Pluggable optical transceiver with push-pull actuator handle

#The present invention relates generally to pluggable optical transceivers.

#Particularly, the invention relates to a push-pull actuator handle for quickly and easily removing a small form factor pluggable (SFP) transceiver from a transceiver-receptacle cage assembly.

#Pluggable optical transceivers are known in the art, and have been the subject of various industry standards and sourcing agreements between common vendors. In particular, multiple vendors have entered into a multi-source agreement (MSA) setting forth common standards and specifications for small form factor pluggable (SFP) transceivers. By way of review, an optical transceiver is an integrated fiber optic component including an optical transmitter and an optical receiver. The pluggable transceiver includes a first end with a fiber optic connector and a second end with an electrical connector. For the SFP transceiver, the fiber optical connector is a LC-type duplex connector. The electrical connector is a card edge connector that is received into a female electrical connector housed inside a receptacle. The receptacle assembly is mounted on a daughter card of a host system. A common mechanical and electrical outline for the SFP transceiver is defined by the MSA. However, each individual manufacturer (vendor) is responsible for its own development and manufacturing of the SFP transceiver including developing a method for releasing and removing the transceiver from the receptacle assembly.

#In the drawings which illustrate the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the present invention:

#FIG. 1 is a bottom perspective view showing three (3) separate transceiver modules, A, B, and C, inserted in three (3) separate receptacle cages in a side-by-side arrangement, wherein each transceiver has an actuator assembly in accordance with the present invention and the actuator assemblies are shown in different positions;

#FIG. 2 is a top and side perspective view of the three (3) transceiver modules and receptacle cages illustrated in FIG. 1;

#Referring now to the drawings, the pluggable transceiver module of the instant invention is illustrated and generally indicated at 10 in FIGS. 1-5. As will be hereinafter more fully described, the instant small format pluggable (SFP) transceiver module 10 includes an integrated actuator assembly generally indicated at 12 for disengaging the transceiver 10 from a corresponding receptacle cage generally indicated at 14.

#Referring to FIG. 1, the optical transceiver module 10 is essentially an integrated fiber optic component including an optical transmitter and optical receiver (not shown). The pluggable transceiver 10 includes a plastic housing frame 16 having a first end 46 with fiber optic connector ports 18 located therein, and an opposite second end 48 with an electrical edge connector (not shown) projecting therefrom. For the pluggable transceiver 10, the fiber optic connector ports 18 are an LC-type duplex connector.

#The housing 16 of the transceiver 10 includes an upper (top) surface 50 (FIG. 2) and a lower (bottom) surface 52 (FIG. 1). The bottom surface 52 of the housing 16 includes a slide member 28 and a locking detent 26 as illustrated in FIG. 1. The locking detent 26 secures the transceiver 10 within the receptacle cage 14 as described in further detail below.