Flexible connector interface

{
  "publication_number": "US10222562B1",
  "country": "US",
  "kind": "B1",
  "title": "Flexible connector interface",
  "abstract": "A connector panel allowing the use of different connector ports in proximity to each other is disclosed. The connector panel has a first type of connector port, such as an optical connector port. An articulated assembly is located adjacent the first type of connector port, and includes a second type of connector port. The articulated assembly may be swung out from the connector panel, thereby allowing for a connector to be inserted or removed from the second type of connector port without interference from the first type of connector port.",
  "claims": [
    "1. A network device, comprising: a casing; a connector panel on one end of the casing, the connector panel having a first connector port; an articulated assembly in proximity to the first connector port, the articulated assembly substantially vertically space apart from and having a second connector port, wherein the articulated assembly is operable to swing between a first position flush with the connector panel and a second position away from the connector panel wherein the first and second connector ports and different types of connector ports for receiving different types of mating connectors and a locking assembly having a locked position holding the articulated assembly in the first position, and an open position releasing the articulated assembly.",
    "2. The network device of claim 1, wherein the first connector port is an optical connector port, and wherein the second connector port is a wired connector port.",
    "3. The network device of claim 1, wherein the second connector port includes a slot to receive a latch of a mating connector.",
    "4. The network device of claim 3, wherein the mating connector is an RJ-45 connector.",
    "5. The network device of claim 1, wherein a third connector port is located on the control panel or the articulated assembly.",
    "6. A connector panel allowing the connection of cables to a network device, the panel comprising: a first area including a first connector port; a second area including an articulating assembly substantially vertically space apart from and operable to swing between a first position flush with the first area, and a second position away from the second area, the second area proximate the first area, wherein the articulating assembly includes a second connector port, wherein the first and second connector ports are different types of connector ports for receiving different types of mating connectors and a locking assembly having a locked position holding the articulated assembly in the first position and an open position releasing the articulated assembly.",
    "7. The connector panel of claim 6, wherein the first connector port is an optical connector port extending outwardly from the panel, and wherein the second connector port is a wired connector port.",
    "8. The connector panel of claim 6, wherein the second connector port includes a slot to receive a latch of a mating connector.",
    "9. The connector panel of claim 8, wherein the mating connector is an RJ-45 connector.",
    "10. A network device, comprising: a casting; a connector panel on one end of the casing, the connector panel having a first connector; an articulated assembly in proximity to the first connector port, the articulated assembly substantially vertically space apart from and having a second connector port, wherein the articulated assembly is operable to swing between a first position flush with the connector panel and a second position away from the connector panel wherein, in the second position away from the connector panel a connector is capable of being connected or disconnected from the second connector port, and a locking assembly having a locked position holding the articulated assembly in the first position and an open position releasing the articulated assembly.",
    "11. The network device of claim 10, wherein the first and second connector ports are different types of connector ports for receiving different types of mating connectors.",
    "12. The network device of claim 10, wherein the first connector port is an optical connector port, and wherein the second connector port is a wired connector port.",
    "13. The network device of claim 10, wherein the second connector port includes a slot to receive a latch of a mating connector.",
    "14. The network device of claim 13, wherein the mating connector is an RJ-45 connector.",
    "15. The network device of claim 10, wherein a third connector port is located on the control panel or the articulated assembly."
  ],
  "description_excerpt": "The present disclosure relates generally to a compact connector panel that allows access to connectors. More particularly, aspects of this disclosure relate to using a movable panel to allow for compact and efficient placement of different connector types.\n\nDistributed network systems have been widely adopted with the emergence of the cloud for computing applications. Network systems are primarily directed toward the exchange and storage of data between different devices. Network devices that are parts of network systems include servers, switches and other components that must each be capable of receiving different data signals and control signals to properly perform network functions. A wide variety of connectors has emerged for connecting different types of cables carrying electronic signals. Connectors may vary in physical configuration, type of connecting devices, number of conducting connectors and other features. For example, a male connector may have a variable number of pins that carry electrical signals that may be mated with a socket or port with corresponding electrical contacts. In order to allow maximum connectivity to different devices, network devices must have different types of connector ports that will allow different types of connectors to be connected. For example, a network device such as a network server will typically include a USB connector that fits a variety of small micro devices, RJ-45 connectors that allow ten-pin connections associated with Ethernet cables, and video connectors associated with video connectors, etc.",
  "cpc": [
    "H04Q 1/13",
    "G02B 6/3825",
    "G02B 6/3879",
    "G02B 6/3885",
    "G02B 6/3887",
    "G02B 6/3897",
    "G02B 6/4292",
    "G02B 6/4441",
    "G02B 6/4471",
    "H01R 12/716",
    "H01R 13/518",
    "H01R 13/627",
    "H01R 27/02",
    "H01R 31/065",
    "H04L 12/02",
    "H04Q 2201/802",
    "H05K 1/141"
  ],
  "ipc": [
    "G02B 6/38",
    "G02B 6/44",
    "H01R 13/518",
    "H01R 27/02",
    "H01R 31/06",
    "H01R 13/60"
  ],
  "assignees": [
    "Quanta Computer Inc"
  ],
  "inventors": [
    "Hou-Hsien Chang",
    "Chao-Jung Chen",
    "Yaw-Tzorng Tsorng"
  ],
  "filing_date": "2017-09-07",
  "publication_date": "2019-03-05",
  "grant_date": "2019-03-05",
  "priority_date": "2017-09-07",
  "application_number": "US-201715697768-A",
  "family_id": "61002825",
  "cited_by_count": 1,
  "citations": [
    "TW346691B",
    "US20050191901A1",
    "US20080176445A1",
    "US9632272B2"
  ]
}