1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to a storage server.
2. Description of Related Art
A storage server usually includes a chassis for fixing hard disks and auxiliary components such as power supplies, controllers to serve the hard disks. A bracket is installed at a front end of the chassis for receiving the hard disks therein, and the auxiliary components are installed at a rear end of the chassis. Commonly, a backplane is installed to the chassis and between the bracket and the auxiliary components, connectors for connecting to the hard disks and the auxiliary components are respectively fixed to opposite sides of the backplane.
There are two types of hard disks that are commonly used, the 3.5 inch hard disks and the 2.5 inch hard disks. The two types of hard disks have different sizes, and arrangements of connectors of them are distinct. Brackets for receiving the two types of hard disks have different sizes accordingly. Therefore, the auxiliary components, the chassis, and the backplanes should be particularly designed for the two types of hard disks. Therefore, when one type of hard disk should be replaced by the other type of hard disk, the corresponding auxiliary components, chassis, and bracket should also be replaced, which is costly. Therefore, a need exists in the industry to provide a storage server compatible with the two types of hard disks.
In one embodiment, a storage server includes a base, a storage module, and a controller module. The storage module is removably received in the base at a side thereof. The storage module includes a bracket, at least one hard disk, and a backplane. The bracket defines at least one receiving space therein. The at least one hard disk is received in the receiving space. The backplane is fixed to the bracket facing the hard disk, for being electrically connected to the hard disk. At least one first connector is fixed to the backplane. The controller module is received at an opposite side of the base and capable of receiving a plurality of auxiliary components to serve the hard disks via the backplane of the bracket. The controller module has at least one second connector for electrically connecting to the first connector of the backplane.
Other advantages and novel features of the storage server will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Referring to
The base 10 that is generally U-shaped includes a bottom wall 12 and two sidewalls 14 perpendicularly extending from two opposite sides of the bottom wall 12. On an inner surface of each sidewall 14, a guiding portion 142 is formed. The guiding portion 142 can be a protrusion protruding from a corresponding sidewall 14, and is generally parallel to the bottom wall 12.
Referring also to
The backplane 26a is fixed to the bracket 22a at one of the openings. The backplane 26a has a plurality of first connectors 262a fixed to a side thereof, facing an inner space of the bracket 22a, corresponding to the first type of hard disks 24a. The first connectors 262a are used for being connected to the connectors (not shown) provided on the first type of hard disks 24a. Further, at least a second connector 264a is fixed to an opposite side of the backplane 26a.
The controller module 30 includes a frame 32, and a plurality of auxiliary components such as power supplies, controllers, and other components received in the frame 32a to serve the first type of hard disks 24a. A slot 322 is defined in an outer surface of each side of the frame 32. The slot 322 is used for engaging with a corresponding guiding portion 142 of the base 10. The controller module 30 further includes at least one third connector 324, for being connected to the second connector 264a on the backplane 26a of the first storage module 20a.
Referring also to
Referring to
The backplane 26b is fixed to the second bracket 22b at one of the openings. The backplane 26b has a plurality of first connectors 262b fixed to a side thereof, facing an inner space of the bracket 22b, corresponding to the second type of hard disks 24b. The first connectors 262b are used for being connected to the connectors (not shown) provided on the second type of hard disks 24b. Further, at least a second connector 264b is fixed to an opposite side of the backplane 26b. The second connector 264b is used for connecting to the third connectors 324 of the controller module 30.
The first storage module 20a and the second storage module 20b can be selectively received in the base 10 and electrically coupled to the controller module 30. Therefore, only the bracket and the backplane are replaced when the storage server is changed to accommodate a different type of hard disk. After the hard disks are assembled, the first or the second storage module can easily slide into the base 10 to be electrically coupled to the controller module 30. Therefore, the storage server is compatible with different types of hard disks.
The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the invention and their practical application so as to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention and various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains without departing from its spirit and scope. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description and the exemplary embodiments described therein.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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200710202239.7 | Oct 2007 | CN | national |