Insert key assembly and chassis for removably receiving a pluggable module

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a chassis with an insertion key assembly for a pluggable module. Specifically, an insertion key assembly for a pluggable module is disclosed. The insertion key assembly includes a stopper element with a stop tab, a biasing element, and a driver element with a drive tab. The biasing element is connected to the stopper element and the driver element. In the relaxed state of the biasing element: i) the stopper element is pushed outward by the biasing element so that the stop tab protrudes into a passage defined by multiple walls of the chassis, thereby preventing the pluggable module from being inserted into the passage, and ii) the driver element is pushed outward by the biasing element so that the drive tab protrudes into an adjacent passage. In the biased state of the biasing element, the stopper element is pulled inward by the biasing element so that the stop tab retracts from the passage and allows the pluggable module to be inserted into the passage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to electronic systems including pluggable modules. Background Art

[0002] The chassis of an electronic system (such as a networking system, a server system, or a storage system) may include a path (or slot) for receiving and fixing various pluggable modules (or removable electronic devices) of the electronic system. The pluggable module may include a switch device, a small form-factor removable (SFP) transceiver device, a non-volatile memory express (NVMe) storage drive, a power supply device, a fan tray, a module card, a line card, etc. The pluggable module can be inserted into an electronic system to perform one or more functions, such as transmitting data, receiving data, processing data, storing data, supplying power, etc. Summary of the invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an insertion key assembly for a pluggable module, comprising: a stopper element including a stop tab; a biasing element connected to the stopper element, and a driver element including a drive tab extending from the stopper element or connected to the stopper element via the biasing element. The biasing element and the driver element and the stopper element are disposed in a hollow space between a pair of side walls formed in a plurality of side walls of a chassis; or are disposed on a base wall or a cover wall of the chassis. In a relaxed state of the biasing element, the stopper element is pushed outward by the biasing element, so that the stop tab protrudes into a passage defined by the plurality of side walls of the chassis to prevent the pluggable module from being inserted into the passage. In a biased state of the biasing element, the stopper element is pulled inward by the biasing element, so that the stop tab is retracted from the passage to allow the pluggable module to be inserted into the passage.

[0004] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a chassis for removably accommodating a pluggable module, the chassis comprising: a plurality of side walls defining passages and adjacent passages; and an insertion key assembly coupled to at least one wall of a pair of side walls among the plurality of side walls. The insertion key assembly comprises: a stopper element comprising a stop tab; a biasing element connected to the stopper element, and a driver element comprising a drive tab extending from the stopper element or connected to the stopper element via the biasing element. The biasing element and portions of the driver element and the stopper element are: disposed in a hollow space formed between the pair of side walls; or disposed on a base wall or a cover wall of the chassis. In a relaxed state of the biasing element, the stopper element is pushed outward by the biasing element, so that the stop tab protrudes into the passage to prevent the pluggable module from being inserted into the passage. In the biased state of the biasing element, the stopper element is pulled inward by the biasing element, thereby retracting the stop tab from the passage to allow the pluggable module to be inserted into the interior of the passage so as to removably accommodate the pluggable module in the chassis. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Various examples will be described below with reference to the following drawings.

[0006] Figure 1 An electronic system including a pluggable module and a chassis having an insert key assembly is illustrated according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0007] Figure 2A The present invention illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 A perspective front view of the insert key assembly.

[0008] Figure 2B The present invention illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 A perspective rear view of the insert key assembly.

[0009] Figure 3A The present invention illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 A perspective view of a portion of a chassis having an adjacent passageway of the chassis viewed from the Figure 1 and Figure 2A-2B Insert key component.

[0010] Figure 3B The present invention illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 A perspective view of another portion of the chassis having a passageway viewed from the chassis Figure 1 and Figure 2A-2B Insert key component.

[0011] Figure 4A A top view of a portion of a chassis having a plurality of Figure 1 , Figure 2A-2B and Figure 3A-3B Insert key component.

[0012] Figure 4B A top view of a portion of a chassis having another pluggable module inserted into an adjacent passageway of the chassis and a biased state is illustrated according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 , Figure 2A-2B and Figure 3A-3B Insert key component.

[0013] Figure 5 Illustrated is a perspective view of an insert key assembly according to another example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] Fig. 6A A perspective top view of a portion of a chassis having a plurality of components in a relaxed state according to other example embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. Figure 5 Insert key component.

[0015] Figure 6B A perspective bottom view of a portion of a chassis having a plurality of chassis components in a relaxed state according to other example embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. Figure 5 Insert key component. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. Where possible, the same reference numerals are used in the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or similar parts. However, it will be clearly understood that the drawings are for illustration and description purposes only. Although several examples are described in this document, modifications, adaptations and other embodiments are possible. Therefore, the following detailed description does not limit the disclosed examples. On the contrary, the proper scope of the disclosed examples may be defined by the appended claims.

[0017] The terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing examples, and are not intended to be limited. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "one", "a kind of" and "the" as used herein are intended to also include plural forms. The term "multiple" as used herein is defined as two or more. The term "another" as used herein is defined as at least the second or more. Unless otherwise indicated, the term "connection" as used herein is defined as connection, whether directly connected without any intervening element or indirectly connected by means of at least one intervening element. Two elements can be mechanically connected, electrically connected or linked by communication channels, paths, networks or system communications. The term "and / or" as used herein refers to and covers any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will also be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc. can be used to describe various elements in this article, these elements should not be limited by these terms, because unless otherwise stated or the context indicates otherwise, these terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. As used herein, the term "includes" means including but not limited to, and the term "including" means including but not limited to. The term "based on" means at least partially based on. As used herein, the term "biasing member" may refer to a type of flexible component that can be compressed / rotated by applying a force and maintained in a compressed / rotated position, and returns to the original position from the compressed / rotated position when the applied force is released. For example, the biasing member can be a spring, such as a torsion spring, a leaf spring, etc. As used herein, the term "electronic system" may refer to a type of computing system, such as a server system, a storage system, a power conversion system, or a networking system, which includes a chassis having the following: i) an elongated passage for receiving a pluggable module, and ii) a connector or modular port for connecting the received pluggable module to the electronic system. As used herein, the term "pluggable module" may refer to a type of removable electronic device that is not inherent to the electronic system, or is attached to the electronic system, and may have to be attached by being inserted into the passage and connected to the modular port of the electronic system to transmit, receive, store, process data, supply power, etc. For example, the removable electronic device may be a pluggable transceiver device or a pluggable storage drive or a modular power supply device, etc. The term "modular port" may refer to a type of electronic connector that is inherent to an electronic system or is an integral part of an electronic system and that can be configured to attach a pluggable module to the electronic system. Further, the term "plugging" may refer to installing a pluggable module into a passage and connecting to a modular port of an electronic system by inserting or sliding the pluggable module into the passage (or an adjacent passage) and connecting the receptacle of the pluggable module to the modular port of the electronic system.As used herein, the terms "pathway" and "adjacent path" may refer to a slot and an adjacent slot, respectively, in a chassis of an electronic system that are accessible from the external environment for installing a pluggable module into the electronic system. As used herein, the terms "pluggable module" and "another pluggable module" may be used interchangeably without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Further, it may be noted that the pluggable module and the other pluggable module are substantially similar modules.

[0018] For the purpose of explanation, refer to Figure 1 -6 to describe certain examples. However, the functions of the illustrated components or elements may overlap and may exist in fewer or more number of components or components. Further, all or part of the functions of the illustrated elements may coexist or be distributed among several geographically dispersed locations. In addition, the disclosed examples may be implemented in various environments and are not limited to the illustrated examples. The present disclosure only sets forth possible examples of implementation, and many variations and modifications may be made to the described examples. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure and protected by the following claims.

[0019] The data center environment includes electronic systems, such as server systems, storage systems, networking systems, etc., to deploy one or more workloads (e.g., one or more customers). For example, each electronic system may include a plurality of electronic devices disposed in a corresponding chassis for executing the one or more workloads. The plurality of electronic devices may include blade servers, storage devices, network switches, etc. Further, the chassis of some electronic systems may include a plurality of pathways for receiving pluggable modules and connecting the received pluggable modules to at least one electronic device disposed in the chassis. The pluggable modules may include networking devices (such as transceivers) or storage drivers (such as NVMe storage drivers) or power supply devices, etc. Since some electronic systems provide administrators with the option of inserting / plugging pluggable modules, there may be situations where the administrator may inadvertently install or plug in certain types of pluggable modules that are not supported by the chassis. In order to handle such error events, the electronic system may include an error indicator (e.g., a software-based error indicator) to issue an error flag to the administrator to correct the error. In such cases, if an administrator fails to notice the error flag and does not promptly correct the error, the electronic system may be forced to undergo a shutdown, the performance of the pluggable module and / or the electronic system may be affected, and / or failure of the pluggable module may result.

[0020] In addition, the pluggable module may need to be inserted into a specific passage among multiple passages to efficiently receive cooling fluid from the thermal management system of the data center environment in order to cool the pluggable module disposed within the chassis. For example, the thermal management system may be designed to provide cooling fluid to the pluggable module in a prioritized order. In such examples, if any of the upstream passages (or first passages or adjacent passages or higher priority passages) in the prioritized order are not occupied, and the downstream passages (or second passages or passages or lower priority passages) in the prioritized order are occupied by the pluggable device, the cooling system may not be able to: i) notice the presence of the pluggable module in the downstream passage, and ii) supply cooling fluid to the downstream passage to dissipate waste heat from the pluggable module disposed in the downstream passage. Therefore, the pluggable module inserted in the downstream passage may not operate efficiently and / or may cause failure of the pluggable module.

[0021] A technical solution to the above problem may include providing a chassis with a physical insertion key assembly to control the insertion (or insertion priority) of a pluggable module into the chassis. In one or more examples, the insertion key assembly may include a stopper element that prevents the pluggable module from being inserted into a downstream passage unless the upstream passage is already occupied. In particular, the stopper element may include a stopper tab that protrudes vertically into the second passage to serve as an obstruction to prevent the pluggable module from entering (or being inserted) into the second passage. However, when another pluggable module is inserted into the interior of the first passage, the stopper element may be retracted inwardly (or away from the second passage) from the second passage, thereby allowing the pluggable module to be inserted into the interior of the second passage after another pluggable module is inserted into the interior of the first passage. Therefore, by using a priority insertion key assembly in the chassis instead of (or in addition to) a software-based error indicator, errors or harmful physical configurations that are incompatible with the thermal management system can be reduced or avoided.

[0022] Thus, the plug key assembly of the present disclosure can provide significant electronic system-level advantages, such as thermal, usability, and performance optimization of pluggable modules. Further, the priority plug key having a simple design can be easy to manufacture and assemble, and can be cost-effective. In addition, the plug key assembly can also allow the field employment of the pluggable modules to become much more controlled and prevent the inadvertent misuse of the pluggable modules for the electronic system. By using the plug key assembly in the chassis, a physical stopper element can be implemented instead of or in addition to a software-based error indicator to control the insertion of the pluggable module, thereby preventing the following error configuration, in which the pluggable module is inserted into a lower priority path instead of an available higher priority path in the chassis.

[0023] Therefore, the present disclosure describes an example embodiment of a chassis having an insertion key assembly for a pluggable module (or a pluggable electronic device) of an electronic system. The insertion key assembly includes a driver element, a stopper element, and a biasing element. In one or more examples, the driver element includes a drive tab, and the stopper element includes a stopper tab. In some examples, the driver element extends from the stopper element. In such examples, the biasing element is connected to the driver element and is arranged to contact the stopper element. In some other examples, the driver element is connected to the stopper element via a biasing element. In some examples, in the relaxed state of the biasing element: i) the stopper element is pushed outward by the biasing element, so that the stopper tab protrudes into a passage defined by multiple walls of the chassis to prevent the pluggable module from being inserted into the passage, and ii) the driver element is pushed outward by the biasing element, so that the drive tab protrudes into an adjacent passage defined by multiple walls of the chassis. In the biased state of the biasing element, the stopper element is pulled inward by the biasing element, thereby retracting the stop tab from the passage to allow the pluggable module to be inserted into the passage. In one or more examples, when another pluggable module is inserted into the adjacent passage, the biasing element is moved from the relaxed state to the biased state by the driver element.

[0024] Turning to the attached figure, Figure 1 A perspective view of a chassis 100 and pluggable modules 102 of an electronic system is depicted, such as a networking system, a server system, a storage system, etc. In some examples, the chassis 100 is a box-shaped enclosure formed by a plurality of walls 104 that are connected to each other to define an interior space 106 therebetween. In such examples, the chassis 100 may allow a plurality of electronic devices (not shown) (such as blade servers, rack servers, networking devices, etc.) to be disposed within at least some portion of the interior space 106 of the chassis 100 to form an electronic system. For example, the chassis 100 may include a plurality of containers or shelves positioned within the interior space 106 to receive, accommodate, and support the plurality of electronic devices. In one or more examples, the chassis 100 with such a plurality of electronic devices may be mounted to a rack or enclosure of a data center environment, wherein each of the plurality of electronic devices may execute one or more workloads during operation.

[0025] In some examples, the plurality of walls 104 include a pair of peripheral side walls 108, a rear panel wall 110, a front panel wall (not shown), a base wall 112, a cover wall (not shown), and a plurality of side walls 114. It can be noted that for ease of illustration, Figure 1In some examples, the cover wall and the front panel wall are not shown, and such illustrations should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure. In some examples, the pair of peripheral side walls 108 are arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the lateral direction 10 of the chassis 100 and are coupled to the base wall 112 and the cover wall of the chassis 100. Similarly, the rear panel wall 110 and the front panel wall are arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction 20 of the chassis 100 and are coupled to the base wall 112 and the cover wall of the chassis 100. In some examples, a plurality of side walls 114 are positioned within the interior space 106 of the chassis, between the pair of peripheral side walls 108, and are coupled to the base wall 112 and the top wall of the chassis 100. For example, each of the plurality of side walls 114 may extend along the longitudinal direction 20 and be arranged to be parallel to (or spaced apart from) each other along the lateral direction 10. In such examples, the first end 114-1 of each of the plurality of side walls 114 may be positioned proximate to the front panel wall of the chassis 100, and the second end 114-2 of each of the plurality of side walls 114 may be positioned proximate to the middle section of the chassis 100. In some examples, the plurality of side walls 114 include a pair of first side walls 114A and a pair of second side walls 114B. In such examples, the pair of first side walls 114A, the first portion 112A of the base wall 112, and the first portion of the cover wall may collectively define an adjacent passage 116 (or a first passage or an upstream passage or a higher priority passage) of the chassis 100. Similarly, the pair of second side walls 114B, the second portion 112B of the base wall 112, and the second portion of the cover wall may collectively define a passage 118 (or a second passage or a downstream passage or a lower priority passage) of the chassis 100. In one or more examples, the adjacent passages 116 and the passages 118 are positioned adjacent to each other. In some examples, the first side wall 114A-1 (in the pair of first side walls 114A) Figure 3A ), and the first side wall 114B-1 (in Figure 3B ) are positioned adjacent to each other to form a pair of side walls 114AB. In such examples, the pair of side walls 114AB separates adjacent passages 116 and passages 118 from each other. In some examples, the first side wall 114A-1 and the first side wall 114B-1 of the pair of side walls 114AB are arranged to be spaced apart from each other to define a hollow space 120 between the pair of side walls 114AB. Figure 1In the example of the present disclosure, the chassis 100 includes two passages. In some examples, a chassis 100 having various numbers of passages is contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In some examples, the front panel wall of the chassis 100 may include one or more cutouts 122, such as a first cutout 122A and a second cutout 122B, wherein each of the first cutout 122A and the second cutout 122B is aligned with an adjacent passage 116 and passage 118 of the chassis 100, respectively, to allow a pluggable module (e.g., another pluggable module 103 (e.g., Figure 4B ) and a pluggable module 102) are removably accommodated (or inserted or plugged in) inside the chassis 100 from the external environment.

[0026] In some examples, each of the plurality of side walls 114 may further include one or more locking mechanisms (not shown) to secure the pluggable modules when fully inserted into adjacent passages 116 and / or passages 118 of the chassis 100 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0027] In one or more examples, the chassis 100 further includes an insertion key assembly 124 to manage priority insertion of pluggable modules into the chassis 100. In some examples, the insertion key assembly 124 can prevent the pluggable module 102 from being inserted into the interior of the passage 118 before another pluggable module 103 is inserted into the interior of the adjacent passage 116. In one or more examples, the insertion key assembly 124 includes one or more elements, such as a driver element, a stopper element, and a biasing element (in Figure 2A-2B and Figure 5 For example, the insert key assembly 124 is disposed in the hollow space 120 defined between the pair of side walls 114AB. In some examples, the first side wall 114A-1 of the pair of side walls 114AB includes a first opening 140-1 (in Figure 3A 14B) to allow a portion of the key assembly 124 to protrude into the adjacent passage 116 or retract into the hollow space 120. Similarly, the second side wall 114B of the pair of side walls 114AB includes a second opening 140-2 (in Figure 3B 118 or retracted into the hollow space 120. In the relaxed state of the biasing element: i) the stop element (in Figure 2A-2B and Figure 3B 118) is pushed outward by the biasing element, so that the stop tab of the stopper element protrudes into the passage 118 and prevents the pluggable module 102 from being inserted into the passage 118, and ii) the driver element (in Figure 2A-2B and Figure 3A116, the drive tab of the driver element is pushed outward by the biasing element, thereby causing the drive tab of the driver element to protrude into the adjacent passage 116. Further, in the biased state of the biasing element, the stopper element is pulled inward by the biasing element, thereby causing the stop tab to retract from the passage 118 and allowing the pluggable module 102 to be inserted into the passage 118 without hindrance. In one or more examples, when another pluggable module 103 is inserted into the adjacent passage 116, the biasing element is moved from the relaxed state to the biased state by the driver element. Therefore, the insertion key assembly 124 manages the priority insertion of the pluggable module into the chassis 100. The insertion key assembly 124 is discussed in more detail below.

[0028] The chassis 100 may further include a socket connector, such as a first socket connector and a second socket connector (not shown) disposed at a middle section of the chassis 100. In some examples, the first socket connector and the second socket connector may respectively face adjacent passages 116 and 118 of the chassis 100. In such examples, each of the first socket connector and the second socket connector may be connected to a circuit board (not shown) of an electronic system disposed on the chassis 100.

[0029] In one or more examples, the pluggable module 102 (and / or the other pluggable module 103) may be a networking device (such as a transceiver) or a storage drive (such as an NVMe storage drive) or a power supply device, etc. It may be noted herein that some other types of pluggable modules 102 and another pluggable module 103 may be envisioned without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In some examples, the pluggable module 102 may include a housing section 126 and a handle section 128 coupled to a front end 130 of the housing section 126. In one or more examples, the housing section 126 may accommodate another circuit board (not shown) of the pluggable module 102 within its interior space, and a plug connector (not shown) disposed at a rear end 132 of the housing section 126 connected to the other circuit board. In some examples, another pluggable module 103 and pluggable module 102 may be sequentially disposed inside chassis 100 by plugging or inserting into adjacent passages 116 and passages 118 via first cutouts 122A and second cutouts 122B formed in the front panel wall of chassis 100. In such examples, when another pluggable module 103 is inserted into adjacent passages 116, another plug connector of another pluggable module 103 may be connected to a first receptacle connector disposed in chassis 100 of the electronic device to perform one or more functions. Similarly, when pluggable module 102 is inserted into passage 118, a plug connector of pluggable module 102 may be connected to a second receptacle connector disposed in chassis 100 of the electronic device to perform one or more functions. In some examples, these functions may include, but are not limited to, transceiving data, processing data, storing data, supplying power, etc. without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 2A Depicted Figure 1 A perspective front view of the insert key assembly 124. Figure 2B Depicted Figure 1 A perspective rear view of the insertion key assembly 124. In the following description, for ease of explanation, the Figure 2A and Figure 2B In one or more examples, the insert key assembly 124 includes a driver element 142 , a stopper element 144 , and a biasing element 146 .

[0031] In some examples, the driver element 142 extends directly from the stopper element 144. In some other examples, the driver element 142 can be connected to the stopper element 144 via a suitable coupling mechanism, such as welding, etc., without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In some examples, the driver element 142 and the stopper element 144 can be integrally formed with each other to form a single driver stopper element that is inserted into the key assembly 124.

[0032] In some examples, the driver element 142 may include a first connector tab 142A, a drive tab 142B, a terminal tab 142C, a pair of flanges 142D, and a rod 142E. In one or more examples, the first connector tab 142A is a rectangular tab having a first height "H1". In some examples, a first vertical end portion 142A-1 of the first connector tab 142A extends from a first vertical end portion 144A-1 of the stopper element 144, and a second vertical end portion 142A-2 of the first connector tab 142A extends from a first vertical end portion 142B-1 of the drive tab 142B. A first flange 142D-1 of the pair of flanges 142D extends from a first horizontal end portion 142A-3 of the first connector tab 142A, and a second flange 142D-2 of the pair of flanges 142D extends from a second horizontal end portion 142A-4 of the first connector tab 142A. The rod 142E extends through the pair of flanges 142D and is connected (eg, pivotally connected) to the pair of side walls 114AB (eg, Figure 1 and Figure 3A-3B ) of the first connector contact 142A. In one or more examples, the drive contact 142B is a rectangular contact. The drive contact 142B is inclined at a first angle "α1" relative to the first connector contact 142A. For example, the first angle "α1" may be approximately 200 degrees. Therefore, the drive contact 142B inclined at the first angle "α1" may be positioned downward relative to the first connector contact 142A due to its inclined surface relative to the first connector contact 142A. In some examples, the drive contact 142B may be pushed inward (or moved upward) by a compressive force due to another pluggable module 103 (such as Figure 4B 118) is inserted into the interior of the adjacent passage 116. In one or more examples, the terminal tab 142C can be an "L" shaped tab extending from the second vertical end portion 142B-2 of the drive tab 142B. In one or more examples, the driver element 142 can be used as an actuating element to trigger the biasing element 146 to switch (or move) between the relaxed state and the biased state, thereby causing the stopper element 144 to protrude into the passage 118 or to retract the stopper element 144 away from the passage 118.

[0033] The stopper element 144 includes a second connector tab 144A, a body tab 144B, and a stopper tab 144C. In one or more examples, the second connector tab 144A is a rectangular tab having a second height "H2". In some examples, the second height "H2" is less than the first height "H1". As discussed herein, a first vertical end portion 144A-1 of the second connector tab 144A extends from a first vertical end portion 142A-1 of the first connector tab 142A, and a second vertical end portion 144A-2 of the second connector tab 144A extends from a first vertical end portion 144B-1 of the body tab 144B. In some examples, the second connector tab 144A is a rectangular tab. The second connector tab 144A is inclined at a second angle "α2" relative to the first connector tab 142A. For example, the second angle "α2" may be approximately 40 degrees. Therefore, the second connector tab 144A tilted at the second angle "α2" from the first connector tab 142A can help the main body tab 144B and the stop tab 144C of the stopper element 144 to be positioned upward relative to the first connector tab 142A of the driver element 142. In some examples, the main body tab 144B interconnects the second connector tab 144A with the stop tab 144C. For example, the first vertical end portion 144B-1 of the main body tab 144B extends from the second vertical end portion 144A-2 of the second connector tab 144A. Similarly, the second vertical end portion 144B-2 of the main body tab 144B extends from the stop tab 144C. In some examples, the main body tab 144B is tilted at a third angle "α3" relative to the second connector tab 144A. For example, the third angle "α3" can be approximately -40 degrees. Therefore, the main body tab 144B and the first connector tab 142A can be positioned parallel to each other. In one or more examples, the stop tab 144C is inclined at a fourth angle "α4" relative to the body tab 144B. For example, the fourth angle "α4" can be approximately 90 degrees. Therefore, the stop tab 144C can be configured to protrude vertically into the passage 118 to prevent the pluggable module 102 (such as Figure 1 ) until the retaining tab 144C is retracted from the passage 118 to allow the pluggable module 102 to be inserted into the passage 118 of the chassis 100.

[0034] In some examples, the biasing element 146 is a torsion spring 146A. Figure 2A and Figure 2BIn the example of , the torsion spring 146A includes a coil portion 146A-1, a first elongated end portion 146A-2, and a second elongated end portion 146A-3. In such an example, the torsion spring 146A is connected to the driver element 142 and is configured to contact the stopper element 144. For example, the torsion spring 146-1 is disposed between the pair of flanges 142D and is disposed around the rod 142E. In particular, the coil portion 146A-1 is wrapped around the rod 142E, the first elongated end portion 146A-2 contacts the body tab 144B of the stopper element 144, and the second elongated end portion 146A-3 can contact the pair of side walls 114AB (such as Figure 1 3 ). In some examples, the second connector tab 144A (having a second height "H2" less than the first height "H1" of the first connector tab 142A) may provide a first elongated end portion 146A-2 and a second elongated end portion 146A-3 of the torsion spring 146A to pass over the second connector tab 144A to contact the body tab 144B and the first side wall 114A-1, respectively. In one or more examples, in a relaxed state of the torsion spring 146A, the first elongated end portion 146A-2 may push the body tab 144B, and the second elongated end portion 146A-3 may engage against the first side wall 114A of the pair of side walls 114AB so as to cause the stop tab 144C to protrude into the passage 118 and cause the drive tab 142B to protrude into an adjacent passage 116 of the chassis 100.

[0035] Figure 3A Depicted Figure 1 A perspective view of a portion of the chassis 100 having a portion viewed from an adjacent passage 116 of the chassis 100 Figure 1 and Figure 2A-2B Insert key assembly 124. Figure 3B Depicted Figure 1 A perspective view of another portion of the chassis 100 having a portion viewed from the passage 118 of the chassis 100 Figure 1 and Figure 2A-2B The insertion key assembly 124. In the following description, for the convenience of explanation, the Figure 3A and Figure 3B .

[0036] In one or more examples, the insert key assembly 124 is disposed within the hollow space 120 formed between the pair of side walls 114AB of the chassis 100. For example, a biasing element 146 (such as a torsion spring 146A), as well as a portion of the stopper element 144 and a portion of the driver element 142 are disposed within the hollow space 120. The insert key assembly 124 is further fixed to the support structure of the pair of side walls 114AB. Further, a rod 142E extending through the pair of flanges 142D is pivotally connected to the support structure of the pair of side walls 114AB. Therefore, the first elongated end portion 146A-2 and the second elongated end portion 146-3 of the torsion spring 146A, in a relaxed state: i) pushes the stopper element 144 outward so that the stopper tab 144C protrudes vertically into the passage 118 (such as Figure 3B ) and ii) pushing the driver element 142 outward so that the drive tab 142B protrudes into the adjacent passage 116 (as shown in Figure 3A In one or more examples, the stop tab 144C protruding vertically into the passage 118 prevents the pluggable module 102 (as shown in Figure 1 ) is inserted into the interior of the passage 118. However, the drive tab 142B protruding into the adjacent passage 116 at a certain oblique angle can be inserted into the interior of the passage 118 by inserting another pluggable module 103 (such as Figure 4B 102) is inserted into an adjacent passage 116 and pushed inward, or retracted outward into the adjacent passage 116 by withdrawing another pluggable module 103 from the adjacent passage 116. It can be noted that when the passage 118 is empty or not occupied by a pluggable module 102, the drive tab 142B retracts outward into the adjacent passage 116.

[0037] In some examples, the chassis 100 may include an insert key assembly 224 (eg, Figure 5 ) instead of Figure 1 The insert key assembly 124 has a biasing element 246 (such as a leaf spring 246A) disposed in the hollow space 120 formed between the pair of side walls 114AB, a driver element 242, and a stopper element 244. In some other examples, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the chassis 100 may include the insert key assembly 124 disposed in the hollow space 120 formed between the pair of side walls 114AB, and the insert key assembly 224 disposed on one of the base wall 112 or the cover wall of the chassis.

[0038] Figure 4A Depicted is a top view of a portion of chassis 100 having a Figure 2A-2B and Figure 3A-3B Insert key assembly 124. Figure 4BDepicted is a top view of a portion of chassis 100 having another pluggable module 103 inserted into an adjacent passage 116 and the Figure 2A-2B and Figure 3A-3B The insertion key assembly 124. In the following description, for the convenience of explanation, the Figure 4A and Figure 4B .

[0039] refer to Figure 4A , when the insert key assembly 124 is installed in the hollow space 120 defined between the pair of side walls 114AB, the torsion spring 146A is positioned in a relaxed state. In one or more examples, in the relaxed state of the torsion spring 146A, the drive tab 142B protrudes into the adjacent passage 116 at a certain inclined angle through the first opening 140-1 formed in the first side wall 114A-1, and the stop tab 144C protrudes vertically into the passage 118 through the second opening 140-2 formed in the first side wall 114B-1. In such examples, the stop tab 144C prevents the pluggable module 102 (such as the pluggable module 103) from being inserted into the adjacent passage 116 before another pluggable module 103 is inserted into the adjacent passage 116. Figure 1 ) is inserted into the interior of passage 118.

[0040] refer to Figure 4B , the driver element 142 is driven inward by inserting another pluggable module 103 into the adjacent passage 116. For example, when another pluggable module 103 is inserted into the adjacent passage 116, the housing segment 127 of the other pluggable module 103 can apply a compressive force on the drive tab 142B to allow the driver element 142 to be retracted from the adjacent passage 116 by moving inward into the hollow space 120 through the first opening 140-1 formed in the first side wall 114A-1. In one or more examples, the movement of the driver element 142 into the hollow space 120 can actuate the torsion spring 146A to cause it to move (or rotate) from a relaxed state to a biased state. In one or more examples, in the biased state of the torsion spring 146A, the stopper element 144 is pulled inward by the torsion spring 146A, thereby retracting the stop tab 144C from the passage 118 and allowing the pluggable module 102 to be inserted into the passage 118.

[0041] Further, when another pluggable module 103 is removed from the adjacent passage 116, the biasing element 146 (e.g., the torsion spring 146A) moves backward (or rotates backward) from the biased state to a relaxed state. As a result, the drive tab 142B is caused to protrude backward into the adjacent passage 116 at an inclined angle and the stop tab 144C protrudes vertically into the passage 118, thereby preventing the pluggable module 102 from being inserted into the passage 118. In one or more examples, the stop tab 144C and the drive tab 142B move into and out of the passage 118 and the adjacent passage 116, respectively, via the openings 140-2, 140-1 formed in the corresponding side walls 114B-1, 114A-1 of the pair of side walls 114AB of the chassis 100.

[0042] Therefore, in one or more examples of the present disclosure, the stop tab 144C prevents the pluggable module 102 from being inserted into the passage 118 before another pluggable module 103 is inserted into the adjacent passage 116. However, the pluggable module 102 can be inserted into the passage 118 of the chassis while another pluggable module 103 is inserted into the adjacent passage 116.

[0043] Figure 5 A perspective view of an insert key assembly 224 according to another example embodiment of the present disclosure is depicted. In one or more examples, the insert key assembly 224 includes a driver element 242, a stopper element 244, and a biasing element 246. In some examples, the driver element 242 is indirectly connected to the stopper element 244 via the biasing element 246.

[0044] The driver element 242 includes a first connector tab 242A, a drive tab 242B, and a terminal tab 242C. In one or more examples, the first connector tab 242A is a rectangular tab. In some examples, the first connector tab 242A extends from a portion of the first end 248 in the biasing element 246. Further, the first connector tab 242A is inclined at a first angle "β1" relative to the biasing element 246. For example, the first angle "β1" may be approximately 40 degrees. Therefore, the first connector tab 242A inclined at the first angle "β1" from the biasing element 246 can help the drive tab 242B and the terminal tab 242C to be positioned upward relative to the biasing element 246. In some examples, the drive tab 242B is a rectangular tab. The drive tab 242B is inclined at a second angle "β2" relative to the first connector tab 242A. For example, the second angle "β2" may be approximately -40 degrees. Thus, the drive tab 242B and the biasing element 246 can be positioned parallel to each other. In one or more examples, the terminal tab 242C can be an "L" shaped tab extending from the drive tab 242B.

[0045] The stop element 244 includes a second connector tab 244A and a stop tab 244B. In one or more examples, the second connector tab 244A is a rectangular tab. In some examples, the second connector tab 244A extends from another portion of the first end 248 in the biasing element 246. The second connector tab 244A is positioned parallel to the biasing element 246. The stop tab 244B extends from the second connector tab 244A. In some examples, the stop tab 244B is inclined at a third angle "β3" relative to the second connector tab 244A (or the biasing element 246). For example, the third angle "β3" may be approximately 90 degrees. Therefore, the stop tab 244B may be configured to protrude vertically into the passage 218 (such as Fig. 6A ) to prevent the insertion of the pluggable module until the stop tab 244C is retracted from the passage 218 to allow the pluggable module to be inserted into the passage 218.

[0046] In some examples, the biasing element 246 is a leaf spring 246A. Figure 5 In some examples, the leaf spring 246A is a square element having a first end 248 and a second end 250. In some examples, the driver element 242 and the stopper element 244 are disposed spaced apart from each other and extend from the first end 248 of the leaf spring 246A. The leaf spring 246A further includes a pair of holes 252 formed proximate to the second end 250 to connect the leaf spring 246A to the chassis.

[0047] In one or more examples, when a vertical force is applied to the driver element 242, the drive tab 242B is pushed downward to actuate the leaf spring 246A to move from a relaxed state to a biased state, thereby causing the leaf spring 246A and the stop tab 244B connected to the leaf spring 246A to move downward. When the vertical force is removed from the driver element 242, the leaf spring 246A moves upward to return from the biased state to a relaxed state, thereby causing the drive tab 242B and the stop tab 244B connected to the leaf spring 246A to move upward.

[0048] Fig. 6A A perspective top view of a portion of a chassis 200 having a plurality of walls 204 and Figure 5 Insert key assembly 224. Figure 6B A perspective rear view of a portion of a chassis 200 having a plurality of walls 204 and Figure 5 Insert key assembly 224. In the following description, for the convenience of illustration, Fig. 6A and Figure 6B .

[0049] The plurality of walls 204 includes a plurality of side walls 214 and a base wall 212. In some examples, the plurality of side walls 214 includes a pair of first side walls 214A and a pair of second side walls 214B. Similarly, the base wall 212 includes a first portion 212A of the base wall 212 and a second portion 212B of the base wall 212. In such examples, the pair of first side walls 214A and the first portion 212A of the base wall 212 may collectively define an adjacent passage 216 (or a first passage or an upstream passage or a higher priority passage) of the chassis 200. Similarly, the pair of second side walls 214B and the second portion 212B of the base wall 212 may collectively define a passage 218 (or a second passage or a downstream passage or a lower priority passage) of the chassis 200. In some examples, the adjacent passage 216 and the passage 218 are positioned adjacent to each other. In some examples, the first sidewall 214A-1 of the pair of first sidewalls 214A and the first sidewall 214B-1 of the pair of second sidewalls 214B are positioned adjacent to each other to form a pair of sidewalls 214AB. In such examples, the pair of sidewalls 214AB separates adjacent passages 216 and 218 from each other.

[0050] In some examples, the first portion 212A of the base wall 212 has a first opening 240-1 to allow the drive tab 242B of the insert key assembly 224 to protrude into or retract away from the adjacent passage 216. Similarly, the second portion 212B of the base wall 212 has a second opening 240-2 to allow the stop tab 244B of the insert key assembly 224 to protrude into or retract away from the passage 218.

[0051] The biasing element 246 (eg, a leaf spring 246A) may be disposed on the base wall 212 or a cover wall (not shown) of the chassis 200. Figure 6BIn the example of FIG. 2 , the biasing element 246 is shown as being disposed on the bottom surface 260 of the base wall 212. In such an example, the second end 250 of the leaf spring 246A is connected to the base wall 212 via a pair of fasteners, such as a pair of rivets 262, which extend through a pair of holes 252 formed near the second end 250 of the leaf spring 246A. In other words, the leaf spring 246A can be used as a cantilever beam for the insert key assembly 224. In such an example, when the insert key assembly 224 is installed on the base wall 212 and the second end 250 of the leaf spring 246A is connected to the base wall 212, the leaf spring 246A remains in a relaxed state. In one or more examples, in the relaxed state of the leaf spring 246A, the drive tab 242B protrudes into the adjacent passage 116 via a first opening 240-1 formed in the first portion 212A of the base wall 212, and the stop tab 244B protrudes into the passage 218 via a second opening 240-2 formed in the second portion 212B of the base wall 212.

[0052] In one or more examples, the stop tab 244B protruding vertically into the passage 218 prevents the pluggable module 102 (eg, Figure 1 ) is inserted into the interior of the passage 218. However, the drive tab 242B protruding into the adjacent passage 216 at a certain oblique angle can be inserted into the interior of the passage 218 by inserting another pluggable module 103 (such as Figure 4B 216 is inserted into the adjacent passage 216 and is pushed downward. In some examples, another pluggable module 103 and pluggable module 102 can be inserted into the adjacent passage 216 and passage 218 respectively via the front end 270 of the chassis 200. In such examples, when another pluggable module 103 is inserted into the adjacent passage 216, the driver element 242 is driven downward due to the compression force applied by the other pluggable module 103 on the driving tab 242B. In such examples, the driving tab 242B can be retracted from the adjacent passage 216 by moving downward through the first opening 240-1 formed in the first portion 212A of the base wall 212. In one or more examples, the downward movement of the driver element 242 can actuate the leaf spring 246A to cause it to move from a relaxed state to a biased state. In one or more examples, under the bias of the leaf spring 246A, the stopper element 244 is pulled downward by the leaf spring 246A to retract the stop tab 244B from the passage 218 to allow the pluggable module 102 to be inserted into the interior of the passage 218 .

[0053] Further, when another pluggable module 103 is removed from the adjacent passage 216, the biasing element 246 (e.g., the leaf spring 246A) moves upward from the biased state to the relaxed state, thereby causing the driving tab 242B to protrude rearwardly into the adjacent passage 216 at an inclined angle and the stopping tab 244B to protrude vertically into the passage 218 to prevent the pluggable module 102 from being inserted into the interior of the passage 218. In one or more examples, the stopping tab 244B and the driving tab 242B move into and out of the passage 218 and the adjacent passage 216, respectively, via the second opening 240-2 and the first opening 240-1, which are respectively formed in the second portion 212B and the first portion 212A of the base wall 212 in the chassis 200.

[0054] Therefore, in one or more examples of the present disclosure, the stop tab 244B prevents the pluggable module 102 from being inserted into the passage 218 before another pluggable module 103 is inserted into the adjacent passage 216. However, the pluggable module 102 can be inserted into the passage 218 of the chassis 200 while another pluggable module 103 is inserted into the adjacent passage 216.

[0055] In some examples, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, chassis 200 may include Figure 2A-2B The key assembly 124 is inserted instead of Figure 5 The insert key assembly 224 has a biasing element 146 (such as a torsion spring 146A) disposed on one of the base wall 212 or the cover wall, a driver element 142, and a stopper element 144. In some other examples, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the chassis 200 may include the insert key assembly 124 disposed in the hollow space formed between the pair of side walls 214AB, and the insert key assembly 224 disposed on one of the base wall 212 or the cover wall.

[0056] Various features as illustrated in the examples described herein can be implemented in a chassis with an insert key assembly. Therefore, the insert key assembly can provide significant electronic system-level advantages, such as heat, availability and performance optimization of pluggable modules. Further, the priority insert key with a simple design is easy to manufacture, assemble, and cost-effective. In addition, the insert key assembly also allows the field utilization of the pluggable module to become much more controlled, and prevents the pluggable module from being accidentally misused by the electronic system. By using the insert key assembly in the chassis, a physical stopper element can be implemented instead of or in addition to a software-based error indicator, thereby preventing the following unconventional (unprecedented) situation from occurring, that is, the pluggable module is inserted and / or the pluggable module is inserted into a lower priority path before the higher priority path of the chassis.

[0057] In the above description, numerous details are set forth to provide an understanding of the subject matter disclosed herein. However, embodiments may be practiced without some or all of these details. Other embodiments may include modifications, combinations, and variations of the details discussed above. The appended claims are intended to cover such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. An insert key assembly for a pluggable module, comprising: a stopper element including a stop tab; a biasing element connected to the stopper element, and a driver element, the driver element comprising a drive tab extending from the stop element or connected to the stop element via the biasing element, Wherein, the biasing element and the driver element and the portion of the stopper element: i) disposed in a hollow space between a pair of side walls formed in a plurality of side walls of the chassis; or ii) disposed on a base wall or a cover wall of the chassis, wherein, in a relaxed state of the biasing element, the stopper element is pushed outward by the biasing element, so that the stop tab protrudes into a passage defined by the plurality of side walls of the chassis to prevent the pluggable module from being inserted into the passage, and Wherein, in the biased state of the biasing element, the stopper element is pulled inward by the biasing element, so that the stop tab is retracted from the passage to allow the pluggable module to be inserted into the interior of the passage.

2. The insert key assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The driver element extends from the stopper element or is connected to the stopper element via the biasing element, and Wherein, in the relaxed state of the biasing element, the driver element is pushed outward by the biasing element, thereby causing the drive tab to protrude into an adjacent passage defined by multiple side walls of the chassis.

3. The insert key assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The biasing element is moved from the relaxed state to the biased state by the driver element when another pluggable module is inserted into the adjacent passageway.

4. The insert key assembly according to claim 3, wherein: The actuator element is driven inwardly by the other pluggable module inserted into the interior of the adjacent passageway, thereby retracting the drive tab from the adjacent passageway and moving the biasing element from the relaxed state to the biased state.

5. The insert key assembly according to claim 3, wherein: The stop tab prevents the pluggable module from being inserted into the passageway before the other pluggable module is inserted into the adjacent passageway.

6. The insert key assembly of claim 2, wherein: The biasing element is at least one of a torsion spring or a leaf spring.

7. The insert key assembly according to claim 6, wherein: The driver element further includes a pair of flanges, and a rod extending through the pair of flanges and connected to the chassis, wherein the biasing element is disposed between the pair of flanges and around the rod, and wherein the biasing element includes a first elongated end portion contacting the stopper element, and a second elongated end portion contacting a side wall, the side wall being one of a pair of side walls that separate the passage and the adjacent passage from each other.

8. The insert key assembly of claim 7, wherein: The stop tab and the drive tab move into and out of the passage and the adjacent passage, respectively, via openings formed in corresponding ones of the pair of side walls of the chassis.

9. The insert key assembly according to claim 6, wherein: The biasing element includes a first end connected to the stopper element and the driver element, and a second end connected to the base wall or the cover wall.

10. The insert key assembly of claim 9, wherein: The stop tab and the drive tab are moved into and out of the passage and the adjacent passage, respectively, via corresponding openings formed in the base wall corresponding to the passage and the adjacent passage or in the cover wall corresponding to the passage and the adjacent passage.

11. A chassis for removably accommodating a pluggable module, the chassis comprising: a plurality of side walls defining passageways and adjacent passageways; as well as an insert key assembly coupled to at least one wall of a pair of side walls of the plurality of side walls, wherein the insert key assembly comprises: a stopper element including a stop tab; a biasing element connected to the stopper element, and a driver element, the driver element comprising a drive tab extending from the stop element or connected to the stop element via the biasing element, Wherein, the biasing element and the driver element and the portion of the stopper element: i) disposed in a hollow space formed between the pair of side walls; or ii) disposed on a base wall or a cover wall of the chassis, wherein, in a relaxed state of the biasing element, the stopper element is pushed outward by the biasing element, so that the stop tab protrudes into the passage to prevent the pluggable module from being inserted into the passage, and Wherein, in the biased state of the biasing element, the stopper element is pulled inward by the biasing element, so that the stop tab is retracted from the passage to allow the pluggable module to be inserted into the passage so as to removably accommodate the pluggable module in the chassis.

12. The chassis according to claim 11, in, In the relaxed state of the biasing element, the driver element is urged outwardly by the biasing element, causing the drive tab to protrude into the adjacent passage defined by the plurality of side walls of the chassis.

13. The chassis according to claim 12, wherein: The biasing element is moved from the relaxed state to the biased state by the driver element when another pluggable module is inserted into the adjacent passageway.

14. The chassis according to claim 13, wherein: The actuator element is driven inwardly by another pluggable module inserted into the interior of the adjacent passageway, thereby retracting the actuator tab from the adjacent passageway and moving the biasing element from the relaxed state to the biased state.

15. The chassis of claim 13, wherein: The stop tab prevents the pluggable module from being inserted into the passageway before the other pluggable module is inserted into the adjacent passageway.

16. The chassis of claim 12, wherein: The biasing element is at least one of a torsion spring or a leaf spring.

17. The chassis of claim 16, wherein: The driver element further includes a pair of flanges, and a rod extending through the pair of flanges and connected to the chassis, wherein the biasing element is disposed between the pair of flanges and around the rod, and wherein the biasing element includes a first elongated end portion contacting the stopper element, and a second elongated end portion contacting a side wall, the side wall being one of a pair of side walls that separate the passage and the adjacent passage from each other.

18. The chassis of claim 17, wherein: The stop tab and the drive tab move into and out of the passage and the adjacent passage, respectively, via openings formed in corresponding ones of the pair of side walls of the chassis.

19. The chassis of claim 16, wherein: The biasing element includes a first end connected to the stopper element and the driver element, and a second end connected to the base wall or the cover wall.

20. The chassis of claim 19, wherein: The stop tab and the drive tab are moved into and out of the passage and the adjacent passage, respectively, via corresponding openings formed in the base wall corresponding to the passage and the adjacent passage or in the cover wall corresponding to the passage and the adjacent passage.

Images