Network switch

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention provide a network switch. The network switch comprises: a housing, comprising a first end plate and a second end plate spaced apart from each other; a fan module and a power supply module, which are respectively adjacent to the second end plate and arranged in the housing; a switching unit, which is adjacent to the first end plate and at least partially arranged in the housing, the switching unit comprising first connecting members arranged in the housing; and a management unit, which is arranged in the housing and can move relative to the second end plate. Moreover, the switching unit is located outside a path on which the management unit moves in a direction facing away from the second end plate; one end of the management unit adjacent to the second end plate is provided with second connecting members working in conjunction with the first connecting members; when the management unit is pulled out of the housing through the first end plate in the direction facing away from the second end plate, the second connecting members are disconnected from the first connecting members; and when the management unit is inserted into the housing through the first end plate in a direction facing the second end plate, the second connecting members are connected to the first connecting members.

Description

Network switches

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese invention patent application entitled “NETWORK SWITCH” and application number 202311797543.6 filed on December 25, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the technical field of network devices, and more particularly, to a network switch. Background Art

[0003] In a typical data center network switch, the entire switch generally consists of a switching unit (SU), a management unit (MU), a fan module, and a power module, all housed within the chassis. The SU is responsible for data exchange and typically includes high-speed input / output (HSIO) ports and a switching chip. The management unit manages the device and typically includes a central processing unit (CPU), memory, a solid-state drive (SSD), and a programmable logic device (CPLD). The fan module dissipates heat throughout the device, while the power module provides power.

[0004] For network switch hardware in data centers, over 80% of hardware failures occur in the management unit, including components like the SSD, memory, and CPU. When these components fail and require repair or replacement, the entire chassis must be removed from the rack and the cover opened to attempt to replace the faulty component. Therefore, damage to a single component in the management unit requires replacing the entire chassis. This cumbersome and labor-intensive maintenance process for mounting and removing the chassis from the rack leads to high repair costs. Summary of the Invention

[0005] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a network switch, which includes a shell, including a first end plate and a second end plate spaced apart from each other; a fan module and a power supply module, respectively arranged in the shell adjacent to the second end plate; a switching unit, at least partially arranged in the shell adjacent to the first end plate, the switching unit including a first connector arranged in the shell; and a management unit, arranged in the shell and capable of moving relative to the second end plate, and the switching unit is located outside the path of the management unit moving in a direction away from the second end plate, and an end of the management unit adjacent to the second end plate is provided with a second connector capable of cooperating with the first connector, wherein when the management unit is pulled out of the shell via the first end plate in a direction away from the second end plate, the second connector is disconnected from the first connector; and when the management unit is inserted into the shell via the first end plate in a direction toward the second end plate, the second connector is connected to the first connector. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The above and other features, advantages and aspects of the embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent with reference to the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, the same or similar reference numerals represent the same or similar elements, wherein:

[0007] FIG1 shows a schematic structural diagram of a management unit according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, viewed from a top perspective;

[0008] FIG2 shows a schematic structural diagram of a network switch according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, viewed from a top perspective, wherein the management unit is adjacent to the second side panel;

[0009] FIG3 shows a schematic structural diagram of the network switch shown in FIG2 as viewed from the side;

[0010] FIG4 shows a schematic structural diagram of a network switch according to other embodiments of the present disclosure, viewed from a side perspective, wherein the management unit is adjacent to the first side panel;

[0011] FIG5 shows a schematic structural diagram of a network switch according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure from a top view, wherein the management unit board includes a first management unit board and a second management unit board and is adjacent to the second side board;

[0012] FIG6 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of the network switch shown in FIG5 as viewed from the side;

[0013] FIG7 shows a schematic structural diagram of a network switch according to other embodiments of the present disclosure along a main viewing angle, wherein the management unit is adjacent to the bottom board;

[0014] FIG8 shows a schematic structural diagram of the network switch shown in FIG7 as viewed from the side;

[0015] FIG9 shows a schematic structural diagram of a network switch according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure from a side perspective, wherein the management unit board includes a first management unit board and a second management unit board and is adjacent to a bottom board;

[0016] FIG10 shows a schematic structural diagram of a network switch according to other embodiments of the present disclosure along a main viewing angle, wherein the management unit faces away from the bottom plate;

[0017] FIG11 shows a schematic structural diagram of the network switch shown in FIG10 from a side view;

[0018] FIG12 shows a schematic structural diagram of a network switch according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure from a side view, wherein the management unit board includes a first management unit board and a second management unit board and faces away from the bottom plate.

[0019] Explanation of the accompanying drawings: 100 is a network switch; 1 is a shell, 11 is a first end plate, 111 is a movable slot, 1111 is a first movable slot, 1112 is a second movable slot, 12 is a second end plate, 13 is a top plate, 14 is a bottom plate, 15 is a first side plate, and 16 is a second side plate; 2 is a fan module, 21 is a fan unit board, 22 is a fan device, and 23 is a fan connector; 3 is a power supply module, 31 is a power supply unit board, 32 is a power supply device, and 33 is a power connector; 4 is a switching unit, 41 is a switching unit board, 411 is a first adapter, 42 is a first connector, 43 is an adapter board, 431 is a second adapter, and 44 is an input and output port; 5 is a management unit, 51 is a management unit board, 511 is a first management unit board, 512 is a second management unit board, 52 is a second connecting member, 53 is a movable bracket, 54 is a guide member, 55 is a management interface, and 56 is a handle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the present disclosure can be implemented in various forms and should not be limited by the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to make the present disclosure more thorough and complete, and to fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0021] As used herein, the term "including" and its variations represent open inclusion, i.e., "including but not limited to." Unless otherwise stated, the term "or" means "and / or." The term "based on" means "based at least in part on." The terms "one example embodiment" and "an embodiment" mean "at least one example embodiment." The term "another embodiment" means "at least one additional embodiment." The terms "first," "second," etc. may refer to different or identical objects.

[0022] As described above, in the event of a failure of a device on the management unit of a conventional network switch, the entire chassis needs to be removed from the rack, and the chassis cover needs to be opened to try to replace the failed device. Therefore, damage to a component of the management unit requires replacement of the entire chassis. The maintenance of the chassis on and off the rack is cumbersome and the workload is large, resulting in a cumbersome maintenance process and high costs. In addition, frequent extraction of components may also cause damage to the optical module. In addition, due to the complexity of equipment assembly, the computer room personnel cannot complete on-site replacement in the absence of tools and accessories, so the entire machine needs to be sent back to the factory for repair. The repair of the entire machine is slow, the repair cost is high, and it may suffer secondary damage during transportation, resulting in the problem that the fault cannot be located. An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a network switch 100 to at least partially solve the above problems. In the following, the principles of the present disclosure will be described in conjunction with Figures 1 to 12.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the management unit and the switching unit are connected via a first connector and a second connector. In the event of a failure in the management unit, the management unit can be pulled out of the housing via the first end plate in a direction away from the second end plate, and the management unit can be replaced without replacing the entire device, thereby solving the problems of cumbersome maintenance process and high maintenance cost of conventional network switches.

[0024] In addition, since the management unit is pulled out from the shell via the first end plate, and the fan module and the power module are adjacent to the second end plate, there is no need to plug and unplug the fan module and the power module when the management unit is pulled out of the shell, which can also save operating steps.

[0025] It should be understood that the content described in this section is not intended to limit the key features or important features of the embodiments of the present disclosure, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other features of the present disclosure will become easily understood through the following description.

[0026] FIG1 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a management unit 5 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, viewed from a top perspective. FIG2 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a network switch 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, viewed from a top perspective. The management unit 5 shown in FIG2 is adjacent to the second side panel 16. FIG3 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of the network switch 100 shown in FIG2, viewed from a side perspective. As shown in FIG1 to FIG3, the network switch 100 described herein generally includes a housing 1, a fan module 2, a power module 3, a switching unit 4, and a management unit 5. The housing 1 serves as an installation carrier, in which the fan module 2, the power module 3, the switching unit 4, and the management unit 5 are arranged. The fan module 2 is used for heat dissipation of the entire machine, and the power module 3 is used for powering the equipment of the network switch 100.

[0027] In some embodiments, the housing 1 may include a first end plate 11, a second end plate 12, a bottom plate 14, a first side plate 15, and a second side plate 16. The first end plate 11 and the second end plate 12 are disposed at both ends of the bottom plate 14 and are spaced apart from each other. The first side plate 15 and the second side plate 16 are disposed on both sides of the bottom plate 14 and are spaced apart from each other. The first end plate 11, the second end plate 12, the bottom plate 14, the first side plate 15, and the second side plate 16 together form the housing 1.

[0028] Continuing to refer to Figures 2 and 3, in other embodiments, the shell 1 may further include a first end plate 11, a second end plate 12, a top plate 13, a bottom plate 14, a first side plate 15, and a second side plate 16. The first end plate 11 and the second end plate 12 are arranged at both ends of the bottom plate 14, and the first end plate 11 and the second end plate 12 are spaced apart from each other. The top plate 13 and the bottom plate 14 are spaced apart from each other. The first side plate 15 and the second side plate 16 are arranged on both sides of the bottom plate 14, and the first side plate 15 and the second side plate 16 are spaced apart from each other. The first end plate 11, the second end plate 12, the top plate 13, the bottom plate 14, the first side plate 15, and the second side plate 16 together form the shell 1.

[0029] Continuing to refer to Figure 2, in some embodiments, the fan module 2 is adjacent to the second end plate 12, and the fan module 2 is disposed in the housing 1. The power module 3 is also adjacent to the second end plate 12, and the power module 3 is also disposed in the housing 1. The switching unit 4 is adjacent to the first end plate 11, and the switching unit 4 is at least partially disposed in the housing 1. The management unit 5 is disposed in the housing 1, and the management unit 5 can be moved relative to the second end plate 12 to be pulled out of or inserted into the first end plate 11. It can be seen that the fan module 2 and the power module 3 are respectively adjacent to the second end plate 12, and the switching unit 4 and the management unit 5 are adjacent to the first end plate 11, so when the management unit 5 is pulled out of the first end plate 11, it is not necessary to pull out the fan module 2 and the power module 3.

[0030] Continuing with FIG2 , the exchange unit 4 further includes a first connector 42, and the first connector 42 is disposed within the housing 1. The management unit 5 includes a second connector 52 that cooperates with the first connector 42, and the second connector 52 is located at an end of the management unit 5 adjacent to the second end plate 12. Continuing with FIG3 , when the management unit 5 is withdrawn from the housing 1 via the first end plate 11 in a direction away from the second end plate 12, the second connector 52 is disconnected from the first connector 42. When the management unit 5 is inserted into the housing 1 via the first end plate 11 in a direction toward the second end plate 12, the second connector 52 is connected to the first connector 42.

[0031] It should be noted that the exchange unit 4 may be located outside the path of the management unit 5 moving in the direction away from the second end plate 12 , thereby preventing the exchange unit 4 from interfering with the withdrawal of the management unit 5 .

[0032] With the above configuration, the management unit 5 and the switching unit 4 are connected via the first connector 42 and the second connector 52. In the event of a failure of the management unit 5, the management unit 5 can be pulled out of the housing 1 via the first end plate 11 in a direction away from the second end plate 12, and the management unit 5 can be replaced without replacing the entire device, thereby solving the problem of cumbersome maintenance process and high maintenance cost of conventional network switches. In addition, with the above configuration, there is no need to put the equipment on or off the shelf, open the cover of the chassis to try to replace the faulty device, and repeatedly extract the device, and it can also avoid damage to the optical module caused by frequent extraction of the device. In addition, with the above configuration, there is no need to return the entire machine to the factory for repair, which effectively avoids the problems of slow maintenance of the entire machine, high maintenance costs, and possible secondary damage during transportation that may cause the failure to be located. Finally, since the management unit 5 is pulled out of the housing 1 via the first end plate 11, and the fan module 2 and the power module 3 are adjacent to the second end plate 12, when the management unit 5 is pulled out of the housing 1, there is no need to plug and unplug the fan module 2 and the power module 3, and it can also save operating steps.

[0033] Continuing with FIG2 , in some embodiments, the switching unit 4 is fixedly disposed within the housing 1. The switching unit 4 is primarily responsible for data exchange and may include a switching unit board 41 and input / output ports 44. The switching unit board 41 is fixedly disposed within the housing 1. The input / output ports 44 are connected to the switching unit board 41 and may extend outside the housing 1, that is, portions of the input / output ports 44 are located within the housing 1. A data exchange chip may be disposed on the switching unit board 41, and the data exchange chip may include at least one of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and a general-purpose chip.

[0034] Continuing with Figure 2, specifically, the management unit 5 is disposed within the housing 1 and is primarily responsible for device management. A handle 56 is provided on the end of the management unit 5 facing away from the second end plate 12. The handle 56 can be switched between a depressed position and an ejected position. In the depressed position, the handle 56 is retracted into the management unit 5, effectively locking it. In the ejected position, the handle 56 extends out of the management unit 5 and allows it to be withdrawn from the second end plate 12.

[0035] Continuing to refer to Figures 1 and 3, in some embodiments, the management unit 5 may further include a management unit board 51, a mobile bracket 53, and a management interface 55. The mobile bracket 53 can serve as an installation carrier. The mobile bracket 53 may be provided with a management unit board 51 and a handle 56, and the handle 56 is located at the end of the mobile bracket 53 facing away from the second end plate 12. The end of the management unit board 51 facing away from the second end plate 12 may be provided with a management interface 55. The management interface 55 can be connected to a mobile terminal device via a network cable to control the network switch 100 through the mobile terminal device. A second connector 52 is provided at the end of the management unit board 51 facing the second end plate 12. The management unit board 51 may be provided with at least one of a CPU, a memory, an SSD, and a CPLD.

[0036] In some embodiments, a movable groove 111 may be provided on the first end plate 11. The management unit board 51 may be disposed within the movable groove 111 and may be movable relative to the second end plate 12 along the movable groove 111. More specifically, the movable bracket 53 cooperates with the movable groove 111 and may be movable relative to the second end plate 12 along the movable groove 111, thereby driving the movement of the management unit board 51.

[0037] Referring to Figure 2 , in some embodiments, the power module 3 is used to power the devices in the network switch 100. The power module 3 includes a power supply unit board 31, a power supply device 32, and a power connector 33. The power supply device 32 is located adjacent to the second end board 12 and is mounted on the power supply unit board 31. The power supply unit board 31 is connected to the switching unit board 41 via the power connector 33.

[0038] The power connector 33 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can be various types of connectors currently known or available in the future, and the embodiment of the present disclosure does not limit this. For example, in some embodiments, the power connector 33 can be a copper busbar.

[0039] Referring to Figure 2 , in some embodiments, a fan module 2 is used to dissipate heat from the entire device. The fan module 2 includes a fan unit board 21, a fan device 22, and a fan connector 23. The fan device 22 is located adjacent to the second end plate 12 and is mounted on the fan unit board 21. The fan connector 23 connects the fan unit board 21 to the switching unit board 41.

[0040] The fan connector 23 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can be various types of connectors currently known or available in the future, and the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, in some embodiments, the fan connector 23 can be a cable for supplying power to the fan unit board 21 and transmitting management signals.

[0041] Hereinafter, the structure of the network switch 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is exemplified by the arrangement of the management unit 5 relative to the housing 1 and the number of the management unit boards 51 .

[0042] It should be noted that, regardless of whether the management unit board 51 includes the first management unit board 511 or the second management unit board 512, each management unit board 51 may be provided with a management interface 55, a second connecting member 52, and a guide member 54. In addition, each management unit board 51 is connected to a movable bracket 53, and each movable bracket 53 is provided with a handle 56.

[0043] In addition, when the management unit board 51 is adjacent to or away from the first side board 15, the first connector 42 can be provided on the switch unit board 41. In contrast, when the management unit board 51 is adjacent to or away from the bottom board 14, the switch unit board 41 is away from or adjacent to the bottom board 14. The switch unit 4 may further include an adapter board 43 connected to the switch unit board 41, and the first connector 42 is provided on the adapter board 43.

[0044] Continuing with reference to Figures 2 and 3, in some embodiments, the movable slot 111 includes a first movable slot 1111, and the management unit board 51 includes a first management unit board 511. The first management unit board 511 is disposed within the first movable slot 1111 and is movable along the first movable slot 1111. The first management unit board 511 is adjacent to the second side plate 16, that is, the first management unit board 511 faces away from the first side plate 15. The first connector 42 is disposed on the switching unit board 41. The management unit 5 can be staggered with the input / output port 44 to prevent the input / output port 44 from interfering with the movement of the management unit 5.

[0045] Obviously, by pulling the first management unit board 511 in a direction away from the second end plate 12, the first management unit board 511 can be withdrawn from the housing 1 via the first end plate 11, and the second connector 52 is disconnected from the first connector 42. By pushing the first management unit board 511 in a direction toward the second end plate 12, the first management unit board 511 can be inserted into the housing 1 via the first end plate 11, and the second connector 52 is connected to the first connector 42.

[0046] 2 , in this embodiment, the second connector 52 may be located on a side of the first management unit board 511 facing away from the second side board 16 . Alternatively, the second connector 52 may be located on a side of the first management unit board 511 facing the second side board 16 .

[0047] Referring to Figure 3, in this embodiment, the guide member 54 can be provided at one end of the first management unit board 511 adjacent to the second end plate 12, and the guide member 54 can also be adjacent to the second connector 52. Correspondingly, a guide groove (not shown in the figure) that cooperates with the guide member 54 can be provided on the exchange unit board 41. When the guide member 54 cooperates with the guide groove, the second connector 52 is connected to the first connector 42. With the above configuration, it can be ensured that the second connector 52 of the management unit board 51 can be accurately and smoothly connected to the first connector 42 of the exchange unit board 41. Obviously, the guide groove can also be provided on a component within the housing 1, which is not limited here.

[0048] Figure 4 illustrates a schematic side view of a network switch 100 according to other embodiments of the present disclosure. The management unit 5 shown in Figure 4 is adjacent to the first side panel 15. Continuing with Figure 4 , the management unit board 51 may include a first management unit board 511, which may also be adjacent to the first side panel 15. The management unit 5 needs to be staggered with the input / output ports 44 to prevent the ports from interfering with the movement of the management unit 5.

[0049] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network switch 100 according to other embodiments of the present disclosure, viewed from above. The management unit board 51 shown in FIG5 includes a first management unit board 511 and a second management unit board 512, and the management unit board 51 is adjacent to the second side panel 16. FIG6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the network switch 100 shown in FIG5, viewed from the side. As shown in FIG5 and FIG6, in other embodiments, the movable slot 111 includes a first movable slot 1111 and a second movable slot 1112, and the first movable slot 1111 and the second movable slot 1112 are spaced apart from each other. The first management unit board 511 is disposed in the first movable slot 1111 and is movable along the first movable slot 1111. The second management unit board 512 is disposed in the second movable slot 1112 and is movable along the second movable slot 1112. The first management unit board 511 and the second management unit board 512 are respectively adjacent to the second side panel 16. The first connectors 42 are provided in pairs on the switching unit board 41, and the paired first connectors 42 are spaced apart from each other. The first management unit board 511 and the second management unit board 512 are each provided with a second connector 52. The management unit 5 can be staggered with the input and output ports 44 to prevent the input and output ports 44 from interfering with the movement of the management unit 5.

[0050] Obviously, by pulling the first management unit board 511 and / or the second management unit board 512 in a direction away from the second end plate 12, the first management unit board 511 and / or the second management unit board 512 can be withdrawn from the housing 1 via the first end plate 11, and the second connector 52 can be disconnected from the first connector 42. By pushing the first management unit board 511 and / or the second management unit board 512 in a direction toward the second end plate 12, the first management unit board 511 and / or the second management unit board 512 can be inserted into the housing 1 via the first end plate 11, and the second connector 52 can be connected to the first connector 42.

[0051] In this embodiment, the second connector 52 can be located on the side of the first management unit board 511 facing away from the second side panel 16. Of course, the second connector 52 can also be located on the side of the first management unit board 511 facing the second side panel 16. In addition, the second connector 52 can be located on the side of the second management unit board 512 facing away from the second side panel 16. Of course, the second connector 52 can also be located on the side of the second management unit board 512 facing the second side panel 16.

[0052] In this embodiment, the guide member 54 can be provided at one end of the first management unit board 511 adjacent to the second end plate 12, and the guide member 54 can be provided at one end of the second management unit board 512 adjacent to the second end plate 12, and the guide member 54 can also be provided adjacent to the second connector 52. Correspondingly, a guide groove that cooperates with the guide member 54 is provided on the switching unit board 41. When the guide member 54 cooperates with the guide groove, the second connector 52 can be connected to the first connector 42. Utilizing the above configuration, it is possible to ensure that the second connector 52 of the management unit board 51 can be accurately and smoothly connected to the first connector 42 of the switching unit board 41. Obviously, the guide groove can also be provided on a component within the housing 1, and this is not a limitation here.

[0053] In this embodiment, since the first management unit board 511 and the second management unit board 512 are simultaneously connected to the switching unit board 41, for example, in some scenarios where high reliability is required, if one of the first management unit board 511 and the second management unit board 512 fails, the network switch 100 can automatically switch to the other management unit board to work, thereby achieving the goal of not powering off the device and avoiding the problem of powering off the device caused by replacing the management unit board 51.

[0054] It should be noted that the first management unit board 511 and the second management unit board 512 may also be adjacent to the first side panel 15. Alternatively, one of the first management unit board 511 and the second management unit board 512 may be adjacent to the first side panel 15, and the other of the first management unit board 511 and the second management unit board 512 may be adjacent to the second side panel 16.

[0055] Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a network switch 100 according to other embodiments of the present disclosure, viewed from a front perspective. The management unit 5 in Figure 7 is adjacent to the base plate 14. Figure 8 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of the network switch 100 shown in Figure 7, viewed from a side perspective. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, in other embodiments, the movable slot 111 includes a first movable slot 1111, and the management unit board 51 includes a first management unit board 511. The first management unit board 511 is disposed within the first movable slot 1111 and is movable along the first movable slot 1111. When the first management unit board 511 is adjacent to the base plate 14, the switching unit board 41 can face away from the base plate 14. The management unit 5 is staggered with respect to the input and output ports 44 to prevent the input and output ports 44 from interfering with the movement of the management unit 5. The switching unit 4 also includes an adapter board 43 connected to the switching unit board 41, and the first connector 42 is disposed on the adapter board 43. In other words, the switching unit board 41 and the management unit board 51 are connected via the adapter board 43.

[0056] Obviously, by pulling the first management unit board 511 in a direction away from the second end plate 12, the first management unit board 511 can be withdrawn from the housing 1 via the first end plate 11, and the second connector 52 is disconnected from the first connector 42. By pushing the first management unit board 511 in a direction toward the second end plate 12, the first management unit board 511 can be inserted into the housing 1 via the first end plate 11, and the second connector 52 can be connected to the first connector 42.

[0057] In this embodiment, the second connecting member 52 can be located at one end of the first management unit board 511 facing the second end plate 12. The guide member 54 can be provided at one end of the first management unit board 511 adjacent to the second end plate 12, and the guide member 54 can also be adjacent to the second connecting member 52. Correspondingly, a guide groove that cooperates with the guide member 54 is provided on the adapter plate 43. When the guide member 54 cooperates with the guide groove, the second connecting member 52 is connected to the first connecting member 42. With the above configuration, it can be ensured that the second connecting member 52 of the management unit board 51 can be accurately and smoothly connected to the first connecting member 42 of the exchange unit board 41. Obviously, the guide groove can also be provided on a component in the housing 1, which is not limited here.

[0058] In this embodiment, a first adapter 411 is provided on the switching unit board 41. A second adapter 431 is provided on one end of the adapter board 43 adjacent to the switching unit board 41, and the second adapter 431 can cooperate with the first adapter 411. A first connector 42 is provided on one end of the adapter board 43 facing away from the switching unit board 41.

[0059] In this embodiment, the bottom plate 14 may be parallel to the exchange unit plate 41. The adapter plate 43 may be arranged parallel to the first end plate 11; or the adapter plate 43 may be arranged parallel to the first side plate 15, which is not limited here.

[0060] Figure 9 shows a schematic structural diagram of a network switch 100 according to other embodiments of the present disclosure along a side view. The management unit board 51 in Figure 9 includes a first management unit board 511 and a second management unit board 512, and the management unit board 51 is adjacent to the base plate 14. As shown in Figure 9, the movable slot 111 may also include a first movable slot 1111 and a second movable slot 1112, and the first movable slot 1111 and the second movable slot 1112 are spaced apart from each other. The first management unit board 511 and the second management unit board 512 are respectively adjacent to the base plate 14. The first management unit board 511 and the second management unit board 512 are spaced apart from each other along the direction from the first side plate 15 to the second side plate 16. It should be noted that the connection method between the management unit board 51 and the switching unit board 41 in Figure 9 is the same as the connection method between the management unit board 51 and the switching unit board 41 in Figures 7 to 8, and will not be repeated here.

[0061] Figure 10 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a network switch 100 according to other embodiments of the present disclosure, viewed from a front perspective. The management unit 5 in Figure 10 faces away from the base plate 14. Figure 11 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of the network switch 100 shown in Figure 10, viewed from a side perspective. As shown in Figures 10 and 11, in other embodiments, the movable slot 111 may include a first movable slot 1111, and the management unit board 51 may include a first management unit board 511. The first management unit board 511 is disposed within the first movable slot 1111 and is movable along the first movable slot 1111. If the first management unit board 511 faces away from the base plate 14, the switching unit board 41 is adjacent to the base plate 14. The management unit 5 is staggered from the input and output ports 44 to prevent the input and output ports 44 from interfering with the movement of the management unit 5. The switching unit 4 also includes an adapter board 43 connected to the switching unit board 41, and the first connector 42 is disposed on the adapter board 43. In other words, the switching unit board 41 and the management unit board 51 are connected via the adapter board 43.

[0062] Obviously, by pulling the first management unit board 511 away from the second end plate 12, the first management unit board 511 is withdrawn from the housing 1 via the first end plate 11, and the second connector 52 is disconnected from the first connector 42. By pushing the first management unit board 511 toward the second end plate 12, the first management unit board 511 is inserted into the housing 1 via the first end plate 11, and the second connector 52 can be connected to the first connector 42.

[0063] In this embodiment, the second connecting member 52 can be located at one end of the first management unit board 511 facing the second end plate 12. The guide member 54 can be provided at one end of the first management unit board 511 adjacent to the second end plate 12, and the guide member 54 can also be adjacent to the second connecting member 52. Correspondingly, a guide groove that cooperates with the guide member 54 is provided on the adapter plate 43. When the guide member 54 cooperates with the guide groove, the second connecting member 52 is connected to the first connecting member 42. With the above configuration, it can be ensured that the second connecting member 52 of the management unit board 51 can be accurately and smoothly connected to the first connecting member 42 of the exchange unit board 41. Obviously, the guide groove can also be provided on a component in the housing 1, which is not limited here.

[0064] In this embodiment, a first adapter 411 is provided on the switching unit board 41. A second adapter 431 is provided on one end of the adapter board 43 adjacent to the switching unit board 41, and the second adapter 431 can cooperate with the first adapter 411. A first connector 42 is provided on one end of the adapter board 43 facing away from the switching unit board 41.

[0065] In this embodiment, the bottom plate 14 may be parallel to the exchange unit plate 41. The adapter plate 43 may be arranged parallel to the first end plate 11; or the adapter plate 43 may be arranged parallel to the first side plate 15, which is not limited here.

[0066] FIG12 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a network switch 100 according to other embodiments of the present disclosure, viewed from the side. The management unit board 51 in FIG12 includes a first management unit board 511 and a second management unit board 512, and the management unit board 51 faces away from the base plate 14. As shown in FIG12, the movable slot 111 may also include a first movable slot 1111 and a second movable slot 1112, and the first movable slot 1111 and the second movable slot 1112 are spaced apart from each other. The management unit board 51 may also include a first management unit board 511 and a second management unit board 512, and the first management unit board 511 and the second management unit board 512 are spaced apart from each other along the direction from the first side plate 15 to the second side plate 16. It should be noted that the connection method between the management unit board 51 and the switching unit board 41 in FIG12 is the same as the connection method between the management unit board 51 and the switching unit board 41 in FIG10 and FIG11, and will not be repeated here.

[0067] The design layout of the management unit 5 and the switching unit 4 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to various network switches 100. In this way, if a component on the management unit board 51 fails, the entire device needs to be replaced, which would cause a cumbersome and costly repair process. It should be understood that the design layout of the management unit 5 and the switching unit 4 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure can also be applied to other components, and the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited in this regard.

[0068] Embodiments of the present disclosure are also embodied in the following examples.

[0069] Example 1. A network switch, comprising: a housing, comprising a first end plate and a second end plate spaced apart from each other; a fan module and a power supply module, respectively arranged in the housing adjacent to the second end plate; a switching unit, at least partially arranged in the housing adjacent to the first end plate, the switching unit comprising a first connector arranged in the housing; and a management unit, arranged in the housing and capable of moving relative to the second end plate, and the switching unit is located outside a path for the management unit to move in a direction away from the second end plate, an end of the management unit adjacent to the second end plate being provided with a second connector capable of cooperating with the first connector, wherein when the management unit is pulled out of the housing via the first end plate in a direction away from the second end plate, the second connector is disconnected from the first connector; and when the management unit is inserted into the housing via the first end plate in a direction toward the second end plate, the second connector is connected to the first connector.

[0070] Example 2. A network switch according to Example 1, wherein a movable groove is provided on the first end plate, the management unit includes a management unit board provided with the second connecting member, the management unit board is provided in the movable groove and can move along the movable groove relative to the second end plate.

[0071] Example 3. A network switch according to Example 2, wherein the movable slot includes a first movable slot and a second movable slot spaced apart from each other, the management unit board includes a first management unit board arranged in the first movable slot and a second management unit board arranged in the second movable slot, and the second connecting member is respectively arranged on the management unit board and the second management unit board.

[0072] Example 4. A network switch according to Example 2, wherein the switching unit includes a switching unit board arranged in the shell adjacent to the first end plate, the shell also includes a base plate and a first side plate and a second side plate spaced apart from each other, the base plate is parallel to the switching unit board, and the first end plate, the second end plate, the base plate, the first side plate and the second side plate together constitute the shell.

[0073] Example 5. A network switch according to Example 4, wherein a guide member is provided at one end of the management unit board adjacent to the second end board, and a guide groove cooperating with the guide member is provided on the switching unit board, and when the guide member cooperates with the guide groove, the second connecting member is connected to the first connecting member.

[0074] Example 6. The network switch according to Example 4, wherein the first connector is disposed on the switching unit board when the management unit board is adjacent to or away from the first side board.

[0075] Example 7. A network switch according to Example 4, wherein when the management unit board is adjacent to or away from the base plate, the switching unit board is away from or adjacent to the base plate, the switching unit further includes an adapter board connected to the switching unit board, and the first connector is arranged on the adapter board.

[0076] Example 8. A network switch according to Example 7, wherein a first adapter is provided on the switching unit board, a second adapter cooperating with the first adapter is provided at one end of the adapter board adjacent to the switching unit board, and the first connecting member is provided at one end of the adapter board facing away from the switching unit board.

[0077] Example 9. The network switch according to Example 7, wherein the adapter plate is arranged parallel to the first end plate; or the adapter plate is arranged parallel to the first side plate.

[0078] Example 10. The network switch according to Example 2, wherein a management interface is provided on an end of the management unit board facing away from the second end board.

[0079] Example 11. A network switch according to Example 2, wherein the management unit further comprises a handle disposed away from the second end plate, the handle being capable of switching between a pressed position and a pop-up position, wherein when the handle is in the pressed position, the handle is retracted into the management unit, and when the handle is in the pop-up position, the handle extends out of the management unit and allows the management unit to be pulled out relative to the second end plate.

[0080] While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the above descriptions are illustrative, non-exhaustive, and not intended to be limiting of the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein is selected to best explain the principles of the embodiments, their practical applications, or technological improvements in the marketplace, or to enable other persons skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A network switch (100), comprising: A housing (1), including a first end plate (11) and a second end plate (12) spaced apart from each other; A fan module (2) and a power module (3), respectively disposed in the housing (1) adjacent to the second end plate (12); A switching unit (4), at least partially disposed in the housing (1) adjacent to the first end plate (11), the switching unit (4) including a first connector (42) disposed in the housing (1); and A management unit (5), disposed in the housing (1) and capable of moving relative to the second end plate (12), and the switching unit (4) is located outside the path of the management unit (5) moving in a direction away from the second end plate (12). A second connector (52) capable of cooperating with the first connector (42) is disposed at one end of the management unit (5) adjacent to the second end plate (12). Wherein, when the management unit (5) is withdrawn from the housing (1) through the first end plate (11) in a direction away from the second end plate (12), the second connector (52) is disconnected from the first connector (42); and when the management unit (5) is inserted into the housing (1) through the first end plate (11) in a direction towards the second end plate (12), the second connector (52) is connected to the first connector (42).

2. The network switch (100) according to claim 1, wherein a moving slot (111) is provided on the first end plate (11), the management unit (5) includes a management unit board (51) provided with the second connector (52), and the management unit board (51) is disposed in the moving slot (111) and can move relative to the second end plate (12) along the moving slot (111).

3. The network switch (100) according to claim 2, wherein the moving slot (111) includes a first moving slot (1111) and a second moving slot (1112) spaced apart from each other, the management unit board (51) includes a first management unit board (511) disposed in the first moving slot (1111) and a second management unit board (512) disposed in the second moving slot (1112), and the second connectors (52) are respectively disposed on the first management unit board (511) and the second management unit board (512).

4. The network switch (100) according to claim 2, wherein the switching unit (4) includes a switching unit board (41) disposed in the housing (1) adjacent to the first end plate (11), and the housing (1) further includes a bottom plate (14) and a first side plate (15) and a second side plate (16) spaced apart from each other, the bottom plate (14) being parallel to the switching unit board (41), and the first end plate (11), the second end plate (12), the bottom plate (14), the first side plate (15), and the second side plate (16) together form the housing (1).

5. The network switch (100) according to claim 4, wherein a guide member (54) is provided at one end of the management unit board (51) adjacent to the second end plate (12), and a guide groove cooperating with the guide member (54) is provided on the switching unit board (41). When the guide member (54) cooperates with the guide groove, the second connecting member (52) is connected to the first connecting member (42).

6. The network switch (100) according to claim 4, wherein when the management unit board (51) is adjacent to or away from the first side plate (15), the first connecting member (42) is provided on the switching unit board (41).

7. The network switch (100) according to claim 4, wherein when the management unit board (51) is adjacent to or away from the bottom plate (14), the switching unit board (41) is away from or adjacent to the bottom plate (14), the switching unit (4) further includes an adapter board (43) connected to the switching unit board (41), and the first connecting member (42) is provided on the adapter board (43).

8. The network switch (100) according to claim 7, wherein a first adapter member (411) is provided on the switching unit board (41), and a second adapter member (431) cooperating with the first adapter member (411) is provided at one end of the adapter board (43) adjacent to the switching unit board (41), and the first connecting member (42) is provided at one end of the adapter board (43) away from the switching unit board (41).

9. The network switch (100) according to claim 7, wherein the adapter board (43) is disposed parallel to the first end plate (11); or the adapter board (43) is disposed parallel to the first side plate (15).

10. The network switch (100) according to claim 2, wherein a management interface (55) is provided at one end of the management unit board (51) away from the second end plate (12).

11. The network switch (100) according to claim 2, wherein the management unit (5) further includes a handle (56) disposed away from the second end plate (12), and the handle (56) is capable of switching between a pressed position and a popped-up position. When the handle (56) is in the pressed position, the handle (56) retracts into the management unit (5), and when the handle (56) is in the popped-up position, the handle (56) extends out of the management unit (5) and allows the management unit (5) to be withdrawn relative to the second end plate (12).

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