Optical transceiver module with metallic latches

Details Optical transceiver module with metallic latches Optical transceiver module with metallic latches

2001-10-30

2003-06-17

Gandhi, Jayprakash N. (Department: 2125)

Electricity: electrical systems and devices

Housing or mounting assemblies with diverse electrical...

For electronic systems and devices

C361S752000, C361S759000, C361S801000, C439S153000, C385S088000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06580614

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to optical transceiver modules, and particularly to an optical transceiver module with releasable metallic latches for releasably attaching the module to a receptacle.
2. Description of Related Art
Optical transceiver modules are widely used for bi-directional transmission of data between an electrical interface and an optical data link. An optical transceiver module receives electrically encoded data signals and converts the electrical signals into optical signals. The optical signals are then transmitted over the optical data link. The module receives optically encoded data signals and converts the optical signals into electrical signals. The electrical signals are then transmitted onto the electrical interface. The module may be secured to a back-plane of a data exchange system or a large server.
FIG. 1
shows a removable optical transceiver module as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,734,558. The module has two releasable latches
350
integrally molded with opposite sides of a housing
312
. The latches
350
have detents
360
received in apertures
384
of a shell
372
of a complementary receptacle
374
. The module may be released from the receptacle
374
by pressing the latches
350
and simultaneously pulling the module out of the receptacle
374
. However, after repeated insertion of the module into the receptacle
374
and release therefrom, the latches
350
are prone to break at points where they interconnect with the housing
312
.
The latches
350
of the above-described module are integrally molded with the housing
312
, and are made of insulative material. Therefore the latches
350
cannot function as a part of grounding paths of the module. Grounding paths of the module dissipate electrostatic charge that develops on the module, and protect the module from electromagnetic interference.
Therefore, an optical transceiver module that overcomes the disadvantages of conventional modules is desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A primary object of the present invention is to provide an optical transceiver module which has durable latches that secure the module to a receptacle of an electronic device.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an optical transceiver module which has latches that secure the module to a receptacle of an electronic device such that the latches also function as a part of grounding paths of the module.
To achieve the above objects, an optical transceiver module in accordance with the present invention comprises a base, a pair of metallic releasable latches attached to opposite lateral sides of the base, and a housing. The housing includes an upper housing and a lower housing, which are mounted to an upper side and a lower side of the base respectively. Each latch includes a retention portion, and a spring portion bent generally perpendicularly from an outer end of the retention portion. The retention portions of the latches are inserted into receiving grooves defined in side walls of the base. The spring portions of the latches sit on the side steps of the base. The upper housing electrically engages with rear parts of the spring portions. Any electrostatic charge that develops on the upper and lower housings is dissipated to external ground via electrical connections between the latches and an electronic device on which the optical transceiver module is mounted.
Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.


REFERENCES:
patent: 5734558 (1998-03-01), Poplawski et al.
patent: 6347954 (2002-02-01), Jones et al.

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