Cage assembly and socket assembly

Abstract

The invention provides a cage assembly and a socket assembly, which can efficiently cool a radiator. The cage assembly comprises: a cage (100) which accommodates an optical module (310); and a heat sink (50) that is in thermal contact with the optical module (310), the cage (100) comprising: a port wall part (110) that defines a port (Sp) that accommodates the optical module (310); a first adjacent wall section (120) that defines a first adjacent space (S1) adjacent to the port (Sp) in the second direction; and a second adjacent wall portion (130) defining a second adjacent space (S2) adjacent to the port (Sp) in the third direction and not accommodating the optical module (310), the heat sink (50) being accommodated in the first adjacent space (S1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a cage assembly and a socket assembly. Background Art

[0002] An optical module (also referred to as an optical transceiver) that converts an electric signal and an optical signal into each other is sometimes mounted on a printed wiring board in a state of being housed in a cage, for example, and is electrically connected to an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0003] Patent Document 1 (US20220087070A1), Patent Document 2 (JP2022548080A), and Patent Document 3 (US10114182B2) disclose examples of cages that accommodate optical modules.

[0004] The driven optical module is a heat-generating body. When the power consumption of each optical module is 5 W or more, the necessity of cooling the optical module increases.

[0005] For example, in the case of an optical module corresponding to a form factor of QSFP, QSFP-DD, or OSFP-XD, the power consumption of each optical module may reach 15 W or more, further increasing the need to cool the optical module.

[0006] One of the devices for cooling the optical module includes a heat sink. The heat sink is attached to a cage that accommodates the optical module, as disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, for example.

[0007] In order to efficiently cool the optical module, it is necessary to efficiently cool the heat sink that is in thermal contact with the optical module.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a cage assembly and a socket assembly capable of efficiently cooling at least one of an optical module and a heat sink. Summary of the invention

[0009] In order to solve the above problems, the cage assembly and the socket assembly of the present invention adopt the following methods.

[0010] A first embodiment of the present invention relates to a cage assembly, which is mounted on a first surface of an external substrate, and an external module is inserted and accommodated along a first direction substantially orthogonal to the first surface, a direction orthogonal to the first direction is set as a second direction, and a direction orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction is set as a third direction, the cage assembly comprises: a cage, which accommodates the external module; and a heat sink, which is in thermal contact with the external module, the cage comprising: a port wall portion, which defines a port for accommodating the external module; a first adjacent wall portion, which defines a first adjacent space adjacent to the port in the second direction; and a second adjacent wall portion, which defines a second adjacent space adjacent to the port in the third direction and which does not accommodate the external module, the heat sink being accommodated in the first adjacent space.

[0011] According to the cage assembly of this aspect, since cooling air flows into the second adjacent space, cooling of the external module can be promoted compared to a case where the second adjacent space is not provided.

[0012] In addition, by providing the second adjacent space, since the external modules are separated from each other in the width direction, heat dissipation from the external modules can be promoted. If the external modules are too close to each other in the width direction, heat generated from the external modules is likely to be retained.

[0013] A cage assembly according to a second aspect of the present invention is configured such that, in the first aspect, the first adjacent space is larger than the port in the third direction.

[0014] According to the cage assembly of this aspect, the dimension in the width direction of the heat sink accommodated in the first adjacent space can be made larger than the dimension in the width direction of the external module accommodated in the port.

[0015] This can improve the cooling efficiency of the heat sink for the external module.

[0016] A cage assembly according to a third aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the first aspect or the second aspect, at least one of the port wall portion, the first adjacent wall portion, and the second adjacent wall portion has a plurality of holes.

[0017] According to the cage assembly of this aspect, the cooling air flowing into the first adjacent space and the second adjacent space easily passes through the first adjacent space and the second adjacent space via the plurality of holes, so that the cooling air flows smoothly.

[0018] Thereby, the cooling efficiency is improved.

[0019] A cage assembly according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the third aspect, the plurality of holes are arranged in a region close to the external substrate.

[0020] According to the cage assembly of this aspect, the cooling air flowing into the first adjacent space and the second adjacent space from the front of the cage easily passes through the rear of the first adjacent space and the second adjacent space through the plurality of holes, so that the cooling air flows smoothly.

[0021] Thereby, the cooling efficiency is improved.

[0022] The cage assembly involved in the fifth aspect of the present invention, in any aspect from the first aspect to the fourth aspect, includes a first shielding component and a second shielding component, the first adjacent space has a first opening on the opposite side of the external substrate, the second adjacent space has a second opening on the opposite side of the external substrate, the first shielding component covers the first opening, the second shielding component covers the second opening, the first shielding component has a plurality of holes, and the plurality of holes are only arranged in the portion of the first shielding component covering the first opening, and the second shielding component has a plurality of holes, and the plurality of holes are only arranged in the portion of the second shielding component covering the second opening.

[0023] According to the cage assembly of this aspect, it is possible to guide cooling air to the first adjacent space and the second adjacent space while preventing noise leakage.

[0024] A cage assembly according to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, includes a heat dissipation material provided on a surface of the heat sink facing the external module.

[0025] According to the cage assembly involved in this aspect, the thermal bonding between the external module and the heat sink can be improved, and the cooling efficiency of the heat sink on the external module can be improved.

[0026] A cage assembly according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the port wall portion includes a locking portion for locking the external module, and the second adjacent wall portion has a hole through which the locking portion can be viewed from the third direction.

[0027] According to the cage assembly according to this aspect, the locking state (whether it is locked) of the locking portion can be confirmed visually.

[0028] A cage assembly according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the seventh aspect, the second adjacent wall portions having the holes are arranged only on both sides in the third direction.

[0029] According to the cage assembly according to this aspect, the locking state (whether locked or not) of the locking portions located on both sides in the third direction can be visually confirmed.

[0030] The cage assembly involved in the ninth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to eighth aspects, the external module is a module connected to an external connector installed on the external substrate, and the port wall portion has a first notch at the edge facing the external substrate, and the first notch is formed to be away from the external substrate and match the shape of the external connector.

[0031] According to the cage assembly according to this aspect, a part of the connector can be avoided without complicatedly bending the plate constituting the port wall portion.

[0032] In addition, it is possible to maintain the size of the first adjacent space and to mount the external modules at a high density, and the cage assembly can be made compact.

[0033] The cage assembly involved in the tenth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first aspect to the ninth aspect, has a protective plate arranged between the radiator and the first adjacent wall portion, the first adjacent wall portion has a pressing portion, the pressing portion extends from the first adjacent wall portion toward the protective plate, and presses the radiator toward the port by contacting the protective plate.

[0034] According to the cage assembly according to this aspect, the heat sink and the external module accommodated in the port can be brought into close contact with each other.

[0035] In addition, the protective plate makes it difficult for the radiator to deform.

[0036] The cage assembly involved in the eleventh aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to ninth aspects, has a protective plate arranged between the radiator and the first adjacent wall portion, and the protective plate has a force-applying portion, which extends from the protective plate toward the first adjacent wall portion and applies force to the radiator toward the port by contacting the first adjacent wall portion.

[0037] According to the cage assembly according to this aspect, the heat sink and the external module accommodated in the port can be brought into close contact with each other.

[0038] In addition, the protective plate makes it difficult for the radiator to deform.

[0039] The cage assembly involved in the twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the tenth aspect, the first adjacent wall portion includes: two second direction plates, which extend along the second direction and face each other in the third direction; and two third direction plates, which extend along the third direction and face each other in the second direction, the first adjacent wall portion is formed by arranging two second direction plates between the two third direction plates and locking them to the third direction plates with a locking portion, and the pressing portion is located on the third direction plate near the locking portion.

[0040] According to the cage assembly of this aspect, the locking portion is easily subjected to the reaction force from the pressing portion, and the bending of the third direction plate can be suppressed.

[0041] The thirteenth aspect of the present invention involves a cage assembly. In the tenth aspect, the radiator has a protrusion on the bottom surface that contacts the external module, the first adjacent wall portion includes two third directional plates extending along the third direction and facing each other in the second direction, the third directional plate that contacts the bottom surface of the radiator has a through portion for the protrusion of the radiator to enter, and the third directional plate that does not contact the bottom surface of the radiator has the pressing portion.

[0042] According to the cage assembly according to this aspect, the convex portion of the heat sink can be brought into close contact with the external module accommodated in the port.

[0043] The cage assembly involved in the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the eleventh aspect, the radiator has a protrusion on the bottom surface that contacts the external module, the first adjacent wall portion includes two third directional plates extending along the third direction and facing each other in the second direction, the third directional plate in contact with the bottom surface of the radiator has a through portion for the protrusion of the radiator to enter, and the third directional plate not in contact with the bottom surface of the radiator is opposite to the protective plate and in contact with the force-applying portion of the protective plate.

[0044] According to the cage assembly according to this aspect, the convex portion of the heat sink can be brought into close contact with the external module accommodated in the port.

[0045] The cage assembly involved in the fifteenth embodiment of the present invention, in any one of the first to fourteenth embodiments, the first adjacent wall portion includes two third directional plates, the two third directional plates extend along the third direction and face each other in the second direction, and the third directional plate contacting the bottom surface of the radiator has a second notch formed at an edge facing the external substrate in a manner away from the external substrate.

[0046] According to the cage assembly of this aspect, the air that has passed through the radiator can be smoothly guided to the outside of the first adjacent space.

[0047] The socket assembly involved in the sixteenth embodiment of the present invention includes: a cage assembly recorded in any one of the first embodiment to the fifteenth embodiment; a substrate serving as the external substrate; and a connector, which is installed on the first surface of the substrate, the substrate having a substrate through-opening penetrating in the first direction, and the substrate through-opening overlaps with the first adjacent space when viewed from the first direction.

[0048] According to the socket assembly according to this aspect, the air that has passed through the heat sink can be smoothly guided to the outside of the socket assembly.

[0049] The socket assembly according to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the sixteenth aspect, the external module includes a module substrate inserted into the connector and a protective wall for protecting the module substrate, and the connector has a recessed portion matching the shape of the protective wall.

[0050] According to the socket assembly of this aspect, when the external module is inserted into the connector, the connector can be prevented from interfering with the protective wall.

[0051] The socket assembly according to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, in the sixteenth aspect or the seventeenth aspect, includes a back plate provided on a second surface of the substrate that is a back surface of the first surface, the back plate being in close contact with the second surface.

[0052] According to the socket assembly according to this aspect, deformation of the substrate caused by insertion and removal of the external module can be prevented.

[0053] The socket assembly involved in the nineteenth aspect of the present invention, in the sixteenth aspect or the seventeenth aspect, includes a back plate, which is arranged on the second surface of the substrate which is the back side of the first surface, and electronic components are mounted on the second surface of the substrate, and the back plate has a fixing portion, which is used for mounting a fastening component fixed to the substrate, and the fixing portion is a portion protruding toward the substrate compared to other portions, and is arranged at a position that will not interfere with the electronic components mounted on the second surface.

[0054] According to the socket assembly of this aspect, even when electronic components are mounted on the second surface of the substrate, deformation of the external substrate caused by insertion and removal of the external module can be prevented.

[0055] The socket assembly involved in the twentieth aspect of the present invention, in the nineteenth aspect, the back plate has a protrusion that contacts the second surface, and the protrusion is a part that protrudes toward the substrate to the same extent as the fixing portion, and is arranged at a position that will not interfere with the electronic component mounted on the second surface.

[0056] According to the socket assembly of this aspect, even when electronic components are mounted on the second surface of the substrate, deformation of the external substrate caused by insertion of the external module can be prevented.

[0057] The socket assembly according to the twenty-first aspect of the present invention, in any one of the sixteenth to twentieth aspects, comprises a second heat sink in thermal contact with the heat sink, the second heat sink protruding from a second surface of the substrate in thermal contact with the heat sink, which is the back side of the first surface.

[0058] According to the socket assembly involved in this aspect, the cooling efficiency of the external module by the heat sink can be improved.

[0059] A socket assembly according to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, in the twenty-first aspect, includes a heat pipe connecting the heat sink and the second heat sink.

[0060] According to the socket assembly according to this aspect, heat can be transferred between the heat sink and the second heat sink.

[0061] The socket assembly involved in the twenty-third embodiment of the present invention, in any one of the sixteenth to twenty-second embodiments, has a nozzle that defines a throat flow path, and the throat flow path is a flow path that guides air flowing out of the through opening of the substrate to the outside, and is constructed in a manner in which the flow path area gradually increases along the first direction.

[0062] According to the socket assembly involved in this embodiment, it is possible to promote smooth exhaust of air and improve the cooling efficiency of the heat sink on the external module.

[0063] A twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention is the socket assembly according to the eighteenth aspect, wherein the back plate has a plate through-opening penetrating in the first direction, and the substrate through-opening and the plate through-opening overlap when viewed from the first direction.

[0064] According to the socket assembly according to this aspect, the air that has passed through the heat sink can be smoothly guided to the outside of the socket assembly.

[0065] A twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention is the socket assembly according to the nineteenth aspect, wherein the back plate has a plate through-opening penetrating in the first direction, and the substrate through-opening and the plate through-opening overlap when viewed from the first direction.

[0066] According to the socket assembly according to this aspect, the air that has passed through the heat sink can be smoothly guided to the outside of the socket assembly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0067] Figure 1 It is a front perspective view of the socket assembly containing the optical module.

[0068] Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of a socket assembly housing an optical module.

[0069] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along section line III-III is shown.

[0070] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A partial enlarged view of .

[0071] Figure 5 This is the front view of the cage.

[0072] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A partial enlarged view of .

[0073] Figure 7 It is a front view stereogram of the cage.

[0074] Figure 8 yes Figure 5 A cross-sectional view taken along section line VIII-VIII is shown.

[0075] Fig. 9 This is a partial front view of the cage assembly (shielding components omitted).

[0076] Fig.10 is a partial rear view of the cage assembly.

[0077] Fig.11 yes Figure 7 A partial enlarged view of .

[0078] Fig.12 It is a partial front perspective view of the cage (part of the top plate is omitted).

[0079] Fig.13 It is a partial front view stereogram of the cage.

[0080] Fig.14 It is a partial rear perspective view of the cage assembly.

[0081] Fig.15 It is a top perspective view of the radiator.

[0082] Fig.16 It is a bottom-up stereoscopic view of the radiator.

[0083] Fig.17 It is a partial cross-sectional view of the cage and the radiator.

[0084] Fig.18 is the front view of the cage assembly.

[0085] Fig.19 yes Fig.18 A partial enlarged view of .

[0086] Fig. 20 It is a partial front perspective view of the cage assembly.

[0087] Fig.21 It is a partial cross-sectional view of the cage assembly (with heat dissipation material).

[0088] Fig. 22 It is a top perspective view of the optical module.

[0089] Fig.23 This is a bottom-up stereoscopic image of the optical module.

[0090] Fig.24 It is a partial cross-sectional view of the cage assembly (partition omitted).

[0091] Fig.25 is a partial cross-sectional view of the cage assembly (with partitions).

[0092] Fig.26 It is a partial cross-sectional view of the cage assembly (a portion of the partition is omitted).

[0093] Fig. 27 It is a partial front perspective view of the cage assembly.

[0094] Fig.28 yes Fig. 27 A magnified side view of .

[0095] Fig.29 This is a perspective view of the connector.

[0096] Fig.30 It is a partial bottom-up stereoscopic view of the cage assembly.

[0097] Fig.31 is a partial cross-sectional view of a socket assembly containing an optical module.

[0098] Fig.32 It is a partial front perspective view of the cage assembly.

[0099] Fig.33 It is a cross-sectional view showing the state where the heat sink is inserted into the cage.

[0100] Fig.34 It is a partial front perspective view of the cage assembly (Example 1).

[0101] Fig.35 It is a partial front perspective view of the cage assembly (Example 2).

[0102] Fig.36 yes Fig.35 Side view of.

[0103] Fig.37 It is a partial rear perspective view of the cage assembly (back plate omitted).

[0104] Fig.38 This is a front perspective view of the back panel.

[0105] Fig.39 yes Fig.37 Side view of.

[0106] Fig.40 It is a front perspective view of the back plate with the fixing part.

[0107] Fig.41 is a side view of the cage assembly.

[0108] Fig.42 It is a front perspective view of a back plate having a fixing portion and a protrusion.

[0109] Fig.43 is a rear perspective view of a cage assembly provided with a second radiator.

[0110] Fig.44 is a rear perspective view of a cage assembly provided with a second radiator.

[0111] Fig.45 It is a top perspective view of the radiator and the second radiator.

[0112] Fig.46 It is a bottom perspective view of the radiator and the second radiator.

[0113] Fig.47 is a rear perspective view of the cage assembly.

[0114] Fig.48 is a rear perspective view of a cage assembly with a nozzle disposed therein.

[0115] Fig.49 It is a front perspective view of the nozzle.

[0116] Fig.50 It is a rear perspective view of the nozzle.

[0117] Fig.51 It is a front perspective view of a cage frame involved in a modified example.

[0118] Fig.52 It is a rear perspective view of a cage frame involved in a modified example.

[0119] Fig.53 It is a front perspective view of a socket assembly according to a modified example.

[0120] Fig.54 It is a front view of the socket assembly involved in the modification.

[0121] Description of Reference Numerals

[0122] 1 Socket assembly

[0123] 10 Cage assembly

[0124] 50 Radiator

[0125] 51 Base

[0126] 51a Bottom

[0127] 51b convex part

[0128] 52 fins

[0129] 52a Avoidance gap

[0130] 53 heat dissipation material

[0131] 60 Second Radiator

[0132] 61 base

[0133] 62 fins

[0134] 65 heat pipe

[0135] 71 first shielding member

[0136] 71a plate-shaped part

[0137] 71b front hole

[0138] 71c Finger

[0139] 72 second shielding member

[0140] 72a plate-shaped part

[0141] 72b front hole

[0142] 72c Finger

[0143] 81 protection plate (when the top plate has a pressing portion)

[0144] 83 protection plate (when the top plate does not have a pressing portion)

[0145] 84 force applying spring (force applying part)

[0146] 100, 100' cage

[0147] 110 port wall

[0148] 120 first adjacent wall portion

[0149] 130 second adjacent wall portion

[0150] 140 top plate (third directional plate)

[0151] 141 Ventilation holes

[0152] 142 Avoidance gap (first gap)

[0153] 143 Gap

[0154] 144 Gap

[0155] 146 hook

[0156] 148 pressing spring (pressing part)

[0157] 149 flange

[0158] 150 bottom plate (third directional plate)

[0159] 152 Ventilation gap (second gap)

[0160] 153 Gap

[0161] 154 Gap

[0162] 156 hook

[0163] 157 Through

[0164] 160, 160' partition (second direction plate)

[0165] 161 vents

[0166] 162 Locking piece

[0167] 164 locking claw

[0168] 170 side plate (second direction plate)

[0169] 171 vents

[0170] 172 Visual hole

[0171] 176 Gap

[0172] 179 flange

[0173] 180 second partition plate (second direction plate)

[0174] 181 vents

[0175] 183 hook

[0176] 210 substrate (external substrate)

[0177] 211 first page

[0178] 212 Side 2

[0179] 214 through opening (substrate through opening)

[0180] 215 Electronic components

[0181] 220 Connector

[0182] 221 base

[0183] 222 Middle

[0184] 223 Top

[0185] 223a notch

[0186] 223b Depression

[0187] 231 Backplane

[0188] 231a Opposite surface

[0189] 231b through opening (plate through opening)

[0190] 232 Backplane

[0191] 232a Opposite surface

[0192] 232b through opening (plate through opening)

[0193] 232c fixed part

[0194] 233 Backplane

[0195] 233a Facing surface

[0196] 233b through opening (plate through opening)

[0197] 233c fixed part

[0198] 233d protrusion

[0199] 240 Nozzle

[0200] 241 throat flow path

[0201] 310 optical module

[0202] 311 housing

[0203] 311a Locking slot

[0204] 312 module base plate

[0205] 313 protection wall

[0206] P partition pair

[0207] Sp port

[0208] S1 first adjacent space

[0209] S2 Second adjacent space DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0210] Hereinafter, a cage assembly and a socket assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0211] In addition, the insertion and extraction direction Die, the depth direction Dd, the width direction Dw, and the height direction Dh used in the following description are for assisting understanding of the description, and do not limit the actual posture.

[0212] In addition, when the direction of inserting / removing the optical module is set as the insertion / removal direction Die, the depth direction Dd (first direction) is consistent with the insertion / removal direction Die, the height direction Dh (second direction) is orthogonal to the depth direction Dd, and the width direction Dw (third direction) is orthogonal to the depth direction Dd and the height direction Dh.

[0213] In addition, in the cage assembly and the various components or elements constituting these cage assemblies, the part, end, edge or surface close to the substrate is referred to as the "rear", "rear end", "rear edge", or "back side", and the part, end, edge or surface away from the substrate is referred to as the "front", "front end", "front edge", or "front side".

[0214] (Overview of socket assembly)

[0215] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the socket assembly 1 is a device for connecting an optical module 310 (external module).

[0216] The socket assembly 1 includes a cage assembly 10 , a substrate 210 (external substrate), and a plurality of connectors 220 .

[0217] The receptacle assembly 1 is configured by mounting the cage assembly 10 on a substrate 210 on which a plurality of connectors 220 are mounted.

[0218] At this time, the substrate 210 includes a first surface 211 and a second surface 212 corresponding to the back side of the first surface 211 , and the connector 220 and the cage assembly 10 are located in a region where the first surface 211 contacts.

[0219] An ASIC (not shown) is mounted on the substrate 210 . The ASIC is located in a region in contact with the second surface 212 .

[0220] The optical module 310 is electrically connected to the connector 220. Specifically, the module substrate 312 of the optical module 310 is inserted into the connector 220 along the insertion and extraction direction Die, and contacts a plurality of terminals (contact pins) of the connector 220. Thus, the optical module 310 is electrically connected to the ASIC via the connector 220 and the substrate 210.

[0221] The cooling air is supplied to the socket assembly 1 . The cooling air is generated by, for example, an air blower (not shown) and blown toward the front surface of the socket assembly 1 .

[0222] This cooling air flows into a first adjacent space S1 or a second adjacent space S2 described later.

[0223] (About the basic structure of the cage assembly)

[0224] The cage assembly 10 includes a cage 100 , and a heat sink 50 accommodated in the cage 100 .

[0225] Hereinafter, the cage 100 and the heat sink 50 will be described in detail.

[0226] (((About the cage)))

[0227] The cage 100 is a structure for accommodating a plurality of optical modules 310 or a plurality of heat sinks 50 , and is mounted on the first surface 211 of the substrate 210 .

[0228] like Figures 5 to 8 As shown, the cage 100 includes a plurality of ports Sp, a plurality of first adjacent spaces S1 and a plurality of second adjacent spaces S2.

[0229] like Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, the port Sp is a space for accommodating the optical module 310 (refer to Figures 1 to 4 ), which is defined by a port wall portion 110 including four walls: upper, lower, left and right.

[0230] The shape of the port wall portion 110 matches the shape of the optical module 310 when viewed from the front in the depth direction Dd.

[0231] like Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, the first adjacent space S1 is a space for accommodating the heat sink 50 (refer to Figure 4 , Fig. 9 and Fig.10 ), which is defined by a first adjacent wall portion 120 including four walls, namely, upper, lower, left and right walls.

[0232] The shape of the first adjacent space S1 matches the shape of the heat sink 50 when viewed from the front in the depth direction Dd.

[0233] The dimension of the first adjacent space S1 in the width direction Dw is larger than the dimension of the port Sp in the width direction Dw.

[0234] The first adjacent space S1 without the radiator 50 is only a space without any components (such as fins or plates) for rectifying the cooling air. The first adjacent space S1 is only a space, so that the first adjacent space S1 can be easily defined by a combination of plates described later.

[0235] like Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, the second adjacent space S2 is a space that does not accommodate devices or components such as the optical module 310 or the heat sink 50, and is defined by a second adjacent wall portion 130 including four walls, namely, upper, lower, left and right walls.

[0236] The second adjacent space S2 is quadrilateral when viewed from the front in the depth direction Dd. However, the dimensions of the width direction Dw of the "several second adjacent spaces S2" located on both sides of the cage 100 in the width direction Dw are smaller than the dimensions of the other second adjacent spaces S2 in the width direction Dw (approximately one-half). Figure 5 In this case, the “several second adjacent spaces S2” are provided with 8 on the left side and 8 on the right side in the height direction Dh.

[0237] The port Sp, the first adjacent space S1, and the second adjacent space S2 configured as described above are arranged in the following positional relationship with respect to the port Sp.

[0238] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the first adjacent space S1 is adjacent to the port Sp in the height direction Dh. Specifically, the first adjacent space S1 is arranged at a position adjacent to the port Sp in the height direction Dh (an upper adjacent position).

[0239] The second adjacent space S2 is adjacent to the port Sp in the width direction Dw. Specifically, the second adjacent space S2 is arranged at positions adjacent to both sides of the port Sp in the width direction Dw (right adjacent position and left adjacent position). However, a port Sp and another port Sp adjacent to it in the width direction Dw share one second adjacent space S2. That is, the second adjacent space S2 located at the right adjacent position of the port Sp is also the second adjacent space S2 located at the left adjacent position of the other port Sp.

[0240] In addition, the first adjacent space S1 is also adjacent to the second adjacent space S2 in the height direction Dh. Specifically, the first adjacent space S1 is arranged at a position adjacent to the second adjacent space S2 in the height direction Dh (an upper adjacent position).

[0241] like Figures 6 to 8 As shown, the port wall 110 , the first adjacent wall 120 , and the second adjacent wall 130 defining the port Sp, the first adjacent space S1 , and the second adjacent space S2 arranged as described above are composed of a plurality of types of plates.

[0242] Here, the multiple types of plates include multiple top plates 140 (third directional plates), multiple bottom plates 150 (third directional plates), multiple partitions 160 (second directional plates), two side plates 170 (second directional plates), and multiple second partitions 180 (second directional plates).

[0243] The top plate 140 is a metal plate material that extends in the width direction Dw and the depth direction Dd and has a thickness in the height direction Dh.

[0244] A plurality of hooks 146 are provided along the depth direction Dd at the edge of the top plate 140 in the width direction Dw (ie, the edge along the depth direction Dd). Fig.11 As shown, the hooks 146 are engaged in a plurality of slits 176 provided in the side plate 170 along the depth direction Dd, so that the top plate 140 is fixed to the side plate 170 .

[0245] like Figures 6 to 8 As shown, the bottom plate 150 is a metal plate material that extends in the width direction Dw and the depth direction Dd and has a thickness in the height direction Dh.

[0246] A plurality of hooks 156 are provided along the depth direction Dd at the edge of the bottom plate 150 in the width direction Dw (ie, the edge along the depth direction Dd). Fig.11 As shown, the hooks 156 are engaged in a plurality of slits 176 provided in the side plate 170 along the depth direction Dd, so that the bottom plate 150 is fixed to the side plate 170 .

[0247] The top plate 140 and the bottom plate 150 described above are alternately arranged at intervals in the order of top plate 140 , bottom plate 150 , top plate 140 , bottom plate 150 , . . . , top plate 140 from the top along the height direction Dh.

[0248] The partition plate 160 is a metal plate extending in the height direction Dh and the depth direction Dd and having a thickness in the width direction Dw.

[0249] like Fig.11 and Fig.12 As shown, a plurality of locking claws 164 are provided along the depth direction Dd at the edge in the height direction Dh of the partition 160 (i.e., the edge along the depth direction Dd). The locking claws 164 are inserted into the plurality of slits 144 provided in the top plate 140 along the depth direction Dd and the plurality of slits 154 provided in the bottom plate 150 along the depth direction Dd and then bent, thereby the partition 160 is locked to the top plate 140 and the bottom plate 150.

[0250] like Figures 5 to 8 As shown, the side plate 170 is a metal plate that extends in the height direction Dh and the depth direction Dd and has a thickness in the width direction Dw.

[0251] A flange 179 extending in the width direction Dw is provided at the rear end of the side plate 170 along the height direction Dh. The flange 179 is used to fix the cage 100 to the base plate 210. Specifically, fastening members such as bolts or screws are inserted into a plurality of holes provided in the flange 179, and the inserted fastening members are threadedly fixed to the base plate 210 or the back plates 231, 232, and 233 (described later) in contact with the second surface 212 of the base plate 210, thereby fixing the cage 100 to the base plate 210. In addition, it is not necessary to insert fastening members such as bolts or screws into all the holes provided in the flange 179, and the number of holes used can be appropriately changed according to the specifications.

[0252] The second separator 180 is a metal plate extending in the height direction Dh and the depth direction Dd and having a thickness in the width direction Dw.

[0253] like Fig.12 and Fig.13 As shown, a plurality of hooks 183 are provided along the depth direction Dd at the edge in the height direction Dh (i.e., the edge along the depth direction Dd) of the second partition plate 180. The hooks 183 are engaged with the plurality of slits 143 provided in the top plate 140 along the depth direction Dd and the plurality of slits 153 provided in the bottom plate 150 along the depth direction Dd, thereby the second partition plate 180 is fixed to the top plate 140 and the bottom plate 150.

[0254] The partition plate 160 , the side plate 170 , and the second partition plate 180 described above are arranged in a combination of the top plate 140 and the bottom plate 150 in a regular arrangement as described below.

[0255] like Figures 5 to 7 As shown, the two side plates 170 are disposed on both sides of a combination of the top plate 140 and the bottom plate 150 arranged along the height direction Dh in the width direction Dw.

[0256] One side plate 170 extends over the entire area where the top plate 140 and the bottom plate 150 are combined in the height direction Dh.

[0257] The plurality of partition plates 160 are disposed between the lower surface of the bottom plate 150 and the upper surface of the top plate 140 facing the bottom plate 150 in the height direction Dh.

[0258] The plurality of partition plates 160 are arranged at intervals in the width direction Dw ( Figure 6 Specifically, a pair P consisting of two partitions 160 arranged at a first interval G1 in the width direction Dw is arranged at equal intervals in the width direction Dw ( Figure 6In this case, a second gap G2 is provided between one pair P and another pair P adjacent thereto in the width direction Dw. In addition, two of the eight partitions 160 (hereinafter, reference numeral 160' is used to distinguish them) located on both sides in the width direction Dw are arranged to be separated by a third gap G3 with respect to the side plate 170. The third gap G3 is set to be approximately half of the second gap G2.

[0259] The plurality of second partition plates 180 are disposed between the lower surface of the top plate 140 and the upper surface of the bottom plate 150 facing the top plate 140 in the height direction Dh.

[0260] The plurality of second partition plates 180 are arranged at intervals in the width direction Dw ( Figure 6 Specifically, the second partition plates 180 are arranged at equal intervals in the width direction Dw. At this time, the second partition plates 180 are located approximately in the center of the paired partition plates 160 in the width direction Dw.

[0261] like Figures 5 to 7 As shown, the plurality of top plates 140 , the plurality of bottom plates 150 , the plurality of partition plates 160 , the two side plates 170 , and the plurality of second partition plates 180 combined as described above define four types of spaces.

[0262] The first space is a space defined between two partition plates 160 constituting a pair P and between the lower surface of the bottom plate 150 and the upper surface of the top plate 140 .

[0263] And, this space is a port Sp. Four ports Sp are provided on each floor.

[0264] The second type of space is a space defined between a second partition 180 and another second partition 180 adjacent thereto in the width direction Dw and between the lower surface of the top plate 140 and the upper surface of the bottom plate 150, and a space defined between a side plate 170 and a second partition 180 adjacent thereto in the width direction Dw and between the lower surface of the top plate 140 and the upper surface of the bottom plate 150.

[0265] Furthermore, the space is the first adjacent space S1. Four first adjacent spaces S1 are provided on each floor.

[0266] The third space is a space defined between a pair of ports P (between ports Sp and Sp) of the partition plate 160 and between the lower surface of the bottom plate 150 and the upper surface of the top plate 140 .

[0267] The fourth space is a space defined between the side plate 170 and the partition plate 160 ′ adjacent thereto in the width direction Dw and between the lower surface of the bottom plate 150 and the upper surface of the top plate 140 .

[0268] In summary, the space defined by the lower surface of the bottom plate 150, the upper surface of the top plate 140 and the two side plates 170, except for the port Sp, is the second adjacent space S2. Five second adjacent spaces S2 are provided on each floor.

[0269] To summarize, in the space defined by the lower surface of the bottom plate 150, the upper surface of the top plate 140 and the two side plates 170, the four ports Sp and the five second adjacent spaces S2 are arranged along the width direction Dw in the order of second adjacent space S2, port Sp, second adjacent space S2, port Sp, second adjacent space S2, port Sp, second adjacent space S2, port Sp, second adjacent space S2, port Sp, and second adjacent space S2 and in a manner that they are adjacent to each other.

[0270] In addition, in a space defined between the lower surface of the top plate 140 , the upper surface of the bottom plate 150 , and the two side plates 170 , four first adjacent spaces S1 are arranged adjacent to each other along the width direction Dw.

[0271] In addition, the dimension of the first adjacent space S1 in the width direction Dw is larger than the dimension of the port Sp in the width direction Dw. This is because, in addition to the four ports Sp, five second adjacent spaces S2 are provided in the layer where the port Sp is located, while in contrast, only four first adjacent spaces S1 are provided in the layer where the first adjacent space S1 is located.

[0272] Thus, the port wall portion 110 defining the port Sp includes the bottom plate 150 , the top plate 140 , and the partition plate 160 .

[0273] In addition, the first adjacent wall portion 120 defining the first adjacent space S1 includes a top plate 140 , a bottom plate 150 , and a second partition plate 180 or a side plate 170 .

[0274] In addition, the second adjacent wall portion 130 defining the second adjacent space S2 includes a bottom plate 150 , a top plate 140 , and a partition plate 160 or a side plate 170 .

[0275] In addition, the port wall portion 110 and the first adjacent wall portion 120 share a bottom plate 150 and a top plate 140 .

[0276] In addition, the port wall portion 110 and the second adjacent wall portion 130 share a partition plate 160 .

[0277] In addition, the first adjacent wall portion 120 and the second adjacent wall portion 130 share a bottom plate 150 and a top plate 140 .

[0278] (((About Radiator)))

[0279] The heat sink 50 is a component that absorbs heat from the optical module 310 and releases the heat to the air by being in thermal contact with the optical module 310 accommodated in the port Sp, thereby cooling the optical module 310 .

[0280] like Fig.15 and Fig.16 As shown, the heat sink 50 includes a base 51 and a plurality of fins 52 that are arranged to stand from the base 51 in a height direction Dh.

[0281] like Fig.16 As shown in FIG. 1 , a convex portion 51b is provided on the bottom surface 51a of the base 51. The convex portion 51b is a portion protruding from the bottom surface 51a in the central region along the height direction Dh.

[0282] like Figure 4 , Fig.12 and Fig.14 As shown, the upper surface of the bottom plate 150 defining the first adjacent space S1 of the cage 100 is a surface in contact with the bottom surface 51a of the heat sink 50 accommodated in the first adjacent space S1. In addition, a plurality of through portions 157 are formed in one bottom plate 150.

[0283] The through-portion 157 is a portion that connects each first adjacent space S1 and each port Sp adjacent thereto in the height direction Dh.

[0284] The plurality of through portions 157 are arranged at intervals from each other along the width direction Dw.

[0285] like Figure 4 As shown, the convex portion 51b of the heat sink 50 accommodated in the first adjacent space S1 enters the through portion 157. The convex portion 51b entering the through portion 157 is configured to reach the port Sp and contact the optical module 310 accommodated in the port Sp.

[0286] ((Effect of basic structure))

[0287] In the cage assembly 10 configured as described above, the following effects can be achieved.

[0288] That is, since the cooling air flows into the second adjacent space S2, the cooling of the optical module 310 can be promoted compared with a case where the second adjacent space S2 is not provided.

[0289] In addition, by providing the second adjacent spaces S2, the optical modules 310 are spaced apart in the width direction Dw, thereby promoting heat dissipation from the optical modules 310. If the optical modules 310 are too close to each other in the width direction Dw, heat generated from the optical modules 310 is easily retained.

[0290] In addition, the dimension of the first adjacent space S1 in the width direction Dw is larger than the dimension of the port Sp in the width direction Dw.

[0291] Therefore, the width Dw dimension of the heat sink 50 accommodated in the first adjacent space S1 can be made larger than the width Dw dimension of the optical module 310 accommodated in the port Sp. Thus, the cooling efficiency of the heat sink 50 for the optical module 310 can be improved.

[0292] (About the vent hole)

[0293] like Fig.14 and Fig.17 As shown, a plurality of vent holes 141 may be formed in the top plate 140. In addition, a plurality of vent holes 161 may be formed in the partition plate 160. In addition, a plurality of vent holes 171 may be formed in the side plate 170. In addition, a plurality of vent holes 181 may be formed in the second partition plate 180.

[0294] The vent hole 141 , the vent hole 161 , the vent hole 171 , and the vent hole 181 are through holes for passing cooling air.

[0295] The vent holes 141, vent holes 161, vent holes 171, and vent holes 181 are concentrated in the region near the substrate 210. The "region near the substrate 210" mentioned here refers to, for example, a region within the range of 0% to 70%, preferably 0% to 60%, and more preferably 0% to 50% when the rear end of the cage 100 (the end near the substrate 210) is set to 0% and the top end of the cage 100 (the end located at the front) is set to 100%.

[0296] In other words, at least any one of the vent holes 141 , 161 , 171 , and 181 is formed in the region of the port wall portion 110 , the first adjacent wall portion 120 , and the second adjacent wall portion 130 close to the substrate 210 .

[0297] By forming at least one of the vent holes 141, vent holes 161, vent holes 171, and vent holes 181, cooling air flowing from the front of the cage 100 into the first adjacent space S1 and the second adjacent space S2 can easily pass through the rear of the first adjacent space S1 and the second adjacent space S2, so that the cooling air flows smoothly, thereby improving the cooling efficiency.

[0298] ((About shielding components))

[0299] like Figures 18 to 20 As shown, the cage assembly 10 may also include a first shielding component 71 and a second shielding component 72 .

[0300] The first shielding member 71 and the second shielding member 72 are members for preventing noise leakage and are, for example, EMI fingers.

[0301] The first shielding member 71 includes a plate-shaped portion 71 a and a plurality of finger-shaped portions 71 c .

[0302] The plate-shaped portion 71a is a plate-shaped portion that covers the opening (first opening) located at the front end of the first adjacent space S1, and is formed with a plurality of front holes 71b. The front holes 71b are holes for ventilation. Therefore, even if the plate-shaped portion 71a (first shielding member 71) is installed on the cage frame 100, cooling air can be guided to the first adjacent space S1.

[0303] A plurality of finger-shaped portions 71c are connected to both edges in the height direction Dh (both edges in the width direction Dw) of the plate-shaped portion 71a. The finger-shaped portions 71c extend along the upper surface of the top plate 140 and the lower surface of the bottom plate 150, and are curved so as to protrude toward the port Sp. The finger-shaped portions 71c are elastic in the height direction Dh due to the curved shape, and are configured so as to be in close contact with the optical module 310 accommodated therein.

[0304] The second shielding member 72 includes a plate-shaped portion 72 a and a plurality of finger-shaped portions 72 c .

[0305] The plate-shaped portion 72a is a plate-shaped portion that covers the opening (second opening) located at the front end of the second adjacent space S2, and is formed with a plurality of front holes 72b. The front holes 72b are holes for ventilation. Therefore, even if the plate-shaped portion 72a (second shielding member 72) is installed on the cage frame 100, cooling air can be guided to the second adjacent space S2.

[0306] A plurality of finger-shaped portions 72c are connected to both edges in the width direction Dw (both edges in the height direction Dh) of the plate-shaped portion 72a. The finger-shaped portions 72c extend along the two partitions 160 and are bent so as to protrude toward the port Sp. In addition, the finger-shaped portions 72c extend along the partitions 160 and the side plates 170 and are bent so as to protrude toward the port Sp. Due to the bent shape, the finger-shaped portions 72c exert elasticity in the width direction Dw and are configured to be in close contact with the optical module 310 accommodated therein.

[0307] (About heat dissipation materials)

[0308] like Fig.21 As shown, the cage assembly 10 may also have a heat dissipation material 53 .

[0309] The heat dissipating material 53 is provided on the surface of the convex portion 51 b of the heat sink 50 facing the optical module 310 .

[0310] The heat dissipating material 53 can improve the thermal bonding strength between the optical module 310 and the convex portion 51 b of the heat sink 50 , thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the heat sink 50 .

[0311] As the heat dissipating material 53 , TIM (Thermal Interface Material) is exemplified.

[0312] (About the locking mechanism and the sight hole)

[0313] The optical module 310 accommodated in the port Sp is locked to the port wall portion 110 of the cage 100 .

[0314] The following is a specific description.

[0315] like Figure 22 to Figure 24 As shown, the optical module 310 includes a housing 311 and a module substrate 312 protruding from the housing 311 .

[0316] The housing 311 is provided with a locking groove 311 a .

[0317] The locking grooves 311 a are recesses provided on both side surfaces of the housing 311 in the width direction Dw.

[0318] The locking piece 162 described later enters the locking groove 311 a . Therefore, the shape of the locking groove 311 a matches the shape of the locking piece 162 .

[0319] like Fig.25 As shown, a locking piece 162 is provided on the partition plate 160 constituting the port wall portion 110 .

[0320] The locking piece 162 is a tongue-shaped portion formed by cutting and raising a part of the partition plate 160, and is bent in an unloaded state so that the tip enters the port Sp and extends toward the port Sp. The locking piece 162 is elastically deformable with the tip as a free end.

[0321] In addition, the locking piece 162 may not be formed by cutting and raising a part of the partition plate 160 , but may be obtained by connecting the end of a piece as another member to the partition plate 160 , for example.

[0322] The locking mechanism including the locking groove 311 a and the locking piece 162 configured as described above functions as follows.

[0323] like Fig.26 As shown, the locking piece 162 enters the locking groove 311a of the optical module 310 inserted into the port Sp from the left side. Then, the locking piece 162 is engaged with the locking groove 311a, thereby restricting the movement of the optical module 310 in the removal direction.

[0324] The position of the optical module 310 when the locking piece 162 is engaged with the locking groove 311a is referred to as the "locking position". The locking position determines the amount (insertion amount) of the module substrate 312 inserted into the connector 220. The locking position is determined, for example, by the position of the top end of the locking piece 162. The insertion amount of the module substrate 312 is determined based on the desired contact position (position in the insertion and extraction direction Die) of the contact pins of the connector 220 relative to the electrode pads provided on the module substrate 312.

[0325] like Fig. 27 and Fig.28 As shown, a plurality of visual holes 172 (holes) may be formed in the side plate 170 .

[0326] The visual hole 172 is a hole for visually confirming whether the locking piece 162 provided on the partition plate 160 ′ adjacent to the side plate 170 is properly engaged with the locking groove 311 a of the optical module 310 and / or whether the optical module 310 is inserted as specified.

[0327] It is preferable that the visual hole 172 is formed at a position corresponding to the position of the tip of the locking piece 162 of the spacer 160 ′ in the height direction Dh and the position in the depth direction Dd.

[0328] Thus, when the cage 100 is viewed from the side in the width direction Dw, the tip of the locking piece 162 of the partition plate 160 ′ and the locking groove 311 a of the optical module 310 can be visually viewed through the visual hole 172 .

[0329] ((About the notch to avoid interference with the connector))

[0330] like Fig.29 As shown, the connector 220 mounted on the first surface 211 of the substrate 210 includes three parts, for example, a base portion 221 , a middle portion 222 , and a top portion 223 .

[0331] The base portion 221 is a portion facing the first surface 211 of the substrate 210 . The top portion 223 is a portion having a notch 223 a formed therein for inserting the module substrate 312 of the optical module 310 . The middle portion 222 is a portion located between the base portion 221 and the top portion 223 .

[0332] In the height direction Dh, the size of the connector 220 gradually decreases in the order of the base portion 221, the middle portion 222, and the top portion 223. That is, the connector 220 is composed of multiple layers including the base portion 221, the middle portion 222, and the top portion 223 (in Fig.29 In the case of , it consists of 3 layers).

[0333] like Fig.30 and Fig.31As shown, the top plate 140 is formed with escape notches 142 (first notches) whose number corresponds to the number of the connectors 220 .

[0334] The escape notch 142 is a notch formed to escape a portion of the connector 220. The "portion of the connector 220" mentioned here refers to Fig.31 For example, the portion of the connector 220 protruding from the lower surface of the optical module 310 in the height direction Dh is shown. Fig.30 and Fig.31 In the case of , it is the base portion 221 and the middle portion 222 .

[0335] The escape notch 142 is formed so that the edge of the top plate 140 facing the first surface 211 of the substrate 210 is away from the first surface 211 , and the shape matches the shape of a portion of the connector 220 to be escaped.

[0336] Thus, a part of the connector 220 can be avoided without bending the top plate 140 in a complicated manner.

[0337] In addition, a method of avoiding a part of the connector 220 by lowering the top plate 140 (closer to the bottom plate 150 defining another port Sp) without forming the avoidance notch 142 is also considered. However, in the case where the spacing between the connectors 220 in the height direction Dh is determined according to the specifications, if this method is adopted, the dimension of the height direction Dh of the first adjacent space S1 has to be reduced. Therefore, the dimension of the height direction Dh of the heat sink 50 also needs to be reduced, which is not preferable from the viewpoint of cooling efficiency.

[0338] In other words, by using the avoidance notch 142 to avoid a part of the connector 220, the distance between the connectors 220 in the height direction Dh can be shortened without reducing the dimension of the first adjacent space S1 in the height direction Dh. That is, the connectors 220 can be mounted at a high density in the height direction Dh. In addition, the optical module 310 can be mounted at a high density, so that the cage assembly 10 can be miniaturized.

[0339] In addition, you can also Fig.31 As shown, in order to avoid a part of the connector 220, the fin 52 of the heat sink 50 is formed with an escape notch 52a.

[0340] ((About a method of pressing the heat sink against the optical module (Example 1))

[0341] like Fig.32 As shown, a plurality of pressing springs 148 are provided on the top plate 140 .

[0342] The pressing spring 148 is a tongue-shaped portion formed by cutting and raising a portion of the top plate 140, and is bent so that the tip enters the first adjacent space S1 in an unloaded state and extends toward the first adjacent space S1. The pressing spring 148 is elastically deformable with the tip as a free end.

[0343] Furthermore, the pressing spring 148 may not be formed by cutting and raising a part of the top plate 140 , but may be formed by connecting an end portion of a sheet as another member to the top plate 140 , for example.

[0344] The pressing spring 148 configured as described above functions as follows.

[0345] like Fig.33 As shown, the heat sink 50 is inserted into the empty first adjacent space S1 along the depth direction Dd from the opening at the rear end.

[0346] When the heat sink 50 is inserted, the pressing spring 148 in contact with the heat sink 50 is elastically deformed, whereby the tip of the pressing spring 148 is pushed upward.

[0347] When the heat sink 50 is further inserted to the depth side so that the protrusion 51 b formed on the bottom surface 51 a of the heat sink 50 reaches the through-portion 157 formed on the bottom plate 150 , the protrusion 51 b enters the through-portion 157 , and the heat sink 50 moves downward.

[0348] At this time, the pressing spring 148 presses the heat sink 50 accommodated in the first adjacent space S1 toward the port Sp adjacent to the first adjacent space S1 and located below the first adjacent space S1 in the height direction Dh by its elastic force.

[0349] As a result, the convex portion 51 b of the heat sink 50 is pressed against the optical module 310 , so that the convex portion 51 b of the heat sink 50 and the optical module 310 are in closer contact.

[0350] like Fig.32 As shown, the tip of the pressing spring 148 contacts the fin 52 of the heat sink 50 . However, since the fin 52 is thin, it is easy to be deformed by contact with the pressing spring 148 .

[0351] Therefore, it is also possible to Fig.34 As shown, the protection plate 81 is provided between the fins 52 of the heat sink 50 and the pressing springs 148 of the top plate 140 .

[0352] The protection plate 81 is a plate material, and has a larger dimension than the pressing spring 148 at least in the width direction Dw.

[0353] Thus, the force from the pressing spring 148 is dispersed to more fins 52 , so that the force from the pressing spring 148 applied to each fin 52 is smaller than when the protection plate 81 is not provided, thereby achieving the effect of suppressing deformation of the fin 52 .

[0354] Furthermore, the top plate 140 is urged in a direction away from the heat sink 50 by the reaction force from the pressing spring 148. Therefore, the top plate 140 may bend in the height direction Dh like swelling.

[0355] Therefore, the pressing spring 148 provided on the top plate 140 is arranged near the engaging portion between the second partition plate 180 and the top plate 140. The "engaging portion" mentioned here refers to the slit 143 of the top plate 140 with which the hook 183 of the second partition plate 180 engages.

[0356] Thus, the locking portion is more likely to receive the reaction force from the pressing spring 148 , and the top plate 140 can be prevented from being bent.

[0357] ((About a method of pressing the heat sink against the optical module (Example 2))

[0358] In this embodiment, a portion corresponding to the pressing spring 148 described in ((A mode of pressing the heat sink against the optical module (Embodiment 1))) is provided on the protection plate 83 which is another member instead of the top plate 140 .

[0359] like Fig.35 and Fig.36 As shown, the protection plate 83 is a plate extending in the width direction Dw and the depth direction Dd and having a thickness in the height direction Dh, and is arranged between the top plate 140 where the pressing spring 148 is not provided and the fins 52 of the heat sink 50 .

[0360] The protection plate 83 is provided with a plurality of biasing springs 84 .

[0361] The urging spring 84 is a tongue-shaped portion formed by cutting and raising a part of the protection plate 83, and is bent to extend toward the top plate 140. The urging spring 84 has a tip as a free end and is elastically deformable.

[0362] Furthermore, the biasing spring 84 may not be formed by cutting and raising a part of the protection plate 83 , but may be formed by connecting an end portion of a sheet as another member to the protection plate 83 , for example.

[0363] The protection plate 83 configured as described above functions as follows.

[0364] When the radiator 50 is accommodated in the first adjacent space S1, the force spring 84 of the protection plate 83 contacts the top plate 140, thereby pressing the protection plate 83 toward the radiator 50 accommodated in the same first adjacent space S1 by the elastic force of the force spring 84. That is, the protection plate 83 having the force spring 84 presses the radiator 50 accommodated in the first adjacent space S1 toward the port Sp adjacent to the first adjacent space S1 and located below the first adjacent space S1 in the height direction Dh by the elastic force of the force spring 84.

[0365] As a result, the convex portion 51b of the heat sink 50 is pressed against the optical module 310, and the convex portion 51b of the heat sink 50 is in close contact with the optical module 310. In addition, by appropriately designing the area of ​​the protection plate 83, the force from the biasing spring 84 loaded on each fin 52 is smaller than when the protection plate 83 is not provided, thereby achieving the effect of suppressing the deformation of the fin 52.

[0366] (About notches for improving ventilation)

[0367] like Fig.14 As shown, ventilation notches 152 (second notches) whose number corresponds to the number of the heat sinks 50 are formed in the bottom plate 150 constituting the first adjacent space S1.

[0368] The ventilation notch 152 is a portion formed so that the edge of the bottom plate 150 facing the first surface 211 of the substrate 210 is separated from the first surface 211 .

[0369] Thus, the air passing through the fins 52 of the heat sink 50 can be smoothly guided to the outside of the cage 100 (here, the first adjacent space S1 ), thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the heat sink 50 .

[0370] ((Regarding the through opening of the substrate))

[0371] like Figure 4 and Fig.37 As shown, a plurality of through openings 214 (substrate through openings) are formed in the substrate 210 .

[0372] The through opening 214 is a quadrilateral opening that penetrates the substrate 210 in the depth direction Dd, and overlaps with the first adjacent space S1 accommodating the heat sink 50 when viewed from the back in the depth direction Dd. That is, the through opening 214 communicates with the first adjacent space S1.

[0373] One through opening 214 covers a plurality of first adjacent spaces S1 (in the height direction Dh) located at the same layer. Fig.37 In the case of the above, the first adjacent spaces S1 are formed by 4 first adjacent spaces S1 arranged along the width direction Dw.

[0374] Thus, the air passing through the fins 52 of the heat sink 50 can be smoothly guided to the outside (rear) of the socket assembly 1 .

[0375] In addition, the through opening 214 may also be formed one-to-one with one first adjacent space S1 .

[0376] (About the recessed portion of the connector)

[0377] like Fig.23 As shown, the light module 310 has a protective wall 313 .

[0378] The protection wall 313 is a plate-shaped portion that protects the module substrate 312 , and is provided substantially parallel to the module substrate 312 .

[0379] like Fig.29 and Fig.31 As shown, a recessed portion 223 b is formed on the top 223 of the connector 220 .

[0380] The recessed portion 223 b is a portion (a portion formed by reducing the wall thickness) that is recessed so that the connector 220 does not interfere with the protective wall 313 when the optical module 310 is inserted into the connector 220 . Therefore, the shape of the recessed portion 223 b matches the shape of the protective wall 313 .

[0381] ((About the back panel))

[0382] like Figure 2 As shown, the back plates 231 , 232 , and 233 of the socket assembly 1 are plate-shaped members provided in contact with the second surface 212 of the substrate 210 , and are provided to prevent deformation of the substrate 210 caused by insertion and removal of the optical module 310 .

[0383] Hereinafter, the back plates 231 , 232 , and 233 will be described respectively.

[0384] (((About back panel 231)))

[0385] like Figure 2 and Fig.38 As shown, the back plate 231 is a plate-shaped member having a facing surface 231 a facing the second surface 212 of the substrate 210 .

[0386] The facing surface 231 a is a flat surface.

[0387] Thus, since the facing surface 231 a of the back plate 231 is in close contact with the second surface 212 of the substrate 210 , it is easier to prevent the substrate 210 from being deformed.

[0388] For example, threaded holes (not shown) may be formed in the back plate 231 for inserting fastening members (not shown) such as screws inserted into the flange 179 of the cage 100 and the base plate 210 .

[0389] like Figure 4 and Fig.38 As shown, a plurality of through openings 231 b (plate through openings) are formed in the back plate 231 .

[0390] The through opening 231b is a quadrilateral opening that penetrates the back plate 231 in the depth direction Dd, and overlaps with the through opening 214 of the substrate 210 when viewed from the back in the depth direction Dd. That is, the through opening 231b also overlaps with the first adjacent space S1 containing the heat sink 50 when viewed from the back in the depth direction Dd.

[0391] Thus, the air passing through the fins 52 of the heat sink 50 can be smoothly guided to the outside of the socket assembly 1 .

[0392] (((About back panel 232)))

[0393] like Fig.39 As shown, a plurality of electronic components 215 are mounted on the second surface 212 of the substrate 210. As the electronic components 215, capacitors, resistors, etc. are exemplified.

[0394] The electronic component 215 may protrude from the second surface 212 of the substrate 210. In this case, the back plate 231 having the flat facing surface 231a cannot be brought into close contact with the second surface 212.

[0395] Therefore, if Fig.40 and Fig.41 As shown, the back plate 232 of this embodiment is provided with a plurality of fixing portions 232 c.

[0396] The fixing portion 232c is a portion that protrudes from the facing surface 232a toward the substrate 210. The protrusion amount of the fixing portion 232c is greater than the protrusion amount of the electronic component 215 mounted on the second surface 212.

[0397] The fixing portion 232c is disposed at a position where it will not interfere with the electronic component 215 when the back plate 232 is mounted on the substrate 210. Fig.40 In the case of , the fixing parts 232c are provided on both sides of each through opening 232b. However, as long as they do not interfere with the electronic component 215, the shape, number, and arrangement of the fixing parts 232c are not limited thereto.

[0398] For example, a threaded hole may be formed in the fixing portion 232 c , into which a fastening member (not shown) such as a screw inserted through the flange 179 of the cage 100 and the base plate 210 is inserted.

[0399] The through opening 232 b has the same structure as the through opening 231 b of the back plate 231 , and therefore the description thereof is omitted here.

[0400] (((About back panel 233)))

[0401] like Fig.42 As shown, in the back plate 233 of the present embodiment, in addition to the plurality of fixing portions 233c, a plurality of protrusions 233d are also provided.

[0402] The fixing portion 233 c has the same structure as the fixing portion 232 c of the back plate 232 .

[0403] The protrusion 233d is a portion that protrudes from the facing surface 233a toward the substrate 210. The protrusion amount of the protrusion 233d is about the same as the protrusion amount of the fixing portion 233c.

[0404] The protrusion 233d is provided at a position where it will not interfere with the electronic component 215 when the back plate 233 is mounted on the substrate 210. Fig.42 In the case of , the protrusion 233d is provided between the through openings 232b in the height direction Dh. However, the shape, number, and arrangement of the protrusion 233d are not limited thereto as long as they do not interfere with the electronic component 215.

[0405] By providing the protrusion 233 d , since the protrusion 233 d is in contact with the second surface 212 of the substrate 210 , deformation of the substrate 210 caused by the insertion of the optical module 310 can be prevented.

[0406] The through opening 233 b has the same structure as the through opening 231 b of the back plate 231 , and therefore the description thereof is omitted here.

[0407] ((About the second radiator))

[0408] like Fig.43 and Fig.44 As shown, the cage assembly 10 may also have a second heat sink 60 .

[0409] The second heat sink 60 is a component that is in thermal contact with the heat sink 50 accommodated in the first adjacent space S1 .

[0410] like Fig.45 and Fig.46 As shown, the second heat sink 60 includes a base 61 and a plurality of fins 62 that are erected from the base 61 along a height direction Dh.

[0411] The second heat sink 60 is connected to the heat sink 50 via the heat pipe 65. Thus, heat can be transferred between the heat sink 50 and the second heat sink 60.

[0412] like Fig.47 and Fig.43 As shown, the combination of the heat sink 50 and the second heat sink 60 integrated with the heat pipe 65 is connected from the back plate 231, 232, 233 (in Fig.47 and Fig.43 In the case shown, the back side of the back panel 233) is mounted to the cage frame 100.

[0413] Specifically, the heat sink 50 in the combination is inserted into and accommodated in the first adjacent space S1 of the cage 100 via the through opening 233b of the back plate 233 and the through opening 214 of the base plate 210, and the second heat sink 60 in the combination is arranged outside the cage 100 (outside the back plate 233).

[0414] By installing the second heat sink 60 , the cooling efficiency of the heat sink 50 on the optical module 310 can be improved.

[0415] (About the nozzle)

[0416] like Fig.48 As shown, the socket assembly 1 may also have a nozzle 240 .

[0417] The nozzle 240 is a component having a throat flow path 241 defined therein, and is mounted on the back plates 231, 232, and 233 (in Fig.48 The back side of the back panel 233 is shown in the example.

[0418] like Fig.49 and Fig.50 As shown, the throat flow path 241 has a flow path area (a flow path area on a plane perpendicular to the depth direction Dd) that gradually increases from the inlet to the outlet.

[0419] The inlet of the throat flow path 241 communicates with the through opening 233b of the back plate 233. Therefore, the air flowing out from the through opening 214 of the base plate 210 is discharged to the outside through the through opening 233b of the back plate 233 and the throat flow path 241.

[0420] By installing the nozzle 240 , the outflowing air is rectified, and the smooth discharge of the air is promoted, so that the cooling efficiency of the radiator 50 can be improved.

[0421] ((Variation))

[0422] In the above description, the cage 100 including 8×4 ports Sp is taken as an example of the embodiment, but the number of ports Sp is not limited thereto.

[0423] For example, Fig.51 and Fig.52 As shown, a cage 100 ′ with 2×8 ports Sp may also be provided.

[0424] In this case, since the dimension of the cage 100 ′ in the width direction Dw is larger than the dimension in the height direction Dh, it is preferable to provide the flange 149 at the center area of ​​each of the uppermost and lowermost top plates 140 in the width direction Dw.

[0425] like Fig.53 and Fig.54 As shown, by providing the flange 149 , the cage 100 ′ can be fixed to the base plate 210 using the flange 149 and a fastening member, so that the cage 100 ′ can be stably supported.

Claims

1. A cage assembly, which is mounted on a first surface of an external substrate, and an external module is inserted and accommodated along a first direction substantially orthogonal to the first surface, wherein the cage assembly is characterized by: a direction orthogonal to the first direction is set as a second direction and a direction orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction is set as a third direction, The cage assembly comprises: a cage that accommodates the external module; as well as a heat sink in thermal contact with the external module, The cage comprises: a port wall portion defining a port for receiving the external module; a first adjacent wall portion defining a first adjacent space adjacent to the port in the second direction; and a second adjacent wall portion defining a second adjacent space adjacent to the port in the third direction and excluding the external module; The heat sink is accommodated in the first adjacent space.

2. The cage assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first adjacent space is larger than the port in the third direction.

3. The cage assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least one of the port wall portion, the first adjacent wall portion, and the second adjacent wall portion has a plurality of holes.

4. The cage assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: The plurality of holes are arranged in a region close to the external substrate.

5. The cage assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: include: a first shielding member; as well as a second shielding member, The first adjacent space has a first opening on the opposite side of the external substrate, The second adjacent space has a second opening on the opposite side of the external substrate, The first shielding member covers the first opening, the second shielding member covers the second opening, The first shielding member has a plurality of holes, The plurality of holes are arranged only in a portion of the first shielding member covering the first opening. The second shielding member has a plurality of holes, The plurality of holes are arranged only in a portion of the second shielding member that covers the second opening.

6. The cage assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: include: A heat dissipation material is provided on a surface of the heat sink facing the external module.

7. The cage assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The port wall portion includes a locking portion for locking the external module. The second adjacent wall portion has a hole through which the locking portion can be viewed from the third direction.

8. The cage assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that: The second adjacent wall portions having the holes are arranged only on two sides in the third direction.

9. The cage assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The external module is a module connected to an external connector mounted on the external substrate. The port wall portion has a first notch at an edge facing the external substrate. The first notch is formed away from the external substrate and matches a shape of the external connector.

10. The cage assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: include: a protection plate, the protection plate being arranged between the radiator and the first adjacent wall portion, The first adjacent wall portion has a pressing portion, The pressing portion extends from the first adjacent wall portion toward the protection plate, and presses the heat sink toward the port by contacting the protection plate.

11. The cage assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: include: a protection plate disposed between the radiator and the first adjacent wall portion, The protection plate has a force-applying portion, The force applying portion extends from the protection plate toward the first adjacent wall portion, and applies force to the heat sink toward the port by contacting the first adjacent wall portion.

12. The cage assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that: include: The first adjacent wall portion comprises: two second direction plates extending along the second direction and facing each other in the third direction; as well as two third direction plates extending along the third direction and facing each other in the second direction, The first adjacent wall portion is formed by disposing two of the second direction plates between the two third direction plates and locking the second direction plates with a locking portion. The pressing portion is located on the third direction plate near the locking portion.

13. The cage assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that: The heat sink has a convex portion on the bottom surface that contacts the external module. The first adjacent wall portion includes two third directional plates, the two third directional plates extending along the third direction and facing each other in the second direction, The third direction plate in contact with the bottom surface of the heat sink has a through portion into which the protrusion of the heat sink enters, The third direction plate that is not in contact with the bottom surface of the heat sink has the pressing portion.

14. The cage assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that: The heat sink has a convex portion on the bottom surface that contacts the external module. The first adjacent wall portion includes two third directional plates, the two third directional plates extending along the third direction and facing each other in the second direction, The third direction plate in contact with the bottom surface of the heat sink has a through portion into which the protrusion of the heat sink enters, The third direction plate that is not in contact with the bottom surface of the heat sink is opposed to the protection plate and is in contact with the force applying portion of the protection plate.

15. The cage assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first adjacent wall portion includes two third directional plates, the two third directional plates extending along the third direction and facing each other in the second direction, The third direction plate in contact with the bottom surface of the heat sink has a second notch at an edge facing the external substrate, and the second notch is formed in a manner away from the external substrate.

16. A socket assembly, characterized in that: include: The cage assembly of claim 1; a substrate serving as the external substrate; as well as a connector mounted on the first surface of the substrate, The substrate has a substrate through-opening penetrating in the first direction, The substrate through-opening overlaps the first adjacent space when viewed from the first direction.

17. The socket assembly according to claim 16, characterized in that: The external module includes a module substrate inserted into the connector and a protection wall protecting the module substrate. The connector has a recessed portion matching the shape of the protection wall.

18. The socket assembly according to claim 16, wherein: include: a back plate disposed on a second surface of the substrate which is the back side of the first surface, The back plate is in close contact with the second surface.

19. The socket assembly according to claim 16, wherein: include: a back plate disposed on a second surface of the substrate which is the back side of the first surface, An electronic component is mounted on the second surface of the substrate. The back plate has a fixing portion, and the fixing portion is used for mounting a fastening component for fixing to the base plate. The fixing portion is a portion that protrudes toward the substrate more than other portions, and is provided at a position that does not interfere with the electronic component mounted on the second surface.

20. The socket assembly according to claim 19, wherein: The back plate has a protrusion in contact with the second surface, The protrusion is a portion that protrudes toward the substrate to the same extent as the fixing portion, and is provided at a position that does not interfere with the electronic component mounted on the second surface.

21. The socket assembly according to claim 16, wherein: include: a second heat sink in thermal contact with the heat sink, The second heat sink protrudes from a second surface of the substrate that is a rear surface of the first surface and is in thermal contact with the heat sink.

22. The socket assembly according to claim 21, characterized in that include: A heat pipe connects the heat sink and the second heat sink.

23. The socket assembly according to claim 16, wherein: include: The nozzle defines the throat flow path, The throat flow path is a flow path that guides the air flowing out of the substrate through-opening to the outside, and is configured such that the flow path area gradually increases along the first direction.

24. The socket assembly according to claim 18, wherein: The back plate has a plate through-opening penetrating in the first direction, The substrate through-opening and the plate through-opening overlap when viewed from the first direction.

25. The socket assembly according to claim 19, wherein: The back plate has a plate through-opening penetrating in the first direction, The substrate through-opening and the plate through-opening overlap when viewed from the first direction.

Images