Corner EMI springs for socket cages

Abstract

A socket cage assembly (108) includes a socket cage (110) having first and second sidewalls (134, 136) extending from a top wall (130) at first and second corners (170, 172). A washer (200) has an EMI spring (202) electrically connected to the socket cage and a panel (150) in a panel opening (152), including a top EMI spring (230) and first and second side EMI springs (234, 236). A first corner EMI spring (310) is located outside the first corner of the socket cage to engage the panel at the first corner of the panel opening. A second corner EMI spring (312) is located outside the second corner of the socket cage to engage the panel at the second corner of the panel opening.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The main topic of this article is socket cages. Background Technology

[0002] Some communication systems utilize receptacle assemblies with communication connectors to interconnect various components of the system for data communication. The receptacle assembly includes a receptacle cage that houses a pluggable module, such as an I / O module, electrically connected to the communication connector. The receptacle cage provides electrical shielding, such as EMI shielding, for the pluggable module. The receptacle cage is typically positioned at the interface of another component, such as through an opening in a panel or frame. Conventional receptacle cages have gaskets at the interface with the panel to electrically connect the receptacle cage to the panel. However, conventional communication systems have performance issues, especially when transmitting data at high rates. For example, the gaskets in known communication systems are known to be leakage areas for EMI.

[0003] There is still a need for socket cages with improved electrical shielding. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to the present invention, a socket cage assembly for a communication system is provided, comprising a socket cage and a washer. The socket cage includes a cage wall comprising a top wall, a first side wall extending from the top wall at a first corner, and a second side wall extending from the top wall at a second corner opposite the first corner. The top wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall form a module channel configured to receive a pluggable module. The cage wall extends between a front end and a rear end of the socket cage. The socket cage is configured to be received in a panel opening of a panel, wherein the front end is on the front side of the panel and the rear end is on the rear side of the panel. The module channel receives a pluggable module at the front end. A washer is disposed at the front end. The washer has an EMI spring electrically connected to the socket cage and configured to be electrically connected to the panel in the panel opening. The EMI spring includes a top EMI spring electrically connected to the top wall, a first side EMI spring electrically connected to the first side wall, and a second side EMI spring electrically connected to the second side wall. Each EMI spring has a base and a distal end opposite the base, with a deflectable portion between the base and the distal end. The base is disposed at a corresponding cage wall. The distal end engages the corresponding cage wall. The deflectable portion is spaced apart from the cage wall and can deflect toward the cage wall. The socket cage assembly includes a first corner EMI spring. The first corner EMI spring is located on the outside of the first corner of the socket cage. The first corner EMI spring has a first corner EMI spring mating interface configured to engage the panel at the first corner of the panel opening. Attached Figure Description

[0005] Figure 1 This is a front perspective view of a communication system formed according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0006] Figure 2 This is a rear perspective view of a communication system formed according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0007] Figure 3 This is a rear perspective view of a pluggable module of a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0008] Figure 4 This is a front perspective view of a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a socket cage and a washer.

[0009] Figure 5 This is a front view of a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a socket cage and a washer.

[0010] Figure 6 This is a front view of a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a socket cage and gasket housed in a panel opening in the panel.

[0011] Figure 7 This is a front perspective view of a socket cage and washer having corner EMI springs according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0012] Figure 8 This is a front view of a portion of a socket cage and washer having corner EMI springs housed in a panel opening, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0013] Figure 9 This is a front perspective view of a socket cage and washer having corner EMI springs according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0014] Figure 10 This is a front view of a portion of a socket cage and washer having corner EMI springs housed in a panel opening, according to an exemplary embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0015] Figure 1 This is a front perspective view of a communication system 100 formed according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 2 This is a rear perspective view of a communication system 100 formed according to an exemplary embodiment. The communication system 100 includes a circuit board 102 and a receptacle connector assembly 104 mounted to the circuit board 102. A pluggable module 106 ( Figure 3 (As shown) is configured to be electrically connected to the receptacle connector assembly 104. The pluggable module 106 is electrically connected to the circuit board 102 via the receptacle connector assembly 104.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle connector assembly 104 includes a receptacle cage assembly 108 and a communication connector 112 (shown in dashed lines) adjacent to the receptacle cage assembly 108. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the communication connector 112 is housed within the receptacle cage assembly 108. In other embodiments, the communication connector 112 may be located on the rear side of the receptacle cage assembly 108. In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle cage assembly 108 includes a receptacle cage 110 and a washer 200 electrically connected to the receptacle cage 110. The washer 200 may be integral with the receptacle cage 110, such as being stamped from the receptacle cage 110 in various embodiments. In other embodiments, the washer 200 may be separate and discrete from the receptacle cage 110, and may be welded or clipped to the receptacle cage 110 to electrically connect the washer 200 to the receptacle cage 110. The washer 200 includes an EMI spring 202 that provides EMI shielding around the receptacle cage 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle cage assembly 108 includes corner EMI springs 300 at the corners of the receptacle cage 110. The corner EMI spring 300 provides shielding at corners (e.g., between the EMI springs along the top of the socket cage 110 and the EMI springs along the sides of the socket cage 110).

[0017] 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 to provide shielding for the pluggable module 106. The receptacle cage 110 includes a plurality of cage walls 114 defining one or more module channels for receiving respective pluggable modules 106. The cage walls 114 may be walls defined by solid sheets, perforated walls allowing airflow, walls with cutouts (e.g., for radiators or heat spreaders to pass through), or walls defined by rails or beams with large openings (e.g., for airflow). In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle cage 110 is a shielded, stamped, and formed cage member, wherein the cage walls 114 are shielding walls.

[0018] 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 open at the front of the receptacle cage 110 to receive the pluggable module 106. In various embodiments, any number of module channels can be provided. For example, in an alternative embodiment, the receptacle cage 110 can be configured as a stacked cage member with upper and lower module channels 116 to receive a plurality of pluggable modules 106 arranged in a stack. The upper and lower module channels 116 can be arranged in a single column; however, in an alternative embodiment, the receptacle cage 110 can include multiple columns of grouped module channels 116 (e.g., 2x2, 3x2, 4x2, 4x3, etc.). In other embodiments, instead of a stacked cage member, the receptacle cage 110 can include grouped module channels 116 (e.g., 1x2, 1x4, etc.) in a single row. Optionally, for example, when multiple columns or rows of module channels 116 are provided, a plurality of communication connectors 112 can be arranged within the receptacle cage 110.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, the cage wall 114 of the receptacle cage 110 includes a top wall 130, a bottom wall 132, a first side wall 134, a second side wall 136, and a rear wall 138. The bottom wall 132 may rest on the circuit board 102. However, in an alternative embodiment, the receptacle cage 110 may be provided without the bottom wall 132. The receptacle cage 110 extends between a front end 140 and a rear end 142. A port is provided at the front end 140 to receive a pluggable module 106 through the front end 140. The cage wall 114 defines a cavity. For example, the cavity may be defined by the top wall 130, bottom wall 132, side walls 134, 136, and rear wall 138. The cavity defines a module channel 116 for receiving the pluggable module 106. The cavity receives a communication connector 112. Other cage walls 114 may separate or divide the cavity into multiple module channels 116, such as stacked or grouped module channels. For example, the cage wall 114 includes a separator (not shown). The separator may be a horizontal separator located between the upper and lower module channels 116. In other embodiments, the separator may define a vertical separator panel (not shown), for example, parallel to the sidewalls 134, 136.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle connector assembly 104 may include one or more heat sinks (not shown) for dissipating heat from the pluggable module 106. For example, a heat sink may be coupled to the top wall 130 to engage the upper pluggable module 106 received in the upper module channel 116. The heat sink may extend through an opening in the top wall 130 to directly engage the pluggable module 106. In alternative embodiments, other types of heat sinks may be provided.

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, the communication connector 112 is received within a cavity of the receptacle cage 110, such as near the rear wall 138. However, in an alternative embodiment, the communication connector 112 may be located outside the receptacle cage 110 behind the rear wall 138 and extend into the cavity to mate with the pluggable module 106. For example, the rear wall 138 may include an opening to receive a component passing through it.

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, the pluggable module 106 is loaded into the receptacle cage 110 via the front end 140 to mate with the communication connector 112. The shielding cage wall 114 of the receptacle cage 110 provides electrical shielding around the communication connector 112 and the pluggable module 106, for example, around the mating interface between the communication connector 112 and the pluggable module 106. A gasket 200 may mat with the pluggable module 106 to electrically connect the receptacle cage 110 to the pluggable module 106 and seal 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 a circuit board 102. The receptacle cage 110 is mounted to the circuit board 102 via the communication connector 112.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, a gasket 200 is disposed at the front end 140 to provide electrical shielding for the receptacle cage 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the gasket 200 is configured to electrically connect to a pluggable module 106 received in a corresponding module channel 116. The gasket 200 is configured to engage a panel 150 to electrically connect the receptacle cage 110 to the panel 150. For example, the front end 140 of the receptacle cage 110 extends through a panel opening 152 in the panel 150, such that the front end 140 is on the front side of the front surface 154 of the panel 150, and the rear end 142 is on the rear side of the rear surface 156 of the panel 150. The gasket 200 prevents EMI leakage through the panel opening 152.

[0024] The EMI spring 202 of the washer 200 is configured to engage the panel edge 160 defining the panel opening 152 of the panel 150. For example, the EMI spring 202 is configured to abut against the upper edge 162, lower edge 164, first side edge 166, and second side edge 168 of the panel opening 152. In alternative embodiments defined by more or fewer panel edges 160, the panel opening 152 may have different... Figure 1 and 2Other shapes of the rectangular shape shown. EMI spring 202 can be compressed within panel opening 152 via panel edge 160. In an exemplary embodiment, corner EMI spring 300 is configured to engage panel edge 160 of panel 150. For example, corner EMI spring 300 may engage panel 150 at a first corner 170 and / or a second corner 172 and / or a third corner 174 and / or a fourth corner 176. Corner EMI spring 300 provides shielding at corners 170, 172, 174, 176 between EMI springs 202.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a rear perspective view of a 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 may be thermally conductive and / or 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 end 182 is configured to insert into a corresponding module channel 116 (…). Figure 1 As shown in the exemplary embodiment, the outer surface (e.g., side, top, bottom) of the pluggable body 180 may be provided with a washer 200. Figure 1 (As shown) Joining.

[0026] Pluggable module 106 includes module circuit board 188 configured to be communicatively connected to communication connector 112. Figure 1 (As shown). The module circuit board 188 can be accessed 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, electronic devices, sensors, controllers, switches, inputs, outputs, etc. associated with the module circuit board 188, which can be mounted to the module circuit board 188 to form various circuits.

[0027] In an exemplary embodiment, the pluggable body 180 provides heat transfer to a module circuit board 188 (e.g., 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 an exemplary embodiment, the pluggable body 180 includes a plurality of heat-transfer fins 186 along at least a portion of the pluggable module 106. The fins 186 transfer heat from the main housing of the pluggable body 180 and thus from the module circuit board 188 and associated components. In the illustrated embodiment, the fins 186 are longitudinally extending parallel plates; however, in alternative embodiments, the fins 186 may have other shapes, such as cylindrical or other shaped pillars.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a front perspective view of a part of the communication system 100, showing the socket cage 110 and washer 200 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 5 This is a front view of a part of the communication system 100, showing a socket cage 110 and a washer 200 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 6 This is a front view of a communication system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a socket cage 110 and a washer 200 housed in a panel opening 152 of a panel 150. Figure 4-6 A corner EMI spring 300 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. A washer 200 and the corner EMI spring 300 are disposed at the front end 140. In the exemplary embodiment, as... Figure 6 As shown, the corner EMI spring 300 engages the panel 150 at the corner of the panel opening 152.

[0029] In various embodiments, the corner EMI spring 300 is integral with the washer 200. For example, the corner EMI spring 300 and washer 200 are stamped and formed together. In other embodiments, the corner EMI spring 300 may be integral with the socket cage 110, for example, by stamping and forming from the cage wall 114. The shape of the corner EMI spring 300 differs from that of the EMI spring 202. Compared to the EMI spring 202, the corner EMI spring 300 may extend laterally (e.g., generally vertically).

[0030] Washer 200 includes a plurality of EMI springs 202 electrically connected to the cage wall 114 of the socket cage 110. The EMI springs 202 extend along the top wall 130 and / or side walls 134, 136 and / or bottom wall 132. In various embodiments, washer 200 may be a discrete component coupled to each cage wall 114. Alternatively, washer 200 may be a single-piece structure formed extending along each cage wall 114. The EMI springs 202 are arranged side-by-side with gaps between adjacent EMI springs 202 to allow independent movement of the EMI springs 202. In various embodiments, the EMI springs 202 extend along the outer surface 204 of the cage wall 114 to engage the panel 150 (in Figure 1 and Figure 2 (As shown in the diagram). The EMI spring 202 may additionally extend along the inner surface 206 of the cage wall 114 to engage the pluggable module 106.

[0031] Each EMI spring 202 has a base 210 and a distal end 212 opposite to the base 210, with a deflectable portion 214 between the base 210 and the distal end 212. In an exemplary embodiment, the distal end 212 engages a corresponding cage wall 114. For example, the distal end 212 may press against the cage wall 114 at one or more contact points. In an exemplary embodiment, the deflectable portion 214 is bent between the base 210 and the distal end 212 such that the deflectable portion 214 rises from the cage wall 114 to abut against the panel 150. The deflectable portion 214 is spaced apart from the cage wall 114 and can deflect toward the cage wall 114, for example, when engaging the panel 150 or the pluggable module 106. The base 210 is disposed at the corresponding cage wall 114. Alternatively, the base 210 may be integral with the cage wall 114, for example, by stamping and forming from the cage wall 114. Alternatively, the base 210 may be attached to the cage wall 114, for example, by being clamped to the cage wall 114, welded to the cage wall 114, or otherwise mechanically and electrically connected to the cage wall 114. In these embodiments, the bases 210 may be held together, for example by a common support band attached to the cage wall 114, or alternatively, the bases 210 may be separate and discrete from each other, for example, each base 210 may be individually attached to the cage wall 114 (e.g., welded to the cage wall 114).

[0032] The deflectable portion 214 includes a mating interface 216 configured to engage the panel 150 or the pluggable module 106. The mating interface 216 may be located at or near the apex of the curve of the deflectable portion 214. In an exemplary embodiment, the base 210 is fixed relative to the cage wall 114, while the distal end 212 is movable relative to the cage wall 114. For example, when the deflectable portion 214 is compressed, the EMI spring 202 is flattened, causing the distal end 212 to move rearward along the cage wall 114 relative to the base 210. In an exemplary embodiment, the EMI spring 202 remains supported at the base 210 and the distal end 212 such that the deflectable portion 214 is spring-loaded thereon when engaged with the panel 150 (or the pluggable module 106).

[0033] In an exemplary embodiment, the socket cage assembly 108 includes EMI springs 202 along all four sides of the socket cage 110, such as along the top wall 130, the bottom wall 132, and the two side walls 134, 136. The EMI spring 202 along the top wall 130 defines a top EMI spring 230. The EMI spring 202 along the bottom wall 132 defines a bottom EMI spring 232. The EMI spring 202 along the first side wall 134 defines a first side EMI spring 234. The EMI spring 202 along the second side wall 136 defines a second side EMI spring 236.

[0034] Corner EMI springs 300 are arranged between the top EMI spring 230 and the first side EMI spring 234, between the top EMI spring 230 and the second side EMI spring 236, between the bottom EMI spring 232 and the first side EMI spring 234, and between the bottom EMI spring 232 and the second side EMI spring 236. The corner EMI springs 300 extend from the EMI springs 202 toward the corners of the socket cage 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the corner EMI springs 300 are provided at all four corners of the socket cage 110, such as at the first corner 240 between the top wall 130 and the first side wall 134, the second corner 242 between the top wall 130 and the second side wall 136, the third corner 244 between the bottom wall 132 and the first side wall 134, and the fourth corner 246 between the bottom wall 132 and the second side wall 136. The corner EMI spring 300 includes a first corner EMI spring 310 at a first corner 240, a second corner EMI spring 312 at a second corner 242, a third corner EMI spring 314 at a third corner 244, and a fourth corner EMI spring 316 at a fourth corner 246. The first corner EMI spring 310 is located to the left of the top EMI spring 230 and above the first side EMI spring 234. The second corner EMI spring 312 is located to the right of the top EMI spring 230 and above the second side EMI spring 236. The third corner EMI spring 314 is located to the left of the bottom EMI spring 232 and below the first side EMI spring 234. The fourth corner EMI spring 316 is located to the right of the bottom EMI spring 232 and below the second side EMI spring 236. The first corner EMI spring 310 extends to the first corner 170 of the panel 150. Figure 1 As shown, EMI shielding is provided in the first corner 170. A second corner EMI spring 312 extends to the second corner 172 of the panel 150. Figure 1 As shown), EMI shielding is provided in the second corner 172. The third corner EMI spring 314 extends to the third triangular portion 174 of the panel 150. Figure 1 As shown, EMI shielding is provided in the triangular portion 174. The fourth corner EMI spring 316 extends to the fourth corner 176 of the panel 150. Figure 1 As shown, EMI shielding is provided in the fourth corner 176.

[0035] In an exemplary embodiment, the corner EMI spring 300 includes discrete spring members 302 extending from a corresponding EMI spring 202, such as from the outermost EMI spring 202 in each EMI spring group. In various embodiments, each corner EMI spring 300 is defined by a pair of spring members 302. The spring members 302 may engage with each other at a corresponding corner of the receptacle cage 110 and / or a corresponding corner of the panel 150. In an exemplary embodiment, each spring member 302 extends between a proximal end 304 and a distal end 306. The spring member 302 has a spring member mating interface 308 along the spring member 302, which is configured to engage the panel 150. Figure 6 In various embodiments, the spring member mating interface 308 may be located at or near the distal end 306. In various embodiments, the spring member mating interface 308 may be located between the proximal end 304 and the distal end 306 along a curved deflectable portion. In exemplary embodiments, the spring member mating interface 308 may be aligned (e.g., coplanar) with the mating interface 216 of the deflectable portion 214, such as with the top EMI spring 230, the bottom EMI spring 232, the first side EMI spring 234, and the second side EMI spring 236.

[0036] In an exemplary embodiment, the top EMI spring 230 includes a leftmost top EMI spring 250 and a rightmost top EMI spring 252. Each top EMI spring 250, 252 includes a corresponding spring member 302 extending therefrom. The bottom EMI spring 232 includes a leftmost bottom EMI spring 254 and a rightmost bottom EMI spring 256. Each bottom EMI spring 254, 256 includes a corresponding spring member 302 extending therefrom. The first side EMI spring 234 includes an uppermost first side EMI spring 260 and a lowermost first side EMI spring 262. Each first side EMI spring 260, 262 includes a corresponding spring member 302 extending therefrom. The second side EMI spring 236 includes an uppermost second side EMI spring 264 and a lowermost second side EMI spring 266. Each second side EMI spring 264, 266 includes a corresponding spring member 302 extending therefrom. In an exemplary embodiment, spring members 302 extending from the leftmost top EMI spring 250 and the uppermost first side EMI spring 260 engage with each other to define a first corner EMI spring 310. Spring members 302 extending from the rightmost top EMI spring 252 and the uppermost second side EMI spring 264 engage with each other to define a second corner EMI spring 312. Spring members 302 extending from the leftmost bottom EMI spring 254 and the lowermost first side EMI spring 262 engage with each other to define a third corner EMI spring 314. Spring members 302 extending from the rightmost bottom EMI spring 256 and the lowermost second side EMI spring 266 engage with each other to define a fourth corner EMI spring 316.

[0037] In an exemplary embodiment, the distal end 306 of the spring member 302 engages the socket cage 110. The distal end 306 of the spring member 302 can be accommodated in a slot 270 in the socket cage 110. Figure 4 The slot 270 can be provided in corners 240, 242, 244, or 246. A spring member 302 extends through the slot 270 into the interior of the socket cage 110. The spring member 302 engages with the socket cage 110 at the slot 270.

[0038] In an exemplary embodiment, the spring member 302 is shaped to abut against the panel 150 at the panel opening 152. In an exemplary embodiment, the spring member 302 may include an insert to guide the engagement of the spring member 302 with the panel 150. When the spring member 302 engages the panel 150, the spring member 302 may compress inward toward the socket cage 110, thereby engaging the socket cage 110. The spring member 302 may project outward or bend between its proximal end 304 and distal end 306 to abut against the panel 150.

[0039] In an exemplary embodiment, the panel opening 152 may include a corner extension 158 extending into the panel opening 152. Figure 6 (As shown). Corner extensions 158 are provided at corners 170, 172, 174, and 176 of the panel 150. Figure 1 (As shown). Corner extension 158 extends toward corners 240, 242, 244, 246 of the socket cage 110. Corner extension 158 alters the shape of panel 150 at corners 170, 172, 174, 176. For example, corner extension 158 extends inward from panel edge 160 to alter the shape of panel opening 152 at corners 170, 172, 174, 176. Corner extension 158 fills at least a portion of panel opening 152 for EMI shielding in corners 170, 172, 174, 176. Corner extension 158 may include extending edges 159 defining mating interfaces for corner EMI springs 300. Corner extension 158 may include multiple extending edges 159, such as forming right-angle corner extensions. Corner extension 158 may include more or fewer extending edges 159 with different shapes. For example, the corner extension 158 may include a single extended edge 159 between panel edges 160, such as at a 45° angle or other angle between panel edges 160.

[0040] Figure 7 This is a front perspective view of a socket cage 110 and a washer 200 having corner EMI springs 300, according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 8This is a front view of a portion of a socket cage 110 and a washer 200, having a corner EMI spring 300, housed in a panel opening 152 of a panel 150, according to an exemplary embodiment. In the exemplary embodiment, as... Figure 8 As shown, the corner EMI springs 300 are located at corners 170, 172, 174, and 176 of the panel opening 152. Figure 1 The panel 150 is joined at the location shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the shape of the corner EMI spring 300 is consistent with... Figure 4-6 The embodiments shown are different. For example, Figure 7-8 The corner EMI spring 300 shown is relative to Figure 4-6 The illustrated embodiment is inverted. (Compared to...) Figure 4-6 The convex corner EMI spring 300 shown in the illustrated embodiment is the opposite. Figure 7-8 The corner EMI spring 300 shown is concave.

[0041] Corner EMI springs 300 are arranged between the top EMI spring 230 and the first-side EMI spring 234, between the top EMI spring 230 and the second-side EMI spring 236, between the bottom EMI spring 232 and the first-side EMI spring 234, and between the bottom EMI spring 232 and the second-side EMI spring 236. The corner EMI springs 300 extend from the EMI spring 202 toward the corners 170, 172, 174, and 176 of the panel 150. Figure 1 (As shown) The corner EMI spring 300 is configured to engage the panel 150 at corners 170, 172, 174, and 176.

[0042] In an exemplary embodiment, spring members 302 of the corner EMI springs 300 extend from the corresponding EMI springs 202 to engage the panel 150. The spring members 302 may engage with each other at corresponding corners 170, 172, 174, 176 of the panel 150. In an exemplary embodiment, the distal ends 306 of the spring members 302 engage with each other, for example at corners 170, 172, 174, 176. The distal ends 306 may define a spring member mating interface 308 that engages the panel 150.

[0043] In an exemplary embodiment, the spring member 302 may be compressed between the EMI spring 202 and the panel 150 to engage the receptacle cage 110, for example at corners 240, 242, 244, and 246. The spring member 302 may include an insert to guide the engagement of the spring member 302 with the panel 150. When the spring member 302 engages the panel 150, the spring member 302 may be compressed inward toward the receptacle cage 110, thereby engaging the receptacle cage 110.

[0044] Figure 9This is a front perspective view of a socket cage 110 and a washer 200 having corner EMI springs 300, according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 10 This is a front view of a portion of a socket cage 110 and a washer 200, having a corner EMI spring 300, housed in a panel opening 152 of a panel 150, according to an exemplary embodiment. In the exemplary embodiment, as... Figure 8 As shown, the corner EMI spring 300 is integral with the socket cage 110 and extends from the socket cage 110 to the corners 170, 172, 174, 176. Figure 1 The panel 150 is joined at the location shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the shape of the corner EMI spring 300 is consistent with... Figure 4-6 The illustrated embodiments and Figure 7-8 The embodiments shown are different.

[0045] Corner EMI springs 300 are arranged between the top EMI spring 230 and the first side EMI spring 234, between the top EMI spring 230 and the second side EMI spring 236, between the bottom EMI spring 232 and the first side EMI spring 234, and between the bottom EMI spring 232 and the second side EMI spring 236. The corner EMI springs 300 extend from the socket cage 110, such as one or more cage walls 114. The corner EMI springs 300 are located at corners 240, 242, and 244. The corner EMI springs 300 can be stamped from the cage wall 114 and formed into a spring beam shape. The corner EMI springs 300 extend from corners 240, 242, 244, and 246 toward corners 170, 172, 174, and 176 of the panel 150. The proximal end 304 is fixed to the cage wall 114, while the distal end 306 is free to move relative to the cage wall 114. The corner EMI spring 300 may be integral with the cage wall 114 (e.g., stamped and formed from the cage wall), or alternatively, may be separate from the cage wall 114, such as being clamped to the cage wall 114. The corner EMI spring component mating interface 308 is configured to directly engage the panel 150, for example, at corners 170, 172, 174, and 176. For example, the first corner EMI spring 310 is located to the left of the top EMI spring 230 and above the first side EMI spring 234. The second corner EMI spring 312 is located to the right of the top EMI spring 230 and above the second side EMI spring 236. The third corner EMI spring 314 is located to the left of the bottom EMI spring 234 and below the first side EMI spring 234. The fourth corner EMI spring 316 is located to the right of the bottom EMI spring 234 and below the second side EMI spring 236. The first corner EMI spring 310 extends to the first corner 170 of the panel 150 (…). Figure 1 As shown, EMI shielding is provided in the first corner 170. A second corner EMI spring 312 extends to the second corner 172 of the panel 150. Figure 1As shown), EMI shielding is provided in the second corner 172. The third corner EMI spring 314 extends to the third triangular portion 174 of the panel 150. Figure 1 As shown, EMI shielding is provided in the triangular portion 174. The fourth corner EMI spring 316 extends to the fourth corner 176 of the panel 150. Figure 1 As shown, EMI shielding is provided in the fourth corner 176.

Claims

1. A socket cage assembly (108) for a communication system (100), comprising: A socket cage (110) having a cage wall (114) including a top wall (130), a first side wall (134) extending from the top wall at a first corner, and a second side wall (136) extending from the top wall at a second corner opposite to the first corner, the top wall, the first side wall and the second side wall forming a module channel (116) configured to receive a pluggable module (106), the cage wall extending between a front end (140) and a rear end (142) of the socket cage, the socket cage being configured to be received in a panel opening (152) of a panel (150), wherein the front end is on the front side of the panel and the rear end is on the rear side of the panel, the module channel receiving the pluggable module at the front end; At the front end, there is a washer (200) having an EMI spring (202) electrically connected to the socket cage and configured to be electrically connected to the panel in the panel opening. The EMI spring includes a top EMI spring (230) electrically connected to the top wall, a first side EMI spring (234) electrically connected to the first side wall, and a second side EMI spring (236) electrically connected to the second side wall (136). Each EMI spring has a base (210) and a distal end opposite to the base, with a deflectable portion (214) between the base and the distal end. The base is disposed at the corresponding cage wall, the distal end engages the corresponding cage wall, and the deflectable portion is spaced apart from the cage wall and deflectable toward the cage wall. A first corner EMI spring (310) is located on the outside of the first corner of the socket cage. The first corner EMI spring has a first corner EMI spring mating interface configured to engage the panel at the first corner (170) of the panel opening. The socket cage assembly (108) further includes a second corner EMI spring (312) located outside the second corner of the socket cage (110). The second corner EMI spring has a second corner EMI spring mating interface configured to engage the panel (150) at the second corner (172) of the panel opening (152). The first corner EMI spring (310) includes a first spring member extending from the leftmost top EMI spring (230) and a second spring member extending from the uppermost first side EMI spring (234). The second corner EMI spring includes a third spring member extending from the rightmost top EMI spring and a fourth spring member extending from the uppermost second side EMI spring (236). Wherein, the distal end (306) of the first spring member engages the distal end (306) of the second spring member, the distal ends of the first spring member and the distal ends of the second spring member engage the socket cage (110), and wherein the distal end of the third spring member engages the distal end of the fourth spring member, the distal ends of the third spring member and the distal ends of the fourth spring member engage the socket cage.

2. The socket cage assembly (108) according to claim 1, wherein, The first corner EMI spring (310) is located between the top EMI spring (230) and the first side EMI spring (234), and the second corner EMI spring is located between the top EMI spring and the second side EMI spring (236).

3. The socket cage assembly (108) according to claim 1, wherein, The shape of the first corner EMI spring (310) is different from that of the top EMI spring (230) and also different from that of the first side EMI spring (234).

4. The socket cage assembly (108) according to claim 1, wherein, The first corner EMI spring (310) is configured to engage the panel to the left side of the top EMI spring (230) and above the first side EMI spring (234) in the panel opening, and wherein the second corner EMI spring is configured to engage the panel to the right side of the top EMI spring and above the second side EMI spring (236) in the panel opening.

5. The socket cage assembly (108) according to claim 1, wherein, The first corner EMI spring mating interface and the second corner EMI spring mating interface are aligned with the deflectable portion (214) of the EMI spring (202) to engage the panel.

6. The socket cage assembly (108) according to claim 1, wherein, The first corner EMI spring (310) extends from at least one of the top EMI spring (230) and the first side EMI spring (234).

7. A socket cage assembly (108) for a communication system (100), comprising: A socket cage (110) having a cage wall (114) including a top wall (130), a first side wall (134) extending from the top wall at a first corner, and a second side wall (136) extending from the top wall at a second corner opposite to the first corner, the top wall, the first side wall and the second side wall forming a module channel (116) configured to receive a pluggable module (106), the cage wall extending between a front end (140) and a rear end (142) of the socket cage, the socket cage being configured to be received in a panel opening (152) of a panel (150), wherein the front end is on the front side of the panel and the rear end is on the rear side of the panel, the module channel receiving the pluggable module at the front end; At the front end, there is a washer (200) having an EMI spring (202) electrically connected to the socket cage and configured to be electrically connected to the panel in the panel opening. The EMI spring includes a top EMI spring (230) electrically connected to the top wall, a first side EMI spring (234) electrically connected to the first side wall, and a second side EMI spring (236) electrically connected to the second side wall (136). Each EMI spring has a base (210) and a distal end opposite to the base, with a deflectable portion (214) between the base and the distal end. The base is disposed at the corresponding cage wall, the distal end engages the corresponding cage wall, and the deflectable portion is spaced apart from the cage wall and deflectable toward the cage wall. A first corner EMI spring (310) is located on the outside of the first corner of the socket cage. The first corner EMI spring has a first corner EMI spring mating interface configured to engage the panel at the first corner (170) of the panel opening. The socket cage assembly (108) further includes a second corner EMI spring (312) located outside the second corner of the socket cage (110). The second corner EMI spring has a second corner EMI spring mating interface configured to engage the panel (150) at the second corner (172) of the panel opening (152). The first corner EMI spring (310) includes a first spring member extending from the leftmost top EMI spring (230) and a second spring member extending from the uppermost first side EMI spring (234). The second corner EMI spring includes a third spring member extending from the rightmost top EMI spring and a fourth spring member extending from the uppermost second side EMI spring (236). Wherein, the distal end (306) of the first spring member engages the distal end of the second spring member, the distal ends of the first spring member and the distal ends of the second spring member are configured to engage the first corner (170) of the panel (150), and wherein the distal end of the third spring member engages the distal end of the fourth spring member, the distal ends of the third spring member and the distal ends of the fourth spring member are configured to engage the second corner (172) of the panel.

8. The socket cage assembly (108) according to claim 7, wherein, The first corner EMI spring (310) is located between the top EMI spring (230) and the first side EMI spring (234), and the second corner EMI spring is located between the top EMI spring and the second side EMI spring (236).

9. The socket cage assembly (108) according to claim 7, wherein, The shape of the first corner EMI spring (310) is different from that of the top EMI spring (230) and also different from that of the first side EMI spring (234).

10. The socket cage assembly (108) according to claim 7, wherein, The first corner EMI spring (310) is configured to engage the panel to the left side of the top EMI spring (230) and above the first side EMI spring (234) in the panel opening, and wherein the second corner EMI spring is configured to engage the panel to the right side of the top EMI spring and above the second side EMI spring (236) in the panel opening.

11. The socket cage assembly (108) according to claim 7, wherein, The first corner EMI spring mating interface and the second corner EMI spring mating interface are aligned with the deflectable portion (214) of the EMI spring (202) to engage the panel.

12. The socket cage assembly (108) according to claim 7, wherein, The first corner EMI spring (310) extends from at least one of the top EMI spring (230) and the first side EMI spring (234).

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