faces the side to which the mounting plate will later be attached. Openings can also be provided on the side opposite the open side. The second component can be made of a wide variety of materials, thicknesses, surfaces, or textures, for example, metal, plastic, or rubber, and can be polished, painted, brushed, or perforated.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the second component can have openings through which at least one cable can be routed. These openings serve as recesses for cable routing and for ventilation of the power supply.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the mounting plate can enclose the second component, wherein the mounting plate and the second component preferably form a closed cross-section. The closed cross-section may be interrupted by openings or bores for the passage of at least one cable and / or a power supply or power supply connector.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the cable housing can have a holder on one side opposite the mounting plate, which can be attached to another component, preferably a monitor. Alternatively, the housing can also be attached exclusively to the mini-PC, creating a unit that can be used as a desktop device.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the cable housing can comprise at least one, preferably one to five, spacers that are detachably or permanently connected to a holder and / or the second component. If the mounting plate of, for example, a mini-PC is mounted at a distance from the monitor or its bracket, a cavity is created between them for accommodating cables, power supplies, and other small peripherals.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the cable housing can have at least one Velcro strap, hook, and / or elastic band for detachable attachment to another component, preferably a monitor. The mini-PC could also be secured to the housing with commercially available anti-theft devices, such as Kensington locks, if these are fastened with special screws. By selecting suitable accessory cables, the use of two monitors, so-called dual monitors, with optimized cabling is also possible, ideally with a single power cable leading from the cable housing.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the cable housing includes elements for cable organization, in particular clips and / or hooks, for the correct orientation of at least one cable and / or at least one power supply. The power supply and / or cables can be secured inside the housing using cable ties, rubber bands, adhesive tape, or manufacturer-specific clip-in or plug-in devices. Specific cable guides and mounting aids would also be conceivable.

[0028] In an advantageous further development, it is proposed that a temperature sensor and / or an EMC sensor be included for monitoring and signaling overtemperature and / or electromagnetic interference. A temperature sensor, comprising, for example, a thermocouple, NTC or PTC resistor, can detect the temperature, particularly on the mounting plate or in the cable compartment, and can issue a warning message upon detecting an overtemperature, for example, 65°C or higher. The warning message can be relayed by the mini-PC or a monitor, or it can be an independent audible or visual warning, with the necessary operating power being drawn from a battery or rechargeable battery, or from a power output of the mini-PC, the monitor, or its respective power supply.

[0029] An EMC sensor, such as a magnetic field sensor or an eddy current sensor, can detect the presence of a strong electromagnetic field, for example, due to increased power consumption by the mini-PC or monitor, or an increased CPU operating frequency, and then issue a warning message either via the mini-PC, the monitor, or independently. Signaling can be done via an I / O port, such as the USB port of the mini-PC or monitor.

[0030] This allows a user to be warned of abnormal behavior in their computer environment, such as thermal overload, increased power consumption, or electromagnetic fields, and to be protected from impermissible radiation or heat exposure. It can also protect the computer and monitor hardware from overuse.

[0031] The invention further relates to a device for cable organization on a mini-PC, micro PC, nettop and / or single-board computer, comprising a cable housing according to the invention. It is proposed that the cable housing be attached to a mini-PC, micro PC, nettop and / or single-board computer.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the cable housing is attached to a monitor. The cable housing can be attached directly to the monitor's mounting holes, for example, on the back of the monitor. It can also be attached to accessories provided by the monitor manufacturer for mini-PCs, for example, on the back of the monitor. Alternatively, the cable housing can be attached to the monitor stand or, separately from the monitor, placed on or under a table, in / on furniture, or on a wall. "Attachment" includes not only the usual screw connections but also fastenings using hook-and-loop fasteners, adhesive tape, or similar materials.

[0033] It is advantageous to consider that the cable housing is integrated into a VESA mount of a monitor or integrated or arranged on a mounting plate of a mini-PC.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the cable housing is attached to a VESA mounting area of ​​the monitor via a VESA adapter plate. The cable housing and the mini-PC are attached to the VESA adapter plate either adjacent to or spaced apart from the VESA mounting area. A VESA mounting area is used to attach a monitor to a bracket that corresponds to a VESA mount. The VESA Flat Display Mounting Interface (FDMI) is defined as a standard for mounting flat panel displays to walls, ceilings, tables, or vehicles, and, depending on the dimensions and weight of the display, provides at least four threaded holes for screws. FDMI variants are numerous, starting with four threaded holes spaced 50 and 20 mm apart in five different configurations. The mini-PC can also have VESA-compatible mounting holes, so that, for example, the adapter plate has two adjacent VESA mounting areas.The mounting plate can also feature a double angle in the form of a step, providing two parallel, vertically offset mounting areas or two angled mounting areas for attachment to a monitor mounting area and a cable housing or mini-PC mounting area. It is advantageous to have the mini-PC mounted on one side of the adapter plate and the cable housing on the other, or to have both the cable housing and mini-PC sandwiched together on one side, or possibly even mounted on the same plane. The mounting plate allows for a high degree of flexibility in the arrangement, and, particularly in wall mounting, enables a space-saving arrangement of components adjacent to a monitor mounting point. This allows the overall depth of the mini-PC, cable housing, and monitor to be flexibly minimized and adapted to specific structural conditions.

[0035] Optionally, the adapter plate can be telescopically extendable to allow the mini-PC to be pulled out from behind the monitor for repairs. For this purpose, it can comprise two or more stacked plate elements connected by a guide system. The unit consisting of the mini-PC, cable housing, and monitor can also be mounted on a swivel arm. Furthermore, or alternatively, a height-adjustable stand can be arranged on the VESA mount. The adapter plate can be dimensioned such that the cable housing and the mini-PC can be mounted one above the other, on the front and back, or side by side on one side of the adapter plate. The invention also proposes a method for constructing a device according to the invention.As part of the fastening method, cables, in particular the connection and link cables, and / or the power supply of the mini-PC, micro PC, nettop and / or single-board computer, are arranged and organized within the cable housing according to the invention. DRAWINGS

[0036] Further advantages become apparent from the accompanying drawings and descriptions. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention. The drawing, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. A person skilled in the art will expediently consider the features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations.

[0037] They show: Fig. 1 a mini-PC and a mounting plate; Fig. 2 an exploded view of an embodiment of a mini-PC with cable housing; Fig. 3 an exploded view of an embodiment of a device on a monitor; Fig. 4 a device according to Fig. 3; Fig. 5 an exploded view of an embodiment of a cable housing with mini-PC; Fig. 6 a cable housing with mini-PC after Fig. 5; Fig. 7 a device with a cable housing according to Fig. 5; Fig. 8 another embodiment of a mini-PC with cable housing; Fig. 9 an embodiment of a VESA adapter plate for spaced mounting of the cable housing to a VESA mounting area of ​​a monitor.

[0038] In the figures, identical or similar components are numbered with the same reference symbols.

[0039] Fig. Figure 1 shows a mini-PC 2 and a mounting plate 1 supplied by the mini-PC manufacturer, representing the current state of the art. If the mounting plate 1 is mounted directly onto the back of a monitor (not shown), concealing cables and the like is not possible.

[0040] In Fig. Figure 2 shows a first embodiment of a mini-PC 2 with a cable housing 9. The cable housing 9 forms a cavity 11 with the mounting plate 1. The width of the cavity 11 can be determined by the four spacers 3. The cavity 11 is thus formed by the cable housing 9, consisting of the mounting plate 1 and the second component 22. Cables 7, power supplies 21, etc., can be organized in this cavity 11. The spacers 3 can, for example, be mounted on the back of a monitor 5, as shown in the Fig. 3 and Fig. The second component 22 is designed in the form of a frame 4 and includes openings 24 for routing cables and the like.

[0041] The assembly of the in Fig. The device shown in Figure 2 is mounted either via the VESA mounting holes 6 on the back of the monitor 5, as shown in Figure 2. Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, or via the bracket 8 for mini-PCs from a monitor manufacturer, shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6. For this purpose, the spacers 3 are mounted directly onto the back of the monitor 5 or onto the bracket 8 for mini-PCs of a monitor manufacturer.

[0042] The representation in Fig. Figure 3 shows the arrangement of mini-PC 2, cable housing 9, and monitor 14. The mounting plate 1 for mini-PCs 2 is attached to these spacers 3, and the mini-PC 2 is then mounted on the mounting plate. The cable housing 9 is arranged around the spacers 3. Fig. The second component 22, shown in Figure 2, is placed in the form of a frame 4. This creates a mini-PC cable housing 9 in which cables 4, power supply 21, etc., can be organized. Furthermore, the mini-PC cable housing 9 can have cable organization elements (not shown). These optional cable organization elements can, for example, include clips or hooks for securing cables 7 and the power supply 21.

[0043] The assembled state of the arrangement from Fig. 3 shows Fig. 4. With such a cable housing 9, a mini-PC 2 or similar can be mounted and stowed directly from the back 5 of a monitor 14, with the cables being stowed inside the cable housing 9.

[0044] The device mounted on bracket 8 for mini-PCs from a monitor manufacturer Fig. 6 can be attached to the monitor stand 10, or at any point on the monitor 14. The second component 22 is designed in a trough shape with a surrounding frame 4. On the side facing away from the mini-PC, the bracket 8 for mini-PCs from a monitor manufacturer is attached.

[0045] The cable housing 9 attached to a monitor stand 10 made of Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 shows Fig. 7. The in Fig. The bracket 8 shown in Figure 6 for mini-PCs from a monitor manufacturer is mounted directly onto the monitor base 14.

[0046] Fig. Figure 8 shows another embodiment of the cable housing 9 in the form of a tabletop device for use, for example, on a desk worktop. This consists of the mini-PC 2, a mounting plate 1 for mini-PCs, and a second component 22 in the form of a frame 4, which is trough-shaped, i.e., can be closed on the side opposite the mounting plate 1. This embodiment is also suitable for concealed installation in furniture or for mounting on a wall. Furthermore, it is also suitable for being attached to at least one monitor using fastening straps such as hook-and-loop fasteners, rubber bands, or adhesive tape.

[0047] Finally, it shows Fig.9 A VESA adapter plate 25 for mounting on a VESA mounting bracket of a monitor 14. The VESA adapter plate 25 has a VESA mounting area 23 on one side with four standard VESA mounting holes 6, which, for example, can be screwed between the back of the monitor 14 and a wall mount when using a standard wall mount. On an adjacent second side, a second VESA mounting area can be arranged with a first set of VESA mounting holes 6 and a second set of VESA mounting holes 26, so that the adapter plate 25 can be universally screwed onto several VESA mounts. A cable enclosure 9 and a mini-PC 2 can be attached to a surface of the second side. If necessary, the mini-PC 2 or the cable enclosure 9 can be positioned on the back to minimize the distance between the monitor 14 and the wall.The adapter plate 15 can also have a third, adjacent VESA mounting area 23, allowing the cable housing 9 and mini-PC 2 to be arranged side by side on one surface. The adapter plate 15 can be curved or angled, and can also include a double bend in the form of a step, so that the installation height for the cable housing 9 and mini-PC 2 can be used in an optimized way between the monitor back 5 and the wall. Reference symbol list 1 Mounting plate for mini-PC 2 Mini-PC 3 spacers 4 frames 5 Monitor back 6 VESA mounting holes 7 cables 8 Mounting brackets for mini-PCs from a monitor manufacturer 9 cable housings 10 Monitor stand 11 Cavity 14" Monitor 15 VESA adapter plates 21 Power supply 22 second component 23 VESA mounting area 24-hour opening 25 Device 26 VESA mounting holes

Claims

[1] Cable housing (9) for at least one mini-PC (2), micro PC, nettop and / or single-board computer comprising at least one mounting plate (1) and at least one second component (22), wherein the mounting plate (1) and the second component (22) form at least one cavity (11) in which at least one cable (7), at least one power supply (21) and / or small peripheral devices can be accommodated, and wherein the mounting plate (1) has at least one bracket and / or bore on which the at least one mini-PC (2), micro PC, nettop and / or single-board computer can be attached, characterized by that the mounting plate (1) and / or the second component (22) includes cooling fins and / or has an active cooling device. [2] Cable housing (9) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the second component (22) is shaped like a trough, a U-shape or a half-shell. [3] Cable housing (9) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that the second component (22) has openings (24) through which at least one cable (7) can be passed. [4] Cable housing (9) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the mounting plate (1) closes the second component (22), wherein the mounting plate (1) and the second component (22) preferably form a closed cross-section. [5] Cable housing (9) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the cable housing (9) has a holder (8) on one side opposite the mounting plate (1), wherein this holder can be attached to another component, preferably a monitor (14). [6] Cable housing (9) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the cable housing (9) comprises at least one, preferably one to five, spacers (3) which are detachably or indetachably connected to a holder (8) and / or the second component (22). [7] Cable housing (9) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the cable housing (9) has at least one Velcro strap, hook and / or rubber band which serves for detachable fixing to another component, preferably a monitor (14). [8] Cable housing (9) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the cable housing (9) has elements for cable organization, in particular clips and / or hooks, for the correct arrangement of at least one cable (7) and / or at least one power supply unit (21). [9] Cable housing (9) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a temperature sensor and / or an EMC sensor is included for monitoring and signaling an overtemperature and / or an electromagnetic interference field. [10] Device (25) for cable organization on a mini-PC, micro PC, nettop and / or single-board computer, comprising a cable housing (9) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by , that the cable housing (9) is attached to a mini-PC (2), micro PC, nettop and / or single-board computer. [11] Device (25) according to claim 10, characterized by , that the cable housing (9) is attached to a monitor (14). [12] Device (25) according to claim 11, characterized by , that the cable housing (9) is attached to a VESA mounting area (23) of the monitor (14) via a VESA adapter plate (15), wherein the cable housing (9) and the mini-PC (2) are attached to the VESA adapter plate (15) adjacent to or spaced apart from the VESA mounting area (23).

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