Housing with a push-button arrangement for a plug-in module

Abstract

A socket key assembly (124; 224) for a pluggable module (102), comprising: a stop element (144; 244) with a stop tab (144C; 244B); a biasing element (146; 246) connected to the stop element (144; 244); and a drive element (142; 242) comprising a drive tab (142B; 242B), wherein the drive element (142) extends from the stop element (144) or is connected to the stop element (244) via the biasing element (246), wherein the biasing element (146; 246) and a part of the stop element (144; 244) and the drive element (142; 242): i) are arranged in a cavity (120) formed between a pair of side walls (114AB) of a plurality of side walls (114) of a chassis (100) or ii) are arranged on a base wall (212) or a cover wall of the chassis (200), wherein, in a relaxed state of the biasing element (146; 246), the stop element (144; 244) is pressed outwardly by the biasing element (146; 246) so that the stop tab (144C; 244B) projects into a passage (118; 218) defined by the plurality of side walls (114; 214) of the chassis (100; 200) to block insertion of the pluggable module (102) into the passage (118; 218), and wherein, in a pre-tensioned state of the pre-tensioning element (146; 246), the stop element (144; 244) is pulled inward by the pre-tensioning element (146; 246) to retract the stop tab (144C; 244B) from the passage (118; 218) to enable insertion of the pluggable module (102) into the passage (118; 218).

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] A chassis of an electronic system, such as a network system, a server system, or a storage system, may contain passageways (or slots) for receiving and securing a variety of pluggable modules (or removable electronic devices) of the electronic system. The pluggable modules may be a switch device, a small form factor removable (SFP) transceiver device, a non-volatile memory express (NVMe) storage drive, a power supply device, a fan tray, a module card, a line card, or the like. The pluggable modules may be inserted into the electronic system to perform one or more functions, such as transmitting data, receiving data, processing data, storing data, supplying power, etc.

[0002] US 5,734,558 A discloses a mortise key assembly for a pluggable module, comprising: a stop member having a stop tab, a biasing member connected to the stop member, and a drive member comprising a drive tab, wherein the drive member extends from the stop member or is connected to the stop member via the biasing member, wherein the biasing member and a portion of the stop member and the drive member are disposed in a cavity formed between a pair of side walls of a plurality of side walls of a chassis, wherein in a relaxed state of the biasing member, the stop member is urged outwardly by the biasing member, and wherein in a biased state of the biasing member, the stop member is pulled inwardly by the biasing member to retract the stop tab from the passageway,to allow the insertion of the pluggable module into the passage. SHORT DESCRIPTION

[0003] A socket wrench assembly according to claims 1 to 10 and a chassis according to claims 11 to 20 are disclosed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] Various examples are described below with reference to the following figures. Fig. shows an electronic system with a pluggable module and a housing with a plug-in key assembly according to an example implementation of the present disclosure. Fig. shows a perspective front view of a socket wrench assembly made of Fig. according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. shows a perspective rear view of a socket wrench assembly made of Fig. according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. shows a perspective view of the part of the chassis of Fig. with the socket wrench assembly of the Fig. , viewed from an adjacent passageway of the chassis according to the example implementation of the present disclosure. Fig. shows a perspective view of another part of the chassis of Fig. with the socket wrench assembly of the Fig. , viewed from a passageway of the chassis according to the example implementation of the present disclosure. Fig. shows a plan view of a part of a chassis with a socket wrench assembly of the Fig. in a relaxed state according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. shows a plan view of a part of a chassis with another pluggable module inserted into an adjacent passage of a chassis and a key assembly of the Fig. in a prestressed state according to the implementation example of the present disclosure. Fig. shows a perspective view of a socket wrench assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. shows a perspective top view of a part of a chassis with the socket key assembly of Fig. in a relaxed state according to the other embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. shows a perspective view from below of a part of a chassis with the socket key assembly of Fig. in a relaxed state according to the other embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0005] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals are used in the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or similar parts. However, it is expressly understood that the drawings are for purposes of illustration and description only. Although several examples are described in this document, modifications, adaptations, and other embodiments are possible. Accordingly, the following detailed description does not limit the disclosed examples. Instead, the proper scope of the disclosed examples may be defined by the appended claims.

[0006] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing examples only and should not be considered limiting. The singular forms “a,” “a,” and “the” include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, “plurality” is defined as two or more than two. As used herein, “another” is defined as at least a second or more. As used herein, “coupled” means, unless otherwise specified, connected, whether directly without any intervening elements or indirectly with at least one intervening element. Two elements may be mechanically, electrically, and / or communicatively coupled through a communications channel, pathway, network, or system. As used herein, “and / or” refers to and includes all possible combinations of one or more of the listed elements.Although the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms, as these terms are used only to distinguish one element from another unless otherwise stated or the context indicates otherwise. As used herein, the term "includes" means includes but is not limited to; the term "including" means includes but is not limited to; and the term "based on" means based at least in part on.The term "biasing element" as used herein may refer to a type of flexible component that can be compressed / twisted by the application of a force, held in a compressed / twisted position, and returned from the compressed / twisted position to its original position upon removal of the applied force. The biasing element may, for example, be a spring, such as a torsion spring, a leaf spring, or the like. As used herein, the term "electronic system" may refer to a type of computer system, such as a server system, a storage system, a power conversion system, or a networking system, including a chassis having i) an elongated passageway for receiving a pluggable module and ii) a connector or modular port for connecting the received pluggable module to the electronic system.As used herein, the term "pluggable module" may refer to a type of removable electronic device that is not part of the electronic system or that is additional to the electronic system and must be attached by inserting it into the pass-through and connecting it to the modular connector of the electronic system in order to transmit, receive, store, process, supply power, or the like. The removable electronic device may be, for example, a pluggable transceiver device, a pluggable storage drive, a modular power supply device, or the like. The term "modular connector" may refer to a type of electronic connector that is inherent in the electronic system or that is integrated into the electronic system and that allows the pluggable module to be connected to the electronic system.Furthermore, the term "plugging" may refer to the installation of the pluggable module into the passageway and connecting it to the modular connector of the electronic system by inserting or pushing the pluggable module into the passageway (or an adjacent passageway) and connecting a receptacle of the pluggable module to the modular connector of the electronic system. As used herein, the terms "passageway" and "adjacent passageway" may refer to a slot or an adjacent slot in a housing of the electronic system that is externally accessible for installing the pluggable module into the electronic system. The terms "pluggable module" and "other pluggable module" are used interchangeably herein without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. It should also be noted that the pluggable module and the other pluggable module are substantially similar modules.

[0007] For explanatory purposes, certain examples are given with reference to the Fig. illustrated components or elements. However, the functionality of the illustrated components or elements may overlap and be present in a fewer or greater number of elements or components. Furthermore, all or part of the functionality of the illustrated elements may coexist or be distributed across multiple geographically dispersed locations. Furthermore, the illustrated examples may be implemented in various environments and are not limited to the illustrated examples. The present disclosure merely represents possible examples of implementations, and many variations and changes may be made to the described examples. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure and are protected by the following claims.

[0008] A data center environment includes electronic systems such as server systems, storage systems, network systems, or the like to run one or more workloads (e.g., from one or more customers). For example, each electronic system may include a plurality of electronic devices arranged in a corresponding chassis for running the one or more workloads. The plurality of electronic devices may include blade servers, storage devices, network switches, etc. Furthermore, the chassis of some electronic systems may include multiple passthroughs for receiving pluggable modules and for connecting the received pluggable modules to at least one electronic device arranged in the chassis. The pluggable module may include a network device, such as a transceiver, or a storage drive, such as an NVMe storage drive, or a power supply device, or the like.Because some electronic systems allow an administrator to insert pluggable modules, it may happen that the administrator inadvertently installs or inserts certain types of pluggable modules that the enclosure does not support. To handle such error events, the electronic system may include a fault indicator, such as a software-based fault indicator, that prompts the administrator to correct the error. In such cases, if the administrator fails to notice the fault indicator and correct the error in a timely manner, the electronic system may be forced to shut down, the performance of the pluggable module and / or the electronic system may be degraded, and / or the pluggable module may fail.

[0009] In addition, the pluggable module may need to be inserted into a specific pass among multiple passways to efficiently receive coolant from a thermal management system in the data center environment to cool the pluggable modules arranged in the chassis. For example, the thermal management system may be designed to supply coolant to the pluggable modules in a specific order.In such examples, if an upstream pass (or a first pass, or an adjacent pass, or a higher-priority pass) in the sequential order is unoccupied and a downstream pass (or a second pass, or a lower-priority pass, or a lower-priority pass) in the sequential order is occupied by the pluggable device, the cooling system may fail to: i) detect the presence of the pluggable module in the downstream pass; and ii) supply cooling fluid to the downstream pass to dissipate waste heat from the pluggable module located in the downstream pass. Accordingly, the pluggable module inserted into the downstream pass may not operate efficiently, and / or the pluggable module may fail.

[0010] One technical solution to the aforementioned problems may be to provide a chassis with a physical insertion button assembly to control the insertion (or insertion priority) of a pluggable module into the chassis. In one or more examples, the insertion button assembly may include a stop member that can prevent insertion of the pluggable module into the downstream passageway if the upstream passageways are not already occupied. In particular, the stop member may comprise a stop tab that protrudes perpendicularly into the second passageway to act as an obstacle, thereby preventing entry (or insertion) of the pluggable module into the second passageway.However, the stop element can be retracted inward (or away) from the second passage after another pluggable module is inserted into the first passage, allowing the pluggable module to be inserted into the second passage after the other pluggable module is inserted into the first passage. Accordingly, using the priority insertion button assembly in the chassis instead of (or in addition to) a software-based fault indicator can reduce or prevent faulty or harmful physical configurations that are incompatible with the thermal management system.

[0011] Accordingly, the plug-in key assembly of the present disclosure can provide significant electronic system-level benefits, such as thermal advantages, ease of use, and performance optimization of pluggable modules. Furthermore, the plug-in key assembly, which has a simple design, can be easy to manufacture and assemble, and can be cost-effective. Furthermore, the plug-in key assembly can also enable significantly more controlled deployment of pluggable modules in the field and prevent accidental or improper use of the electronic system by the pluggable module.By using the keyed insertion assembly in the chassis, a physical stop element can be implemented instead of or in addition to a software-based fault indicator to control the insertion of the pluggable module and thereby prevent misconfigurations in which the pluggable module is inserted into a lower priority port instead of an available higher priority port in the chassis.

[0012] Accordingly, the present disclosure describes example implementations of a chassis having a pluggable key assembly for a pluggable module (or a pluggable electronic device) of an electronic system. The pluggable key assembly includes a drive member, a stop member, and a biasing member. In one or more examples, the drive member includes a drive tab and the stop member includes a stop tab. In some examples, the drive member extends over the stop member. In such examples, the biasing member is connected to the drive member and disposed in contact with the stop member. In some other examples, the drive member is connected to the stop member via the biasing member.In some examples, in a relaxed state of the biasing member: i) the stop member is urged outwardly by the biasing member such that the stop tab protrudes into a passageway defined by a plurality of walls of the chassis to block insertion of the pluggable module into the passageway; and ii) the drive member is urged outwardly by the biasing member such that the drive tab protrudes into an adjacent passageway defined by the plurality of walls of the chassis. In the preloaded state of the biasing member, the stop member is pulled inwardly by the biasing member to retract the stop tab from the passageway and allow insertion of the pluggable module into the passageway.In one or more examples, the biasing member is moved from the relaxed state to the biased state by the drive member when another pluggable module is inserted into the adjacent passageway.

[0013] Fig. shows a perspective view of a chassis 100 and a pluggable module 102 of an electronic system, such as a network system, a server system, a storage system, or the like. In some examples, the chassis 100 is a box-shaped enclosure comprised of a plurality of walls 104 connected together to define an interior space 106 therebetween. In such examples, the chassis 100 may enable a plurality of electronic devices (not shown), such as blade servers, rack servers, network devices, or the like, to be disposed within at least a portion of the interior space 106 of the chassis 100 to form the electronic system. For example, the chassis 100 may include a plurality of bins or compartments disposed within the interior space 106 to receive, house, and support the plurality of electronic devices.In one or more examples, the chassis 100 may be mounted with such a plurality of electronic devices in a rack or enclosure of a data center environment, where each of the plurality of electronic devices may execute one or more workloads during operation.

[0014] In some examples, the plurality of walls 104 includes a pair of peripheral side walls 108, a rear wall 110, a front wall (not shown), a base wall 112, a top wall (not shown), and a plurality of side walls 114. It should be noted that the top wall and the front panel wall in the example of Fig. are not shown for ease of illustration, and such representation should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure. In some examples, the two peripheral sidewalls 108 are spaced apart from each other along a lateral direction 10 of the chassis 100 and connected to the base wall 112 and the cover wall of the chassis 100. Similarly, the rear wall 110 and the front wall are spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal direction 20 of the chassis 100 and connected to the base wall 112 and the cover wall of the chassis 100. In some examples, the majority of the sidewalls 114 are disposed within the interior space 106 of the chassis between the pair of peripheral sidewalls 108 and connected to the base wall 112 and the cover wall of the chassis 100.For example, each sidewall of the plurality of sidewalls 114 may extend along the longitudinal direction 20 and be arranged parallel to each other (or spaced apart from each other) along the transverse direction 10. In such examples, a first end 114-1 of each sidewall of the plurality of sidewalls 114 may be positioned near the front panel wall of the chassis 100, and a second end 114-2 of each sidewall of the plurality of sidewalls 114 may be positioned near a center portion of the chassis 100. In some examples, the plurality of sidewalls 114 includes a pair of first sidewalls 114A and a pair of second sidewalls 114B. In such examples, the pair of first side walls 114A, a first portion 112A of the base wall 112, and a first portion of the cover wall may collectively define an adjacent passageway 116 (or first passageway, or upstream passageway, or higher priority passageway) of the chassis 100.Similarly, the pair of second sidewalls 114B, a second portion 112B of the base wall 112, and a second portion of the cover wall may collectively form a passageway 118 (or second passageway, or downstream passageway, or lower priority passageway) of the chassis 100. In one or more examples, the adjacent passageway 116 and the passageway 118 are disposed adjacent to each other. In some examples, a first sidewall 114A-1 (in . Fig. labeled) from the pair of first side walls 114A and a first side wall 114B-1 (in Fig. labeled) of the pair of second sidewalls 114B are arranged adjacent to each other to form a pair of sidewalls 114AB. In such examples, the pair of sidewalls 114AB separates the adjacent passageway 116 and the passageway 118 from each other. In some examples, the first sidewall 114A-1 and the first sidewall 114B-1 of the pair of sidewalls 114AB are arranged spaced apart from each other to define a cavity 120 between the pair of sidewalls 114AB. In the example of Fig. The chassis 100 includes two passageways. In some examples, the chassis 100 may include various numbered passageways without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In some examples, the front panel wall of the chassis 100 may include one or more recesses 122, such as a first recess 122A and a second recess 122B, wherein the first recess 122A and the second recess 122B are aligned with the adjacent passageway 116 and the passageway 118 of the chassis 100, respectively, to allow pluggable modules, such as another pluggable module 103 (as shown in Fig. shown) and a pluggable module 102, which can be removably housed (or inserted or plugged in) inside the chassis 100 from an external environment.

[0015] In some examples, each of the plurality of side walls 114 may also include one or more locking mechanisms (not shown) to secure the pluggable modules when fully inserted into the adjacent passageway 116 and / or the passageway 118 of the chassis 100 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0016] In one or more examples, the chassis 100 further includes a key assembly 124 to manage the priority insertion of the pluggable modules into the chassis 100. In some examples, the key assembly 124 may block the insertion of a pluggable module 102 into the passageway 118 prior to the insertion of another pluggable module 103 into the adjacent passageway 116. In one or more examples, the key assembly 124 includes one or more elements, such as a drive element, a stop element, and a biasing element (in the Fig. clearly shown). For example, the mortise assembly 124 is disposed within the cavity 120 defined between the pair of side walls 114AB. In some examples, the first side wall 114A-1 of the pair of side walls 114AB includes a first opening 140-1 (in Fig. clearly shown) to allow a portion of the mortise assembly 124 to protrude into the adjacent passage 116 or retract into the cavity 120. Similarly, the second side wall 114B of the pair of side walls 114AB includes a second opening 140-2 (in Fig. clearly shown) to allow another part of the socket assembly 124 to protrude into the passage 118 or retract into the cavity 120. In a relaxed state of the biasing element: i) the stop element (in the Fig. shown) is pressed outwards by the biasing element so that a stop tab of the stop element projects into the passage 118 to block insertion of the plug-in module 102 into the passage 118, and ii) the drive element (in the Fig. shown) is urged outwardly by the biasing member such that a drive tab of the drive member projects into the adjacent passageway 116. Further, in the biasing member's preloaded state, the stop member is pulled inwardly by the biasing member to retract the stop tab from the passageway 118 to allow unobstructed insertion of the pluggable module 102 into the passageway 118. In one or more examples, the biasing member is moved from the relaxed state to the preloaded state by the drive member upon insertion of the other pluggable module 103 into the adjacent passageway 116. Accordingly, the insertion key assembly 124 manages the priority insertion of the pluggable modules into the chassis 100. The insertion key assembly 124 is described in more detail below.

[0017] The chassis 100 may further include female connectors, such as a first female connector and a second female connector (not shown), disposed in the central region of the chassis 100. In some examples, the first female connector and the second female connector may face the adjacent passageway 116 and passageway 118 of the chassis 100, respectively. In such examples, both the first female connector and the second female connector may be connected to a circuit board (not shown) of the electronic system disposed on the chassis 100.

[0018] In one or more examples, the pluggable module 102 (and / or the other pluggable module 103) may be a network device, such as a transceiver, or a storage drive, such as an NVMe storage drive, or a power supply device, or the like. It should be noted here that other types of pluggable modules 102 and other pluggable modules 103 are conceivable without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In some examples, the pluggable module 102 may include a housing portion 126 and a handle portion 128 connected to a front end 130 of the housing portion 126. In one or more examples, the housing portion 126 may receive within its interior another circuit board (not shown) of the pluggable module 102 and a connector (not shown) disposed at a rear end 132 of the housing portion 126 and connected to the other circuit board.In some examples, the other pluggable module 103 and the pluggable module 102 may be sequentially disposed inside the chassis 100 by being plugged or inserted into the adjacent passageway 116 and the passageway 118 via the first cutout 122A and the second cutout 122B formed in the front panel wall of the chassis 100. In such examples, upon insertion of the other pluggable module 103 into the adjacent passageway 116, the other male connector of the other pluggable module 103 may be connected to the first female connector disposed in the chassis 100 of the electronic device to perform one or more functions. Similarly, upon insertion of the pluggable module 102 into the passageway 118, the male connector of the pluggable module 102 may be connected to the second female connector disposed in the chassis 100 of the electronic device to perform one or more functions.In some examples, the functions may include, but are not limited to, transmitting data, processing data, storing data, providing power, or the like, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0019] Fig. shows a perspective front view of the socket wrench assembly 124 of Fig. . Fig. shows a perspective rear view of the socket wrench assembly 124 of Fig. . In the following description, the Fig. described simultaneously for clarity. In one or more examples, the socket wrench assembly 124 includes a drive member 142, a stop member 144, and a biasing member 146.

[0020] In some examples, the drive member 142 extends directly from the stop member 144. In some other examples, the drive member 142 may be connected to the stop member 144 via a suitable coupling mechanism, such as welding or the like, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In some examples, the drive member 142 and the stop member 144 may be connected to form a unitary driver-stop member of the socket assembly 124.

[0021] In some examples, the drive member 142 may include a first connector tab 142A, a drive tab 142B, an end tab 142C, a pair of flanges 142D, and a rod 142E. In one or more examples, the first connector tab 142A is a rectangular tab having a first height "H1." In some examples, a first vertical end portion 142A-1 of the first connector tab 142A extends from a first vertical end portion 144A-1 of the stop member 144, and a second vertical end portion 142A-2 of the first connector tab 142A extends from a first vertical end portion 142B-1 of the drive tab 142B. A first flange 142D-1 of the pair of flanges 142D extends from a first horizontal end portion 142A-3 of the first connector tab 142A, and a second flange 142D-2 of the pair of flanges 142D extends from a second horizontal end portion 142A-4 of the first connector tab 142A.The rod 142E extends through the pair of flanges 142D and is connected (e.g., pivotally) to a support structure (not shown) of the pair of side walls 114AB (as shown in FIGS. Fig. shown). In one or more examples, the drive tab 142B is a rectangular-shaped tab. The drive tab 142B is inclined at a first angle "α1" relative to the first connector tab 142A. The first angle "α1" may be, for example, about 200 degrees. Accordingly, the drive tab 142B inclined by the first angle "α1" may be positioned downward due to its surface being inclined relative to the first connector tab 142A. In some examples, the drive tab 142B may be pushed inward (or moved upward) by a compressive force resulting from the insertion of another pluggable module 103 (as shown in Fig. shown) into the adjacent passageway 116. In one or more examples, the end tab 142C may be an "L"-shaped tab extending from a second vertical end portion 142B-2 of the drive tab 142B. In one or more examples, the drive member 142 may function as an actuating member to cause the biasing member 146 to transition (or move) between the relaxed state and the biased state to insert the stop member 144 into the passageway 118 or to withdraw the stop member 144 from the passageway 118.

[0022] The stop member 144 includes a second connector tab 144A, a body tab 144B, and a stop tab 144C. In one or more examples, the second connector tab 144A is a rectangular tab having a second height "H2." In some examples, the second height "H2" is less than the first height "H1." As described herein, the first vertical end portion 144A-1 of the second connector tab 144A extends from the first vertical end portion 142A-1 of the first connector tab 142A, while a second vertical end portion 144A-2 of the second connector tab 144A extends from a first vertical end portion 144B-1 of the body tab 144B. In some examples, the second connector tab 144A is a rectangular-shaped tab. The second connector tab 144A is inclined at a second angle "α2" relative to the first connector tab 142A. The second angle "α2" may be, for example, approximately 40 degrees.Accordingly, the second terminal tab 144A, which is inclined by the second angle "α2" relative to the first connector tab 142A, can contribute to the upward positioning of the body tab 144B and the stop tab 144C of the stop member 144 relative to the first connector tab 142A of the drive member 142. In some examples, the body tab 144B connects the second connector tab 144A to the stop tab 144C. For example, the first vertical end portion 144B-1 of the body tab 144B extends from the second vertical end portion 144A-2 of the second connector tab 144A. Similarly, the second vertical end portion 144B-2 of the body tab 144B extends from the stop tab 144C. In some examples, the body tab 144B is inclined at a third angle "α3" relative to the second connector tab 144A. For example, the third angle "α3" may be approximately -40 degrees.Accordingly, the body tab 144B and the first connector tab 142A may be arranged parallel to each other. In one or more examples, the stop tab 144C is inclined at a fourth angle "α4" relative to the body tab 144B. For example, the fourth angle "α4" may be approximately 90 degrees. Accordingly, the stop tab 144C may be configured to protrude perpendicularly into the passageway 118 to facilitate insertion of a pluggable module 102 (as shown in FIG. Fig. shown) until the stop tab 144C is retracted from the passage 118 to allow insertion of the pluggable module 102 into the passage 118 of the chassis 100.

[0023] In some examples, the biasing member 146 is a torsion spring 146A. In the example of Fig. The torsion spring 146A includes coil portions 146A-1, a first elongated end portion 146A-2, and a second elongated end portion 146A-3. In such examples, the torsion spring 146A is connected to the drive member 142 and disposed in contact with the stop member 144. For example, the torsion spring 146-1 is disposed between the two flanges 142D and around the rod 142E. In particular, the coil portions 146A-1 wrap around the rod 142E, the first elongated end portion 146A-2 contacts the body tab 144B of the stop member 144, and the second elongated end portion 146A-3 may contact a first sidewall 114A-1 under the pair of sidewalls 114AB (as in Fig. and Fig. shown). In some examples, the second connector tab 144A, whose second height "H2" is less than the first height "H1" of the first connector tab 142A, may cause the first extended end portion 146A-2 and the second extended end portion 146A-3 of the torsion spring 146A to be guided over the second connector tab 144A to contact the body tab 144B and the first sidewall 114A-1, respectively. In one or more examples, the first elongated end portion 146A-2 may compress the body tab 144B, and the second elongated end portion 146A-3 may engage the first sidewall 114A of the sidewall pair 114AB in the relaxed state of the torsion spring 146A, such that the stop tab 144C protrudes into the passageway 118 and the drive tab 142B protrudes into the adjacent passageway 116 of the chassis 100.

[0024] Fig. shows a perspective view of the part of the chassis 100 of Fig. with the socket wrench assembly 124 from Fig. , seen from an adjacent passage 116 of the chassis 100. Fig. shows a perspective view of another part of the chassis 100 of Fig. with the socket wrench assembly 124 from Fig. , seen from a passage 118 of the chassis 100. In the following description, the Fig. described simultaneously for better illustration.

[0025] In one or more examples, the socket assembly 124 is disposed within the cavity 120 formed between the pair of sidewalls 114AB of the chassis 100. For example, the biasing member 146, such as the torsion spring 146A, and a portion of the stop member 144, as well as a portion of the drive member 142, are disposed within the cavity 120. The socket assembly 124 is also attached to the support structure of the pair of sidewalls 114AB. Further, the rod 142E, which extends through the pair of flanges 142D, is pivotally connected to the support structure of the pair of sidewalls 114AB. Accordingly, the first elongated end portion 146A-2 and the second elongated end portion 146-3 of the torsion spring 146A in the relaxed state i) can press the stop element 144 outwardly so that the stop tab 144C projects vertically into the passage 118 (as in Fig. shown), and ii) push the drive element 142 outwardly so that the drive tab 142B projects into the adjacent passage 116 (as shown in Fig. shown). In one or more examples, the stop tab 144C protruding vertically into the passage 118 blocks the insertion of a pluggable module 102 (as shown in Fig. shown) into the passage 118. However, the drive tab 142B, which projects at an oblique angle into the adjacent passage 116, can be replaced by inserting another pluggable module 103 (as shown in Fig. shown) or retracted outward into the adjacent passage 116 by withdrawing the other pluggable module 103 from the adjacent passage 116. It should be noted that the drive tab 142B retracts outward into the adjacent passage 116 when the passage 118 is empty or not occupied by the pluggable module 102.

[0026] In some examples, the chassis 100 may be replaced by the socket key assembly 124 of Fig. a socket wrench assembly 224 (as in Fig. shown) having a biasing member 246, such as a leaf spring 246A, a drive member 242, and a stop member 244 disposed within a cavity 120 formed between the pair of side walls 114AB without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In some other examples, the chassis 100 may include the mortise assembly 124 disposed within the cavity 120 formed between the pair of side walls 114AB and the mortise assembly 224 disposed on either the base wall 112 or the cover wall of the chassis without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0027] Fig. shows a plan view of a portion of the chassis 100 with the socket key assembly 124 of the Fig. in a relaxed state. Fig. shows a plan view of the part of the chassis 100 in which another pluggable module 103 is inserted into an adjacent passage 116 and the key assembly 124 of the Fig. is in a prestressed state. In the following description, the Fig. described at the same time.

[0028] Referring to Fig. The torsion spring 146A is positioned in a relaxed state after installation of the socket assembly 124 into the cavity 120 defined between the two side walls 114AB. In one or more examples, in the relaxed state of the torsion spring 146A, the drive tab 142B protrudes at an inclined angle into the adjacent passageway 116 via the first opening 140-1 formed in the first side wall 114A-1, and the stop tab 144C protrudes perpendicularly into the passageway 118 via the second opening 140-2 formed in the first side wall 114B-1. In such examples, the stop tab 144C blocks the insertion of a pluggable module 102 (as in Fig. shown) into the passage 118 before inserting another pluggable module 103 into the adjacent passage 116.

[0029] As in Fig. As shown, the drive member 142 is urged inwardly by the insertion of the other pluggable module 103 into the adjacent passageway 116. For example, after insertion of the other pluggable module 103 into the adjacent passageway 116, a housing portion 127 of the other pluggable module 103 may exert a compressive force on the drive tab 142B, allowing the drive member 142 to retract from the adjacent passageway 116 by moving inwardly into the cavity 120 via the first opening 140-1 formed in the first sidewall 114A-1. In one or more examples, movement of the drive member 142 into the cavity 120 may actuate the torsion spring 146A to move (or rotate) from the relaxed state to a preloaded state.In one or more examples, in the preloaded state of the torsion spring 146A, the stop member 144 is pulled inward by the torsion spring 146A to retract the stop tab 144C from the passageway 118 and enable insertion of the pluggable module 102 into the passageway 118.

[0030] When the other pluggable module 103 is removed from the adjacent passageway 116, the biasing element 146, e.g., the torsion spring 146A, moves (or reverses) from the preloaded state to the relaxed state. This causes the drive tab 142B to retract into the adjacent passageway 116 at the inclined angle and the stop tab 144C to protrude perpendicularly into the passageway 118 to block insertion of the pluggable module 102 into the passageway 118. In one or more examples, the stop tab 144C and the drive tab 142B move into the passageway 118 and out of the adjacent passageway 116, respectively, via an opening 140-2, 140-1 formed in a corresponding sidewall 114B-1, 114A-1 of the pair of sidewalls 114AB of the chassis 100.

[0031] Therefore, in one or more examples of the present disclosure, the stop tab 144C blocks insertion of the pluggable module 102 into the passageway 118 prior to insertion of the other pluggable module 103 into the adjacent passageway 116. However, after insertion of the other pluggable module 103 into the adjacent passageway 116, the pluggable module 102 may be inserted into the passageway 118 of the chassis.

[0032] Fig. shows a perspective view of a socket wrench assembly 224 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. In one or more examples, the socket wrench assembly 224 includes a drive member 242, a stop member 244, and a biasing member 246. In some examples, the drive member 242 is indirectly connected to the stop member 244 via the biasing member 246.

[0033] The drive member 242 includes a first connector tab 242A, a drive tab 242B, and an end tab 242C. In one or more examples, the first connector tab 242A is a rectangular tab. In some examples, the first connector tongue 242A extends from a portion of a first end 248 in the biasing member 246. Further, the first connector tab 242A is inclined by a first angle "β1" relative to the biasing member 246. For example, the first angle "β1" may be approximately 40 degrees. Accordingly, the first connector tab 242A being inclined by the first angle "β1" relative to the biasing member 246 may assist in positioning the drive tab 242B and the end tab 242C upwardly relative to the biasing member 246. In some examples, the drive tab 242B is a rectangular tab. The drive tab 242B is inclined at a second angle "β2" relative to the first connector tab 242A.For example, the second angle "β2" may be approximately -40 degrees. Accordingly, the drive tab 242B and the biasing member 246 may be arranged parallel to each other. In one or more examples, the end tab 242C may be an "L"-shaped tab extending from a drive tab 242B.

[0034] The stop member 244 includes a second connector tab 244A and a stop tab 244B. In one or more examples, the second connector tab 244A is a rectangular-shaped tab. In some examples, the second connector tab 244A extends from another portion of the first end 248 in the biasing member 246. The second connector tab 244A is disposed parallel to the biasing member 246. The stop tab 244B extends from the second connector tab 244A. In some examples, the stop tab 244B is inclined at a third angle "β3" relative to the second connector tab 244A (or the biasing member 246). For example, the third angle "β3" may be approximately 90 degrees. Accordingly, the stop tab 244B may be configured to extend perpendicularly into a passageway 218 (as shown in Fig. shown) of a chassis 200 to block insertion of a pluggable module until the stop tab 244C is retracted from the passageway 218 to allow insertion of the pluggable module into the passageway 218.

[0035] In some examples, the biasing member 246 is a leaf spring 246A. In the example of Fig. The leaf spring 246A is a square-shaped member having a first end 248 and a second end 250. In some examples, the drive member 242 and the stop member 244 are spaced apart from each other and extend from the first end 248 of the leaf spring 246A. The leaf spring 246A further includes a pair of holes 252 formed near the second end 250 for connecting the leaf spring 246A to a chassis.

[0036] In one or more examples, upon application of a vertical force to the drive member 242, the drive tab 242B is forced downward to move the leaf spring 246A from a relaxed state to a preloaded state, causing the leaf spring 246A and the stop tab 244B connected to the leaf spring 246A to move downward. Upon removal of the vertical force from the drive member 242, the leaf spring 246A moves upward to return from the preloaded state to the relaxed state, causing the drive tab 242B and the stop tab 244B connected to the leaf spring 246A to move upward.

[0037] Fig. shows a perspective top view of the part of a chassis 200 with a plurality of walls 204 and the mortise key assembly 224 of Fig. . Fig. shows a rear perspective view of the portion of a chassis 200 with the plurality of walls 204 and the mortise key assembly 224 of Fig. . In the following description, the Fig. described simultaneously for better illustration.

[0038] The plurality of walls 204 includes a plurality of sidewalls 214 and a base wall 212. In some examples, the plurality of sidewalls 214 includes a pair of first sidewalls 214A and a pair of second sidewalls 214B. Similarly, the base wall 212 includes a first portion 212A of the base wall 212 and a second portion 212B of the base wall 212. In such examples, the pair of first sidewalls 214A and the first portion 212A of the base wall 212 may collectively define an adjacent passageway 216 (or first passageway, or upstream passageway, or higher priority passageway) of the chassis 200. Similarly, the pair of second sidewalls 214B and the second portion 212B of the base wall 212 may collectively define a passageway 218 (or second passageway, or downstream passageway, or lower priority passageway) of the chassis 200.In some examples, the adjacent passageway 216 and the passageway 218 are disposed adjacent to each other. In some examples, a first sidewall 214A-1 of the pair of first sidewalls 214A and a first sidewall 214B-1 of the pair of second sidewalls 214B are disposed adjacent to each other to form a pair of sidewalls 214AB. In such examples, the pair of sidewalls 214AB separates the adjacent passageway 216 and the passageway 218 from each other.

[0039] In some examples, the first portion 212A of the base wall 212 includes a first opening 240-1 to allow the drive tab 242B of the mortise assembly 224 to extend into or retract from the adjacent passageway 216. Similarly, the second portion 212B of the base wall 212 includes a second opening 240-2 to allow the stop tab 244B of the mortise assembly 224 to extend into or retract from the passageway 218.

[0040] The biasing element 246, e.g., the leaf spring 246A, may be arranged on the base wall 212 or a cover wall (not shown) of the chassis 200. In the example of Fig. The biasing member 246 is shown disposed on a bottom surface 260 of the base wall 212. In such examples, the second end 250 of the leaf spring 246A is connected to the base wall 212 via a pair of fasteners, for example, a pair of rivets 262 that extend through the pair of holes 252 formed near the second end 250 of the leaf spring 246A. In other words, the leaf spring 246A can function as a cantilevered support of the mortise assembly 224. In such examples, the leaf spring 246A is maintained in a relaxed state when the mortise assembly 224 is installed on the base wall 212 and the second end 250 of the leaf spring 246A is connected to the base wall 212.In one or more examples, in the relaxed state of the leaf spring 246A, the drive tab 242B will extend into the adjacent passageway 116 through the first opening 240-1 formed in the first portion 212A of the base wall 212, and the stop tab 244B will extend into the passageway 218 through the second opening 240-2 formed in the second portion 212B of the base wall 212.

[0041] In one or more examples, the stop tab 244B extending vertically into the passage 218 blocks the insertion of a pluggable module 102 (as in Fig. shown) into the passage 218. However, the drive tab 242B, which projects at an oblique angle into the adjacent passage 216, can be replaced by inserting another pluggable module 103 (as shown in Fig. shown) into the adjacent passageway 216. In some examples, the other pluggable module 103 and the pluggable module 102 may be inserted into the adjacent passageway 216 and the passageway 218, respectively, via the front end 270 of the chassis 200. In such examples, upon insertion of the other pluggable module 103 into the adjacent passageway 216, the drive member 242 is pushed downward due to a compressive force exerted by the other pluggable module 103 on the drive tab 242B. In such examples, the drive tab 242B may retract from the adjacent passageway 216 by moving downward through the first opening 240-1 formed in the first portion 212A of the base wall 212. In one or more examples, downward movement of the drive member 242 may cause the leaf spring 246A to move from the relaxed state to a preloaded state.In one or more examples, in the preloaded state of the leaf spring 246A, the stop member 244 is pulled downward by the leaf spring 246A to retract the stop tab 244B from the passageway 218 to enable insertion of the pluggable module 102 into the passageway 218.

[0042] When the other pluggable module 103 is removed from the adjacent passageway 216, the biasing element 246, e.g., the leaf spring 246A, moves upward from the preloaded state to the relaxed state, causing the drive tab 242B to return to the adjacent passageway 216 at the inclined angle, and the stop tab 244B to protrude vertically into the passageway 218 to block insertion of the pluggable module 102 into the passageway 218. In one or more examples, the stop tab 244B and the drive tab 242B move into the passageway 218 and out of the adjacent passageway 216, respectively, via the second and first openings 240-2, 240-1 formed in the second portion 212B and the first portion 212A of the base wall 212 in the chassis 200.

[0043] Therefore, in one or more examples of the present disclosure, the stop tab 244B blocks insertion of the pluggable module 102 into the passageway 218 prior to insertion of the other pluggable module 103 into the adjacent passageway 216. However, after insertion of the other pluggable module 103 into the adjacent passageway 216, the pluggable module 102 may be inserted into the passageway 218 of the chassis 200.

[0044] In some examples, the chassis 200 may be used instead of the key assembly 224 of Fig. a socket wrench assembly 124 of Fig.with a biasing member 146, such as a torsion spring 146A, a drive member 142, and a stop member 144 disposed on either the base wall 212 or the cover wall without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In some other examples, the chassis 200 may include the mortise assembly 124 disposed in a cavity formed between the pair of side walls 214AB and the mortise assembly 224 disposed on one of the base wall 212 or the cover wall without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0045] Various features, such as those illustrated in the examples described here, can be implemented in a housing with a keypad assembly. Accordingly, the keypad assembly can provide significant advantages at the electronic system level, such as thermal optimization, ease of use, and performance optimization of pluggable modules. Furthermore, the primary keypad, with its simple design, is easy to manufacture, assemble, and cost-effective. Furthermore, the keypad assembly enables significantly more controlled deployment of pluggable modules in the field, preventing accidental or improper use of the electronic system by the pluggable module.By using the keyed insertion assembly in the enclosure, a physical stop element can be implemented instead of or in addition to a software-based fault indicator, preventing the occurrence of unprecedented situations where an incompatible pluggable module is inserted and / or the pluggable module is inserted into a lower priority passway before a higher priority passway of the enclosure.

[0046] In the foregoing description, numerous details are set forth to facilitate understanding of the subject matter disclosed herein. However, the invention may be practiced without some or all of these details. Other implementations may include modifications, combinations, and variations of the details described above. The following claims are intended to cover such modifications and variations.

Claims

[1] A key assembly (124; 224) for a pluggable module (102), comprising: a stop element (144; 244) with a stop tab (144C; 244B); a biasing element (146; 246) connected to the stop element (144; 244); and a drive element (142; 242) comprising a drive tab (142B; 242B), wherein the drive element (142) extends from the stop element (144) or is connected to the stop element (244) via the biasing element (246), wherein the biasing element (146; 246) and a part of the stop element (144; 244) and the drive element (142; 242): i) are arranged in a cavity (120) formed between a pair of side walls (114AB) of a plurality of side walls (114) of a chassis (100) or ii) are arranged on a base wall (212) or a cover wall of the chassis (200), wherein, in a relaxed state of the biasing element (146; 246), the stop element (144; 244) is pressed outwardly by the biasing element (146; 246) so that the stop tab (144C; 244B) projects into a passage (118; 218) defined by the plurality of side walls (114; 214) of the chassis (100; 200) to block insertion of the pluggable module (102) into the passage (118; 218), and wherein, in a pre-tensioned state of the pre-tensioning element (146; 246), the stop element (144; 244) is pulled inward by the pre-tensioning element (146; 246) to retract the stop tab (144C; 244B) from the passage (118; 218) to enable insertion of the pluggable module (102) into the passage (118; 218). [2] The socket wrench assembly (124; 224) of claim 1, wherein in the relaxed state of the biasing member (146; 246), the drive member (142; 242) is urged outwardly by the biasing member (146; 246) such that the drive tab (142B; 242B) projects into an adjacent passage (116; 216) defined by the plurality of side walls (114; 214) of the chassis (100; 200). [3] The socket wrench assembly (124; 224) of claim 2, wherein the biasing member (146; 246) is moved from the relaxed state to the preloaded state by the drive member (142; 242) when another pluggable module (103) is inserted into the adjacent passage (116; 216). [4] The socket wrench assembly (124; 224) of claim 3, wherein the drive member (142; 242) is driven inwardly by the other pluggable module (103) inserted into the adjacent passage (116; 216) to retract the drive tab (142B; 242B) from the adjacent passage (116; 216) and move the biasing member (146; 246) from the relaxed state to the biased state. [5] The socket wrench assembly (124; 224) of claim 3, wherein the stop tab (144C; 244B) blocks insertion of the pluggable module (102) into the passageway (118; 218) prior to insertion of the other pluggable module (103) into the adjacent passageway (116; 216). [6] The socket wrench assembly (124; 224) of claim 2, wherein the biasing member (146; 246) is at least one of a torsion spring (146A) and a leaf spring (246A). [7] The socket wrench assembly (124; 224) of claim 6, wherein the drive member (142) further comprises a pair of flanges (142D) and a rod (142E) extending through the pair of flanges (142D) and connected to the chassis (100), the biasing member (146) being disposed between the pair of flanges (142D) and around the rod (142E), and the biasing member (146) comprising a first elongated end portion (146A-2) contacting the stop member (144) and a second elongated end portion (146A-3) contacting a side wall (114A-1) of the pair of side walls (114AB) separating the passageway (118) and the adjacent passageway (116). [8] The socket wrench assembly (124; 224) of claim 7, wherein the stop tab (144) moves into and out of the passage (118) via a second opening (140-2) formed in a second side wall (114B-1) of the pair of side walls (114AB) of the chassis (100), and the drive tab (142) moves into and out of the adjacent passage (116) via a first opening (140-1) formed in a first side wall (114A-1) of the pair of side walls (114AB) of the chassis (100). [9] The socket wrench assembly (124; 224) of claim 6, wherein the biasing member (246) comprises a first end (248) connected to the stop member (244) and the drive member (242) and a second end (250) connected to the base wall (212) or the cover wall. [10] The mortise key assembly (124; 224) of claim 9, wherein the stop tab (244B) moves into and out of the passage (218) via a second opening (240-2) formed in the base wall (212) corresponding to the passage (218) or the cover wall corresponding to the passage (218), and the drive tab (242B) moves into and out of the adjacent passage (216) via a first opening (240-1) formed in the base wall (212) corresponding to the adjacent passage (216) or the cover wall corresponding to the adjacent passage (216). [11] A chassis (100; 200) for removably housing a pluggable module (102), comprising: a plurality of side walls (114; 214) defining a passage (118; 218) and an adjacent passage (116; 216); and a socket assembly (124; 224) coupled to at least one wall of a pair of side walls of the plurality of side walls (114; 214), the socket assembly (124; 224) comprising: a stop element (144; 244) with a stop tab (144C; 244B); a biasing element (146; 246) connected to the stop element (144; 244); and a drive element (142; 242) comprising a drive tab (142B; 242B), wherein the drive element (142) extends from the stop element (144) or is connected to the stop element (244) via the biasing element (246), wherein the biasing element (146; 246) and a part of the stop element (144; 244) and the drive element (142; 242): i) are arranged in a cavity (120) formed between the pair of side walls (114AB) or ii) are arranged on a base wall (212) or a cover wall of the chassis (200), wherein, in a relaxed state of the prestressing element (146; 246), the stop element (144; 244) is pressed outwardly by the prestressing element (146; 246) so that the stop tab (144C; 244B) projects into the passage (118; 218) to block insertion of the pluggable module (102) into the passage (118; 218), and wherein in a pre-tensioned state of the pre-tensioning element (146; 246), the stop element (144; 244) is pulled inwardly by the pre-tensioning element (146; 246) to retract the stop tab from the passage (118; 218) to enable insertion of the pluggable module (102) into the passage (118; 218) for removably accommodating the pluggable module in the chassis (100; 200). [12] The chassis (100; 200) of claim 11, wherein in the relaxed state of the biasing member (146; 246), the drive member (142; 242) is urged outwardly by the biasing member (146; 246) such that the drive tab (142B; 242B) projects into the adjacent passage (116; 216) defined by the plurality of side walls (114; 214) of the chassis (100; 200). [13] The chassis (100; 200) of claim 12, wherein the biasing member (146; 246) is moved from the relaxed state to the preloaded state by the drive member (142; 242) when another pluggable module (103) is inserted into the adjacent passage (116; 216). [14] The chassis (100; 200) of claim 13, wherein the drive member (142; 242) is driven inwardly by the other pluggable module (103) inserted into the adjacent passageway (116; 216) to retract the drive tab (142B; 242B) from the adjacent passageway (116; 216) and move the biasing member (146; 246) from the relaxed state to the biased state. [15] The chassis (100; 200) of claim 13, wherein the stop tab (144C; 244B) blocks insertion of the pluggable module (102) into the passageway (118; 218) prior to insertion of the other pluggable module (103) into the adjacent passageway (116; 216). [16] The chassis (100; 200) of claim 12, wherein the biasing element (146; 246) is at least one of a torsion spring (146A) and a leaf spring (246A). [17] The chassis (100; 200) of claim 16, wherein the drive member (142) further comprises a pair of flanges (142D) and a rod (142E) extending through the pair of flanges (142D) and connected to the chassis (100), the biasing member (146) being disposed between the pair of flanges (142D) and around the rod (142E), and the biasing member (146) comprising a first elongated end portion (146A-2) contacting the stop member (144) and a second elongated end portion (146A-3) contacting one of the pair of side walls separating the passageway (118) and the adjacent passageway (116). [18] The chassis (100; 200) of claim 17, wherein the stop tab (144C) moves into and out of the passage (118) via a second opening (140-2) formed in a second side wall (114B-1) of the pair of side walls (114AB) of the chassis (100), and the drive tab (142B) moves into and out of the adjacent passage (116) via a first opening (140-1) formed in a first side wall (114A-1) of the pair of side walls (114AB) of the chassis (100). [19] The chassis (100; 200) of claim 16, wherein the biasing member (246) comprises a first end (248) connected to the stop member (244) and the drive member (242) and a second end (250) connected to the base wall (212) or the cover wall. [20] The chassis (100; 200) according to claim 19, wherein the stop tab (244B) moves into and out of the passage (218) via a second opening (240-2) formed in the base wall (212) corresponding to the passage (218) or the cover wall corresponding to the passage (218), and the drive tab (242B) moves into and out of the adjacent passage (216) via a first opening (240-1) formed in the base wall (212) corresponding to the adjacent passage (216) or the cover wall corresponding to the adjacent passage (216).

Images