Cabinet device for electronic apparatus

Abstract

The invention relates to a cabinet device (3) for electronic apparatus, the device comprising a frame (7), and at least one drawer (15) mounted so as to pivot about a pivot axis (17) on the frame (7), between a stable working position in which the drawer (15) is located inside the frame (7) and a stable maintenance position in which the drawer (15) is located at least partly projecting out of the frame (7). The drawer (15) comprises at least one wall (21) which comprises an attachment member (23) for receiving at least one electronic apparatus (19). The wall (21) is at least partially disengaged from the frame (7) in the stable maintenance position. The drawer (15) comprises a pivot attached to the frame (7). The wall (21) is normal to the pivot axis (17).

Description

Cabinet device for electronic equipment

[0001] The invention relates to the field of special machines and more particularly to electronic accessories for special machines, in particular for clean rooms.

[0002] Special machines include electronic elements or components that can perform numerous functions such as power supply, control, data recording, etc. These electronic components can be oscilloscopes, memories, calculators or even transformers.

[0003] These electronic components are generally mounted directly on the structure of special machines or mounted in electronic cabinets, or racks. Electronic components mounted directly on the structure of special machines are fixed to uprights of the structure, generally made of profile. Thus, only equipment with the same fixing design can be installed (same dimensions for example). In racks, electronic components can be mounted on sliding drawers. A variety of types of components can be mounted.

[0004] These installations have a number of disadvantages.

[0005] For special machines, the development phases require numerous modifications to the electronic equipment. Easy access to electronic equipment is important, particularly for modifying wiring or replacing certain equipment, for example.

[0006] Electronic equipment is equipped with cables. Therefore, during maintenance, some of the cables must be disconnected to allow access to the electronic equipment. Maintenance time is extended and the risk of error or even damage is increased. To avoid having to disconnect cables, some cables are extended to allow for drawer movement. Storage for excess cables must be planned and cable movement must be controlled.

[0007] Various systems have been devised to guide cables, such as cable ducts, for example. One such system is described in EP3393221, which concerns a cable connection assembly on a pivot. Maintenance operations remain long and tedious, and excess cables remain.

[0008] Cooling electronic components is another disadvantage of traditional racks. In drawer format, fans are required. Fans consume energy, are noisy and expensive, and represent an additional maintenance risk. Furthermore, fans are prohibited or very expensive in cleanrooms.

[0009] The Applicant identified a need to facilitate the maintenance of electronic cabinets, and more specifically to reduce the impact of wiring in an electronic cabinet, while improving the cooling of electronic equipment.

[0010] The invention improves the situation.

[0011] The cabinet device for electronic equipment comprises a chassis, and at least one drawer pivotally mounted about a pivot axis on said chassis, between a stable working position in which the drawer is located in the chassis and a stable maintenance position in which the drawer is located at least partially projecting from the chassis. The drawer comprises at least one wall. The wall comprises a fixing member for receiving at least one electronic device. Said wall is at least partially clear of the chassis in the stable maintenance position. The drawer comprises a pivot fixed to said chassis. The wall is normal to the pivot axis. The device comprises at least one flexible connecting fastener in the vicinity of the pivot and a member for holding the drawer in the stable working position and in the stable maintenance position. Maintenance of the electronic devices is made easier. Maintenance time is reduced.The risk of damage to equipment, particularly near connections, is reduced. Natural convection is improved to increase the cooling of electronic equipment.

[0012] In one embodiment, the drawer comprises two parallel walls rigidly fixed together. The number of electronic devices that can be mounted per drawer is increased.

[0013] In one embodiment, the drawer is pivotable at least 90°, preferably at least 120°, more preferably between 135° and 180°. The ergonomics of the device are improved.

[0014] In one embodiment, the device comprises a stable working position lock, possibly a stable maintenance position lock. Safety is increased. The lock also makes it possible to meet safety standards such as earthquake standards.

[0015] In one embodiment, the drawer comprises a handle accessible from the outside in a stable working position, the handle being arranged between planes of the parallel walls. Changing the position of the drawer is easily achieved.

[0016] In one embodiment, the device comprises a shock absorber for the end of travel towards the stable working position, said shock absorber being adjustable, in particular by screwing. The risk of shock to the drawers is reduced. The risk of damage to electronic equipment is reduced.

[0017] In one embodiment, the parallel walls comprise a fixing pattern, preferably repetitive, having perforations, preferably non-circular, arranged at a constant pitch in the parallel walls, the parallel walls being rigidly fixed to each other. The mounting of electronic devices is facilitated. Bench mounting can easily be reproduced on the device.

[0018] In one embodiment, the holding member comprises one end hinged to the frame and an opposite end hinged to the drawer at a distance from the pivot. The weight of the drawer is compensated. Pivoting of the drawer is facilitated.

[0019] In one embodiment, the drawer is provided with an oblong for adjusting the articulation position. The force of the holding member on the drawer can be adapted according to the mass of the drawer.

[0020] In one embodiment, the holding member comprises a controlled actuator, a spring or a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder. The pivoting of the drawer can be controlled remotely.

[0021] In one embodiment, the device comprises a plurality of drawers articulated around said pivot axis. The number of electronic devices is increased.

[0022] In one embodiment, the device comprises a row of lower drawers pivoting in one direction, from the stable working position to the stable maintenance position and a row of upper drawers pivoting in an opposite direction, from the stable working position to the stable maintenance position, the drawers being able to have a common or separate pivot axis. Ergonomics is improved.

[0023] In one embodiment, the pivot axis is horizontal or vertical.

[0024] In one embodiment, the chassis includes a flexible connection support defining a flexible connection passage volume outside an obstruction of said at least one drawer. The flexible connections are spaced from the drawers, reducing the risk of interference. The flexible connections may be electrical, electronic and / or optical.

[0025] In one embodiment, the parallel walls are connected in a single piece by a folded sheet metal edge.

[0026] In one embodiment, the perforations are square and arranged at equal pitch in two perpendicular directions.

[0027] In one embodiment, the frame comprises a circular bar. The pivot is mounted on the circular bar of said frame.

[0028] In one embodiment, the pivot comprises at least one hook fixed to the drawer and adapted to be mounted on the circular bar of the chassis.

[0029] In one embodiment, the pivot comprises a bearing.

[0030] In one embodiment, the pivot is mounted on the frame.

[0031] In one embodiment, the frame includes uprights and spacers secured between the uprights.

[0032] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description below, and the appended drawings, in which:

[0033] illustrates in perspective view a robotic system comprising a cabinet according to one aspect of the invention.

[0034] illustrates in sectional and perspective view a cabinet according to one aspect of the invention.

[0035] illustrates in sectional and perspective view a drawer of a cabinet according to one aspect of the invention.

[0036] illustrates in sectional and side view a cabinet in working position according to one aspect of the invention.

[0037] illustrates in sectional and side view a cabinet in maintenance position according to one aspect of the invention.

[0038] illustrates a cabinet in perspective according to one aspect of the invention, the cables being shown.

[0039] illustrates a cabinet in perspective according to one aspect of the invention, the cables being shown.

[0040] The attached drawings may not only serve to complete the invention, but also contribute to its definition, where appropriate.

[0041] Lamontre an installation 1 comprising a cabinet for electronic equipment 3, of the rack type, and a factory device 5 of the special machine type, machining center, robotic handling and assembly system. The cabinet 3 is electrically connected to the factory device 5. The cabinet 3 can also be independent. The cabinet 3 can be a server. The cabinet 3 comprises a chassis 7, generally of parallelepiped shape. The chassis 7 comprises a front face 8 and a rear face 10. The chassis 7 is generally mounted on four feet.

[0042] Here, the frame 7 comprises uprights 9 and spacers 11 connecting the uprights 9. The frame 7 comprises outer walls 13, generally made of sheet metal. The outer walls 13 are fixed to the uprights 9 or to the spacers 11. An opening is provided in the front face 10 and / or in the rear face 10. The opening can be closable, in particular by a door. Here, the uprights 9 and the spacers 11 are made of metal profile.

[0043] The cabinet 3 comprises at least one drawer 15 pivotally mounted on the frame 7 around a pivot axis 17, cf. Here, the pivot axis 17 is horizontal.

[0044] The pivot axis 17 may be arranged in an upper part of the cabinet 3, so as to allow the drawer 15 to pivot in one direction. The pivot axis 17 may be arranged in a lower part of the cabinet 3, so as to allow the drawer 15 to pivot in an opposite direction. The pivot axis 17 may be arranged near the front face 8 and / or the rear face 10. Here, the cabinet comprises two pivot axes 17, one near the front face 8 and one near the rear face 10. Alternatively, the cabinet comprises a single pivot axis 17. Alternatively, the cabinet comprises a plurality of pivot axes 17 near the front face 8 and / or near the rear face 10.

[0045] Alternatively, the cabinet 3 may comprise pivot axes 17 superimposed on each other so as to install drawers 15 on different levels.

[0046] Alternatively, the pivot axis 17 may be vertical.

[0047] The drawer 15 is configured to receive at least one electronic device 19, preferably a plurality of electronic devices 19. The electronic devices 19 may be oscilloscopes, memories, computers, drivers, power supplies or even transformers.

[0048] The cabinet 3 comprises at least one flexible connection 18, see figures 6 and 7, the flexible connections being omitted in the other figures for better readability. Each flexible connection 18 is connected to at least one electronic device 19. The flexible connection 18 may be a power connection or a data transfer connection for example. The flexible connections 18 may be in the form of cables or ribbon cables. Each flexible connection 18 may be electrical, electronic or optical.

[0049] The drawer 15 comprises at least one wall 21. The wall 21 is arranged normal to the pivot axis 17. Thus, when the drawer 15 pivots, the wall 21 remains perpendicular to the pivot axis 17. The wall 21 is generally made of sheet metal. The wall 21 comprises at least one fixing member capable of receiving and holding the electronic equipment 19. The fixing member may comprise at least one perforation 23 made in the wall 21.

[0050] Here, the fixing member comprises a fixing pattern. The fixing pattern may comprise a plurality of perforations 23. The fixing pattern may be repetitive. The perforations 23 may be arranged repetitively so as to uniformly cover the surface of the walls 21. The perforations 23 may have a non-circular shape. Here, each perforation 23 has a square shape. The perforations 23 may be arranged at a constant pitch in the walls 21. Here, the perforations 23 are arranged in a repetitive pattern in two orthogonal directions. The perforations 23 are spaced at an identical pitch in the two orthogonal directions.

[0051] Here, the wall 21 has a generally rectangular shape. Thus, the drawer 15 has four corners. Here, the drawer 15 comprises two parallel walls 21 rigidly fixed to each other, cf.

[0052] Each drawer 15 may comprise at least one lateral face 22 connecting the two walls 21. Here, the lateral face 22 is arranged towards the outside of the cabinet 3. The lateral face 22 is vertical in a stable working position.

[0053] The side face 22 may be welded to the walls 21. Alternatively, the two walls 21 and the side face 22 are made from a folded sheet metal. Alternatively, one of the two walls 21 and the side face 22 are made from a folded sheet metal, the other of the two walls 21 being welded to the side face 22.

[0054] The drawer 15 comprises a pivot. The drawer 15 is pivotally mounted on the frame by means of the pivot. Here, the pivot is arranged near one of the corners of the drawer 15.

[0055] The cabinet 3 may comprise at least one shaft 27, or circular bar. The shaft 27 is here mounted between two uprights 9. Each drawer 15 comprises a pivot capable of being mounted on the shaft 27. The drawer 15 is shown in the assembled state. The shaft 27 may comprise axial stops 33 so as to axially fix the drawer 15. The stops 33 may be of the adjusting ring type.

[0056] Here, the pivot comprises one or more hooks 25. The hooks 25 have a shape matching the shaft 27. The hooks 25 have a profiled concave surface of diameter adapted to the external diameter of the shaft 27. The hooks 25 are pivotally mounted around the shaft 27. The drawer 15 may comprise a hook 25 mounted between the two walls 21 or two hooks 25 mounted on either side of the two walls 21 along the pivot axis 17. Alternatively, the two hooks 25 may be spaced apart by an adjustable distance determined as a function of the mass and the center of gravity of the drawers 15 and the electronic equipment 19.

[0057] Alternatively, the pivot may comprise at least one bearing. The bearing is mounted on the drawer 15. The bearing may project relative to the drawer. The bearing may be arranged within the space occupied by the drawer, a specific hole being provided in the wall(s) 21 of the drawer 15 for the passage of the shaft 27. The bearing may be made in two parts which fit together.

[0058] Alternatively, the bearing can be mounted on one of the spacers 11 of the chassis 7, each drawer 15 then comprising at least one shaft capable of being mounted in the bearing.

[0059] Alternatively, the cabinet 3 comprises a hinge mounted on the frame 7 and on the drawer 15 so as to ensure the connection between the drawer 15 and the frame 7.

[0060] The drawer 15 is arranged to pivot between a stable working position and a stable maintenance position, see Figures 4 and 5. In the stable working position, the drawer 15 is arranged inside the cabinet 3, for example inside the chassis 7. In the stable working position, the electronic devices 19 can be used. The stable maintenance position allows access to the electronic devices 19. The stable maintenance position also allows the electronic devices 19 to be changed or replaced.

[0061] In the stable maintenance position, the drawer 15 is located at least partially projecting outside the chassis 7. Thus, in the stable maintenance position, the walls 21 are clear of the chassis 7 and easily accessible. The stable working position and the stable maintenance position define an angular range which may be greater than 90°, preferably greater than 120°, more preferably between 135° and 180°, so as to clear a large surface area of ​​each wall 21.

[0062] The cabinet 3 further comprises at least one clip 31 for a flexible connection 18 arranged in the vicinity of the pivot. The clip 31 is arranged to hold the flexible connections 18 connected to the electronic equipment 19. The clip 31 makes it possible to prevent untimely movement of the flexible connections 18 when the drawer 15 pivots.

[0063] In a preferred variant, the cabinet 3 comprises at least two fasteners 31 per drawer 15. One of the two fasteners 31 is arranged to hold the flexible connection 18 on the drawer 15. The second of the two fasteners 31 is arranged to hold the flexible connection 18 on the chassis 7. The fastener 31 may be an eyelet on the drawer 15 or on the chassis 7. The fastener 31 may be an edge of an opening allowing the passage of a cable clamp. The fastener 31 may be an added part, for example a clamp.

[0064] The cabinet 3 and the drawer 15 are arranged so that the flexible connections 18 pass close to the pivot to limit and control a movement of the flexible connections when the drawer 15 pivots.

[0065] The cabinet 3 comprises a holding member 41 arranged to hold the drawer 15 in a stable working position and in a stable maintenance position. The holding member 41 is configured to ensure the movement of the drawer 15. The holding member 41 comprises a first end 43 articulated to the drawer 15 and a second end 45 articulated to the frame 7. Here, the holding member 41 is fixed to the frame 7 on a horizontal profile, so as to be able to precisely choose its axial position.

[0066] The holding member 41 is arranged to generate a pivoting torque of the drawer 15. The holding member 41 exerts a stabilizing torque in the stable working position, a stabilizing torque in the stable maintenance position, a pivoting torque towards the stable working position near said stable working position and a pivoting torque towards the stable maintenance position near said stable maintenance position. The drawer has two stable positions.

[0067] Here, the first end 43 is hinged to the slide 15 at a fixed force application point during the movement between the stable working position and the stable maintenance position. The holding member 41 is arranged so as to exert a thrust force on the force application point. The application point being offset relative to the pivot axis 17, a lever arm is generated. The thrust force coupled to the lever arm generates the pivoting torque of the slide 15.

[0068] Alternatively, the holding member 41 is a rotary actuator. The holding member 41 is arranged to apply the pivoting torque to the slide 15.

[0069] The drawer 15 has an equilibrium position. The equilibrium position is unstable. The equilibrium position corresponds to the position of the drawer 15 in which the first end 43 of the holding member 41, the second end 45 of the holding member 41 and the pivot are aligned. The holding member 41 is arranged to exert a pivoting torque of the drawer 15 towards the inside of the cabinet 3, when the drawer 15 has an angular position between the stable working position and an equilibrium position. The holding member 41 is arranged to exert a pivoting torque of the drawer 15 towards the outside of the cabinet 3, when the drawer 15 has an angular position between the equilibrium position and the stable maintenance position.

[0070] The force application point may be adjustable in position. The drawer 15 may be provided with an oblong 47 in which the first end 43 is articulated. The position of the first end 43 in the oblong 47 is adjustable so as to modify the force applied to the drawer 15 as a function of the mass of the drawer 15 equipped with the electronic devices 19. The position of the first end 43 in the oblong corresponds to the force application point. The position of the first end 43 is adjustable. The adjustment may be carried out by loosening and tightening a nut, a clamp, etc., by rotating a worm screw, etc. Alternatively, the oblong is supplemented or replaced by a slide and / or a rack.

[0071] The holding member 41 may be passive. The holding member 41 is then configured to exert a force on the drawer 15 so as to compensate for the weight of the drawer 15. The pivoting of the drawer 15 is possible thanks to an additional force provided by a user.

[0072] In a preferred variant, the vertical component of the force of the holding member 41 is greater than the weight of the drawer 15 so that the user pivots the drawer 15 only up to the equilibrium position. Beyond the equilibrium position, the holding member 41 provides the torque necessary to allow the drawer 15 to pivot up to the end of its pivoting stroke.

[0073] The holding member 41 may be spring-loaded or a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder.

[0074] Alternatively, the holding member 41 may comprise a controlled actuator, for example an electric jack. The holding member 41 may then be actuated remotely or via a human-machine interface.

[0075] Preferably, the holding member 41 is arranged inside the drawer 15, between the two walls 21.

[0076] The holding member 41 may comprise a stable working position lock and a stable maintenance position lock. The stable working position lock and the stable maintenance position lock may be independently actuated members, such as hooks or electromagnets.

[0077] The cabinet 3 may comprise a stable working position end stop and / or a stable maintenance position end stop. In the stable working position, the drawer 15 is installed against the stable working position end stop. In the stable working position, the drawer 15 is installed against the stable maintenance position end stop. The end stops may comprise a damper 49. The damper 49 may be configured to prevent the drawer 15 from suddenly arriving in the stable working position or in the stable maintenance position. Here, the cabinet 3 comprises a damper 49 for each drawer 15. The damper 49 is arranged near the second end 45 of the holding member 41. The damper 49 comprises a support and an adjustable pneumatic cylinder mounted on the support. Alternatively, the damper 49 may comprise an elastomer cushion.

[0078] Alternatively, the holding member 41 may comprise the damper. The damper 49 may be associated with one or more drawers 15 at a time, with, for example, an elastomer strip arranged on a spacer 11.

[0079] The cabinet 3 may comprise a flexible connection support 51. The support 51 is arranged to define a passage volume 53 of flexible connections 18 in the chassis 7 outside of an obstruction of the drawers 15. Here, the support 51 comprises a shelf, for example a tray, defining said passage volume 53. The shelf comprises a sheet mounted perpendicular to the drawers 15 in the chassis 7. The sheet is perforated so as to allow natural convection and to maintain the flexible connections 18, in particular using cable ties. A surplus length of flexible connection 18 may be stored in the passage volume 53. An opening opening into the passage volume 53 may be provided in the cabinet 3 to allow the flexible connections 18 to pass to the outside.

[0080] Each drawer 15 may comprise at least one handle 29. The handle 29 is arranged on the drawer 15 so as to be accessible from the outside in a stable working position and in a stable maintenance position. The handle 29 is generally arranged between planes of the walls 21. The handle 29 is here arranged on the lateral face 22 of the drawer 15. Alternatively, the handle 29 may be fixed to a rim of one of the walls 21. Here, the drawer 15 comprises two handles 29.

[0081] The cabinet 3 may comprise a plurality of drawers 15 hinged around the pivot axis 17. The drawers 15 may be arranged at a distance that is a multiple of a pitch. The pitch is defined to correspond to the standardized dimensions or to specific dimensions of the electronic devices 19. Alternatively, the axial placement of the drawers 15 may be free so as to adapt to numerous configurations. The axial stops 33 make it possible to choose the position of the drawers 15. The cabinet 3 may comprise drawers 15 arranged near the front face 8 and drawers 15 arranged near the rear face 10.

[0082] The cabinet 3 may include cage nuts 55 capable of being mounted in the perforations 23. The cage nuts 55 are configured to fix the electronic devices 19 to the walls 21. The cage nuts 55 are engaged with the repeating pattern.

[0083] Alternatively, the hooks 25 comprise fixing holes arranged perpendicular to the lateral face 22 so as to fix electronic devices 19.

[0084] In other words, an electronics rack comprises a chassis and a set of rotating racks on which electronic equipment can be mounted. The racks comprise plates equipped with a repeating fastening pattern allowing equipment of various sizes to be installed on the surface of the plates in the desired arrangement. The racks are rotatably mounted on the rack chassis by means of a pivot. The rack is arranged so that the wiring of the electronic equipment passes close to the pivot, preferably around the pivot or intersecting the axis. The pivot may be removable so as to allow the racks to be easily added, removed, replaced or moved. Each rack is configured to pivot between a retracted position and an extended position. Each rack is held in both positions by a retaining member, which may be materialized by a lock and / or a mechanical stop.Each binder includes a return device to facilitate the movement of the binder, by partially counteracting the weight of the binder. The retaining device can be adjustable depending on the weight of the binder.

Claims

Cabinet device for electronic equipment (3), comprising a chassis (7), and at least one drawer (15) pivotally mounted at least 90° about a pivot axis (17) on said chassis (7), between a stable working position in which the drawer (15) is located in the chassis (7) and a stable maintenance position in which the drawer (15) is located at least partially projecting from the chassis (7), the drawer (15) comprising at least one wall (21) comprising a fixing member (23) for receiving at least one electronic equipment (19), said wall (21) being at least partially disengaged from the chassis (7) in the stable maintenance position, a pivot fixed to said chassis (7), the wall (21) being normal to the pivot axis (17), the device (3) comprising at least one flexible connection fastener (31) (18) in the vicinity of the pivot, and a holding member (41) for the drawer (15) in the position stable working and in stable maintenance position,the holding member (41) comprising an end (45) articulated to the frame (7) and an opposite end (43) articulated to the drawer (15) at a distance from the pivot and fixed at a point of application of force., Device (3) according to claim 1, in which the drawer (15) comprises two parallel walls (21) rigidly fixed together. Device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the drawer (15) comprises a handle (29) accessible from the outside in a stable working position, the handle (29) being arranged between planes of the parallel walls (21). Device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the parallel walls (21) comprise a fixing pattern (23) having perforations arranged at a constant pitch in the parallel walls (21), the parallel walls (21) being rigidly fixed to each other. Device (3) according to claim 4, wherein the fixing pattern (23) is repetitive and the perforations are non-circular. Device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the drawer (15) is pivotable through at least 120°. Device (3) according to claim 6, in which the drawer (15) is pivotable between 135° and 180°. Device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a stable working position lock. Device (3) according to claim 8, comprising a maintenance stable position lock. Device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a shock absorber (49) for the end of travel towards the stable working position, said shock absorber (49) being adjustable, in particular by screwing. Device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the drawer (15) is provided with an oblong (47) for adjusting the position of the articulation point, the holding member (41) being able to comprise a controlled actuator, a spring or a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder. Device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of drawers (15) articulated around said pivot axis (17). Device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a row of lower drawers (15) pivoting in one direction, from the stable working position to the stable maintenance position and a row of upper drawers (15) pivoting in an opposite direction, from the stable working position to the stable maintenance position, the drawers (15) being able to have a common or separate pivot axis (17). Device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the pivot axis (17) is horizontal or vertical. Device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the chassis (7) comprises a support (51) for flexible connection (18) defining a volume (53) for passage of flexible connection (18) outside an obstruction of said at least one drawer (15).

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