Mounting assembly for attaching equipment modules to a rack

Abstract

A mounting assembly for attaching equipment modules (4) to a rack (1), the assembly comprising: a first mounting element configured to be mounted to or arranged on a mounting rail (2) of the rack (1), a second mounting element (12) configured to engage with the first mounting element, wherein the second mounting element (12) comprises an abutment portion (14) abutting against a protruding edge (6) of the equipment module (4), thus clamping the protruding edge (6) of the equipment module (4) to the mounting rail (2), when the second mounting element (12) engages with the first mounting element, wherein the second mounting element (12) comprises an extended guiding portion (17) extending beyond the abutment portion (14) of the second mounting element (12), the extended guiding portion (17) configured to guide cables (19) connected to the equipment module (4) at least partly around the extended guiding portion (17) and directing the cables (19) to other equipment modules (4), thereby facilitating cable management without interfering with the space needed for an adjacent mounting assembly.

Description

[0001] Mounting assembly for attaching equipment modules to a rack

[0002] The invention refers to a mounting assembly for attaching equipment modules to a rack .

[0003] The present application refers to the technical field of mounting assemblies used for installing technical equipment racks , such as 19-inch equipment racks , particularly focusing on improving cable management within such configurations .

[0004] In the technical field of equipment installation, mounting assemblies have been widely used for secure and convenient attachment of equipment modules to mounting rails of 19-inch racks . Typically, these assemblies utili ze a two-part system wherein a first mounting element , usually a cage nut , is mounted onto square holes in the mounting rail , followed by a second mounting element such as a screw that engages with the first mounting element . This arrangement secures the equipment modules to the mounting rail by clamping the protruding edges , or " ears" of the equipment modules between the mounting elements and the mounting rails .

[0005] However, a widespread problem - cable management - has emerged with the increasing use of such rack systems in modern data centers and technical installations . Given the multitude of modules installed on these racks and the corresponding cabling required for connectivity, ef ficient cable management is essential to ensure easy access , promote optimal airflow, and facilitate maintenance and upgrades .

[0006] Numerous solutions have been proposed to overcome the problems associated with cable management in 19-inch racks . Commonly, these solutions have involved the use of supplementary structures such as cable arms , trays , ducts , and raceways that are attached separately to the rack . These structures aim to organi ze , guide , and segregate cables to create a more orderly setup .

[0007] However, these solutions often require additional space on the rack, leading to a trade-of f between equipment capacity and cable management . Furthermore , they may necessitate extra installation time , add complexity to the rack setup, and, in some cases , even interfere with the accessibility of the equipment modules .

[0008] In light of these shortcomings , there is a need for an improved approach to achieve ef ficient cable management in a manner that does not compromise the rack ' s equipment capacity or the accessibility of the modules , while also streamlining the installation process .

[0009] To achieve this obj ect , the invention provides a mounting assembly for attaching equipment modules to a rack, the assembly comprising : a first mounting element configured to be mounted to or arranged on a mounting rail of the rack, a second mounting element configured to engage with the first mounting element , wherein the second mounting element comprises an abutment portion abutting against a protruding edge of the equipment module , thus clamping the protruding edge of the equipment module to the mounting rail , when the second mounting element engages with the first mounting element , wherein the second mounting element comprises an extended guiding portion extending beyond the abutment portion of the second mounting element , the extended guiding portion configured to guide cables connected to the equipment module at least partly around the extended guiding portion and directing the cables to other equipment modules , thereby facilitating cable management without interfering with the space needed for an adj acent mounting assembly .

[0010] The invention is based on the idea to integrate cable management directly into the mounting assembly itsel f , eliminating the need for additional structures such as cable arms , trays , or ducts . This approach addresses the trade-of f between equipment capacity and cable management often found in traditional setups . By incorporating the cable guide into the second mounting element , the invention optimi zes space within the rack, allowing for a higher capacity of equipment modules without compromising ef ficient cable organi zation .

[0011] The extended guiding portion of the second mounting element is designed to guide cables at least partly around it and direct them to other equipment modules . This design simpli fies the process of installation, as cables can be quickly and conveniently routed around the extended guiding portion during the assembly process . This not only saves installation time but also eases the task of maintenance and upgrades , as the cables are organi zed in a structured and easily traceable manner .

[0012] In comparison to traditional cable management solutions , the inventive design does not interfere with the accessibility of the equipment modules . With no additional structures in the way, technicians can reach any module with ease , reducing downtime during maintenance or equipment replacement . Moreover, the clear paths created by the guided cables can promote better airflow within the rack, potentially enhancing the cooling ef ficiency and prolonging the li fe span of the installed equipment .

[0013] By using an extended guiding portion of the second mounting element for guiding cables , the space required for the guiding function is confined to the height , i . e . a fraction of a rack unit , needed for arranging the second mounting elements , thereby avoiding an interference with the space needed for an adj acent mounting assembly .

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment , the second mounting element comprises an engagement portion for engagement with the first mounting element , wherein the engagement portion, the abutment portion and the extended guiding portion are aligned along a common, straight axis . In other words , the extended guiding portion, when the mounting assembly is mounted to a mounting rail of the rack, extends in an orthogonal direction with respect to the mounting rail .

[0015] Preferably, the extended guiding portion and the abutment portion are formed integrally with each other .

[0016] Preferably, the extended guiding portion, the abutment portion and the engagement portion are formed integrally with each other .

[0017] Preferably, the engagement portion may be formed as a threaded bolt , or alternatively as a nut having an internally threaded aperture .

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment the first mounting element comprises a cage nut or an internal thread in a mounting hole of the mounting rail and the second mounting element comprises a threaded bolt capable of being screwed into the cage nut or the internal thread in the mounting hole of the mounting rail .

[0019] The use of a cage nut as the first mounting element of fers robust anchorage and flexibility . The cage nut ' s design allows it to clip securely onto the square holes of the mounting rail , providing a strong and reliable mount . Moreover, the second mounting element , the threaded bolt , integrates seamlessly with the cage nut . The threaded bolt can be easily screwed into the cage nut , clamping the equipment module firmly to the mounting rail . This creates a highly secure connection that ef fectively resists vibration and other stresses , ensuring the stability of the mounted equipment .

[0020] In the context of the present invention, this combination of cage nut and threaded bolt not only provides secure and flexible mounting but also aligns perfectly with the cable management function of the extended guiding portion of the threaded bolt .

[0021] Preferably, the cage nut is adapted to be mounted to the mounting rail with an internal thread of the cage nut being substantially coaxial with a square hole of the mounting rail .

[0022] Alternatively, in so called threaded hole racks , an internal thread in a mounting hole of the mounting rail serves as the first mounting element . In this embodiment the threaded bolt of the second mounting element may be directly screwed into the internal thread formed in the mounting hole of the mounting rail , whereby the clipping of a cage nut onto the square hole of the mounting rail from the rear side of the mounting rail is not required, but the mounting hole of the mounting rail itsel f constitues the first mounting element .

[0023] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the first mounting element comprises a threaded bolt configured to extend through a mounting hole of the mounting rail and the second mounting element comprises a nut , preferably a hexagonal nut , having an internally threaded aperture . A first mounting element of this type is , e . g . , disclosed in WO 2018 / 102838 Al . The second mounting element , being in the form of a nut , can be easily screwed onto the protruding portion of the threaded bolt of the first mounting element , thereby clamping the equipment module to the mounting rail . The nut may be formed integrally with the abutment portion and the extended guiding portion, or may be configured as a separate part .

[0024] When the nut is formed as a separate part , its internally threaded aperture may be screwed on the threaded bolt of the first mounting element with its first end, and the threaded bolt of the second mounting element may be screwed into the internally threaded aperture of the nut on its other end .

[0025] Preferably, the extended guiding portion is in the shape of a cylindrical pin or stud .

[0026] Further, the extended guiding portion may have a circular cross section . The circular cross-section of the extended guiding portion helps in the smooth guiding of cables around it . A circular profile minimi zes the risk of cable damage by eliminating sharp edges that could potentially wear or cut into the insulation of the cables , thus enhancing the longevity and performance of the cables managed by the assembly . Furthermore , the circular profile facilitates easier and more ef ficient cable routing . The cables naturally follow the curvature of the circular cross-section, making it simple to route them around the extended guiding portion during installation . This results in a clean and orderly arrangement that can be easily maintained or modi fied i f needed .

[0027] Preferably, the extended guiding portion has an axial length of at least 20mm, preferably at least 25mm . An extended axial length facilitates ef ficient management of a larger number of cables . As the density of equipment modules within racks increases , so does the need for ef ficient cable management . An extended axial length allows for the routing of more cables around the guiding portion without causing undue congestion or overlap, thereby helping to maintain a more organi zed and manageable arrangement . Furthermore , the extended axial length signi ficantly enhances cable routing flexibility . With more surface area available , cables can be more ef fectively guided and directed towards their intended equipment modules , whether they are located above , below, or at the same level . This increases the versatility of the mounting assembly and facilitates the integration of new equipment modules or changes in cable routing as needed .

[0028] According to another preferred embodiment on the invention, the extended guiding portion has a widened head portion . The widened head portion at the end of the extended guiding portion serves as an ef fective stopper, preventing cables from slipping of f the extended guiding portion during installation or subsequent maintenance . This helps to maintain the orderly arrangement of the cables and reduces the time and ef fort needed for cable management tasks . Moreover, the widened head portion provides a broader surface area for the cables to rest on, reducing pressure points on the cables , thereby helping to prevent damage to the cables ' insulation and ensuring the longevity and reliability of the cables guided by the assembly .

[0029] Preferably, the widened head portion and the abutment portion form lateral stops for a cable being guided on a guiding surface of the extended guiding portion located between the widened head portion and the abutment portion . The lateral stops formed by the widened head portion and the abutment portion provide secure boundaries for the cables guided on the guiding surface of the extended guiding portion . These boundaries help to ensure that the cables remain securely in place on the guiding surface during installation, operation, or maintenance activities , thus improving the reliability of the cable management system .

[0030] Preferably, the extended guiding portion tapers from the abutment portion to the widened head portion, i . e . the diameter of the extended guiding portion may decrease from the abutment portion to the widened head portion . Thereby, the stopping function of the widened head portion is enhanced, since a larger surface acts as a lateral stop for a guided cable than it would be the case for an extended guiding portion with a constant diameter .

[0031] Preferably, the extended guiding portions of two adj acent second mounting elements arranged on the same mounting rail may be connected by a clip, preferably by a plastic clip, which interconnects the widened head portions of the extended guiding portions and thereby enhances the stopping function of the second mounting element by providing an additional ef fective stopper part . The clip extends perpendicularly from one widened head portion to the other and hence closes the gap between the two adj acent widened head portions , thereby providing a duct for the guided cables .

[0032] Preferably, the extended guiding portion may comprise a free end being provided with a screw drive . The presence of a screw drive at the free end of the extended guiding portion facilitates a more straightforward and tool-assisted installation or removal of the second mounting element . This reduces the time and ef fort required for these operations and makes it eas ier to achieve a secure and accurate attachment of the equipment module to the mounting rail . The screw drive may be designed as a slot drive , a Phillips drive , a Torx drive or a hexagonal drive . Preferably, the screw drive is arranged on the widened head portion .

[0033] According to a second aspect , the invention refers to the use of a mounting element as a second mounting element in a mounting assembly according to the first aspect of the invention .

[0034] Furthermore , the invention, according to a third aspect , refers to a rack comprising : at least two parallel mounting rails having a plurality of mounting holes , at least one equipment module having a protruding edge protruding from each side of the equipment module , the protruding edges being mounted to the mounting rails of the rack by means of a mounting assembly according to the first aspect of the invention .

[0035] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to embodiments shown in the drawings . Therein, Fig . l shows a rack with two equipment modules mounted to the rack by means of a prior art mounting assembly, Fig . 2 is a detailed illustration of the mounting assembly of Fig . l , Fig . 3 shows a mounting rail of a rack with one equipment module being mounted to the rack by means of a first embodiment of a mounting assembly according to the invention, Fig . 4 shows the second mounting element used in Fig . 3 , Fig . 5a shows an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the mounting assembly according to the invention when being used for mounting an equipment module to the mounting rail of a rack and for guiding cables around the second mounting element of the mounting assembly, and Fig . 5b shows a perspective view of the embodiment of Fig . 5a in its mounted conf iguration .

[0036] In Fig . l a 19-inch equipment rack is denoted with reference numeral 1 . Rack 1 comprises mounting rails 2 , which are provided with a plurality of square holes 3 . In Fig . l two equipment modules 4 are mounted to the rack 1 by means of a mounting assembly, which comprises standard screws 5 as second mounting elements . Each of the equipment modules 4 has two protruding edges 6 , one on each side . The protruding edges 6 are provided for attaching the equipment modules 4 to the mounting rails 2 of the rack 1 . As shown in the detailed illustration of Fig . 2 , the prior art mounting assembly comprises a cage nut 7 used as the first mounting element and the screw 5 used as the second mounting element .

[0037] In a first step, the cage nut 7 is clipped onto a square hole 3 from the backside of the mounting rail 2 according to arrow 8 . Then, the equipment module 4 is arranged in the rack 1 such that its protruding edges 6 rest against the mounting rails 2 in the area, where the cage nut 7 was mounted in step one .

[0038] In a second step, the screw 5 is mounted from the frontside of the mounting rail 2 according to arrow 18 such that it extends through a hole 9 of the protruding edge 6 of the equipment module 4 as well as through the square hole 3 to which the cage nut 7 is attached . By screwing the threaded bolt 10 of the screw 5 into the cage nut 7 , the threaded bolt 10 engages with an internally threaded aperture 11 of the cage nut 7 such that the protruding edge 6 is clamped against the mounting rail 2 .

[0039] Fig . 3 shows a mounting rail 2 of a rack 1 with one equipment module 4 being mounted to the rack 1 by means of a first embodiment of a mounting assembly according to the invention . The mounting assembly according to the first embodiment of the invention comprises a cage nut 7 used as the first mounting element and a second mounting element 12 . The second mounting element 12 comprises an abutment portion 14 for abutting against a protruding edge 6 of the equipment module 4 when being mounted to the mounting rail 2 of the rack 1 , thus clamping the protruding edge 6 of the equipment module 4 to the mounting rail 2 , when the threaded bolt 13 of the second mounting element 12 engages with the internal thread of the cage nut 7 . The threaded bolt 13 of the second mounting element 12 is screwed into the cage nut 7 . The second mounting element 12 further comprises an extended guiding portion 17 for guiding cables , which extends beyond the abutment portion 14 of the second mounting element 12 .

[0040] Fig . 4 shows a detailed view of the second mounting element 12 used in Fig . 3 . The second mounting element 12 comprises a threaded bolt 13 , an abutment portion 14 , a widened head portion 15 with a screw drive 16 , and an extended guiding portion 17 with a guiding surface extending from the abutment portion 14 to the widened head portion 15 . As can be taken from Fig . 4 , the extended guiding portion 17 tapers from the abutment portion 14 to the widened head portion 15 .

[0041] Fig . 5a shows an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the mounting assembly according to the invention when being used for mounting an equipment module 4 to the mounting rail 2 of a rack 1 and for guiding cables 19 around the second mounting element 12 of the mounting assembly . Fig . 5b shows a perspective view of the embodiment of Fig . 5a in its mounted configuration .

[0042] The first mounting element shown in Fig . 5a and Fig . 5b , in contrast to the embodiment shown in Fig . 3 , is not a cage nut , but comprises a threaded bolt for being inserted through a square hole 3 of the mounting rail 2 from the rear side of the mounting rail 2 , and a spring clip 20 with a hook-shaped end portion extending from the rear side of the mounting rail 2 around an outer edge of the mounting rail 2 to a front side of the mounting rail 2 and engaging into the square hole 3 from the front side of the mounting rail , thereby tensioning the spring clip 20 and fixing the first mounting element to the mounting rail 2 .

[0043] In the embodiment shown in Fig . 5a and Fig . 5b, the second mounting element 12 comprises a hexagonal nut 21 , which is provided with an internally threaded aperture on its first end as well as on its second end . The internally threaded aperture on the first end serves to screw the hexagonal nut 21 onto the threaded bolt of the first mounting element . The internally threaded aperture on the second end serves for receiving a threaded bolt 13 of a separate part of the second mounting element 12 , which comprises an abutment portion 14 , a widened head portion 15 , and an extended guiding portion 17 .

[0044] As can be taken from Fig . 5b, in its fixed position the extended guiding portion 17 of the second mounting element 12 is used for guiding cables 19 in an orderly manner .

Claims

Claims :

1. A mounting assembly for attaching equipment modules (4) to a rack (1) , the assembly comprising: a first mounting element configured to be mounted to or arranged on a mounting rail (2) of the rack (1) , a second mounting element (12) configured to engage with the first mounting element, wherein the second mounting element (12) comprises an abutment portion (14) abutting against a protruding edge (6) of the equipment module (4) , thus clamping the protruding edge (6) of the equipment module (4) to the mounting rail (2) , when the second mounting element (12) engages with the first mounting element, wherein the second mounting (12) element comprises an extended guiding portion (17) extending beyond the abutment portion (14) of the second mounting element (12) , the extended guiding portion (17) configured to guide cables (19) connected to the equipment module (4) at least partly around the extended guiding portion (17) and directing the cables (19) to other equipment modules (4) , thereby facilitating cable management without interfering with the space needed for an adjacent mounting assembly.

2. Mounting assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the first mounting element comprises a cage nut (7) or an internal thread in a mounting hole (3) of the mounting rail (2) and the second mounting element (12) comprises a threaded bolt (13) capable of being screwed into the cage nut (7) or the internal thread in the mounting hole (3) of the mounting rail (2) .

3. Mounting assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the first mounting element comprises a threaded bolt configured to extend through a mounting hole (3) of the mountingrail (2) and the second mounting element (12) comprises a nut, preferably a hexagonal nut, having an internally threaded aperture .

4. Mounting assembly according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the extended guiding portion (17) has a circular cross section.

5. Mounting assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the extended guiding portion (17) has an axial length of at least 20mm, preferably at least 25mm.

6. Mounting assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the extended guiding portion (17) has a widened head portion (15) .

7. Mounting assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that the widened head portion (15) and the abutment portion (14) form lateral stops for a cable (19) being guided on a guiding surface of the extended guiding portion (17) located between the widened head portion (15) and the abutment portion (14) .

8. Mounting assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the extended guiding portion (17) comprises a free end being provided with a screw drive (16) .

9. Mounting assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that the screw drive (16) is arranged on the widened head portion ( 15) .

10. Mounting assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the cage nut (7) is adapted to be mounted to the mounting rail (2) with an internal thread of the cage nut (7) being substantially coaxial with a mounting hole (3) of the mounting rail (2) .

11. Use of a mounting element as a second mounting element (12) in a mounting assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A rack comprising: at least two parallel mounting rails (2) having a plurality of mounting holes (3) , at least one equipment module (4) having a protruding edge (6) protruding from each side of the equipment module (4) , the protruding edges (6) being mounted to the mounting rails (2) of the rack (1) by means of a mounting assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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