Connector assembly

Abstract

A connector assembly includes a guide shield, at least two jack modules, at least two compartment supports, and at least two extension supports. The plurality of jack connectors are disposed in a rear section within the guide shield. The two compartment supports include a first compartment support and a second compartment support, the compartment supports being disposed side-by-side within the guide shield, a rear end of each compartment support being forward of a front end of one of the jack modules. The two extension supports include a first extension support assembled to the first compartment support and a second extension support assembled to the second compartment support, the extension supports being assembled side-by-side to the rear ends of the two compartment supports, each extension support being movable relative to the compartment support between a forward position forward of the front end of the jack module and a rearward position at least partially extending between the jack modules.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a connector assembly, and more particularly to a connector assembly with a compartment support. Background Technology

[0002] Chinese Invention Patent Publication No. CN106469878A (corresponding to US Patent 10,153,571) discloses a connector system. The connector system's housing includes a middle portion comprising an upper wall and a lower wall. The upper and lower walls together define an upper port and a lower port within the housing. The lower wall includes a hole formed therein, allowing the middle portion to communicate with the lower port. A bias heat sink is disposed in the middle portion between the upper and lower ports, extending through the hole into the lower port. This connector system's housing is positioned on a stacked connector. An opening formed at the bottom of the housing allows the stacked connector to be disposed inside the housing. The rear end of the middle portion must extend between the upper and lower sockets of the stacked connector. However, in another assembly configuration, when the stacked connector needs to be pre-mounted onto a circuit board, and a subsequently assembled housing needs to cover the stacked connector from top to bottom, the middle portion of the subsequently assembled housing interferes with the stacked connector, preventing the housing from being assembled. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide a connector assembly that can improve upon at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0004] Therefore, in some embodiments, the connector assembly of the present invention includes a guide shield, at least two plurality of socket modules, at least two compartment supports, and at least two extension supports. The plurality of socket modules are disposed at the rear end within the guide shield. The compartment supports include a first compartment support and a second compartment support, which are disposed side-by-side within the guide shield. Each compartment support defines an upper receiving space and a lower receiving space with the guide shield, and the rear end of each compartment support is located in front of the front end of one of the socket modules. The extension supports include a first extension support assembled to the first compartment support and a second extension support assembled to the second compartment support. The extension supports are respectively assembled side-by-side to the rear ends of the two compartment supports, and each extension support is movable relative to the assembled compartment support between a position located in front of the front end of the socket module and a position at least partially extending into the rear of the socket module.

[0005] In some embodiments, each extension bracket has a sidewall and a guide member disposed on the sidewall, the guide shield has a partition and a guide rail disposed on the partition, and the guide member of the extension bracket is slidably disposed on the corresponding guide rail.

[0006] In some embodiments, the sidewall of each extension bracket includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall, and the guide of each extension bracket includes a first guide disposed on the first sidewall and a second guide disposed on the second sidewall, wherein the first guide and the second guide of each extension bracket are vertically offset from each other.

[0007] In some embodiments, each extension bracket further has a first clearance groove provided on the first sidewall and a second clearance groove provided on the second sidewall, wherein the first clearance groove and the second clearance groove of the extension bracket are vertically offset from each other; the second guide member of the second sidewall of the first extension bracket is received in the first clearance groove of the first sidewall of the second extension bracket, and the first guide member of the first sidewall of the second extension bracket is received in the second clearance groove of the second sidewall of the first extension bracket.

[0008] In some embodiments, the partition of the guide shield includes a first partition, a second partition, and an intermediate partition located between the first partition and the second partition. The guide rail of the guide shield includes a first guide rail respectively disposed on the first partition and the intermediate partition, and a second guide rail respectively disposed on the intermediate partition and the second partition. The first guide member of the first sidewall of the first extension bracket is slidably disposed on the first guide rail on the first partition, and the second guide member of the second sidewall of the first extension bracket is slidably disposed on the second guide rail on the intermediate partition. The first guide member on the first sidewall of the second extension bracket is slidably disposed on the first guide rail on the intermediate partition, and the second guide member on the second sidewall of the second extension bracket is slidably disposed on the second guide rail on the second partition.

[0009] In some embodiments, the guide of each extension bracket further includes a third guide disposed on at least one of the side walls of the extension bracket; the guide rail of the guide shield further includes a third guide rail disposed on at least one of the partitions of the guide shield, and the third guide of the extension bracket is slidably disposed on the corresponding third guide rail.

[0010] In some embodiments, the third guide member of each extension bracket is disposed on the second side wall of the extension bracket, and the third guide rail of the guide shield is disposed on the middle partition and the second partition respectively; the third guide member on the second side wall of the first extension bracket is slidably disposed on the third guide rail on the middle partition, and the third guide member on the second side wall of the second extension bracket is slidably disposed on the third guide rail on the second partition.

[0011] In some embodiments, the connector assembly further includes a retainer, each extension bracket having a first retaining portion that engages with the retainer in the forward position and a second retaining portion that engages with the retainer in the rearward position.

[0012] In some embodiments, each compartment support has a sidewall, and the retainer is an elastic fastener constructed on the sidewall of the compartment support.

[0013] In some embodiments, each extension bracket has a sidewall, the first retaining portion of the extension bracket being a groove formed in the sidewall of the extension bracket, and the second retaining portion of the extension bracket being a recess formed in the sidewall of the extension bracket.

[0014] In some embodiments, each compartment support has a sidewall, the sidewall of which includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall; the retainer is an elastic fastener, the elastic fastener including a first elastic fastener constructed on the first sidewall of the compartment support and a second elastic fastener constructed on the second sidewall of the compartment support; each extension support has a sidewall, the sidewall of which includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall, the first sidewall and the second sidewall of the extension support each having a first retaining portion and a second retaining portion respectively; the first elastic fastener and the second elastic fastener of each compartment support are vertically offset from each other, and the second elastic fastener of adjacent first compartment supports and the first elastic fastener of adjacent second compartment supports are vertically offset from each other.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first retaining portion on the first sidewall of each extension bracket is vertically offset from the first retaining portion on the second sidewall.

[0016] In some embodiments, the guide shield has a partition and an avoidance opening disposed on the partition and avoiding the resilient fastener.

[0017] In some embodiments, each compartment bracket further has a first clearance opening disposed on the first sidewall and corresponding to the second elastic fastener, and a second clearance opening disposed on the second sidewall and corresponding to the first elastic fastener; the second clearance opening of the first compartment bracket avoids the first elastic fastener of the second compartment bracket, and the first clearance opening of the second compartment bracket avoids the second elastic fastener of the first compartment bracket.

[0018] In some embodiments, each compartment support has a sidewall and a guide receiving notch provided on the sidewall, wherein when the extension support is in the forward position, the guide of the extension support is received in the guide receiving notch of the compartment support.

[0019] In some embodiments, each extension bracket has a lower stop that extends into the lower receiving space, and when the extension bracket is in the forward position, a pluggable module entering the lower receiving space can push against the lower stop, thereby moving the extension bracket rearward to the rear position.

[0020] In some embodiments, each compartment support has an upper wall and a lower wall that jointly define an internal storage space. The lower wall forms a lower opening that connects the internal storage space to the lower accommodating space. The connector assembly also includes two built-in bias heat sinks respectively disposed in the internal storage spaces of the two compartment supports. Each built-in bias heat sink includes a built-in heat sink that passes through the lower opening into the lower accommodating space. The built-in heat sink is movable vertically. The extension supports are respectively fitted onto the corresponding built-in heat sinks and are fitted onto the corresponding compartment supports.

[0021] The connector assembly of the present invention comprises two extension brackets at the rear ends of the two compartment brackets. Before assembly, these extension brackets can be moved to a forward position that does not interfere with the socket module. After assembly, they can be moved to a rear position that at least partially extends between the socket modules. Therefore, interference with the socket module during assembly is avoided, facilitating the assembly process. Furthermore, the two extension brackets can move independently without interfering with each other. Moreover, the guide members of the extension brackets are slidably disposed on corresponding guide rails, guiding, limiting, and supporting the two side-by-side extension brackets. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Other features and effects of the present invention will be clearly presented in the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0023] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of the connector assembly of the present invention and a pluggable module;

[0024] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of this embodiment, in which the socket module is omitted;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a partially cut-out perspective view of this embodiment, in which one of the socket modules and the upper heat sink are omitted, and the fastener is partially cut out;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of this embodiment. The upper heat sink and fastener are omitted in the figure, and the extension bracket is located at the front.

[0027] Figure 5 This is a partially sectional perspective view of this embodiment, showing the partition, compartment support, extension support, and built-in bias heat sink, with the extension support located at the front.

[0028] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 The embodiment in the image is a partially sectional perspective view from another angle;

[0029] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 An exploded perspective view of a portion of this embodiment;

[0030] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 This embodiment is an exploded three-dimensional view from another perspective;

[0031] Figure 9 This is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment, showing the compartment support, the extension support, and the built-in bias heat sink;

[0032] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 This embodiment is an exploded three-dimensional view from another perspective;

[0033] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment and the pluggable module. The upper heat sink and fastener are omitted in the figure. The pluggable module is inserted into the lower receiving space of the receiving channel to push the extension bracket from the front position to the rear position.

[0034] Figure 12 This is a partially sectional perspective view of this embodiment, showing the partition, compartment support, extension support, and built-in bias heat sink, with the extension support located at the rear; and

[0035] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 The embodiment in the image is a partially cut-off perspective view from another angle.

[0036] The attached figures are labeled as follows:

[0037] 100 Connector Assembly

[0038] 1. Guiding shield

[0039] 11. Top Slab

[0040] 111 First upper positioning hole

[0041] 112 Second upper positioning hole

[0042] 113 First fixing perforation

[0043] 114 Second fixing perforation

[0044] 115 Upward-opening window

[0045] 116 Upper stop

[0046] 117 Upper Guiding Section

[0047] 118 perforations

[0048] 12 base plate

[0049] 13 partitions

[0050] 131 First partition

[0051] 131a Snap-fit ​​Protrusion

[0052] 132 Second partition

[0053] 132a Snap-fit ​​Protrusion

[0054] 133 Intermediate partition

[0055] 133a First upper positioning plate

[0056] 133b Second Upper Positioning Piece

[0057] 133c First fixed folding piece

[0058] 133d Second upper fixing folding piece

[0059] 133e fixing plate

[0060] 134 Fixing Holes

[0061] 135 Opening

[0062] 136 Inward-extending shrapnel

[0063] 14 Back panel

[0064] 15 Press-fit feet

[0065] 16 Accommodation Channels

[0066] 161 Upper storage space

[0067] 161a top socket

[0068] 162 Lower storage space

[0069] 162a bottom connector

[0070] 162b bottom opening

[0071] 17 First grounding component

[0072] 171 Elasticity Index

[0073] 18 guide rails

[0074] 181 First Guiding Track

[0075] 182 Second Guiding Track

[0076] 183 Third Guiding Track

[0077] 19 Avoid openings

[0078] 2. Socket Module

[0079] 21 Socket Connector

[0080] 211 Socket Body

[0081] 212 terminal

[0082] 212a Contact section

[0083] 212b tail

[0084] 3. Compartment support frame

[0085] 3a First compartment support

[0086] 3b Second compartment support

[0087] 31 upper wall

[0088] 32 lower wall

[0089] 321 Downward-opening window

[0090] 322 Lower Guide Section

[0091] 33 Anterior wall

[0092] 34 Sidewalls

[0093] 341 Flexible Fastener

[0094] 341a First Flexible Fastener

[0095] 341b Second Flexible Fastener

[0096] 342 First sidewall

[0097] 343 Second sidewall

[0098] 35 Content storage space

[0099] 36 Fixing flaps

[0100] 37 Second grounding component

[0101] 371 pieces

[0102] 372 grounding plate

[0103] 372a Elastic finger

[0104] 38. Guide component receiving notch

[0105] 39a First clearance opening

[0106] 39b Second clearance opening

[0107] 4. Upper radiator

[0108] 41 Heat dissipation substrate

[0109] 411 Thermal coupling section

[0110] 42 Heat dissipation fins

[0111] 5. Fasteners

[0112] 51 Fastening part

[0113] 511 Fastening hole

[0114] 52 Fixing part

[0115] 521 Positioning Hole

[0116] 522 clearance hole

[0117] 523 Fixing hole

[0118] 53 Pressing part

[0119] 6. Built-in bias heatsink

[0120] 61 Built-in heat sink

[0121] 611 Internal Heat Dissipation Board

[0122] 611a Thermal coupling section

[0123] 612 Heatsink Fins

[0124] 62 Bias Spring

[0125] 621 pressure plate

[0126] 622 Plate Spring

[0127] 7. Extension support

[0128] 7a First extension support

[0129] 7b Second Extension Bracket

[0130] 71 upper wall

[0131] 72 lower wall

[0132] 721 Lower stop

[0133] 73 Sidewall

[0134] 731 First sidewall

[0135] 732 Second sidewall

[0136] 74 Guide Components

[0137] 741 First Guiding Component

[0138] 742 Second Guide Component

[0139] 743 Third Guiding Component

[0140] 75 First clearance slot

[0141] 76 Second clearance slot

[0142] 77 First Maintenance Section

[0143] 78 Second Maintenance Section

[0144] 200 Pluggable Modules

[0145] 201 Housing

[0146] 201a Connector

[0147] 201b Locking Groove

[0148] 201c alignment structure

[0149] 201d guide slot

[0150] 202 Connector Circuit Board

[0151] D1 Forward and backward directions

[0152] D2 Up and Down Direction

[0153] D3 left and right direction Detailed Implementation

[0154] See Figures 1 to 5An embodiment of the connector assembly 100 of the present invention is adapted to be disposed on a circuit board (not shown) and adapted to be plugged into a pluggable module 200. The connector assembly 100 includes a guide shield 1, at least two socket modules 2, at least two compartment brackets 3a, 3b, two upper heat sinks 4, a fastener 5, two built-in bias heat sinks 6, and at least two extension brackets 7a, 7b.

[0155] For example, the guiding shield 1 is constructed by stamping and bending a metal plate. The guiding shield 1 extends along a front-back direction D1 (arrow direction is front, reverse direction is back) and has a top plate 11 located above and a bottom plate 12 located below in a vertical direction D2 (arrow direction is up, reverse direction is down), a plurality of partitions 13 connected between the top plate 11 and the bottom plate 12 and spaced side by side in a left-right direction D3 (arrow direction is right, reverse direction is left), and a rear plate 14. The bottom of the guiding shield 1 includes a plurality of press-fit feet 15, which are used to press into a plurality of press-fit holes (not shown) on the circuit board so that the guiding shield 1 is fixedly mounted on the circuit board and can be electrically connected to the ground line (not shown) of the circuit board. In this embodiment, the partition 13 of the guide shield 1 includes a first partition 131, a second partition 132 and an intermediate partition 133 located between the first partition 131 and the second partition 132. The multiple partitions 13, together with the top plate 11, the bottom plate 12 and the rear plate 14, define two accommodating channels 16 arranged side by side in the left-right direction D3.

[0156] The intermediate partition 133 is assembled between the top plate 11 and the bottom plate 12. The top plate 11 has a first upper positioning hole 111, a second upper positioning hole 112, a first fixing through hole 113, and a second fixing through hole 114. The intermediate partition 133 has a first upper positioning piece 133a correspondingly inserted into the first upper positioning hole 111, a second upper positioning piece 133b correspondingly inserted into the second upper positioning hole 112 and extending upward from the top plate 11, and a first upper fixing flap 133c and a second upper fixing flap 133d correspondingly inserted into the first fixing through hole 113 and the second fixing through hole 114, respectively. The first upper fixing flap 133c is composed of two flap pieces arranged along the front-back direction D1, and the two flap pieces are used to bend to both sides along the left-right direction D3 after passing through the first fixing through hole 113 to generate a fixing effect. The second fixing flap 133d is inserted through the second fixing through hole 114 of the top plate 11 and then bent and fixed in the left-right direction D3, thereby assembling the middle partition 133 onto the top plate 11.

[0157] In this embodiment, there are two socket modules 2. The two socket modules 2 are disposed on the circuit board and in the rear section inside the guide shield 1. Each socket module 2 has two insulated socket connectors 21 facing forward and arranged in the vertical direction D2. Each socket connector 21 has a socket body 211 and a plurality of terminals 212 disposed on the socket body 211. Each terminal 212 has a contact portion 212a located on the socket body 211 and a tail portion 212b extending downward from the bottom of the socket module 2 for mechanical and electrical connection to the circuit board.

[0158] In this embodiment, there are two compartment supports 3a and 3b. Each compartment support 3a and 3b includes a first compartment support 3a and a second compartment support 3b, which are respectively disposed in the two receiving channels 16 of the guide shield 1. Each compartment support 3a and 3b divides the corresponding receiving channel 16 of the guide shield 1 into an upper receiving space 161 and a lower receiving space 162 corresponding to the two socket connectors 21 of the socket module 2, respectively. The rear section of the upper receiving space 161 and the rear section of the lower receiving space 162 are connected to each other. The upper receiving space 161 has an upper insertion port 161a located at the front for the insertion of the pluggable module 200, and the lower receiving space 162 has a lower insertion port 162a located at the front for the insertion of the pluggable module 200, and a bottom opening 162b located at the bottom rear and defined by the partition plate 13, the bottom plate 12 and the rear plate 14 of the guide shield 1. The bottom opening 162b allows the socket module 2 to enter so that the socket module 2 is accommodated in the rear section of the connected upper accommodating space 161 and the rear section of the lower accommodating space 162.

[0159] See Figures 5 to 9 In this embodiment, each of the compartment supports 3a and 3b has an upper wall 31 and a lower wall 32 facing each other, a front wall 33 connected to the front edge of the upper wall 31 and the lower wall 32, and two side walls 34 connected to the side edge of the upper wall 31 and the lower wall 32. The upper wall 31, the lower wall 32, the front wall 33, and the two side walls 34 together define an internal storage space 35. Each partition 13 of the guide shield 1 has a through-hole 134 for fixing. Each of the compartment supports 3a and 3b also has a fixing flap 36 extending to the outside of the two side walls 34. The fixing flap 36 is respectively inserted through the fixing holes 134 of the multiple partitions 13 and then bent and fixed, thereby assembling the compartment supports 3a and 3b into the guide shield 1. Additionally, it should be noted that the fixing flaps 36 on the left and right sides of the partition brackets 3a and 3b are configured to be staggered from each other in the front-back direction D1. Therefore, the adjacent fixing flaps 36 of the two partition brackets 3a and 3b are staggered from each other to be assembled on the same middle partition plate 133.

[0160] See Figures 1 to 2 In this embodiment, the connector assembly 100 can be disposed in a mounting hole (not shown) in a housing (not shown). The guide shield 1 is provided with a plurality of first grounding elements 17 located at the front end. Each of the compartment brackets 3a and 3b is also provided with a second grounding element 37 located at the front end of the front wall 33, the front end of the upper wall 31, and the front end of the lower wall 32. The first grounding element 17 has a plurality of elastic fingers 171 extending rearward from the front end of the guide shield 1 and distributed on the outer side and the inner side of the guide shield 1. The elastic fingers 171 located on the outer side of the guide shield 1 are used to contact the edge of the mounting hole in the housing, and the elastic fingers 171 located on the inner side of the guide shield 1 are used to contact the pluggable module 200. The second grounding member 37 has a single piece 371 disposed on the front side of the front wall 33 of each compartment support 3a, 3b, and two grounding plates 372 extending rearward from the upper edge and lower edge of the single piece 371 respectively to enter the upper accommodating space 161 and the lower accommodating space 162 respectively. Each grounding plate 372 has a plurality of resilient fingers 372a extending rearward for contacting the pluggable module 200.

[0161] The pluggable module 200 has a housing 201 and a plug-in circuit board 202. The housing 201 has a plug-in portion 201a for inserting into the upper accommodating space 161 and the lower accommodating space 162. The plug-in circuit board 202 is located at the front end of the plug-in portion 201a and is used to be plugged into the socket connector 21. Each partition 13 of the guide shield 1 has an inner spring tab 136 corresponding to the upper accommodating space 161 and the lower accommodating space 162, respectively. The inner spring tab 136 extends backward at an angle from an opening 135 into the guide shield 1. The pluggable module 200 has locking grooves 201b on its left and right sides that mate with the inner spring tabs 136. The inner spring tabs 136 engage with the locking grooves 201b of the pluggable module 200 to create a locking effect.

[0162] See Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figures 8 to 10In addition, a pair of alignment structures 201c and a guide groove 201d are formed at the top front end of the insertion portion 201a of the housing 201. The top plate 11 of the guide shield 1 has two upper openings 115 communicating with the upper accommodating space 161 of the two accommodating channels 16, two upper stop portions 116 extending downward from the rear edge of the two upper openings 115 into the upper accommodating space 161 of the two accommodating channels 16, and two upper guide portions 117 extending downward from the side edge of the two upper openings 115 into the upper accommodating space 161 of the two accommodating channels 16. The lower wall 32 of the compartment supports 3a and 3b forms a lower opening 321 that connects the inner accommodating space 35 to the corresponding lower accommodating space 162, and a lower guide portion 322 extending downward from the side edge of the lower opening 321 into the lower accommodating space 162 of the corresponding accommodating channel 16. The upper stop portion 116 is used to stop the alignment structure 201c to limit the insertion position of the pluggable module 200, and the upper guide portion 117 and the lower guide portion 322 are used to extend into the guide groove 201d to guide the pluggable module 200.

[0163] See Figures 1 to 3 The two upper heat sinks 4 are respectively disposed side by side on the top plate 11 of the guide shield 1 along the left-right direction D3. Each upper heat sink 4 has a heat dissipation base plate 41 disposed on the top plate 11 and a plurality of heat dissipation fins 42 integrally formed extending upward from the top surface of the heat dissipation base plate 41. The plurality of heat dissipation fins 42 extend along the front-back direction D1 and are arranged side by side with each other in the left-right direction D3. The bottom of the heat dissipation base plate 41 has a thermal coupling part 411 that passes through the corresponding upper opening 115 and enters the upper receiving space 161 of the corresponding receiving channel 16.

[0164] The fastener 5 has multiple fastening portions 51 that are respectively fastened to the first partition 131 and the second partition 132 of the guide shield 1, a fixing portion 52 that is respectively provided on the top plate 11 corresponding to the middle partition 133, and multiple pressing portions 53 that extend along the left-right direction D3 and are elastically pressed downward against the heat dissipation base plates 41 of the two upper heat sinks 4. The multiple pressing portions 53 are arranged in two rows along the front-back direction D1, and the multiple pressing portions 53 are connected between the fastening portions 51 and the fixing portion 52. In detail, the first partition 131 and the second partition 132 located on both sides each have multiple fastening protrusions 131a and 132a, and each fastening portion 51 has multiple fastening holes 511 that are corresponding to the fastening protrusions 131a and 132a of the corresponding first partition 131 or second partition 132. The fixing part 52 has a positioning hole 521, a clearance hole 522 for avoiding the first upper fixing flap 133c, and a fixing hole 523 adjacent to the clearance hole 522. The intermediate partition 133 also has an upwardly extending fixing piece 133e that is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom. The fixing piece 133e is used to pass through the through hole 118 of the top plate 11 and then through the fixing hole 523 of the fixing part 52 of the fastener 5 and is then twisted at an angle to fix the fixing part 52 of the fastener 5. The elastic force provided by the multiple pressing parts 53 allows the upper heat sink 4 to be moved along the vertical direction D2, and the thermal coupling part 411 of the upper heat sink 4 to elastically contact the pluggable module 200 inserted into the upper accommodating space 161 of the corresponding accommodating channel 16, so as to ensure the integrity of the contact and enhance the heat dissipation performance.

[0165] See Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figures 9 to 10The two built-in bias heat sinks 6 are respectively disposed in the internal accommodating spaces 35 within the two compartment supports 3a and 3b. Each built-in bias heat sink 6 has a built-in heat sink 61 and a bias spring 62 disposed between the built-in heat sink 61 and the upper wall 31 of the corresponding compartment support 3a or 3b. The built-in heat sink 61 has an inner heat sink base plate 411 and a plurality of inner heat sink fins 612 that are interlocked side by side along the left-right direction D3 and disposed on the top surface of the inner heat sink base plate 41. The inner heat sink base plate 611 has a thermal coupling part 611a that passes through the corresponding lower opening 321 and enters the corresponding lower accommodating space 162. The bias spring 62 has a pressure plate 621 that presses against the top of the inner heat dissipation fins 612 of the built-in heat sink 61, and a plurality of plate-shaped spring plates 622 that extend obliquely from the pressure plate 621 and press upward against the upper wall 31 of the corresponding compartment supports 3a and 3b. It should be noted that the bias spring 62 can also be in other forms of spring structure, and is not limited to this embodiment. When the pluggable module 200 is inserted into the lower accommodating space 162, it raises the built-in heat sink 61. Through the biasing force of the bias spring 62, the thermal coupling part 611a of the built-in heat sink 61 makes pressure contact with the pluggable module 200, thereby enhancing the heat dissipation performance.

[0166] See Figures 4 to 7 and Figure 11 The rear end of each compartment bracket 3a, 3b is located in front of the front end of the socket connector 21 of the socket module 2.

[0167] In detail, in this embodiment, there are two extension brackets 7a and 7b. Each extension bracket 7a and 7b includes a first extension bracket 7a assembled to the first compartment bracket 3a and a second extension bracket 7b assembled to the second compartment bracket 3B. The two extension brackets 7a and 7b are assembled side-by-side to the rear ends of the two compartment brackets 3a and 3b, respectively. The two extension brackets 7a and 7b are respectively fitted onto the two built-in heat sinks 61 and respectively fitted onto the two compartment brackets 3a and 3b. The two compartment brackets 3a and 3b respectively limit the movement of the two extension brackets 7a and 7b in the vertical direction D2 and the horizontal direction D3, so that each extension bracket 7a and 7b can be positioned relative to the assembled compartment brackets 3a and 3b at a forward position located in front of the front end of the corresponding socket connector 21 of the socket module 2 (see...). Figure 4 ), and at least partially extending into a rear position between the corresponding socket connector 21 of the socket module 2 (see Figure 11 Move between ).

[0168] Since the two socket modules 2 are first installed on the circuit board, and then the guide shield 1 with the two compartment brackets 3a and 3b and the two extension brackets 7a and 7b is placed on the two socket modules 2 and fixed to the circuit board, when the two extension brackets 7a and 7b are located in front of the front end of the two socket connectors 21 of the corresponding socket module 2, the two extension brackets 7a and 7b can avoid the socket connectors 21 located above the two socket modules 2 to avoid interference with them and affect the assembly. After the assembly is completed, the two extension brackets 7a and 7b can be moved backward to the rear position between the two socket connectors 21 of the corresponding socket module 2, so that the two compartment brackets 3a and 3b and the two extension brackets 7a and 7b can play a complete partitioning role. In summary, by using the two extension brackets 7a and 7b that can move between the front and rear positions, it is possible to avoid interference between the two extension brackets 7a and 7b and the socket connectors 21 of the two socket modules 2 during the assembly process, while ensuring that the two compartment brackets 3a and 3b and the two extension brackets 7a and 7b can subsequently play a complete partitioning role, thus facilitating the assembly operation.

[0169] See Figures 4 to 7 and Figure 11 The guide shield 1 also has guide rails 18 disposed on a plurality of partitions 13 and having a perforated structure. Each of the extension brackets 7a and 7b has an upper wall 71 and a lower wall 72 that are vertically opposite each other, two side walls 73 connected to the side edges of the upper wall 71 and the lower wall 72, and a guide member 74 disposed on the side wall 73 and extending outward. The guide members 74 of the two extension brackets 7a and 7b are each disposed on the corresponding guide rail 18 and can slide back and forth.

[0170] See Figures 5 to 8Specifically, each of the extension brackets 7a and 7b has a sidewall 73 including a first sidewall 731 and a second sidewall 732. Each of the extension brackets 7a and 7b has a guide 74 including a first guide 741 integrally disposed on the first sidewall 731, a second guide 742 integrally disposed on the second sidewall 732, and a third guide 743 integrally disposed on the second sidewall 732. The first guide 741, the second guide 742 and the third guide 743 are staggered relative to each other in the vertical direction D2. The second guide 742 is at the highest position in the vertical direction D2, the first guide 741 is next, and the third guide 743 is the lowest. The guide rail 18 of the guide shield 1 includes two first guide rails 181 respectively disposed on the first partition 131 and the middle partition 133, two second guide rails 182 respectively disposed on the middle partition 133 and the second partition 132, and two third guide rails 183 respectively disposed on the middle partition 133 and the second partition 132.

[0171] The first guide member 741 of the first sidewall 731 of the first extension bracket 7a is slidably disposed on the first guide rail 181 on the first partition 131. The second guide member 742 of the second sidewall 732 of the first extension bracket 7a is slidably disposed on the second guide rail 182 on the middle partition 133. The third guide member 743 of the second sidewall 732 of the first extension bracket 7a is slidably disposed on the third guide rail 183 on the middle partition 133. The first guide member 741 on the first sidewall 731 of the second extension bracket 7b is slidably disposed on the first guide rail 181 on the intermediate partition 133. The second guide member 742 on the second sidewall 732 of the second extension bracket 7b is slidably disposed on the second guide rail 182 on the second partition 132. The third guide member 743 on the second sidewall 732 of the second extension bracket 7b is slidably disposed on the third guide rail 183 on the second partition 132.

[0172] See Figures 7 to 8 and Figures 12 to 13In this embodiment, the protruding length of the third guide member 743 is shorter, while the protruding lengths of the first guide member 741 and the second guide member 742 are longer. The end of the first guide member 741 is bent upwards, and the end of the second guide member 742 is bent downwards. Each of the extension brackets 7a and 7b also has a first clearance groove 75 provided on the first sidewall 731 and a second clearance groove 76 provided on the second sidewall 732. The first clearance groove 75 and the second clearance groove 76 of the extension brackets 7a and 7b are staggered in the vertical direction D2. The second guide 742 of the second sidewall 732 of the first extension bracket 7a passes through the second guide rail 182 on the intermediate partition 133 and is accommodated in the first clearance groove 75 of the first sidewall 731 of the second extension bracket 7b. The first guide 741 of the first sidewall 731 of the second extension bracket 7b passes through the first guide rail 181 on the intermediate partition 133 and is accommodated in the second clearance groove 76 of the second sidewall 732 of the first extension bracket 7a. Through the first clearance groove 75 and the second clearance groove 76, the two extension brackets 7a and 7b can move independently without interfering with each other. The protruding length of the third guide 743 is configured such that the third guide 743 on the second sidewall 732 of the first extension bracket 7a can engage with the third guide rail 183 on the intermediate partition 133, but will not interfere with the first sidewall 731 of the second extension bracket 7b. Furthermore, the front openings of the first guide rail 181 and the second guide rail 182 are relatively large, thereby allowing the upward-bent portion of the first guide member 741 and the downward-bent portion of the second guide member 742 to pass smoothly and correspondingly during the assembly process.

[0173] In addition, each of the compartment supports 3a and 3b has two guide member receiving notches 38 respectively located at the rear end of the two side walls 34. When the extension supports 7a and 7b are in the forward position, the guide members 74 (the first guide member 741, the second guide member 742 and the third guide member 743) of the extension supports 7a and 7b are received in the guide member receiving notches 38 of the compartment supports 3a and 3b.

[0174] See Figures 5 to 8 and Figure 12 The connector assembly 100 also includes a retainer, each of the extension brackets 7a, 7b having a retainer at the front position (see...). Figure 5 When engaged with the first retaining portion 77 of the retainer, and at the rear position (see Figure 12When the retainer engages with the second retaining part 78 of the retainer, it is specifically designed to engage with the second retaining part 78 of the retainer. In this embodiment, the retainer is an elastic fastener 341 that is respectively constructed on the side wall 34 of each compartment support 3a and 3b and has its end recessed inward. It should be noted that the elastic fastener 341 (retainer) may also be constructed on the partition 13 of the guide shield 1 in other embodiments, and is not limited to this embodiment.

[0175] See Figures 5 to 8 Specifically, each of the partition supports 3a and 3b has a sidewall 34 including a first sidewall 342 and a second sidewall 343. The elastic fastener 341 includes a first elastic fastener 341a constructed on the first sidewall 342 of the partition supports 3a and 3b, and a second elastic fastener 341b constructed on the second sidewall 343 of the partition supports 3a and 3b. The first elastic fastener 341a and the second elastic fastener 341b of each partition support 3a and 3b are offset from each other in the vertical direction D2, and the second elastic fastener 341b of adjacent first partition supports 3a and the first elastic fastener 341a of adjacent second partition supports 3b are also offset from each other in the vertical direction D2.

[0176] Each of the extension brackets 7a and 7b has a first retaining portion 77 and a second retaining portion 78 on its first sidewall 731 and second sidewall 732, respectively. The first retaining portion 77 is a groove formed in the sidewall 73 (first sidewall 731 and second sidewall 732) of the extension brackets 7a and 7b, and the second retaining portion 78 is a groove formed at the front end of the sidewall 73 (first sidewall 731 and second sidewall 732) of the extension brackets 7a and 7b. The first retaining portion 77 (groove) on the first sidewall 731 and the first retaining portion 77 (groove) on the second sidewall 732 of each extension bracket 7a and 7b are vertically offset from each other.

[0177] The guide shield 1 also has multiple clearance openings 19 disposed on multiple partitions 13 and avoiding the elastic fasteners 341. Each of the compartment supports 3a and 3b also has a first clearance opening 39a disposed on the first sidewall 342 and corresponding to the second elastic fastener 341b, and a second clearance opening 39b disposed on the second sidewall 343 and corresponding to the first elastic fastener 341a. The second clearance opening 39b of the first compartment support 3a avoids the first elastic fastener 341a of the second compartment support 3b, and the first clearance opening 39a of the second compartment support 3b avoids the second elastic fastener 341b of the first compartment support 3a.

[0178] See Figures 5 to 6Specifically, when the extension brackets 7a and 7b are in the forward position, the elastic fastener 341 (retainer) engages with the first retaining portion 77, which is a groove, and the guide 74 is received in the guide receiving notch 38 and located at the front end of the guide rail 18; see reference Figures 12 to 13 When the extension brackets 7a and 7b move from the front position to the rear position, the elastic fastener 341 (retaining member) passes over the side wall 7 of the extension brackets 7a and 7b and engages with the second retaining portion 78, which is the groove at the front end of the side wall 73. The guide member 74 disengages from the guide member receiving notch 38 and moves to the rear end of the guide rail 18. Through the corresponding engagement between the elastic fastener 341 (retaining member) and the first retaining portion 77 and the second retaining portion 78, the extension brackets 7a and 7b can be positioned at the front and rear positions, respectively. Through the corresponding engagement between the guide member 74 and the guide rail 18, the extension brackets 7a and 7b can receive sufficient guidance, limitation, and support.

[0179] See Figure 4 , Figure 7 and Figure 11 In addition, in this embodiment, the lower wall 32 of each extension bracket 7a, 7b has a lower stop 721 that extends into the corresponding lower receiving space 162 and is used to stop the alignment structure 201c of the pluggable module 200 to limit the insertion position of the pluggable module 200. When the extension bracket 7a, 7b is in the forward position, the pluggable module 200 entering the lower receiving space 162 can push the lower stop 721, causing the extension bracket 7a, 7b to move backward to the rear position. This allows the pluggable module 200, which enters the lower receiving space 162 for the first time, to use the lower stop 721 to push the extension bracket 7a, 7b backward to the rear position, thus eliminating the need for manual assembly steps.

[0180] In summary, the two extension brackets 7a and 7b of the connector assembly 100 of the present invention, which are assembled at the rear ends of the two compartment brackets 3a and 3b, can be moved to the front position without interfering with the socket connector 21 before the assembly operation, and can be moved to the rear position that at least partially extends between the socket connectors 21 after the assembly operation. Therefore, interference with the socket connector 21 during the assembly process can be avoided, thus facilitating the assembly operation. In addition, the two extension brackets 7a and 7b can move independently without interfering with each other. Furthermore, the guide members 74 of the extension brackets 7a and 7b are each slidably disposed on the corresponding guide rails 18, which can guide, limit, and support the two side-by-side extension brackets 7a and 7b.

[0181] However, the above description is merely an embodiment of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. Any simple equivalent changes and modifications made in accordance with the claims and description of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the patent of the present invention.

Claims

1. A connector assembly comprising: Guiding shield; At least two socket modules are located in the rear section within the guide shield; At least two compartment supports, including a first compartment support and a second compartment support, are arranged side by side inside the guide shield. Each compartment support and the guide shield define an upper accommodating space and a lower accommodating space. The rear end of each compartment support is located in front of the front end of a socket module. as well as At least two extension brackets, including a first extension bracket assembled to the first compartment bracket and a second extension bracket assembled to the second compartment bracket, the extension brackets being assembled side by side to the rear ends of the two compartment brackets, each extension bracket being movable relative to the assembled compartment bracket between a position in front of the front end of the socket module and a position at least partially extending into the rear of the socket module. Each extension bracket has a sidewall and a guide member. The guide shield has a partition and a guide rail disposed on the partition. The guide member of the extension bracket is slidably disposed on the corresponding guide rail. The sidewall of each extension bracket includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall. The guide member of each extension bracket includes a first guide member disposed on the first sidewall and a second guide member disposed on the second sidewall. The first guide member and the second guide member of each extension bracket are vertically offset from each other. Each extension bracket also has a first clearance groove disposed on the first sidewall and a second clearance groove disposed on the second sidewall. The first clearance groove and the second clearance groove of the extension bracket are vertically offset from each other. The second guide member of the second sidewall of the first extension bracket is accommodated in the first clearance groove of the first sidewall of the second extension bracket, and the first guide member of the first sidewall of the second extension bracket is accommodated in the second clearance groove of the second sidewall of the first extension bracket. The connector assembly further includes a retainer, each extension bracket having a first retaining portion that engages with the retainer in the forward position and a second retaining portion that engages with the retainer in the rear position; each compartment bracket has a sidewall, and the retainer is an elastic fastener formed on the sidewall of the compartment bracket; the first retaining portion of the extension bracket is a groove formed on the sidewall of the extension bracket, and the second retaining portion of the extension bracket is a recess formed on the sidewall of the extension bracket.

2. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The partition of the guide shield includes a first partition, a second partition, and an intermediate partition located between the first partition and the second partition. The guide rail of the guide shield includes a first guide rail respectively disposed on the first partition and the intermediate partition, and a second guide rail respectively disposed on the intermediate partition and the second partition. The first guide member of the first side wall of the first extension bracket is slidably disposed on the first guide rail on the first partition plate, and the second guide member of the second side wall of the first extension bracket is slidably disposed on the second guide rail on the middle partition plate. The first guide member on the first side wall of the second extension bracket is slidably disposed on the first guide rail on the middle partition, and the second guide member on the second side wall of the second extension bracket is slidably disposed on the second guide rail on the second partition.

3. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein, Each extension bracket's guide element further includes a third guide element disposed on at least one of the side walls of the extension bracket; the guide rail of the guide shield also includes a third guide rail disposed on at least one of the partitions of the guide shield, and the third guide element of the extension bracket is slidably disposed on the corresponding third guide rail.

4. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein, The third guide member of each extension bracket is disposed on the second side wall of the extension bracket, and the third guide rail of the guide shield is disposed on the middle partition and the second partition respectively; The third guide member on the second side wall of the first extension bracket is slidably disposed on the third guide rail on the middle partition plate, and the third guide member on the second side wall of the second extension bracket is slidably disposed on the third guide rail on the second partition plate.

5. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, Each compartment support has a sidewall, the sidewall of which includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall; the retaining member is an elastic fastener, the elastic fastener including a first elastic fastener constructed on the first sidewall of the compartment support and a second elastic fastener constructed on the second sidewall of the compartment support; each extension support has a sidewall, the sidewall of which includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall, the first sidewall and the second sidewall of the extension support each having a first retaining portion and a second retaining portion respectively; the first elastic fastener and the second elastic fastener of each compartment support are vertically offset from each other, and the second elastic fastener of adjacent first compartment supports and the first elastic fastener of adjacent second compartment supports are vertically offset from each other.

6. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein, The first retaining portion on the first sidewall of each extension bracket is vertically offset from the first retaining portion on the second sidewall.

7. The connector assembly of claim 5, wherein, The guide shield has a partition and an avoidance opening disposed on the partition to avoid the elastic fastener.

8. The connector assembly of claim 7, wherein, Each compartment bracket also has a first clearance opening disposed on the first side wall and corresponding to the second elastic fastener, and a second clearance opening disposed on the second side wall and corresponding to the first elastic fastener; the second clearance opening of the first compartment bracket avoids the first elastic fastener of the second compartment bracket, and the first clearance opening of the second compartment bracket avoids the second elastic fastener of the first compartment bracket.

9. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein, Each compartment support has a sidewall and a guide receiving notch provided on the sidewall, wherein when the extension support is in the forward position, the guide of the extension support is received in the guide receiving notch of the compartment support.

10. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein, Each extension bracket has a lower stop that extends into the lower receiving space. When the extension bracket is in the forward position, a pluggable module that enters the lower receiving space can push against the lower stop, causing the extension bracket to move backward to the rear position.

11. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein, Each compartment support has an upper wall and a lower wall that jointly define the content space. The lower wall forms a lower opening that connects the content space to the lower accommodating space. The connector assembly also includes two built-in bias heat sinks respectively disposed in the content spaces of the two compartment supports. The built-in bias heat sinks include built-in heat dissipation components that pass through the lower opening into the lower accommodating space. The built-in heat dissipation components can be moved vertically. The extension brackets are respectively sleeved on the corresponding built-in heat dissipation components and are sleeved by the corresponding compartment supports.

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