阅读说明：本技术 插座笼的emi屏蔽 (EMI shielding for receptacle cages ) 是由 A.M.沙夫 R.J.朗 S.D.邓恩伍迪 于 2021-05-14 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种插座笼(110)包括笼壁(114),其形成配置为接收可插拔模块(106)的模块通道(116)。笼壁在插座笼的前端(140)和后端(142)之间延伸。笼壁中的至少一个是包括闩锁特征(150)的闩锁壁(134),该闩锁特征配置为接合可插拔模块(106)的闩锁(190)以将可插拔模块保持在模块通道中。插座笼包括第一滑块压力凸部(160)。第一滑块压力凸部从闩锁壁延伸到模块通道中。第一滑块压力凸部配置为接合闩锁的滑块臂(192)以将滑块臂向内压向可插拔模块的可插拔模块本体(180)。(A receptacle cage (110) includes cage walls (114) that form a module channel (116) configured to receive a pluggable module (106). The cage walls extend between a front end (140) and a rear end (142) of the receptacle cage. At least one of the cage walls is a latch wall (134) that includes a latch feature (150) configured to engage a latch (190) of the pluggable module (106) to retain the pluggable module in the module channel. The receptacle cage includes a first slider pressure bump (160). The first slider pressure lobe extends from the latch wall into the module channel. The first slider pressure tab is configured to engage a slider arm (192) of the latch to press the slider arm inwardly toward a pluggable module body (180) of the pluggable module.)

1. A receptacle cage (110), comprising:

cage walls (114) forming a module channel (116) configured to receive a pluggable module (106), the cage walls extending between a front end (140) and a rear end (142) of the receptacle cage, at least one of the cage walls being a latch wall (134) including a latch feature (150) configured to engage a latch (190) of the pluggable module to retain the pluggable module in the module channel; and

a first slider pressure tab (160) extending from the latch wall into the module channel, the first slider pressure tab configured to engage a slider arm (192) of the latch to press the slider arm inward toward a pluggable module body (180) of the pluggable module.

2. The receptacle cage assembly (110) of claim 1 wherein the first slider pressure lug (160) exerts a normal force on the slider arm (192) to urge the slider arm toward the pluggable module body (180).

3. The receptacle cage assembly (110) of claim 1 wherein said first slider pressure lug (160) is located between a first retainer lug (150) and a front end (140) of said cage wall.

4. The receptacle cage assembly (110) of claim 1 further comprising a second slider pressure lug (160) extending from the latch wall into the module channel (116), the second slider pressure lug configured to engage a slider arm (192) of the latch (190) to press the slider arm inwardly toward the pluggable module body (180).

5. The receptacle cage assembly (110) of claim 1 further comprising a second slider pressure tab (160) extending from the second latch wall (136) into the module channel (116), the second slider pressure tab configured to engage a second slider arm (192) of the latch (190) to press the second slider arm inward toward the pluggable module body (180).

6. The receptacle cage assembly (110) of claim 1 wherein the first retainer tab (150) includes a proximal end (152) and a distal end (154) rearward of the proximal end, the first retainer tab being deflectable at the proximal end relative to the latch wall (134), the first slider pressure tab (160) including a proximal end (162) and a distal end (164), the first slider pressure tab being deflectable at the proximal end relative to the latch wall.

7. The receptacle cage assembly (110) of claim 1 wherein the first slider pressure tab (160) is integral with the latch wall (134) that is stamped from the latch wall and bent inward into the module channel (116).

8. The receptacle cage assembly (110) of claim 1 further comprising a cover (300) coupled to the latch wall (134), the cover covering the first retainer tab (150) and the first slider pressure tab (160).

9. The receptacle cage assembly (110) of claim 1 further comprising a cover (300) coupled to the latch wall (134), the first slider pressure tab (160) being integral with the cover, stamped from the cover and bent inward, the latch wall including an opening (170) that receives the first slider pressure tab such that the first slider pressure tab extends from the cover through the opening into the module channel (116).

10. The receptacle cage assembly (110) of claim 1 further comprising a front washer (202) at the front end (140) of the cage wall, the front washer extending into the module passageway (116) to engage the pluggable module (106), the first slider pressure lobe (160) being located proximate the front washer.

11. The receptacle cage assembly (110) of claim 10 further comprising a rear washer (204) coupled to the cage wall (114), the rear washer being located directly in front of a telecommunications module, the rear washer extending into the module passageway (116) to engage the mating end of the pluggable module (106).

12. The receptacle cage assembly (110) of claim 11 wherein a shield chamber (206) is defined between the front washer (202) and the rear washer (204), the first retainer tab (150) extending into the shield chamber, the first slider pressure tab (160) extending into the shield chamber.

Technical Field

The subject matter herein relates generally to receptacle cages.

Background

Some communication systems utilize a receptacle assembly having a communication connector to interconnect various components of the system for data communication. The receptacle assembly includes a receptacle cage that receives a pluggable module (e.g., an I/O module) that is electrically connected to the communication connector. The receptacle cage provides electrical shielding, such as EMI shielding, for the pluggable module. Conventional cage receptacles have a gasket at the interface with the pluggable module. However, conventional communication systems suffer from performance problems, particularly when transmitting at high data rates. For example, EMI leakage may occur between the pluggable module and the receptacle cage, such as at the interface between the pluggable module and the communications connector, or along the slider arms of the latch used to retain the pluggable module in the receptacle cage.

There remains a need for a receptacle cage having improved electrical shielding.

Disclosure of Invention

In accordance with the present invention, a receptacle cage is provided that includes cage walls that form a module channel configured to receive a pluggable module. A cage wall extends between the front and rear ends of the receptacle cage. At least one of the cage walls is a latching wall that includes a latching feature configured to engage a latch of the pluggable module to retain the pluggable module in the module channel. The receptacle cage includes a first slider pressure lobe. The first slider pressure lobe extends from the latch wall into the module channel. The first slider pressure tab is configured to engage the slider arm of the latch to press the slider arm inwardly toward the pluggable module body of the pluggable module.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a top perspective view of a communication system formed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a front perspective view of a portion of a communication system according to an example embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a rear perspective view of a pluggable module in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 4 is a side view of a communication system showing a receptacle cage according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 5 is a top view of a communication system showing a receptacle cage according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a side view of a communication system showing a receptacle cage according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 7 is an enlarged side view of a communication system showing a receptacle cage according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 8 is an assembled side view of a communication system showing a receptacle cage according to an exemplary embodiment.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 is a top perspective view of a communication system 100 formed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 2 is a front perspective view of a portion of a communication system 100 according to an example embodiment. The communication system 100 includes a circuit board 102 (fig. 1) and a receptacle connector assembly 104 mounted to the circuit board 102. The pluggable module 106 (fig. 1) is electrically connected to the receptacle connector assembly 104. The pluggable module 106 is electrically connected to the circuit board 102 through the receptacle connector assembly 104.

In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle connector assembly 104 includes a receptacle cage assembly 108 and a communication connector 112 (shown in phantom) adjacent the receptacle cage assembly 108. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the communication connector 112 is received in the receptacle cage assembly 108. In other various embodiments, the communication connector 112 may be located behind the receptacle cage assembly 108.

In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle cage assembly 108 includes a receptacle cage 110 and a gasket assembly 200, the gasket assembly 200 being electrically coupled to the receptacle cage 110 to provide EMI shielding for the receptacle cage 110. The gasket assembly 200 includes a front gasket 202 and a rear gasket 204 (shown in phantom in fig. 1) that form a shielded compartment 206 therebetween to provide EMI shielding within the receptacle cage 110 along the pluggable module 106. In an alternative embodiment, the gasket assembly 200 may not be provided with the rear gasket 204. The front and rear gaskets 202, 204 may comprise separate and discrete pieces that are welded or clamped to the receptacle cage 110 to electrically connect the gasket assembly 200 to the receptacle cage 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the front gasket 202 and the rear gasket 204 may be stamped and formed gaskets. The front gasket 202 includes gasket fingers 210 that provide EMI shielding around the receptacle cage 110, and the rear gasket 204 includes gasket fingers 220 that provide EMI shielding around the receptacle cage 110. Other types of gaskets may be used in alternative embodiments, such as a compressible gasket, a mesh gasket, or another type of gasket.

In various embodiments, the receptacle cage 110 is enclosed and provides electrical shielding for the communication connector 112. The receptacle cage 110 is configured to surround at least a portion of the pluggable module 106 and provide shielding for the pluggable module 106. The receptacle cage 110 includes a plurality of cage walls 114 that define one or more module channels 116 for receiving corresponding pluggable modules 106. The cage walls 114 may be walls defined by solid sheets, perforated walls that allow airflow therethrough, walls with cutouts (e.g., for heat sinks or heat spreaders to pass therethrough), or walls defined by rails or beams with relatively large openings (e.g., for airflow therethrough). In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle cage 110 is a shielded, stamped cage member, wherein the cage walls 114 are shielding walls.

In the illustrated embodiment, the receptacle cage 110 includes a single module channel 116 for receiving a single pluggable module 106. The receptacle cage 110 has a port that is open at the front of the receptacle cage 110 to receive the pluggable module 106. In various embodiments, any number of module channels 116 may be provided. For example, in an alternative embodiment, the receptacle cage 110 may constitute a stacked cage member having upper and lower module channels 116 to receive a plurality of pluggable modules 106 in a stacked arrangement. The upper and lower module channels 118 may be arranged in a single column, however, in alternative embodiments, the receptacle cage 110 may include multiple columns of ganged module channels 118 (e.g., 2X2, 3X2, 4X2, 4X3, etc.). In other various embodiments, rather than stacked cage members, the receptacle cage 110 may include groups of module channels 116 in a single row (e.g., 1X2, 1X4, etc.). Alternatively, a plurality of communication connectors 112 may be arranged within the receptacle cage 110, such as when multiple columns or rows of module passages 116 are provided.

In the exemplary embodiment, the cage walls 114 of the receptacle cage 110 include a top wall 130, a bottom wall 132, a first side wall 134, a second side wall 136, and a rear wall 138. At least one of the cage walls 114 defines a latching wall having a latching feature configured to interface with a latch of the pluggable module 106 to retain the pluggable module 106 in the module passage 118. For example, the first side wall 134 may be a latch wall 134; the second side wall 136 may be a latch wall 136; the top wall 130 may be a latch wall 130; and/or the bottom wall 132 may be a latch wall 132. The bottom wall 132 may rest on the circuit board 102. However, in alternative embodiments, the receptacle cage 110 may not be provided with a bottom wall 132. The receptacle cage 110 extends between a front end 140 and a rear end 142. The port(s) are provided at the front end 140 to receive the pluggable module 106 through the front end 140. The cage walls 114 define a cavity. For example, the cavity may be defined by a top wall 130, a bottom wall 132, side walls 134, 136, and a rear wall 138. The cavity defines a module passageway 116 that receives the pluggable module 106. The cavity receives a communication connector 112. Other cage walls 114 may divide or divide the cavity into a plurality of modular channels 116, such as stacked or grouped modular channels. For example, the cage wall 114 includes dividers (not shown). The divider may be a horizontal divider (e.g., a divider plate) located between the upper and lower module channels 116. In other various embodiments, the divider may define a vertical divider plate (not shown), e.g., parallel to the sidewalls 134, 136.

In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle connector assembly 104 may include one or more heat sinks 144 (not shown) for dissipating heat from the pluggable module 106. For example, a heat sink may be coupled to the top wall 130 for engaging the upper pluggable module 106 received in the upper module passage 116. The heat sink may extend through an opening in the top wall 130 to directly engage the pluggable module 106. Other types of heat sinks may be provided in alternative embodiments.

In an exemplary embodiment, the communication connector 112 is received in a cavity of the receptacle cage 110, such as near the rear wall 138. However, in alternative embodiments, the communication connector 112 may be located behind the rear wall 138 outside of the receptacle cage 110 and extend into the cavity to interface with the pluggable module(s) 106. For example, the rear wall 138 may include an opening to receive a component therethrough.

In an exemplary embodiment, the pluggable module 106 is loaded into the receptacle cage 110 through the front end 140 to mate with the communication connector 112. The shield cage walls 114 of the receptacle cage 110 provide electrical shielding around the communication connector 112 and the pluggable module 106, such as around the mating interface between the communication connector 112 and the pluggable module 106. The gasket assembly 200 interfaces with the pluggable module 106 to electrically connect the receptacle cage 110 to the pluggable module 106 and to close any gaps between the pluggable module 106 and the receptacle cage 110 to prevent EMI leakage through these gaps. The communication connector 112 is coupled to the circuit board 102. The receptacle cage 110 is mounted to the circuit board 102 over the communication connector 112.

In an exemplary embodiment, a front gasket 202 is disposed at the front end 140 to electrically connect with a faceplate (not shown) to electrically connect the receptacle cage 110 to the faceplate. For example, the front end 140 of the receptacle cage 110 extends through a faceplate opening in the faceplate such that the front end 140 is forward of the faceplate and the rear end 142 is rearward of the faceplate. The front gasket 202 prevents EMI leakage through the panel opening.

In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle cage 110 includes one or more latching features 150 configured to engage latches of the pluggable module 106. The latching features 150 extend from one or more walls defining the latching wall. In various embodiments, the latching feature 150 includes a keeper boss, and may be referred to hereinafter as the keeper boss 150. In the exemplary embodiment, retainer tabs 150 extend from sidewalls 134, 136 into module channel 116. The retainer tabs 150 are used to retain the pluggable module 106 in the module channel 116. For example, the retainer tab 150 interfaces with the latch 190 of the pluggable module 106. The retainer tab 150 is deflectable and configured to move from a latched position to an unlatched position to allow removal of the pluggable module 106. In the exemplary embodiment, each retainer tab 150 extends between a proximal end 152 and a distal end 154. In the illustrated embodiment, the distal end 154 is located rearward of the proximal end 152; however, in alternative embodiments, the retainer tab 150 may have other orientations. Retainer tab 150 is deflectable at proximal end 152 relative to sidewalls 134, 136. The proximal end 152 is fixed at the sidewalls 134, 136. The retainer tabs 150 are bent inward into the module channel 116 such that the distal ends 154 are located in the module channel 116 to engage the pluggable module 106. In an exemplary embodiment, the retainer tab has an edge 156 at the distal end 154 that engages the latch 190.

In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle cage 110 includes slider pressure lobes 160 that extend from the sidewalls 134, 136 into the module channel 116. The slider pressure tab 160 is deflectable and configured to press against the slider arms 192 of the latch 190 to press the slider arms 192 inward, e.g., into engagement with the body of the pluggable module 106, to form an electrical connection between the slider arms 192 and the body of the pluggable module 106, thereby reducing EMI leakage along the pluggable module 106. The slider pressure lobes 160 form an electrical connection between the latches 190 and the receptacle cage 110 for grounding and/or shielding.

In the exemplary embodiment, each slider pressure lobe 160 extends between a proximal end 162 and a distal end 164. In the illustrated embodiment, the distal end 164 is located rearward of the proximal end 162; however, in alternative embodiments, the slider pressure bump 160 may have other orientations. Slider pressure lobe 160 is deflectable at proximal end 162 relative to sidewalls 134, 136. The proximal end 162 is fixed at the sidewalls 134, 136. The slider pressure lobes 160 flex inward into the module channels 116 such that the distal ends 164 are positioned in the module channels 116 to engage the pluggable module 106. In the exemplary embodiment, slider pressure lobe 160 has an edge 166 at distal end 164 that engages slider arm 192.

Figure 3 is a rear perspective view of the pluggable module 106 according to an exemplary embodiment. The pluggable module 106 has a pluggable body 180, which may be defined by one or more housings. The pluggable body 180 may be thermally conductive and/or may be electrically conductive to provide EMI shielding for the pluggable module 106. The pluggable body 180 includes a mating end 182 and an opposing front end 184. The front end 184 may be a cable end having a cable extending therefrom to another component within the system. The mating ends 182 are configured to be inserted into corresponding module channels 116 (as shown in fig. 1). In an exemplary embodiment, an outer surface, e.g., side, top, bottom, of the pluggable body 180 may be engaged by the gasket assembly 200 (shown in fig. 1 and 2). The pluggable body 180 includes latch recesses 186 (which should be located on the front side of 198) on the sides that receive the slider arms 192 of the latches 190. The retention tabs 150 (shown in fig. 1 and 2) of the receptacle cage 110 are received in the latch recesses 186 to engage the latches 190. The latch 190 may move, e.g., slide rearward, within the latch recess 186 to release the retention tab 150.

The pluggable module 106 includes a module circuit board 188 configured to communicatively couple to the communication connector 112 (shown in fig. 1). The module circuit board 188 is accessible at the mating end 182. The module circuit board 188 may include components, circuitry, etc. for operating and/or using the pluggable module 106. For example, the module circuit board 188 may have conductors, traces, pads, electronics, sensors, controllers, switches, inputs, outputs, etc. associated with the module circuit board 188 that may be mounted to the module circuit board 188 to form various circuits.

In an exemplary embodiment, the pluggable body 180 provides thermal transfer for the module circuit board 188, such as for example, for electronic components on the module circuit board 188. For example, the module circuit board 188 is in thermal communication with the pluggable body 180, and the pluggable body 180 transfers heat from the module circuit board 188. In various embodiments, the pluggable body 180 may include a plurality of heat transfer fins (not shown) along at least a portion of the pluggable module 106 to transfer heat away from the main housing of the pluggable body 180, and thus away from the module circuit board 188 and associated components. In the illustrated embodiment, the fins are elongate parallel plates; however, in alternative embodiments, the fins may have other shapes, such as cylindrical or other shaped posts.

The pluggable module 106 includes a latch 190. The latch 190 includes a pull tab 194 extending between the slider arms 192 and a tether 196 extending rearward from the pull tab 194. The pull tab 194 is configured to be pulled back to release the latch 190 and allow the pluggable module 106 to be removed from the receptacle cage 110. The latch 190 includes a latch release tab 198 at the distal end of the slider arm 192. The latch release tab 198 is configured to engage the keeper tab 150 to release the keeper tab 150 and allow the pluggable module 106 to be removed from the receptacle cage 110. In various embodiments, when the slider arm 192 is separated or spaced apart from the pluggable body 180, a leakage path may form between the slider arm 192 and the pluggable body 180. The slider pressure lobes 160 (shown in figures 1 and 2) are configured to engage the slider arms 192 and press the slider arms 192 inward toward the pluggable body 180 to reduce or eliminate the size of the gap or space between the slider arms 192 and the pluggable body 180. Thus, the slider pressure bump 160 reduces EMI leakage along the pluggable module 106.

Fig. 4 is a side view of the communication system 100, showing the receptacle cage 110, according to an example embodiment. Fig. 5 is a top view of communication system 100, showing receptacle cage 100, according to an example embodiment. Figures 4 and 5 illustrate the retainer tab 150 and the slider pressure tab 160 configured to engage the pluggable module 106. Figures 4 and 5 illustrate the pluggable module 106 coupled to the communication connector 112 (shown in phantom).

The retainer tabs 150 are integral with the receptacle cage 110, such as being stamped and bent inward from the sidewalls 134, 136. The retainer lobe clearance 158 surrounds the retainer lobe 150. The retainer tab gap 158 is formed during the stamping of the sidewalls 134, 136 to form the retainer tab 150. The retainer tabs 150 extend into the module channels 116 to engage the pluggable modules 106 and retain the pluggable modules 106 in the module channels 116. The edge 156 at the distal end 154 is configured to engage the pluggable module 106, such as the latch 190 and/or the latch recess 186 of the pluggable body 180. The latch release tab 198 is configured to engage and release the keeper tab 150, such as when the latch 190 is actuated (e.g., pulled in a forward direction).

In the illustrated embodiment, the receptacle cage 110 includes a single slider pressure bump 160 on each sidewall 134, 136. The slider pressure lobes 160 are located between the retainer lobes 150 and the front end 140 of the receptacle cage 110. The slider pressure bump 160 may be located near the front gasket 202 to interface with the latch 190 near the front end 140. The slider pressure lobes 160 are integral with the receptacle cage 110, such as being stamped and bent inward from the sidewalls 134, 136. The slider pressure lobe gap 168 surrounds the slider pressure lobe 160. The slider pressure bump gap 168 is formed during stamping of the sidewalls 134, 136 to form the slider pressure bump 160. The edge 166 at the distal end 164 of the slider pressure tab 160 is configured to engage the slider arm 192 of the pluggable module 106, such as the latch 190. The slider pressure projection 160 presses the slider arm 192 inward toward the pluggable body 180 with a pressing force. The normal force generated by the slider pressure tab 160 engages the slider arm 192 with the pluggable body 180 to reduce or eliminate EMI leakage along the pluggable body 180, such as between the pluggable body 180 and the slider arm 192.

The front gasket 202 is located at the front end 140 of the receptacle cage 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the front gasket 202 includes gasket fingers 210 along the exterior and interior of the receptacle cage 110. The inner gasket fingers 210 are configured to engage the pluggable module 106. The gasket fingers 210 may engage the top, bottom, and sides of the pluggable module 106.

The rear gasket 204 is located near the communication connector 112 at the rear end 142 of the receptacle cage 110. The gasket fingers 220 of the rear gasket 204 are configured to engage the mating end 182 of the pluggable module 106. The gasket fingers 220 may engage the top, bottom, and sides of the pluggable module 106.

The retainer tab 150 and the slider pressure tab 160 are located in the shielded chamber 206 between the rear gasket fingers 220 and the front gasket fingers 210. The slider pressure boss 160 extends into the shielded chamber 206 to engage the slider arm 192 of the latch 190. The slider pressure bump 160 reduces EMI leakage along the pluggable module 106 within the shielded chamber 206 between the pluggable body 180 and the slider arm 192.

Fig. 6 is a side view of the communication system 100, showing the receptacle cage 110, according to an example embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the receptacle cage 110 includes a pair of slider pressure lobes 160 on each side wall 134, 136, including a forward slider pressure lobe 160a and a rearward slider pressure lobe 160 b. The slider pressure lobes 160 are located between the retainer lobes 150 and the front end 140 of the receptacle cage 110. Slider pressure lobes 160a, 160b interface with latches 190 (shown in FIG. 3) at a plurality of contact points along each slider arm 192 (shown in FIG. 3). The slider pressure lobes 160 are integral with the receptacle cage 110, such as being stamped and bent inward from the sidewalls 134, 136. The slider pressure lobes 160 engage the slider arms 192 at various locations along the slider arms 192 to press the slider arms 192 inward to engage the pluggable body 180 and reduce EMI leakage along the pluggable body 180, such as between the pluggable body 180 and the slider arms 192.

Fig. 7 is an exploded side view of the communication system 100, showing the receptacle cage 110, according to an example embodiment. Fig. 8 is an assembled side view of the communication system 100 showing the receptacle cage 110, according to an example embodiment. In the exemplary embodiment, sidewalls 134, 136 include an opening 170 between retainer tab 150 and front gasket finger 210. The opening 170 provides access to the module passage 116.

In the exemplary embodiment, receptacle cage 110 includes a cover 300 that is configured to be coupled to sidewalls 134, 136. The cover 300 is used to at least partially cover the corresponding opening 170. The cover 300 may be used to cover the retainer tab gap 158 around the retainer tab 150 to prevent EMI leakage through the retainer tab gap 158. In an exemplary embodiment, the cover 300 includes a slider pressure bump 160. Incidentally, the slider pressure convex portion 160 is formed integrally with the cover 300, punched out by the cover 300, and bent inward. The slider pressure lobe 160 is received in the opening 170 and the module channel 116. The slider pressure tab 160 passes through the opening 170 into the module passageway 116 to engage the pluggable module 106. The cover 300 may be made of a thicker sheet metal than the receptacle cage so that the slider pressure boss 160 is stiffer to create a greater normal force when pressed against the slider arms 192. In an alternative embodiment, the slider pressure bump 160 may be part of the sidewalls 134, 136, rather than part of the cover 300. In various embodiments, a cover 300 is used to cover the slider pressure bump gap 168 (shown in FIG. 3) and the keeper gap 158 around the slider pressure bump 160 to reduce EMI leakage through the slider pressure bump gap 168 and the keeper gap 158.