Network cabinet

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a computer bay.

[0002] More specifically, the invention relates to a computer rack comprising a conduit passage device to allow connection with another computer rack. Even more specifically, the invention relates to a computer rack comprising a conduit passage device to allow connection of equipment located in adjacent racks.

[0003] Computer racks, also known as server racks, are cabinets with two vertical side panels separating a front and a rear panel, allowing computer and / or telecommunications equipment to be stacked on top of each other. Server racks also include a top panel to protect the equipment from dust. These racks have been around for many years, and their dimensions are standardized. The international standards IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) 297-2 and -3, dating from 1982 and 1984 respectively, and the French standards NFC 20150 and 20151, dating from 1988, define standard dimensions for server racks. The width of the rack is standardized at 19 inches, or 482.6 mm. The height of a piece of equipment is generally a multiple of a unit, called a U, which is standardized at 1.75 inches, or 44.45 mm.

[0004] In an environment such as a network room, computing center, data processing center or supercomputer, for example, the racks are arranged next to each other to form rows, each row being separated from another by an aisle, so that the racks can be accessed from their front and rear facades.

[0005] The room housing the racks is constantly cooled to maintain a stable temperature of around 24°C, preventing the equipment from overheating due to the heat it dissipates. Cooling the equipment stacked in the racks is crucial to avoid overheating, which could lead to malfunctions or even irreparable damage. Therefore, proper airflow within each rack is essential to cool each piece of equipment. Various fresh air supply systems exist for this purpose. These systems utilize the building's air conditioning system and / or a refrigerated door located at the rear of the rack. Existing cooling systems vary in efficiency and cost.The choice of cooling system generally depends on the equipment density within the rack. Regardless of the cooling system, a cooling airflow must circulate throughout the entire rack to cool all the equipment and remove the hot air it dissipates. This hot air is then cooled by the building's existing air conditioning system and / or by an internal rack cooling system. The volume of airflow within the rack to cool the equipment is predetermined based on the rack's volume, i.e., its equipment density. A setpoint for this cooling air volume is therefore established. A control system then regulates the volume of cooling airflow within the rack according to this predetermined setpoint.

[0006] The equipment stacked in server racks is of various types. It can include servers, storage systems, network equipment, etc. This equipment is powered and connected to other equipment by cables.

[0007] THE Figures 1A et 1B represent respectively a perspective diagram of a bay 10 seen from its front facade 15 and from its rear facade 16. On the Figure 1A The bay 10, mounted on feet or casters 11, rests on a floor S and comprises two vertical side walls 12 separating the front facade 15 from the rear facade 16. A roof 13 protects the equipment E stacked in the bay 10 from dust. (See diagram of the...) Figure 1A A false floor P allows for the circulation of fresh air, represented by a white arrow on the Figure 1A , which rises towards the bay through a perforated slab 30. Hot air, represented by a grey arrow on the Figure 1A The heat dissipated by equipment E is vented, for example, through the rear facade 16 towards a false ceiling. More generally, the hot air is vented, via a perforated door or any other equivalent means, by extraction, for example using fans located at the equipment level. On the Figure 1B The same bay 10 is represented by its rear face 16. Cables C are connected to the bay's equipment; these cables are power supply cables, and other cables are signal transmission cables linking certain equipment in one or more bays together. All these cables C form one or more cable trays 35 that pass through the raised floor P via an opening 31. Generally, one cable tray is provided for supplying electrical power to the equipment, while one or more other cable trays are provided for data transmission. Depending on the computer room embodiment, some cable trays may pass through the raised floor and others through a suspended ceiling.

[0008] The space beneath the floor allows not only for the circulation of fresh air but also facilitates the routing of power and / or data cables through separate cable trays. Similarly, suspended ceilings allow for the extraction of hot air, for example, for recirculation by an air conditioning system, and also facilitate the routing of power and / or data cables through separate cable trays. Consequently, all the cabling connecting the equipment in the server racks runs through a raised floor and / or a suspended ceiling. Document ES 2 296 505 describes the possibility of integrating several junction boxes into a single hole in a raised floor. The junction boxes are securely fixed to the floor, taking up less floor space than if each box were placed in a separate hole, and thus providing more available connections for a greater number of computers.Such junction boxes, which increase the available connectivity, therefore contribute to the densification of cable trays located in raised floors.

[0009] These specific areas located in suspended ceilings and / or raised floors are therefore particularly dense with cables. This cable density in these areas, which are also designed to allow air circulation, can be detrimental to proper airflow. Furthermore, whenever equipment or even an additional rack is added, the equipment(s) must be connected, and additional cables must be added to the existing, already dense cable trays. This work is lengthy and delicate, and it is not always easy to insert an additional cable to connect equipment A in one rack to equipment B in a neighboring rack, for example. In such cases, the technician performing the connections will often try to force the cable into the cable tray, for instance, by pulling on it. Such forceful insertion can damage the cable.Furthermore, this cabling solution, illustrated by the cable referenced 32 in dotted lines on the diagram of the . Figure 2 is not economical. Indeed, the cable length must take into account the "descent to the raised floor P" or the "ascent" to the suspended ceiling, from an originating device A, and conversely to the destination device B. Therefore, to connect two devices A and B located on two adjacent computer racks 10, 20, the cable length 32 is equal to the sum of the distance from the originating device A to the upper or lower exit of the rack 10 in which it is installed, the distance through the raised floor P or through the suspended ceiling between the two racks 10 and 20, and finally the distance to descend or ascend to the destination device B installed in the neighboring rack 20.

[0010] Besides the difficulty of adding cables to already dense cabling systems, such cabling remains very expensive due to the cable lengths required to connect two devices. Furthermore, such cable lengths also introduce signal attenuation, which can be detrimental to the proper functioning of the equipment. To compensate for signal attenuation, large-gauge cables are generally used, making them even more expensive. Moreover, sometimes long, dedicated connection cables simply don't exist. For example, to connect two network switches, they must both be located in the same server rack, as there isn't enough cable available to connect them when they are in adjacent racks.Having multiple network switches in the same server rack necessitates connecting each switch to equipment in a different rack using a long, and therefore very expensive, cable. It would thus be more economically and technically advantageous to have network switches distributed across multiple server racks.

[0011] The invention therefore aims to remedy at least one of the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0012] The invention aims in particular to provide a complementary means for connecting remote equipment, mounted on neighboring computer racks, which allows for substantial savings in terms of production costs, and which does not disrupt the proper functioning of the equipment or the circulation of cooling air.

[0013] Another objective of the invention is to provide a method for connecting remote equipment that is quick and easy to implement, without risk of damage to the connecting cable, and without risk to the operation of the equipment.

[0014] For this purpose, the invention relates to a computer bay according to claim 1.

[0015] Thus, the Plaintiff disregarded all preconceived notions by making at least one opening in the side walls of a rack to allow for the passage of conduits or connecting cables. Until now, it was inconceivable to make such openings in the body of a server rack. Indeed, it has been accepted since the invention of server racks that making openings in their side walls results in an exchange of airflow between adjacent racks. Such an exchange therefore generates a loss of cooling air. However, cooling airflows are calculated for the volume of each rack, based on its occupancy level. If airflows pass from one rack to another, or from a rack to the room, there is a risk that fresh air will never reach certain equipment, particularly equipment located at the top or bottom of a rack.Consequently, there is a risk that some equipment, being either uncooled or inadequately cooled, will overheat and deteriorate very quickly. Therefore, due to the potential disruption they would cause to airflow, the creation of such openings has never been considered.

[0016] Advantageously, the conduit passage device, being an integral part of the opening, not only keeps the conduit(s) or cable(s) in place, but also sufficiently limits airflow exchanges, so that cooling losses are negligible and there is no significant overheating of the equipment.

[0017] By creating these openings in the side walls of the server racks, it is possible to quickly connect two devices located in adjacent racks using a cable whose length is precisely equal to the distance between the two devices, without disrupting the cooling airflow within the two racks. Such a connection does not risk damaging the connecting cable. Since the connecting cable length is much shorter than before, this solution allows for substantial savings on connection costs and ensures the transmission of a high-quality, unattenuated signal.

[0018] Another object of the invention relates to a computer room comprising a plurality of computer racks arranged side by side to form rows, each row being separated from another by an aisle to allow access to each rack by its front and rear facade, said computer room being characterized in that it comprises racks conforming to the computer rack as described above.

[0019] Another object of the invention relates to a method of connecting two pieces of equipment mounted in two adjacent computer racks, characterized in that it consists of passing a conduit through two conduit passage devices, each equipping an opening made in the side walls opposite each of the computer racks, and then connecting the two ends of the conduit to the two pieces of equipment to be connected.

[0020] The invention ultimately relates to a conduit passage device for a computer bay as described above.

[0021] Cable entry devices are well-known. For example, GB 2 212 342 describes a cable entry device comprising a flexible membrane with a cable entry hole. The hole forms a seal around the cable, thus preventing the passage of dust or moisture. JP2003 009361 describes a watertight and moisture-proof cable entry device for an electrical enclosure. US5 562 295 further describes a hermetic cable entry device consisting of a sleeve wrapped around one or more cables, which can be inflated with air to create a seal between the cable and the conduit into which the cable is inserted. DE 101 51 812 describes a flexible cable entry device in which the flexible membrane is replaced by brush bristles of varying lengths.On the other hand, the practice of having such devices in at least one opening made in at least one side wall of a computer rack, in order to allow passage of a duct while avoiding an exchange of airflow with the outside of the rack, is not described and even less suggested in these documents.

[0022] Document EP2 429 272 describes an enclosure for electronic equipment, in at least one panel of which pre-cutouts are provided. Each pre-cutout can be removed to create an opening for a connecting cable. This document therefore describes a way to increase the potential number of inputs / outputs on the equipment enclosure, in order to accommodate an increase in the number of enclosure connections. This document does not concern a server rack and does not address the issue of connecting remote equipment mounted on adjacent server racks in a way that allows for cost savings and does not disrupt the proper functioning of the equipment or the flow of cooling air. Document US-A-2012273438 describes a server rack equipped with openings and a cable management system.

[0023] Other advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description, given by way of illustrative and non-limiting example, with reference to the attached Figures which represent: THE Figures 1A et 1B As already described, a diagram of a computer rack viewed respectively from its front and rear facades, The Figure 2 , a connection diagram for two pieces of equipment mounted on two adjacent server racks, the diagram representing a conventional connection and a connection according to the invention, The Figures 3A, 3B And 3C , front and cross-sectional diagrams of a computer bay opening equipped with a conduit passage device according to the invention, The Figures 4A et 4B , a front view diagram and a cross-sectional diagram of a computer bay opening equipped with a conduit passage device, as a comparative example, The Figures 5A et 5B , cross-section diagrams of a computer bay opening equipped with a conduit passage device according to another comparative example.

[0024] Identical references are used in the Figures to designate identical or analogous elements.

[0025] In the following description, the term "vertical side walls" refers to the vertical axis of the rack when it is installed in a room. The term "rear edge of a side wall" defines the edge of a side wall located on the rear side of a server rack.

[0026] The term "conduit" as used, refers to power cables, data transmission cables, coolant conduits and also sheaths.

[0027] There Figure 2 Diagram shows two adjacent server racks, labeled 10 and 20 respectively, in which a device A and a device B are mounted, respectively, to be connected. According to the standard connection diagram, these two devices are connected to each other using a cable 32, shown as a dashed line on the diagram. Figure 2 , starting from equipment A towards the lower exit of bay 10, passing through the false floor P, then going up into bay 20 towards equipment B.

[0028] According to the invention, the computer racks 10 and 20 are advantageously equipped with openings 40 distributed along their side walls 12. These openings allow a cable 36 to be passed quickly and easily from one computer rack 10 to an adjacent computer rack 20, without risk of damaging the cable, in order to connect two devices A and B. The length of the connecting cable 36 is exactly equal to the distance between the two devices A and B to be connected. Consequently, the cost of the cable is reduced compared to cables used previously. Since the connecting cable is shorter, potential signal attenuation problems do not arise. Finally, the operator connecting the two devices can do so very quickly without having to pull on the cable to force it into a dense cable tray, risking damage.Similarly, these 40 openings allow coolant lines to be run from one server rack to another, in order to create a shared cooling system for several server racks, for example. (See diagram...) Figure 2 The bays include several 40 openings on their side walls. These 40 openings are arranged at regular intervals, the length of which is, for example, between 1U and 4U.

[0029] When no cables pass through these openings 40, they are preferably closed to prevent airflow exchange between the server racks 10 and 20 and a loss of cooling air within each of these racks. To achieve this, either the cable routing device on the opening allows it to be closed when no cables are present, or an additional closing mechanism is added. This additional closing mechanism could, for example, be a sliding or rotating hatch.

[0030] In the presence of connecting cable(s), a conduit passage device, equipping the opening 40, not only allows the cables to be kept in place through the opening 40 but also avoids, or at least significantly reduces, airflow exchanges between two adjacent computer racks and / or between a computer rack and the room in which it is installed.

[0031] Preferably, the openings 40 are made in the side panel 12 so that they are located near the rear edge of the side panel. For example, they are made at a distance of between 2 and 15 cm, preferably between 2 and 10 cm, from the rear edge of the side panel. This space at the rear of the server rack is generally not occupied by equipment but reserved for cable routing. Therefore, an opening 40 located at such a distance from the rear edge of the side panel 12 of the server rack is unlikely to be blocked by equipment.

[0032] THE Figures 3A à 3C They schematically represent a conduit passage device according to one embodiment. This device is in the form of a flexible membrane 41, for example a rubber membrane. This membrane includes at its periphery a bead 43 comprising a groove 47 which can be fitted onto the peripheral edges of the opening 40 made in the side wall 12 of the computer bay. The flexible membrane 41 is further advantageously pre-cut, so that the membrane 41 is divided into several parts 46, i.e. at least two parts 46. The pre-cut 42 has, for example, a cross shape dividing the membrane into four parts 46 capable of spreading apart and forming an opening 45 when a cable 36, 37 is inserted. The pre-cut parts 46 of the membrane 41 can spread apart more or less depending on the size and / or number of cable(s) inserted through the opening 45.

[0033] For example, the Figure 3A Such a membrane 41 is traversed by two cables 36, 37. The cables pass through the opening 45 created by the separation of the pre-cut portions 46. Since the membrane is flexible, it is elastic, and the pre-cut portions 46 tighten around the cables 36, 37. The membrane 41 therefore not only holds the cables 36, 37 in place, but also prevents any loss of cooling airflow.

[0034] When no cable is inserted through the membrane 41, the pre-cut sections 46 are not separated, so the orifice 45 is closed. The membrane therefore closes the opening 40 in the absence of a cable and prevents any loss of cooling airflow.

[0035] There Figure 3B illustrates the same circular membrane designed to fit over a circular opening. The 40 openings made in the side walls of the computer racks can indeed be rounded, preferably circular, or rectangular, preferably square, or any other shape.

[0036] There Figure 3C Figure 41 illustrates this same membrane 41 in cross-section, integrated into the opening 40 of a side wall 12 of a computer rack. The pre-cut flexible parts 46 of the membrane 41 move apart as the cables 36, 37 pass through and tighten around them.

[0037] THE Figures 4A et 4B illustrate another conduit passage device according to an unclaimed variant. In this case, the device may, for example, include a brush 62 formed by tightly packed, flexible plastic wires. These wires spread apart when a cable is passed through them, then tighten around the cable. To facilitate the operator's work when connecting two pieces of equipment, the brush 62 may also be mounted on a rigid plate 60, which can rotate about an axis of rotation 61, for example. This axis of rotation 61 is, for example, fixed to the upper edge of the opening 40, perpendicular to the vertical axis of the side wall 12. In this case, the plate 60 forms a hatch and allows the passage of a hand, long enough to pass a cable through to connect it to a piece of equipment. Once the connection is complete, the plate then returns to its vertical resting position.In this case, the plate 60 with its integrated brush 62 significantly reduces airflow exchange between two adjacent racks. The loss of cooling air is then imperceptible, and all equipment within the rack is adequately cooled.

[0038] In one embodiment, the rotation axis 61 of the plate 60 can be mounted parallel to the vertical axis of the side wall 12, along one of the vertical edges of the opening 40.

[0039] Another conduit passage device implemented according to yet another unclaimed variant is schematically shown on the Figures 5A et 5B This device takes the form of an inflatable sleeve 70, equipped with an opening 72 in its center to allow the passage of one or more cables. When the sleeve is deflated, as illustrated in the cross-sectional diagram of the Figure 5A The opening 40 is not closed. In this case, a hatch 75 is provided. This hatch 75 can, for example, be mounted to slide along the side wall 12 of the server rack, by adding guide rails to the side wall 12 to guide the hatch as it slides. A movable hatch that rotates around an axis, as with the plate 60 of the

[0040] Figure 4A The access panel 75 can be fixed to either the external or internal face of the side panel 12 of the server rack. Preferably, it is fixed to the internal face of the side panel 12, so that it can be opened and closed even when the server rack is adjacent to another rack.

[0041] Thus, when no cable is inserted into the opening 40, it is held closed by the presence of the hatch 75. When an operator wants to connect two devices in two adjacent server racks, for example, they open the hatch 75 by sliding it open, insert a cable 36 into the opening 72 of the sleeve 70, and then inflate the sleeve 70 by connecting an inflator to a valve 71 on the sleeve 70. When the sleeve 70 is inflated, it clamps the cable so that no air can pass between the cable and the sleeve, and it also holds the cable firmly in place. The inflated sleeve also seals the opening 40 and prevents airflow, so that no cooling air can escape through this opening 40. The inflated sleeve also keeps the hatch 75 in the open position.According to one variant, to prevent the inflated sleeve from supporting the hatch 75 and being damaged under its weight, the hatch 75 is held in the open position by means of a locking device, such as a latch for example.

[0042] Regardless of the conduit passage device used, it allows for the passage of a few conduits at most, generally between 1 and 5 conduits.

[0043] Thanks to this invention, it is possible to easily and quickly connect equipment mounted on adjacent server racks without compromising equipment operation. Since the connection does not require long cable runs, it is inexpensive and maintains a good signal quality between the connected devices. Similarly, the invention allows for a shared cooling system for multiple racks, for example, by enabling the passage of coolant lines from one rack to another.

Claims

1. Computer rack (10, 20) comprising a rear face (16), a front face (15), and two side walls (12) which are arranged between the front and rear faces, said rack being characterised in that at least one side wall (12) comprises at least one opening (40) to allow duct(s) to pass therethrough, said opening being further equipped with a duct passage device (41; 60, 62; 70, 75) capable of holding said duct(s) in place and closing said opening to prevent an exchange of cooling airflows with the outside of the rack, said duct passage device consisting of a pre-cut flexible diaphragm (41) capable of closing the opening (40), said flexible diaphragm (41) comprising a peripheral bead (43) capable of fitting over the peripheral border of the opening (40), the flexible diaphragm (41) comprising a pre-cut (42) that divides the flexible diaphragm (41) into a plurality of portions (46) which are capable of spreading apart and forming an orifice (45) when a duct (36) is introduced, the portions (46) being designed to close the orifice (45) in the absence of a duct and to prevent any loss of cooling airflows, the pre-cut (42) comprising cutting lines extending from the peripheral bead (43) to the orifice (45).

2. Computer room comprising a plurality of computer racks arranged side by side to form rows, each row being separated from another by means of an aisle to allow access to each rack through its front and rear faces, said computer room being characterised in that it comprises racks consistent with the computer rack according to claim 1.

3. Method for connecting two items of equipment (A, B) mounted in two adjacent computer racks (10, 20) according to claim 1, characterised in that it consists in passing a duct (36) through two duct passage devices each provided by an opening (40) made in the side walls (12) facing each of the computer racks (10, 20), and then in connecting the two ends of the duct to the two items of equipment (A, B) to be connected.