Cage assembly and socket assembly

Abstract

The utility model 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 utility model relates to a cage assembly and a socket assembly. Background Art

[0002] An optical module (also referred to as an optical transceiver) that converts electrical signals into optical signals 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 for accommodating optical modules.

[0004] The driven optical module is a heat-generating element. When the power consumption per optical module is 5 W or more, the need to cool the optical module increases.

[0005] For example, in the case of optical modules corresponding to the form factors of QSFP, QSFP-DD, and OSFP-XD, the power consumption of each optical module may sometimes reach more than 15W, further increasing the need for cooling the optical module.

[0006] One of the devices for cooling the optical module includes a heat sink, which 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 that can efficiently cool at least one of an optical module and a heat sink. Utility Model Content

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

[0010] The 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 perpendicular to the first surface, a direction perpendicular to the first direction is set as a second direction, and a direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction is set as a third direction, the cage assembly includes: a cage that accommodates the external module; and a radiator that is in thermal contact with the external module, the cage including: a port wall portion that defines a port for accommodating the external module; a first adjacent wall portion that defines a first adjacent space adjacent to the port in the second direction; and a second adjacent wall portion that defines a second adjacent space that is adjacent to the port in the third direction and does not accommodate the external module, the radiator 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] Furthermore, by providing the second adjacent spaces, heat dissipation from the external modules can be promoted because the external modules are spaced apart in the width direction. 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 second aspect of the present invention relates to a cage assembly, wherein 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 width dimension of the heat sink accommodated in the first adjacent space can be made larger than the width dimension of the external module accommodated in the port.

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

[0016] A cage assembly according to a third aspect of the present invention is configured such 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, cooling efficiency is improved.

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

[0020] According to the cage assembly of this aspect, cooling air flowing into the first and second adjacent spaces from the front of the cage easily passes through the rear portions of the first and second adjacent spaces via the plurality of holes, thereby allowing the cooling air to flow smoothly.

[0021] Thereby, cooling efficiency is improved.

[0022] The cage assembly involved in the fifth embodiment of the present invention, in any one embodiment from the first embodiment to the fourth embodiment, 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, 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 of this embodiment, the thermal bonding between the external module and the heat sink can be improved, and the cooling efficiency of the external module by the heat sink can be improved.

[0026] A seventh aspect of the present invention relates to a cage assembly according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein 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 visually viewed from the third direction.

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

[0028] An eighth aspect of the present invention relates to the cage assembly according to the seventh aspect, wherein 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 the external connector mounted 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 to ninth aspects, has a protective plate arranged between the radiator and the first adjacent wall portion, and the first adjacent wall portion has a pressing portion, which 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 twelfth embodiment of the present invention relates to a cage assembly. In the tenth embodiment, 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 thus the bending of the third direction plate can be suppressed.

[0041] The cage assembly involved in the thirteenth embodiment of the present invention, in the tenth embodiment, 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 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 embodiment of the present invention, in the eleventh embodiment, 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 extending along the third direction and facing each other in the second direction, and the third directional plate in contact with 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 passing through the radiator can be smoothly guided to the outside of the first adjacent space.

[0047] The sixteenth embodiment of the present invention relates to a socket assembly, comprising: a cage assembly described in any one of the first to fifteenth embodiments; a substrate serving as the external substrate; and a connector mounted on the first surface of the substrate, the substrate having a substrate through-opening extending in the first direction, the substrate through-opening overlapping with the first adjacent space when viewed from the first direction.

[0048] According to the socket assembly according to this aspect, the air passing 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 that matches 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 side 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 embodiment of the present invention includes a back plate in the sixteenth or seventeenth embodiment, 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. The back plate has a fixing portion for mounting a fastening component fixed to the substrate, and the fixing portion is a portion that protrudes 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 twentieth aspect of the present invention involves a socket assembly, in the nineteenth aspect, the back plate has a protrusion that contacts the second surface, and the protrusion is a portion 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 surface of the first surface.

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

[0059] The socket assembly according to the 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 the air flowing out of the through opening of the substrate to the outside, and is constructed in a manner that the flow path area gradually increases along the first direction.

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

[0063] The twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention relates to the socket assembly in 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 passing through the heat sink can be smoothly guided to the outside of the socket assembly.

[0065] The twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention relates to the socket assembly in 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 passing through the heat sink can be smoothly guided to the outside of the socket assembly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

[0068] Figure 2 It is a rear perspective view of the socket assembly accommodating the optical module.

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

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

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

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

[0073] Figure 7 It is a main perspective view of the cage.

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

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

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

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

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

[0079] Figure 13 It is a partial main perspective view of the cage.

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

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

[0082] Figure 16 It is a bottom-up perspective view of the radiator.

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

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

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

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

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

[0088] Figure 22 This is a top-down perspective view of the optical module.

[0089] Figure 23 This is a bottom-up perspective view of the optical module.

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

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

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

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

[0094] Figure 28 yes Figure 27 Magnified side view of .

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

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

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

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

[0099] Figure 33 This is a cross-sectional view showing the state of inserting the heat sink into the cage.

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

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

[0102] Figure 36 yes Figure 35 side view.

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

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

[0105] Figure 39 yes Figure 37 side view.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0114] Figure 48 It is a rear perspective view of the cage assembly with the nozzles installed.

[0115] Figure 49 This is a front perspective view of the nozzle.

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

[0117] Figure 51 It is a front perspective view of a cage according to a modified example.

[0118] Figure 52 It is a rear perspective view of a cage according to a modified example.

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

[0120] Figure 54 It is a front view of the socket assembly according to 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 protective plate (when the top plate has a pressing portion)

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

[0145] 84 force 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 direction plate)

[0151] 141 vents

[0152] 142 Avoidance gap (first gap)

[0153] 143 gap

[0154] 144 gaps

[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 gaps

[0161] 154 gap

[0162] 156 hook

[0163] 157 through section

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

[0165] 161 vents

[0166] 162 locking piece

[0167] 164 locking claw

[0168] 170 side panel (second direction panel)

[0169] 171 vents

[0170] 172 visual hole

[0171] 176 gaps

[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 Second Page

[0179] 214 through opening (substrate through opening)

[0180] 215 electronic components

[0181] 220 connector

[0182] 221 base

[0183] 222 middle part

[0184] 223 Top

[0185] 223a notch

[0186] 223b recessed portion

[0187] 231 backplane

[0188] 231a facing surface

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

[0190] 232 backplane

[0191] 232a facing 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 shell

[0203] 311a locking slot

[0204] 312 module substrate

[0205] 313 protective 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 accompanying drawings.

[0211] In addition, the insertion and removal direction Die, the depth direction Dd, the width direction Dw, and the height direction Dh used in the following description are for facilitating 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 that constitute 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", and the part, end, edge or surface away from the substrate is referred to as the "front", "front end", "front edge", or "front".

[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 receptacle 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 of the first surface 211 . 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 removal direction Die, and contacts the 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] Cooling air is supplied to the receptacle assembly 1 . The cooling air is generated by, for example, an air blower (not shown) and blown toward the front surface of the receptacle assembly 1 .

[0222] This cooling air flows into the first adjacent space S1 or the 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 comprising 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 radiator 50 (refer to Figure 4 、 Figure 9 and Figure 10 ), which is delimited by a first adjacent wall portion 120 comprising 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 is simply space without any components (such as fins or plates) for rectifying the cooling air when the radiator 50 is not housed. By making the first adjacent space S1 simply space, the first adjacent space S1 can be easily defined by the 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 the second adjacent wall portion 130 including four walls, namely, the upper, lower, left, and right walls.

[0236] The second adjacent spaces S2 are quadrilateral when viewed from the front in the depth direction Dd. However, the dimensions 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, eight of the “several second adjacent spaces S2” are provided on the left side and eight 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 with the following positional relationship based on 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 located adjacent to both sides of the port Sp in the width direction Dw (the right side and the left side). However, a port Sp and another port Sp adjacent to it in the width direction Dw share the same second adjacent space S2. That is, the second adjacent space S2 located to the right of the port Sp is also the second adjacent space S2 located to the left of the other port Sp.

[0240] Furthermore, 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 direction plates), multiple bottom plates 150 (third direction plates), multiple partitions 160 (second direction plates), two side plates 170 (second direction plates), and multiple second partitions 180 (second direction 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). Figure 11 As shown, the hooks 146 are engaged with a plurality of slits 176 provided along the depth direction Dd on the side panels 170 , thereby securing the top panel 140 to the side panels 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). Figure 11 As shown, the hooks 156 are engaged with a plurality of slits 176 provided along the depth direction Dd on the side plate 170 , thereby securing the bottom plate 150 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 above 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 Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, a plurality of locking claws 164 are provided along the depth direction Dd on the edge of the partition plate 160 in the height direction Dh (i.e., the edge along the depth direction Dd). The locking claws 164 are inserted into the plurality of slits 144 provided along the depth direction Dd in the top plate 140 and the plurality of slits 154 provided along the depth direction Dd in the bottom plate 150 and then bent, thereby locking the partition plate 160 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 extending in the height direction Dh and the depth direction Dd and having 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 secure the cage 100 to the base plate 210. Specifically, fastening members such as bolts or screws are inserted through the plurality of holes provided in the flange 179, and the inserted fastening members are screwed into the base plate 210 or back plates 231, 232, and 233 (described later) that contact the second surface 212 of the base plate 210, thereby securing the cage 100 to the base plate 210. Furthermore, it is not necessary to insert fastening members such as bolts or screws through all of the holes provided in the flange 179; the number of holes used can be appropriately adjusted depending on the specifications.

[0252] The second partition plate 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 Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, a plurality of hooks 183 are provided along the depth direction Dd on the edge of the second partition plate 180 in the height direction Dh (i.e., the edge along the depth direction Dd). The hooks 183 engage with the plurality of slits 143 provided along the depth direction Dd in the top plate 140 and the plurality of slits 153 provided along the depth direction Dd in the bottom plate 150, thereby securing the second partition plate 180 to the top plate 140 and the bottom plate 150.

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

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

[0257] The plurality of partition plates 160 are arranged 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 partitions 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 6(4 pairs per layer). In this case, a second gap G2 is provided between one pair P and the other pair P adjacent thereto in the width direction Dw. Furthermore, two of the eight partitions 160 (hereinafter referred to as 160' to distinguish between them) located on either side in the width direction Dw are arranged with a third gap G3 spaced from the side panels 170. The third gap G3 is set to approximately half the second gap G2.

[0259] The plurality of second partition plates 180 are arranged 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 separators 180 are arranged at equal intervals in the width direction Dw. In this case, the second separators 180 are located approximately in the center of the pair of separators 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. There are four ports Sp 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 to it 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 to it 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, this 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 the ports 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 short, 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, minus the port Sp, is the second adjacent space S2. Five second adjacent spaces S2 are provided on each floor.

[0269] To sum up, 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, and second adjacent space S2 and in a manner that makes them adjacent to each other.

[0270] Furthermore, 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] Furthermore, the dimension of the first adjacent space S1 in the width direction Dw is greater 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 ports Sp are located, whereas, 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 partition plates 160 or side plates 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 housed in the port Sp by being in thermal contact with the optical module 310 and releases the heat into the air, thereby cooling the optical module 310 .

[0280] like Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, the heat sink 50 includes a base 51 and a plurality of fins 52 standing from the base 51 along the height direction Dh.

[0281] like Figure 16 As shown, a protrusion 51b is provided on the bottom surface 51a of the base 51. The protrusion 51b is a portion of the bottom surface 51a that protrudes from the bottom surface 51a in the height direction Dh in the central area.

[0282] like Figure 4 、 Figure 12 and Figure 14 As shown, the upper surface of the bottom plate 150 defining the first adjacent space S1 of the cage 100 contacts the bottom surface 51a of the heat sink 50 accommodated in the first adjacent space S1.

[0283] The through-hole 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 one another 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] The cage assembly 10 configured as described above can provide the following effects.

[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 to a case where the second adjacent space S2 is not provided.

[0289] Furthermore, 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 likely to be 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.

[0292] (About the vent)

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

[0294] The vent holes 141 , 161 , 171 , and 181 are through holes for allowing cooling air to pass therethrough.

[0295] The vent holes 141, 161, 171, and 181 are concentrated in a region near the substrate 210. The "region near the substrate 210" herein refers to, for example, a region within a 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 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 vent holes 141, vent holes 161, vent holes 171, and vent holes 181, cooling air flowing from the front of cage 100 into first adjacent space S1 and second adjacent space S2 can easily pass through the rear of first adjacent space S1 and second adjacent space S2, allowing the cooling air to flow smoothly. This improves 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 covers the opening (first opening) at the front end of the first adjacent space S1 and is formed with a plurality of front holes 71b. The front holes 71b serve as ventilation holes. Therefore, even when the plate-shaped portion 71a (first shielding member 71) is attached to the cage frame 100, cooling air can be directed into the first adjacent space S1.

[0303] Multiple finger-shaped portions 71c are connected to both edges of the plate-shaped portion 71a in the height direction Dh (both edges along the width direction Dw). 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 to convexly face the port Sp. This curved shape allows the finger-shaped portions 71c to exhibit elasticity in the height direction Dh, ensuring close contact with the accommodated optical module 310.

[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 covers the opening (second opening) at the front end of the second adjacent space S2 and is formed with a plurality of front holes 72b. The front holes 72b serve as ventilation holes. Therefore, even when the plate-shaped portion 72a (second shielding member 72) is attached to the cage frame 100, cooling air can be directed into the second adjacent space S2.

[0306] Multiple finger-shaped portions 72c are connected to both edges of the plate-shaped portion 72a in the width direction Dw (both edges along the height direction Dh). The finger-shaped portions 72c extend along the two partitions 160 and are curved so as to bulge toward the port Sp. Furthermore, the finger-shaped portions 72c extend along the partitions 160 and the side panels 170 and are curved so as to bulge toward the port Sp. This curved shape allows the finger-shaped portions 72c to exhibit elasticity in the width direction Dw, ensuring close contact with the accommodated optical module 310.

[0307] (About heat dissipation materials)

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

[0309] The heat dissipating member 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 enhance the thermal bonding strength between the optical module 310 and the protrusion 51 b of the heat sink 50 , thereby enhancing the cooling efficiency of the heat sink 50 .

[0311] As the heat dissipation 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 110 of the cage 100 .

[0314] The following is a detailed description.

[0315] like Figures 22 to 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 Figure 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 portion of the partition plate 160 and is bent so that its tip enters the port Sp in an unloaded state and extends toward the port Sp. The locking piece 162 is elastically deformable with its tip as a free end.

[0321] Furthermore, the locking piece 162 may not be formed by cutting and raising a portion of the partition plate 160 , but may be formed by connecting an end portion 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 Figure 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 tab 162 is engaged with the locking groove 311a is referred to as the "locked position." The locked position determines the amount (insertion amount) of module substrate 312 inserted into connector 220. This locked position is determined, for example, by the position of the tip of the locking tab 162. The insertion amount of module substrate 312 is determined based on the desired contact position (position in the insertion / extraction direction Die) of the contact pins of connector 220 relative to the electrode pads provided on module substrate 312.

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

[0326] The visual inspection hole 172 is used to visually confirm 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 required.

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

[0328] Thus, when the cage 100 is viewed from the side in the width direction Dw, the top end 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 Figure 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 faces the first surface 211 of the substrate 210 . The top portion 223 has a notch 223 a for inserting the module substrate 312 of the optical module 310 . The middle portion 222 is 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 the Figure 29 In the case of 3 layers).

[0333] like Figure 30 and Figure 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 the portion of the connector 220. Figure 31 For example, the portion of the connector 220 that protrudes from the lower surface of the optical module 310 in the height direction Dh is shown. Figure 30 and Figure 31 In this case, 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 portion of the connector 220 can be avoided without complicatedly bending the top plate 140 .

[0337] Another possible method is to avoid a portion of the connector 220 by lowering the top plate 140 (bringing it closer to the bottom plate 150 defining the other port Sp) without forming the avoidance notch 142. However, if the spacing between the connectors 220 in the height direction Dh is determined by the specifications, adopting this method would inevitably reduce the dimension of the first adjacent space S1 in the height direction Dh. This would also require reducing the dimension of the heat sink 50 in the height direction Dh, which is not preferable from the perspective of cooling efficiency.

[0338] In other words, by using the escape notches 142 to partially avoid the connectors 220, the spacing 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. In other words, the connectors 220 can be mounted at a high density in the height direction Dh. Furthermore, the optical modules 310 can be mounted at a high density, miniaturizing the cage assembly 10.

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

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

[0341] like Figure 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. It is bent so that its top end 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 its top end as a free end.

[0343] Furthermore, the pressure spring 148 may not be formed by cutting and raising a portion 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 Figure 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 51b formed on the bottom surface 51a of the heat sink 50 reaches the through-hole 157 formed on the bottom plate 150, the protrusion 51b enters the through-hole 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 , and the convex portion 51 b of the heat sink 50 is in closer contact with the optical module 310 .

[0350] like Figure 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 easily deformed by contact with the pressing spring 148 .

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

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

[0353] Thus, the force from the pressing spring 148 is distributed to more fins 52 , so that the force from the pressing spring 148 applied to each fin 52 is smaller than when the protective 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, there is a possibility that the top plate 140 may bend in the height direction Dh like a bulge.

[0355] Therefore, the pressing spring 148 provided on the top plate 140 is positioned 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 that engages with the hook 183 of the second partition plate 180.

[0356] This makes it easier for the locking portion to receive the reaction force from the pressing spring 148 , and can suppress the top plate 140 from being bent.

[0357] (Regarding the 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 ((Method of Pressing Heat Sink to Optical Module (Embodiment 1))) is provided on the protection plate 83 as another member instead of the top plate 140 .

[0359] like Figure 35 and Figure 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 without the pressing spring 148 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 portion of the protection plate 83, and is bent so as to extend toward the top plate 140. The urging spring 84 is elastically deformable with its tip as a free end.

[0362] Furthermore, the biasing spring 84 may not be formed by cutting and raising a portion 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 heat sink 50 is accommodated in the first adjacent space S1, the biasing spring 84 of the protective plate 83 contacts the top plate 140, thereby pressing the protective plate 83 toward the heat sink 50 accommodated in the same first adjacent space S1 due to the elastic force of the biasing spring 84. In other words, the protective plate 83 having the biasing spring 84, through the elastic force of the biasing spring 84, presses the heat sink 50 accommodated in the first adjacent space S1 toward the port Sp, which is adjacent to the first adjacent space S1 and located below the first adjacent space S1 in the height direction Dh.

[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 protective plate 83, the force from the biasing spring 84 applied to each fin 52 is smaller than when the protective plate 83 is not provided, thereby suppressing deformation of the fin 52.

[0366] (About notches for improving ventilation)

[0367] like Figure 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 Figure 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, when viewed from the back in the depth direction Dd, overlaps with the first adjacent space S1 housing the heat sink 50. That is, the through opening 214 communicates with the first adjacent space S1.

[0373] One through opening 214 is provided to cover a plurality of first adjacent spaces S1 (in the same layer) in the height direction Dh. Figure 37 In the case of the embodiment, the first adjacent spaces S1 are formed in the form of four 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] (Regarding the recessed portion of the connector)

[0377] like Figure 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 Figure 29 and Figure 31 As shown, a recessed portion 223 b is formed on the top 223 of the connector 220 .

[0380] The recessed portion 223b is a portion (a portion formed by reducing the wall thickness) that is recessed so as to prevent the connector 220 from interfering with the protective wall 313 when the optical module 310 is inserted into the connector 220. Therefore, the shape of the recessed portion 223b 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 receptacle 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 separately.

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

[0385] like Figure 2 and Figure 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] As a result, since the facing surface 231 a of the back plate 231 is in close contact with the second surface 212 of the substrate 210 , deformation of the substrate 210 can be more easily prevented.

[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 through the flange 179 of the cage 100 and the base plate 210 .

[0389] like Figure 4 and Figure 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. When viewed from the rear side in the depth direction Dd, it overlaps with the through-opening 214 of the base plate 210. In other words, when viewed from the rear side in the depth direction Dd, the through-opening 231b also overlaps with the first adjacent space S1 that accommodates the heat sink 50.

[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 Figure 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 Figure 40 and Figure 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 larger than the protrusion amount of the electronic component 215 mounted on the second surface 212.

[0397] The fixing portion 232c is provided at a position where it does not interfere with the electronic component 215 when the back plate 232 is mounted on the substrate 210. Figure 40 In the case of , the fixing portions 232c are provided on both sides of each through opening 232b. However, as long as they do not interfere with the electronic components 215, the shape, number, and arrangement of the fixing portions 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 description thereof will be omitted here.

[0400] (((About Backplane 233)))

[0401] like Figure 42 As shown, in the back plate 233 of this embodiment, in addition to the multiple 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 approximately the same as the protrusion amount of the fixing portion 233c.

[0404] The protrusion 233d is provided at a position where it does not interfere with the electronic component 215 when the back plate 233 is mounted on the substrate 210. Figure 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 , the protrusion 233 d contacts the second surface 212 of the substrate 210 , thereby preventing deformation of the substrate 210 caused by the insertion of the optical module 310 .

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

[0407] ((About the second radiator))

[0408] like Figure 43 and Figure 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 Figure 45 and Figure 46 As shown, the second heat sink 60 includes a base 61 and a plurality of fins 62 standing from the base 61 along the 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 Figure 47 and Figure 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 (at Figure 47 and Figure 43 In the case shown, the back side of the back panel 233) is mounted to the cage 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 through 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 Figure 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 Figure 48 The back side of the back panel 233 is shown in the example.

[0418] like Figure 49 and Figure 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 of 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, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the radiator 50 .

[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, Figure 51 and Figure 52 As shown, a cage 100 ′ with 2×8 ports Sp may also be provided.

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

[0425] like Figure 53 and Figure 54 As shown, by providing the flange 149 , the cage 100 ′ can be fixed to the base plate 210 using the flange 149 and fastening members, thereby stably supporting the cage 100 ′.

Claims

1. A cage assembly, wherein the cage assembly 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, characterized in that: 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 houses the external modules; and 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 not accommodating the external module; The heat sink is accommodated in the first adjacent space.

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

3. The cage assembly according to claim 1, wherein: 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, wherein: The plurality of holes are arranged in a region close to the external substrate.

5. The cage assembly according to claim 1, wherein: 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 outer substrate, The second adjacent space has a second opening on the opposite side of the outer 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, wherein: 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, wherein: 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, wherein: The second adjacent wall portions having the holes are only arranged on two sides in the third direction.

9. The cage assembly according to claim 1, wherein: 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, wherein: include: a protective plate disposed 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, wherein: include: a protective 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, wherein: include: The first adjacent wall portion includes: two second direction plates extending along the second direction and facing each other in the third direction; as well as two third directional plates extending along the third direction and facing each other in the second direction, The first adjacent wall portion is formed by disposing two second direction plates between 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, wherein: 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 does not contact the bottom surface of the heat sink has the pressing portion.

14. The cage assembly according to claim 11, wherein: 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 does not contact the bottom surface of the heat sink faces the protection plate and contacts the biasing portion of the protection plate.

15. The cage assembly according to claim 1, wherein: 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 to be away from the external substrate.

16. A socket assembly, characterized in that: include: The cage assembly according to 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 with the first adjacent space when viewed from the first direction.

17. The socket assembly according to claim 16, wherein: 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 provided 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 provided on a second surface of the substrate which is the back side of the first surface; Electronic components are mounted on the second surface of the substrate. The back plate has a fixing portion for mounting a fastening member for fixing to the base plate. The fixing portion is a portion that protrudes further toward the substrate 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, wherein: 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.

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