Patent Description:
From the state of the art cable management systems with patch panels for receiving cassettes, in particular splice cassettes, for a managing of cables, in particular patch cables, in particular for optical waveguide cables, are known. Such patch panels are configured for connecting to a rack, in particular a <NUM>-inch standard rack. An example of such a system is disclosed by the document <CIT>.

The objective of the invention is, in particular, to provide a cable management system with improved characteristics regarding flexibility, ease of handling and construction. The objective is achieved, according to the invention, by the features of claims <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, while advantageous implementations and further developments of the invention may be gathered from the dependent claims.

The invention relates to a cable management system, comprising a cable management unit, in particular a patch panel, which has a casing unit defining at least one receiving space for receiving a cassette, in particular a splice cassette, in particular in a receiving direction; and comprising the cassette which has a front socket section.

In one aspect of the invention, which may in particular be considered in combination with as well as separately from other aspects of the invention, it is proposed that the casing unit comprises a grounding element that is configured for mechanically contacting and electrically grounding the front socket section in a mounted state of the cassette, wherein in this aspect of the invention the cassette is preferably configured to manage electrical connections.

By means of the invention in particular an enhanced ease of handling can be achieved. Advantageously, a grounding of plugs plugged into the front section can be achieved in an easy fashion.

Preferably, the cable management system is embodied as a modular construction system, which comprises a certain number of elements to build, preferably in a modular way, a unit or device which is configured to execute at least one function in at least one operational state.

The cable management unit is advantageously, in at least one operational state, configured for managing, in particular guiding, connecting, coupling, terminating and/or distributing, cables, in particular patch cables, in particular a plurality of cables, in particular a plurality of patch cables, preferably optical waveguide cables and/or electrical cables. Advantageously, the casing unit can be fastened to a carrier unit of the cable management system, in particular a rack. The receiving space may comprise at least one opening for receiving the cassette. The receiving space may advantageously comprise a plurality of openings, which may be identical or different from each other. In particular, each of the openings is configured to receive a single cassette. Preferably, the openings are arranged in matrix form.

Favorably, each of the cassettes received in the casing unit is individually movable, in particular with respect to any other cassette and in particular with respect to the casing unit, from at least one coupled position to at least one decoupled position. In particular, in the mounted state of the cassette, the cassette is in the coupled position.

Moreover, the cable management unit could be embodied as an ETSI insert and preferably as a <NUM>-inch insert for connecting to an, in particular standard, ETSI rack and preferably to a <NUM>-inch rack. It could also be feasible that the cable management unit may be embodied as any different type of insert for connecting to any different type of rack. Preferably, the cable management unit has a height of <NUM> height unit. Possibly, the cable management unit could have a different height, for example up to <NUM> height units. The cable management unit could be embodied as a patch panel with any number of ports. However, it is proposed that the cable management unit is advantageously embodied as a <NUM>-port patch panel and is configured to support up to <NUM> plug connections; in particular the casing unit defines at least one receiving space for receiving up to eight cassettes, wherein each of the cassettes may comprise a front socket section with up to six sockets. Advantageously, each of the sockets is configured for receiving one simplex plug or duplex plug.

Furthermore, the cassette is preferably embodied as an, in particular detachably mounted, unit which is located in a coupled position, in particular in the receiving space, and which is preferably configured for providing and/or supporting a connection functionality and/or a connection capability. Herein, the cassette is preferably configured for guiding, connecting, coupling, terminating and/or distributing at least one cable. Particularly preferably, the cable management unit comprises a plurality, in particular up to eight, cassettes, which are preferably releasable from, connectable to and/or replaceable by each other individually and which can be, at least to a large extent, embodied at least substantially identical to each other. In addition, the cable management unit may be configured to receive up to eight cassettes arranged in a 2x4 matrix. The cassette has in particular a modular structure and is preferably movable from at least one coupled position to at least one decoupled position and vice versa, preferably in a linear motion. The cassette itself and/or at least one structural component of the cassette has a modular structure and/or is implemented in such a way that it can be assembled modularly, for example like in a construction kit. In particular, herein at least one structural component of the cassette can be replaced by at least one further structural component. Particularly preferably, the cassette is herein extendable and/or reducible in any required way.

The coupled position may be a mechanically defined position of the cassette, in particular with respect to the casing unit, in which a normal operation, in particular a connecting and/or removing from plugs to and/or from the front socket section, takes place and/or in which a processing, e.g. a maintenance, a new cabling, a patching and/or a splicing, is limited to a large extent. In particular, in the coupled position the cassette is at least largely and preferably completely located in the receiving space of the cable management unit and/or at least largely and preferably completely inserted into the cable management unit. The decoupled position may be a mechanically defined position of the cassette, in particular with respect to the casing unit, in which a processing operation, e.g. a maintenance operation, a cabling operation, a patching operation and/or a splicing operation, is possible. In particular, in the decoupled position the cassette may be partially or entirely removed from the receiving space of the cable management unit and/or the cable management unit.

Advantageously, the cable management system comprises a plurality of cable management units, which are preferably releasable from, connectable to and/or replaceable by each other individually and which are embodied particularly preferably to be at least substantially identical to each other. Herein, the cable management units are preferably located adjacently to each other and particularly preferably one above the other one, in particular with respect to a height of the cable management unit. The phrasing "at least substantially identical objects" is to mean, in this context, objects which advantageously have the same structure but may at least partially differ in particular as regards their functionality, their inner structure, and/or their dimensions. However, preferably the at least substantially identical objects are identical aside from manufacturing tolerances and/or within the range of standardized tolerances. One "height unit" herein corresponds in particular to one rack unit (U) and/or <NUM>.

The grounding element is advantageously configured for mechanically contacting and electrically grounding each socket of the front socket section. For example, the grounding element could be embodied as an element that is separate from a remaining portion of the casing unit and mounted on the remaining portion of the casing unit, for example via a screw connection and/or snap connection and/or plug connection. Preferably, the grounding element and the remaining portion of the casing unit are embodied in a one-piece implementation. For example, the grounding element and the remaining portion of the casing unit could be connected via a welding connection and/or an adhesive connection. It could be feasible that the grounding element is embodied as a flat subarea of the casing unit. Advantageously, the grounding element is embodied as a part of the casing unit which is free from any kind of coating of the remaining portion of the casing unit, for example paint and/or varnish.

"Configured" is to mean specifically designed and/or equipped. By an object being configured for a certain function, it is to be understood that the object fulfills and/or implements this certain function in at least one application state and/or operating state.

The grounding element is embodied as a protrusion of the casing unit, for example a lug welded or glued on a surface of the casing unit. In order to simplify a grounding of the front socket section, it is proposed that the grounding element is embodied as a deepening of the casing unit, in particular into the receiving space. For example, the grounding element could be embodied as a square or circular deepening. Preferably, the grounding element is embodied as a rectangular deepening, the longest side of which runs orthogonally to the receiving direction. In particular, an extent by which the deepening extends into the receiving space is at least <NUM> % and preferably at least <NUM> % of a thickness of the casing unit. In this way a distance between the front socket section and the grounding element can be reduced without the need for additional components.

Furthermore it is proposed that the casing unit comprises a further grounding element, in particular a further deepening, which is arranged opposite the grounding element and is configured for mechanically contacting and electrically grounding a further cassette, wherein the further cassette is preferably configured for managing electrical connections. In particular, the grounding element and the further grounding element are arranged on opposite walls of the casing unit. Preferably, the casing unit comprises a plurality of grounding elements, which may advantageously be identical to each other and arranged in opposite-situated pairs. Particularly preferably, the casing unit comprises one grounding element for each cassette which may be received in the receiving space. The further grounding element could be embodied differently than the grounding element; advantageously, the further grounding element is embodied identically to the grounding element. Further advantageously, each of the grounding elements is centered relative to its assigned cassette in a mounted state of the cassettes. In this way, the grounding of a plurality of front socket sections may be simplified. Advantageously, each cassette is assigned a nearby-situated grounding element, thus minimizing a distance between each of the grounding elements and its assigned sockets.

Possibly, the grounding element could contact the front socket section directly. In order to further simplify a grounding of the front socket section, it is proposed that the cassette and/or the further cassette comprises a contact element that is configured for mechanically and electrically connecting the grounding element with each socket of the front socket section in the mounted state of the cassette. Preferably, cassettes configured for managing optical connections are free of contact elements. The contact element is configured to connect each socket of the front socket section with the grounding element in the mounted state of the cassette. Advantageously, the contact element comprises a base which is configured to be connected with the sockets of the front socket section in the mounted state of the cassette and a contact which is configured to be directly connected to the grounding element in the mounted state of the cassette. It could be feasible that the contact is fixed to the grounding element in the mounted state of the cassette, for example by means of a screw connection and/or plug connection and/or snap connection. Preferably, the contact is pressed against the grounding element in the mounted state of the cassette. The contact may be a rigid contact, for example a sliding contact, advantageously, the contact is a spring contact. The contact element may comprise any number of contacts. The contact element may comprise a wire, preferably the contact element comprises a bent metal sheet, and particularly preferably the contact element is embodied as a single bent metal sheet. Advantageously, the sockets of the front socket section can be connected to the grounding element in a cheap and easy fashion.

In another aspect of the invention, which may in particular be considered in combination with as well as separately from other aspects of the invention, it is proposed that the cassette and/or the further cassette comprises a coupling element, which has a grip section for gripping the cassette, in particular at a rear of the cassette, and a latching section for coupling the cassette to the cable management unit, wherein the coupling element is embodied in a one-piece implementation, it could for example be feasible that the coupling element is made of metal and formed in one piece. Furthermore, the coupling element may be connected to a remaining portion of the cassette in any feasible manner, for example by means of a plug connection and/or a screw connection and preferably a snap connection. Preferably, the grip section comprises a first gripping part and a second gripping part, which particularly preferably encompass two opposing sides of the rear of the cassette, thus allowing for a tight, pincerlike grip. Advantageously, the gripping parts each comprise a ribbed surface. The latching section may comprise a latch tongue and/or a latch hole which corresponds to a latch hole and/or latch tongue of the cable management unit. In this way, the coupling element may be embodied in a cheap and easy to produce fashion. Advantageously, additional steps in order to assemble the coupling element are not necessary.

In order to further simplify a construction of the coupling element, it is proposed that the coupling element is made of plastic and is in particular injection-molded. In this way, a plurality of coupling elements can be produced using a single mold which is easily adaptable in order to allow a flexible design of the coupling element.

The latching section may be actuated for a decoupling of the coupling element from the cable management unit via a decoupling section of the coupling element which differs from the latching section and the grip section. Alternatively, the latching section may be actuated directly for decoupling the coupling element from the cable management unit. In order to enhance an ease of handling, it is proposed that the latching section can be actuated, in particular for decoupling of the coupling element from the cable management unit, via the grip section. It is possible that the latching section may be actuated via the grip section and additionally in any other feasible manner. Preferably, the grip section is configured for a coupled movement with the latching section. Feasibly, the grip section could be pushed or pulled in order to actuate the latching section. Advantageously, the grip section is twisted in order to actuate the latching section. Particularly advantageously, the gripping parts of the grip section each have a plate-like shape and can be bent to one side, in particular by exclusively pushing a top of the gripping part, in order to actuate the latching section. A plate-like element is to be understood as an element having a thickness which is at most <NUM> % and preferably at most <NUM> % of a width and length of the element. Words indicating a side or direction like "top", "bottom", "side", "front", "rear" each are defined in relation to a view of a user in an imaginary working state of the cable management system in which the user handles cables leading to the front socket section and looks directly at the front socket section. In this way, the latching section can be actuated from the rear of the cassette, without the need to reach for the latching section itself.

Particularly preferably, the coupling element comprises a spring section for coupling the coupling element to a remaining portion of the cassette, wherein the cassette comprises a receiving section for partially receiving the spring section in a rest position of the spring section. In particular, the spring section is configured to be movable from the rest position to a tensioned position and vice versa. The spring section could for example have a helical shape, preferably the spring section has a flat meandering shape. In particular, coupling the coupling element to the remaining portion of the cassette comprises a moving of the spring section into the tensioned position followed by an arranging of the coupling element in a mounting position relative to the remaining portion of the cassette and a release of the spring section. In particular, the latching section is coupled to the remaining portion of the cassette via a corresponding latch hole and/or latch tongue of the remaining portion of the cassette in the mounting position. Advantageously, the spring section may be moved back into the tensioned position and/or the latching section may be decoupled from the remaining portion of the cassette for a decoupling of the coupling element from the remaining portion of the cassette. In this way, a fast and easy coupling and/or decoupling of the coupling element to the cassette may be achieved.

In another aspect of the invention, which may in particular be considered in combination with as well as separately from other aspects of the invention, it is proposed that the cable management system comprises a further cable management unit, in particular a further ETSI-insert or <NUM>-inch insert, which has a further casing unit defining at least one further receiving space for receiving the cassette, wherein the cable management unit has a straight shape, the further cable management unit has an angled shape, and the cassette has a rear socket section. The cable management system may comprise any number of cable management units and/or further cable management units. In particular, the further cable management unit comprises at least two cable management elements, preferably of equal size, which are arranged at an angle. Advantageously, the cable management elements are arranged in a V-shape. Further advantageously, the cassette is shaped in such a way that the cable management unit and the further cable management unit can each receive the maximum number of cassettes able to fit into their receiving spaces. In this way, an enhanced flexibility can be achieved. Advantageously, the same type of cassette can be used both in angled and in straight inserts.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the front socket section is wider than the rear socket section. The front socket section being "wider" than the rear socket section is to mean that in the mounted state of the cassette, an extension of the front socket section orthogonally to the receiving direction is by at least <NUM> %, preferably at least <NUM> % and advantageously at least <NUM> % greater than an extension of the rear socket section orthogonally to the receiving direction. Preferably, the front socket section comprises more sockets than the rear socket section. Particularly preferably, the rear socket section comprises two sockets. It could be possible that a case of the cassette has a rectangular shape in an orthogonal view relative to a main extension plane of the case of the cassette, preferably, the case of the cassette tapers towards the rear socket section. By a "main extension plane" of an object a plane is to be understood which is oriented parallel to a largest side surface of a smallest imaginary rectangular cuboid which just still completely encloses the object, and in particular runs through the center of the rectangular cuboid. The case of the cassette could be bent inwardly towards the rear socket section, preferably the case of the cassette comprises in the orthogonal view a slanted section connecting two straight sections, where the straight sections lead to the front socket section and the rear socket section respectively. In this way, while using an angled cable management unit, two cassettes can be arranged next to each other on different cable management elements of the angled cable management unit without rears of the cassettes blocking each other.

Additionally, it is proposed that the cable management system comprises a door for shielding the front socket section, for example against frontal impacts and/or accidental unplugging of plugs plugged into the front socket section, wherein the door comprises a reinforcement element that is configured for preventing a bending of the door due to a weight and/or a rigidity of cables leading to the front socket section in a working state. Additionally, the door could be used for a labeling of the front socket section. Preferably, the door comprises an extension orthogonally to the receiving direction in a mounted state, which covers a large portion of and particularly preferably the entire cable management unit. In particular, the door is distanced from the cable management unit via two arms located on opposite sides of the cable management unit orthogonally to the receiving direction in which the cable management unit is mounted. Advantageously, the door is movably coupled to the arms, particularly advantageously, the arms define a swivel range along which the door is movable in order to access the front socket section. Preferably the door is embodied as an elongate plate held between both arms. The reinforcement element may be embodied as a contour element of the door, for example as a stiffening rib and/or as a deepening. Preferably, the reinforcement element is embodied as a reinforcement rod or, particularly preferably, as a reinforcement plate. Advantageously, the reinforcement element comprises a part of a frame of the door or the entire frame of the door. The reinforcement element may comprise a plastic material, advantageously the reinforcement element comprises a metal, for example aluminum, and particularly advantageously the reinforcement element is made of metal. In this way, a door can be provided which can be used to shield a front socket section of cassettes regardless of whether the cassettes are configured for managing optical connections or electrical connections.

It could be possible that the cable management system comprises a further cassette, wherein the receiving space is configured for receiving the cassette and the further cassette next to each other or on top of each other in the same orientation. In order to enhance an ease of handling and to simplify a construction of the cable management unit, it is proposed that the cable management system comprises a further cassette with a further front socket section, wherein the receiving space is configured for receiving the cassette and the further cassette in an upside-down orientation relative to each other. Preferably, a top of the cassette and a bottom of the further cassette or vice versa face each other in a mounted state of the cassette and the further cassette. In this way, the grip sections of the coupling elements of the cassette and the further cassette can be arranged close to each other, simplifying a demounting of both cassettes. Advantageously, a simple symmetrical design of the cable management unit can be achieved.

In addition, it is proposed that the cassette and the further cassette may each be configured for managing electrical and/or optical connections, wherein the cassette and the further cassette are interchangeably mountable to the cable management unit and/or the further cable management unit. In this way, a cable management system can be provided which is freely adaptable in terms of whether optical waveguide cables and/or electrical cables need to be managed by the cable management system. Advantageously, a usage of multiple cable management systems for a management either of optical waveguide cables or of electrical cables can be avoided.

Advantageously, the cable management system comprises an identification bar located in a vicinity of the receiving space and is configured for identifying plugs plugged into the front socket section and/or the further front socket section in a working state. The identification bar "identifying" plugs plugged into the front socket section and/or the further front socket section is to mean that the identification bar is able to detect a presence of a plug at each socket of the front socket section and/or of the further front socket section, thus determining whether the plug is plugged in. For example, the identification bar could comprise a light source unit and a light detector unit, wherein the light source unit emits light beams towards each socket and the light detector unit determines if any of the light beams are interrupted by a plug. Alternatively, the identification bar could comprise an imaging unit for capturing and analyzing an image of the front socket section and/or further front socket section in order to detect the presence of plugs. Preferably, the identification bar comprises a transmitter unit and/or a receiver unit, configured to communicate with corresponding transmitter units and/or receiver units which are arranged at each of the plugs, for example via radio signals and/or infrared signals and/or Bluetooth signals and particularly preferably via RFID signals. The identification bar may additionally be configured to identify a device which the plugs plugged into the front socket section and/or the further front socket section are assigned to. It may also be possible that the identification bar comprises a communication unit that is configured to communicate with an external unit, for example a computer and/or smartphone, in order to transfer identification data of the plugs to the external unit. The identification bar being located in a "vicinity" of the receiving space is to mean that the identification bar is located above and/or below and/or next to an opening of the receiving space, preferably the distance between the identification bar and the receiving space is less than <NUM> and particularly preferably less than <NUM>. In this way an advantageous control and/or monitoring of a connection state can be achieved and as a result in particular an improved maintainability and/or a connection or patching process may be accomplished.

Preferably, the identification bar is located in a plane between the cassette and the further cassette, in particular between two openings of the receiving space, in at least one working state. In this way, an efficient usage of installation space can be achieved.

It could be feasible that the identification bar is fixed to the cable management unit, for example by way of an adhesive connection. In order to enhance a flexibility of the identification bar, it is proposed that the identification bar is detachable from the cable management unit and/or the further cable management unit. The identification bar may be mountable to the cable management unit and/or the further cable management unit by means of a screw connection and/or a slide connection and/or a plug connection. Preferably, the identification bar can be clipped onto the cable management unit and/or the further cable management unit. In this way, the same identification bar can be used for different cable management units. Advantageously, a broken identification bar can be replaced by a new identification bar or the identification can be substituted by a different type of identification bar in an easy fashion.

Moreover, it is proposed that the cable management system comprises a labeling bar for a labeling of the front socket section and/or of the further front socket section, wherein the identification bar and the labeling bar are interchangeably mountable to the cable management unit and/or to the further cable management unit. The labeling bar preferably comprises a writing space and/or a display for displaying a label of the front socket section and/or of the further front socket section. The label may be created by hand, for example with a pen, or digitally, and it could be feasible that the labelling bar comprises a touch-screen configured to display a label written by a touchpen. The label may for example indicate a number assigned to the front socket section and/or further front socket section. The labeling bar may be mountable to the cable management unit and/or the further cable management unit by means of a screw connection and/or a slide connection and/or a plug connection. Preferably, the labeling bar can be clipped onto the cable management unit and/or the further cable management unit. The labeling bar could differ in shape from the identification bar, advantageously the labeling bar and the identification bar have the same shape apart from tolerances in production. In this way, a flexibility can be further enhanced. Advantageously, additional space for a mounting of the labeling bar is not needed.

In case the angled further cable management unit is used, the identification bar and/or the labeling bar preferably consist/consists of two separate identification elements and/or labeling elements, which preferably have a bar shape, particularly preferably of the same length and are respectively assigned to a cable management element of the further cable management unit, and which are connected via a middle piece holding the two identification elements and/or labeling elements at an angle to each other which is identical to the angle between the cable management elements of the further cable management unit. The middle piece may also be detachable from the further cable management unit.

Possibly, the cable management system could comprise a further identification bar for identifying plugs plugged into the further front socket section. In order to simplify an identification of plugs plugged into the front socket section and the further front socket section, the identification bar comprises sensor elements which are positioned on a top and a bottom of the identification bar, in particular for identifying plugs plugged into the front socket section and for identifying further plugs plugged into the further front socket section, respectively. In this way, an identification of plugs plugged into the front socket section and the further front socket section can be achieved with a single identification bar in an easy fashion.

Finally, it is proposed that the cable management system comprises a front cable manager for managing cables leading to the front socket section, comprising a cable holding element for a holding of cables leading to the front socket section. A "holding" of cables is to be understood as a prevention of movement of the cables in a predefined position of the cables relative to the cable holding element. It could be feasible that the cable holding element comprises a cable guiding channel that is configured to receive the cables. Preferably, the cable holding element comprises a tine for catching the cables. The tine may be hookshaped, preferably the tine is straight and particularly preferably angled. Advantageously, the cable holding element comprises a plurality of tines, which may differ from each other or be identical to each other. Particularly advantageously, the cable holding element may have an arrow shape with two angled tines projecting from a base of the cable holding element, wherein preferably each of the tines is configured to catch cables leading to a respective row of front socket sections. The cable holding element may be embodied as a separate element mounted on the cable management unit. Preferably, the front cable manager comprises the arms holding the door, wherein the cable holding element is embodied as a portion of the arms holding the door. Particularly preferably, each of the arms holding the door comprises one cable holding element. In this way, a fast and easy bundling and separating of cables leading to the front socket section and/or further front socket section can be achieved. Advantageously, an unplugging of the plugs is not required for bundling and separating the cables.

Herein the cable management system is not to be limited to the application and implementation described above. In particular, for the purpose of fulfilling a functionality herein described, the cable management system may comprise a number of respective elements, structural components and units that differs from the number mentioned herein. Furthermore, regarding the value ranges mentioned in this disclosure, values within the limits mentioned are to be understood to be also disclosed and to be used as applicable.

Further advantages may become apparent from the following description of the drawings. In the drawings an exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown. The drawings, the description and the claims contain a plurality of features in combination. Someone having ordinary skill in the art will purposefully also consider the features separately and will find further expedient combinations.

If there is more than one specimen of a certain object, only one of these is given a reference numeral in the figures and in the description. The description of this specimen may be correspondingly transferred to the other specimens of the object.

<FIG> show a cable management unit <NUM> for managing cables (not shown). While <FIG> shows a sectional view, because of the complexity of the cable management unit <NUM> an indication of cut surfaces by hatching has been forgone for the sake of visibility. The cable management unit <NUM> is part of a cable management system <NUM>. The cable management unit <NUM> is embodied as a <NUM>-inch insert. The cable management system <NUM> comprises a rack (not shown), which is embodied as a <NUM>-inch standard rack. The cable management unit <NUM> is connected to the rack. Alternatively, the cable management unit <NUM> and the rack may be of any other commonly found proportions. The cable management unit <NUM> has a straight shape. The cable management unit <NUM> comprises a casing unit <NUM>. The casing unit <NUM> defines a receiving space <NUM>. The receiving space <NUM> comprises eight openings of the casing unit <NUM>. The openings are arranged in two rows placed on top of each other, each row comprising four openings. Alternatively, the receiving space <NUM> may comprise any other number of openings or any other kinds of arrangements of the openings.

The cable management system <NUM> comprises a cassette <NUM>, which is more closely shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. The cable management system <NUM> comprises seven further cassettes <NUM>. While the cassettes <NUM>, <NUM> could differ from each other, in this example the cassettes <NUM>, <NUM> are embodied identically, which is why only the cassette <NUM> and one of the further cassettes <NUM> will be mentioned in the following description, the same applies to all other further cassettes <NUM> as well. The cassette <NUM> and the further cassette <NUM> are configured for managing optical connections. Alternatively, the cassette <NUM> and the further cassette <NUM> may be configured for managing electrical connections. The cassette <NUM> and the further cassette <NUM> are interchangeably mountable to the cable management unit <NUM>.

The receiving space <NUM> receives the cassette <NUM> and the further cassette <NUM>. The further cassette <NUM> is arranged below the cassette <NUM>. The receiving space <NUM> receives the cassette <NUM> and the further cassette <NUM> in an upside-down orientation relative to each other. The casing unit <NUM> encompasses a front of the cassette <NUM> and the further cassette <NUM>. The cassette <NUM> comprises a front socket section <NUM>. The front socket section <NUM> is pushed through an opening of the receiving space <NUM> in order to allow access to sockets <NUM> of the front socket section <NUM> from the front of the cable management system <NUM>. The front socket section <NUM> comprises six sockets <NUM>. The cassette <NUM> comprises a rear socket section <NUM>. The front socket section <NUM> is wider than the rear socket section <NUM>. The rear socket section <NUM> comprises two rear sockets <NUM>. A case <NUM> of the cassette <NUM> is tapered towards the rear socket section <NUM>. The case <NUM> comprises two straight sections. The straight sections lead to the front socket section <NUM> and the rear socket section <NUM> respectively. The case <NUM> comprises a slanted section. The slanted section connects the two straight sections with each other. The further cassette <NUM> comprises a further front socket section <NUM> and a further rear socket section <NUM>.

The casing unit <NUM> comprises a grounding element <NUM>. The grounding element <NUM> is embodied as a deepening of the casing unit <NUM>. Alternatively, the grounding element <NUM> may be embodied as a flat subarea of the casing unit <NUM>. The grounding element <NUM> has a rectangular shape with rounded corners. The grounding element <NUM> corresponds to a section of the receiving space <NUM> which receives the cassette <NUM>. In case the cassette <NUM> is embodied as a cassette configured for managing electrical connections, the grounding element <NUM> mechanically contacts and electronically grounds the cassette <NUM>. The casing unit <NUM> comprises a further grounding element <NUM>. The further grounding element <NUM> is embodied identically to the grounding element <NUM>. The further grounding element <NUM> is arranged opposite the grounding element <NUM>. The further grounding element <NUM> corresponds to a section of the receiving space <NUM> which receives the further cassette <NUM>. In case the further cassette <NUM> is embodied as a cassette configured for managing electrical connections, the further grounding element <NUM> mechanically contacts and electronically grounds the cassette <NUM>. The casing unit <NUM> comprises eight grounding elements <NUM>, <NUM>. The grounding elements <NUM>, <NUM> are arranged in opposite-situated pairs. Each of the grounding elements <NUM>, <NUM> is centered relative to their corresponding section of the receiving space <NUM>.

The cassette <NUM> comprises a coupling element <NUM> which is shown more closely in <FIG>. The coupling element <NUM> comprises a grip section <NUM> for gripping the cassette <NUM>. The grip section <NUM> comprises two gripping parts <NUM>. The gripping parts <NUM> are arranged on opposing sides of a rear of the cassette <NUM>. The gripping parts <NUM> have a plate-like shape. The gripping parts <NUM> have a ribbed surface. The coupling element <NUM> comprises a latching section <NUM>. The latching section <NUM> couples the cassette <NUM> to the cable management unit <NUM>. The coupling element <NUM> is coupled to the cable management unit <NUM> via a snap connection. The latching section <NUM> comprises two latch noses <NUM>. The latch noses <NUM> each engage in latch holes (not shown) of the cable management unit <NUM>.

The coupling element <NUM> is embodied in a one-piece implementation. The coupling element <NUM> is made of plastic. The coupling element <NUM> is injection-molded. Alternatively, the coupling element <NUM> could be made of metal and formed in one piece. The latching section <NUM> can be actuated via the grip section <NUM>. The grip section <NUM> allows a coupled movement with the latching section <NUM>. Top parts <NUM> of the gripping parts <NUM> can be bent inwards in order to release the latch noses <NUM> from the latch holes.

The coupling element <NUM> comprises a spring section <NUM>. The spring section <NUM> couples the coupling element <NUM> to a remaining portion of the cassette <NUM>. The spring section <NUM> is movable from a rest position to a tensioned position and vice versa. The spring section <NUM> has a flat meandering shape. The cassette <NUM> comprises a receiving section <NUM> for partially receiving the spring section <NUM> in the rest position of the spring section <NUM>. A coupling of the coupling element <NUM> to the cassette <NUM> comprises a moving of the spring section <NUM> to the tensioned position followed by a positioning of the coupling element <NUM> at a bottom of the remaining portion of the cassette <NUM> and a release of the spring section <NUM>, which is then received by the receiving section <NUM>.

The cable management system <NUM> comprises a door <NUM>. The door <NUM> shields the front socket section <NUM>. The door <NUM> is embodied as an elongate plate. The cable management system <NUM> comprises a front cable manager <NUM>. The front cable manager <NUM> manages cables (not shown) leading to the front socket section <NUM>. The front cable manager <NUM> comprises two arms <NUM>. The arms <NUM> are arranged on opposing sides of the cable management unit <NUM>. The door <NUM> is held between the arms <NUM>. The door <NUM> is movable coupled to the arms <NUM>. The arms <NUM> define a swivel range of the door <NUM>. The door <NUM> may be opened and/or closed by moving the door <NUM> along the swivel range. The cable management system <NUM> may also comprise further arms for holding the door <NUM>. The door <NUM> comprises a reinforcement element <NUM>. The reinforcement element <NUM> prevents a bending of the door <NUM> due to a weight and/or a rigidity of the cables. The reinforcement element <NUM> is embodied as an elongate steel plate. The reinforcement element <NUM> is part of a frame of the door <NUM>.

The cable management system <NUM> comprises an identification bar <NUM>. The identification bar <NUM> is located in a vicinity of the receiving space <NUM>. The identification bar <NUM> is located in a plane between the cassette <NUM> and the further cassette <NUM>. The identification bar <NUM> is located between two openings of the receiving space <NUM>. The identification bar <NUM> identifies plugs (not shown) plugged into the front socket section <NUM> and the further front socket section <NUM>.

The identification bar <NUM> is detachable from the cable management unit <NUM>. The identification bar <NUM> is clipped on the cable management unit <NUM>. Alternatively, the identification bar <NUM> may be screwed on the cable management unit <NUM>. The identification bar <NUM> comprises sensor elements (not shown). The sensor elements are positioned on a top and a bottom of the identification bar <NUM>. The sensor elements identify the plugs by communicating with corresponding transmitters of the plugs. The sensor elements are embodied as RFID receivers. The sensor elements on the top of the identification bar <NUM> identify plugs plugged into the front socket section <NUM>. The sensor elements on the bottom of the identification bar <NUM> identify plugs plugged into the further front socket section <NUM>.

The front cable manager <NUM> comprises two cable holding elements <NUM>, which are identical to each other, which is why in the following only one of the cable holding elements <NUM> is described. The cable holding element <NUM> holds the cables leading to the front socket section <NUM>. The cable holding element <NUM> comprises two tines <NUM>. The tines <NUM> are each configured to catch and hold cables leading to the cassette <NUM> and the further cassette <NUM> received in one row of the two rows of openings. The tines <NUM> have an angled orientation. The cable holding element <NUM> has an arrow shape. The cable holding element <NUM> forms a portion of one of the arms <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an additional cassette <NUM> of the cable management system <NUM>. The additional cassette <NUM> is configured for managing electrical connections. The receiving space <NUM> is configured for receiving the additional cassette <NUM>. The additional cassette <NUM> comprises an additional front socket section <NUM>. The additional cassette <NUM> comprises a contact element <NUM>. The contact element <NUM> mechanically and electrically connects the grounding element <NUM> with each socket of the additional front socket section <NUM>. The contact element <NUM> is embodied as a bent metal sheet, alternatively the contact element <NUM> could be embodied as a wire connection. The contact element <NUM> comprises a base <NUM>.

The contact element comprises contacts <NUM>. The contacts <NUM> are embodied as spring contacts. The base <NUM> leads to the contacts <NUM>. The contacts <NUM> mechanically and electrically connect the base <NUM> to one of the grounding elements <NUM>, <NUM> that corresponds to the section of the receiving space <NUM> in which the additional cassette <NUM> is inserted. In the case wherein the cassette <NUM> and/or the further cassette <NUM> are also configured for managing electrical connections, they may be embodied identical to the additional cassette <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a further cable management unit <NUM> of the cable management system <NUM>. The further cable management unit <NUM> is largely identical to the cable management unit <NUM>, which is why in the following only differences between the two are described. A further casing unit <NUM> defines a further receiving space <NUM> for receiving the cassette <NUM> and the further cassette <NUM>. The further cable management unit <NUM> has an angled shape.

Claim 1:
A cable management system (<NUM>), comprising: a cable management unit (<NUM>) which has a casing unit (<NUM>) defining at least one receiving space (<NUM>) for receiving a cassette (<NUM>); and comprising the cassette (<NUM>) which has a front socket section (<NUM>), characterized in that the casing unit (<NUM>) comprises a grounding element (<NUM>) that is configured for mechanically contacting and electrically grounding the front socket section (<NUM>) in a mounted state of the cassette (<NUM>), wherein the grounding element (<NUM>) is embodied as a protrusion or a deepening of the casing unit (<NUM>).