CABLE-ENTRY DEVICE FOR AN ELECTRONIC CHASSIS

A cable entry device for guiding cables through an aperture of an electronic equipment chassis is disclosed. The cable entry device includes a flexible base member. The flexible base has a grommet with a bore therethrough. A slit is formed through the grommet. The grommet holds a cable in the bore. The cable entry device includes a frame mated to the base member. The frame includes an aperture that is operable to receive the cable. The aperture is aligned with the bore of the grommet. The frame holds the base member to the electronic equipment chassis so the grommet extends through the aperture of the electronic equipment chassis.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to a cable entry device for cables connecting to an electronic chassis and, more specifically, to a cable entry device having a frame and a base with grommets for flexible and waterproof installation of cables.

BACKGROUND

Cellular networks rely on various electronic devices, such as radios and antennas, which are mounted on support structures exposed to the environment. Some of those support structures are very tall, oftentimes at heights of100feet or more. As such, these electronic devices are exposed to inclement weather. Advancements in technology have led to 5G networks that require several interconnected devices having chasses that receive cables. Because of the need to permit cables to enter the chassis of an individual device, various methods have been utilized to help restrict water and debris from entering the chassis from the region around the cables.

One example of an existing cable entry device is illustrated inFIG. 1. A 5G electronic chassis10includes a top cover12and a base14. For example, the electronic chassis10is a cabinet that houses electronic equipment that is attached via cables to other components such as 5G Central Units (CU), distributed units (DU), Remote Radio Units (RRU), Active Antenna Units (AAU), and Radio Units (RU).

At the interface between the top cover12and the base14, there are rubber pieces18a,18bhaving openings16that provide access for cables and wiring (hereinafter “cables”). For any opening16that is not used for a cable, a plug20is inserted to seal it. With the top cover12removed from the base14, the cables are inserted into the openings16. The top cover12is then placed over the base14and the screws22are tightened to mate the top cover12and the base14together, which also forces the rubber pieces18a,18bagainst the cables. However, in these existing systems, the types and sizes of the cables to be used within the electronic device may change over its life cycle. Further, it is difficult to have the cables match the openings16formed by the rubber pieces18a,18b.Finally, it is often difficult to control the small gaps around the rubber pieces18a,18bas pressure is applied by the screws22.

FIG. 2represents another existing device for permitting entry of cables into the electronic chassis10. An electronic cable gland30is located on a wall of the electronic chassis10, such as a wall on the top cover12. On the exterior side of the electronic chassis10, a cable32terminates at the electronic cable gland30and forms an electrical connection with the electronic cable gland30. On the interior side of the electronic chassis10, the electronic cable gland30includes pins that are interconnected with a connector33on a printed circuit board34. The problem with the electronic cable gland30is that the printed circuit board34must be directly adjacent to the electronic cable gland30, which restricts the location of the electrical components in the electronic chassis10.

As such, a need exists for a cable entry device that allowing flexibility of the location of electrically connected components in an electronic equipment chassis to cables, while protecting the interior of the electronic equipment chassis from water and debris. There is further a need for a cable entry device that provides flexibility in the sizes of cables that enter the electronic equipment chassis. There is also a need for a cable entry device that is easy to assemble and install in an electronic equipment chassis.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a cable entry device for guiding cables through an aperture of an electronic equipment chassis is disclosed. The cable entry device has a flexible base member including a grommet with a bore therethrough. The flexible base member includes a slit through the grommet. The grommet is configured to hold a cable in the bore. A frame is mated to the base member. The frame includes an aperture that is configured to receive the cable. The aperture is aligned with the bore of the grommet. The frame holds the base member to the electronic equipment chassis so the grommet extends through the aperture of the electronic chassis.

According to a configuration of the above implementation, the frame includes an upper frame member and a lower frame member that are mated together. According to another configuration of the above implementation, the upper and lower frame members are identical. According to another configuration of the above implementation, the upper and lower frame members each include a central tab extending on one end and a pair of arms extending on an opposite end. The central tab of the upper frame member may be inserted between the pair of arms of the lower frame member when the upper and lower frame members are mated together. According to another configuration of the above implementation, the upper and lower frame members each include a registration feature to align the central tab between the pair of arms of the other frame member. According to another configuration of the above implementation, the base member is rubber and the frame is plastic or metal. According to another configuration of the above implementation, the grommet and slit are one of a plurality of grommets and slits of the base member. According to another configuration of the above implementation, the bores in the individual grommets have different internal diameters for receiving cables of different sizes. According to another configuration of the above implementation, the bores in the individual grommets have the same internal diameter for receiving cables. According to another configuration of the above implementation, the frame and the base member include a connector hole to receive a fastener to connect the frame and the base to the chassis.

Another aspect of the present disclosure includes an electronics device intended for placement in an outside environment. The electronic device includes a chassis having an aperture to receive at least one cable. The electronic device includes a cable entry device inserted over the aperture. The cable entry device includes a flexible base member having a grommet with a bore therethrough. A slit is formed through the grommet. The bore is operable to hold the cable. The cable entry device includes a frame mated to the base member. The frame includes an aperture that is operable to receive the cable. The aperture is aligned with the bore of the grommet. The frame holds the base member to the chassis so the grommet extends through the aperture of the chassis.

According to another configuration of the above implementation, the frame includes an upper frame member and a lower frame member that are mated together. According to another configuration of the above implementation, the upper and lower frame members each include a central tab extending on one end and a pair of arms extending on an opposite end. The central tab of the upper frame member may be inserted between the pair of arms of the lower frame member when the upper and lower frame members are mated together. According to another configuration of the above implementation, the upper and lower frame members each include a registration feature to align the central tab between the pair of arms of the other frame member. According to another configuration of the above implementation, the base member is rubber and the frame member is plastic or metal. According to another configuration of the above implementation, the grommet and slit are one of a plurality of grommets and slits of the base member. According to another configuration of the above implementation, the bores in the individual grommets have different internal diameters for receiving cables of different sizes. According to another configuration of the above implementation, the bores in the individual grommets have the same internal diameter for receiving cables. According to another configuration of the above implementation, the frame and the base member include a connector hole therein operable to receive a fastener to connect the frame and the base member to the chassis.

A further aspect of the present disclosure includes a cable entry device for guiding cables through an aperture of an electronic equipment chassis. The cable entry device has a flexible base member including a first side tab and a second side tab. The flexible base member has grommets each with a bore therethrough, and a slit through each of the grommets. Each of the grommets are configured to hold a cable in the bore. An upper frame member is mated to the first side tab of the base member. The upper frame member includes apertures, each of which are in alignment with the bore of one of the grommets. A lower frame member is mated to the second side tab of the base member. The lower frame member includes a registration feature to seat the lower frame with the upper frame member. The grommets extend through the chassis when the base member is mated to the upper and lower frame members.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Elements and limitations that are disclosed, for example, in the Abstract, Summary, and Detailed Description sections, but not explicitly set forth in the claims, should not be incorporated into the claims, singly, or collectively, by implication, inference, or otherwise. For purposes of the present detailed description, unless specifically disclaimed, the singular includes the plural and vice versa. The word “including” means “including without limitation.” Moreover, words of approximation, such as “about,” “almost,” “substantially,” “approximately,” and the like, can be used herein to mean “at,” “near,” or “nearly at,” or “within 3-5% of,” or “within acceptable manufacturing tolerances,” or any logical combination thereof, for example. Similarly, terms “vertical” or “horizontal” are intended to additionally include “within 3-5% of” a vertical or horizontal orientation, respectively. Additionally, words of direction, such as “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “above,” and “below” are intended to relate to the equivalent direction as depicted in a reference illustration; as understood contextually from the object(s) or element(s) being referenced, such as from a commonly used position for the object(s) or element(s); or as otherwise described herein.

The present disclosure is directed toward a cable entry device for holding and guiding cables that are inserted into a chassis of electronics equipment for outside use. The cable entry device has a base member that has one or more grommets to hold the cables. The base member is mated to a frame that allows installation of the cable entry device around an aperture in the chassis. The cable entry device controls the gap between the cables and the cable entry device, while allowing flexibility of the location of components in the chassis that are connected to the cables. For example, the chassis may be a 5G equipment cabinet that has cables leading to other 5G components such as 5G Central Units (CU), distributed units (DU), Remote Radio Units (RRU), Active Antenna Units (AAU), and Radio Units (RU). The cable entry device may be mated with any housing for an electronic device where a seal is desired to prevent inflow of water or debris. The cable entry device may be installed by drilling holes in proximity to an aperture for cables on an exterior panel of the chassis. The example cable entry device allows a cable infeed to the chassis without interruption and is easy to assemble. The cable entry device is compliant with Ingress Protection (IP) standards such as IP6X, IPX5 and IPX7. Thus, the example cable entry device provides high protection to an electronic equipment chassis from infiltration of external particles from the point of entry of the cables.

FIGS. 3A-3Dillustrate an example cable entry device100.FIG. 3Ais a perspective view of the example cable entry device100in assembled form.FIG. 3Bis a perspective exploded view of the parts of the example cable entry device100.FIG. 3Cis a front view of the example cable entry device100, andFIG. 3Dis a top view of the example cable entry device100. The cable entry device100allows external cables to be held for connection to an electronic equipment chassis. The electronic equipment chassis may be for example, an outdoor equipment cabinet that holds electronic components for a 5G communication system. It is to be understood that the present cable entry device may be used with any appropriate electronic communication chassis that accepts external cables and requires protection from outside environmental conditions and debris at the cable entry point. The cable entry device100may be used with cables of varying diameters.

As shown inFIG. 3A, the cable entry device100includes a frame110and a base member112. As will be explained below, the base member112has multiple grommets that hold the cables. The frame110is roughly rectangular in shape and includes an upper frame member120and a lower frame member122that are interlocked/mated to form the frame110. The upper frame member120and the lower frame members122fit together to hold the base member112between them. As will be explained below, the frame110allows the base member112to be inserted in an aperture in a panel of an electronic equipment chassis to hold cables.

In the example shown inFIGS. 3A-3D, the upper frame member120and the lower frame member122are fabricated from resilient and weather-proof material such as treated metal or plastic. The upper and lower frame members120and122are identical components in this example. Thus, both upper and lower frame members120and122have a forward plate130that includes a mating edge132with a series of semi-circular cutouts134. In this example, the cable entry device100may accommodate six cables, and thus there are six semi-circular cutouts134on each of the upper frame member120and the lower frame member122. When mated together, the two respective cutouts134from the frame members120and122form a circular aperture136for insertion of a cable. The aperture136allows access to the base member112when the frame members120and122are assembled together. Of course, any number of cutouts may be formed in the frame members120and122and thus any number of cables may be supported by the cable entry device100.

The upper and lower frame members120and122have opposing ends140and142. One of the ends142includes an exterior arm144and an interior arm146. The exterior arm144and the interior arm146are located parallel to each other with a gap between the arms144and146. Each of the exterior arm144and the interior arm146includes a fastener installation hole150extending therethrough. The opposite end140of the upper frame member120includes a central tab152that includes a fastener installation hole. When the upper and lower frame members120and122are mated together, the central tab152on the end140of the upper frame member120is inserted in the gap between the exterior arm144and the interior arm146of the lower frame member122, such that the installation holes150of the exterior arm144and the interior arm146of the lower frame member122are in alignment with the installation hole of the central tab152. The central tab152of the lower frame member122on the opposite side is inserted between the arms144and146of the upper frame member120so the installation holes150of the arms144and146are in alignment with the installation hole of the central tab152.

The flexible base member112includes a grommet side that is inserted to face an electronic equipment chassis, and an opposite side that is in contact with the frame110. The grommet side of the flexible base member112includes a rectangular central block160that is held between the upper and lower frame members120and122when assembled. The rectangular central block160has two side tabs164and166on opposite ends. The tabs164and166fit in an interior recess of the respective interior arms146of the respective upper and lower frame members120and122. The rectangular central block160is defined by a top surface168that is flush with the tops of the tabs164and166. The central block160includes a grommet surface170that includes one side of the tabs164and166on the grommet side and an opposite interior surface172. A rectangular raised projection174is formed on the grommet surface170. Six cylindrical cable grommets180a-180fextend from the surface of the projection174of the central block160. Each of the grommets180a-180fhave respective bores182a-182fextending through the respective grommets and the central block160to allow for insertion of a cable. Each of the side tabs164and166include a fastener connection hole190that is aligned with fastener installation holes150of the respective arms144and146of the upper and lower frame members120and122and the fastener installation hole of the central tabs152.

FIG. 4Ais a perspective view of the grommet side of the flexible base member112of the example cable entry device100inFIG. 3A.FIG. 4Bis a perspective view of the opposite side of the flexible base member112from the grommet side.FIG. 4Cis a side view of the grommet side of the flexible base member112.FIG. 4Dis a side view of the opposite side of the flexible base member112.FIG. 4Eis a top view of the flexible base member112. Like elements inFIGS. 4A-4Eare labeled with like reference numbers inFIGS. 3A-3D. In this example, the base member112is a one-piece component that is fabricated from a resilient and flexible material such as rubber.

In the example shown inFIGS. 4A-4D, the diameter of the bores182a-182fmay be selected based on the outer diameter of the cables for use with the cable entry device100. Thus, the example cable entry device100may be adapted to cables of different sizes by setting the appropriate grommet bore diameter to snuggly fit with the desired outer diameter of cables for a waterproof interface. Thus, different cable entry devices100may be used for cables with outer diameters between 3-12 mm. As an example, RJ45 cables may have an outer diameter of 5.5 mm; optical fiber cables may have an outer diameter of 9.5 mm; DC power cables may have an outer diameter of 8 mm; and USB cables may have an outer diameter of 5.0 mm. Alternatively, the grommets may be selected to have bores of different diameters when cables of different diameters are used. In this example, four bores182a-182bof the grommets180a-180bhave a relatively smaller diameter of 8 mm for cables having an outer diameter between about 8-9 mm. The bores182c-182fof the grommets180c-180fhave a relatively larger diameter of 9 mm for cables having an outer diameter between about 9-10 mm.

A series of slits410a-410fare cut from the top surface168of the central block160through each of the grommets180a-180f.The slits410a-410fallow for the insertion of a cable in the respective grommet180a-180ffrom the top surface168. The material of the central block160is deformable and thus the sides of the slits410a-410fmay be pulled apart for insertion of the cable in the respective grommet180a-180f.The sides of the slits410a-410fmay then be released to a position abutting each other to hold the cable in the corresponding grommet180a-180f.

FIG. 5Ais a perspective view of the frame members120of the cable entry device100ofFIG. 3A.FIG. 5Bis a perspective view of the frame members120and122assembled with each other.FIG. 5Cis a side view of the assembled frame members120and122. Like elements inFIGS. 5A-5Bare labeled with like reference numerals fromFIGS. 3A-3B. A bottom surface510separates the exterior arm144and the interior arm146. The upper and lower frame members120and122include a registration feature to align the central tab152between the pair of arms144and146of the opposite frame member120or122. In this example, the registration feature is a guide pin and a matching guide hole. Thus, a guide pin512extends from the bottom surface510between the exterior arm144and the interior arm146. A top edge516of the central tab152includes a guide hole518that is mated with the guide pin512of the opposite frame member when the upper and lower frame members120and122are mated together. The interior arm146includes an interior recess520that is configured to accommodate/be flush with the tabs164and166of the base112. The central tab152includes an installation hole530that is aligned with the installation holes150of the arms144and146when the upper frame member120is mated with the lower frame member122, and vice versa.

The process of attaching cables to an electronic equipment chassis is facilitated by the example cable entry device100. This process of attaching cables using the cable entry device100is shown inFIGS. 6A-6D. Like elements inFIGS. 6A-6Dare labeled with identical reference numbers as their counterparts inFIGS. 3A-5C.

FIG. 6Ais a front view of an electronic equipment chassis600that may have cables inserted via the example cable entry device100. The chassis600includes a panel610that may be a part of a cover of the electronic equipment chassis600(e.g., a 5G electronics chassis). The electronic equipment chassis600may be in various forms, such as the general form of the electronic chassis10shown inFIG. 1. The panel610includes a roughly rectangular shaped aperture612that is cut through the panel610that allows for the attachment of the cable entry device100inFIGS. 3A-3D. The cables thus enter the electronic equipment chassis600through the aperture612. The ends of the cables may be attached to internal components contained in the electronic equipment chassis600. Two installation holes614are drilled through the panel610on either side of the aperture612to allow the attachment of the cable entry device100.

FIG. 6Bshows the alignment of the base112of the cable entry device100to the aperture612inFIG. 6A. The base112is placed in alignment so the fastener insertion holes190of the tabs164and166are aligned to the installation holes614shown inFIG. 6A. The surface172faces outward allowing access to the bore holes182a-182f.The slits410a-410fare separated to allow the block160to be deformed and separated to allow the insertion of cables. Thus, the grommets180a-180fshown inFIGS. 4A-4Bare inserted into the aperture612inFIG. 6A.

FIGS. 6C and 6Dshow the base member112and the electronic equipment chassis600after cables620a-620fhave been inserted in the bores182a-182fvia the slits410a-410fthat extend through the top surface168and the grommets180a-180fIn this example, the cables620a-620bhave relatively smaller outer diameter of about 8.5 mm, while the cables620c-620fhave relatively larger outer diameter of about 9.5 mm. Other cables having different diameters may be used with appropriate modifications to the bores and grommets. The base member112may also be fabricated to accommodate cables all have the same diameter.

FIG. 6Eshows the assembly of the frame members120and122to the base member112of the cable entry device100after the cables620a-620fare installed. After the cables620a-620fare inserted in the base member112, the upper and lower frame members120and122are mated to the base member112. Thus, the interior arm146of the upper frame member120overlaps the side tab166while the interior arm146of the lower frame member122overlaps the side tab164. The central tab152of the upper frame member120is inserted between the exterior arm144and the interior arm146of the lower frame member122. The central tab152of the lower frame member122is inserted between the exterior arms144and the interior arm146of the upper frame member120. The respective guide pins512between the exterior arm144and the interior arm146are inserted in the guide holes518of the central tabs152. This interlocking structure occurs at both ends of the upper and lower frame members120and122. The forward plates130of the upper and lower frame members120and122are moved in contact with each other so the cutouts134align with each other to form the apertures136. The cables620a-620fthus extend through the apertures136formed by the joining of the forward plates130.

FIG. 6Fshows a side view of the cable entry device100installed on the chassis600. As show inFIG. 6F, when assembled, the joined forward plates130of the upper and lower frame members120and122abut the base member112. The central block160of the base member112thus is sandwiched between the forward plates130of the frame members120and122and the panel610of the chassis600. The guide pin512extending from area510between the two arms144and146of the lower frame member122is inserted in the guide hole518of the central tab152of the upper frame member120.

A fastener such as a screw630is then inserted in the fastener holes150in the exterior arm144and the interior arm146, the fastener hole530in the central tab152, the fastener installation hole190of the side tab164, and the hole614of the panel610. A similar fastener is inserted through the corresponding holes on the other side of the frame110through the side tab166. Thus, the fasteners such as the screw630holds the base member112, the upper and lower frame members120and122to the panel610. The grommets, such as the grommet180a,extend through the aperture612into the interior of the electronic equipment chassis600. Thus, the cables such as the cable620aare introduced into the interior of the electronic equipment chassis600where they can be connected to components in the electronic equipment chassis600.

Thus, where the electronic equipment chassis600is a 5G communication component, the cables620a-620fmay be connected to other 5G components such as a Central Unit (CU), a Distributed Unit (DU), a Remote Radio Unit (RRU), an Active Antenna Unit (AAU), a Radio Unit (RU), or the like. However, any electronic equipment chassis that requires cables may use the cable entry device100incorporating the principles described herein.

As shown inFIGS. 6C-6F, the cable entry device100permits cables620a-620fto enter and exit the electronic equipment chassis600via the aperture612through the grommets180a-180f.The upper and lower frame members120and122, and the base member112are easy to assemble. The grommets180a-180fon the base member112and the resilient material of the base member112inhibit entry of water and/or contaminates into the chassis600. As noted above, the diameter of each bore in each of the grommets180a-180fcan be specifically sized to receive a certain size of cable. Further, some grommets in the base member112can be “dummies” in that they contain no internal bore, but are instead solid. Alternatively, a plug element may be fashioned to plug any unused grommets of the base member112to prevent entry of water and/or contaminates.

A kit of cable entry devices such as the cable entry device100(perhaps provided with color-coding or other indicia to indicate the cables to which they apply) may have different sizes to accommodate various cables.

The example cable entry device100eliminates a complex mating design with the provision of holes for fasteners. The example cable entry device100is compliant with Ingress Protection (IP) standards such as IP6X, IPX5 and IPX7. The example cable entry device100allows a cable infeed to an equipment cabinet in outdoor environments without interruption and is easy to assemble.

The foregoing description of the embodiments, including illustrated embodiments, has been presented only for the purpose of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting to the precise forms disclosed. Numerous modifications, adaptations, and uses thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art.