Abstract:
A small form factor pluggable transceiver module ( 100 ) comprises an RJ connector ( 1 ) with a robust interface, a printed circuit board assembly ( 2 ), a cage ( 4 ), a frame ( 5 ) and a latch mechanism ( 6 ). The RJ connector further includes a shielding shell ( 11 ), a housing ( 12 ) received in the shielding shell, an RJ contact module ( 13 ) received in the housing, and an engaging clamp ( 3 ). The RJ connector attaches to the printed circuit board assembly. The engaging clamp provides a stronger, more reliable mechanical connection between the printed circuit board assembly and the RJ connector.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates generally to a small form factor pluggable (SFP) transceiver module, and more particularly to an RJ connector with a robust connector assembly for use in an SFP transceiver module. The application relates to a contemporaneously filed application titled “RJ CONNECTOR FOR TRANSCEIVER MODULE” and having the same applicants and the same assignee as the instant invention. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Transceivers are utilized to interconnect circuit cards of communication links and other electronic modules or assemblies. Various international and industry standards define the type of connectors used to connect computers to external communication devices, such as modems, network connectors, and other transceivers. A well-known type of transceiver module developed by an industry consortium and known as a Gigabit Connector Converter (GBIC) provides a connection between a computer and an Ethernet, Fiber Channel, or another data communication environment. 
     It is desirable to miniaturize transceivers in order to increase the port density at a network connection (at switch boxes, cabling patch panels, wiring closets, computer I/O, etc.). Small form-factor pluggable (SFP) transceiver modules were developed to meet this need, SFP transceivers are less than one half the size of a GBIC transceiver, and transmit data transmission at higher rates, allowing higher aggregated data throughput in a communication system. 
     Prior art SFP transceiver modules feature a connector having a plurality of electrical terminals accessible at a front end thereof for making electrical contact with a mating plug connector. Such electrical terminals are soldered to a front edge of a printed circuit board received in the transceiver module. However, the soldered connection between each terminal and the circuit board is relatively weak. When a mildly excessive force is exerted against the terminals, they break from the circuit board, and performance of the transceiver module is impaired. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for an SFP transceiver module having a reinforced structure that strengthens the connection between the connector at the front end of the SFP transceiver module and the rest of the transceiver module, thus protecting the terminals that extend from the front end of the SFP transceiver module. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An object of the present invention is to provide an RJ connector with a robust interface for fixingly engaging in an SFP transceiver module. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an SFP transceiver module for plugging into a shielding receptacle. 
     A small form factor pluggable transceiver module according to the present invention comprises an RJ connector with a robust interface, a printed circuit board assembly, a cage, a frame and a latch mechanism. The RJ connector further includes a shielding shell, a housing received in the shielding shell, an RJ contact module attached to the housing, and an engaging clamp. The RJ connector attaches to the printed circuit board assembly. The engaging clamp provides a stronger, more reliable mechanical connection between the printed circuit board assembly and the RJ connector. 
     Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will be drawn from the following detailed description of two preferred embodiments of the present invention, with attached drawings, in which: 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is an assembled, perspective view of an SFP transceiver module of a first embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the SFP transceiver module of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is an exploded view of an RJ connector of the SFP transceiver module of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the RJ connector of FIG. 3 assembled to a printed circuit board assembly, and showing a top and a base clamp of the SFP transceiver module of FIG. 1 ready to be attached to the assembled RJ connector and printed circuit board assembly; 
     FIG. 5 is a reverse view of FIG. 1, wherein a bottom cage is not assembled thereto; 
     FIG. 6 is an assembled, perspective view of at he SFP transceiver module of FIG. 1, but viewed from a bottom aspect; and 
     FIG. 7 is an assembled, perspective view of an SFP transceiver module of a second embodiment of the present invention, and a shielding receptacle adapted for receiving the SFP transceiver module therein. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a small form factor pluggable (SFP) transceiver module  100  in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention comprises an RJ connector  1  with a robust interface, a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA)  2 , a cage  4 , a frame  5  and a latch mechanism  6 . The RJ connector  1  is attached to the PCBA  2 , the cage  4  mounting the frame  5  receives the PCBA  2  therein, and the latch mechanism  6  is rotatably attached to the RJ connector  1  for disassembly of the SFP transceiver module  100  from a shielding receptacle  9  (see FIG.  7 ). 
     Referring to FIG. 3, the RJ connector  1  comprises a shielding shell  11 , a housing  12 , an RJ contact module  13  and an engaging clamp  3 . The shielding shell  11  is made from one piece of conductive material folded into a rectangular receptacle having first and second openings  110 ,  112 . Two concave embossments  113  are respectively defined on two opposite walls of the shielding shell  11 . A top sheet  114  projects rearwardly from a top edge of the second opening  112 . A mounting hole  114   a  is defined through the top sheet  114 . A bottom sheet  115  projects rearwardly from a bottom edge of the second opening  112 , and defines a pair of mounting holes  115   a  therethrough. A protrusion  116  extends integrally from the bottom sheet  115  and defines a notch  116   a  therethrough. 
     The housing  12  is made of isolating material and is received within the shielding shell  11 . A pair of slots  123  is defined at two sides (not labeled) of the housing  12  for engagingly receiving the concave embossments  113  of the shielding shell  11 . A flange  124  projects rearwardly from the housing  12  and corresponds to the top sheet  114  of the shielding shell  11 , a screw hole  124   a  being defined therethrough and corresponding to and aligning with the mounting hole  114   a  of the shielding shell  11 . A plurality of parallel receiving channels  125  is defined through a bottom portion of a rear side (not labeled) of the housing  12 . A pair of locking slots  127  is defined near the receiving channels  125 . 
     The RJ contact module  13  includes a dielectric RJ module frame  130  and a plurality of conductive contacts  137 . The RJ module frame  130  includes a rib  131 , a pair of hooks  132 , a short arm  134  and a long arm  136 . The hooks  132  extend forwardly from two sides of the rib  131 , for inserting into the locking slots  127  of the housing  12 . The short arm  134  and the long arm  136  extend rearwardly and form a plurality of positioning rods (not labeled) for being pressed into mounting holes (not shown) in the PCBA  2  to engage the PCBA  2  with the RJ contact module  13 . The contacts  137  are insert molded with the rib  131 . A short portion (not labeled) of each contact  137  extends rearwardly from the rib  131  for soldering to the PCBA  2 , and a bent long portion (not labeled) extends forwardly for being received in the housing  12  to electrically contact terminals of a complementary connector (not shown) plugged into the first opening  110  of the RJ connector  1 . 
     Referring back to FIG. 2, the PCBA  2  includes a main board  21 , with a magnetic module  23  and a power module  22  mounted thereto. A mounting hole  211   a  is defined through a front end of the main board  21  and two mounting holes  211   b  are defined through a rearward end of the main board  21 . 
     To assemble the RJ connector  1  to the PCBA  2 , the housing  12  is received within the shielding shell  11  and the RJ contact module  13  is attached to the main board  21  on the PCBA  2 . The plurality of positioning rods (not labeled) on the short and long arms  134 ,  136  of the frame  130  are pressed into corresponding mounting holes (not shown) in the main board  21 . The short portions of the contacts  137  are soldered to the main board  21  and electrically connect with circuits of the PCBA  2 . The long portions of the contacts  137  are then inserted into the channels  125  of the housing  12 , and the hooks  132  of the RJ contact module  13  are inserted into the locking slots  127  of the housing  12 . Completion of assembly of the shielding shell  11  and housing  12  mounted to the main board  21  of the PCBA  2  requires use of the engaging clamp  3 . 
     Referring also to FIG. 4, the engaging clamp  3  is die-cast and includes a top clamp  31  and a base clamp  32 . The top clamp  31  includes a body  311 , a pair of engaging portions  312  extending forwardly therefrom, a pair of side walls  314  extending downwardly from the body  311 , and a screw rod  313   a  and a positioning rod  313   b  respectively extending from a bottom surface of the body  311 . The base clamp  32  includes a pair of supporting arms  321  and a base  322 . Each supporting arm  321  has an engaging face (not labeled) defined on a top end thereof for engaging with a corresponding engaging portion  312  of the top clamp  31 . An axle  325  is formed on each supporting arm  321  adjacent to the top end thereof. A slot  327  is defined transversely through the body  322 , and a passageway  329  (see FIG. 5) is defined longitudinally through the body  322  and in communication with the slot  327 . A triangular wedge  328  (see FIG. 5) protrudes downwardly from a bottom surface of the base  322 . Two mounting pins  325   a  are defined in the body  322  for engaging with the mounting holes  115   a  of the bottom sheet  115  of the shielding shell  11 . A boss  325   b  is formed on the body  322 . The boss  325   b  defines a screw hole  325   c  therethrough, which aligns with the screw rod  313   a  of the top clamp  31 , the mounting hole  211   a  of the main board  21 , and the notch  116   a  of the bottom sheet  115  of the shielding shell  11 . 
     To assemble the engaging clamp  3  to the assembled RJ connector  1  and PCBA  2 , the base clamp  32  is fitted against a bottom of the assembled RJ connector  1  and PCBA  2 , with the boss  325   b  of the base clamp  32  fitting into the notch  116   a  of the shielding shell  11 . The mounting pins  325   a  also fit into the mounting holes  115   a  of the bottom sheet  115 . The top clamp  31  is then engaged with the base clamp  32 , with the engaging portions  312  engaging with engaging faces (not labeled) of the supporting arms  321 , and the screw pole  313   a  aligning with the mounting hole  211   a  of the PCBA  2  and the screw hole  325   c  in the boss  325   b  of the base clamp  32 . The positioning rod  313   b  likewise inserts through the mounting hole  114   a  and the screw hole  124   a  of the RJ connector  1 . A screw  81   a  (see FIG. 2) screws through the screw rod  313   a , the mounting hole  211   a , the notch  116   a  of the protrusion  116  and the screw hole  325   c  in the boss  325   b . A locking pin  81   b  likewise is forcedly pushed through the positioning rod  313   b . The engaging clamp  3  thus reinforces the connection between the RJ connector  1  and the PCBA  2 . The strength of the RJ connector  1  is thereby increased. 
     Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5, the cage  4  for receiving the PCBA  2  is made of conductive material, and includes separate top and bottom cages  41 ,  42 . The top cage  41  includes an elongate, rectangular top wall  411  and two side walls  412  extending downwardly therefrom. A length of the side wall  412  is shorter than the top wall  411 . A plurality of grounding tabs  413  extends outwardly from a first end (not labeled) of the top wall  411  and two side walls  412 . A cut-out  415  is defined at a front of each of the side walls  412 . A receiving slit  417  is respectively defined at each of a front and a rear end of each of the sidewalls  412 . 
     The bottom cage  42 , also made of a conductive material, includes an elongate, rectangular bottom wall  421  and a pair of short side walls  422  extending upwardly therefrom. A triangular opening  428  is defined through a front of the bottom cage  42 , and a curved surface  429  is formed forwardly of the opening  428 . A groove  423  is formed at a rear end of the bottom cage  42 , with a tab (not labeled) projecting rearwardly therefrom. A pair of locking tabs  425  and a pair of short tabs  427  respectively extend vertically upwardly from the short side walls  422  to engage the cut-outs  415  and the receiving slits  417  of the top cage  41 . 
     The frame  5  for attaching to the top cage  41  is die-cast of a conductive material, and has two side walls  51 , an opening  52  and a pair of positioning blocks  53 . Two screw holes  530  are respectively defined through the positioning blocks  53 , for aligning with the mounting holes  211   b  of the main board  21  of the PCBA  2 . 
     To assemble the cage  4  to the assembled PCBA  2 , the frame  5  is attached to the rear end of the top cage  41  and the PCBA  2  is inserted into the top cage  41  from the front end thereof, with its rear end being received in the frame  5  from the opening  52  thereof. Two tabs (not labeled) on a front edge of the top wall  411  of the top cage  41  respectively engage in two slits (not labeled, see FIG. 4) in the top clamp  31 . Two screws  82  are inserted into the mounting holes  211   b  of the main board  21  and the screw holes  530  of the frame  5  to fix the PCBA  2 , the frame  5  and the top cage  41  together. The bottom cage  42  is assembled to cover a bottom of the top cage  41 . The triangular wedge  328  of the base clamp  32  passes through the opening  428  of bottom cage  42 , and the tab (not labeled) of the groove  423  is retained by the frame  5 . The locking tabs  425  lockingly engage the forward slits  417  and the cut-outs  415  of the top cage  41 , and the short tabs  427  are received into the rearward slits  417 . The top cage  41  and the bottom cage  42  are thus engaged together and receive the engaging clamp  3  and the PCBA  2  therein. 
     Referring to FIGS. 2 and 6, the latching mechanism  6  includes an actuator  61 , a linkage pin  63 , an extraction tab  64  and an O-ring  65 . The actuator  61  is shaped like a doorframe, and includes a doorhead  611  and two doorjambs  612 . A handle  613  curves upwardly and rearwardly from the doorhead  611 . A pair of positioning holes  614  is defined through the doorjambs  612  for engagingly receiving the axles  325  of the base clamp  32 , and a pair of mounting holes  615  is defined through the bottom ends thereof for engagingly receiving the linkage pin  63 . The linkage pin  63  is a rod having a head (not labeled) on one end that is larger than the mounting hole  615  of the doorjamb  612 . A through hole  640  is defined through the extraction tab  64  for receiving the linkage pin  63  therein. 
     To assemble the latching mechanism  6  to the engaging clamp  3 , the extraction tab  64  is inserted into the passageway  329  of the base clamp  32 , and the actuator  61  is attached to the base clamp  32  with the mounting holes  614  engagingly receiving the axles  325 . The linkage pin  63  passes through the mounting holes  615 , the slots  413 ,  327 , and the through hole  640  of the extraction tab  64 . The O-ring  65  is then attached to an end of the linkage pin  63  opposite the head, to prevent the linkage pin  63  from moving out of engagement with the latching mechanism  6 . The assembly of the SFP transceiver module  100  is thus finished. 
     In operation, pulling the handle  613  of the actuator  61  forwardly, causes the actuator  61  to rotate about the axles  325 . The rotating movement drives the linkage pin  63  and extraction tab  64  rearwardly. The extraction tab  64  moves rearwardly along the curved surface  429 , and the triangular wedge  328  of the base clamp  32 , drives against the lip  92  of the locking tab  90  on the shielding receptacle  9 . As a result, the locking tab  90  is driven downwardly, the triangular wedge  328  is released from the triangular hole  91 , and the SFP transceiver module  100  is disengaged from the shielding receptacle  9 . 
     Referring also to FIG. 7, a second embodiment of the latching mechanism  6 ′ replaces the actuator  61 ′ with an actuator  61 ′ and a pull-tab  614 ′ linked to the actuator  61 ″. In operation, the pull-tab  614 ″ is pulled forwardly away from the front of the SFP transceiver module  100 , thereby pulling a top of the actuator  61 ′ forwardly and causing the actuator  61 ′ to rotate about the axles  325 . This design makes the operation of the actuator  61 ′ easy. 
     Although the present invention has been described with specific terms, it should be noted that the described embodiments are not necessarily exclusive, and that various changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.