Receptacle cage for a receptacle connector assembly

Abstract

A socket cage (110) includes a cage wall (114) including a top wall (130), a first side wall (134), a second side wall (136), and a bottom wall (132). The cage wall forms a module passage (118) configured to receive a pluggable module (106). The cage wall extends between a front end (140) and a rear end (142) of the socket cage. The socket cage includes a lifting device (200) located in the module passage proximate the bottom wall. The lifting device is distal from the front end. The lifting device has a lifting surface (202) configured to engage the pluggable module and lift the pluggable module into the module passage to an elevated position clear of the bottom wall.

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 receives a pluggable module (e.g., an I / O module) electrically connected to the communication connector. The receptacle cage provides electrical shielding, such as EMI shielding, for the pluggable module. Some communication systems provide heat sinks attached to the receptacle cage to dissipate heat from the pluggable module. The heat sink is typically mounted to the receptacle cage by clips or springs that provide a downward force to press the heat sink into the receptacle cage to mat with the pluggable module.

[0003] The known receptacle cage is not without its drawbacks. For example, when a pluggable module is loaded into the receptacle cage, the top of the pluggable module engages with the heat sink and biases it outwards. The top of the pluggable module rubs against the bottom of the heat sink as it is loaded into the receptacle cage. This friction between the pluggable module and the heat sink causes wear on the surfaces of both the heat sink and the module. Furthermore, interference between the pluggable module and the heat sink increases the load on the pluggable module. Additionally, space is required above the heat sink to allow it to move upwards during mating. Furthermore, hardware is needed to hold the heat sink on the receptacle cage, allow outward movement of the heat sink, and provide spring force to press the heat sink downwards against the pluggable module for efficient thermal bonding between them.

[0004] There is still a need for a socket cage that provides improved thermal fit between the pluggable module and the heat transfer device. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to the present invention, a receptacle cage for a receptacle connector assembly is provided. The receptacle cage includes a cage wall comprising a top wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, and a bottom wall. The cage wall forms a module channel configured to receive a pluggable module. The cage wall extends between a front end and a rear end of the receptacle cage. The receptacle cage includes a lifting device located in the module channel near the bottom wall. The lifting device is located away from the front end. The lifting device has a lifting surface configured to engage the pluggable module and lift the pluggable module into the module channel to an elevated position away from the bottom wall.

[0006] According to the present invention, a receptacle connector assembly is provided. The receptacle connector assembly includes a cage wall comprising a top wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, and a bottom wall. The cage wall forms a module channel configured to receive a pluggable module. The cage wall extends between a front end and a rear end of the receptacle cage. The top wall includes a top opening. The receptacle connector assembly includes a heat transfer device above the top wall. The heat transfer device includes a heat transfer surface aligned with the top opening. The receptacle connector assembly includes a lifting device located in the module channel near the bottom wall. The lifting device is located away from the front end. The lifting device has a lifting surface configured to engage the pluggable module and lift the pluggable module to an elevated position away from the bottom wall, in thermal contact with the heat transfer surface of the heat transfer device. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a front perspective view of a communication system formed according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2 This is a front perspective view of a pluggable module of a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0009] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a socket cage.

[0010] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a pluggable module partially loaded into a socket cage.

[0011] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a pluggable module fully loaded into a socket cage.

[0012] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a pluggable module partially loaded into a socket cage.

[0013] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a pluggable module fully loaded into a socket cage.

[0014] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a pluggable module partially loaded into a socket cage.

[0015] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a pluggable module fully loaded into a socket cage. Detailed Implementation

[0016] Figure 1This is a front perspective view of a communication system 100 formed according to an exemplary embodiment. The communication system 100 includes a circuit board 102 and a socket connector assembly 104 mounted to the circuit board 102. A pluggable module 106 (such as...) Figure 2 The location shown is 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.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle connector assembly 104 includes a receptacle cage 110 and a communication connector 112 (shown in dashed lines) near the receptacle cage 110. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the communication connector 112 is received within the receptacle cage 110. In various other embodiments, the communication connector 112 may be located behind the receptacle cage 110. In various embodiments, the receptacle cage 110 encloses the communication connector 112 and provides electrical shielding thereto. The receptacle cage 110 is configured to surround at least a portion of the pluggable module 106 and provide shielding for the pluggable module 106.

[0018] The socket cage 110 includes a plurality of cage walls 114 surrounding a cavity 116. In various embodiments, the cavity 116 may receive a communication connector 112. The cavity 116 defines one or more module channels 118 to receive corresponding pluggable modules 106. The cage walls 114 may be walls defined by solid sheets, perforated walls allowing airflow through them, walls with cutouts (e.g., for allowing heat sinks or radiators to pass through them), or walls defined by rails or beams with relatively large openings (e.g., for allowing airflow through them). In an exemplary embodiment, the socket cage 110 is a shielded, stamped cage member, wherein the cage walls 114 are shielding walls.

[0019] In the illustrated embodiment, the receptacle cage 110 includes a single module channel 118 for receiving a single pluggable module 106. The receptacle cage 110 has a port that opens at the front of the receptacle cage 110 to receive the pluggable module 106. In various embodiments, any number of module channels 118 can be provided. For example, in an alternative embodiment, the receptacle cage 110 can be configured as a stacked cage member having upper and lower module channels 118 to receive a plurality of stacked pluggable modules 106. The upper and lower module channels 118 can be arranged in a single row; however, in an alternative embodiment, the receptacle cage 110 can include multiple rows of grouped module channels 118 (e.g., 2x2, 3x2, 4x2, 4x3, etc.). In various other embodiments, instead of a stacked cage member, the receptacle cage 110 can include a single row of grouped module channels 118 (e.g., 1x2, 1x4, etc.). Alternatively, multiple communication connectors 112 may be arranged within the socket cage 110, for example when multiple columns or rows of module channels 118 are provided.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, the cage wall 114 of the socket 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 socket cage 110 may not have a bottom wall 132. The socket 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 116. For example, the cavity 116 may be defined by the top wall 130, the bottom wall 132, the side walls 134, 136, and the rear wall 138. Other cage walls 114 may divide or partition the cavity 116 into multiple module channels 118, such as stacked or grouped module channels. For example, the cage wall 114 may include a divider (not shown). The divider may be a horizontal divider located between the upper and lower module channels 118. In other various embodiments, the divider may define a vertical divider plate (not shown), for example parallel to the sidewalls 134, 136.

[0021] And / or in an exemplary embodiment, the communication connector 112 is received in a cavity of the receptacle cage 110, for example, near the rear wall 138. However, in an alternative embodiment, the communication connector 112 may be located behind the rear wall 138 outside the receptacle cage 110 and extend into a cavity 116 to mate with the pluggable module(s) 106. For example, the rear wall 138 may include an opening for its receiving component. The communication connector 112 is coupled to a circuit board 102. The receptacle cage 110 is mounted to the circuit board 102 above the communication connector 112.

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, the pluggable module 106 is loaded into the receptacle cage 110 via a 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. One or more washers may be disposed at the front end 140 to abut against the pluggable module 106 to electrically connect the receptacle cage 110 to the pluggable module 106 and shield any gaps between the pluggable module 106 and the receptacle cage 110 to prevent EMI leakage through these gaps. Multiple washers may extend around the exterior of the receptacle cage 110 at the front end 140 to abut against a panel (not shown).

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle connector assembly 104 may include one or more heat sinks 144 for dissipating heat from the pluggable modules 106(106). For example, the heat sink 144 may be coupled to a top wall 130 to engage the pluggable module 106 when received in a module channel 118. The heat sink 144 may extend through an opening in the top wall 130 to directly engage the pluggable module 106. In an exemplary embodiment, the heat sink 144 may be fixed relative to a cage wall 114. For example, the heat sink 144 may be fixed relative to the top wall 130. The heat sink 144 may be fixed to the cage wall 114 by clips, fasteners, welding, adhesives, or other securing means. In various other embodiments, the heat sink 144 may be movable relative to the cage wall 114. For example, spring clips may be used to coupled the heat sink 144 to the cage wall 114, allowing the heat sink 144 to move relative to the top wall 130 (e.g., outward movement when coupled to the pluggable module 106). A spring clip can apply a downward biasing force to the heat sink 144 to press it into thermal contact with the pluggable module 106. The heat sink 144 can be a finned heat sink with heat dissipation fins extending from it, for example, from the top of the heat sink, to dissipate heat into the air flowing around the heat sink 144. Other types of heat sinks can be provided in alternative embodiments. For example, the heat sink 144 can be a thermal bridge with multiple stacked plates, or it can be a cold plate with a liquid flowing through it for active cooling.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, the socket cage 110 includes a lifting device 200 in the cavity 116. Figure 1 (Illustrated schematically) This is used to guide the pluggable module 106 into engagement with the heat sink 144. When the pluggable module 106 is fully loaded into the module channel 118, the lifting device 200 brings the pluggable module 106 into thermal contact with the heat sink 144. In an exemplary embodiment, the lifting device 200 lifts the mating end of the pluggable module 106 toward the heat sink 144 to drive the pluggable module 106 into thermal contact with the heat sink 144. In an exemplary embodiment, when the pluggable module 106 is inserted into the module channel, the pluggable module 106 is free to move relative to the heat sink 144 until the loading process is complete, in which case the lifting device 200 interacts with the pluggable module 106 and presses the pluggable module 106 into engagement with the heat sink 144. For example, during most of the loading process, a gap is provided between the pluggable module 106 and the heat sink 144 when the pluggable module 106 is loaded into the module channel 118. Once the pluggable module 106 is docked with the lifting device 200, it moves to engage with the heat sink 144, for example, at the end of the loading process. By separating the pluggable module 106 from the heat sink 144 for most of the loading process, the insertion force of the pluggable module 106 is reduced. Furthermore, wear on the surfaces of the heat sink 144 and the pluggable module 106 is reduced.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a front 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. For example, the pluggable body 180 may include an upper housing 190 and a lower housing 192. The upper housing 190 includes a top wall 191. The lower housing 192 includes a bottom wall 193. The upper housing 190 and / or the lower housing 192 includes side walls 194, 195. The pluggable body 180 includes a cavity 196 defined between the upper housing 190 and the lower housing 192. In an exemplary embodiment, the pluggable body 180 may be thermally conductive and / or electrically conductive to provide EMI shielding for the pluggable module 106. For example, the upper housing 190 and the lower housing 192 may be die-cast housings made of a metallic material (e.g., aluminum). The pluggable body 180 includes a mating end 182 and an opposing front end 184. The front end 184 can be a cable end, having a cable extending from it to another component within the system. The mating end 182 is configured to insert into the corresponding module channel 118 (e.g., ...). Figure 1 (as shown in the image).

[0026] Pluggable module 106 includes module circuit board 186 configured to be communicatively connected to communication connector 112 (e.g., Figure 1 (As shown in the diagram). The module circuit board 186 has an edge 188 at the front end 184, which is configured to plug into the communication connector 112 (as shown in the diagram). Figure 1 The module circuit board 186 is located in a slot (as shown). Contact pads are disposed at edges 188, for example, along the upper and lower surfaces of the module circuit board 186, to electrically connect with the contacts of the communication connector 112. The module circuit board 186 is received in a cavity 196 and surrounded by an upper housing 190 and a lower housing 192. The module circuit board 186 is receptable at mating ends 182. The module circuit board 186 may include components, circuitry, etc., for operating and / or using the pluggable module 106. For example, the module circuit board 186 may have conductors, traces, pads, electronics, sensors, controllers, switches, inputs, outputs, etc., associated with the module circuit board 186, which can be mounted to the module circuit board 186 to form various circuits.

[0027] In an exemplary embodiment, the pluggable body 180 provides heat transfer for the module circuit board 186, such as for electronic components on the module circuit board 186. For example, the module circuit board 186 is in thermal communication with the upper housing 190 and / or the lower housing 192. The pluggable body 180 transfers heat from the module circuit board 186. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper housing 190 is configured to communicate with the heat sink 144 (e.g., Figure 1The pluggable body 180 (shown) is docked to dissipate heat from the pluggable module 106. In various embodiments, the pluggable body 180 may include a plurality of heat-transfer fins (not shown) along at least a portion of the pluggable module 106, such as the top wall. The fins transfer heat from the main housing of the pluggable body 180, and thus from the module circuit board 186 and associated components. In the illustrated embodiment, the fins are longitudinally extending parallel plates; however, in alternative embodiments, the fins may have other shapes, such as cylindrical or other shaped pillars.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a communication system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment, showing the socket cage 110. The lifting device 200 is in... Figure 3 The diagram illustrates the heat sink 144. Figure 3 The heat sink 144 is shown as being connected to a socket cage 110. For example, a heat sink 144 is connected to a top wall 130. In an exemplary embodiment, the heat sink 144 extends through a top opening 131 in the top wall 130. The heat sink 144 extends into a module channel 118 to mate with a pluggable module 106 when the pluggable module 106 is loaded into the module channel 118. In an exemplary embodiment, the heat sink 144 includes a heat transfer surface 146 configured to mate with the pluggable module 106. The heat transfer surface 146 is disposed at the bottom of the heat sink 144. In various embodiments, the heat transfer surface 146 may be substantially coplanar with the inner surface of the top wall 130. In other various embodiments, the heat sink 144 may extend into the module channel 118 such that the heat transfer surface 146 is below the inner surface of the top wall 130.

[0029] A lifting device 200 is disposed in the module channel 118 near the communication connector 112. The lifting device 200 is configured to engage with the pluggable module 106 at the end of the loading process of loading the pluggable module 106 into the module channel 118 (e.g., when the mating end 182 of the pluggable module 106 is about to mate with the communication connector 112). In the illustrated embodiment, the lifting device 200 is located in the module channel 118 near the bottom wall 132. The lifting device 200 is located away from the front end 140. For example, the lifting device 200 may be located at the rear edge 133 of the bottom wall 132. The lifting device 200 is used to position the mating end 182 of the pluggable module 106 relative to the communication connector 112.

[0030] In an exemplary embodiment, the lifting device 200 has a lifting surface 202 configured to engage the pluggable module 106 and lift the pluggable module 106 into the module channel 118 to an elevated position away from the bottom wall 132. When the pluggable module 106 engages the lifting surface 202, the pluggable module 106 is pushed upward toward the upper wall 130 and toward the heat sink 144 at the upper wall 130. In an exemplary embodiment, the lifting surface 202 is located at a first height 204 above the bottom wall 132. The lifting device 200 is configured to hold the bottom of the pluggable module 106 at the first height 204 in the elevated position spaced apart from and separated from the bottom wall 132.

[0031] In an exemplary embodiment, the lifting surface 202 is located at a first distance 206 from the top wall 130. The bottom wall 132 is located at a second distance 208 from the top wall 130, the second distance 208 being greater than the first distance 206. When the pluggable module 106 is loaded into the module channel 118, the bottom of the pluggable module 106 may be located at the second distance 208. When the pluggable module 106 docks with the lifting device 200, the bottom of the pluggable module 106 is located at the first distance 206, and therefore closer to the top wall 130. When the pluggable module 106 is lifted away from the bottom wall 132, the top of the pluggable module 106 is driven closer to the top wall 130, for example, docking with the heat sink 144. When the pluggable module 106 docks with the lifting device 200, the pluggable module 106 moves toward the top wall 130. In an exemplary embodiment, the pluggable module 106 has a height 198 between the top wall 191 and the bottom wall 193. The height 98 is less than the second distance 208 between the top wall 130 and the bottom wall 132 of the socket cage 110 to provide space in the module channel 118, thereby allowing the pluggable module 106 to move within the module channel 118 (e.g., vertically). The additional space allows the top wall 191 of the pluggable module 106 to be spaced apart from the top wall 130 and the heat sink 144. For example, the top of the pluggable module 106 can be spaced apart from the heat sink 144 before docking with the lifting device 200 to reduce insertion force and reduce wear on the heat sink 144 and the pluggable module 106.

[0032] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a communication system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a pluggable module 106 partially loaded into a socket cage 110. Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of a communication system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a pluggable module 106 fully loaded into a socket cage 110.

[0033] Figure 4 and Figure 5The device includes a front lifting device 300. The front lifting device 300 is located near the front end 140 of the socket cage 110. The front lifting device 300 holds the pluggable module 106 away from the bottom wall 132. The front lifting device 300 includes a front lifting surface 302. In an exemplary embodiment, the pluggable module 106 is suspended in a lifted position between the front lifting surface 302 of the front lifting device 300 and the lifting surface 202 of the lifting device 200. For example, the front lifting device 300 supports the front end 184 of the pluggable module 106, and the lifting device 200 supports the mating end 182 of the pluggable module 106. In an exemplary embodiment, the pluggable module 106 is loaded into the module channel 118 at a slight angle. For example, the mating end 182 is loaded into the module channel 118 above the front lifting device 300. The mating end 182 engages the bottom wall 132 and slides along the bottom wall 132 above the front lifting device 300. When the mating end 182 engages with the lifting device 200, the mating end 182 is lifted away from the bottom wall 132 to suspend the pluggable module 106 between the lifting surfaces 202 and 302.

[0034] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a communication system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a pluggable module 106 partially loaded into a socket cage 110. Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of a communication system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a pluggable module 106 fully loaded into a socket cage 110.

[0035] In an exemplary embodiment, the lifting device 200 includes a ramp 220. The ramp 220 has an inclined surface 222 extending between a bottom wall 132 and a lifting surface 202. The inclined surface 222 begins at a front portion 224 of the ramp 220. The lifting surface 202 is located at the peak of the ramp 220. The lifting surface 202 may be located at the top of the ramp 220. The lifting surface 202 may be positioned at a rear portion 226 of the ramp 220. In an exemplary embodiment, the inclined surface 222 is flat with an inclination angle. In various other embodiments, the inclined surface may be curved, for example, gradually sloping at the front portion 224 and sharply sloping at the rear portion 226. The lifting surface 202 may be a point. Alternatively, the lifting surface may be a flat surface at the peak of the ramp 220 (e.g., the ramp 220 may be stable).

[0036] Ramp 220 is configured to engage with pluggable module 106 at the end of the loading process of loading pluggable module 106 into module channel 118 (e.g., when mating end 182 of pluggable module 106 is about to engage with communication connector 112). In the illustrated embodiment, ramp 220 is located at the rear edge 133 of bottom wall 132, away from front end 140.

[0037] During loading of the pluggable module 106 into the module channel 118, the pluggable module 106 slides along the inner surface of the bottom wall 132. The pluggable module 106 has a reduced height compared to the height of the module channel 118 to position the top wall 191 of the pluggable module 106 in a position spaced apart from the heat transfer surface 146 of the top wall 130 and the heat sink 144 (e.g., to reduce surface wear during loading). When the pluggable module 106 engages the ramp 220, the ramp 220 is used to lift the mating end 182 of the pluggable module upward into the module channel 118. The bottom wall 193 is lifted away from the bottom wall 132. The top wall 191 moves upward toward the heat sink 144. The pluggable module 106 slides along the inclined surface 222 to the lifting surface 202. As the pluggable module 106 moves along the ramp 220 to the lifting surface 202, the pluggable module 106 is pushed upward toward the heat sink 144. The top wall 191 of the pluggable module 106 is pushed into thermal engagement with the heat transfer surface 146. At the end of the loading process, in the fully loaded device ( Figure 7 The pluggable module 106 engages the lifting surface 202. Thus, the pluggable module 106 engages the heat transfer surface 146 at the end of the loading process. In the fully loaded position, the ramp 220 holds the bottom wall 193 of the pluggable module 106 in an elevated position spaced apart from and separated from the bottom wall 132. As the pluggable module is loaded into the module channel 118, during partial loading ( Figure 6 For example, before engaging ramp 220 and when moving along the front of inclined surface 222, pluggable module 106 may be spaced apart from heat sink 144.

[0038] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a communication system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a pluggable module 106 partially loaded into a socket cage 110. Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of a communication system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a pluggable module 106 fully loaded into a socket cage 110.

[0039] In an exemplary embodiment, the lifting device 200 includes a cam roller 240. The cam roller 240 is rotatable relative to the socket cage 110. The cam roller 240 can be automatically actuated, for example, during loading and unloading processes by engaging with the pluggable module 106. In various other embodiments, the cam roller 240 is manually actuated, for example by a lever or actuator accessible from the outside of the socket cage 110. The cam roller 240 includes a recess 242 that receives the bottom edge of the pluggable module 106. The recess 242 is defined by a lifting surface 202 and an actuating surface 244. The cam roller 240 can be in a receiving position ( Figure 8 ) and elevation position ( Figure 9The recess 242, in its receiving position, faces the front end 140 of the socket cage 110 to receive the bottom edge of the pluggable module 106. As the pluggable module 106 is received in the recess 242 and continues to move in the loading direction, the pluggable module 106 engages the actuating surface 244. The movement of the pluggable module 106 in the loading direction and its contact with the actuating surface 244 cause the cam roller 240 to rotate. As the cam roller 240 rotates, the lifting surface 202 engages the bottom wall 193 of the pluggable module 106 and lifts the pluggable module 106 away from the bottom wall 132. The lifting surface 202 is movable relative to the bottom wall 193 and moves with the cam roller 240.

[0040] Cam roller 240 is configured to engage with pluggable module 106 at the end of the loading process, which involves loading pluggable module 106 into module channel 118 (e.g., when mating end 182 of pluggable module 106 is about to engage with communication connector 112). In the illustrated embodiment, cam roller 240 is located at the rear edge 133 of bottom wall 132, away from front end 140.

[0041] During loading of the pluggable module 106 into the module channel 118, the pluggable module 106 slides along the inner surface of the bottom wall 132. The pluggable module 106 has a reduced height compared to the height of the module channel 118 to position the top wall 191 of the pluggable module 106 in a position spaced apart from the top wall 130 and the heat transfer surface 146 of the heat sink 144 (e.g., to reduce surface wear during loading). When the pluggable module 106 engages the cam roller 240, the cam roller 240 is used to lift the mating end 182 of the pluggable module upward into the module channel 118. The bottom wall 193 is lifted away from the bottom wall 132. The top wall 191 moves upward toward the heat sink 144. As the cam roller 240 rotates, the lifting surface 202 pushes the pluggable module 106 upward toward the heat sink 144. The top wall 191 of the pluggable module 106 is pushed into thermal engagement with the heat transfer surface 146. The pluggable module 106 engages the heat transfer surface 146 at the end of the loading process (e.g., when the cam roller 240 rotates to the raised position). In the fully loaded position, the cam roller 240 holds the bottom wall 193 of the pluggable module 106 in a raised position spaced apart from and separated from the bottom wall 132. As the pluggable module is loaded into the module channel 118, during partial loading ( Figure 8 For example, before engaging the cam roller 240 and when the cam roller 240 rotates from the receiving position to the lifting position, the pluggable module 106 can be spaced apart from the heat sink 144.

Claims

1. A socket cage (110) for a socket connector assembly (104), comprising: The cage wall (114) includes a top wall (130), a first side wall (134), a second side wall (136) and a bottom wall (132), the cage wall forming a module channel (118) configured to receive a pluggable module (106), the cage wall extending between the front end (140) and the rear end (142) of the socket cage; A lifting device (200) is located in the module channel near the bottom wall, the lifting device being away from the front end, the lifting device having a lifting surface (202) configured to engage the pluggable module and lift the pluggable module into the module channel to a raised position away from the bottom wall; as well as A front lifting device (300) located at the front end (140) is configured to lift the pluggable module (106) away from the bottom wall (132), wherein the front lifting device and the lifting device (200) are configured to suspend the pluggable module between them at a lifting position spaced apart from the bottom wall.

2. The socket cage (110) of claim 1, wherein, The lifting surface (202) is located at a first height (204) above the bottom wall (132).

3. The socket cage (110) of claim 1, wherein, The lifting surface (202) is located at a first distance (206) from the top wall (130), and the bottom wall (132) is located at a second distance from the top wall, the second distance being greater than the first distance.

4. The socket cage (110) of claim 1, wherein, The lifting surface (202) is movable relative to the bottom wall (132).

5. The socket cage (110) of claim 1, wherein, The lifting device (200) is movable relative to the bottom wall (132).

6. The socket cage (110) of claim 1, wherein, The lifting device (200) includes a cam roller (240) rotatable relative to the bottom wall (132), and the lifting surface (202) rotates with the cam roller.

7. The socket cage (110) of claim 1, wherein, The lifting device (200) includes an actuator accessible from the outside of the socket cage, which is actuated to move the lifting surface (202) relative to the bottom wall (132).

8. The socket cage (110) of claim 1, wherein, The lifting device (200) includes a ramp (220) having an inclined surface (222), the lifting surface (202) being positioned near the distal end of the inclined surface.

9. The socket cage (110) of claim 1, wherein, The top wall (130) includes a top opening (131) configured to receive a heat transfer device (144), and the lifting device (200) is configured to drive the pluggable module (106) to engage with the heat transfer device when the pluggable module is loaded into the module channel (118).

10. The socket cage (110) of claim 9, wherein, The module channel (118) is sized and shaped to receive the pluggable module (106) without engaging the heat transfer device (144) until the pluggable module docks with the lifting device (200).

11. The socket cage (110) of claim 1, wherein the module channel (118) has a first height at the front end between the top wall (130) and the bottom wall (132), and wherein the module channel has a second height between the top wall and the lifting surface (202), the second height being less than the first height.

12. The socket cage (110) of claim 1, wherein, The bottom wall (132) includes a rear edge (133), the cage wall (114) includes a rear wall (138) at the rear end (142), the socket cage includes an opening aligned with the bottom wall between the rear edge and the rear wall, the opening being configured to receive a communication connector, and the lifting device is located at the rear edge (133).

13. A socket connector assembly (104), comprising: The cage wall (114) includes a top wall (130), a first side wall (134), a second side wall (136), and a bottom wall (132), the cage wall forming a module channel (118) configured to receive a pluggable module (106), the cage wall extending between the front end (140) and the rear end (142) of the socket cage, the top wall including a top opening (131). A heat transfer device (144) above the top wall (130), the heat transfer device including a heat transfer surface (146) aligned with the top opening. A lifting device (200) is located in the module channel near the bottom wall (132), the lifting device is away from the front end (140), the lifting device has a lifting surface (202) configured to engage the pluggable module (106) and lift the pluggable module to an elevated position away from the bottom wall, and to have thermal contact with the heat transfer surface (146) of the heat transfer device (144); as well as A front lifting device (300) located near the front end (140) is configured to lift the pluggable module (106) away from the bottom wall (132), wherein the front lifting device and the lifting device (200) are configured to suspend the pluggable module between them at a lifting position spaced apart from the bottom wall.

14. The socket connector assembly (104) as claimed in claim 13, wherein, The heat transfer device (144) extends through the top opening (131) such that the heat transfer device is located inside the module channel (118) to interface with the pluggable module (106).

15. The socket connector assembly (104) as claimed in claim 13, wherein, The heat transfer device is fixed relative to the top wall (130) and the bottom wall (132), and the lifting device (200) is configured to move the pluggable module (106) relative to the heat transfer device (144) to drive the pluggable module toward the heat transfer device when the pluggable module is loaded into the module channel (118).

Images