Connectors and Components

Abstract

An assembly includes a conductive cage. A plug connector is insertable into the cage, the cage having: a mating end through which the plug connector can be inserted; and an opposite end. The cage includes a housing and a cap. The housing includes a top wall, a bottom wall, and side walls connecting the top and bottom walls, these walls forming an interior region extending from the mating end of the cage. The cap is on the top wall and includes: a side wall extending upward from the top wall; and an upper wall at the end of the side wall of the cap and spaced apart from the top wall, the side wall and the upper wall of the cap forming a keyway communicating with the interior region, the keyway extending from the mating end of the cage. A plurality of deformable resilient fingers extending from the top wall of the housing, deformable resilient fingers extending from the side walls of the cap, and a deformable resilient finger extending from the upper wall of the cap are also included. The cage provides EMI shielding for the plug connector.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to the field of input / output (IO) connectors, and more particularly to I / O connectors suitable for high data rate applications. [Previous Technology]

[0002] Input / output (IO) connectors are typically used in applications requiring high bandwidth. For example, Small Form-factor Pluggable (SFP) connectors were initially developed to provide one transmit channel and one receive channel (e.g., to demonstrate what is known as a 1X connector), and the performance of SFP connectors gradually improved, enabling them to support 16Gbps or even 25+ Gbps channels. A 1X connector was quickly determined to be insufficient for certain needs, and a Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable (QSFP) connector was developed to provide more channels and act as a 4X connector.

[0003] Although larger connector sizes have been developed, there is still a need to increase density. To achieve this, a second row of channels is added to the current configuration. This type of (I / O) is often referred to as dual density and can be applied to both original and conventional form factors of SFP (SFP-DD) and QSFP (QSFP-DD), thus doubling the channel density. However, some groups will appreciate further improvements to the design of this pluggable connector.

[0004] To support higher signal transmission speeds, such as 16Gbps or even 25+ Gbps, within independent channels, effective modules and cage-like shielding systems are required to minimize the chance of electromagnetic interference (EMI). Modules and cage-like shielding systems are used to minimize EMI by containing active circuitry and contact systems within a substantially enclosed conductive module, which typically supports copper or fiber optic termination and contains a range of circuitry (including amplification, retiming, selective filtering, EO / OE conversion, and other similar functions). Circuitry operating at these increased transmission speeds is considered very high-energy and capable of generating EMI. [Summary of the Invention]

[0005] Therefore, the component of the present invention includes a conductive cage into which a plug connector can be inserted, the cage having: a mating end through which the plug connector can be inserted; and an opposite end, the cage including a cage shell and a cap. The cage shell includes a top wall, a bottom wall, and side walls connecting the top wall and the bottom wall together, these walls forming an inner region extending from the mating end of the cage. The cap is on the top wall and includes: a side wall extending upward from the top wall; and an upper wall at the end of the side wall of the cap and spaced apart from the top wall, the side wall and the upper wall of the cap forming a keyway communicating with the inner region, the keyway extending from the mating end of the cage. A plurality of deformable elastic fingers extending from the top wall of the cage shell, deformable elastic fingers extending from the side wall of the cap, and a deformable elastic finger extending from the upper wall of the cap.

[0006] In some embodiments, the cap is integrally formed with the cage shell.

[0007] In some embodiments, the keyway is defined by a channel having three different flat sidewalls.

[0008] In some embodiments, the mating ends and opposite ends of the cage define a length of the cage, and the cap extends along a portion of the length of the cage.

[0009] In some embodiments, the elastic finger is formed of an elastic tempered material.

[0010] In some embodiments, a predetermined number of the elastic fingers on the top wall are connected together through a bridging portion.

[0011] In some embodiments, the elastic fingers on the top wall and the elastic fingers on the cap are connected together through a bridging portion.

[0012] In some embodiments, the elastic finger and the bridging portion are formed independently of the cage and connected to the cage through the bridging portion.

[0013] In some embodiments, it also includes a plurality of deformable elastic fingers extending from the sidewalls and bottomwalls of the cage.

[0014] In some embodiments, the cage shell has a plurality of caps on the top wall, the plurality of caps being spaced apart from each other.

[0015] In some embodiments, a lower cap is also included, on the bottom wall of the cage shell, the lower cap including a lower side wall extending downward from the bottom wall and a lower wall at the end of the lower side wall and spaced apart from the bottom wall, the lower side wall and the lower wall of the lower cap forming a keyway communicating with the internal region and extending from the docking end of the cage body.

[0016] In some embodiments, the cage shell further includes multiple inner walls forming multiple independent compartments within the cage shell, each compartment being configured to house a plug connector therein.

[0017] The present invention includes a conductive cage into which a plug connector is insertable. The cage has: a mating end through which the plug connector is insertable; and an opposite end. The cage includes a cage shell and a cap, the mating end and the opposite end defining a length of the cage, wherein the cap extends along a portion of the length of the cage. The cage shell includes a top wall, a bottom wall, and side walls connecting the top wall and the bottom wall together, these walls forming an interior region extending from the mating end of the cage. The cap is on the top wall and includes: a side wall extending upward from the top wall; and an upper wall at an end of the side wall of the cap and spaced apart from the top wall. The side wall and the upper wall of the cap form a keyway communicating with the interior region, the keyway extending from the mating end of the cage. The cage shell has multiple deformable elastic fingers extending from its top wall, at least one deformable elastic finger extending from each side wall of the cap, and at least one deformable elastic finger extending from the top wall of the cap.

[0018] In some embodiments, the cap is integrally formed with the cage shell.

[0019] In some embodiments, the elastic finger is formed of an elastic tempered material.

[0020] In some embodiments, a predetermined number of the elastic fingers on the top wall are connected together by a bridging portion.

[0021] In some embodiments, the elastic fingers on the top wall and the elastic fingers on the cap are connected together through a bridging portion.

[0022] In some embodiments, the elastic finger and the bridging portion are formed independently of the cage and are connected to the cage through the bridging portion.

[0023] In some embodiments, it also includes a plurality of deformable elastic fingers extending from the sidewalls and bottomwalls of the cage.

Implementation Method

[0024] The following detailed description describes exemplary embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope of these explicitly disclosed combinations. Thus, unless otherwise stated, the features disclosed herein may be combined to form other combinations not given for purposes of simplicity.

[0025] One embodiment for minimizing such electromagnetic radiation is an input / output connector comprising a conductive cage 20 into which a shielded module or plug connector 22 is inserted, wherein the shielded conductive plug connector 22 forms a primary electromagnetic suppression, and the cage 20 forms a conductive sleeve around the shielded plug connector 22. The cage 20 and the plug connector 22 form a socket assembly that can accommodate a mating connector (not shown) facing the end of the socket portion. In this manner, any exposed contacts can be substantially concealed within the socket structure. The maximum lateral gap formed between the shielded plug connector 22 and the surrounding conductive cage 20 establishes a waveguide aperture that has a correlated filtering capability when operating below a cutoff frequency. When the socket portion is concealed by mounting the plug connector 22 within the conductive cage 20, the length is added to the lateral gap in the mounting direction. When operating below a cutoff frequency, the waveguide length plus the defined lateral gap together form an electromagnetic interference (EMI) filter. This enhances high-speed performance by maintaining the integrity of the plug connector containment and ensuring the formation of an effective waveguide filter through the engagement action of the plug connector 22 within the conductive cage 20.

[0026] Traditional SFP+ cable solutions have been widely used as a connectivity solution in the digital world for many years. There is a need in the art for double or even multiple times the number of channels to provide more connectivity using the same form factor as traditional SFPs. In this way, customers can achieve new levels of capability with existing systems that have an existing form factor. With the increasing demand for greater bandwidth, SFP and sorting solutions are a dual-density (DD) solution that doubles the total bandwidth with the same form factor by adding multiple rows of channels to an existing traditional frame. It allows a traditional SFP+ module to work with an SFP-DD connector and cage 20.

[0027] As shown in Figures 1, 3, and 4, the cage 20 includes a cage shell 26, which has a top wall 28, side walls 30 and 32 hanging downwards from the top wall 28, and a bottom wall 34 connected to the bottom ends of the side walls 30 and 32. The top wall, side walls, and bottom walls 28, 30, 32, and 34 form an internal region 36 accessible through a front opening 38, which is defined at a mating end 42 at the front of the cage shell 26. A rear end 40 (i.e., the opposite end) of the cage shell 26 is opposite to the front opening 38. The length of the cage shell 26 is defined between the front opening 38 and the rear end 40. The cage shell 26 can be mounted on a printed circuit board (not shown). The cage 20 can be formed by stamping.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2, the plug connector 22 includes a housing 44 having a top wall 46, side walls 48, 50 hanging downward from the top wall 46, and a bottom wall 52 connected to the bottom ends of the side walls 48, 50. The housing 44 defines a front surface 54 and an opposite rear surface 56. The rear surface 56 defines a cable inlet 58. The housing 44 can be formed in various ways, such as, but not limited to, die casting, stamping, and / or machining. The housing 44 of the plug connector 22 is shaped to be disposed within the internal region 36 of the cage 26 of the cage 20, such that the plug connector 22 can mate with a mating connector within the cage 20. An insert card 60 is disposed between the top wall 46 and the bottom wall 52 and is offset toward the bottom wall 52. The insert card 60 extends forward from the front surface 54. In a dual-density configuration, the insert card 60 includes two rows of contact pads disposed adjacent to each other along a mating direction. One or more flanges may extend forward from the front surface 54 and help to protect the inserted card 60.

[0029] In one embodiment, the mating connector (not shown) includes a plurality of sheet bodies arranged side-by-side and supported by an insulating frame. The frame of the mating connector is shaped to be disposed within an internal region 36 of the cage shell 26 of the cage 20, such that the plug connector 22 can mate with the mating connector within the cage 20. The plurality of sheet bodies include two rows of terminals spaced apart along the mating direction, each terminal engaging a corresponding contact pad formed on the insert card 60. Each row of terminals includes a contact portion engaging a contact pad on the top or bottom side of the insert card 60.

[0030] The cage 20 and the plug connector 22 include a keying system that ensures the correct orientation of the plug connector 22 when it is inserted into the cage 20. The keying system includes: at least one cap 64 integrally formed with the top wall 28 of the cage shell 26 of the cage 20, such that the cap 64 forms part of the cage shell 26; and at least one protrusion 66 extending from the top wall 46 of the housing 44 of the plug connector 22 perpendicular to the mating direction of the plug connector 22's insertion into the cage 20.

[0031] The cap 64 extends upward from the top wall 28 of the cage 26 and forms a keyway 68 therein extending rearward from the mating end 42. The keyway 68 is generally formed as a channel with three different sides. The sides are preferably flat, but curved sides are also acceptable. The keyway 68 opens into the interior region 36, such that the interior region 36 and the keyway 68 communicate with each other. The cap 64 is formed by a first sidewall 70, a second sidewall 72 spaced apart from the first sidewall 70, an end wall 74 at the rear end of the sidewalls 70, 72, and an upper wall 76 at the upper end of the first sidewall, second sidewall, and end wall 70, 72, 74. The first sidewall, second sidewall, end wall, and upper wall 70, 72, 74, 76 form the keyway 68 extending rearward from the mating end 42 of the housing 44. The first sidewall 70 has a lower end connected to the top wall 28 and protrudes upward from the top wall 28 to the upper end. A front end of the first sidewall 70 is located at the mating end 42 of the housing 44, and a rear end is located behind the front end. The second sidewall 72 has a lower end connected to the top wall 28 and projects upward from the top wall 28 to its upper end. A front end of the second sidewall 72 is located at the mating end 42 of the housing 44, and a rear end is located behind the front end. In one embodiment, these rear ends are aligned with each other. The end wall 74 has a lower end connected to the top wall 28 and projects upward from the top wall 28 to its upper end. The upper wall 76 extends between the upper ends of the first sidewall, the second sidewall, and the end walls 70, 72, and 74, thereby spaced apart from the top wall 28. In one embodiment, the first sidewall, the second sidewall, the end wall, and the upper walls 70, 72, 74, and 76 are flat.

[0032] As described herein, the cap 64 is integrally formed with the top wall 28; however, in one embodiment, the cap 64 is formed separately from the cage 26, and the top wall 28 has an elongated groove (not shown) formed therethrough, on which the cap 64 is disposed; the cap 64 is permanently attached to the top wall 28, for example by welding, so that the cap 64 is practically integral with the cage 26.

[0033] As previously described, the cross-sectional shape of the keyway 68 is typically three-sided when viewed from the mating end 42, but various shapes are possible. In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the keyway 68 is a quadrilateral (such as a rectangle) when viewed from the mating end 42. As shown in Figure 5, the top wall 28 and the upper wall 76 are parallel to each other, and the first side wall 70 and the second side wall 72 are perpendicular to the top wall 28 and the upper wall 76, so that the cross-sectional shape of the keyway 68 is rectangular when viewed from the mating end 42. As shown in Figure 6, the top wall 28 and the upper wall 76 are parallel to each other, and the first side wall 70 and the second side wall 72 are inclined relative to the top wall 28 and the upper wall 76 and inclined inward toward each other, so that the cross-sectional shape of the keyway 68 is a non-regular three-sided section when viewed from the mating end 42. In this embodiment, the side walls are shown with the same inward inclination, but different combinations of inclinations and different inclinations of the side walls can be considered. In another example, only one sidewall may be inclined while the other sidewall is perpendicular to the top wall 28 and the upper wall 76. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG7, the first sidewall, the second sidewall, and the upper walls 70, 72, 76 may be arranged to form an arc shape when the cross-sectional shape of the keyway 68 is viewed from the mating end 42. In this case, the keyway 68 may be defined by a single wall. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG8, the first sidewall, the second sidewall, and the upper walls 70, 72, 76 may be arranged to form a "T" shape when the cross-sectional shape of the keyway 68 is viewed from the mating end 42. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG9, the first sidewall, the second sidewall, and the upper walls 70, 72, 76 may be arranged to form an inverted "L" shape when the cross-sectional shape of the keyway 68 is viewed from the mating end 42. Although some shapes of the keyway 68 have been described herein, other shapes are also within the scope of the invention. The channel portion defining the shape of the keyway 68 may be defined by multiple walls. For example, a triangular keyway can be defined by two walls, while four or more walls can define cross-sections of various shapes.

[0034] In one embodiment, the cap 64 extends along a portion of the length of the cage shell 26, thereby spaced the end wall 74 from the rear end 40 of the cage shell 26, as shown in FIG4. In another embodiment, the cap 64 extends along the entire length of the cage shell 26, thereby placing the end wall 74 at the rear end 40 of the cage shell 26.

[0035] As shown in the figure, the cap 64 forming the keyway 68 is laterally disposed on one side of the midpoint of the top wall 28. The cap 64 can be disposed at the midpoint of the top wall 28, or it can be laterally disposed on the other side of the midpoint of the top wall 28. In addition, multiple caps 64 forming keyways 68 can be disposed on the top wall 28. If multiple caps 64 forming keyways 68 are disposed, the multiple keyways 68 can have different cross-sectional shapes.

[0036] A protrusion 66 extends from the top wall 46 of the housing 44 of the plug connector 22 at a distance behind the front surface 54. The protrusion 66 has a shape corresponding to the keyway 68 into which the protrusion 66 will be inserted, and is disposed on the top wall 46 at a position corresponding to the keyway 68 into which the protrusion 66 will be inserted. With this arrangement, the correct orientation of the plug connector 22 is maintained, so that the plug connector 22 can be correctly connected to the mating connector. If more than one keyway 68 is provided, more than one protrusion 66 is provided, and the corresponding protrusion 66 corresponds in shape to the corresponding keyway 68.

[0037] The plug connector 22 is inserted into the cage 20 through the front opening 38. When the plug connector 22 is properly oriented for insertion into the cage 20, the protrusion 66 aligns with the keyway 68 (or multiple protrusions 66 align with multiple keyways 68, if provided). As the plug connector 22 is inserted into the inner region 36 of the cage 20, the protrusion 66 slides along the keyway 68. The keyway 68 provides a path for proper alignment of the plug connector 22 with the cage 20 to ensure proper mating. The plug connector 22 connects to a mating connector within the cage 20.

[0038] The protrusion 66 and keyway 68 provide a fault-prevention keying solution to prevent the SFP-DD module from being incorrectly inserted into the conventional SFP+ cage 20 and connector, as this could potentially damage the customer's system. In one aspect of the invention, this keying configuration allows conventional SFP modules to work with SFP-DD connectors and cages.

[0039] In one embodiment, the cage shell 26 further comprises: an upper frame gasket 78, which is attached to the top wall 28 and the cap 64 near the mating end 42 of the cage shell 26; a first side wall frame gasket 80, which is attached to the first side wall 30 near the mating end 42 of the cage shell 26; a second side wall frame gasket 82, which is attached to the second side wall 32 near the mating end 42 of the cage shell 26; and a lower frame gasket 84, which is attached to the bottom wall 34 near the mating end 42 of the cage shell 26.

[0040] The upper frame gasket 78 has a plurality of deformable resilient fingers 86, 88, 90, 92, 94, 96, 98 that connect their front ends to each other at a bridging portion 100. The upper frame gasket 78 may be formed of a resilient tempered material. The bridging portion 100 is mounted to the cage shell 26 by means of suitable means (such as welding) approaching the mating end 42 of the cage shell 26. The resilient fingers 86, 88, 90, 98 approach the top wall 28 of the cage shell 26 and extend along a portion of the length of the top wall 28. The resilient finger 92 approaches the first side wall 70 of the cap 64 and extends along a portion of the length of the first side wall 70, the resilient finger 94 approaches the upper wall 76 of the cap 64 and extends along a portion of the length of the upper wall 76, and the resilient finger 96 approaches the second side wall 72 of the cap 64 and extends along a portion of the length of the second side wall 72. Although four resilient fingers 86, 88, 90, and 98 are shown on the top wall 28, this is merely an example and more or fewer resilient fingers may be provided. Furthermore, although three resilient fingers 86, 88, and 90 are shown on one side of the cap 64 and one resilient finger 98 is shown on the other side of the cap 64, more or fewer resilient fingers may be provided on either side of the cap 64. Additionally, more than one resilient finger 92, 94, and 96 may be provided on the first sidewall, second sidewall, and end walls 70, 72, and 74 of the cap 64.

[0041] Each of the first and second sidewall frame gaskets 80, 82 and the lower frame gasket 84 has a plurality of deformable resilient fingers 102 that connect their front ends to each other at a bridging portion 104. Each frame gasket 80, 82, 84 may be formed of a resilient tempered material. The bridging portion 104 is mounted to the cage shell 26 by means of suitable means (such as welding) approaching its mating end 42. Each resilient finger 102 extends along a portion of the length of the corresponding wall 30, 32, 34. Although the first and second sidewall frame gaskets 80, 82 and the lower frame gasket 84 are shown as a single element, the first and second sidewall frame gaskets 80, 82 and the lower frame gasket 84 may be formed and attached to the cage shell 26 independently.

[0042] As described herein, the cap 64 is integrally formed with the top wall 28. However, in one embodiment, the cap 64 is formed independently of the cage shell 26, and the top wall 28 has an elongated groove (not shown) formed therethrough, on which the cap 64 is disposed. The cap 64 is permanently attached to the top wall 28, for example, by welding, so that the cap 64 is practically integral with the cage shell 26. In this embodiment, the resilient fingers 86, 88, 90, 98 disposed on the top wall 28 of the cage shell 26 can be integrally formed with the independently formed cap 64 and attached to the top wall 28 with the independently formed cap 64. Although the resilient fingers 92, 94, and 96 on the cap 64 are described as being integrally formed with the resilient fingers 86, 88, 90, and 98 disposed on the top wall 28, the resilient fingers 92, 94, and 96 on the cap 64 can be formed independently of the resilient fingers 86, 88, 90, and 98 disposed on the top wall 28 and can be independently attached to the cap 64.

[0043] In one embodiment, the resilient fingers 86-98, 102 are each bent at one edge to form an edge shaped at 182 degrees. Although excessive material is used in this method, an advantage is gained by providing an introduction for the protrusion 66 formed on the plug connector 22. In another configuration, the resilient fingers 86-98, 102 are formed as separate parts that are typically fixed to the housing 26 by welding.

[0044] In one embodiment shown in Figures 10 and 11, the cage 20 is mounted on a conductive frame 106. The frame 106 has: an I / O port 108 (i.e., a hole) similar in shape to the cage shell 26 of the cage 20; and a notch 110 similar in shape to the cap 64. The notch 110 opens into the I / O port 108, thereby communicating with the I / O port 108 and the notch 110. To ensure a proper fit, a gap is maintained around the outline of the cap 64 and the outer periphery of the top, side, and bottom walls 28, 30, 32, and 34 of the cage 20, thereby providing a gap between the cage 20 and the frame 106. The resilient fingers 86, 88, 90, and 102 engage an edge of the hole 108 in the frame 106 and are compressed by the edge of the I / O port hole 108 in the frame 106 to provide an additional seal, while the resilient fingers 92, 94, and 96 engage an edge of the notch 110 in the frame 106 and are compressed by the edge of the notch 110 in the frame 106 to provide an additional seal. The gap created by the notch 110 in the frame 106 is generally orthogonal to the insertion direction of the cage 20 into the frame 106, thereby creating an effective seal between the cage 20 and the frame 106 when the resilient fingers 86-98, 102 deform.

[0045] In one embodiment shown in Figures 12 and 13, the cage 20 has a plurality of inner walls 116, 118 that divide the interior region 36 into a plurality of compartments 120 into which a plurality of plug connectors 22 can be inserted. As shown, the top wall 28 has a plurality of spaced-apart caps 64, each forming a keyway 68, which opens into the corresponding compartment 120 and is associated with resilient fingers 86-98 on the top wall 28. The bottom wall 34 has a plurality of spaced-apart caps 64, each forming a keyway 68, which opens into the corresponding compartment 120 and is associated with resilient fingers 86-98 on the bottom wall 34. Except that the first sidewall 70 and the second sidewall 72 extend downward from the bottom wall 34 and the upper wall 76 forms a lower wall of each cap 64, the caps 64 on the bottom wall 34 are formed identically to the caps 64 on the top wall 28. The cage 20 is mounted on a conductive frame 122. The frame 122 has: an I / O port 126, which is similar in shape to the cage shell 26 of the cage 20; and a plurality of notches 128, which are similar in shape to respective caps 64. Each compartment 120 is associated with a notch 128. To ensure proper fit, a gap is maintained around the outline of the caps 64 and the outer periphery of the top, side, and bottom walls 28, 30, 32, 34 of the cage 20, thereby providing a gap between the cage 20 and the frame 122. Resilient fingers 86, 88, 90, 102 engage an edge of the I / O port 126 of the frame 122 and are compressed by the edge of the I / O port 126 of the frame 122 to provide an additional seal, while resilient fingers 92, 94, 96 engage an edge of the corresponding notch 128 of the frame 122 and are compressed by the edge of the corresponding notch 128 of the frame 122 to provide an additional seal. The gap created by the notch 128 in the frame 122 is typically orthogonal to the insertion direction of the cage 20 into the frame 122, creating an effective seal between the cage 20 and the frame 122 when the elastic fingers 86-98, 102 deform. Typically, the compartments 120 are arranged belly-to-belly in this configuration, but they can also be arranged in a stacked, vertically aligned configuration. Multiple rows can also be arranged longitudinally, creating a linear array. In a sense, the arrangement follows an "M × N" orientation, where M is the number of stacked compartments 120 and N is the number of columns of the stacked compartments 120. In a grouped arrangement, the frame gaskets 78, 80, 82, 84 provide EMI sealing for all compartments 120 longitudinally.

[0046] The conductive cage 20 provides a ground seal between the conductive frames 106, 122 and the plug connector 22. This provides a low-impedance and low-leakage seal that provides a ground path for the frames 106, 122 and seals the I / O port holes 108, 126 that allow the plug connector 22 to be inserted into the installed cage 20.

[0047] Additional EMI shielding is employed around potentially incompletely sealed openings at corners and edges. In these cases, a compliant material or elastomeric material with conductive properties can be placed in the leakage area. These second gaskets may include conductive foam materials, flexible woven fabrics, plush buttons, and conductive whiskers, etc. These second gaskets are typically compressed during the assembly of the cage 20 to the frames 106, 122, filling the gaps or voids between the cage 20 and the frames 106, 122, and also filling the gaps or voids between the cage 20 and the resilient fingers 92, 94, 96 on the cap 64 to further seal any gaps. It is also possible to apply a dispensed conductive material (such as an air-curable expandable conductive material or foam material) into the gaps after the cage 20 and the frames 106, 122 are mated. In all sealing structures, the material located in or near the gap between the cage 20 and the frames 106, 122 must be elastic and remain elastic to prevent intermittent electrical connection due to vibration and wear during the insertion or removal of the plug connector 22 from the cage 20.

[0048] Includes a keyway 68 with enhanced grounding features provided by resilient fingers 86-98, 102 and frames 106, 122, and grounding substantially continuous with frames 106, 122, which can maintain EMI suppression and provide keying identification of plug connector 22 to cage 20.

[0049] The disclosure herein illustrates various features through preferred and exemplary embodiments. Those skilled in the art will make many other embodiments, modifications, and variations within the scope and spirit of the appended claims upon reading this disclosure. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]

[0050] This invention is illustrated by way of example and is not limited to the accompanying drawings, in which similar reference numerals denote similar parts, and in the accompanying drawings: FIG1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a cage, the cage forming part of an input / output connector; FIG2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a plug connector, the plug connector forming part of an input / output connector; FIG3 is an exploded perspective view of the cage; FIG4 is a top view of the cage; FIG5 to 9 are side views showing various shapes of a cap of the cage; FIG10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a frame, in which the cage is mounted; FIG11 is a front view of the frame and the cage; FIG12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a frame, in which an embodiment of the cage is mounted; and FIG13 is a front view of the frame and the cage shown in FIG12.

Claims

1. A connector, comprising: A conductive cage, into which a plug connector can be inserted, the cage for mounting on a conductive frame, the cage having: a mating end through which the plug connector can be inserted; and an opposite end, the cage including a cage shell and a cap, the mating end and the opposite end of the cage defining a length of the cage, and wherein the cap extends along a portion of the length of the cage, the cage shell including a top wall, a bottom wall, and side walls connecting the top wall and the bottom wall together, these walls forming an internal region extending from the mating end of the cage. The cap is located on the top wall and includes: a side wall extending upward from the top wall; and an upper wall at the end of the side wall of the cap and spaced apart from the top wall, the side wall of the cap and the upper wall forming a keyway communicating with the internal region, the keyway extending from the mating end of the cage, wherein a plurality of deformable elastic fingers extend from the top wall of the cage, at least one deformable elastic finger extends from each side wall of the cap, and at least one deformable elastic finger extends from the upper wall of the cap to contact the frame.

2. The connector as described in claim 1, wherein, The cap is integrally formed with the cage shell.

3. The connector as described in claim 1, wherein, The elastic finger is formed of an elastic tempered material.

4. The connector as described in claim 1, wherein, A predetermined number of the elastic fingers on the top wall are connected together by a bridging member.

5. The connector as described in claim 1, wherein, The elastic fingers on the top wall and the elastic fingers on the cap are connected together through a bridging portion.

6. The connector as described in claim 5, wherein, The elastic finger and the bridging portion are formed independently of the cage body and are connected to the cage body through the bridging portion.

7. The connector as claimed in claim 1 further includes a plurality of deformable, resilient fingers extending from the sidewalls and bottomwalls of the cage.

8. The connector as described in claim 1, further comprising: The lower cap, on the bottom wall of the cage shell, includes a lower side wall extending downward from the bottom wall and a lower wall at the end of the lower side wall and spaced apart from the bottom wall. The lower side wall and the lower wall of the lower cap form a keyway that communicates with the internal region and extends from the docking end of the cage body.

9. The connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The cage also includes multiple inner walls, forming multiple independent compartments within the cage, each compartment being configured to house a plug connector.

10. The connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The cage shell has a plurality of caps on the top wall, the plurality of caps being spaced apart from each other.

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