Electronics cabinet

An electronics cabinet having a cabinet frame, a front equipment rail, and a structural air dam. The cabinet frame includes a first pair of front-to-back beams connected to a pair of top side-to-side beams to form a top frame, a second pair of front-to-back beams connected to a pair of bottom side-to-side beams to form a bottom frame, and a plurality of vertical post connected to the top frame and the bottom frame. The front equipment rail is removably connected to one of the first pair of front-to-back beams and to one of the second pair of front-to-back beams. The structural air dam is connected to the front equipment rail and to one of the plurality of vertical posts.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to electronics cabinets, such as network and server cabinets, and, more specifically, to reinforced electronics cabinets.

BACKGROUND

Electronics cabinets are well known in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,293,666, which is assigned to American Power Conversion Corporation (West Kingston, R.I.), discloses an electronics cabinet. However, the electronics cabinet does not have inset front-to-back beams and removable vertical posts. In addition, typical electronics cabinets are not strong or sturdy enough to be shipped or moved with electronic equipment installed in the electronics cabinet.

Therefore, there is a need for an electronics cabinet having inset front-to-back beams. There is also a need for an electronics cabinet that is strong and sturdy enough to be shipped and moved while fully loaded with electronic equipment.

SUMMARY

In one example, an electronics cabinet comprises a cabinet frame, a front equipment rail, and a structural air dam. The cabinet frame includes a first pair of front-to-back beams connected to a pair of top side-to-side beams to form a top frame, a second pair of front-to-back beams connected to a pair of bottom side-to-side beams to form a bottom frame, and a plurality of vertical post connected to the top frame and the bottom frame. The front equipment rail is removably connected to one of the first pair of front-to-back beams and to one of the second pair of front-to-back beams. The structural air dam is connected to the front equipment rail and to one of the plurality of vertical posts.

In another example, an electronics cabinet comprises a cabinet frame, a front equipment rail, a channel member, and a vertical cable management rail. The cabinet frame includes a first pair of front-to-back beams connected to a pair of top side-to-side beams to form a top frame, a second pair of front-to-back beams connected to a pair of bottom side-to-side beams to form a bottom frame, and a plurality of vertical post connected to the top frame and the bottom frame. The front equipment rail is removably connected to one of the first pair of front-to-back beams and to one of the second pair of front-to-back beams. The channel member is connected to the front equipment rail. The vertical cable management rail is connected to the channel member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As shown inFIG. 5, front-to-back beams210and top side-to-side beams220A are connected to form top frame250A. Similarly, front-to-back beams210and bottom side-to-side beams220B are connected to form bottom frame250B. Preferably, front-to-back beams210are permanently connected to side-to-side beams220A,220B, for example, using permanent connectors, such as rivets and welds, but it is likewise contemplated that front-to-back beams210are removably connected to side-to-side beams220A,220B, for example, using removable connectors, such as nuts and bolts and screws.

As shown inFIGS. 6 and 7, vertical posts230are connected to top and bottom frames250A,250B, and more particularly, side-to-side beams220A,220B, to form cabinet frame200. Preferably, vertical posts230are removably connected to side-to-side beams220A,220B, for example, using removable connectors, such as nuts and bolts and screws, but it is likewise contemplated that vertical posts230are permanently connected to side-to-side beams220A,220B, for example, using permanent connectors, such as rivets and welds. Cover plates232are removably connected to vertical posts230, for example, using removable connectors, such as nuts and bolts and screws, and when removed, provide access to cabinet frame assembly openings234. Additionally, when installed, cover plates232act as standoffs for ganging multiple cabinets.

Additionally, face plates240are removably connected to side-to-side beams220A,220B and vertical posts230, for example, using removable connectors, such as nuts and bolts and screws, but it is likewise contemplated that face plates240are permanently connected to side-to-side beams220A,220B, for example, using permanent connectors, such as rivets and welds. Preferably, face plates240provide additional stiffness to cabinet frame200, and more particularly, side-to-side beams220A,220B and vertical posts230. Cover plates242are removably connected to face plates240, and ultimately, side-to-side beams220A, for example, using removable connectors, such as nuts and bolts and screws, and when removed, provide access to cable routing openings224,244.

Preferably, top and bottom frames250A,250B are assembled before shipping electronics cabinet100, for example, at a factory. However, vertical posts230and face plates240, as well as equipment rails300, front door400, back door500, side door600, and top cap700, might be assembled after shipping electronics cabinet100, for example, at a data center or a remote assembly facility located near the data center, which reduces the shipping volume, and therefore, the shipping cost of electronics cabinet100, without significantly impacting the assembly time.

As shown inFIGS. 8-10, front and back casters260A,260B and leveling legs270are connected to bottom frame250B, and more particularly, bottom side-to-side beams220B. Preferably, back casters260B and leveling legs270are rotatably connected to bottom frame250B, and more particularly, bottom side-to-side beams220B, to aid in positioning and leveling of electronics cabinet100, but it is likewise contemplated that front casters260A, taken alone or in combination with back casters260B, are rotatably connected to bottom frame250B, and more particularly, bottom side-to-side beams220B, to further aid in positioning of electronics cabinet100.

As shown inFIGS. 11 and 12, front-to-back beams210are inset relative to vertical posts230, and more particularly, intersection of side-to-side beams220A,220B and vertical posts230, forming cable-routing area280along the side of cabinet frame200, for example, between equipment-mounting area290, as defined by equipment rails300A,300B, and side door panels610A,610B of side door600.

As the width of electronics cabinet100is increased, for example, from 600 mm (FIGS. 11 and 12) to 700 mm (FIGS. 13 and 14) and 800 mm (FIGS. 15 and 16), the width of cable-routing area280is increased, while the width of equipment-mounting area290remains the same.

As shown inFIGS. 17-19and28-31, equipment rails300A,300B are connected to cabinet frame200, and more particularly, front-to-back beams210of top and bottom frames250A,250B. Preferably, equipment rails300A,300B are adjustable. That is, equipment rails300A,300B are removably connected to cabinet frame200, and more particularly, front-to-back beams210of top and bottom frames250A,250B, for example, using removable connectors, such as nuts and bolts and screws.

As shown inFIGS. 20 and 21, when channel nuts310and mounting bolts320are engaged and tight, equipment rails300A,300B are secured to front-to-back beams210. However, when channel nuts310and mounting bolts320are engaged, but loose, equipment rails300A,300B slide along elongated openings214in front-to-back beams210, allowing equipment rails300A,300B to be positioned at any number of locations along elongated openings214in front-to-back beams210.

Depending on the location of equipment rails300A,300B, additional cable routing areas280might be provided, for example, in the front of electronics cabinet100and in the back of electronics cabinet100.

Additionally, as shown inFIGS. 19 and 31, equipment rails300A,300B include stiffeners330, which are removably connected to equipment rails300A,300B, for example, using removable connectors, such as nuts and bolts and screws, but it is likewise contemplated that stiffeners330are permanently connected to equipment rails300A,300B, for example, using permanent connectors, such as rivets and welds. Alternatively, equipment rails300A,300B and stiffeners330are integrally formed.

As shown inFIGS. 22-27, equipment rails300B include mounting openings340for mounting electronic equipment, such as servers, patch panels, and switches, in electronics cabinet100, and are configured to receive accessory mounting brackets, such as patch panel cassette mounting brackets350and cable management finger mounting brackets360, for mounting accessories, such as patch panel cassettes352and cable management fingers362in electronics cabinet100, and more particularly, cable routing area280of electronics cabinet100.

For example, as shown inFIGS. 22-24, equipment rails300B include patch panel cassette mounting brackets350for mounting patch panel cassettes352to equipment rails300B. As shown inFIG. 24, patch panel cassette mounting brackets350are removably connected to equipment rails300B, for example, using removable connectors, such as nuts and bolts and screws, but it is likewise contemplated that patch panel cassette mounting brackets350are permanently connected to equipment rails300B, for example, using permanent connectors, such as rivets and welds. Alternatively, equipment rails300B and patch panel cassette mounting brackets350are integrally formed. Patch panel cassettes352snap-fit into patch panel cassette housings354, which in turn, snap-fit into patch panel cassette mounting brackets350. As such, patch panel cassette housings354are quickly and easily removed from patch panel cassette mounting brackets350, providing greater access to patch panel cassettes350.

Alternatively, as shown inFIGS. 25-27, equipment rails300B include cable management finger mounting brackets360for mounting cable management fingers362to equipment rails300B. As shown inFIG. 27, cable management finger mounting brackets360are removably connected to equipment rails300B, for example, using removable connectors, such as nuts and bolts and screws, but it is likewise contemplated that cable management finger mounting brackets350are permanently connected to equipment rails300B, for example, using permanent connectors, such as rivets and welds. Alternatively, equipment rails300B and cable management finger mounting brackets360are integrally formed. Cable management fingers362snap-fit into cable management finger mounting brackets360.

As shown inFIGS. 28-31, equipment rails300A include mounting openings340for mounting electronic equipment, such as servers, patch panels, and switches, in electronics cabinet100, and are configured to receive blanking panels, such as horizontal blanking panels (not shown), which are typically mounted to equipment rails300A using mounting openings340, and vertical blanking panels370, for sealing open areas of electronics cabinet100to separate cooled intake air and heated exhaust air.

For example, as shown inFIGS. 28-31, equipment rails300A include vertical blanking panels370. As shown inFIG. 30, vertical blanking panels370are removably connected to equipment rails300A, for example, using removable connectors, such as nuts and bolts and screws, but it is likewise contemplated that vertical blanking panels370are permanently connected to equipment rails300A, for example, using permanent connectors, such as rivets and welds. Alternatively, equipment rails300A and vertical blanking panels370are integrally formed. Additionally, vertical blanking panels370are removably connected to vertical posts230, providing additional stiffness to cabinet frame200, and more particularly, vertical posts230.

As shown inFIGS. 32 and 34, front door400includes front door panel410, which is rotatably connected to cabinet frame200, and more particularly, face plate240, and ultimately, vertical post230, and rotates from closed position (FIG. 32) to open position (FIG. 34). Additionally, as shown inFIGS. 36 and 37, front door panel410is removably connected to cabinet frame200, and includes spring-loaded hinge pins420for quick and easy installation and removal thereof.

As shown inFIGS. 38 and 40, back door500includes back door panels510, which are rotatably connected to cabinet frame200, and more particularly, face plate240, and ultimately, vertical post230, and rotate from closed position (FIG. 38) to open position (FIG. 40). Additionally, as shown inFIGS. 42 and 43, back door panels510are removably connected to cabinet frame200, and include flanges520to prevent removal of back door panels510when open.

As shown inFIGS. 44,46, and50, side door600includes side door panels610A,610B, which are rotatably connected to cabinet frame200, and more particularly, vertical posts230, as well as top cap700, and rotate from closed position (FIG. 46) to open position (FIGS. 46 and 50). Additionally, as shown inFIGS. 48,49,51, and52, side door panels610A,610B are removably connected to cabinet frame200, as well as top cap700, and include spring-loaded hinge pins620for quick and easy installation and removal thereof.

As shown inFIGS. 53-55, top cap700is removably connected to cabinet frame200, and more particularly, front-to-back beams210and side-to-side beams220A of top frame250A and vertical posts230, for example, using removable connectors, such as nuts and bolts and screws, and includes data cable openings720, for example, fitted with grommets722and grommet covers724, disposed above the sides of sever cabinet100, and more particularly, cable-routing areas280, and power cable openings730, for example, fitted with knock-outs732, disposed above the back of electronics cabinet100.

As the width of electronics cabinet100is increased, for example, from 600 mm (FIGS. 56 and 57) to 700 mm (FIGS. 58 and 59) and 800 mm (FIGS. 60 and 61), the width of data cable opening720is increased, for example, to accommodate the additional width of cable-routing area280.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, sensors (not shown), such as door position sensors and environmental sensors (e.g., temperature, humidity, etc.) are mounted on cabinet frame200, for example, in openings224,244.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, modular jacks (not shown), such as Panduit® Mini-Com.RTM. modular jacks, can be mounted, for example, in openings224,244for quick and easy connection and disconnection of door-mounted electronics, such as handles, keypads, readers, and sensors.

Referring toFIGS. 62-63, another example of an electronics cabinet1000is shown that includes a reinforced cabinet frame1100so that the electronics cabinet1000can be shipped and moved fully loaded with electronic equipment. The example electronic cabinet1000with reinforced cabinet frame1100is capable of being shipped with a 2000 pound equipment load while maintaining the structural integrity of the cabinet and the security of the electronic equipment. The example electronics cabinet1000can be used for server cabinet applications and is a 700 mm wide by 1200 mm deep by 42 rack unit (RU) tall server type cabinet, but could be any size cabinet as desired depending on the particular application. In addition to cabinet frame1100, electronics cabinet1000generally includes front and rear equipment rails1200A and1200B, front door1300, rear door1400, side panels1500, and top cap1600.

As shown in FIGS.63and65-67, cabinet frame1100generally includes front-to-back beams1105, top and bottom side to side beams1110,1115, vertical posts1125, and face plates1130, which are all similar to the front-to-back beams210, top and bottom side-to-side beams220A,220B, vertical posts230, and face plates240described above. In addition, cabinet frame1100also includes upper side panel beams1135, lower side panel beams1140, and reinforcing front-to-back beams1145.

A pair of front-to-back beams1105are welded, or otherwise securely fastened or connected, to top side-to-side beams1110to form a top frame1120A and another pair of front-to-back beams1105are welded, or otherwise securely fastened or connected, to bottom side-to-side beams1115to form a bottom frame1120B. Vertical posts1125are welded, or otherwise securely fastened or connected, to top and bottom frames1120A,1120B and, in the particular example shown, are welded to top side-to-side beams1110and bottom side-to-side beams1115, near the ends of top and bottom side-to-side beams1110,1115. Front-to-back beams1105are inset relative to vertical posts1125and relative to the intersection of top and bottom side-to-side beams1110,1115and vertical posts1125, forming cable-routing areas1190(FIG. 68) along the side of cabinet frame1100and between equipment-mounting area1195, as defined by front and rear equipment rails1200A,1200B, and side panels1500. Depending on the width of electronics cabinet1000(e.g., 600 mm, 700 mm, 800 mm, etc.) the width of cable-routing area1190will be larger or smaller, while the width of equipment-mounting area1195remains the same.

Face plates1130can also be removably connected to top and bottom side-to-side beams1110,1115and to vertical posts1125, for example using removable connectors such as nuts and bolts or screws, or can be permanently connected to top and bottom side-to-side beams1110,1115using a permanent connection such as rivets or welds. Face plates1130can be used to provide additional rigidity to cabinet frame1100, and more particularly, to top and bottom side-to-side beams1110,1115and vertical posts1125. Cover plates1132can also be removably connected to face plates1130using removable connectors, such as nuts and bolts or screws, and when removed can provide access to cable routing openings.

Upper side panel beams1135are welded to upper portions of vertical posts1125and tube shaped lower side panel beams1140are welded to bottom portions of vertical posts1125. Upper and lower side panel beams1135,1140support and secure side panels1500, as described below, and enhance the front to back directional strength of cabinet frame1100by restricting torsional twist of top and bottom side-to-side beams1110,1115, which can experience extreme forces during shipping.

In the example shown, cabinet frame1100also includes reinforcing front-to-back beams1145to increase the overall rigidity of cabinet frame1100, making electronics cabinet1000more resistant to impact deformation. In the particular example shown, each of the reinforcing front-to-back beams1145consist of a three piece assembly and are welded, or otherwise securely fastened or connected, to between vertical posts1125. However, reinforcing front-to-back beams1145can also be a single, unitary unit. Welding or otherwise securing reinforcing front-to-back beams1145between vertical posts1125creates rigidity in the front to back direction of cabinet frame1100, which translates to a reduction of frame deflection from vibrations and impacts during the shipping and transporting of the final loaded electronics cabinet1000. As describe in more detail below, reinforcing front-to-back beams1145are also connected to the front and rear equipment rails1200A,1200B, which distributes a portion of the vertical load encountered by the front and rear equipment rails1200A,1200B to the vertical posts1125of the cabinet frame1100, where additional structural support exists.

Cabinet frame1100can also include front and rear gussets1150,1155A,1155B to further increase the rigidity of cabinet frame1100. A pair of front gussets1150can be welded, or otherwise securely fastened or connected, to front vertical posts1125and lower front-to-back beams1105, a first pair of rear gussets1155A can be welded, or otherwise securely fastened or connected, to rear vertical posts1125and lower front-to-back beams1105, and a second pair of rear gussets1155B can be welded, or otherwise securely fastened or connected, to rear vertical posts1125and rear top side-to-side beam1110. With the rear of cabinet frame1100lacking the added support of structural air dams1250, as described below, rear gussets1155A,1155B provide increased rigidity.

As discussed above for electronics cabinet100, leveling legs1185or casters can be connected to bottom frame1120B, and more particularly, bottom side-to-side beams1115as shown inFIGS. 70-71. Preferably, leveling legs1185or casters would be rotatably connected to bottom frame1120B to aid in the positioning and leveling of electronics cabinet1000.

Referring toFIGS. 63-68, standard front and rear equipment rails1200A,1200B are removably connected to front-to-back beams1105of top and bottom frames1120A,1120B with removable connectors, such as nuts, bolts, channel nuts, screws, etc., in the same manner discussed above for equipment rails300A,300B and front-to-back beams210. Front and rear equipment rails1200A,1200B include mounting openings1205for mounting electronic equipment, such as servers, patch panels, and switches, in electronics cabinet1000and are configured to receive horizontal blanking panels (not shown). As discussed above, rear equipment rail1200B can also be configured to receive accessory mounting brackets, such as patch panel cassette mounting brackets and cable management finger mounting brackets1215, for mounting accessories, such as patch panel cassettes and cable management fingers1220in electronics cabinet1000(FIG. 74A). In the example shown, front equipment rail1200A is secured to front vertical posts1125, while rear equipment rail1200B is adjustable.

As shown inFIGS. 64A and 64B, front and rear equipment rails1200A,1200B can also include stiffeners1210, which can be removably connected to equipment rails1200A,1200B using removable connectors, such as nuts and bolts and screws. Alternatively, equipment rails1200A,1200B and stiffeners1210could be integrally formed.

To provide additional strength and rigidity to cabinet frame1100and to the front and rear equipment rails1200A,1200B, additional structural features and connections are also incorporated into cabinet frame1100.

As shown inFIGS. 64A,64B, and68, each front equipment rail1200A is connected to a structural air dam1250with threaded members1255, such as screws or nuts and bolts, or could be permanently attached to a structural air dam1250through rivets, welds, etc., to form a front equipment rail assembly. When installed in cabinet frame1100as described below, the front equipment rail assembly can be used to transfer some of the dynamic forces encountered by front equipment rails1200A into the front vertical posts1125. Structural air dams1250have a generally C-shaped cross section and have pass-thru cutouts1260to allow cabling and power to pass through from the front to the rear of electronics cabinet1000without utilizing open RU spacing. The size and shape of each pass-thru cutout1260is optimized to allow the maximum amount of cabling to pass through while still utilizing well known sealing solutions, such as blanks, bezels, boots, etc. When not in use, pass-thru cutouts1260can be covered with cover plates1265, which can be secured to structural air dam1250with threaded members1270.

Each front equipment rail assembly, having a front equipment rail1200A and a structural air dam1250, is positioned adjacent one of the front vertical posts1125and the front equipment rail1200A is connected to the top and bottom front-to-back beams1105as described above. As shown inFIG. 66, each structural air dam1250is also secured to the corresponding front vertical post1125and to each of the adjacent reinforcing front-to-back beams1145. Structural air dams1250are secured to front vertical posts1125with post brackets1700. Each post bracket1700has a generally L-shaped first portion1705and a generally planar second portion1710. First portion1705of post bracket1700is secured to structural air dam1250with threaded members1810, for example with screws or nuts and bolts, and second portion1710of post bracket1700is secured to front vertical post1125with threaded members, for example with screws or nuts and bolts. Bolts1715are inserted through aligned holes (not shown) in first and second portions1705,1710and secured by nuts1720, thereby rigidly securing structural air dam1250to front vertical post1125. Structural air dams1250are also secured to each adjacent reinforcing front-to-back beam1145with beam brackets1800. Each beam bracket1800is generally L-shaped and has a first portion1805and a second portion1815that is generally perpendicular to first portion1805and is sized to fit in a channel1160formed in reinforcing front-to-back beams1145. First portion1805is secured to structural air dam1250with threaded members1810, such as screws or nuts and bolts, and second portion1815is secured to reinforcing front-to-back beam1145with threaded members1820, such as screws or nuts and bolts, thereby rigidly securing structural air dam1250to reinforcing front-to-back beams1145.

Post brackets1700and beam brackets1800connect the structural air dams1250, and therefore the front equipment rails1200A, to the front vertical posts1125and the reinforcing front-to-back beams1145, respectively, to create a more robust junction and simplifies construction of structural air dams1250. The equipment rail assembly has front-to-back and side-to-side strength enhanced by the connection of the equipment rail assembly to front vertical posts1125and reinforcing front-to-back beams1145and the overall rigidity of cabinet frame1100is increased by effectively adding structure to front vertical posts1125.

Rear equipment rails1200B are also provided with additional support by connecting rear equipment rails1200B to reinforcing front-to-back beams. Referring toFIG. 67, rear equipment rails1200B are secured to adjacent reinforcing front-to-back beams1145with rear beam brackets1900. Each rear beam bracket1900is generally L-shaped and has a first portion1905and a second portion1915that is generally perpendicular to first portion1905and is sized to fit in channel1160of reinforcing front-to-back beams1145. First portion1905is secured to rear equipment rail1200B with threaded members1910, such as screws or nuts and bolts, and second portion1915is secured to reinforcing front-to-back beam1145with threaded members1920, such as screws or nuts and bolts, thereby securing rear equipment rail1200B to reinforcing front-to-back beams1145.

Referring generally toFIG. 62, front door1300and rear door1400of electronics cabinet1000have the same structure as front door400and rear door500of electronics cabinet100described above and are connected to cabinet frame1100in the same manner as that described above for front door400and rear door500of electronics cabinet100.

Referring toFIGS. 70-73, side panels1500include a panel1505and a tubular member1510connected adjacent a bottom of panel1505. An extended steel tab1515is connected to tubular member1510, extends from the bottom of panel1505, and is configured to engage slot1142in lower side panel beams1140of cabinet frame1100. As shown inFIGS. 70-71, a side panel1500is positioned such that tab1515is aligned with slot1142of lower side panel beam1140and tab1515is inserted into slot1142. The bottom of panel1505then rests directly on the top surface1143of lower side panel beam1140. Once tab1515is engaged in slot1142, side panel1500can be rotated towards cabinet frame1100until side panel1500is vertical and the top of panel1500engages the upper side panel beam1135.

In the example shown, each side panel1500also has a pair of retractable latches1530extending from opposite sides of the upper portion of side panel1500. One of the latches1530engages an aperture1540formed in a corner bracket1535that is bolted, or otherwise secured, to cabinet frame1100. For example, as can best be seen inFIGS. 72 and 73, corner bracket1535can be bolted to upper side panel beam1135and vertical post1125to secure corner bracket1535to cabinet frame1100. The opposite latch1530engages an aperture1550formed in a center post that is bolted, or otherwise secured, to upper and lower side panel beams1135,1140. As is shown inFIG. 72, in addition to being secured to upper and lower side panel beams1135,1140, center post1545can also be bolted, or otherwise secured, to one or more reinforcing front-to-back beams1145to provide added stability. As side panel1500is rotated towards cabinet frame1100, latches1530are manually retracted. When side panel1500is vertical and the top of panel1500engages upper side panel beam1135, latches1530are released and extend to engage aperture1540in corner bracket1535and aperture1550in center post1545to secure side panel1500to cabinet frame1100.

As shown inFIGS. 72 and 73, each side panel1500can also include a locking mechanism1520, such as a key driven quarter turn lock, adjacent a top of side panel1500, that can be rotated to drive a cam1525of locking mechanism1520behind a flange1107of upper side panel beam1135to prevent removal of side panel1500.

Referring to FIGS.62and74A-C, top cap1600is removably connected to front-to-back beams1105and top side-to-side beams1110of cabinet frame1100using threaded members (not shown), such as screws or nuts and bolts. In the example shown, top cap1600is a two-piece construction having a front portion1605and a rear portion1610. Front portion1605of top cap1600can include data cable openings along the sides of front portion1605fitted with grommets and grommet covers1615, as described above for top cap700of electronics cabinet100. Rear portion1610of top cap1600can also include data cable openings along the sides of rear portion1610fitted with grommets and grommet covers1615and power cable openings along the rear of rear portion1610, as described above for top cap700of electronics cabinet100. In the example shown, power cable openings in rear portion1610are covered by covers1620, which are secured to rear portion1610by threaded members. As can be seen inFIGS. 74B and 74C, rear portion1610of top cap1600can be removed to allow the installation of a chimney1630, or other vertical exhaust duct (VED), such as a standard Panduit® 2.0 VED.

In certain embodiments of electronics cabinet1000, sensors (not shown), such as door position sensors and environmental sensors (e.g., temperature, humidity, etc.) can be mounted on cabinet frame100in the openings in top side-to-side beams that are covered by cover plates1132. Similarly, modular jacks (not shown), such as Panduit® Mini-Com.RTM. modular jacks, can also be mounted on cabinet frame100in the openings in top side-to-side beams that are covered by cover plates1132for quick and easy connection and disconnection of door-mounted electronics, such as handles, keypads, readers, and sensors.

Referring toFIGS. 75-79, another example of a reinforced cabinet frame2100is shown that can also be used with an electronics cabinet that can be shipped and moved fully loaded with electronic equipment. The example electronic cabinet with reinforced cabinet frame2100is capable of being shipped with a 1200 pound equipment load while maintaining the structural integrity of the cabinet and the security of the electronic equipment and can be used for network cabinet applications. In the example shown, the electronics cabinet with cabinet frame1100is a 800 mm wide by 1200 mm deep by 42 RU tall network type cabinet, but could be any size cabinet as desired depending on the particular application. In addition to cabinet frame2100, the example electronics cabinet generally would again include front and rear equipment rails1200A and1200B, front door1300, rear door1400, side panels1500, and top cap1600as discussed above for electronics cabinet1000. Since front door1300, rear door1400, side panels1500, and top cap1600are the same as discussed above for electronics cabinet1000, these features have been removed fromFIGS. 75-79for clarity and only the cabinet frame2100and front and rear equipment rails2200A and2200B will be described below.

Cabinet frame2100is similar to cabinet frame1100described above, but includes various features that are required for a network cabinet application. For example, as described above for cabinet frame1100, cabinet frame2100also generally includes front-to-back beams1105, top and bottom side to side beams1110,1115, vertical posts1125, face plates1130, upper side panel beams1135, and lower side panel beams1140. As described above, a pair of front-to-back beams1105are welded, or otherwise securely fastened or connected, to top side-to-side beams1110to form a top frame1120A, another pair of front-to-back beams1105are welded, or otherwise securely fastened or connected, to bottom side-to-side beams1115to form a bottom frame1120B, vertical posts1125are welded, or otherwise securely fastened or connected, to top and bottom frames1120A,1120B, upper side panel beams1135are welded to a top portion of vertical posts1125, and tube shaped lower side panel beams1140are welded to a bottom portion of vertical posts. Face plates1130can also be removably connected to top and bottom side-to-side beams1110,1115and to vertical posts1125and cover plates1132can also be removably connected to face plates1130using removable connectors, such as nuts and bolts or screws. Cabinet frame2100can also include front and rear gussets1150,1155A,1155B to further increase the rigidity of cabinet frame2100, as described above.

As discussed above for electronics cabinet1100, leveling legs or casters1180(FIGS. 78,78B, and79) can be connected to bottom frame1120B. Preferably, leveling legs or casters1180would be rotatably connected to bottom frame1120B to aid in the positioning and leveling of electronics cabinet1000.

Unlike front equipment rails1200A, front equipment rails2200A are set back from the front of cabinet frame2100to accommodate patch panel cabling. Therefore, to provide additional strength and rigidity to cabinet frame2100and to the front and rear equipment rails2200A,2200B, additional structural features and connections are also incorporated into cabinet frame2100. Front and rear equipment rails2200A,2200B include mounting openings1205for mounting electronic equipment, such as servers, patch panels, and switches and are configured to receive horizontal blanking panels (not shown). Rear equipment rail2200B can also be configured to receive accessory mounting brackets, such as patch panel cassette mounting brackets and cable management finger mounting brackets2215(FIG. 79), for mounting accessories, such as patch panel cassettes and cable management fingers. Front and rear equipment rails2200A,2200B can also include stiffeners1210, which can be removably connected to equipment rails2200A,2200B using removable connectors1212, such as nuts and bolts and screws. Alternatively, equipment rails2200A,2200B and stiffeners1210could be integrally formed.

As shown inFIGS. 76 and 77, each front equipment rail2200A is connected to a channel member2230with threaded members2235, such as screws or nuts and bolts, or could be permanently attached to channel member2230through rivets, welds, etc., and vertical cable management rail2240are also connected to channel member2230with threaded members2245, such as screws or nuts and bolts, or could be permanently attached to channel member2230through rivets, welds, etc., to form a reinforced front equipment rail assembly2280. Channel members2230have a generally C-shaped cross section and can be made of 3 mm thick steel, while front equipment rail2200A and vertical cable management rail2240can be made of 2 mm thick steel.

Vertical cable management rails2240can be used for mounting cable management fingers to front equipment rail assembly2280such that cable management fingers snap-fit into vertical cable management rail2240.

Referring toFIGS. 78,78A, and78B, front and rear equipment rails2200A,2200B are removably connected to front-to-back beams1105of top and bottom frames1120A,1120B using elongated channel nuts2350and mounting bolts2370. Channel nuts2350fit within a channel formed in the inner side of front-to-back beams1105such that channel nuts2350can slide longitudinally within the channel and have a pair of fingers2355that extend through a slot1108in front-to-back beams1105. Mounting bolts2370extend through a hole1213in stiffener1210(FIG. 76), or through a hole in front or rear equipment rail2200A,2200B if a stiffener1210is not used, and are threaded into a threaded hole2360in channel nut2350. When channel nuts2350and mounting bolts2370are engaged and tight, equipment rails2200A,2200B are secured to front-to-back beams1105. However, when channel nuts2350and mounting bolts2370are engaged, but loose, equipment rails2200A,2200B cab slide along slots1108in front-to-back beams1105, allowing equipment rails2200A,2200B to be positioned at any number of locations along front-to-back beams1105.

In addition to channel nuts2350and mounting bolts2370, front equipment rail assemblies2280could be further secured to front-to-back beams1105with additional top and bottom mounting brackets2410,2450, which can be made from 3 mm thick steel. This additional support insures the front equipment rail assemblies2280do not move or bend when under the application load. As can be seen inFIG. 78A, top mounting bracket2410has a generally U-shaped body2415that fits over the top portion of front equipment rail assembly2280and includes holes2420that align with threaded holes2242to secure top mounting bracket2410to vertical cable management rail2240with threaded members2422and holes2425that align with threaded holes2232to secure top mounting bracket2410to channel member2230with threaded members2427. A pair of flanges2430extend from either side of body2415and each include an elongated hole2435that aligns with a threaded hole2360to secure top mounting bracket2410to channel nut2350with threaded members2440and to secure everything together.

As can be seen inFIG. 78B, bottom mounting bracket2450also has a generally U-shaped body2455that fits over the bottom portion of front equipment rail assembly2280and includes holes2460that align with threaded holes2242to secure bottom mounting bracket2450to vertical cable management rail2240with threaded members2462and holes2465that align with threaded holes2232to secure bottom mounting bracket2450to channel member2230with threaded members2467. A first flange2470extends from a side of body2455and includes an elongated hole2475that aligns with a threaded hole2360to secure bottom mounting bracket2450to channel nut2350with threaded member2480and to secure everything together. A pair of flanges2485also extend from the bottom of body2455and each include an opening that aligns with a threaded hole1117to secure bottom mounting bracket2450to bottom side-to-side beam1115with threaded members2490.

Referring toFIGS. 75 and 79, vertical blanking panels or non-structural air dams2550can also be attached to the front equipment rail assemblies2280for hot/cold air separation in the electronics cabinet. Brackets2555can be secured to the upper and lower portions of channel member2230with threaded members2560and vertical blanking panels2550can be secured to brackets2555with threaded members2565. In addition, if multiple vertical blanking panels are used, as shown inFIGS. 75 and 79, one or more additional brackets2570can be secured to channel member2230with threaded members2575and adjacent vertical blanking panels2550can be secured to the additional brackets2570with threaded members2580. Alternatively, a single vertical blanking panel could be used and secured using only brackets2555. Each vertical blanking panel2550can include one or more cable pass through openings2585and a boot or other sealing element can be installed in openings2585to seal openings2585when cables are present. When not in used, openings2585can be sealed with cover plates2590and secured to vertical blanking panels2550with threaded members2592. In addition, a sealing member2595, such as a 1 inch×1 inch foam gasket, can be secured to the outer edge of the vertical blanking panels to form a seal between vertical blanking panels2550and side panels1500or adjacent cabinets.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the relevant arts that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects. Therefore, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all such changes and modifications that fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. The matter set forth in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings is offered by way of illustration only and not as a limitation. The actual scope of the invention is intended to be defined in the following claims when viewed in their proper perspective based on the prior art.