Active heat dissipation optical module cage for installing multiple optical modules

By designing a cold plate and refrigerant flow channels, combined with an evaporator or heat exchanger, the problem of low heat dissipation efficiency in optical module equipment is solved, achieving efficient heat dissipation and stable insertion, extending the service life of the optical module and improving the stability of optical signal transmission.

CN224203463UActive Publication Date: 2026-05-05DONGGUAN JIFU METALLIC PROD CO LTD +1
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
DONGGUAN JIFU METALLIC PROD CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-05-07
Publication Date
2026-05-05

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In existing technologies, devices with multiple optical modules have low heat dissipation efficiency, resulting in a shortened lifespan of the optical modules and ineffective heat dissipation.

Method used

The design employs a cold plate, with refrigerant flow channels and active heat conduction surfaces. Combined with an evaporator or heat exchanger, heat is removed through refrigerant circulation. The optical module is fixed using metal plates and elastic sheet structures, ensuring tight contact and stable insertion.

Benefits of technology

It improves the heat dissipation efficiency of optical modules, extends their service life, enhances the stability and reliability of insertion, and improves the stability and maintenance efficiency of optical signal transmission.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model discloses an active heat dissipation optical module cage for installing a plurality of optical modules, which comprises a cold plate and a plurality of optical module sub-cage bodies, a refrigerant flow channel is arranged in the cold plate, and each optical module sub-cage body is provided with an optical module slot for inserting an optical module. A refrigerant inlet for connecting a refrigerant and a refrigerant outlet are formed in the outer part of the cold plate; two ends of the refrigerant flow channel are respectively connected with the refrigerant inlet and the refrigerant outlet; the cold plate is provided with an active heat conduction surface, and the optical module sub-cage bodies are fixed on the active heat conduction surface of the cold plate at intervals. The utility model has the advantages of simple structure, active heat dissipation, high heat dissipation efficiency, firm plugging of the optical module, high reliability and stability, and prolonged service life of the optical module, and is used for plugging and fixing a plurality of optical modules.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of optical module cage technology, and in particular to an active heat dissipation optical module cage for mounting multiple optical modules. Background Technology

[0002] Optical modules generate heat during operation. For devices with multiple optical modules, each module is directly inserted into a cage with multiple slots. Due to space limitations in the area where the cage is installed, only a small heat sink fin can be attached to the rear of the cage. There is also insufficient space to install a cooling fan on the inside and outside of the cage. In addition, the heat sink fin is small, has a low heat dissipation speed, and is extremely inefficient, making it difficult to dissipate the heat generated by each optical module in a timely manner. This heat dissipation problem significantly shortens the lifespan of the optical modules. Therefore, it is necessary to improve devices that install multiple optical modules simultaneously. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of the shortcomings of the existing technology, the purpose of this utility model is to provide an active heat dissipation optical module cage for installing multiple optical modules, which improves heat dissipation efficiency, ensures secure installation of optical modules, and significantly extends the service life of optical modules.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows: an active heat dissipation optical module cage for installing multiple optical modules, comprising a cold plate with a refrigerant flow channel inside and multiple optical module sub-cages, each optical module sub-cage being provided with an optical module slot for inserting an optical module, the cold plate having a refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant outlet on its exterior, the two ends of the refrigerant flow channel being connected to the refrigerant inlet and the refrigerant outlet respectively; the cold plate having an active heat-conducting surface, and each optical module sub-cage being fixed at intervals to the active heat-conducting surface of the cold plate.

[0005] Furthermore, the space between each optical module sub-cage and the cold plate forms an optical module slot, with the active heat-conducting surface serving as the bottom surface of each optical module slot, and the optical modules inserted into each optical module slot directly abutting against the active heat-conducting surface.

[0006] Furthermore, each of the optical module sub-cages is provided with a top plate and two side plates on the left and right. Each side plate is bent and extended outward toward the outside of the optical module sub-cage, and each folded edge is welded and fixed to the active heat-conducting surface. The bottom surface of each folded edge abuts against the active heat-conducting surface. The top plate, the two side plates, and the active heat-conducting surface of each optical module sub-cage enclose a rectangular optical module slot that runs through the front and back.

[0007] Furthermore, it also includes an evaporator or heat exchanger for reducing the temperature of the refrigerant. The evaporator or heat exchanger is located outside the optical module sub-cage and the cold plate. The evaporator or heat exchanger is provided with a high-temperature interface and a low-temperature interface. The refrigerant outlet is connected to the high-temperature interface, and the refrigerant inlet is connected to the low-temperature interface to form a circulation loop.

[0008] Furthermore, each of the optical module sub-cages is formed by stamping a metal plate and connecting them into one piece. Each optical module sub-cage has a top plate and two side plates on the left and right sides. The two adjacent side plates are connected into one piece by a common folded edge.

[0009] Furthermore, a front metal spring is installed on the front side of the optical module slot, and a rear metal spring is installed on the rear side.

[0010] The front metal spring extends from the front inlet plate of the optical module sub-cage into the optical module slot. The front edge of the front metal spring is stamped with a U-shaped front retaining edge, which wraps around and is fixed to the front edge of the top plate. The middle part of the front metal spring protrudes downward and has a first elastic contact part for elastically pressing against the optical module. The rear end of the front metal spring movably abuts against the inner surface of the top plate.

[0011] The rear metal spring extends from the rear end of the optical module sub-cage into the optical module slot. A U-shaped rear retaining edge is stamped on the rear edge of the rear metal spring, which wraps around and is fixed to the rear edge of the top plate. A downward-protruding second elastic contact portion is provided in the middle of the rear metal spring for elastically pressing against the optical module. The front end of the rear metal spring movably abuts against the inner surface of the top plate.

[0012] There is a set distance between the rear end of the front metal spring and the front end of the rear metal spring, forming a double-arch elastic abutment structure in the optical module slot.

[0013] Furthermore, the front metal spring is stamped with multiple front elastic support feet, each front elastic support foot extending from the front part of the front metal spring to the rear end of the front metal spring.

[0014] Furthermore, the rear metal spring sheet is stamped with multiple rear elastic support feet, each of which extends from the rear of the rear metal spring sheet to the front of the rear metal spring sheet.

[0015] Furthermore, each of the side plates has a lateral elastic piece installed on its front and rear sides. Each lateral elastic piece has a U-shaped lateral retaining edge formed by bending outward on its first side and multiple parallel lateral elastic feet stamped on its second side. All four lateral elastic pieces are disposed within the optical module slot. The lateral retaining edges of the two lateral elastic pieces disposed on the front side of the optical module slot respectively wrap around and fix the front edges of the left and right side plates. The lateral retaining edges of the two lateral elastic pieces disposed on the rear side of the optical module slot respectively wrap around and fix the rear edges of the left and right side plates. The lateral elastic feet of each lateral elastic piece movably abut against the inner surface of the corresponding side plate.

[0016] Furthermore, each optical module sub-cage is provided with a heat-conducting platform in the optical module slot. The heat-conducting platform protrudes from the surface of the active heat-conducting surface and is integrally formed with the cold plate. There is a set distance between the left and right sides of each heat-conducting platform and the left and right side plates of the corresponding optical module sub-cage, and there is a set distance between the front end of the heat-conducting platform and the front end of the optical module sub-cage.

[0017] The advantages of this utility model compared with the prior art after adopting the above structure are: the structure of this utility model is simple, it is used to insert and fix multiple optical modules, it has active heat dissipation and high heat dissipation efficiency, the optical modules are firmly inserted, the reliability and stability are high, and the service life of the optical modules is improved. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional sectional view of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the present invention.

[0021] Marked in the image:

[0022] 1. Cold plate 11. Refrigerant inlet 12. Refrigerant outlet 13. Active heat conduction surface

[0023] 2. Optical module sub-cage 21. Top plate 22. Side plate

[0024] 3. Front metal spring clip; 31. Front buckle edge; 32. Front elastic comb.

[0025] 4. Rear metal clip; 41. Rear buckle; 42. Rear metal comb.

[0026] 5 Lateral elastic sheet 51 Lateral snap-fit ​​edge 52 Lateral elastic foot

[0027] 6 heat conduction platforms

[0028] 70% folded edge. Detailed Implementation

[0029] An active heat dissipation optical module cage for mounting multiple optical modules. Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the system includes a cold plate 1 with internal refrigerant channels and multiple optical module sub-cages 2. Each optical module sub-cage 2 has an optical module slot for inserting an optical module. The cold plate 1 has a refrigerant inlet 11 and a refrigerant outlet 12 on its exterior. The two ends of the refrigerant channels are connected to the refrigerant inlet 11 and the refrigerant outlet 12, respectively. The cold plate 1 has an active heat-conducting surface 13, and each optical module sub-cage 2 is fixed at intervals to the active heat-conducting surface 13 of the cold plate 1. The space between each optical module sub-cage 2 and the cold plate 1 forms an optical module slot. The active heat-conducting surface 13 serves as the bottom surface of each optical module slot, and the optical modules inserted into each optical module slot directly abut against the active heat-conducting surface 13.

[0030] It also includes an evaporator or heat exchanger for lowering the temperature of the refrigerant. The evaporator or heat exchanger is located outside the optical module sub-cage 2 and the cold plate 1. The evaporator or heat exchanger is equipped with a high-temperature interface and a low-temperature interface. The refrigerant outlet 12 is connected to the high-temperature interface, and the refrigerant inlet 11 is connected to the low-temperature interface, forming a circulation loop. Low-temperature refrigerant is input to the cold plate 1 through the refrigerant inlet 11. As the refrigerant flows through the refrigerant channel, it carries away the heat from the cold plate 1. The refrigerant is then output to the evaporator or heat exchanger for cooling through the refrigerant outlet 12, and then flows back to the refrigerant inlet 11 through the low-temperature interface. The cold plate 1 quickly carries away the heat from each optical module that is in contact with the active heat-conducting surface 13, allowing the optical modules to cool down rapidly and maintain a low temperature at all times. This keeps the optical modules in good working condition and effectively extends their service life.

[0031] Regarding signal transmission in the optical module, the optical module sub-cage 2 is made of lightweight and durable metal. Its working principle is as follows: the transmitting interface receives an electrical signal with a specific code rate. After precise processing by an internal driver chip (not shown), it drives a semiconductor laser (LD) or light-emitting diode (LED) to emit a modulated optical signal at the corresponding rate. This optical signal is then transmitted through optical fiber. The photodetector diode at the receiving interface converts the optical signal into an electrical signal, which is then processed by a preamplifier and output as an electrical signal with the corresponding code rate, thus achieving efficient and stable optical signal transmission.

[0032] Each optical module sub-cage 2 is provided with a top plate 21 and two side plates 22 on the left and right. Each side plate 22 extends outward from the outer side of the optical module sub-cage 2 with a folded edge 7. Each folded edge 7 is welded and fixed to the active heat-conducting surface 13, and the bottom surface of each folded edge 7 abuts against the active heat-conducting surface 13. The top plate 21, the two side plates 22, and the active heat-conducting surface 13 of each optical module sub-cage 2 form a rectangular optical module slot that runs through the front and back. Each optical module sub-cage 2 is formed by stamping and connecting a single metal plate. Each optical module sub-cage 2 has a top plate 21 and two side plates 22 on the left and right. Adjacent side plates 22 are connected by a common folded edge 7. This makes each optical module sub-cage 2 more firmly fixed to the cold plate 1, and provides a larger contact surface between each optical module sub-cage 2 and the cold plate 1, improving heat conduction efficiency. In addition, each optical module sub-cage 2 maintains a set interval between each other, which will not cause heat accumulation and further improves heat dissipation efficiency.

[0033] A front metal spring 3 is installed on the front side of the optical module slot, and a rear metal spring 4 is installed on the rear side. The front metal spring 3 extends into the optical module slot from the front inlet plate of the optical module sub-cage 2. A U-shaped front retaining edge 31 is stamped on the front edge of the front metal spring 3. The front retaining edge 31 wraps around and is fixed to the front edge of the top plate 21. The middle part of the front metal spring 3 has a downward protruding first elastic contact part for elastically pressing the optical module. The rear end of the front metal spring 3 movably abuts against the inner surface of the top plate 21. The rear metal spring... 4. The rear metal spring 4 extends from the rear end of the optical module sub-cage 2 into the optical module slot. A U-shaped rear retaining edge 41 is stamped on the rear edge of the rear metal spring 4. The rear retaining edge 41 wraps around and is fixed to the rear edge of the top plate 21. The middle of the rear metal spring 4 is provided with a downward protruding second elastic contact part for elastically pressing the optical module. The front end of the rear metal spring 4 movably abuts against the inner surface of the top plate 21. There is a set distance between the rear end of the front metal spring 3 and the front end of the rear metal spring 4, forming a double-arch elastic abutting structure in the optical module slot. After the optical module is inserted, the rear end of the front metal spring 3 and the front end of the rear metal spring 4 still have sufficient extension space to ensure that deformation is not hindered. This ensures that the optical module and the cold plate 1 always maintain close contact under different angles and temperatures, while allowing the optical module to be inserted into the optical module slot more stably and reliably.

[0034] The front metal spring 3 is stamped with multiple front elastic support feet 32, each extending from the front to the rear end of the front metal spring 3. The rear metal spring 4 is stamped with multiple rear elastic support feet 42, each extending from the rear to the front end of the rear metal spring 4. To avoid excessive resistance during the insertion of the optical module into the optical module slot, and to make the insertion and removal of the optical module smoother, a downward elastic force is applied to both the front and rear ends of the optical module, making it more stable and securely fixed in the optical module slot after insertion, and ensuring better overall contact between the bottom surface and the cold plate 1. This design provides sufficient elastic force while also increasing fatigue strength and extending service life. The design of the front retaining edge 31 wrapping around the top plate 21 not only secures the front metal spring 3 firmly but also makes the front end smoother, making the insertion and removal of the optical module smoother.

[0035] Table 1 shows a comparison of the product performance parameters of this invention with those of existing technologies.

[0036] Technical parameters Optical module chip temperature optical module lifespan Optical module power consumption stability Mass production Existing technology Around 66℃ 5-8 years - Unstable have This new technology Around 63℃ 6-10 years Reduced by approximately 10% compared to the original Stablize have

[0037] Table 1 - Comparison of Product Performance Parameters

[0038] Each side plate 22 has a lateral elastic piece 5 installed on its front and rear sides. Each lateral elastic piece 5 has a U-shaped lateral retaining edge 51 bent outward on its first side and multiple parallel lateral elastic feet 52 stamped on its second side. All four lateral elastic pieces 5 are installed inside the optical module slot. The lateral retaining edges 51 of the two lateral elastic pieces 5 installed on the front side of the optical module slot wrap around and fix the front edges of the left and right side plates 22, respectively. The lateral retaining edges 51 of the two lateral elastic pieces 5 installed on the rear side of the optical module slot wrap around and fix the rear edges of the left and right side plates 22, respectively. The lateral elastic feet 52 of each lateral elastic piece 5 move and abut against the inner surface of the corresponding side plate 22, stabilizing the optical module from three directions and fixing both the front and rear ends of the optical module, making the optical module inserted into the optical module slot more stable.

[0039] Each optical module sub-cage 2 has a heat-conducting platform 6 installed in its optical module slot. The heat-conducting platform 6 protrudes from the surface of the active heat-conducting surface 13 and is integrally formed with the cold plate 1. There is a set distance between the left and right sides of each heat-conducting platform 6 and the left and right side plates 22 of the corresponding optical module sub-cage 2, and there is a set distance between the front end of the heat-conducting platform 6 and the front end of the optical module sub-cage 2.

[0040] Regarding the installation and fixing of optical modules, this invention innovatively introduces a front and rear double inner spring design and a double lateral spring design on the inner side of each optical module sub-cage 2. Comparative analysis of measured data reveals multiple performance improvements. First, the stability of optical module installation is significantly enhanced. Second, the operating temperature of the optical module's driver chip is reduced by an average of 3-5 degrees Celsius, effectively extending the product's lifespan. Third, the stability of optical signal transmission is also improved. Finally, module insertion and removal operations are more convenient, maintenance efficiency is greatly improved, reliability is high, and market competitiveness is significant.

[0041] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation method and application scope based on the idea of ​​this utility model. The content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

Claims

1. An active heat dissipation optical module cage for mounting multiple optical modules, characterized in that: It includes a cold plate (1) with a refrigerant flow channel inside and multiple optical module sub-cages (2). Each optical module sub-cage (2) is provided with an optical module slot for inserting an optical module. The cold plate (1) has a refrigerant inlet (11) and a refrigerant outlet (12) on its exterior. The two ends of the refrigerant flow channel are connected to the refrigerant inlet (11) and the refrigerant outlet (12) respectively. The cold plate (1) is provided with an active heat-conducting surface (13), and each optical module sub-cage (2) is fixed at intervals on the active heat-conducting surface (13) of the cold plate (1).

2. The optical module cage for active heat dissipation for mounting multiple optical modules according to claim 1, characterized in that: The space between each optical module sub-cage (2) and the cold plate (1) forms an optical module slot. The active heat-conducting surface (13) serves as the bottom surface of each optical module slot, and the optical modules inserted into each optical module slot directly abut against the active heat-conducting surface (13).

3. The optical module cage for active heat dissipation used to install multiple optical modules according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each of the optical module sub-cages (2) is provided with a top plate (21) and two side plates (22) on the left and right. Each side plate (22) extends outward from the outside of the optical module sub-cage (2) with a folded edge (7). Each folded edge (7) is welded and fixed to the active heat-conducting surface (13). The bottom surface of each folded edge (7) abuts against the active heat-conducting surface (13). The top plate (21), the two side plates (22) on the left and right, and the active heat-conducting surface (13) of each optical module sub-cage (2) enclose and form a rectangular optical module slot that runs through the front and back.

4. The optical module cage for active heat dissipation used to install multiple optical modules according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes an evaporator or heat exchanger for reducing the temperature of the refrigerant. The evaporator or heat exchanger is located outside the optical module sub-cage (2) and the cold plate (1). The evaporator or heat exchanger is provided with a high-temperature interface and a low-temperature interface. The refrigerant outlet (12) is connected to the high-temperature interface and the refrigerant inlet (11) is connected to the low-temperature interface to form a circulation loop.

5. An active heat dissipation optical module cage for mounting multiple optical modules according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: Each of the optical module sub-cages (2) is made by stamping a metal plate and connecting them into one piece. Each optical module sub-cage (2) has a top plate (21) and two side plates (22) on the left and right. The two adjacent side plates (22) are connected into one piece by a common folded edge (7).

6. The optical module cage for active heat dissipation for mounting multiple optical modules according to claim 5, characterized in that: The optical module slot is equipped with a front metal spring (3) on the front side and a rear metal spring (4) on the rear side. The front metal spring (3) extends from the front inlet plate of the optical module sub-cage (2) into the optical module slot. The front edge of the front metal spring (3) is stamped with a U-shaped front buckle (31). The front buckle (31) wraps around and is fixed to the front edge of the top plate (21). The middle part of the front metal spring (3) is provided with a downward protruding first elastic contact part for elastically pressing the optical module. The rear end of the front metal spring (3) moves against the inner surface of the top plate (21). The rear metal spring (4) extends from the rear end of the optical module sub-cage (2) into the optical module slot. A U-shaped rear retaining edge (41) is stamped on the rear edge of the rear metal spring (4). The rear retaining edge (41) wraps around and is fixed to the rear edge of the top plate (21). A second elastic contact part protruding downward is provided in the middle of the rear metal spring (4) for elastically pressing against the optical module. The front end of the rear metal spring (4) moves against the inner surface of the top plate (21). There is a set distance between the rear end of the front metal spring (3) and the front end of the rear metal spring (4), forming a double-arch elastic abutment structure in the optical module slot.

7. The optical module cage for active heat dissipation for mounting multiple optical modules according to claim 6, characterized in that: The front metal spring (3) is stamped with multiple front elastic support feet (32), each of which extends from the front part of the front metal spring (3) to the rear part of the front metal spring (3).

8. The optical module cage for active heat dissipation for mounting multiple optical modules according to claim 6, characterized in that: The rear metal spring (4) is stamped with multiple rear elastic support feet (42), each of which extends from the rear of the rear metal spring (4) to the front of the rear metal spring (4).

9. The optical module cage for active heat dissipation for mounting multiple optical modules according to claim 5, characterized in that: Each of the side plates (22) has a lateral elastic piece (5) installed on its front and rear sides respectively. Each lateral elastic piece (5) has a U-shaped lateral fastening edge (51) bent outward on its first side and multiple parallel lateral elastic feet (52) stamped on its second side. All four lateral elastic pieces (5) are located in the optical module slot. The lateral fastening edges (51) of the two lateral elastic pieces (5) located on the front side of the optical module slot respectively wrap around and fix the front edges of the left and right side plates (22). The lateral fastening edges (51) of the two lateral elastic pieces (5) located on the rear side of the optical module slot respectively wrap around and fix the rear edges of the left and right side plates (22). The lateral elastic feet (52) of each lateral elastic piece (5) respectively move and abut against the inner surface of the corresponding side plate (22).

10. The optical module cage for active heat dissipation for mounting multiple optical modules according to claim 5, characterized in that: Each optical module sub-cage (2) has a heat-conducting platform (6) installed in the optical module slot. The heat-conducting platform (6) protrudes from the surface of the active heat-conducting surface (13). The heat-conducting platform (6) and the cold plate (1) are integrally formed. There is a set distance between the left and right sides of each heat-conducting platform (6) and the left and right side plates (22) of the corresponding optical module sub-cage (2). There is a set distance between the front end of the heat-conducting platform (6) and the front end of the optical module sub-cage (2).