CN215870639U

CN215870639U - Cable lead-in device for electronic rack and electronic device placed in outdoor environment

Info

Publication number: CN215870639U
Application number: CN202121522180.1U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 丛耀宗; 王铭龙; 张元齐
Original assignee: Quanta Computer Inc
Current assignee: Quanta Computer Inc
Priority date: 2021-07-06
Filing date: 2021-07-06
Publication date: 2022-02-18
Anticipated expiration: 2031-07-06

Abstract

The utility model discloses a cable leading-in device for an electronic device rack and an electronic device placed in an outdoor environment, wherein the cable leading-in device is used for leading a cable through a hole of the electronic device rack. The cable lead-in device includes a resilient base member having a grommet through which a hole extends. A slit is formed through the grommet that secures the cable in the hole. The cable lead-in device includes a frame that mates with the resilient base member, the frame including a hole operative to receive the cable, the hole aligned with the hole of the buckle. The frame secures the resilient base member to the electronics chassis such that the grommet extends through the aperture of the electronics chassis.

Description

Cable lead-in device for electronic rack and electronic device placed in outdoor environment

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a cable lead-in device for connecting a cable to an electronic chassis, and more particularly, to a cable lead-in device having a frame and a base with a grommet for flexibly and waterproof mounting of the cable.

Background

Cellular networks rely on different electronic devices, such as radios and antennas, being fixed to a support structure exposed to the environment. Some of these support structures are very tall, typically having a height of 100 feet or more, and therefore these electronic devices are exposed to inclement weather. Advances in technology have led to the development of 5G networks, where multiple interconnected devices are required, the racks of which are required to receive cables. To allow the cable to enter the respective equipment rack, various methods have been employed to ensure that water and debris (debris) are restricted from entering the rack along the surrounding area of the cable.

An exemplary existing cable entry device is shown in fig. 1. a 5G electronics rack 10 includes a top cover 12 and a base 14. For example, the electronic rack 10 is a cabinet for accommodating electronic devices, which are connected to another element, such as a 5G Central Unit (CU), a Distributed Unit (DU), a Remote Radio Unit (RRU), an Active Antenna Unit (AAU), and a Radio Unit (RU), through cables.

At the interface between the upper cover plate 12 and the base 14, there are

rubber blocks

18a and 18b with openings 16 providing access for cables and lines (hereinafter referred to as wires) sealed by a plug 20 inserted into any opening 160 not used by the cables. With the upper cover 12 removed from the base 14, the cable is inserted into the opening 16, then the upper cover 12 is placed over the base 14 and the screws 22 are tightened to engage the upper cover 12 and base 14, which also forces the

rubber blocks

18a and 18b against the cable. However, in these existing systems, the type and size of the cables used for the electronic devices may change during the life cycle. Furthermore, it may not be easy to match the cable to the opening 16 formed by the rubber blocks 18 and 18 b. Finally, it is often difficult to control the slight clearance around the

rubber blocks

18a and 18b when the screw 22 applies pressure.

Fig. 2 shows another existing arrangement for introducing cables into an electronics rack 10. an electrical cable connector (gland)30 is disposed on a wall of the electronics rack 10, such as a wall of the top cover 12. Outside the electronics rack 10, the cable 32 terminates at an electrical cable connector 30, making an electrical connection with the electrical cable connector 30. Inside the electronics rack 10, the electrical cable connector 30 contains pins that interconnect with connectors on the printed circuit board 34. A problem with using the electrical cable connector 30 is that the printed circuit board 34 needs to be directly adjacent to the electrical cable connector 30, thus limiting the location of the electronic components in the electronics rack 10.

Accordingly, there is a need for a cable lead-in device that allows flexibility in the location of electrical connections to cables in the electronics rack 10 while protecting the interior of the electronics rack 10 from water and debris. Further, there is a need for a cable lead-in device that provides flexibility in the size of the cables leading into the electronic device rack 10, as well as a need for a cable lead-in device that facilitates assembly and installation in an electronic device rack.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

The following examples and related terms are intended to be broadly construed to represent all the broad subject matter of the utility model and the claims that follow. It should be understood that the recitation of these terms should not be taken to limit the subject matter described herein or to limit the meaning or scope of the claims that follow. The scope of the embodiments covered by the utility model is defined by the following claims, rather than by the claims. This summary is a high-level overview of various aspects and introduces a few concepts that are further described in the embodiments below. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter alone. It should be understood that the subject matter requires reference to the entire specification of the utility model, any or all of the drawings, and appropriate portions of each claim.

The present invention is directed to a cable guiding device for an electronic rack and an electronic device disposed in an outdoor environment, so as to solve the problems of the prior art.

To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides a cable guiding device for guiding a cable through a hole of an electronic device rack. The cable lead-in device has a base member including a grommet through which a hole passes, the grommet being configured to secure a cable in the hole, and a slit through the grommet. A frame mates with the base member, the frame including an aperture aligned with the aperture of the grommet, and the frame configured to receive the cable. The frame secures the base member to the electronics rack such that the grommet extends through the aperture of the electronics rack.

The frame comprises an upper frame part and a lower frame part which are matched with each other.

The upper frame member and the lower frame member including a central tab extending from a first terminal and a pair of arms extending from a second terminal opposite the first terminal, wherein the central tab of the upper frame member is inserted into the pair of arms of the lower frame member when the upper frame member is mated with the lower frame member; the upper and lower frame members each include a locating feature for aligning the central tab between the pair of arms of the other frame member; and the frame and the base member include attachment holes for receiving fasteners to attach the frame and the base member to the electronic device stand.

The holes have different inner diameters in the respective buckles for receiving the cables of different sizes, or the holes have the same inner diameter in the respective buckles for receiving the cables.

The present invention also provides an electronic device for outdoor environment, the electronic device comprising: a housing having an opening for receiving at least one cable; and a cable introduction device inserted into a hole, the cable introduction device comprising: a base member including a grommet through which a hole extends, the hole to secure the cable, and a slot through the grommet, and a frame mated with the base member, the frame including a hole aligned with the hole of the grommet and configured to receive the cable, wherein the frame secures the base member to the frame such that the grommet extends through the hole of the frame.

The upper frame member and the lower frame member including a central tab extending from a first terminal and a pair of arms extending from a second terminal opposite the first terminal, wherein the central tab of the upper frame member is inserted into the pair of arms of the lower frame member when the upper frame member is mated with the lower frame member; the upper and lower frame members each include a locating feature for aligning the central tab between the pair of arms of the other frame member; and the frame and the base member include attachment holes for receiving fasteners to attach the frame and the base member to the frame.

The holes have different inner diameters in respective buckles for receiving the cables of different sizes, or the holes have the same inner diameter in respective buckles for receiving the cables.

The present invention further provides a cable guiding device for guiding a cable through a hole of a rack of an electronic device, the cable guiding device comprising: a base member including a first side tab, a second side tab, and a plurality of retaining rings, each retaining ring having a slot therethrough and a slot therethrough, each retaining ring configured to secure a cable in the hole; an upper frame member mated to the first side tab, the upper frame member including a plurality of apertures, each of the apertures aligned with the aperture of one of the retaining rings; and a lower frame member mated to the other of the second side tabs, the lower frame member including a locating feature configured to locate the lower frame member with the upper frame member, wherein the clasps extend through the electronic device chassis when the base member and the upper and lower frame members are mated.

The utility model has the advantage that the cable can be flexibly and waterproofly installed by the structural design of the cable leading-in device.

The above summary is not intended to represent each embodiment, or every aspect, of the present invention. Rather, the foregoing summary merely provides an example of some aspects and features set forth herein. The above as well as additional features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of representative embodiments and modes for carrying out the utility model when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings and appended claims. Other aspects of the present invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the detailed description of the various embodiments with reference to the drawings, a brief description of which is provided below.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art device for allowing cable access to an electronics rack;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another prior art device for allowing cables to enter an electronics rack;

FIG. 3A is a perspective assembled view of an exemplary cable lead-in device in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 3B is a perspective exploded view of the frame and base components of the exemplary cable lead-in device of FIG. 3A, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 3C is a side view of the clasp side of the exemplary cable lead-in device of FIG. 3A in an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 3D is a top view of the exemplary cable lead-in device of FIG. 3A in an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the elastic base member clasp side of the exemplary cable lead-in device of FIG. 3A in one aspect of the utility model;

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the other side of the resilient base member of the exemplary cable lead-in device of FIG. 3A in one aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 4C is a side view of the grommet side of the elastomeric base member of the exemplary cable lead-in device of FIG. 3A in an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 4D is a side view of the other side of the resilient base member of the exemplary cable lead-in device of FIG. 3A in an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 4E is a top view of the resilient base means of the exemplary cable lead-in device of FIG. 3A in an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a frame member of the exemplary cable lead-in device of FIG. 3A in one aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a frame member and an elastomeric base member combined to form the exemplary cable lead-in device of FIG. 3A in accordance with one aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 5C is a side view of the exemplary cable lead-in device of FIG. 3A assembled in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 6A is a side view of a cable entry hole of an electronics rack housing an exemplary cable entry device for inserting a cable in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 6B is a side view of the base member of the cable guide of FIG. 3A aligned with the cable guide holes of the electronics rack of FIG. 6A in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 6C is a top view of a cable being secured while the base member of the cable entry device is coupled to the electronics rack of FIG. 6A in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 6D is a perspective view of a base member of a cable entry device with a cable inserted therein according to one aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 6E is a perspective view of a cable entering the electronics rack after the frame member has been coupled to the base member in one aspect of the present invention;

fig. 6F is a side view of a cable attached to an electronics rack such that the cable is sealed in, in one aspect of the utility model.

Description of the symbols

10 electronic rack

12, an upper cover plate

14 base

16 opening of the container

18a,18b rubber block

20, plug

22,630 screw

30 electronic cable joint

32,620a,620b,620c,620d,620e,620f Cable

33: connector

34 printed circuit board

100 cable lead-in device

110: frame

112 elastic base member

120, upper frame part

122 lower frame part

130 front panel

132 mating edge

134 cut-out

136 holes

140,142 terminal

144 outer arm

146 inner side arm

150 fixed mounting hole

152 central lobe

160 rectangular central block

164,166 tabs

168 upper surface

170 surface of snap ring

172 of surface

174 convex part

180a,180b,180c,180d,180e,180f, snap ring

182a,182b,182c,182d,182e,182f holes

190 fixed insertion hole

410a,410b,410c,410d,410e,410f slits

510 bottom surface

512 guiding bolt

516 top edge

518 guide hole

520 inner side concave chamber

530,614 mounting hole

600 electronic equipment rack

610: panel

612, opening holes

Detailed Description

Various embodiments are depicted in the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to similar or identical elements throughout the several views. The drawings are not drawn to scale and are provided solely for the purpose of illustrating the utility model. Some aspects of the utility model are described below with reference to an exemplary application for illustration. It should be understood that numerous specific details, relationships, and methods are set forth herein to provide a full understanding of the utility model. One skilled in the relevant art will readily recognize, however, that the utility model can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods. In other instances, well-known structures or operations are not shown in detail to avoid obscuring the utility model. The various embodiments are not limited by the illustrated ordering of acts or events, as some acts may occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other acts or events. Moreover, not all illustrated acts or events are required to implement a methodology in accordance with the present invention.

Elements and limitations disclosed in the summary and the detailed description section but not explicitly recited in the claims are not to be inferred, by implication, to be incorporated into the claims individually or collectively. For the purposes of this detailed description, the singular includes the plural and vice versa unless specifically stated otherwise. The term "including" refers to "including but not limited to". Moreover, approximating words, such as "about," almost, "" substantially, "" about, "and the like, may be used herein to represent" near. For example, within 3% to 5% of "within allowable manufacturing tolerances" or "within acceptable manufacturing tolerances".

The present invention relates to a cable introduction device for holding and guiding a cable inserted into a rack of an electronic apparatus for external use. The cable lead-in device has a base member with one or more retaining rings for securing the cable. The cable lead-in device controls the gap between the cable and the cable lead-in device, and simultaneously enables flexibility in the position of the connected components in the rack. For example, the rack may be a 5G equipment cabinet with cables to other 5G components, such as a 5G central unit, distribution unit, remote control radio unit, active antenna unit, and radio unit. The cable lead-in device may be mated to any housing that requires sealing to prevent water or debris from flowing into the electronic equipment. The cable lead-in device may be mounted in drilled holes (holes) in the outer planar surface of the rack at about a location near the cable hole (attachment). The exemplary cable lead-in device allows unimpeded feeding of cables into the rack and is easy to install. Cable lead-ins comply with International Protection (IP) standards, such as IP6X, IPX5, and IPX7, and thus exemplary cable lead-ins provide high Protection against the Ingress of foreign particles at the point of entry of the cable into the electronic device.

Fig. 3A-3D illustrate examples of the cable guide 100, fig. 3A is a perspective view of the exemplary cable guide 100 as assembled, fig. 3B illustrates a perspective exploded view of a portion of the exemplary cable guide 100, fig. 3C illustrates a front view of the exemplary cable guide 100, and fig. 3D illustrates a top view of the exemplary cable guide 100. The cable lead-in device 100 may secure external cables for connection to an electronics rack. The electronic equipment rack may be, for example: an outdoor equipment cabinet is used for accommodating electronic equipment of a 5G communication system. It should be understood that the cable lead-in device may be used with any suitable electronic communication rack that receives external cables and has the need to protect from the external environment and debris at the cable entry point. Different diameter cables may be used with cable lead-in device 100.

As shown in fig. 3A, the cable lead-in device 100 includes a frame 110 and a base member 112, the base member 112 having a plurality of clasps for securing cables, as will be explained in the following paragraphs. The frame 110 is generally rectangular in shape and includes an upper frame member 120 and a lower frame member 122 that interleave/mate with the molded frame 110. The upper frame member 120 and the lower frame member 122 are assembled together to secure the base member 112 therebetween. As will be explained in the following paragraphs, the frame 110 may allow the base member 112 to be inserted into holes in a panel of an electronic equipment rack to secure cables.

In the example illustrated in fig. 3A-3D, the upper frame member 120 and the lower frame member 122 are made of a resilient and weather-proof material, such as treated metal or plastic. The upper and

lower frame members

120, 122 are identical components in the example, and thus, both the upper and

lower frame members

120, 122 have a front plate 130, the front plate 130 including a mating edge 132 having a series of semi-circular cutouts 134. In the example, the cable lead-in device 100 can accommodate six cables, so there are six semicircular cutouts 134 in the upper frame part 120 and the lower frame part 122. When mated together, two cutouts 134 from the upper and

lower frame members

120, 122, respectively, form circular holes 136 for insertion of cables. The apertures 136 allow for attachment of the base component 112 when the upper frame component 120 and the lower frame component 122 are brought together.

The upper frame structure 120 and the lower frame structure 122 have

opposite terminals

140 and 142. The terminal end 142 includes an outer arm 144 and an inner wall 146, the outer arm 144 and the inner wall 146 being positioned parallel to each other in a gap between the outer arm 144 and the inner arm 146. Each of the outer side arms 144 and the inner side walls 146 includes a fixed mounting aperture 150 extending therethrough, and the opposite terminal end 140 of the upper frame member 120 includes a central tab 152 having a fixed mounting aperture 150. When the upper and

lower frame members

120, 122 are mated together, the central tab 152 of the terminal end 140 of the upper frame member 120 is inserted into the gap between the outer side arm 144 and the inner side wall 146 of the lower frame member 122 such that the mounting holes of the outer side arm 144 and the inner side wall 146 of the lower frame member 122 are aligned with the mounting holes of the central tab 152. The other side lower frame member 122 and the central tab 152 are inserted between the

arms

144 and 146 of the upper frame member 120 such that the mounting apertures 150 of the outer side arms 144 and the inner side arms 146 are aligned with the mounting apertures of the central tab 152.

The resilient base member 112 includes a clasp side that is mounted facing the electronics rack and an opposite side that is connected to the frame 110. The clasp side of the resilient base member 112 includes a rectangular central block 160, the rectangular central block 160 being secured between the upper frame member 120 and the lower frame member 122 when the two are assembled. The rectangular central block 160 has two oppositely-terminating

side tabs

164 and 166, the

side tabs

164 and 166 fitting into interior recesses of the respective inner side walls 146 of the upper and

lower frame members

120 and 122. The rectangular central cube 160 is defined by the top flush upper surfaces 168 of the

side tabs

164 and 166. The rectangular central block 160 includes a tab surface 170, the tab surface 170 including one side of the

tab side tabs

164 and 166 on the tab side and an opposing inner surface 172. A rectangular protruding boss 174 is formed on the snap ring surface 170. Six cylindrical cable grommets 180 a-180 f extend from the surface of boss 174 of center block 160. Each clasp 180 a-180 f has a respective hole 182 a-182 f extending through the respective clasp and central block 160 to allow for cable installation. Each

side tab

164 and 166 includes a mounting hole 150 aligned with the respective arm 144 and arm 146 of the upper and

lower frame members

120 and 122, respectively, and a mounting hole aligned with the central tab 152.

Fig. 4A is a perspective view of the grommet side of the resilient base member 112 of the exemplary cable lead-in device 100 of fig. 3A. Figure 4B is a perspective view of the elastic base member 112 on the other side relative to the clasp side. Fig. 4C is a side view of the grommet side of the elastic base member 112. Fig. 4D is a side view of the other side of the elastic base member 112. Fig. 4E is a top view of the elastic base member 112. Like elements in fig. 4A-4E are numbered with like elements in fig. 3A-u 3D. In this example, the base member 112 is a one-piece element made of a tough or resilient material such as rubber.

In the example of fig. 4A-4D, the diameters of the holes 182 a-182 f may be selected based on the outer diameter of the cable used by the cable lead-in device 100. Thus, the example cable lead-in device 100 can accommodate different size cables by setting the appropriate grommet diameter to snugly fit the outer diameter of the cable to be used for the watertight interface. Therefore, the cable introduction device 100 can use a cable having an outer diameter of 3mm to 12 mm. For example, the RJ45 cable outer diameter may be 5.5 mm; the outer diameter of the fiber optic cable may be 9.5 mm; the outer diameter of the direct current power supply cable may be 8 mm; and the USB cable outer diameter may be 5.0 mm. Alternatively, the grommet may select holes having different diameters when using cables having different diameters. In this example, the four holes 182 a-182 b of the grommets 180 a-180 b have a relatively small diameter of 8mm for cables having a diameter of about 8-9 mm. The holes 182 c-182 f of the grommets 180 c-180 f have a relatively large diameter of 9mm for cables having a diameter of about 9-10 mm.

A series of slits 410 a-410 f are cut from the upper surface 168 of the central block 160 to each of the clasps 180 a-180 f, the slits 410 a-410 f allowing cables to be inserted into the clasps 180 a-180 f, respectively, from the upper surface 168. The central block 160 is a deformable material so that the sides of the slots 410 a-410 f can be pulled apart to allow the cables to be inserted into the respective loops 180 a-180 f, and the sides of the slots 410 a-410 f can then be released to an adjacent position to secure the cables in the corresponding loops 180 a-180 f.

Fig. 5A is a perspective view of the frame member 120 of the cable lead-in device 100 of fig. 3A. Fig. 5B is a perspective view of the

frame members

120 and 122 assembled with each other. Fig. 5C is a side view of the

frame members

120 and 122 assembled. Like elements in fig. 5A-5B are numbered with like elements in fig. 3A-3B. The bottom surface 510 separates the lateral arm 144 and the medial arm 146, and the upper frame member 120 and the lower frame member 122 include locating features to align the central tab 152 between the pair of

arms

144 and 146 of the opposing

frame structures

120 and 122. In this example, the positioning feature is a guide pin and a mating guide hole. The guide pin 512 thus extends from the bottom surface 510 between the outer side arm 144 and the inner side wall 146. The top edge 516 of the central tab 152 includes a guide hole 518, and the guide hole 518 mates with the guide pin 512 of the opposing frame structure when the upper frame structure 120 and the lower frame structure 122 mate with each other. The inboard arm 146 includes inboard alcoves 520 configured to receive/

flush tabs

164 and 166 of the base 112. The central tab 152 includes a mounting hole 530, the mounting hole 530 configured to be flush with the mounting holes 150 of the

arms

144 and 146 when the upper frame member 120 is mated with the lower frame member 122, and vice versa.

The exemplary cable guide 100 facilitates the process of connecting cables to the rack of electronic equipment, and the steps of connecting cables using the cable guide are illustrated in fig. 6A to 6D. Like elements in fig. 6A-6D are numbered with like elements in fig. 3A-5C.

Fig. 6A is a front view of an electronic equipment rack 600 having cables inserted through the cable introduction device 100. The rack 600 includes a faceplate 610, and the faceplate 610 may be part of a cover plate of the electronics rack 600 (e.g., a 5G electronics rack). The electronic equipment rack 600 may take various forms, such as the general form illustrated in fig. 1. The panel 610 includes a generally rectangular opening 612, the opening 612 being cut through the panel 610 so that it can be connected to the cable lead-in devices 100 of fig. 3A-3D. The cables may thus enter the electronics rack 600 through the opening 612. The cable terminations may be connected to the internal components housed by the electronics rack 600. Two mounting holes 614 on opposite sides of opening 612 are drilled through panel 610 to connect cable lead-in devices 100.

Fig. 6B is a schematic view of the base 112 of the cable guide 100 aligned with the opening 612 in fig. 6A. The base 112 is aligned so that the securing insertion holes 190 of the

tabs

164 and 166 are aligned with the mounting holes 614 as shown or illustrated in fig. 6A. The surface 172 faces outwardly allowing access to the holes 182 a-182 f. Slits 410 a-410 f are separated to deform central cube 160 and to separate for cable insertion. Thus, the retaining rings 180 a-180 f illustrated in fig. 4A-4B are inserted into the opening 612 of fig. 6A.

Fig. 6C and 6D illustrate the base member and electronics rack 600 after cables 620 a-620 f are inserted through slots 410 a-410 f extending through upper surface 168 and retaining rings 180 a-180 f into holes 182 a-182 f. In this example, cables 620 a-620 b have a relatively small outer diameter of approximately 8.5mm, while cables 620 c-620 f have a relatively large outer diameter of approximately 9.5 mm. Other cables having different diameters may be used with appropriate adjustment holes and grommets. The base member 112 may also be manufactured to accommodate cables all having the same diameter.

Fig. 6E illustrates the cable lead-in device 100 with the

frame members

120 and 122 assembled to the base member 112 after the cables 620 a-620 f are inserted. Thus, the inner side arms 146 of the upper frame member 120 overlap the side tabs 166, while the inner side walls 146 of the lower frame member 122 overlap the side tabs 164. The central tab 152 of the upper frame member 120 is interposed between the outboard arm 144 and the inboard arm 164 of the lower frame member 122. The central tab 152 of the lower frame member 122 is interposed between the outboard and

inboard arms

144, 146 of the upper frame member 120. The guide pins 512 of the outer and

inner arms

144, 146 are inserted into the guide holes 518 of the central tab 152. The staggered configuration occurs at both ends of the upper frame part 120 and the lower frame part 122. The front panels 130 of the upper and

lower frame members

120, 122 move in contact with each other such that the cutouts 134 are aligned with each other, forming the apertures 136. Cables 620 a-620 f thus extend through apertures 136 formed by the engagement of front panel 136.

Fig. 6F shows a side view of the cable lead-in device 100 mounted to the stand 600. As illustrated in fig. 6F, when assembled, the front panel 130, to which the upper frame member 120 and the lower frame member 122 are joined, abuts the base member 112. The central block 160 of the base member 112 is thus sandwiched between the front panels 130 of the upper and

lower frame members

120, 122 and the panel 610 of the rack 600. A guide pin 512 extending from the area 510 between the

arms

144 and 146 is inserted into a guide hole 518 of the central tab 152 of the upper frame member 120.

A fastener, such as a screw 630, is then inserted through the securing holes 150 in the outer side arm 144 and the inner side arm 146, the securing holes 530 in the central tab 152, the securing mounting holes 190 in the side tabs 164, and the holes 614 in the panel 610. Similar fasteners are inserted through corresponding holes in the other side of frame 110 via side tabs 166. Thus, fasteners, such as screws 630, secure the base member 112, the upper frame member 120, and the lower frame member 122 to the panel 610. A retaining ring, such as retaining ring 180a, extends through the aperture 612 to the interior of the electronics rack 600. Thus, cables, such as cable 620a, are introduced into the interior of the electronics rack 600 where they may be connected to components in the electronics rack 600.

Thus, when the electronics rack 600 is a 5G communications component, the cables 620 a-620 f may be connected to other 5G components, such as a central unit, distribution unit, remote control radio unit, active antenna unit, radio unit, etc., although any electronics rack requiring cables may employ a cable lead-in device incorporating the principles described in this disclosure.

As shown in fig. 6C-6F, the cable guide 100 allows cables 620 a-620F to enter and exit the electronic equipment rack 600 through holes 612 through the clasps 180 a-180F. The upper frame member 120, the lower frame member 122, and the base member 112 are easily assembled, and the snap rings 180a to 180f of the base member 112 and the elastic material of the base member 112 prevent water and/or contaminants from entering the inside of the housing 600. As noted above, each of the holes in each of the grommets 180 a-180 f may be specifically sized to receive a cable of a specific size, and further, portions of the grommets of the base assembly 112 may be pre-formed (dummy) without including internal holes therein, but rather, may be solid. Alternatively, a plug member may plug an unused retaining ring in the base member 112 to prevent water and/or contaminants from entering.

Sets of cable lead-ins, such as cable lead-in 100 (which may provide color coding or other indicators to indicate cable usage) may be of different sizes to accommodate different cables.

The exemplary cable lead-in device 100 avoids complex mating designs by providing holes for fasteners. The exemplary cable lead-in device 100 conforms to the International Protection (IP) standard, such as IP6X, IPX5, and IPX 7. The exemplary cable lead-in device allows cables to be fed into the rack unimpeded in an outdoor environment and is easy to install.

The foregoing discussion of the embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, and is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications, adaptations, and uses will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Although the utility model has been shown and described with respect to a single embodiment or embodiments, equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. In addition, while a particular feature of the utility model may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Many modifications may be made to the disclosed embodiments in light of the present disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the utility model. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims appended hereto and their equivalents.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the utility model. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," including, "" having, "" containing, "or variants thereof, as used in the detailed description and/or the claims, are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term" comprising.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Claims

1. A cable guide for guiding a cable through an aperture in a housing of an electronic device, the cable guide comprising:

a base member including a grommet penetrated by a hole, and a slit therethrough, the grommet configured to secure a cable in the hole; and

a frame mated with the base member, the frame including an aperture aligned with the aperture of the grommet and configured to receive the cable, wherein the frame secures the base member to the electronics rack such that the grommet extends through the aperture of the electronics rack.

2. The cable entry device of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises mating upper and lower frame members.

3. The cable entry device of claim 2, wherein the upper frame member and the lower frame member include a central tab extending from a first terminal end and a pair of arms extending from a second terminal end opposite the first terminal end, wherein the central tab of the upper frame member is inserted into the pair of arms of the lower frame member when the upper frame member is mated with the lower frame member;

the upper and lower frame members each include a locating feature for aligning the central tab between the pair of arms of the other frame member; and

the frame and the base member include attachment holes for receiving fasteners to attach the frame and the base member to the electronic device stand.

4. The cable lead-in apparatus of claim 1, wherein the holes have different inner diameters in respective buckles for receiving the cables of different sizes or the holes have the same inner diameter in respective buckles for receiving the cables.

5. An electronic device for placement in an outdoor environment, the electronic device comprising:

a housing having an opening for receiving at least one cable; and

a cable guide device inserted into a hole, the cable guide device comprising:

a base member including a grommet penetrated by a hole for fixing the cable, and a slit penetrating the grommet, and

a frame mated with the base member, the frame including an aperture aligned with the aperture of the grommet and configured to receive the cable, wherein the frame secures the base member to the frame such that the grommet extends through the aperture of the frame.

6. The electronic device of claim 5, wherein the frame comprises an upper frame member and a lower frame member that mate with each other.

7. The electronic device of claim 6, wherein the upper frame member and the lower frame member comprise a central tab extending from a first terminal and a pair of arms extending from a second terminal opposite the first terminal, wherein the central tab of the upper frame member is inserted into the pair of arms of the lower frame member when the upper frame member is mated with the lower frame member;

the frame and the base member include attachment holes for receiving fasteners to attach the frame and the base member to the frame.

8. The electronic device of claim 5, wherein the holes have different inner diameters in respective loops for receiving the cables of different sizes or the holes have the same inner diameter in respective loops for receiving the cables.

9. A cable guide for guiding a cable through an aperture in a housing of an electronic device, the cable guide comprising:

a base member including a first side tab, a second side tab, and a plurality of retaining rings, each retaining ring having a slot therethrough and a slot therethrough, each retaining ring configured to secure a cable in the hole;

an upper frame member mated to the first side tab, the upper frame member including a plurality of apertures, each of the apertures aligned with the aperture of one of the retaining rings; and

a lower frame member mated to another of the second side tabs, the lower frame member including a locating feature configured to locate the lower frame member with the upper frame member, wherein the clasps extend through the electronic device chassis when the base member and the upper frame member and the lower frame member are mated.

10. The cable lead-in device of claim 9, wherein the holes have different inner diameters in respective buckles for receiving the cables of different sizes or the holes have the same inner diameter in respective buckles for receiving the cables.