Signal connector, optical cage assembly and optical network device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to the technical field of optical communications. Provided are a signal connector, an optical cage assembly and an optical network device. The signal connector is configured to be disposed in an optical cage. The signal connector has a first connection end and a second connection end, wherein the first connection end and the second connection end are located opposite each other; the first connection end is electrically connected to the second connection end; and the first connection end is configured to be in plug-in connection with an optical module which is inserted into the optical cage, and the second connection end is configured to be in plug-in connection with a circuit board of a network device in which the optical cage is located. By adopting the present disclosure, the circuit board is located at the tail end of the optical cage, such that the circuit board does not occupy the height space of the network device any longer, allowing more layers of optical ports to be arranged on a panel in the height space, facilitating high-density arrangement of the optical ports on the network device, and thereby facilitating the improvement of the bandwidth of the network equipment.

Description

Signal connectors, optical cage assemblies, and optical network equipment

[0001] This disclosure claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510353807.1, filed on March 21, 2025, entitled “Signal Connector, Optical Cage Assembly and Optical Network Device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to the field of optical communication technology, and in particular to a signal connector, an optical cage assembly, and an optical network device. Background Technology

[0003] An optical cage assembly is a structural component that includes an optical cage and signal connectors, and is arranged in an optical network device. The ports of the optical cage are located on the front panel of the optical network device and serve as the optical interface for the insertion of optical modules. The signal connectors are located in the optical cage and are used for internal connections and for electrical connections with the optical modules inserted into the optical cage, so as to realize the external connection of the optical network device.

[0004] As the bandwidth requirements of optical network equipment increase, the number of connected optical modules also increases, leading to a greater number of optical interfaces on the front panel of the optical network equipment. How to arrange more layers of optical cage components within the limited height space of the network equipment has become a problem that urgently needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure provides a signal connector, an optical cage assembly, and an optical network device. The signal connector, arranged in the optical cage, has its connection end for electrical connection with a circuit board facing away from the optical module, so that the circuit board can be located at the rear end of the optical cage instead of at the bottom of the optical cage. The circuit board no longer occupies the height space of the panel. Therefore, the height space freed up by the circuit board allows the network device to arrange more layers of optical cage assemblies within a limited height space.

[0006] In a first aspect, this disclosure provides a signal connector, an optical cage assembly, and an optical network device, wherein the signal connector is arranged in an optical cage;

[0007] The signal connector has a first connection end and a second connection end, and the first connection end and the second connection end are positioned opposite to each other.

[0008] The first connection end and the second connection end are electrically connected, and the first connection end is used to connect to the optical module inserted into the optical cage, and the second connection end is used to connect to the circuit board of the network device.

[0009] In the solution shown in this disclosure, since the first connection end and the second connection end are positioned opposite each other, the circuit board can be located at the tail end of the optical cage instead of at the bottom of the optical cage. This allows the circuit board to no longer occupy the height space of the network device, enabling the panel to arrange more layers of optical ports in the height space. This is beneficial for the high-density arrangement of optical ports on the network device, and thus helps to improve the bandwidth of the network device.

[0010] In the solution disclosed herein, the electrical connection between the second connector and the circuit board is a plug-in connection. For example, the second connector is an electrical interface, and the signal connection end of the circuit board is an electrical connector. The signal connection end of the circuit board is inserted into the second connector to achieve the electrical connection. Compared to soldered and crimped electrical connections, this pluggable electrical connection method, where the connector is inserted into the electrical interface, allows for lossless disconnection of the electrical connection between the signal connector and the circuit board during subsequent upgrades or reassemblies of network equipment. Both the signal connector and the circuit board can be reused, enabling material recycling, which is not only environmentally friendly but also cost-effective.

[0011] In the solution disclosed herein, the first connection end is used for pluggable connection to the optical module, and the second connection end is used for pluggable connection to the circuit board of the network device. Therefore, all signals transmitted by the optical module are transmitted to the service chip on the circuit board via the circuit board. Compared to the optical module transmitting all signals to the service chip via cable, the circuit board can handle a larger power supply. Therefore, this embodiment can be applied in scenarios with higher power supply, such as scenarios where the transmitted power supply is between 30W and 40W (e.g., 18W).

[0012] In one possible implementation, the first connecting end and the second connecting end are integrally formed.

[0013] In the solution shown in this disclosure, both the first connection end and the second connection end include multiple gold fingers. One gold finger of the first connection end and one gold finger of the second connection end can be processed from a conductive structure. Therefore, the first connection end and the second connection end can be integrated into a connector.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the signal connector includes a first connector and a second connector;

[0015] The first connection end is disposed on the first connector, and the first connector also has a third connection end that is positioned opposite to and electrically connected to the first connection end;

[0016] The second connection end is disposed on the second connector, and the second connector also has a fourth connection end that is opposite to and electrically connected to the second connection end;

[0017] The third connection end of the first connector and the fourth connection end of the second connector are fixedly connected.

[0018] In the solution disclosed herein, the first connection end is integrated on one connector (denoted as the first connector), and the second connection end is integrated on another connector (denoted as the second connector). Therefore, when the first connection end is plugged into the optical module, it will not affect the second connection end (e.g., it will not cause the second connector where the second connection end is located to shift). When the second connection end is plugged into the circuit board, it will not affect the first connection end (e.g., it will not cause the first connector where the first connection end is located to shift).

[0019] In one possible implementation, the third connection end of the first connector is an electrical connection end formed by a flexible circuit board or includes multiple wires, and the fourth connection end of the second connector is an electrical connection end formed by a flexible circuit board or includes multiple wires.

[0020] In the solution disclosed herein, the first connector and the second connector can be electrically connected via wires or via a flexible circuit board. Thus, after the first connector and the second connector are connected, any displacement of the first connector will not cause displacement of the second connector, and vice versa.

[0021] It should be noted that after the first connector and the second connector are connected by wires, the wires are bent between the first and second connectors, resulting in a loose connection between them. After the first connector and the second connector are connected by a flexible circuit board, the flexible circuit board is in a collapsed state, not a taut state.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the first connector is used to assemble inside the optical cage, and the first connection end faces the optical module socket of the optical cage;

[0023] The first connector is used to insert the optical module inside the optical cage. When inserted into the first connector end, the optical module can move up and down in the thickness direction of the optical cage.

[0024] In the solution disclosed herein, the first connector is inside the optical cage and can float relative to the optical cage along the thickness direction of the optical cage. Therefore, even if the electrical connector of the optical module inserted into the optical cage is not fully aligned with the first connection end of the first connector, the electrical connector of the optical module can still be smoothly inserted into the first connection end.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the second connector is used to assemble at least a portion of the optical cage, and the second connection end faces away from the optical module socket of the optical cage;

[0026] The second connector is used to insert into the electrical signal connection terminal of the circuit board and the second connection terminal, and can move up and down in the thickness direction of the optical cage.

[0027] In the solution disclosed herein, the second connector is inside the optical cage and can float relative to the optical cage along the thickness direction of the optical cage. Therefore, when the electrical signal connection end of the circuit board is inserted into the second connection end of the second connector, even if the electrical signal connection end of the circuit board and the second connection end are not completely aligned, the electrical signal connection end and the second connection end can still be inserted smoothly, and it is not easy for the electrical signal connection end and the second connection end of the circuit board to fail to be inserted.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the signal connector is used to insert into the electrical signal connection terminal and the second connection terminal of the circuit board, and is capable of moving up and down in the thickness direction of the optical cage.

[0029] In the scheme shown in this disclosure, the first connection end and the second connection end are integrated into a single connector. The signal connector can float up and down, which facilitates the insertion of the electrical signal connection end of the circuit board into the second connection end.

[0030] In one possible implementation, the second connection end is used to extend from the tail end of the optical cage, wherein the tail end of the optical cage is the end facing away from the optical module socket of the optical cage;

[0031] Both the first connection end and the second connection end include multiple gold fingers. The spacing between two adjacent gold fingers of the second connection end is greater than the spacing between two adjacent gold fingers of the first connection end.

[0032] In the scheme disclosed herein, the second connecting end extends beyond the tail end of the optical cage. Therefore, the width of the second connecting end is not limited by the width of the optical cage, and consequently, the width between two adjacent gold fingers of the second connecting end can be greater than the width between two adjacent gold fingers of the first connecting end. Increasing the width between the two gold fingers of the second connecting end reduces the possibility of short circuits between the two gold fingers.

[0033] In one possible implementation, the first connection end and the second connection end have the same structure and are symmetrically distributed.

[0034] In the scheme shown in this disclosure, the first connection end and the second connection end are symmetrical, so when the signal connector is installed into the optical cage, there will be no situation of installation backwards, thereby improving the assembly efficiency of installing the signal connector into the optical cage.

[0035] In a second aspect, an optical cage assembly is provided, the optical cage assembly including an optical cage and a signal connector as described in the first aspect or any of the first aspects;

[0036] At least a portion of the signal connector is assembled inside the optical cage, and the first connection end is located inside the optical cage and faces the optical module port of the optical cage.

[0037] Thirdly, a network device is provided, the network device including a circuit board and the optical cage assembly described in the second aspect;

[0038] The circuit board has an electrical signal connection terminal extending from the edge. The circuit board is located at the tail end of the optical cage, and the electrical signal connection terminal of the circuit board is inserted into the second connection terminal of the signal connector. The tail end of the optical cage is the end that is away from the optical module socket of the optical cage.

[0039] In one possible implementation, the electrical signal connection terminals of the circuit board are multiple gold fingers arranged on a flexible circuit board.

[0040] In the scheme disclosed herein, where the signal connector is fixed in the optical cage and cannot float relative to the optical cage, the electrical signal connection terminals of the circuit board are made of flexible circuit boards, which facilitates the smooth insertion of each electrical signal connection terminal of the circuit board into each second connection terminal of the signal connector on the same layer.

[0041] Fourthly, a method for assembling an optical cage assembly in a network device is provided, wherein the optical cage assembly is the optical cage assembly described in the second aspect, and the method includes:

[0042] An optical cage with a fixed signal connector is assembled into the chassis of the network device, and the optical module port of the optical cage is located in the port of the panel of the network device;

[0043] After multiple optical cages located on the same layer are assembled into the chassis of the network device, the multiple electrical signal connection terminals of the circuit board are plugged into the second connection terminals of multiple signal connectors located on the same layer one by one.

[0044] In the solution disclosed herein, the optical cage with the fixed signal connector is directly mounted onto the chassis. Compared to first fixing it to the circuit board and then mounting it onto the chassis along with the circuit board, the optical module port of the optical cage is easier to align with the port on the panel in the solution disclosed herein. This improves the efficiency of assembling the optical cage assembly in network equipment.

[0045] In one possible implementation, after multiple optical cages located on the same layer are assembled into the chassis of the network device, the multiple electrical signal connection terminals of the circuit board are plugged into the second connection terminals of multiple signal connectors located on the same layer one by one, including:

[0046] After all layers of optical cages are assembled into the chassis of the network device, multiple circuit boards are plugged into a signal connector on one layer, and multiple electrical signal connection terminals of each circuit board are plugged into the second connection terminals of multiple signal connectors located on the same layer.

[0047] In the scheme shown in this disclosure, after each layer of optical cage is assembled into the frame, a circuit board is assembled into the frame. Alternatively, all layers of optical cages can be assembled into the frame first, and then the circuit boards can be assembled into the frame one by one. Attached Figure Description

[0048] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an optical cage assembly fixed on a circuit board according to the prior art;

[0049] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the positional relationship between the optical cage assembly and the circuit board provided in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

[0050] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the positional relationship between the photocage assembly and the circuit board provided in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure from another perspective;

[0051] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a signal connector including a first connector and a second connector provided in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0052] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of another signal connector including a first connector and a second connector provided in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0053] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a signal connector assembled in an optical cage according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0054] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement and spacing of the gold fingers at the first connection end and the second connection end of the signal connector shown in Figure 6.

[0055] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a signal connector including a first connector and a second connector assembled in an optical cage according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0056] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement and spacing of the gold fingers at the first connection end and the second connection end of the signal connector shown in Figure 8.

[0057] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of a circuit board provided in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure before it is plugged into a signal connector on the same layer;

[0058] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the circuit board and signal connector before and after being connected in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

[0059] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of a circuit board provided in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure before and after being plugged into another signal connector;

[0060] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of a multilayer circuit board before it is connected to a multilayer signal connector, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1. Signal connector; 11. First connection terminal; 12. Second connection terminal; 13. Third connection terminal; 14. Fourth connection terminal; 101. First connector; 102. Second connector. 2. Optical cage; 21. Optical module socket. 3. Circuit board; 31. Electrical signal connection terminal. 4. Heat sink. Detailed Implementation

[0062] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this disclosure clearer, the embodiments of this disclosure will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0063] This embodiment relates to an optical cage component, which is applied in a network device as an optical interface to connect with an optical module, thereby enabling electrical connection between the service chip within the network device and the optical module. The network device can specifically be a communication device such as a router or switch, or a computing device such as a server. This embodiment does not limit the specific type of network device to which the optical cage component is applied.

[0064] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a common optical cage assembly fixed on a circuit board in the current technology. Referring to Figure 1, the optical cage assembly includes an optical cage 2 and a signal connector 1. The optical cage 2 serves as a housing, guiding and positioning the optical module during insertion and removal, and also protecting the optical module and shielding it from signal interference.

[0065] Signal connector 1, as the core component of the optical cage assembly, is used to realize the electrical connection between the optical module and the service chip. For example, one end of signal connector 1 has an electrical interface for plugging into the optical module. Signal connector 1 is also electrically connected to the circuit board 3 of the network device, and the service chip is arranged on the circuit board 3. After the electrical connector of the optical module is plugged into the electrical interface of signal connector 1, the optical module and the service chip are electrically connected through signal connector 1 and the circuit board.

[0066] Based on the aforementioned function of the optical cage, the signal connector is typically positioned within it. One end of the optical cage is open, and the electrical interface of the signal connector faces this opening, allowing the optical module to pass through and be inserted into the connector's electrical interface. Since the signal connector is electrically connected to the circuit board, the bottom wall of the optical cage usually has an opening at the location corresponding to the signal connector. This allows the pins at the bottom of the signal connector to be inserted into pins on the circuit board, achieving electrical connection between the connector and the board. Specifically, the pins at the bottom of the signal connector are electrically connected to the electrical interface at one end of the connector.

[0067] Since the pins at the bottom of the signal connector are inserted into the circuit board, as shown in Figure 1, the optical cage is also fixed to the circuit board. For example, one assembly method is to first fix the signal connector 1 to the circuit board 3, and then align the opening on the bottom wall of the optical cage 2 with the signal connector 1, fixing the bottom wall of the optical cage 2 to the circuit board 3. For example, the bottom wall of the optical cage 2 has pins for soldering; after the pins on the bottom wall of the optical cage 2 are inserted into the circuit board 3, they are soldered to the circuit board 3. Or, for example, the bottom wall of the optical cage 2 has fisheye-shaped pins for crimping; the fisheye-shaped pins on the bottom wall of the optical cage 2 are inserted into the circuit board 3, achieving crimping between the optical cage 2 and the circuit board 3.

[0068] The opening at one end of the optical cage (for inserting and removing the optical module) is located on the front panel of the network device and serves as the optical port of the network device.

[0069] As the bandwidth of network devices increases, the number of optical ports on the device's front panel also continues to increase, evolving from single-layer optical ports to multi-layer optical ports. For two-layer optical ports, this can be achieved by placing an optical cage assembly on the first surface of the circuit board and another optical cage assembly on the second surface of the circuit board. However, for three-layer or higher optical ports, network devices require multiple circuit boards arranged in parallel, for example, one optical cage assembly placed on a single circuit board.

[0070] Multiple circuit boards will occupy the height space of the network device panel. With limited height space of the panel, the number of optical ports can be limited. For example, if three circuit boards do not occupy the height space of the panel, three layers of optical ports can be arranged on the panel. However, because three circuit boards occupy the height space of the panel, only two layers of optical ports can be arranged on the panel.

[0071] Based on this, this embodiment provides a signal connector. The connection end of the signal connector 1 used for electrical connection with the circuit board 3 is no longer located at the bottom of the signal connector 1, but at the side of the signal connector 1. The side of the signal connector 1 is electrically connected to the circuit board 3 of the network device. Therefore, the circuit board 3 does not need to be located at the bottom of the signal connector 1, and the optical cage 2 does not need to be located at the bottom of the circuit board 3. In this way, the circuit board 3 no longer occupies the height space of the panel of the network device.

[0072] First, it should be noted that, for ease of explanation, the thickness direction (also known as the height direction) of the optical cage 2 is used as the z-axis, the width direction of the optical cage 2 as the y-axis, and the length direction of the optical cage 2 as the x-axis. The length direction of the optical cage 2 is also the insertion and removal direction of the optical module in the optical cage. Therefore, the insertion direction of the optical module into the optical cage 2 is taken as the positive direction of the x-axis, and the direction of the optical module being pulled out of the optical cage 2 is taken as the negative direction of the x-axis.

[0073] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the signal connector 1 includes a first connecting end 11 and a second connecting end 12 that are opposite to each other in the x-axis direction. Figure 2 shows the first connecting end 11 of the signal connector 1 outward, and Figure 3 shows the second connecting end 12 of the signal connector 1 outward.

[0074] The first connection terminal 11 is used to electrically connect to the optical module, and the second connection terminal 12 is used to electrically connect to the circuit board 3 of the network device.

[0075] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, since the second connection terminal 12 is located at the end of the signal connector 1 opposite to the first connection terminal 11, and not at the bottom of the signal connector 1, the circuit board 3 can be located at the tail end of the optical cage 2, not at the bottom of the optical cage 2. The tail end of the optical cage 2 is also the end of the optical cage 2 opposite to the optical module socket 21. This eliminates the need for the circuit board 3 to occupy the height space of the network device's panel. Multiple layers of optical ports, such as three layers, can be arranged along the height space of the panel, with each layer including 16 optical ports, giving the network device 3×16 optical ports and expanding its bandwidth.

[0076] In one example, the electrical connection between the optical module and the first connection terminal 11 is a plug-in connection. For instance, the first connection terminal 11 is specifically an electrical interface, and the electrical connector of the optical module is plugged into the first connection terminal 11. Of course, the first connection terminal 11 can also be an electrical connector, in which case the electrical signal terminal of the optical module is an electrical interface. In this embodiment, there is no limitation on whether the first connection terminal 11 is an electrical connector or an electrical interface; an electrical interface is used as an example.

[0077] In one example, the electrical connection between the second connection terminal 12 and the circuit board 3 is a plug-in connection. For example, referring to Figure 3, the second connection terminal 12 is specifically an electrical interface, and the circuit board 3 has an electrical signal connection terminal 31 extending from its edge. The electrical signal connection terminal 31 is specifically an electrical connector. Therefore, the electrical signal connection terminal 31 of the circuit board 3 is plugged into the second connection terminal 12. Alternatively, the second connection terminal 12 can be specifically an electrical connector, while the electrical signal connection terminal 31 of the circuit board 3 is an electrical interface, with the second connection terminal 12 plugged into the electrical signal connection terminal 31. This embodiment does not limit whether the second connection terminal 12 is an electrical connector or an electrical interface; it is illustrated as an electrical interface.

[0078] The circuit board 3 and the signal connector 1 are electrically connected by a plug-in method, which simplifies the electrical connection method between the circuit board and the signal connector. For example, by inserting the circuit board 3 all the way in, multiple electrical signal connection terminals 31 of the circuit board 3 can be plugged into multiple signal connectors 1 on the same layer one by one, realizing blind plugging between the circuit board 3 and the signal connector 1.

[0079] In addition, the circuit board 3 and the signal connector 1 are electrically connected by a plug-in method. In the later network equipment upgrade and reorganization, the circuit board 3 only needs to be pulled out from the signal connector 1. The circuit board 3 will not be damaged, and the signal connector 1 will not be damaged. Both the circuit board 3 and the signal connector can be reused, which is beneficial to environmental protection and saves material costs.

[0080] In one example, in a scheme where the first connection end 11 and the second connection end 12 are of the same type, for example, in a scheme where both the first connection end 11 and the second connection end 12 are electrical interfaces, or in a scheme where both the first connection end 11 and the second connection end 12 are electrical connectors, the structures of the first connection end 11 and the second connection end 12 can be the same, so that the first connection end 11 and the second connection end 12 have symmetry.

[0081] So, when the signal connector 1 is assembled in the optical cage 2, either end of the signal connector 1 can face the optical module socket 21 of the optical cage 2. In this case, the connection end facing the optical module socket 21 can be referred to as the first connection end 11, and the other connection end can be referred to as the second connection end 12.

[0082] In one example, the first connection terminal 11 is used to electrically connect to the optical module, and the second connection terminal 12 is used to electrically connect to the circuit board, thereby realizing the electrical connection between the optical module and the service chip on the circuit board. Therefore, the first connection terminal 11 and the second connection terminal 12 are also electrically connected. Both the first connection terminal 11 and the second connection terminal 12 are gold finger connection terminals, each including multiple gold fingers, for example, multiple rows of gold fingers, each row consisting of multiple gold fingers arranged in a straight line. Thus, the multiple gold fingers of the first connection terminal 11 are electrically connected one-to-one with the multiple gold fingers of the second connection terminal 12. For example, one gold finger of the first connection terminal 11 is electrically connected to a single gold finger of the second connection terminal 12.

[0083] As an example, the gold fingers of the first connecting end 11 and the gold fingers of the second connecting end 12 can be integrally formed to achieve electrical connection. For example, each gold finger of the first connecting end 11 and one gold finger of the second connecting end 12 can be integrally formed by a conductive strip. In this solution, the first connecting end 11 and the second connecting end 12 can be integrated into a single connector (see Figures 6 and 7).

[0084] As another example, as shown in Figure 4, the signal connector 1 includes a first connector 101 and a second connector 102, wherein the first connecting end 11 described above is disposed on the first connector 101, and the second connecting end 12 is disposed on the second connector 102. The first connector 101 also has a third connecting end 13 opposite to the first connecting end 11, and the second connector 102 also has a fourth connecting end 14 opposite to the second connecting end 12. Furthermore, the third connecting end 13 of the first connector 101 and the fourth connecting end 14 of the second connector 102 are connected to achieve an electrical connection between the first connecting end 11 and the second connecting end 12.

[0085] Referring to Figure 4, both the third connection end 13 of the first connector 101 and the fourth connection end 14 of the second connector 102 are connection ends comprising multiple wires. The third connection end 13 and the fourth connection end 14 can be connected by soldering or by winding them together. It should be noted that the number of gold fingers in the first connection end 11 corresponds to the number of wires in the third connection end 13. Furthermore, to prevent short circuits or signal interference caused by wire interconnections, all wires include a core and an insulation layer.

[0086] Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of another signal connector 1, including a first connector 101 and a second connector 102. Referring to Figure 5, the third connection end 13 of the first connector 101 and the fourth connection end 14 of the second connector 102 are both flexible printed circuit boards (FPCBs). Therefore, the third connection end 13 and the fourth connection end 14 can be soldered together.

[0087] The above is a description of the features of signal connector 1. The following describes the assembly between signal connector 1 and optical cage 2.

[0088] First, let's introduce the features of the optical cage 2. Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the optical cage 2 still includes a top wall and a bottom wall opposite each other, two side walls opposite each other, and an open end as an optical module socket 21. However, the tail end of the optical cage 2 opposite to the optical module socket 21 is no longer closed, but open, or has an opening. The figures show the open tail end of the optical cage 2. Furthermore, the bottom wall of the optical cage 2 also has an opening for electrically connecting the signal connector 1 to the circuit board 3.

[0089] Whether the first connecting end 11 and the second connecting end 12 are integrated on one connector or on two separate connectors, the first connecting end 11 and the second connecting end 12 satisfy the following relationship: the first connecting end 11 is located inside the optical cage 2 and faces the optical module socket 21 of the optical cage 2 (refer to Figure 2); the second connecting end 12 can be located inside the optical cage 2 and faces the opening at the tail end of the optical cage 2, the second connecting end 12 can also be located in the opening at the tail end of the optical cage 2 (refer to Figure 3), and the second connecting end 12 can also extend out of the opening at the tail end of the optical cage 2 (refer to Figures 6 and 8).

[0090] In one example, where both the first connection terminal 11 and the second connection terminal 12 are located within the optical cage 2, and the types of the first connection terminal 11 and the second connection terminal 12 are the same (e.g., in an electrical interface configuration where both are located within the optical cage 2), then the first connection terminal 11 and the second connection terminal 12 can be symmetrical. This configuration prevents the signal connector 1 from being installed backwards within the optical cage 2, improving the assembly efficiency of the signal connector 1 and the optical cage 2, and facilitating automated assembly of the signal connector and the optical cage.

[0091] Similarly, the first connecting end 11 is located inside the optical cage 2, and the second connecting end 12 is located in the opening at the tail end of the optical cage 2. In the scheme where the first connecting end 11 and the second connecting end 12 are of the same type, the first connecting end 11 and the second connecting end 12 can also be symmetrical.

[0092] In another example, where the second connecting end 12 extends beyond the tail end of the optical cage 2, as shown in Figures 6 and 8, since the width of the second connecting end 12 is not limited by the width of the optical cage 2 in the width direction (i.e., the y-axis direction), the width of the second connecting end 12 can be made larger. Therefore, as shown in Figures 7 and 9, the distance (e.g., center distance) d2 between two adjacent gold fingers of the second connecting end 12 can be greater than the distance (e.g., center distance) d1 between two adjacent gold fingers of the first connecting end 11. This larger distance d2 between the two gold fingers of the second connecting end 12 helps to avoid short circuits between the two gold fingers.

[0093] The first connector 11 has a row of gold fingers used to connect to the electrical connector of the optical module. This row of gold fingers typically follows a standardized design, so the spacing d1 is usually a standard value. For example, in small form-factor pluggable (SFP) or quad small form-factor pluggable (QSFP) packages, the spacing d1 between two gold fingers of the first connector 11 is generally 0.8 mm. The row of gold fingers extending from the optical cage 2 has no standardized design requirements. Therefore, the spacing d2 between two gold fingers in the row of gold fingers of the second connector 12 can be greater than 0.8 mm, such as 1 mm or 1.2 mm. The dimensions (including length and width) of individual gold fingers in the first and second connectors 11 can follow a standardized design.

[0094] Similarly, since the spacing between two adjacent gold fingers of the second connection terminal 12 is relatively large, the spacing between two adjacent gold fingers of the electrical signal connection terminal 31 of the circuit board 3 that mates with the second connection terminal 12 is also relatively large, so the electrical signal connection terminal 31 on the circuit board 3 is less likely to short-circuit.

[0095] It should be noted that in the scheme where the second connection end 12 extends out of the tail end of the optical cage 2 and the first connection end 11 and the second connection end 12 are integrated on a single connector, as shown in Figure 6, the portion of the signal connector 1 adjacent to the first connection end 11 is fixed inside the optical cage 2, and the portion of the signal connector 1 adjacent to the second connection end 12 extends out of the tail end of the optical cage 2.

[0096] In the scheme where the second connecting end 12 extends out of the tail end of the optical cage 2, and the first connecting end 11 is integrated on the first connector 101, and the second connecting end 12 is integrated on the second connector 102, as shown in Figure 8, the first connector 101 is entirely located inside the optical cage 2, while the portion of the second connector 102 adjacent to the second connecting end 12 extends out of the tail end of the optical cage 2, and the portion of the second connector 102 adjacent to the fourth connecting end 14 is located inside the optical cage 2 (the reason why the second connector 102 cannot be entirely located outside the optical cage is because the second connector 102 also needs to be fixed by the optical cage 2).

[0097] In one example, network devices typically have multiple layers of optical ports on their panels, such as M×N optical ports, representing M layers of optical ports, each layer including N optical ports, with one optical port corresponding to one optical signal connector 1. Therefore, as shown in Figure 10, one layer of signal connector 1 may also include multiple signal connectors 1. In this case, referring to Figure 10, one side of the circuit board 3 has multiple electrical signal connection terminals 31, each of which is used to connect to the second connection terminal 12 of a signal connector 1.

[0098] To facilitate the smooth insertion of the multiple electrical signal connection terminals 31 of the circuit board 3 and the corresponding second connection terminals 12 of the signal connector 1, in one embodiment, the signal connector 1 can float up and down within the optical cage 2 along a direction perpendicular to the circuit board 3 (i.e., the z-axis direction), allowing each electrical signal connection terminal 31 of the circuit board 3 to smoothly insert into the corresponding second connection terminal 12 of the signal connector 1. In this embodiment, the technician only needs to hold the end of the circuit board 3 facing away from the electrical signal connection terminals 31 and insert each electrical signal connection terminal 31 of the circuit board 3 into the corresponding second connection terminal 12 of the signal connector 1 on the same layer, achieving blind insertion between the circuit board 3 and the signal connector 1. In another embodiment, the multiple electrical signal connection terminals 31 of the circuit board 3 are flexible. For example, the electrical signal connection terminals 31 are all made of flexible circuit boards, that is, the electrical signal connection terminals 31 are specifically gold fingers arranged on the flexible circuit board. In this case, during insertion, the technician holds each electrical signal connection terminal 31 and inserts it into the corresponding second connection terminal 12 of the signal connector 1.

[0099] The following is an example of a signal connector 1 floating in an optical cage 2.

[0100] In one example, the first connection end 11 and the second connection end 12 are integrated into a single connector. Specifically, the signal connector 1 can be a floating connector, capable of moving up and down relative to the optical cage 2 in the thickness direction (i.e., the z-axis direction) of the optical cage 2, while remaining confined in a horizontal plane perpendicular to the thickness direction (i.e., the xy-plane). The thickness direction of the optical cage 2 is also the thickness direction of the signal connector 1, and is perpendicular to the top and bottom walls of the optical cage 2, as well as the direction perpendicular to the circuit board 3, i.e., the z-axis direction in the attached diagram.

[0101] For example, as shown in Figure 11, the thickness of the signal connector 1 is less than the distance between the inner surfaces of the top and bottom walls of the optical cage 2. This allows the signal connector 1 to move up and down in a direction perpendicular to the circuit board 3 (i.e., the z-axis direction) after it is installed in the optical cage 2. Thus, even if there is a slight misalignment between the electrical signal connection terminal 31 of the circuit board 3 and the second connection terminal 12 of the signal connector 1 (refer to Figure 11(a)), the electrical connection between the electrical signal connection terminal 31 and the second connection terminal 12 of the circuit board 3 will still be achieved by the up and down movement of the signal connector 1 (refer to Figure 11(b)).

[0102] This signal connector 1 can move up and down in the z-axis direction perpendicular to the circuit board 3. On the one hand, it is beneficial for the insertion of the circuit board 3 and the signal connector 1 (such as blind insertion). On the other hand, it can reduce the processing accuracy of the signal connector, the processing accuracy of the optical cage, and the assembly error between the signal connector and the optical cage.

[0103] In one example, an elastic element may be arranged between the outer surface of the top wall of the signal connector 1 and the inner surface of the top wall of the optical cage 2, and / or, an elastic element may be arranged between the outer surface of the bottom wall of the signal connector 1 and the inner surface of the bottom wall of the optical cage 2. The elasticity of the elastic element is perpendicular to the top and bottom walls of the optical cage 2. Thus, during the insertion and removal electrical connection between the signal connector 1 and the circuit board 3, the signal connector 1 can float up and down under the action of the elastic element, allowing for a smooth electrical connection between the signal connector 1 and the circuit board 3.

[0104] It should be noted that during the insertion of circuit board 3 and the second connection terminal 12, the electrical connection between the circuit board and the signal connector can be achieved by the up-and-down movement of the signal connector. Similarly, during the insertion of the optical module and the first connection terminal 11, the connection can be achieved by either the up-and-down movement of the signal connector or the up-and-down movement of the optical module.

[0105] In another example, where the first connecting end 11 is integrated into the first connector 101 and the second connecting end 12 is integrated into the second connector 102, both the first connector 101 and the second connector 102 can be floating connectors, or the first connector 101 can be fixed inside the optical cage while the second connector 102 is a floating connector. A floating connector is one that can float up and down in the thickness direction, while remaining in a limited position in the horizontal plane perpendicular to the thickness direction.

[0106] For example, as shown in Figure 12, the first connector 101 is a floating connector. The distance between the outer surface of the top wall and the outer surface of the bottom wall of the first connector 101, which is also the thickness of the first connector 101, is less than the distance between the inner surface of the top wall and the inner surface of the bottom wall of the optical cage. Thus, after the first connector 101 is assembled in the optical cage 2, there is a gap between the first connector 101 and the inner surface of the top wall of the optical cage 2. This gap causes the first connector 101 to float up and down after the electrical connector of the optical module is inserted into the optical cage. The electrical connector of the optical module is smoothly inserted into the first connection end 11 of the first connector 101, realizing the electrical connection between the signal connector 1 and the optical module.

[0107] For example, continuing to refer to Figure 12, the second connector 102 is a floating connector. The distance between the outer surface of the top wall and the outer surface of the bottom wall of the second connector 102, that is, the thickness of the second connector 102, is less than the distance between the inner surface of the top wall and the inner surface of the bottom wall of the optical cage. After the second connector 102 is assembled with the optical cage, there is a gap between the second connector 102 and the inner surface of the top wall of the optical cage 2. This gap allows the electrical signal connection terminal 31 of the circuit board 3 to be inserted into the second connection terminal 12 of the second connector 102. Referring to (a) and (b) in Figure 12, the second connector 102 floats up and down, so that the electrical signal connection terminal 31 of the circuit board 3 can be smoothly inserted into the second connection terminal 12 of the second connector 102.

[0108] It should be noted that in the scheme where the first connecting end 11 is integrated into the first connector 101 and the second connecting end 12 is integrated into the second connector 102, in order to prevent the first connector 101 from interfering with the vertical movement of the second connector 102, and the second connector 102 from interfering with the vertical movement of the first connector 101, as shown in Figure 12, after the third connecting end 13 of the first connector 101 and the fourth connecting end 14 of the second connector 102 are connected, the length of the line is greater than the distance between the first connector 101 and the second connector 102. Therefore, after the third connecting end 13 of the first connector 101 and the fourth connecting end 14 of the second connector 102 are connected, they bend in the space between the first connector 101 and the second connector 102. In this way, the first connector 101 is not interfered with by the second connector 102 when it moves up and down, and the second connector 102 is not interfered with by the first connector 101 when it moves up and down.

[0109] In one example, since the circuit board 3 is not on the outer surface of the bottom wall of the optical cage 2, but on one side of the tail end of the optical cage 2, as shown in Figure 13, the outer surface of the top wall and the outer surface of the bottom wall of the optical cage can be used to arrange the heat sink 4 to dissipate heat for the optical module inserted into the optical cage, which is beneficial to the double-sided heat dissipation of the optical module.

[0110] For example, as shown in Figure 13, in the multi-layer optical cage scheme, a heat sink 4 is arranged on the outer surface of the top wall of the uppermost optical cage, a heat sink 4 is arranged on the outer surface of the bottom wall of the lowermost optical cage, and a heat sink 4 is also arranged between adjacent optical cages. The type of heat sink 4 can be an air-cooled heat sink or a liquid-cooled heat sink.

[0111] As an example, the topmost radiator 4 and the bottommost radiator 4 can be air-cooled radiators, both of which are mounted on the shell wall of the optical cage by elastic fasteners, and the radiator 4 between two adjacent optical cages can be liquid-cooled radiators.

[0112] It should be noted that both the top and bottom heat sinks are mounted on the optical cage shell wall using flexible fasteners. When the optical module is inserted, it exerts a force on the heat sink extending into the optical cage, causing the heat sink to move up and down, thus allowing the optical module to be smoothly inserted into the optical cage and engage with the first connection terminal of the signal connector inside the cage. The fasteners on the heat sink also ensure a tight fit between the heat sink and the optical module, enhancing heat transfer between them. The heat sink positioned between the two optical cages can have elastic elements on its outer surface extending into the optical cage. When the optical module is inserted, it exerts a force on these elastic elements, causing them to expand and contract vertically, allowing the optical module to be smoothly inserted into the optical cage and engage with the first connection terminal of the signal connector. These elastic elements also ensure a tight fit between the heat sink and the optical module, further enhancing heat transfer between them.

[0113] Based on the above, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the signal connector within the optical cage includes two opposing first and second connection terminals. The first connection terminal is used for electrical connection with the optical module, and the second connection terminal is used for electrical connection with the circuit board of the network device. Because the first and second connection terminals are opposite each other, the circuit board can be located at the rear end of the optical cage, rather than at the bottom. This prevents the circuit board from occupying the height space of the network device's panel, allowing for the arrangement of more layers of optical ports on the panel. This facilitates a high-density arrangement of optical ports on the network device, thereby improving the bandwidth of the network device.

[0114] The electrical connection between the second connector and the circuit board is a plug-in connection. For example, the second connector is an electrical interface, and the signal connector on the circuit board is an electrical connector. The signal connector on the circuit board is inserted into the second connector to achieve the electrical connection. Compared to soldered and crimped electrical connections, this pluggable electrical connection method, where the connector is inserted into the electrical interface, allows for seamless disconnection of the electrical connection between the signal connector and the circuit board during later upgrades or reassemblies of network equipment. Both the signal connector and the circuit board can be reused, enabling material recycling, which is not only environmentally friendly but also cost-effective.

[0115] In addition, the first connection end is used for pluggable connection to the optical module, and the second connection end is used for pluggable connection to the circuit board of the network device. Therefore, all signals transmitted by the optical module are transmitted to the service chip on the circuit board via the circuit board. Compared to the optical module transmitting all signals to the service chip via cable, the circuit board can handle a larger power supply. Therefore, this embodiment can be applied in scenarios with higher power supply, such as scenarios where the transmitted power supply is between 30W and 40W (e.g., 18W).

[0116] This embodiment also provides an optical cage assembly, which includes the optical cage and the signal connector described above. The signal connector is assembled in the optical cage, with its first connection end located inside the optical cage and facing the optical module port of the optical cage. The second connection end of the signal connector faces away from the optical module port and can be located inside the optical cage and facing the opening at the rear end of the optical cage, or it can extend out of the opening at the rear end of the optical cage. The features of the optical cage and the signal connector are as described above and will not be repeated here.

[0117] This embodiment also provides a method for assembling an optical cage assembly in a network device, wherein the optical cage assembly is an assembly including the aforementioned optical cage and signal connector. The method includes the following steps.

[0118] In step 1, the optical cage 2, to which the signal connector 1 is fixed, is assembled into the chassis of the network device, and the optical module port 21 of the optical cage 2 is located in a port on the panel. For example, the panel has M×N ports (i.e., M layers of ports, each layer having N ports), the optical cage 2 is inside the chassis of the network device, and the optical module port 21 is flush with one of the ports on the panel.

[0119] In step 2, after all the optical cages 2 located on the same layer are assembled into the chassis of the network device, the multiple electrical signal connection terminals 31 of the circuit board 3 are plugged into the second connection terminals 12 of the multiple signal connectors 1 located on the same layer one by one.

[0120] For example, after all the optical module ports 21 of the optical cage 2 are installed in the first-layer ports of the panel, that is, after all the first-layer ports of the panel become optical ports, as shown in Figure 13, a circuit board 3 can be inserted into the second connection end 12 of the signal connector of the first-layer panel. As mentioned above, the signal connector 1 can float up and down along the z-axis in the optical cage. The electrical signal connection end 31 of the circuit board 3 is a gold finger connector printed on a rigid circuit board, which has a certain rigidity. In this way, by simply holding the end of the circuit board away from the electrical signal connection end 31 and pushing the circuit board until it is fully inserted, the multiple electrical signal connection ends 31 of the circuit board can be connected one by one to the multiple second connection ends 12 of the first-layer signal connector. This achieves blind mating between the circuit board and the first-layer signal connector.

[0121] In one example, after all the optical cages 2 are installed in the frame, a circuit board that is connected to the signal connector of that layer is then installed in the frame. In another example, after all the optical cages 2 are installed in the frame, multiple circuit boards are then connected one by one to the signal connector of each layer and assembled in the frame.

[0122] In one example, referring to Figure 13, the heat sink for cooling the optical module needs to be mounted on the optical cage. During assembly, the optical cage with the signal connector fixed can be mounted on the frame first, and then the heat sink can be mounted on the outer surface of the top or bottom wall of the optical cage. After completing the assembly of one layer of optical cage and one layer of heat sink, a circuit board is then plugged into the signal connector of that layer.

[0123] In another example, the heat sink and optical cage can be fixed together beforehand, and then the optical cage with the heat sink and signal connector fixed thereon can be assembled into the chassis.

[0124] In this embodiment, the optical cage with the signal connector fixed to it is first assembled into the frame. After all the optical cages in one layer are assembled into the frame, the circuit board is then plugged into the signal connector of that layer. Compared with fixing the signal connector and the optical cage onto the circuit board sequentially and then assembling the circuit board into the frame, this method of assembling the optical cage and the circuit board in this embodiment is simpler and can improve assembly efficiency.

[0125] For example, in the prior art, the signal connector is first fixed on the circuit board, and then the optical cage is put over the signal connector and fixed on the circuit board. After all the components, including the signal connector and the optical cage, are assembled on the circuit board, the circuit board is held by hand and assembled into the frame. At this time, it takes a long time to align the optical module socket of the optical cage with the port of the panel because multiple optical module sockets and multiple ports need to be aligned at once. If there is a deviation in one, it will make it difficult to assemble the circuit board into the frame.

[0126] In this embodiment, the signal connector is first assembled into the optical cage, and then a single optical cage with the signal connector fixed therein is assembled into the frame. The optical module port 21 of one optical cage is easily aligned with a port on the panel. After assembling multiple optical cages one by one into the frame, the circuit boards can be assembled one by one. Moreover, the multiple electrical signal connection terminals of the circuit board are plugged into the second connection terminal of the first-layer signal connector. With the signal connector able to float up and down along the z-axis and the electrical signal connection terminals of the circuit board having a certain rigidity, the circuit board can be blindly inserted into the first-layer signal connector with the help of the positioning structure.

[0127] In this embodiment, the electrical signal connection terminal of the circuit board is inserted into the second connection terminal of the signal connector, which is opposite to the optical module port. The process of assembling the optical cage in the network device can be as follows: first, the signal connector is assembled into the optical cage; then, the optical cages with the signal connector are assembled one by one into the frame, with the optical module port of the optical cage located in the port of the panel. After all one layer of optical cages is assembled into the frame, the circuit board is inserted into the rear end of the optical cage (the end opposite to the optical module port), thus electrically connecting the circuit board to the signal connector. Compared to assembling the circuit board with the fixed signal connector and optical cage into the frame, this embodiment, because the optical cages are assembled into the frame one by one, makes it easier to align with the port on the panel. Therefore, this embodiment can improve the assembly efficiency of the optical cage assembly in the network device.

[0128] This embodiment also provides a network device, which may specifically be a router or a switch or other communication device. The network device includes a chassis, a panel, and the aforementioned circuit board and optical cage assembly. The panel is mounted on the front end of the chassis and has ports. The circuit board has electrical signal connection terminals extending from its edge. Both the circuit board and the optical cage assembly are mounted on the chassis, with the circuit board at the rear end of the optical cage. The electrical signal connection terminals of the circuit board are plugged into the second connection terminal at the rear end of the optical cage. The optical module socket for inserting and removing optical modules in the optical cage is located in the port of the panel.

[0129] In one example, the electrical signal connection terminals of the circuit board can be gold fingers printed on the surface of a rigid circuit board (see Figure 10) or gold fingers arranged on the surface of a flexible circuit board. For details, please refer to the above description and will not be repeated here.

[0130] The terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the disclosure. Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in the embodiments of this disclosure should be understood in their ordinary sense by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. The terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in this specification and claims do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Similarly, "a" or "an," and similar terms do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. The terms "comprising," "including," and similar terms mean that the elements or objects preceding "comprising" or "including" encompass the elements or objects listed following "comprising" or "including" and their equivalents, but do not exclude other elements or objects. "Upper," "lower," "left," "right," etc., are used only to indicate relative positional relationships; when the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly. "A plurality" refers to two or more, unless otherwise expressly defined.

[0131] The above description is merely an optional embodiment of this disclosure and is not intended to limit this disclosure. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the principles of this disclosure should be included within the protection scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A signal connector, characterized in that, The signal connector (1) is used to be arranged in the optical cage (2); The signal connector (1) has a first connection end (11) and a second connection end (12), and the first connection end (11) and the second connection end (12) are positioned opposite each other; The first connection end (11) and the second connection end (12) are electrically connected, and the first connection end (11) is used to connect to the optical module inserted into the optical cage (2), and the second connection end (12) is used to connect to the electrical signal connection end (31) of the circuit board (3) of the network device.

2. The signal connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The signal connector (1) includes a first connector (101) and a second connector (102); The first connection end (11) is disposed on the first connector (101), and the first connector (101) also has a third connection end (13) that is opposite to and electrically connected to the first connection end (11); The second connection end (12) is disposed on the second connector (102), and the second connector (102) also has a fourth connection end (14) that is opposite to and electrically connected to the second connection end (12); The third connection end (13) of the first connector (101) and the fourth connection end (14) of the second connector (102) are fixedly connected.

3. The signal connector according to claim 2, characterized in that, The third connection end (13) of the first connector (101) is an electrical connection end formed by a flexible circuit board or includes multiple wires, and the fourth connection end (14) of the second connector (102) is an electrical connection end formed by a flexible circuit board or includes multiple wires.

4. The signal connector according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The first connector (101) is used to be assembled inside the optical cage (2), and the first connection end (11) faces the optical module socket (21) of the optical cage (2); The first connector (101) is used to insert the optical module inserted into the optical cage (2) into the first connection end (11), and can move up and down in the thickness direction of the optical cage (2).

5. The signal connector according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The second connector (102) is used to assemble at least a portion of the optical cage (2) inside the optical cage (2), and the second connection end (12) faces away from the optical module socket (21) of the optical cage (2); The second connector (102) is used to insert into the electrical signal connection terminal (31) of the circuit board (3) and the second connection terminal (12), and can move up and down in the thickness direction of the optical cage (2).

6. The signal connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The signal connector (1) is used to insert into the electrical signal connection terminal (31) and the second connection terminal (12) of the circuit board (3), and can move up and down in the thickness direction of the optical cage (2).

7. The signal connector according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The second connection end (12) is used to extend out of the tail end of the optical cage (2), wherein the tail end of the optical cage (2) is the end that is away from the optical module socket (21) of the optical cage (2); Both the first connection end (11) and the second connection end (12) include multiple gold fingers. The distance between two adjacent gold fingers of the second connection end (12) is greater than the distance between two adjacent gold fingers of the first connection end (11).

8. The signal connector according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The first connecting end (11) and the second connecting end (12) have the same structure and are symmetrically distributed.

9. A light cage assembly, characterized in that, The optical cage assembly includes an optical cage (2) and a signal connector (1) as described in any one of claims 1 to 8; At least a portion of the signal connector (1) is assembled inside the optical cage (2), and the first connection end (11) is located inside the optical cage (2) and faces the optical module port (21) of the optical cage (2).

10. A network device, characterized in that, The network device includes a circuit board (3) and the optical cage assembly as described in claim 9; The circuit board (3) has an electrical signal connection terminal (31) extending from the edge. The circuit board (3) is located at the tail end of the optical cage (2), and the electrical signal connection terminal (31) of the circuit board (3) is inserted into the second connection terminal (12) of the signal connector (1). The tail end of the optical cage (2) is the end of the optical module socket (21) that is away from the optical cage (2).

11. The network device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The electrical signal connection terminal (31) of the circuit board (3) consists of multiple gold fingers arranged on the flexible circuit board.

12. A method for assembling an optical cage assembly in a network device, characterized in that, The optical cage assembly is the optical cage assembly of claim 9, and the method includes: An optical cage (2) with a fixed signal connector (1) is assembled in the chassis of the network device, and the optical module port (21) of the optical cage (2) is located in the port of the panel of the network device; After multiple optical cages (2) located on the same layer are assembled into the chassis of the network device, multiple electrical signal connection terminals (31) of the circuit board (3) are plugged into the second connection terminals (12) of multiple signal connectors (1) located on the same layer.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, After the multiple optical cages (2) located on the same layer are assembled into the chassis of the network device, the multiple electrical signal connection terminals (31) of the circuit board (3) are connected one by one to the second connection terminals (12) of the multiple signal connectors (1) located on the same layer, including: After the optical cages (2) of all layers are assembled into the chassis of the network device, multiple circuit boards (3) are plugged into the multi-layer signal connectors (1) one by one, and multiple electrical signal connection terminals (31) of each circuit board (3) are plugged into the second connection terminals (12) of multiple signal connectors (1) located on the same layer one by one.

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