Connector system

Abstract

18. The heat dissipation device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the bridge slits the upper edge of the base and the lower edge of the base are formed on a pair of opposite ends of the heat dissipation device, wherein the bridge slits the upper edge of the base and the lower edge of the base are formed on a pair of opposite ends of the heat dissipation device.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the application whose applicant is "Morris Co., Ltd.", whose application date is September 19, 2018, whose application number is 201880057551.8, and whose invention name is "Radiator with protective slope". Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of electrical connectors, and more particularly to the field of input / output (I / O) connectors configured to manage thermal energy. Background Art

[0003] Input / output (I / O) connectors are commonly used to connect computers, routers, and switches between chassis or racks. Commonly used I / O connector types include Small Form-factor Pluggable (SFP), Quad Form-factor Pluggable (QSFP), miniSAS, miniSAS HD, and PCIe 8x. Regardless of the vendor, these connectors consist of plugs and receptacles defined by a standard body and intended to provide reliable performance.

[0004] A typical I / O connector system includes a cable assembly and a board-mounted connector. The cable assembly typically includes a pair of plug connectors at opposite ends of a cable, configured to transmit signals over a desired distance. The board-mounted connector is typically a receptacle located on a panel, configured to receive and mate with the plug connector.

[0005] As data rates increase, one issue that is difficult to overcome is the physical limitations of the medium used to transmit signals between two plug connectors. For example, passive cables are cost-effective for shorter distances, but tend to be limited in distance as signal frequencies increase. Active copper and fiber optic cables are well-suited to transmitting signals over longer distances, but require power and, therefore, often create thermal issues if the connector system is not designed appropriately. However, one of the major issues with the increased use of active cable assemblies is the added thermal burden placed on the system using such assemblies. Trying to cool a module housed in a guide frame or housing is more challenging. Therefore, some people would appreciate improvements in thermal management in receptacle systems for I / O connectors.

[0006] Various configurations have been used to manage heat in I / O connectors, particularly in rack-mounted systems. Typically, the rack includes a housing configured with an upper port and a lower port. In such an arrangement, the upper port is slightly exposed from the exterior of the rack, while the lower port is positioned so as not to be visible from the outside. In such an arrangement, a heat sink can be conveniently adapted to engage a module that is not located in the lower port but rather in the upper port. In such situations, other thermal management structures have been employed, such as directed air flow and other heat transfer methods, such as thermally conductive elastic fingers located in the heat sink that are adapted to engage the module and channel heat energy to the outside. These methods can be costly and use valuable space, which limits options for adjacently positioned I / O connectors, particularly in high-density architectures. Summary of the Invention

[0007] A connector system includes a housing assembly, a heat-conductive heat sink, and a connector mounted in the housing assembly. The heat sink includes a base, a slope extending downward from the base, and a base extending downward from the base. A thermal interface material is disposed on the lower surface of the base. A module can be inserted into the housing assembly and connected to the connector and the heat sink. Heat energy generated by the module is transferred to the heat sink, which dissipates the heat by convection. During insertion of the module into the housing assembly, the slope protects a leading edge of the thermal interface material from contact with the module.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present application, a connector system is provided, comprising: a cover assembly, comprising a first upper wall, a lower wall, and two side walls extending between the first upper wall and the lower wall, the first upper wall, the lower wall, and the two side walls forming a port having a front end and a rear end, the first upper wall having a radiator hole extending therethrough; a heat-conducting radiator, arranged on the first upper wall, the radiator comprising: a base; a slope extending from a lower surface of the base, the slope having a front surface extending from the lower surface of the base to an end, the front surface At least a portion of the surface is inclined; and a base extending from the lower surface of the base, the base having a flat lower surface, the slope being located in front of the base, the lower surface of the base being close to the first upper wall, and the slope and the base extending through the heat sink hole and into the port; and a thermal interface material disposed on the flat lower surface of the base, the thermal interface material having a leading edge close to the slope; wherein a connector can be mounted on the cover assembly, and a module can be mounted in the port for connection to the heat sink and the connector.

[0009] Wherein, the thermal interface material is fixed to the base through a thermally conductive adhesive.

[0010] Wherein, the multiple walls are all heat conductive.

[0011] Wherein, the front surface of the base is rounded.

[0012] Wherein, the front surface of the base has a fillet radius between 1.0 mm and 1.5 mm.

[0013] The end of the slope is spaced apart from the lower surface of the base by a first distance, and the lower surface of the base is spaced apart from the lower surface of the base by a second distance, and the second distance is greater than the first distance.

[0014] The second distance is 0.10 mm to 0.20 mm greater than the first distance.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present application, a connector system is provided, comprising: a cover assembly, the cover assembly including a main body configured to form an enclosure, a lower cover, a rear panel, and an intermediate portion or a shell for a radiator assembly; a radiator assembly, the radiator assembly shell and a portion of the side wall of the main body forming a radiator assembly retaining space for mounting the radiator assembly, the radiator assembly including a radiator and a mounting bracket arranged on the radiator, the mounting bracket including a pressure element.

[0016] In which, the mounting bracket includes a frame, the pressure element extends from the frame, and the frame is formed by a front wall, a rear wall, side walls extending between the front wall and the rear wall, and an intermediate wall extending between the side walls, and the front wall, the rear wall, the side walls, and the intermediate wall extend in the same horizontal plane.

[0017] Wherein, a front opening is defined by the front wall, the middle wall and the portion of the side wall between the front wall and the middle wall; a rear opening is defined by the rear wall, the middle wall and the portion of the side wall between the rear wall and the middle wall.

[0018] Wherein, retaining clips extend from both the front wall and the rear wall.

[0019] Wherein, the pressure element includes a front pressure element and a rear pressure element, the front pressure element extends obliquely relative to the surface of the frame body and extends from the front wall and overlaps with the front opening, and the rear pressure element extends obliquely relative to the surface of the frame body and extends from the middle wall and overlaps with the rear opening.

[0020] The front pressure element and the rear pressure element are both able to bend relative to the frame to be aligned with the surface of the frame.

[0021] The heat sink comprises: a base; a plurality of heat sinks extending upward from an upper surface of the base; a slope and a base extending downward from a flat or planar lower surface of the base.

[0022] A first notch is formed on the base and extends upward from the lower surface; a second notch is formed on the base and extends upward from the lower surface.

[0023] The first notch and the second notch are offset transversely to a center line of the heat sink in a manner that makes the heat sink symmetrical.

[0024] The radiator assembly shell includes an upper wall and a lower wall that are spaced apart from each other but connected to each other, a first protrusion is formed by the lower wall and extends into the radiator hole, and a second protrusion is formed by the lower wall on the opposite side of the radiator hole and extends into the radiator hole.

[0025] The first protrusion and the second protrusion are offset from each other transversely to a center line of the heat sink hole.

[0026] The upper wall and the lower wall are connected by a front wall, the front wall extends between the front end of the upper wall and the front end of the lower wall, and a plurality of support walls extend between the upper wall and the lower wall at a position spaced apart from the front wall.

[0027] According to another embodiment of the present application, a connector system is provided, comprising: a cover assembly, the cover assembly including a main body, a lower cover, a rear panel and an intermediate portion or a shell for a radiator assembly configured to form an enclosure; a radiator assembly, the radiator assembly shell and a portion of the side wall of the main body forming a radiator assembly retaining space for mounting the radiator assembly; a stacking connector installed in the cover assembly, the cover assembly providing a function for connecting a lower module to the stacking connector and engaging the radiator assembly, and the cover assembly also providing a function for connecting an upper module to the stacking connector; and a gasket fixed around the front edge of the main body, the front edge of the lower cover and the front edge of the front wall of the shell for the radiator assembly.

[0028] When the connector system is installed on a rack, the gasket can engage a side frame of the rack.

[0029] Wherein, the upper module is placed on the upper port, the lower module is placed on the lower port, the gasket includes elastic fingers extending into the upper port and the lower port and elastic fingers extending away from the upper port and the lower port, the elastic fingers extending into the upper port and the lower port are configured to engage the upper module and the lower module inserted into the upper port and the lower port, and the elastic fingers extending away engage the frame.

[0030] The gasket has a plurality of openings, and the plurality of openings are aligned with a plurality of openings on the front wall of the housing for the radiator assembly.

[0031] The present application also provides a connector system, comprising: a cover assembly, the cover assembly including a body configured to form an enclosure, a lower cover, a rear panel, and an intermediate portion or a shell for a radiator assembly; a radiator assembly, the radiator assembly shell and a portion of the side wall of the body forming a radiator assembly retaining space for mounting the radiator assembly; a stacking connector installed in the cover assembly, the cover assembly providing a function for connecting a lower docking plug module to the stacking connector and engaging the radiator assembly, and the cover assembly also providing a function for connecting an upper docking plug module to the stacking connector; wherein the body includes an upper wall and side walls extending downward from the opposite side edges of the upper wall at opposite side edges of the upper wall, thereby forming a generally U-shaped passage from the front end of an opening to the rear end of an opening, and the upper wall and the side walls have openings passing therethrough to allow air flow AF to flow through.

[0032] The lower cover includes a lower wall and side walls extending upward from opposite edges of the lower wall, so that a generally U-shaped passage is formed from an open front end to an open rear end.

[0033] The rear panel has a rear wall, an upper tab extending forward from an upper edge of the rear wall, and side tabs extending forward from opposite side edges of the rear wall. The rear wall may have a plurality of openings extending therethrough to allow air to flow through.

[0034] The radiator assembly shell includes an upper wall and a lower wall that are spaced apart from each other but connected to each other, the upper wall and the lower wall are connected by a front wall, the front wall extends between the front end of the upper wall and the front end of the lower wall, the front wall has a plurality of openings passing through it to allow air flow, and the upper wall and the lower wall may have a plurality of openings passing through it to allow air flow.

[0035] A radiator hole is provided through the lower wall and is spaced apart from the front edge and the rear edge of the lower wall. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] The present invention is illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the accompanying figures, in which like references indicate similar parts, and in which:

[0037] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a connector system;

[0038] Figure 2 It is an exploded perspective view of the connector system;

[0039] Figure 3 It is a cutaway view of the connector system;

[0040] Figure 4 It is a cutaway view of a portion of the connector system;

[0041] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a heat sink assembly of a connector system;

[0042] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A perspective view of a radiator assembly;

[0043] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 a perspective view of a radiator of the radiator assembly;

[0044] Figure 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a heat sink assembly of the connector system;

[0045] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 a perspective view of a radiator of the radiator assembly;

[0046] Figure 10 This is a bottom view of a radiator assembly housing. Figure 5 A radiator assembly is mounted therein, and a gasket is attached to the radiator;

[0047] Figure 11 It is a shell for radiator assembly, Figure 10 A cutaway view of the radiator assembly and gasket;

[0048] Figure 12 is an enlarged perspective view of a body of the connector system;

[0049] Figure 13 is an enlarged perspective view of a lower cover of the connector system;

[0050] Figure 14 is an enlarged perspective view of a rear panel of the connector system;

[0051] Figure 15is an enlarged perspective view of a housing for a radiator assembly;

[0052] Figure 16 This is a side view of a portion of the lower module joining the heat sink;

[0053] Figure 17 This is a side view of a portion of the lower module further engaged with the heat sink;

[0054] Figure 18 is a side view of a portion of a modified lower module coupled to a heat sink; and

[0055] Figure 19 A schematic diagram showing heat flow in a connector system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] Although the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, what is shown in the drawings and described in detail herein are specific embodiments, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be viewed as an illustration of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to that shown and described herein. Thus, unless otherwise indicated, the features disclosed herein may be combined to form additional combinations not shown for the sake of clarity. It will also be appreciated that in some embodiments, one or more components shown by way of example in the drawings may be eliminated and / or replaced with additional components within the scope of the present invention.

[0057] A connector system 20 includes a housing assembly 22, a heat sink assembly 24, and a stacked connector 26 mounted within the housing assembly 22. The housing assembly 22 provides for connecting a lower mating plug module 28 to the stacked connector 26 and engaging the heat sink assembly 24. The housing assembly 22 also provides for connecting an upper mating plug module (not shown) to the stacked connector 26. The stacked connector 26 includes a plurality of laterally spaced tabs and is located on a circuit substrate (not shown). A plurality of light pipes 32 are disposed within the housing assembly 22 and provide an indication of the connection between the lower module 28 and the stacked connector 26, as well as the connection between the upper module and the stacked connector 26.

[0058] like Figure 5 、 Figure 6 and Figure 8 As shown, the heat sink assembly 24 is formed of a thermally conductive material and includes a heat sink 34 and a mounting bracket 36 disposed on the heat sink 34 .

[0059] like Figures 5 to 9As shown, in one embodiment, the heat sink 34 includes a base 38, a plurality of fins 40 extending upward from an upper surface 38a of the base 38, a slope 42, and a pedestal 44 extending downward from a flat or planar lower surface 38b of the base 38. The plurality of fins 40 are arranged to conduct heat away from the base 38 and dissipate heat by convection.

[0060] The front end 42a of the ramp portion 42 is close to but spaced from a front end 38c of the base portion 38. The ramp portion 42 has a front surface 52 that is inclined relative to the lower surface 38b of the base portion 38. The front surface 52 extends from the lower surface 38b of the base portion 38 to a distal end 54 that is offset from the lower surface 38b by a distance D1, see Figure 17 and Figure 18 At least a portion of the front surface 52 is inclined relative to the lower surface 38b of the base 38 and extends from the end 54. The front surface 52 may be provided with a plurality of inclined surfaces. The front surface 52 may include a flat vertical portion extending between the lower surface 38b of the base 38 and the inclined portion. The slope 42 also has a flat surface 58 located at the rear edge of the slope 42. The flat surface 58 may be vertical or inclined relative to the lower surface 38b of the base 38.

[0061] The base 44 is located rearward of the ramp 42. The base 44 has a front end 60, a flat or horizontal lower surface 62 extending from the front end 60, and a rear surface extending rearward from the lower surface 62. The rear surface of the base 44 is proximate to, but spaced apart from, a rear end 38d of the base 38. In some embodiments, the rear surface of the base 44 is curved. The lower surface 62 of the base 44 is offset from the lower surface 38b by a distance D2.

[0062] A first notch or recess 46 is formed in the base 44 and extends upwardly from the lower surface 38b, while a second notch or recess 48 is formed in the base 38 and extends upwardly from the lower surface 38b. The recesses 46, 48 are offset across a centerline of the heat sink 34 in a manner that makes the heat sink 34 symmetrical.

[0063] A thermal interface material (TIM) 66 formed of a thermally conductive material is disposed on the lower surface 62 of the base 44 to reduce the thermal resistance between the heat sink 34 and the lower module 28. Consequently, the TIM 66 forms a flat or planar lower surface 67 having a leading edge 68a and a trailing edge 68b. In the illustrated embodiment, the TIM 66 is formed of a compressible material, but generally, other materials varying in compressibility and type of thermally conductive material are contemplated. The TIM 66 combats inadequate cooling caused by a dry joint between the heat sink base 38 and the lower module 28 due to high thermal resistance. The lower surface 67 of the TIM 66 is offset from the lower surface 38b by a distance D3 that is greater than the distance D2.

[0064] In the best Figure 16 and Figure 17 In a first embodiment shown, distance D1 is smaller than distance D2, for example, ranging from 0.10 mm to 0.20 mm, and may be 0.15 mm, so that distal end 54 of ramp portion 42 is spaced apart from lower surface 62 of base 44. In this embodiment, ramp portion 42 and base 44 are separated from each other by a portion of lower surface 38 b of base 38, thereby forming a space 70. Rear surface 58 of ramp portion 42 extends from distal end 54 to lower surface 38 b of base 38. In this embodiment, front end 60 of base 44 is a curved surface that extends downward from lower surface 38 b of base 38 to lower surface 62 of base 44, such that leading edge 68 a is located within space 70 and proximate to lower surface 38 b of base 38. In one embodiment, this front curved surface is rounded with a radius R, for example, ranging from 1.0 mm to 1.5 mm, and may be 1.25 mm. A thermal interface material 66 is disposed on the front end 60 and the lower surface 62 of the base 44 , and the thermal interface material 66 may be disposed on the rear surface 64 of the base 44 .

[0065] During use, the lower module 28 is inserted into the cover assembly 22, with a front insertion edge 72 of the lower module 28 first contacting the inclined front surface 52 of the ramp 42, sliding along the ramp 42, and over the distal end 54. The front insertion edge 72 of the lower module 28 then engages the thermal interface material 66 at its most advanced edge within the radiused front end 60, allowing the lower module 28 to slide along the radiused front end 60, thereby ensuring minimal engagement between the lower module 28 and the thermal interface material 66. Thus, essentially only sliding contact exists between the lower module 28 and the radiused front end 60 of the base 44. The leading edge 68a of the thermal interface material 66 is protected from engagement with the front insertion edge 72 of the lower module 28 because the leading edge 68a of the thermal interface material 66 is located within the space 70 and is completely out of the path of the lower module 28 during insertion of the lower module 28 into the cover assembly 22. The lower module 28 continues to be inserted into the cover assembly 22 until the heat sink 34 and lower module 28 are fully engaged.

[0066] In such Figure 18 In the best-illustrated embodiment, distance D1 is greater than distance D3, such that distal end 54 of ramp portion 42 is in a spaced relationship from lower surface 67 of thermal interface material 66. In a first alternative, ramp portion 42 and base 44 are separated from one another by a portion of lower surface 38b of base 38, thereby forming space 70. Rear surface 58 of ramp portion 42 extends from distal end 54 to lower surface 38b of base 38. In this first embodiment, front end 60 of base 44 extends downward from lower surface 38b of base 38 to lower surface 62 of base 44 and may be a curved surface. Thermal interface material 66 is disposed on front end 60 of base 44 such that leading edge 68a is within space 70 and proximate to lower surface 38b of base 38. Thermal interface material 66 is also disposed on lower surface 62 of base 44 and may be disposed on rear surface 64 of base 44. In a second alternative embodiment, ramp portion 42 and base 44 are not separated from each other by a portion of lower surface 38 b of base portion 38, thereby eliminating space 70. Rear surface 58 of ramp portion 42 extends from distal end 54 to lower surface 62 of base 44. Thermal interface material 66 is disposed on front end 60 and lower surface 62 of base 44 such that leading edge 68 a of thermal interface material 66 abuts or is proximate to rear surface 58 of ramp portion 42. Thermal interface material 66 is also disposed on lower surface 62 of base 44, and thermal interface material 66 may be disposed on rear surface 64 of base 44.

[0067] During use, the lower module 28 is inserted into the cover assembly 22, and the front insertion edge 72 of the lower module 28 first contacts the inclined front surface 52 of the ramp 42, slides along the ramp 42, and passes over the distal end 54. The front insertion edge 72 of the lower module 28 then slides over the leading edge 68a of the thermal interface material 66 on the base 44 without contacting the leading edge 68a, and then slides further through the thermal interface material 66 until the lower module 28 is fully inserted into the cover assembly 22. To provide contact between the lower module 28 and the thermal interface material 66 once the lower module 28 is fully inserted into the cover assembly 22, the lower module 28 includes a recess 74 on an upper surface 28a of the lower module 28. When the recess 74 of the lower module 28 is aligned with the ramp 42, the ramp 42 falls into the recess 74, which causes the thermal interface material 66 on the base 44 to contact the non-recessed portion of the upper surface 28a of the lower module 28. This engagement results in improved heat transfer between the lower module 28 and the heat sink 34. The recess 74 may include a sloped or radiused surface to allow the lower module 28 to be withdrawn and prevent the lower module 28 from catching on the ramp 42 during removal. The leading edge 68a of the thermal interface material 66 is protected from engaging the front insertion edge 72 of the lower module 28 because the leading edge 68a of the thermal interface material 66 is above the end 54 of the ramp 42 and is completely out of the path of the lower module 28 during insertion of the lower module 28 into the cover assembly 22.

[0068] In use, the thermal interface material 66 is disposed between the lower module 28 and the heat sink 34 to facilitate heat transfer from the lower module 28 , through the heat sink 34 , and out of the enclosure assembly 22 .

[0069] Thermal interface material 66 is typically secured to heat sink 34 via a thermally conductive adhesive.

[0070] In one embodiment, if Figures 5 to 7 As shown, the plurality of fins 40 are elongated and extend from the front end 38c of the base 38 to the rear end 38d of the base 38, thereby forming a plurality of elongated channels 76 extending from the front end 38c to the rear end 38d. In this configuration, the air flow AF is restricted to a unidirectional path through the plurality of channels 76.

[0071] In such Figure 8 and Figure 9 In an alternative embodiment shown, the heat sink 34 includes an array of fins 40 in which intersecting channels 76 create a pillar-like layout. In this configuration, the air flow AF is not constrained to a one-way path, but can be multi-directional and flow near the plurality of fins 40 with the least resistance flow path with the least likelihood of stagnation. This layout provides the maximum surface area of the plurality of fins 40 exposed to the air.

[0072] In yet another embodiment, the cooling fins 40 are eliminated and the heat sink 34 includes a base 38 and a ramp 42 and a base 44 extending downwardly from a flat or planar lower surface 38b of the base 38. The heat sink 34 includes structure for providing liquid cooling.

[0073] In one embodiment, if Figure 5 As shown, the mounting bracket 36 includes a frame 78 and pressure-applying members 80, 82 extending from the frame 78. As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the frame 78 is formed by a front wall 84, a rear wall 86, side walls 88, 90 extending between the front and rear walls 86, and a center wall 92 extending between the side walls 88, 90. These walls 84, 86, 88, 90, 92 extend in the same horizontal plane. A front opening 94 is defined by the front wall 84, the center wall 92, and the portions of the walls 88, 90 between the front and rear walls 84, 92. A rear opening 96 is defined by the rear wall 86, the center wall 92, and the portions of the side walls 88, 90 between the rear and rear walls 86, 92. Retaining clips 98 extend from both the front and rear walls 84, 86. The front pressure-applying member 80 extends obliquely relative to the surface of the frame 78 and extends from the front wall 84, overlapping the front opening 94. The rear pressure member 82 extends obliquely relative to the surface of the frame 78 and extends from the intermediate wall 90 and overlaps the rear opening 96. The pressure members 80, 82 are flexible relative to the frame 78 to align with the surface of the frame 78. Other types of mounting brackets with pressure members can also be provided.

[0074] The mounting bracket 36 is mounted on the heat sink 34 by the retaining clips 98 such that the frame 78 abuts the upper surface of the plurality of fins 40 and the pressure members 80, 82 extend upward from the plurality of fins 40. In an unflexed position, the pressure members 80, 82 are tilted relative to the plurality of fins 40. The pressure members 80, 82 can be flexed to engage the plurality of fins 40. The retaining clips 98 engage the fins 40 of the heat sink 34 to secure the mounting bracket 36 to the heat sink 34. If the fins 40 are removed from the heat sink 34, the frame 78 abuts the upper surface 38a of the base 38 and the pressure members 80, 82 extend upward from the base 38.

[0075] In the drawings, a particular enclosure assembly 22 is shown, with it being understood that other configurations may be used with the heat sink 34 .

[0076] As shown, the enclosure assembly 22 includes a body 120, a lower cover 122, a rear panel 124, and an intermediate portion or heat sink assembly housing 126 configured to form an enclosure. The body 120, lower cover 122, rear panel 124, and heat sink assembly housing 126 are all thermally conductive. The body 120, lower cover 122, and rear panel 124 form a shielding assembly for components mounted therein. The heat sink assembly housing 126 provides a mounting for the heat sink assembly 24 within the enclosure assembly 22.

[0077] like Figure 12 As shown, the body 120 includes an upper wall 128 and side walls 130, 132 extending downward from opposite edges of the upper wall 128, thereby forming a generally U-shaped passage 134 from an open front end 136 to an open rear end 138. These walls 128, 130, 132 may have an opening 140 therethrough to allow airflow AF to flow therethrough. In one embodiment, each of the side walls 130, 132 has a notch 142, 144 extending rearwardly from the front end 136 to a predetermined length and upwardly from a lower end 146 of the respective side wall 130, 132 to a predetermined height.

[0078] like Figure 13 As shown, the lower cover 122 includes a lower wall 148 and side walls 150, 152 extending upward from opposite edges of the lower wall 148, so that a generally U-shaped passage 154 is formed from an open front end 156 to an open rear end 158.

[0079] like Figure 14 As shown, the rear panel 124 has a rear wall 160, an upper tab 162 extending forward from an upper edge of the rear wall 160, and side tabs 164, 166 extending forward from opposite side edges of the rear wall 160. The rear wall 160 may have a plurality of openings 168 therethrough to allow airflow AF to flow therethrough.

[0080] To assemble the body 120, lower cover 122, and rear panel 124 into an enclosure, the side walls 150 of the lower cover 122 are positioned within the notches 142 of the body 120, while the side walls 152 of the lower cover 122 are positioned within the notches 144 of the body 120, and the body 120 and lower cover 122 are suitably secured to one another. For example, locking fingers on the body 120 can be inserted into slots in the lower cover 122 to secure the body 120 and cover 122 together. Tabs 162, 164, 166 on the rear panel 124 engage and suitably secure corresponding walls 128, 130, 132 of the body 120. The lower wall 148 of the lower cover 122 does not extend the entire length of the upper wall 128 of the body 120, thereby providing a lower opening 170 at the rear of the enclosure assembly 22.

[0081] like Figure 15 As shown, the heat sink assembly housing 126 includes an upper wall 172 and a lower wall 174 that are spaced apart from each other but connected to each other. As shown, the upper wall 172 and the lower wall 174 are connected by a front wall 176 that extends between the front ends of the upper wall 172 and the front ends of the lower wall 174. A plurality of support walls 178 (only one of which is shown) extend between the upper wall 172 and the lower wall 174 at locations spaced apart from the front wall 176. The front wall 176 has a plurality of openings 180 extending therethrough to allow airflow AF to pass therethrough. The upper wall 172 and the lower wall 174 may have a plurality of openings extending therethrough to allow airflow AF to pass therethrough. A heat sink aperture 184 is provided through the lower wall 174 and is spaced apart from the leading and trailing edges of the lower wall 174. A first tab 186 is formed by the lower wall 174 and extends into the heat sink aperture 184. A second tab 188 is formed by the lower wall 174 on an opposite side of the radiator aperture 184 and extends into the radiator aperture 184. The tabs 186, 188 are offset from one another transversely to a centerline of the radiator aperture 184.

[0082] The heat sink assembly housing 126 is mounted within the body 120 such that the side edges of the upper wall 172 and the side edges of the lower wall 174 are adjacent to the inner surfaces of the corresponding side walls 130, 132 of the body 120. The front wall 176 (if provided) is generally aligned with the front edge of the upper wall 128 and the front edges of the side walls 130, 132 of the body 120, and is generally aligned with the front edge of the lower wall 148 of the lower cover 122. The rear ends of the upper wall 172 and the rear ends of the lower wall 174 are aligned or generally aligned with the front edge of the lower opening 170. The upper wall 172 and the lower wall 174 are suitably secured to the side walls 130, 132, for example, by using locking tabs seated in the openings. The heat sink assembly housing 126 and a portion of the side walls 130, 132 of the body 120 form a heat sink assembly retaining space 192 for mounting the heat sink assembly 24.

[0083] The lower surface 38b of the base 38 of the heat sink 34 is proximate to the upper surface of the lower wall 174, and the ramp 42 and base 44 extend through the heat sink aperture 184 of the lower wall 174. The pressure members 80, 82 of the mounting bracket 36 engage the lower surface of the upper wall 172 and force the lower surface 38b of the base 38 of the heat sink 34 against the upper surface of the lower wall 174. The heat sink assembly is seated within the recesses 46, 48 of the heat sink 34 using the tabs 188, 190 of the housing 126.

[0084] A lower port 194 is defined between the lower wall 174 of the heat sink assembly housing 126, lower portions of the side walls 130, 132 of the body 120, and the lower cover 122. As described herein, the lower module 28 is seated within the lower port 194. An upper port 196 is defined between the upper wall 172 of the heat sink assembly housing 126, upper portions of the side walls 130, 132 of the body 120, and the upper wall 128 of the body 120. The upper module is seated within the upper port 196.

[0085] Gaskets 198, 200, 202 are secured around the front edge of the body 120, the front edge of the lower cover 122, and the front edge of the heat sink assembly housing 126 (if provided). When the connector system 20 is mounted in a rack (not shown), the gaskets 198, 200, 202 provide an electromagnetic interference (EMI) seal, wherein the gaskets 198, 200, 202 engage a bezel (not shown) of the rack. The gaskets 198, 200, 202 include resilient spring fingers that extend into the ports 194, 196 and resilient fingers that extend away from the ports 194, 196. The resilient fingers that extend into the ports 194, 196 are configured to engage the modules 28, 30 inserted into the ports 194, 196, while the resilient fingers that extend away engage the bezel. The spacer 202 has a plurality of openings 204 that align with the plurality of openings 180 on the front wall 176 of the heat sink assembly housing 126 .

[0086] To assemble the stackable connector 26 with the cage assembly 22 , the stackable connector 26 is inserted through the lower opening 170 and into the interior of the cage assembly 22 .

[0087] Based on the fact that the lower module 28 is inserted into the lower port 194 and docks with the stacking connector 26 , the heat sink 34 is referred to as a riding heat sink.

[0088] against Figure 16 and Figure 17In the first embodiment shown, the lower module 28 is inserted into the lower port 194, and the front insertion edge 72 of the lower module 28 first contacts the inclined front surface 52 of the ramp 42, slides along the inclined front surface 52, and passes over the distal end 54. This causes the front portion of the heat sink 34 to move upward, while the rear portion of the heat sink 34 remains engaged with the lower wall 174 of the heat sink assembly housing 126. The tabs 188, 190 of the heat sink assembly housing 126 and the recesses 46, 48 on the heat sink 34 provide a registration feature that prevents the heat sink 34 from tilting (canting), and thereby prevents the heat sink 34 from becoming wedged within the heat sink assembly housing 126. In addition, the tabs 188, 190 and recesses 46, 48 hold the heat sink 34 in place and do not allow the heat sink 34 to move forward or rearward within the heat sink assembly housing 126. As the front portion of the heat sink 34 is displaced upward, the front pressure member 80 flexes between the heat sink 34 and the upper wall 172, providing a downward reaction force on the heat sink 34. This maintains constant contact between the upper surface of the lower module 28 and the heat sink 34, thereby creating a thermally conductive connection. As the lower module 28 is further inserted into the lower port 194, the front insertion edge 72 of the lower module 28 subsequently engages the forwardmost portion of the area of the thermal interface material 66 covering the rounded front end 60 of the base 44, causing the lower module 28 to slide along the rounded front end 60. This causes the front portion of the heat sink 34 to be displaced further upward. As the heat sink 34 is displaced upward, the front pressure member 80 flexes between the heat sink 34 and the upper wall 172, providing a downward reaction force on the heat sink 34. After the lower die block 28 slides past the rounded front end 60, the upper surface of the lower die block 28 slides along the lower surface of the thermal interface material 66 covering the lower surface 62 of the base 44, thereby displacing a portion of the rear portion of the heat sink 34 upward. As the rear portion of the heat sink 34 displaces upward, the rear pressure member 82 flexes between the heat sink 34 and the upper wall 172 and provides a downward reaction force on the heat sink 34. The lower die block 28 continues to slide relative to the heat sink 34 until the lower die block 28 is fully inserted into the cover assembly 22 and engages the connector 26.

[0089] against Figure 18In the second embodiment shown, the lower module 28 is inserted into the lower port 194, with the front insertion edge 72 of the lower module 28 first contacting the inclined front surface 52 of the ramp 42, sliding along the inclined front surface 52, and over the distal end 54. This causes the heat sink 34 to move upward. The tabs 188, 190 on the heat sink assembly housing 126 and the recesses 46, 48 on the heat sink 34 provide a registration feature that prevents the heat sink 34 from tilting and, thereby, becoming wedged within the heat sink assembly housing 126. Furthermore, the tabs 188, 190 and recesses 46, 48 hold the heat sink 34 in place and prevent it from moving forward or rearward within the heat sink assembly housing 126. As the heat sink 34 moves upward, the pressure members 80, 82 flex between the heat sink 34 and the upper wall 172, providing a downward reaction force on the heat sink 34. 42 , which causes the pressure elements 80 , 82 to displace the heat sink 34 downwardly so that the thermal interface material 66 on the base 44 contacts the upper surface of the lower module 28 .

[0090] This thermally conductive connection allows heat energy generated in the lower module 28 to be transferred to the heat sink 34 for dissipation. Air flow AF passes through the cover assembly 22 and through the passages 76 to dissipate heat energy generated by the lower module 28 of the connector system 20. Figure 19 A schematic diagram showing heat flow.

[0091] Air flows through various openings, such as openings 140 , 168 , 180 , 204 , providing a path for thermal energy removal.

[0092] While various embodiments are contemplated, it should be noted that the illustrated thermal path between the lower module 28 and the environment is configured such that air flow AF enters and exits the enclosure assembly 22 through the front and rear ends of the enclosure assembly 22 and various openings in the wall and flows through the passage 76 to dissipate thermal energy transferred to the fins 40 of the heat sink 34. The air flow AF throughout the enclosure assembly 22 may be forced by a fan defining an intake and an exhaust.

[0093] Although specific embodiments have been shown and described with reference to the drawings, it is contemplated that various modifications may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Thus, it will be appreciated that the scope of the present disclosure and the appended claims is not limited to the specific embodiments shown and discussed with reference to the drawings, and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure and the appended claims. Furthermore, although the foregoing description and associated drawings describe example embodiments in the context of certain example combinations of components and / or functions, it will be appreciated that different combinations of components and / or functions may be provided through additional embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure and the appended claims.

Claims

1. A connector system comprising: A cover assembly comprising a first upper wall, a lower wall, and two side walls extending between the first upper wall and the lower wall, wherein the first upper wall, the lower wall, and the two side walls form a port having a front end and a rear end, and the first upper wall has a radiator hole extending therethrough; a heat-conductive heat sink disposed on the first upper wall, the heat sink comprising: a base; a slope extending from a lower surface of the base, the slope having a front surface extending from the lower surface of the base to an end, at least a portion of the front surface being inclined; and a base extending from the lower surface of the base, the base having a flat lower surface, the slope being located in front of the base, the lower surface of the base being proximal to the first upper wall, and the slope and base extending through the heat sink hole and into the port; and a thermal interface material disposed on the flat lower surface of the base, the thermal interface material having a leading edge proximate to the slope; A connector can be installed on the cover assembly, and a module can be installed in the port for connecting to the heat sink and the connector.

2. The connector system of claim 1, wherein: The thermal interface material is fixed to the base through a thermally conductive adhesive.

3. The connector system of claim 1, wherein: The upper wall, the lower wall, and the two side walls are all heat-conducting.

4. The connector system of claim 1, wherein: The front surface of the base is rounded.

5. The connector system of claim 1, wherein: The front surface of the base has a fillet radius between 1.0 mm and 1.5 mm.

6. The connector system of claim 1, wherein: The end of the slope is spaced apart from the lower surface of the base by a first distance, and the lower surface of the base is spaced apart from the lower surface of the base by a second distance, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance.

7. The connector system of claim 6, wherein: The second distance is 0.10 mm to 0.20 mm greater than the first distance.

8. A connector system comprising: a housing assembly comprising a body configured to form an enclosure, a lower cover, a rear panel, and an intermediate portion or housing for the heat sink assembly; A radiator assembly, wherein the radiator assembly uses a shell and a portion of the side wall of the body to form a radiator assembly holding space for mounting the radiator assembly, the radiator assembly includes a radiator and a mounting bracket provided on the radiator, the mounting bracket including a pressure element, The heat sink comprises: a base; a plurality of heat sinks extending upward from an upper surface of the base; a slope and a base extending downward from a flat lower surface of the base; and a thermal interface material disposed on the flat lower surface of the base, the thermal interface material having a leading edge close to the slope.

9. The connector system of claim 8, wherein: The mounting bracket includes a frame, the pressure-applying element extends from the frame, the frame is formed by a front wall, a rear wall, side walls extending between the front wall and the rear wall, and an intermediate wall extending between the side walls, the front wall, the rear wall, the side walls, and the intermediate wall extending in the same horizontal plane.

10. The connector system of claim 9, wherein: A front opening is defined by the front wall, the middle wall, and a portion of the side wall between the front wall and the middle wall; a rear opening is defined by the rear wall, the middle wall, and a portion of the side wall between the rear wall and the middle wall.

11. The connector system of claim 9, wherein: Retention clips extend from both the front wall and the rear wall.

12. The connector system of claim 10, wherein: The pressure element includes a front pressure element and a rear pressure element. The front pressure element extends obliquely relative to the surface of the frame and extends from the front wall and overlaps with the front opening. The rear pressure element extends obliquely relative to the surface of the frame and extends from the middle wall and overlaps with the rear opening.

13. The connector system of claim 12, wherein: The front pressure element and the rear pressure element are both flexible relative to the frame to be aligned with a surface of the frame.

14. The connector system of claim 8, wherein: a first recess formed in the base and extending upward from the lower surface; A second recess is formed in the base and extends upward from the lower surface.

15. The connector system of claim 14, wherein: The first notch and the second notch are offset transversely to a centerline of the heat sink in a manner that makes the heat sink symmetrical.

16. The connector system of claim 14, wherein: The radiator assembly housing includes an upper wall and a lower wall that are spaced apart from each other but connected to each other, a first protrusion is formed by the lower wall and extends into the radiator hole, and a second protrusion is formed by the lower wall on the opposite side of the radiator hole and extends into the radiator hole.

17. The connector system of claim 16, wherein: The first tab and the second tab are offset from each other transversely to a centerline of the heat sink hole.

18. The connector system of claim 16, wherein: The upper wall and the lower wall are connected by a front wall extending between the front ends of the upper wall and the lower wall, and a plurality of support walls extend between the upper wall and the lower wall at positions spaced apart from the front wall.

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