Electronic module having an integrated latching mechanism
AssigneeFinisar Corporation
InventorsChris Togami, Guy Newhouse
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An integrated latching mechanism for use with a user pluggable electronic module, such as an opto-electronic transceiver module, is disclosed. The latching mechanism allows the user to selectively latch the module within a corresponding host port by manipulation of a lever formed on a bail. Movement of the bail causes a locking pin to extend and latch the module within the port. Conversely, movement of the bail can be used to disengage the locking pin and thereby allow the user to extract the module from within the port. Operatively movement of the lock pin is accomplished by forming a cam on the bail lever. Movement of the bail lever thus causes movement of the cam which corresponds to movement of a locking pin from a latched to a delatched position.
Claims18
An electronic module capable of being selectively received within a port of a host device, the module comprising:
- a housing forming an interior portion that at least partially encloses a printed circuit board capable of electrically interfacing with the host device when the module is operatively received within the port;
- a locking pin;
- and
- a bail that is operatively attached to the module so as to be selectively moveable between at least a first and a second position, the bail further comprising:
- a cam portion, the cam portion capable of causing the locking pin to engage the module within the port when the bail is placed in the first position, and capable of causing the locking pin to disengage the module within the port when the bail is placed in the second position;
- and
- a lever portion configured to allow removal of the module from the port when the bail is in the second position by applying a pulling force to the lever portion.
An electronic module comprising:
- a base portion having an electrical connector at a first end that is capable of interfacing with a host device when the module is operatively received within a host port, and a second end having at least one receptacle capable of physically receiving and interfacing with a corresponding cable connector;
- a latching mechanism that selectively latches the module within the host port;
- and
- a moveable bail that is operatively attached to the base portion, wherein selective movement of the bail to a first predetermined position operates the latching mechanism so as to unlatch the module from within the host port and allow its extraction from the port.
An opto-electronic transceiver module capable of being selectively received within a port of a host device, the module comprising:
- a base portion that supports a printed circuit board capable of electrically interfacing with the host device when the module is operatively received within the port;
- at least one receptacle capable of physically receiving and interfacing with a corresponding optical communications connector;
- a housing forming an interior portion that at least partially encloses the base portion;
- a pivot block, the pivot block being rotatably supported by the base portion about a pivot axis;
- a locking pin disposed at a first end of the pivot block, and a cam follower surface formed on the pivot block;
- and
- a bail having a cam portion, the cam portion being operatively engaged with the cam follower surface so that movement of the bail cause rotation of the pivot block about a pivot axis and corresponding movement of the locking pin to a latched or an unlatched position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.