Construction unit, receiving device for a construction unit and computer equipment as well as methods for operating the same

Abstract

The invention relates to a component for receiving a plurality of expansion cards, wherein a respective carrier device is provided for holding each of the expansion cards. The invention also relates to a receiving device for at least one component, wherein the receiving device has at least one receiving opening for the at least one component, and wherein the receiving device has at least one ejection device for the at least one component, the ejection device comprising a linear motor to which a plunger is attached, which ejects the component by moving the plunger from a first stroke position of the linear motor, which corresponds to contact of the plunger with the component, to a second stroke position of the linear motor, which corresponds to an ejection position of the component.The invention also relates to a computer device with such a component and such a receiving device. The invention also relates to a method for two-factor authentication of a read / write access to a RAID system. Likewise, the invention relates to a method for implementing the ability to insert an NVMe SSD module while the system is running, comprising: (a) detecting an inserted NVMe SSD module by a voltage applied to a ground pin thereof; (b) switching on the supply voltage and applying it to the supply voltage pin of the NVMe SSD module after a first predetermined time period following step (a); and (c) driving the PERST pin of the NVMe SSD module with a reset signal after a second predetermined time period following step (b).

Description

[0001] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a component. According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a receiving device for such a component. According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to a computer device. According to a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a method for two-factor authentication of a read / write access to a RAID system. According to a fifth aspect, the present invention relates to a method for implementing the capability of hot-plugging an NVMe SSD module.

[0002] Storage devices are known in the prior art. For storing backup copies or for long-term data storage, a hard disk storage array, for example in the form of a RAID system, is advantageously used.

[0003] A RAID system is used to organize multiple physical storage devices (usually hard disk drives or SSDs, see below) into a single logical drive, allowing for higher reliability or greater data throughput than a single physical storage medium. While most computer techniques and applications aim to avoid redundancy (in the form of multiple copies of the same data), RAID systems intentionally create redundant information so that if individual storage devices fail, the RAID system as a whole retains its integrity and functionality. After replacing the failed component, a recovery routine can restore the original state. In a RAID system, a file is encoded and stored across multiple storage devices. This involves, in particular, cold storage, meaning data is stored without power.The integrity of the stored data is checked only at specific intervals. If errors occur, they are repaired. A defective storage medium can be easily replaced, as the system recognizes the defective medium as such upon insertion and repairs it.

[0004] For data storage, hard drives are increasingly being replaced by semiconductor memory modules, so-called SSDs. An SSD, also less commonly called a solid-state drive or solid-state storage device, is a non-volatile data storage device used in computer technology. Because SSDs have largely replaced traditional hard drives in PCs, they are sometimes also referred to as SSD "hard drives." Their physical form factor and electrical connections can conform to the standards for drives with magnetic or optical storage media, but this is not mandatory. They can, for example, also be implemented as PCIe expansion cards.

[0005] NVM Express (NVMe for short) is a software protocol released in 2011 for connecting SSDs via the PCI Express physical interface without requiring manufacturer-specific drivers. NVMe is designed to increase speed, particularly during parallel access, which is common in multithreaded applications, by reducing latency and the amount of management data required by commands. Beyond its application in expansion slots, PCIe protocols now form the basis for numerous other interfaces, such as M.2.

[0006] M.2 is a specification for internal computer expansion cards and corresponding ports. Due to its smaller and more flexible dimensions, combined with enhanced functionality, M.2 is better suited for connecting SSDs – especially in compact devices like ultrabooks or tablets. The M.2 standard specifically supports the PCI Express bus system.

[0007] The transition from hard drives to SSDs has therefore created a great need for solutions on how such storage systems with SSDs can be implemented in terms of construction, i.e., especially in terms of mechanical and electrical aspects.

[0008] The invention is therefore based on the objective of avoiding the disadvantages of the prior art, and in particular of the type mentioned at the outset, in such a way as to enable secure, space-saving and user-friendly storage of data.

[0009] The problem underlying the invention is solved according to the first aspect of the present invention by a building unit for receiving and connecting a plurality of expansion cards, wherein a respective carrier device is provided for holding each of the expansion cards.

[0010] It is preferred that the carrier device is designed as a light guide. It should be noted that the carrier device is generally inserted from the front into electronics located at the rear. LEDs, for example, can therefore be easily connected at the rear, while there is no space available at the front for displays or similar components. The invention thus makes it possible to transmit light signals from back to front, so to speak. The carrier device is made of a transparent, in particular colorless, plastic. Preferably, the assembly includes a separate LED for each of the multiple expansion cards, with the LED preferably serving to indicate the operating status of the expansion card.

[0011] Preferably, one end of the carrier device is positioned adjacent to the LED when the expansion card is inserted. This is generally an end opposite a handle.

[0012] Furthermore, it is preferred that, for coupling the light from the LED into the carrier, the carrier is provided with a chamfered surface on a region of one side facing away from the LED, and that, for coupling the light from the LED into the carrier, the carrier is provided with a flat surface on a region of the side facing the LED, which is arranged perpendicular to the LED. The chamfered surface, which is preferably chamfered downwards outwards, is formed at an angle of approximately 45 degrees to the flat surface. To achieve better coupling of the light into the carrier, suitable optics, e.g., in the form of a converging lens, can also be provided between the LED and the carrier.

[0013] Preferably, during operation, light emitted by the LED enters the carrier device via its flat surface and is reflected at the beveled surface into the carrier device, preferably along a longitudinal direction. Due to the use of total internal reflection, no mirror is required in this embodiment.

[0014] From a structural point of view, it is preferred that the support structure has one or more of the following features: - a handrail; - a basic body designed as a frame; - Material recesses for electronic components arranged on the expansion card; - a first pair of guide rails for inserting the extension card, wherein the guide rails of the first pair of guide rails are preferably arranged on two longitudinal sides of the carrier device; - a first pair of guide rails for inserting the expansion card, wherein the guide rails of the first pair of guide rails have a different cross-sectional profile; - a first pair of guide rails for inserting the extension card, wherein both guide rails of the first pair of guide rails have at one end a flattened, i.e., in particular, a cross-sectional profile reduced in height by half, with the end preferably being opposite the handle; and - a stop up to which the expansion card can be inserted into the first guide rails.

[0015] Furthermore, it is preferred that the assembly unit has one or more of the following: - a substantially cuboid-shaped housing; - a plurality of second pairs of guide rails for the respective insertion of the plurality of support devices, wherein a number of the plurality of second pairs of guide rails corresponds to a number of the plurality of support devices; - a plurality of second pairs of guide rails for the respective insertion of the plurality of support devices, wherein a cross-sectional profile of a second pair of guide rails is a counter-profiling corresponding to a cross-sectional profile of a first pair of guide rails; - a socket for connecting an expansion card; - two sockets for connecting a first and a second expansion card, wherein both sockets are arranged on a circuit board, one behind the other in an insertion direction, wherein the socket at the rear in the insertion direction is designed higher than the socket at the front in the insertion direction such that the expansion card can be inserted into the rear socket over the socket at the front in the insertion direction; - a control device, in particular for switching the power supply to the expansion card on and off, wherein preferably the control device checks the authentication of a user for correctness, and if authentication is successful switches on the power supply to the expansion card; - an LED to indicate the operating status of the expansion card; - a removable front panel with ventilation slots, wherein preferably the front panel has a rounded area on its inside, with which the flow cross-section for air flowing into the assembly is gradually reduced; - a back panel with ventilation slots; - a material recess formed on the underside of the assembly, which is intended for locking the assembly, and - an NFC tag with which information about the component (1) can be read, preferably in a power-off state of the component (1), wherein the component (1) preferably has a control device for writing to the NFC tag.

[0016] Advantageously, the assembly comprises two types of support devices, one type being shorter than the other. Furthermore, a handle can be provided on one narrow side of each support device, with the handle of the first type being located at one end of the narrow side and the handle of the second type being located at the opposite end. Additionally, the cross-sectional profile of the guide rails of the first pair of guide rails of the first type can differ from that of the first pair of guide rails of the second type.

[0017] Preferably, the assembly unit has at least one shaft in which the second pairs of guide rails are arranged one above the other in a vertical direction.

[0018] Furthermore, it is preferred that the assembly has two sockets for connecting or inserting a first and a second expansion card, wherein both sockets are arranged on one side of a circuit board, one behind the other in an insertion direction, wherein the socket at the rear in the insertion direction is designed higher than the socket at the front in the insertion direction such that it is possible to insert the expansion card into the rear socket over the socket at the front in the insertion direction.

[0019] According to a particularly compact structural variant of the invention, the assembly has two further sockets for connecting or inserting a third and fourth expansion card, wherein the two further sockets are arranged on one side of the circuit board opposite the side being inserted, one behind the other in the insertion direction, wherein the socket at the rear of the two further sockets in the insertion direction is designed higher than the socket at the front of the two further sockets in the insertion direction such that it is possible to insert the expansion card into the rear socket over the socket at the front in the insertion direction.

[0020] Preferably, the sockets and the two additional sockets on the circuit board are arranged opposite each other. This not only results in a compact arrangement but also allows the cooling airflow to flow around the sockets with minimal obstruction and without significant turbulence. It is also preferred that the circuit board is positioned centrally at approximately half the height of the shaft and behind the shaft in the insertion direction.

[0021] It is further preferred that the two sockets and the two additional sockets are arranged on the circuit board such that the two sockets and the two additional sockets are arranged centrally behind the shaft in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0022] Preferably, the two sockets and the two additional sockets are arranged on the circuit board in such a way that the four expansion cards to be inserted into the two sockets and the two additional sockets are equidistant from each other at a predetermined distance when inserted.

[0023] Advantageously, one of the four expansion cards is positioned at the top of the building unit and one of the four expansion cards is positioned at the bottom of the building unit by the predetermined distance.

[0024] Preferably, the expansion cards are designed according to the M.2 standard. Advantageously, the expansion cards communicate via the PCIe protocol. For the preferred application of the present invention in connection with data storage, it is preferred that the expansion cards are NVMe SSD modules (10).

[0025] The problem underlying the invention is solved according to the second aspect of the present invention by a receiving device for at least one component, wherein the receiving device has at least one receiving opening for the at least one component, and wherein the receiving device has at least one ejection device for the at least one component, the ejection device comprising a linear motor to which a plunger is attached, which ejects the component by moving the plunger from a first stroke position of the linear motor, which corresponds to contact of the plunger with the component, to a second stroke position of the linear motor, which corresponds to an ejection position of the component. The invention therefore implements an ejection functionality that is actually only possible with tape drives.

[0026] Preferably, in the second stroke position, the piston acts as a locking device for the assembly.

[0027] Furthermore, it is preferred that the receiving device also has a locking rod, wherein the linear motor is connected to the locking rod via a gear unit, wherein the gear unit is designed such that by a forward movement of the linear motor or the plunger the locking rod is rotated by about 90 degrees about its central axis, and wherein by a reverse movement of the linear motor or the plunger the locking rod is rotated back by about 90 degrees about its central axis.

[0028] Advantageously, the locking rod rotates within a stroke range of the linear motor that lies between the motor's stroke position when the plunger is retracted and its first stroke position. Therefore, the lock is already open when the assembly is extended or ejected. Conversely, the assembly is automatically locked when the plunger is retracted or extended.

[0029] In a further embodiment of the present invention, it is preferred that the receiving device also has a key which can be attached to the locking rod and with which the locking rod can be manually turned to unlock it.

[0030] Preferably, the locking rod has a latch which engages in a corresponding recess of the assembly to lock the assembly in the receiving device, and the latch unlocks the assembly by rotating the locking rod during the forward movement of the linear motor by about 90 degrees and locks it by rotating the locking rod during the return movement of the linear motor by about 90 degrees.

[0031] Preferably, the bolt is arranged on an outer circumference of the locking bar and preferably projects substantially perpendicularly from it.

[0032] In terms of design, it is preferred that the gear unit has a bridge for transmitting the linear motion from the punch to the locking rod, wherein the gear unit further has a torsion spring, e.g. a leg spring, wherein a circumferentially arranged groove is formed on the locking rod in which a guide pin is guided, wherein the guide pin is biased against a wall of the groove by the torsion spring, and wherein the groove has a substantially straight section and a substantially helical section.

[0033] Preferably, the guide pin is guided in the helical section in a first stroke range of the linear motor, which lies between a stroke position of the linear motor with the piston retracted and the first stroke position, and in the straight section in a second stroke range of the linear motor, which lies between the first and second stroke positions.

[0034] Furthermore, it is preferred that the recording device has at least one fan at one end of the recording device opposite the at least one recording opening.

[0035] The problem underlying the invention is solved according to the third aspect of the present invention by a computer device with at least one receiving device and at least one component unit, wherein at least one component unit is a storage array module, such as a RAID module, and wherein the computer device has a control device for the at least one storage array module.

[0036] The problem underlying the invention is solved according to the fourth aspect of the present invention by a method for 2-factor authentication of a write / read access to a RAID system, wherein the first factor is the authorization to write / read and the second factor is the authorization to switch on a power supply for the memory modules.

[0037] The problem underlying the invention is solved according to the fifth aspect of the present invention by a method for realizing the capability of inserting an NVMe SSD module during operation, wherein the method comprises the following steps: (a) Detecting an installed NVMe SSD module by a voltage applied to one of its ground pins; (b) Switching on the supply voltage and applying it to the supply voltage pin of the NVMe SSD module after a first predetermined time period after step (a); and (c) Controlling the PERST pin of the NVMe SSD module with a reset signal after a second predetermined time period after step (b).

[0038] Preferably, when inserting an NVMe SSD module, a ground pin of the NVMe SSD module is not connected to a ground connection of the assembly. A ground connection of the NVMe SSD module is therefore used as a presence sensor for the NVMe SSD module.

[0039] Further preferred embodiments of all aspects of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.

[0040] The invention, as well as further features, objectives, advantages, and possible applications thereof, are / are explained in more detail below with reference to a description of preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same or corresponding elements. All features described and / or illustrated, individually or in any meaningful combination, constitute the subject matter of the present invention, irrespective of their inclusion in the claims or their cross-references. The drawings show: Fig. 1A a perspective view of a partially assembled assembly according to the present invention, wherein the front panel has been removed and seven carrier devices have been inserted, one carrier device has been partially and one carrier device has been completely removed; Fig. 1B an enlarged view of a part of the [unclear] indicated by a dashed circle line. Fig. 1A; Fig. 2A to 2F different views of a component according to the present invention, wherein Fig. 2A a perspective view, Fig. 2B a view from above, Fig. 2C a view from below, Fig. 2D side view, Fig. 2E a front view and Fig. 2F shows a rear view; Fig. 3A to 3D different views of a first type or variant of a carrier device according to the present invention with an inserted extension card, wherein Fig. 3A a perspective view, Fig. 3B a view from above, Fig. 3C a front view and Fig. 3D shows a side view; Fig. 4A to 4D different views of the first type or variant of a carrier device according to the present invention without an inserted extension card, wherein Fig. 4A a perspective view, Fig. 4B a view from above, Fig. 4C a front view and Fig. 4D shows a side view; Fig. 5A to 5D different views of a second type or variant of a carrier device according to the present invention with an inserted extension card, wherein Fig. 5A a perspective view, Fig. 5B a view from above, Fig. 5C a front view and Fig. 5D shows a side view; Fig. Figures 6A to 6D show different views of the second type or variant of a carrier device according to the present invention without an inserted extension card, wherein Fig. 6A a perspective view, Fig. 6B a view from above, Fig. 6C a front view and Fig. 6D shows a side view; Fig. 7 a partially broken-off representation of a rear part of the interior of the assembly unit according to the present invention, which shows four support devices in the plugged-in state; Fig. 8 a view essentially according to Fig. 7, where the airflow intended for cooling is shown schematically; Fig. 9 a partially broken-off representation of a front part of the interior of the assembly unit according to the present invention, which shows four support devices in the plugged-in state; Fig. 10A a highly schematic block diagram of the microcontroller of the assembly to explain the plug-in during operation (“hot-add”); Fig. 10B is a highly schematic diagram showing different signal waveforms when plugging in during operation; Fig. 11A to 11D perspective views of a receiving device according to the invention for up to two units of the present invention, wherein Fig. 11A a state with two installed components, Fig. 11B a state with only one installed component unit, Fig. 11C a state corresponding Fig. 11B with the bus board or back-wiring unit removed and Fig. 11D shows a state with an inserted but ejected component; Fig. Figures 12A to 12C are perspective views of an ejection mechanism for a component according to the invention, wherein Fig. 12A the ejection mechanism in a retracted state, Fig. 12B the ejection mechanism in a partially extended state and Fig. 12C in a fully extended state; Fig. 13A to 13E various schematic views, which illustrate the ejection mechanism according to the Fig. 12A to 12C in different operating positions; Fig. 14A and Fig. 14B in a partially broken-off perspective view from below, a locking of the inventive assembly in the receiving device by means of the ejection mechanism according to the Fig. 12A to 12C, where Fig. 14A the locked and Fig. 14B shows the unlocked state; Fig. 15A and Fig. 15B, in a partially broken perspective view from above, the ejection mechanism according to the Fig. 12A to 12C in more detail, wherein Fig. 15A the locked and Fig. 15B shows the unlocked state; Fig. 16A and Fig. 16B Views substantially in accordance with Fig. 15A and 15B, where for better understanding a front part of the locking mechanism has been cut away; and Fig. 17 a perspective view of a control device according to the present invention with four receiving devices according to the invention, in each of which two components according to the invention are inserted.

[0041] In the present description, the terms "front", "back", "left" and "right", "horizontal" and "vertical", as well as corresponding terms such as front, back, etc., are understood with reference to the intended assembled state of the device according to the invention as seen by a user who looks at the device according to the invention from the front.

[0042] Based on the Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B and the Fig. Sections 2A to 2E below describe the component 1 according to the invention in more detail. The component 1 is a, preferably replaceable, part of a computer, i.e., a computer module, which serves to accommodate expansion cards for the computer. In principle, the expansion cards can be of any type and include, in particular, those that can be connected using the PCIe standard. The expansion cards preferably conform to the M.2 standard and can, for example, be graphics cards to increase the computing power of a computer. In the present preferred embodiment, the expansion cards are storage modules, preferably NVMe SSD modules. The component therefore represents, in the preferred embodiment, a replaceable storage medium, i.e., a replaceable drive. Its primary purpose is the secure backup or long-term storage of large amounts of data.The memory modules of assembly unit 1 represent a storage array similar to a RAID system.

[0043] In the Fig. Figure 1A shows the assembly 1 according to the invention in a partially opened state. The assembly 1 has a front panel 2, which can be removed with a special tool (not shown). The assembly 1 also has a housing 3, which is preferably made of aluminum. The housing 3 is essentially in the shape of a flattened cuboid with a substantially hollow interior. A rear panel 5 is provided at the rear end of the housing, which, unlike the front panel, is primarily recessed into the housing 3. In its front region, the housing 3 has three compartments 11, 12, and 13. The compartments 11, 12, and 13 project slightly beyond the center of the housing 3 into the assembly 1 and are separated from each other by left and right partitions 14 and 15, respectively. The rear, completely hollow (i.e.,(Without the partitions 14 and 15) in the area of ​​the housing 3, electronic circuits are arranged, which will be discussed in more detail below. The three shafts 11, 12, and 13 are essentially identical and, in the exemplary embodiment, each have four pairs of left and right guide rails arranged one above the other. Since the shafts 11, 12, and 13 are essentially identical, only the middle shaft 12 will be described in more detail below; a corresponding description then also applies to the left and right shafts 11 and 13, respectively. Fig. In the middle shaft, the pairs of guide rails labelled 12a, 12b, 12c and 12d from top to bottom are clearly visible (see also [reference]). Fig. 1B). The left guide rail of the uppermost, first pair of guide rails 12a is labelled 12a'. The right guide rail of the uppermost, first pair of guide rails 12a is labelled 12a''. The left guide rail of the immediately below, second pair of guide rails 12b is labelled 12b'. The right guide rail of the second pair of guide rails 12b is labelled 12b''. The left guide rail of the immediately below, third pair of guide rails 12c is labelled 12c'. The right guide rail of the third pair of guide rails 12c is labelled 12c''. The left guide rail of the lowermost, fourth pair of guide rails 12d is labelled 12d'. The right guide rail of the fourth pair of guide rails 12d is labelled 12d''.The pairs of guide rails 12a, 12b, 12c and 12d each serve to accommodate carrier devices for expansion cards, which in this embodiment are NVMe SSD modules 10. There are two types of carrier devices, which are described in more detail below with reference to the... Fig. 3A to 3D and 4A to 4D respectively. Fig. 5A to 5D and 6A to 6D will be described in more detail. Fig. Figure 1 shows that the uppermost pair of guide rails 12a is intended for inserting or inserting a support device 21 of the first type. The pair of guide rails 12b below is intended for inserting a support device 22 of the second type. Fig. Figure 1 shows the support device 22 in the extended position. The third pair of guide rails 12c is also provided for inserting a support device 22 of the second type, but the support device 22 is inserted upside down (rotated 180 degrees about the longitudinal axis of the support device 22), i.e., the support device 22 is inserted with the NVMe SSD module 10 facing downwards, while a handle 22a of the support device 22 remains at the front. The fourth pair of guide rails 12d is provided for inserting a support device 21 of the first type, but the support device 21 is also inserted upside down (rotated 180 degrees about the longitudinal axis of the support device 21), i.e., the support device 21 is inserted with the NVMe SSD module 10 facing downwards, while a handle 21a of the support device 21 remains at the front. In the Fig. In the middle shaft 12, the support device 21 inserted in the fourth pair 12d of guide rails is clearly visible. It can be seen in the Fig. It is advantageous (see, for example, the left shaft 11) that the chosen arrangement ensures that the handles of the support devices 21 and 22 are alternately offset from top to bottom, thus making them easily accessible to the user. As will be explained in more detail below, the respective cross-sectional profile of the left and right guide rails of the pairs 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d of guide rails represents a counter-profiling that matches the cross-sectional profile of the support devices 21 and 22. This corresponding design of the profiling / counter-profiling prevents the support devices 21 and 22 from being inserted incorrectly into the housing 3. More precisely, it fundamentally prevents both incorrect orientation of a given support device 21 or 22, as well as swapping or incorrectly inserting the support devices 21 and 22.In particular, incorrect insertion of a carrier device 21 into 12b or 12c and incorrect insertion of a carrier device 22 into 12a or 12d is excluded.

[0044] Further details of the assembly 1 according to the invention can be seen in the various views of the Fig. 2A to 2E can be removed. The front panel 2 (see below) Fig. 2E) has a multitude of essentially horizontal longitudinal slots 6 through which ambient air can be drawn in to cool the NVMe SSD modules 10 and the electronic components housed in the assembly 1. Furthermore, the front panel 2 has a multitude of openings 7 through which a special tool (not shown) can be inserted to release a locking mechanism of the front panel 2 in the housing 3, allowing the front panel 2 to be removed. The rear panel 5 also has essentially horizontal longitudinal slots 8 for ventilation. The air drawn in through the ventilation slots 6 flows out of the housing 3 through the ventilation slots 8. The rear panel 5 also has openings 9 through which contacts (not shown) of the assembly 1 pass, allowing the assembly 1 to be electrically connected when it is inserted.Accordingly, these contacts are interrupted by pushing out component 1, which will be explained in more detail below. View from below according to... Fig. Figure 2C shows that a recess or notch 4 is formed in the front area on the underside of the housing 3, which serves to lock or secure the component 1 in a receiving device to be described below. The recess 4 is inclined to a longitudinal direction of the component 3.

[0045] Based on the Fig. 3A to 3D (with NVMe SSD module 10 installed) and Fig. Sections 4A to 4D (without the NVMe SSD module 10) now describe in more detail a carrier device 21 of the first type according to the invention. The carrier device 21 is preferably made of plastic. Furthermore, the carrier device 21 is preferably transparent, and in particular colorless. The carrier device 21 serves as a light guide, as will be explained in more detail below. The carrier device 21 essentially has the form of a rectangular frame and features a handle 21a, which is located at the front left. An NVMe SSD module 10 is inserted into the inner slots of the left and right guide rails 21c and 21d, respectively, via a rear end of the carrier device 21, up to the stop 21b on the top side of the carrier device 21, against cams 21k, 211, 21m, and 21n. The connectors or contacts 10a of the NVMe SSD module 10 protrude beyond the carrier device 21 at the rear end of the same.The 10a connectors of the NVMe SSD module 10 are designed according to the M.2 standard. In particular, the... Fig. Figure 3C shows the different cross-sectional profiles of the left and right guide rails 21c and 21d, respectively. The right guide rail 21d has a rectangular cross-section, with the long side of the rectangular profile running from top to bottom. In contrast to the right guide rail 21d, the upper edge of the rectangle on the left guide rail 21c is chamfered, specifically outwards and downwards. A comparison of the Fig. 1A and Fig. 3C, that the support device 21 of the first type can be easily and securely inserted into the first pair of guide rails 12a with the correct orientation. The inner cross-sectional profile of the left guide rail 12a' is a counter-profiling that fits flush with the outer cross-sectional profile of the left guide rail 21c of the support device 21. Furthermore, the inner cross-sectional profile of the right guide rail 12a'' is a counter-profiling that fits flush with the outer cross-sectional profile of the right guide rail 21d of the support device 21. Furthermore, a summary of the Fig. 1A and Fig. 3C, that the support device 21 of the first type can be easily and securely inserted into the fourth pair of guide rails 12d with the correct orientation, i.e., reversed compared to the first pair of guide rails 12a, i.e., the support device is rotated 180 degrees about its longitudinal axis. The inner cross-sectional profile of the left guide rail 12d' is a counter-profile that fits flush with the outer cross-sectional profile of the right guide rail 21d of the support device 21, rotated 180 degrees. Furthermore, the inner cross-sectional profile of the right guide rail 12d'' is a counter-profile that fits flush with the outer cross-sectional profile of the left guide rail 21c of the support device 21, rotated 180 degrees. At their rear ends, the guide rails 21c and 21d have a flattened area 21e and 21f, respectively. In areas 21e and 21, the height of the guide rails 21c and 21d is reduced by approximately half (see figure).in particular . Fig. 3D). While the profiling is lost in this area, it offers additional advantages regarding the flow pattern of the cooling airflow, which will be discussed further below in connection with Fig. 8 will be explained in more detail. At their outermost ends, the guide rails 21c and 21d have a chamfered surface 21g and 21h, respectively. The surfaces 21g and 21h are chamfered downwards and backwards at an angle of approximately 45 degrees (see Figure 8). Fig. 3D).

[0046] In the Fig. 5A to 5D (with NVMe SSD module 10 installed) and Fig. 6A to 6D (without NVMe SSD module 10) is a carrier device 22 of the second type according to the invention, further detailed as described above. Fig. 3A to 3D and Fig. Figures 4A to 4D are shown. The carrier devices 22 of the second type are generally similar to, or corresponding to, the carrier devices 21 of the first type. To avoid repetition, only the differences between the carrier devices 21 and 22 will be discussed below. The carrier device 22 is shorter than the carrier device 21, which is related to the arrangement of the plug contacts or sockets for the NVMe SSD module 10, as will be discussed in more detail below. The handle 22a of the carrier device 22 is located at the front left. While the cross-sectional profile of the guide rail 22d is identical to that of the guide rail 21d, the cross-sectional profile of the guide rail 22c differs from that of the guide rail 21c.More precisely, the cross-sectional profile of the guide rail 22c is chamfered inwards and downwards at the upper end.

[0047] Based on the partially lost views of the Fig. 7, Fig. 8 and Fig. 9. Further details of the assembly 1 according to the invention are explained in more detail below. In the Fig. 7, Fig. 8 and Fig. Figure 9 shows that the support facilities are used in the sequence 21, 22, 22, 21 (from top to bottom or vice versa).

[0048] The rear end of the assembly is described in further detail in the Fig. 7 and Fig. Figure 8 shows that in the rear area of ​​the housing 3, where no partitions 14, 15 are present, a circuit board 30 is arranged horizontally in the housing 3, centered both vertically and horizontally. This can be seen in the Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, so to speak, the area behind shaft 13 (cf. Fig. 1A). The circuit board 30 is attached to the rear plate 5 and can be removed from the housing 3 along with it. A first front socket 32 ​​and a second rear socket 31 are arranged on the top side of the circuit board 30. The plug contacts of sockets 31 and 32 point towards the carrier devices 21, 22, 22, 21 when inserted. However, sockets 31 and 32 are designed differently. More precisely, the plug contacts of socket 31 are arranged above socket 32, so that the NVMe SSD module 10 inserted in the carrier device 21 can be inserted into the plug contacts of socket 31 over socket 31. The rear socket 31 therefore has a socket, so to speak, compared to socket 32, and the plug contacts of socket 31 are raised. The carrier devices 21 are longer than the carrier devices 22, corresponding to the longer insertion distance into socket 31.In addition to sockets 31 and 32, LEDs 41 and 42 are arranged, which can be controlled, for example, to indicate the operating status of the NVMe SSD module 10. LEDs 41 and 42 are individually addressable RGB LEDs and light up, for example, green if the operating status is "OK". LEDs 41 and 42 light up, for example, red if the operating status is "not OK". LEDs 41 and 42 are not visible from the front of the housing 3, even with the front panel 2 removed. Therefore, the carrier elements 21, 22 are designed as light guides, as described above. The outermost end 21h of the guide rail 21 lies vertically above the LED with a flat surface 21i. The light from LED 41 is therefore coupled into the carrier element 21 via the flat lower surface 21i of the guide rail 21d.The beveled surface 21h directly above it acts as a mirror, directing or reflecting the coupled light forward along the carrier 21, i.e., towards the handle 21a, by total internal reflection. The light from the LED 41, i.e., preferably the operating state, is therefore visible at the front, i.e., particularly at the handle 21a. A user can thus immediately identify and replace a defective NVMe SSD module 10. Corresponding to the LED 41, an LED 42 is provided, which couples light into the carrier 22 in the same manner as described above. Since the distance between the LED 41 and the carrier 21 is greater than the distance between the LED 42 and the carrier 22, the light is visible immediately in front of or...Above the light-emitting diode 41 (unlike the light-emitting diode 42) an optical device, preferably in the form of a converging lens, is provided to prevent excessive diverging of the light emitted by the light-emitting diode 41 before it enters the carrier device 21. Fig. Figure 7 clearly shows that below circuit board 30, and mirrored to it, two further sockets 61 and 62 (corresponding to sockets 31 and 32, respectively) and two further LEDs 81 and 82 (corresponding to LEDs 41 and 42, respectively) are provided. Similarly, further sockets and LEDs (not shown) are also provided on the circuit board behind the two further slots 11 and 12.

[0049] The in Fig. The arrangement of the plug contacts for the NVMe SSD module 10 shown in Figure 7 is not only preferred for structural reasons to increase the compactness of the assembly 1, but also enables particularly efficient cooling by means of air drawn in through the front panel 2, which is of particular importance in a compact arrangement.

[0050] The resulting airflow, which serves for cooling, is schematically represented by the in Fig. 8 (which are essentially the Fig. 7 corresponds) shown by the arrows. The bushings 31, 32, 61 and 62 essentially form a single obstacle around which the cooling air can flow, which is further improved by the flattened sections 21e and 21f of the support devices 21 (and correspondingly by the flattened sections 22e and 22f of the support devices 22).

[0051] The section shown in Fig. Figure 9, which shows the front end of the assembly 1, shows that the front panel 2 has a circumferential section 25 at its inner end, i.e., the end facing the housing 3. This section 25 has a rounded cross-section and a quarter-circle shape. Air drawn in through the ventilation slots 6 of the front panel 2 is guided into the housing 3 by this section 25 in such a way as to prevent turbulence and flow separation, thus optimizing the cooling effect of the airflow. The larger flow cross-section of the front panel 2 is gradually reduced to the smaller flow cross-section of the housing 3 by the section 25, further improving cooling.

[0052] With reference to the Fig. 10A and Fig. Section 10B below explains in more detail the implementation of hot-plugging for the NVMe SSD module 10. Unlike PCIe, the NVMe SSD module 10 does not inherently possess hot-plug capability. According to the prior art, this can only be achieved through leading contacts, which are not present in the NVMe SSD module 10. The invention addresses this by providing a control unit, preferably configured as a microprocessor 90 (see Section 10B). Fig. 10A), remedy. The microprocessor 90 is located on the circuit board 30 in the assembly 1. The microprocessor 90 can switch on the supply voltage VCC via a switch 91. When the NVMe SSD module 10 is not inserted, the switch is open, i.e., the supply voltage VCC is not applied to the corresponding pin or contact of the NVMe SSD module 10. As soon as the NVMe SSD module 10 is inserted, the microprocessor 90 detects that the voltage at one of the ground connections is changing (time t1 in Fig. 10B) and can therefore detect the presence of the NVMe SSD module 10 (signal: SIGNAL1, see the upper part of the Fig. 10B). Therefore, the ground connection GND of the NVMe SSD module 10 is not connected to ground when plugged in, but is used to detect the presence of the NVMe SSD module 10. After a predetermined time period (t2-t1, see the middle part of the Fig. 10B) of approximately 100 ms, the microprocessor 90 switches on the supply voltage and this is applied to the corresponding VCC pin of the NVMe SSD module 10 (time t2 in Fig. 10B). After a further predetermined time period of approximately 100 ms (t3-t2, see the lower part of the Fig. 10B) The microprocessor 90 first sends a reset signal SIGNAL2 to the corresponding PERST pin of the memory module 10, i.e., before any communication, in order to reset the communication before initiating a new communication. The microprocessor 90 also controls and can write to an NFC tag (not shown) so that it can be read contactlessly by an NFC-enabled device, such as a user's smartphone, particularly when the assembly is removed from its housing, i.e., when it is powered off.

[0053] The information readable via NFC includes, in particular, the name of the component, the fill level, and / or information about the presence or absence of defects. The microprocessor 90 also controls encrypted access to the switching on of the supply voltage VCC, thus enabling two-factor authentication, since an access key is also required for read / write access.

[0054] The Fig. Figures 11A to 11D show perspective views of a receiving device 100 according to the invention for up to two building units 1 of the present invention. Fig. 11A a state with two installed building units 1. Fig. Figure 11B shows a state with only one installed component 1. The component(s) 1 are inserted at the front of the receiving device 100. Fans 101, 102, 103, and 104 are arranged at the rear, which draw in ambient air for cooling through the front panels 2 and the rear panel 5 of the component(s) 1. Fig. 11C indicates a state accordingly Fig. 11B with the bus board or rewiring unit 110 removed. View of the Fig. From 11C, an ejection mechanism 120 and an associated electronic circuit 121 are removed, the ejection mechanism 120 being described in more detail below. Finally, it shows Fig. 11D a state with an inserted but ejected component 1 by the ejection mechanism 120.

[0055] Based on the Fig. In the following, an ejection device or ejection mechanism 120 is described for components 12A to 12C, 13A to 13E, 15A and 15B, as well as 16A and 16B. The ejection mechanism 120 primarily serves to mechanically eject a component 1, i.e., to push it out of the device a few millimeters or centimeters, preferably approximately 15 mm (see Figure 12A to 12C, 13A to 13E, 15A and 15B, and 16A and 16B). Fig. 11D), so that, in particular, there is no longer any electrical connection and the component 1 can be easily removed from the device. A need for such ejection of a component 1 may arise, for example, to protect the component 1 from a hacker attack, or to remove the component 1, for instance, if alternative storage, e.g., in a bank safe deposit box, or transport is necessary, or in the event of a defect or corruption of the component 1, which necessitates its replacement.

[0056] The preferred ejection mechanism 120 also features a locking function and a blocking function. In further detail, the ejection mechanism 120 includes an electric linear motor 122, which drives a plunger 124 in a forward and reverse direction via a gearbox 123. The plunger 124 presses against the rear of the back plate 5 of the assembly 1 if the assembly is to be ejected. The end position of the plunger 123 also serves as a blocking mechanism, since an assembly 1 can no longer be manually inserted by a user when the plunger 123 is extended in this manner. Only after the linear motor 122 has been appropriately activated and the plunger 124 has retracted can the assembly 1 be reinserted. Furthermore, the ejection mechanism 120 includes a locking rod 125.The locking rod 125 has a latch 126 at its end furthest from the linear motor, which, when the assembly 1 is properly flush-mounted, is located directly below the corresponding recess or notch 4 on the underside of the assembly 1. The locking rod 125 can be rotated by 90 degrees, with the two end positions of the rotation corresponding to a release position (see also ). Fig. 14B) or a locking position (see also Fig. 14B) for assembly unit 1. The rotation of the locking rod 125 is also generally effected by the linear motor 121, as explained in detail below; however, the locking mechanism can also be released by rotating the locking rod 125 with a special key (not shown). The special key has a hollow cylindrical section to be inserted over the locking rod 125. Furthermore, the special key has a correspondingly shaped extension to manually release the locking position of the bolt 126 by rotating the locking rod 125 by 90 degrees against the preload of a torsion spring 127.

[0057] The locking rod 125 is coupled to the linear movement of the punch 124 via a bridge 128, such that in the retracted operating state of the punch 124 the bolt 126 is in the locking position, i.e. erect (cf. Fig. 12A). When the plunger 124 is extended, the latch 126 is folded over by 90 degrees, i.e., the assembly unit 1 is unlocked (see ). Fig. 12B). When the plunger 124 is retracted, the latch 126 is again flipped by 90 degrees, i.e., the assembly 1 is locked (cf. Fig. 12A).

[0058] To implement a cam mechanism that generates the rotation of the locking rod 125 from the linear motion transmitted via the bridge 128, the locking rod has a cylindrical sleeve 129 fixed to it, in which a (guide) groove 130 is formed. A guide pin 230 moves in the groove 130 and is biased against a wall of the groove 130 by the torsion spring 127, which in this embodiment is designed as a leg spring. The groove 130 has a first section 131 that extends at 90 degrees in a helical direction. Furthermore, the groove has a second section 132 adjoining the first section 131, which is straight and runs in the longitudinal direction of the locking rod 125.The first, curved section 131 of the groove 130 is formed on the side of the sleeve 129 facing away from the bolt 126, and the second, straight section 132 of the groove 130 is formed on the side of the sleeve 129 facing the bolt 126. The locking rod 125, and thus the bolt 126, rotates during movement of the track pin 230 in the first section 131 of the groove 130. The locking rod 125, and thus the bolt 126, does not rotate during movement of the track pin 230 in the second section 132 of the groove 130.

[0059] For the sake of completeness, it should be noted that the cam mechanism actually has two grooves 130 and two guide pins 230, which are arranged symmetrically opposite each other in order to avoid lateral forces. This can be clearly seen in the sectional views of the Fig. 16A and Fig. Remove from page 16B.

[0060] In Fig. Figure 13A shows an operating position in which the piston 124 is fully retracted (stroke = 0 mm), i.e., the rear end position is shown. The bolt 126 is in the blocking position, i.e., raised by 90 degrees (see Figure 13A). Fig. 12A and Fig. 14A). In Fig. Figure 13B shows an operating position in which the plunger is barely extended (stroke = 1 mm). The bolt 126 remains locked but has already begun its 90-degree rotation, i.e., its unlocking. The guide pin 230 moves within the helically shaped section 131 of the groove 130. Fig. Figure 13C shows an operating position in which the ram is extended even further (stroke = 9 mm). The bolt 126 is now unlocked, i.e., rotated by 90 degrees (see also Fig. 12B and Fig. 14B). In Fig. Figure 13D shows an operating position in which the piston 124 is extended even further (stroke = 10 mm). The piston 124 is now extended just far enough to touch the component 1 in its inserted state and to push it out with further extension. The locking bar 126 remains unlocked, and the track pin 230 now moves in the straight section 132 of the groove 130. Fig. Figure 13E shows an operating position in which the plunger 124 is fully extended (stroke = 21 mm), i.e., the assembly 1 is ejected from the device (see the left half of the Fig. 11D). The locking bar 126 remains unlocked (see also Fig. 12 C). This operating position also represents a blocking position, i.e., a user cannot simply push such an ejected component 1 back into the device.

[0061] When the punch 124 is retracted, the reverse process takes place, i.e. immediately before the punch 124 is fully retracted, the bolt 126 is locked again.

[0062] In Fig.Figure 17 shows the complete device 1000, wherein the front part of the device 1000 contains four receiving units 100, each with two components 1 according to the invention. The rear part of the device houses a motherboard with a processor, which controls, in particular, the writing and reading of data, as well as data verification and recovery. Therefore, the device 1000 can also be referred to as a RAID control device or controller, which has eight replaceable RAID drives, each formed by 12 NVMe SSD modules 10. The receiving units 100 are connected to the motherboard of the device 1000 via PCIe connectors. The device 1000 is preferably a 19-inch module and is connected via a network to an operator terminal (not shown), through which a user can enter commands or transmit data.

[0063] The invention has been explained in more detail above with reference to preferred embodiments thereof. However, it is obvious to a person skilled in the art that various variations and modifications can be made without deviating from the underlying concept of the invention. Reference symbol list: 1 building unit 2 Front panel 3 cases 4 (Material) cutout 5 Backplate 6 longitudinal slots 7 openings 8 longitudinal slots 9 openings 10 NVMe SSD module 10a connections Shafts 11, 12, and 13 12a, 12b, 12c 12d Pair of guide rails 12a', 12b', 12c' 12d' left guide rail of the assembly unit 12a'', 12b'', 12c'' 12d'' right guide rail of the assembly unit 14, 15 partition walls 21 Carrier or holder of the first type 22 Carrier device or holder of the second type 21a Grab handle or handle 21b attack 21c left guide rail of the carrier device 21d right guide rail of the carrier device 21e, 21f flattened area 21g, 21h beveled surface 21i plane or flat surface 21k, 211, 21m, 21n cams 22a Handle or grab handle 22b stop 22c left guide rail of the carrier device 22d right guide rail of the carrier device 22e, 22f flattened area 22g, 22h beveled surface 22i plane or flat surface 22k, 221, 22m, 22n cams 25 Section or area 30 circuit boards 31, 32 sockets 41, 42 LEDs 61, 62 sockets 81, 82 LEDs 90 Microprocessor or control unit 91 switches 100 reception facility 101, 102, 103, 104 fans 110 Bus board or back-wiring unit 120 Ejection mechanism 121 Electronic circuit 122 Linear motor 123 gearboxes 124 stamps 125 locking bar 126 bars 127 Torsion spring 128 Bridge 129 Sleeve 130 Nut 131 first area or section 132 second area or section 230 track pins 1000 computer setup VCC supply voltage GND Ground (connection)

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